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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/17091-h.zip b/17091-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..c25fe67 --- /dev/null +++ b/17091-h.zip diff --git a/17091-h/17091-h.htm b/17091-h/17091-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3530299 --- /dev/null +++ b/17091-h/17091-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,5005 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<title>Oliver Cromwell</title> +<meta http-equiv = "Content-Type" content = "text/html; charset=US-ASCII"> + +<style type = "text/css"> +body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} +hr {margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;} + +h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6 {text-align: center; font-style: normal; +font-weight: normal; margin-top: .3em; margin-bottom: .5em; +line-height: 1.2em;} + +h1 {font-size: 250%;} +h2 {font-size: 200%; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 1em;} +h3 {font-size: 150%; font-variant: small-caps;} +h4 {font-size: 125%; font-variant: small-caps;} +h5 {font-size: 100%;} +h6 {font-size: 90%;} + +p, div {line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0em;} + +.scenehead {text-align: center; font-size: 115%; margin-top: 3em; +margin-bottom: 1em;} +.sceneclose {text-align: center; font-size: 90%; margin-top: 1.5em; +margin-bottom: 1em;} +.scenedesc {font-style: italic; margin-top: .8em;} + +.verse {margin-left: 2em;} +.versepair {margin-left: 3em; text-indent: -1em;} +.first {margin-top: .6em;} +.letter {margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;} +.inset {margin-left: 2em;} + +.speaker {font-style: italic; margin-top: .8em;} +.stagedir {font-size: 95%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; +margin-right: 2em;} + +.charname {font-variant: small-caps; font-style: normal;} +.smallcaps {font-variant: small-caps; font-style: normal;} +.ital {font-variant: normal; font-style: italic;} +.plaintext {font-variant: normal; font-style: normal;} + +.pagenum {position: absolute; right: 95%; font-size: 95%; +font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-align: right;} +.mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; +margin: 0em 5%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} +.contents {font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 3em; text-indent: +-1em;} + +</style> +</head> + +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Oliver Cromwell, by John Drinkwater + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Oliver Cromwell + +Author: John Drinkwater + +Release Date: November 18, 2005 [EBook #17091] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLIVER CROMWELL *** + + + + +Produced by Louise Hope, Juliet Sutherland and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<h1>OLIVER<br> +CROMWELL</h1> + +<h2>A Play</h2> + +<h4>By</h4> + +<h3>John Drinkwater</h3> + +<p align = "center"> +<img src = "images/titlepage.png" width = "118" height = "155" +alt = "Gout bien ou rien / The Riverside Press"></p> + +<h6>BOSTON AND NEW YORK</h6> +<h5>HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY</h5> + +<hr> + +<h6>TO</h6> +<h5>BERNARD SHAW</h5> +<h6>WITH HOMAGE TO THE<br> +MASTER DRAMATIST OF HIS AGE<br> +AND WITH THE GRATITUDE THAT IS HIS DUE<br> +FROM EVERY YOUNGER WRITER FOR<br> +THE ENGLISH THEATRE</h6> + +<hr> + +<div class = "contents"> +Contents</div> +<br> +<div class = "contents"> +<a href = "#cast">Characters</a><br> +</div> +<div class = "contents"> +<a href = "#scene_i">Scene I</a><br> +Ely, 1639</div> +<div class = "contents"> +<a href = "#scene_ii">Scene II</a><br> +The Commons, November 1641</div> +<div class = "contents"> +<a href = "#scene_iii">Scene III</a><br> +Ely, 1642</div> +<div class = "contents"> +<a href = "#scene_iv">Scene IV</a><br> +Naseby, after dawn, July 14, 1645</div> +<div class = "contents"> +<a href = "#scene_v">Scene V</a><br> +Naseby, night, July 14, 1645</div> +<div class = "contents"> +<a href = "#scene_vi">Scene VI</a><br> +Hampton Court, November 1647</div> +<div class = "contents"> +<a href = "#scene_vii">Scene VII</a><br> +London, January 30, 1649</div> +<div class = "contents"> +<a href = "#scene_viii">Scene VIII</a><br> +Whitehall, November 1654</div> +<br> +<div class = "contents"> +<a href = "#copyright">Copyright Notice (1921)</a> +</div> + +<hr> + +<h5><a name = "cast">THE CHARACTERS ARE</a></h5> + +<table align = "center"> +<tr> +<td> +<span class = "smallcaps">Mrs. Cromwell, <span class = "ital">Oliver's +mother</span><br> +Elizabeth Cromwell, <span class = "ital">his wife</span><br> +Bridget Cromwell, <span class = "ital">his daughter</span><br> +John Hampden<br> +Henry Ireton<br> +Oliver Cromwell<br> +Seth Tanner<br> +Two Agents to the Earl of Bedford<br> +Amos Tanner<br> +A Member of Parliament<br> +The Speaker of the House of Commons<br> +Bassett, <span class = "ital">an officer of the House</span><br> +The Mayor of Ely<br> +General Fairfax<br> +Colonel Staines<br> +Colonel Pemberton<br> +A Scout<br> +A Surgeon<br> +An Aide<br> +Neal, <span class = "ital">Secretary to Charles</span><br> +Charles I</span><br> +<span class = "inset ital">Farm labourers—Members of +Parliament</span> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<span class = "pagenum">3</span> + +<div class = "scenehead"><a name = "scene_i">SCENE I</a></div> + +<div class = "scenedesc"> +<span class = "charname">Cromwell's</span> house at Ely, about the year +1639. An early summer evening. The window of the room opens on to a +smooth lawn, used for bowling, and a garden full of flowers.</div> + +<div class = "scenedesc"> +<span class = "charname">Oliver's</span> wife, <span class = +"charname">Elizabeth Cromwell</span>, is sitting at the table, sewing. +In a chair by the open window <span class = "charname">Mrs. +Cromwell</span>, his mother, is reading. She is eighty years of +age.