Part 11 (1/2)

_Crom._ [_To the Soldiers as they enter, R._] Go hence, you rascals.

[_Soldiers entering with whooping and shouts._]

Sound bugles! fall in! quick march!

[_The Soldiers march round and fall in a line in perfect order, WILLIAM bringing up the rear, shouldering a bone._]

_Ire._ [_To Arthur Walton._] See you now the bent of this? How he doth make them his own? I tell you that the day will come, this host shall follow him alone, ay! and perchance England--

_Crom._ [_To Desborough, who has remained apart, indignant._] Come, Desborough! if thou hast digested thine indignation--[_Taking Desborough's arm, kindly._]

_Ire._ As he will never his dinner.

_Crom._ Thou wilt unto my tent, where is store of wholesome food.

_Enter HARRISON, L., hurriedly._

_Har._ I fear they will not sally forth; our host Meanwhile will melt away. Despondency Sits heavy on my soul.

[_Firing is heard from the town._]

_Ire._ If they abide In York, we'd best draw off. [_Exit ARTHUR, L._]

_Crom._ But Rupert! Rupert!

Wilt he not fight--The fiery-headed fool Will rush out on us from yon fenced town, And then--Whom have we here?

[_An Orderly hastens in._]

_Ord._ The earl doth bid you Prepare for instant action; Rupert and Newcastle Are forth outside the gates.

_Crom._ Said I not so?-- Their hearts are hardened by the Lord of hosts.

[_Musketry in the distance._] [_To an officer entering._]

Did you not hear me when I said ”Bring up the fascines?” How shall we cross the ditch? Do you not heed? Quick, man!

_Offi._ Even as Balaam said to Balak, Lo! I will but speak what the Lord hath put in my mouth. [_Turning to the Soldiers._] Wherefore, I say, O brethren, be ye as they the Lord set apart to Gideon--

_Crom._ [_Striking him with his pistol b.u.t.t._] Take that, thou babbling fool! this is no fitting time to preach. Ho! Jepherson. Bring up the facines.

_Enter ARTHUR, L., to CROMWELL._

_Arth._ Fairfax is beaten, and our right wing scattered.

_Crom._ Hist! dismay not these. Doth Rupert follow them?

_Arth._ He doth fight fiercely.

_Crow._ Then will I meet him. Victor to victor, we will close together. Ho! forward!

[_Another Officer enters._]

_Offi._ The musketry of Belial hath mowed our ranks, and the sons of Zeruiah--