</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Oliver troubles me, persuading everywhere. Restless like this.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>He says that the time is uneasy, and that we are part of it.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>There's a man's house. It's enough surely.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>I know. But Oliver must be doing. You know how when he took the +magistracy he would listen to none of us. He knows best.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>What time is John coming?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>By nightfall he said. Henry Ireton is coming with him.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">4</span> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>John Hampden is like that, too. He excites the boy.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>Yes, but mother, you will do nothing with Oliver by thinking of him +as a boy.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Of course he's a boy.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>He's forty.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Methuselah.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>What?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>I said Methuselah.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>He says John's the bravest man in England.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Just because he won't pay a tax. How if everybody refused to pay +taxes? If you don't have taxes, I don't see how you are to have a +government. Though I can't see that it governs anybody, except those +that don't need it.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>Oliver says it's a wrong tax, this ship money.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>There's always something wrong. It keeps men busy, I suppose.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>But it was brave of John.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>I know, I know. But why must he come here to-night of all in the +year? +<span class = "pagenum">5</span> +Oliver's like somebody out of the Bible about to-morrow as it is. This +will make him worse. I wish John no harm, but—well, I hope he's +got a bad horse.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>Oliver's mind is made up about the common, whatever happens. John +will make no difference.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>You can't pretend he'll make him more temperate.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>It's very wrong to take away the common from the people. I think +Oliver is right.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Of course he's right. But I'm too old. I've seen too many broken +heads. He'll be no righter for a broken head.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Bridget Cromwell</span>, a girl, comes. She +takes some eggs from her apron and puts them on a dish on a +shelf.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Why, grandmother, whose head is to be broken?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Your father's is like to be.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>You mean to-morrow?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>At the meeting, yes.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>But he must do it. Why, the people have fished and kept cattle there +<span class = "pagenum">6</span> +longer than any one can remember. Who is an Earl of Bedford to take it +away from them? I know I would let my head be broken first.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>It is said that the King gave leave.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Then the King gave what wasn't his to give.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Now, child, don't you encourage your father, too. He's eager enough +without that.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>But I must, grandmother. There's too much of this kind of +interference everywhere. Father says that Cousin John Hampden +says—</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>And that's three of you in one house. And this young Mr. Ireton has +ideas, too, I believe.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Mr. Ireton is twenty-eight.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>That accounts for it.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>You don't think they just ought to be allowed to take the common +away, do you, grandmother?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>It makes no matter what I think.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">7</span> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Of course you don't. None of us do. We couldn't.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>You mustn't tease your grandmother, Bridget.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>She's a very old lady, and can't speak for herself.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>I meant no ill manners, grandmother.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Never mind your manners child. But don't encourage your father. He +doesn't need it. This house is all commotion as it is.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>I can't help it. There's so much going on everywhere. The King +doesn't deal fairly by people, I'm sure. Men like father must say +it.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>Have you put the lavender in the rooms?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>No. I'll take it now.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(She takes a tray from the window and goes out.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>I don't know what will happen. I sometimes think the world isn't +worth quarrelling about at all. And yet I'm a silly old woman to talk +like that. But +<span class = "pagenum">8</span> +Oliver is a brave fellow—and John, all of them. I want them to be +brave in peace—that's the way you think at eighty.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(Reading.)</div> This Mr. Donne is a very good poet, but he's rather +hard to understand. I suppose that is being eighty, too. Mr. Herrick is +very simple. John Hampden sent me some copies from a friend who knows +Mr. Herrick. I like them better than John does. +<div class = "stagedir"> +(She takes up a manuscript book and reads:)</div> + +<div class = "versepair"> +Lord, Thou hast given me a cell<br> +Wherein to dwell;</div> +<div class = "versepair"> +A little house, whose humble roof<br> +Is waterproof;</div> +<div class = "versepair"> +Under the spars of which I lie<br> +Both soft and dry....</div> + +<p>But Mr. Shakespeare was best of all, I do believe. A very civil +gentleman, too. I spoke to him once—that was forty years ago, the +year Oliver was born, I remember. He didn't hold with all this talk +against kings.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>There are kings and kings. Oliver finds no offence in +kings—it's in a king.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Well, it's all very dangerous, +<span class = "pagenum">9</span> +and I'm too old for it. Not but what Oliver's brain is better than mine. +But we have to sit still and watch. However</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(reading)—</div> + +<div class = "versepair"> +Lord, 'tis thy plenty-dropping hand<br> +That sows my land:</div> +<div class = "versepair"> +All this, and better, dost thou send<br> +Me for this end:</div> +<div class = "versepair"> +That I should render for my part<br> +A thankful heart,</div> +<div class = "versepair"> +Which, fired with incense, I resign<br> +As wholly Thine:</div> +<div class = "versepair"> +But the acceptance—that must be,<br> +O Lord, by Thee.</div> + +<p>Mr. Herrick has chosen a nice name for his book. Hesperides. He has +taste as well as understanding.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(The sound of horsemen arriving is heard.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>That will be John and Mr. Ireton.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(She looks from the window, puts her work into a box, and goes +out.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(turning her pages):</div> + +<div class = "versepair"> +Ye have been fresh and green,<br> +Ye have been filled with flowers,</div> +<div class = "versepair"> +<span class = "pagenum">10</span> +And ye the walks have been<br> +Where maids have spent their hours.</div> + +<div class = "versepair first"> +Like unthrifts, having spent<br> +Your stock, and needy grown,</div> +<div class = "versepair"> +You're left here to lament<br> +Your poor estates alone.</div> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Elizabeth</span> comes back with <span class = +"charname">John Hampden</span>, aged forty-four, and <span class = +"charname">Henry Ireton</span>, twenty-eight. They both shake hands with +<span class = "charname">Mrs. Cromwell</span>.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>How do you do, ma'am?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Well, John.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Good-evening, ma'am.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>You're welcome, Master Ireton, I'm sure. If you behave yourself, +young man.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>How may that be, ma'am?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>No, don't ask me. Only don't you and John come putting more notions +into Oliver's head. I'm sure he's got more than he can rightly manage as +it is.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>We were told down there that it's to-morrow that my Lord of Bedford +and his like are to claim the common rights.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">11</span> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>Yes.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Mr. Cromwell is to resist, they said.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Now, young man, Oliver doesn't need any urging to it. He needs +holding back.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>But that's fine for Oliver. Every man must speak to-day—and do +as well, if it comes to it.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes, but don't be so proud about it, John.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>I think they should be proud.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Remember what Mr. Herbert says—</p> + +<div class = "versepair"> +A servant with this clause<br> +Makes drudgerie divine.</div> +<div class = "versepair"> +Who sweeps a room, as for thy laws,<br> +Makes that and th' action fine.</div> + +<p>As for thy laws, remember.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>Surely, we shall remember that always.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Bridget</span> comes in.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Cousin John.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>Well, Bridget, my girl.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(He kisses her.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>How do you do, Mr. Ireton?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">12</span> +Ireton</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(shaking hands):</div> +<p>Well, I thank you, mistress.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Does father know, mother?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>I've sent down to the field.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>He'll be here soon enough. I'm sorry the judges were against you, +John. I don't know what else you could expect, though. They are the +King's judges, I suppose.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>That's what we dispute, ma'am. The King says that they should serve +him. We say that they should serve the laws.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>It was just when Mr. Hampden was being heard. The law they said was +the King's old and loyal servant: that <i>lex</i> was not <i>rex</i>, +but that none could gainsay that <i>rex</i> was <i>lex</i>.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>That's what we shall have to decide, and before long, I think.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Father says that.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>This house is ready for any kind of revolution, John.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>But you find it everywhere, ma'am. All along the countryside, in the +markets, in the church porches—everywhere.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>Is the vine doing well this year, John?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">13</span> +Hampden:</div> +<p>It's the best year I remember.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>Ours, too.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Were you there, Mr. Ireton, when Cousin John's case was tried?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Yes.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>It was splendid, wasn't it—although he lost, I mean?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>It was the note of deliverance.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>I wish I could have been there, Cousin John.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Will you give me my shawl, Henry Ireton.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(He does so.)</div> +<p>There's Oliver coming. Now you can all be thunder.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Now, grandmother, you know you don't think it's just that.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>So you have hope for me yet, miss?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Grandmother.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Cromwell</span> comes in. He is in plain +country dress. His age is forty.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>John—it's good to see you. You're an hour before reckoning.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(Taking <span class = "charname">Hampden's</span> hand.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>Yes, Oliver. Is all well?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Not that—but our courage is +<span class = "pagenum">14</span> +well enough. You are very welcome, Henry.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(Taking his hand.)</div> +<p>Was it good travelling?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Not a bad mile on the journey.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Father, Mr. Ireton heard Cousin John's case tried. Wasn't he +lucky?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Whoever heard that heard history being made, John. It was a great +example to set.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>One works from the spirit, Oliver.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>That's what we must do. You've heard about this affair down here?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>The common? Yes.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>There's to be no yielding about that.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>I'm glad of it, Oliver.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>What will it all come to, John?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>There are times, mother, when we may not count the cost.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>You're very vexatious sometimes, Oliver.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>But you know I'm right in this, mother.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Being right doesn't make you less vexatious.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">15</span> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>Have they finished in Long Close?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes. They will be here soon.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>They all come up from the field for prayers, Mr. Ireton, at the day's +end.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>Is your hay good, Oliver?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>I haven't much down this year. What there is, is good.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>We got the floods too late. But it has mended well enough.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>The dancers came for some money, father.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>Shall I give them something?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>To be sure.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>How much?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Oh—a crown or two.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>Dancers?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Aye, John. Don't you hold with them?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>They're no offence, perhaps—but I'm never quite sure.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Oh, but be sure, John. We must make no mistake about that. They are +lovely, the dancers. I'm all for singing and dancing. The Lord is one to +sing and dance, I'll be bound.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">16</span> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Now you talk sense, Oliver. Mr. Herrick is very clear about that. So +was David.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Who is Mr. Herrick, ma'am?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>He's a poet, young man. And he's for being quiet, and not bustling +about everywhere. You ought to read him.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Do you know Mr. Herrick's work, Mr. Hampden?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>I've nothing to say against that, though it's not very serious.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Don't be silly, Mr. Hampden—if you excuse me for saying so. Mr. +Herrick is very serious indeed, only he isn't always telling us of +it.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>Yes: perhaps you're right, ma'am. I prefer George Herbert.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Yes, I like his book, too, Cousin John.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Well, it's no bad judgment to stand for Mr. Herbert. Only I won't +have nonsense talked about Mr. Herrick.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>Are you ready, Oliver? They are coming.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">17</span> +Oliver:</div> +<p>Yes.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(To <span class = "charname">Hampden</span> and <span class = +"charname">Ireton</span>.)</div> +<p>Friends, you are welcome to this house.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(The labourers from the farm are gathering outside the window. The +people in the room form towards them.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Brethren in God, at the end of another day's labour we are met to +praise Him from whom are the means to labour and its rewards. As we go +about these fields, He is with us. As you deal by me, and I by you, His +eye sees us. Nothing good befalls us but it is by His will, no +affliction is ours but His loving mercy will hear us. The Lord God walks +at our hand. He is here now in our midst. His desires are our freedom, +His wrath our tyranny one over another. Be very merciful in all your +ways, for mercy is His name. May His counsel be always with our little +fellowship. If I should fail towards any man, let him speak. May we be +as brothers always, one to another. And may we serve Him to serve whom +alone is wisdom. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen. "All people that on earth +do dwell."</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +<span class = "pagenum">18</span> +(They sing:)</div> + +<div class = "versepair first"> +All people that on earth do dwell,<br> +Sing to the Lord, with cheerful voice;</div> +<div class = "versepair"> +Him serve with fear, his praise forth tell,<br> +Come ye before Him and rejoice.</div> + +<div class = "versepair first"> +The Lord, we know, is God indeed.<br> +Without our aid He did us make;</div> +<div class = "versepair"> +We are his folk, He doth us feed,<br> +And for his sheep He doth us take.</div> + +<div class = "versepair first"> +O enter then his gate with praise,<br> +Approach with joy his courts unto;</div> +<div class = "versepair"> +Praise, laud, and bless his name always,<br> +For it is seemly so to do.</div> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(As the men move away, one of them, <span class = "charname">Seth +Tanner</span>, comes forward.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Seth:</div> +<p>As I came up from Long Close I stopped at the ale-house. Two fellows +were there from the Earl of Bedford. Talking they were.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>What had they to say?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Seth:</div> +<p>It seems they know you are going to stand out for the people +to-morrow.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Well?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">19</span> +Seth:</div> +<p>Treason, they call it.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Treason.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Seth:</div> +<p>Seeing that my Lord of Bedford has the King's authority, as it +were.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Thank you, Seth.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Seth:</div> +<p>They were coming here, they said. To warn you, and persuade you +against it if it might be.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Thank you, Seth.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Seth</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(to <span class = "charname">Hampden</span>):</div> +<p>If I might be so bold, sir?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>What, my friend?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Seth:</div> +<p>That was a brave thing to do, sir, that about the ship money. We +common folk know what it means. I'm sure we thank you with all our +hearts.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>I don't know about brave, but I know it is good to be thanked like +that.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Seth:</div> +<p>Yes, sir. That's all. Good-even, sir; good-even, mistress.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(He is moving away as two of <span class = "charname">Bedford's</span> +agents appear at the window, followed by the other labourers, who have +returned with them.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +First Agent:</div> +<p>Is this Mr. Oliver Cromwell's?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">20</span> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>It is.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>The door is along there, to the right.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>It's no matter, mother. What do you want?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +First Agent:</div> +<p>To see Mr. Cromwell.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>You are speaking to him.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Second Agent:</div> +<p>May we come in?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Why, yes.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(They do so. The labourers gather round the window again. They follow +the coming argument with close personal concern.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Second Agent:</div> +<p>May we speak with you alone?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>These are all my friends. I have nothing to say that I would not have +them hear.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +First Agent:</div> +<p>It is discretion for your sake.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>I do not desire your interest. What have you to say?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Second Agent:</div> +<p>It is said that you will oppose the proclamation to-morrow.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Assuredly.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Second Agent:</div> +<p>The Earl of Bedford and +<span class = "pagenum">21</span> +those with him have not drained these commons for nothing.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Well?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Second Agent:</div> +<p>They have earned the rights to be proclaimed to-morrow.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>By whose will?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +First Agent:</div> +<p>By the King's.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>These rights of pasture belong to the people. It is within no man's +powers to take them away.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Second Agent:</div> +<p>The King decrees it.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>I know not how that may be. I know that these rights are the +people's, above any earl or king whatsoever. The King is to defend our +rights, not to destroy them.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +First Agent:</div> +<p>This is plain treason.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>It is plain sense.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Second Agent:</div> +<p>What will you do?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>To-morrow you will proclaim these rights from the people to my lord +of Bedford. To-morrow I shall tell the people that I alone, if needs be, +will oppose it. I will fight it from court to court. I will make these +rights my rights—as they are. These people of Ely shall speak +through me. They +<span class = "pagenum">22</span> +shall pay me a groat a year for each head of cattle they graze, and they +shall enjoy every foot of the land as long as I have a word or a pound +left for resistance.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Second Agent:</div> +<p>You are very arrogant, Mr. Cromwell. There are lessons to be +learnt.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Aye, there are lessons. I do not speak to you, but to your +master—to the King himself if it comes to that. You may tell him +all that I have said. We folk of Ely will use our own commons, and let +the Earl of Bedford keep within his own palings. There are lessons, say +you. This is Mr. John Hampden. Will you speak to him of lessons? Mr. +Hampden's ship money will be a King's lesson, I tell you.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>You should tell your masters all that you see and hear. Do not +flatter them. Let it be the truth. Say that men talk everywhere, more +and more openly. Tell them that you heard John Hampden say that the +King's Star Chamber was an abomination, that the King soiled his majesty +in treating Mr. Prynne and Mr. Bastwick so. Say that you and your like +are reviled by all honest men.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">23</span> +Ireton:</div> +<p>And you can say that it is no fear of earls or kings that spared you +the whipping you would deserve if you were better than shadows.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Well said, Mr. Ireton.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(There is a demonstration of anger from the labourers, but <span class = +"charname">Cromwell</span> checks it.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Now, Henry Ireton, these gentlemen may be bears, but I won't have you +make this room into a bear-pit.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>No, friends, these men say but what they are sent to say.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(To the agents.)</div> +<p>I should not speak to you but in the hope that you will report it to +those that should know. I am a plain burgess of this city. I farm a few +lands and am known to none. But I have a faith that the people of this +country are born to be, under God, a free people. That is the +fundamental principle of this English life, If your masters, be they who +they may, forget that, then, as you say, there will be lessons to be +learnt. Here in Ely it is my part to see that my fellows do not lose +their birthright. You shall not find us ignorant nor afraid. I would +have no violence; let all be by persuasion +<span class = "pagenum">24</span> +and tolerance. But these just liberties must not be touched. Will you +ask my Lord of Bedford to reconsider this?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Second Agent:</div> +<p>His Lordship will reconsider nothing. The proclamation is +to-morrow.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>I have no more to say.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +First Agent:</div> +<p>Be you wary, Mr. Cromwell. These arrogances have their penalties. The +King's anger is not light.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>You threaten idly. My word is one spoken throughout the land. You can +say so.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Second Agent:</div> +<p>Mr. Cromwell, we do not—</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>My mind is fixed. I think I have made my intention clear. That is +all. You may go.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(There is again a movement against them as they go, followed by the +labourers.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Seth.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Seth:</div> +<p>Yes, sir.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Ask your father to stay, will you? We shall want a song after +that.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Seth:</div> +<p>Yes, sir.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(He calls from the window.)</div> +<p>Father. Master wants you to sing.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Amos Tanner</span> comes back.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">25</span> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Thank you, Amos. Just a minute, will you? When will supper be, +wife?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>In half an hour.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>How would a turn at bowling be, John?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>Done.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Henry, you, too?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Yes; and, Mr. Cromwell—</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>I don't know how things are going. But I feel that great events are +making and that you and Mr. Hampden here may have power to use men. If +it should be so, I would be used. That is all.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>John's the man. I'm likely enough to stay the rest of my days in +Ely.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>I don't think so, sir.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>No? Well. A glass of sherry, John—or gin?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>Sherry, Oliver.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Cromwell</span> pours out the sherry.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Henry?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Thank you.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(giving glasses):</div> +<p>Amos?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">26</span> +Amos:</div> +<p>I'd liefer have a pot of ale, master, if might be.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes, yes. Bridget, girl.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Bridget</span> goes.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Oliver, boy, you were quite right—all that you said to those +men, I mean. I don't approve, mind you, but you were quite right.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Thank you, mother. I knew you would think so.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>I wonder what will come of it. You never know, once you begin like +this.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>You never know, wife.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>There are lessons to be learnt.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>That's what they said.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Bridget</span> returns with a foaming pot of +ale, which she gives to <span class = "charname">Amos</span>.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(drinking):</div> +<p>To freedom, John. That's good sherry. I respect not such ill +reasoners as would keep all wine out of the country lest men should be +drunk. Now, Amos. Come along, John, my touch was good last night. I +shall beat you.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(He goes out on to the lawn beyond the window, with <span class = +"charname">Hampden</span> and <span class = "charname">Ireton</span>. +<span class = "pagenum">27</span> +They are seen passing to and fro, playing bowls.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Amos</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(singing:)</div> +<div class = "versepair first"> +When I shall in the churchyard lie,<br> +Poor scholar though I be,</div> +<div class = "versepair"> +The wheat, the barley, and the rye<br> +Will better wear for me.</div> + +<div class = "versepair first"> +For truly have I ploughed and sown,<br> +And kept my acres clean;</div> +<div class = "versepair"> +And written on my churchyard stone<br> +This character be seen:</div> + +<div class = "versepair first"> +"His flocks, his barns, his gear he made<br> +His daily diligence,</div> +<div class = "versepair"> +Nor counted all his earnings paid<br> +In pockets full of pence."</div> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(As he finishes, the bowlers stand listening at the window.)</div> + +<div class = "sceneclose">THE SCENE CLOSES</div> + + + + +<span class = "pagenum">28</span> +<div class = "scenehead"><a name = "scene_ii">SCENE II</a></div> + +<div class = "scenedesc"> +The Commons of England in session at St. Hepburn's Chapel, Westminster, +on November 22, 1641. <span class = "charname">Cromwell, Hampden, +Ireton</span> among those sitting. We see the east end of the Chapel, +with the <span class = "charname">Speaker</span>. It is past midnight, +and the house is lighted with candles. A member is speaking.</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +The Member:</div> +<p>That the grievances set out in this Remonstrance now before you are +just is clear. The matter has been debated by us these eight hours, and +none has been able to deny the wrongs which are here set forth. It is +not well with our state, and correction is needed. Mr. Ireton has very +clearly shown us how this is. But we must be wary. The King is the King, +a necessary part, as it must seem to us, of the government of this +country.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(There are murmurs for and against this; assent in the majority.)</div> + +<p class = "first"> +To pass this Remonstrance can be no other than to pass a vote of no +confidence in that King. Consider this. Saying so much, how shall you +deny to overthrow the crown if +<span class = "pagenum">29</span> +need be? And who among you is willing to bear that burden?</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(The murmurs grow to conflicting cries.)</div> + +<p class = "first"> +I beseech you let us not commit ourselves thus. Nor do not think I am +weak in zeal. There are evil counsellors with the King, and they would +destroy us. Our liberties must be looked to. But there should be +moderation in this act. We should choose some other way. We must defend +ourselves, but we must not challenge the King's authority so.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(He sits down to a confusion of voices, and <span class = +"charname">Hampden</span> rises.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>My friend, I think, is deceived. This Remonstrance is not against the +King. It is from the people of this country against a policy. We desire +no judgment—all we ask is redress. If we assert ourselves as in +this instrument, we but put the King in the way of just government. I +think the King hardly knows the measure of his wrongs against us, and I +say it who have suffered.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(A murmur of assent.)</div> + +<p class = "first"> +To speak clearly as is here done will, I think, be to mend his mind +towards us. This Remonstrance has been drawn with all +<span class = "pagenum">30</span> +care. Not only is its intent free of blame towards the King's majesty +and person, but it can, I hope, be read by no fair-minded man in the way +that my friend fears. If I thought that, I should consider more closely +my support of it. But I have considered with all patience, and it seems +to me good.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(He sits, and again there is a rattle of argument. <span class = +"charname">Cromwell</span> rises.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Sir, this is a day when every man must speak the truth that is in +him, or be silent in shame, and for ever. Mr. Hampden is my kinsman, as +you know, one who has my best affection. His word has ever been a +strength among us, and no man here but knows his valiance in the cause. +His has been a long suffering, and his integrity but ripens. But I do +not read this occasion as he does, nor, let me say, do I fear it as does +our friend who spoke before. That gentleman pleads that this +Remonstrance is a vote of want of confidence in the King, such as none +of us would willingly pass. Mr. Hampden replies that it is no such vote. +I say to you that it is such a vote, and that I would pass it +<span class = "pagenum">31</span> +with all my heart. Sir, this country, the spirit of man in this country, +has suffered grievances too great to be borne. By whom are they laid +upon us? I say it is by the King. Is a man's estate secure to himself? +Does not the King pass upon it levies for his own designs? You know that +it is so. Is there not ship money? Mr. Hampden can tell you. Is not that +the King's affair? Is there not a Star Chamber? Ask Mr. Prynne and those +others. These men disliked the King's church—a very dangerous +church as it seems to me—and were bold to say so. And for that +each was fined five thousand pounds, and had his ears cut off, and is +now in prison for life. And does not the Star Chamber belong to the +King? Who among you can deny it? And this land is bruised, I tell you, +by such infamies. There is no sureness in a man for his purse or his +body, or his conscience. The King,—not the head of the state, mark +you, expressing the people's will in one authority,—but this man +Charles Rex, may use all these as he will. I aim not to overthrow the +monarchy. I know its use and fitness in the +<span class = "pagenum">32</span> +realm, as well as any. But this can endure no longer. The King is part +of the state, but we have a King who has sought to put the state to his +private use. The King should have his authority, but it is an authority +subject to the laws of the people. This King denies it, and his judges +flatter the heresy. You have but one question before you—there is +in truth but one raised by this Remonstrance. Is England to be governed +by the King or by elected representatives of the people? That is what we +have now to decide, not for ourselves alone, but for our children in the +generations to come. If the King will profit by a lesson, I with any man +will be his loyal and loving subject. But at this moment a lesson must +be given. Why else have you appointed my Lord of Essex from Parliament +to take command of the armed forces of this country? Did you not fear +that the King would use these also against you? You know you did. I say +it again, this that is now to be put to you is a vote of want of +confidence in the King. I would it were so more expressly.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(He sits to an angry tumult. <span class = "charname">Hampden</span> +rises, and after a time secures order.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">33</span> +Hampden:</div> +<p>Sir, this question could not be argued to an end if we sat here for a +week. Already we have considered it more closely and longer, I think, +than any that has ever been before this House. It is morning. Each man +has spoken freely from his mind. I move that the question now be +put.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +The Speaker:</div> +<p>The question is, whether this question now be put.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(There are cries of "Yea," and "No.")</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +The Speaker:</div> +<p>I think the "Yeas" have it.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(This is followed by silence in the House.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +The Speaker:</div> +<p>Then the question now before the House is whether this Declaration +shall pass.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(Again there are cries of "Yea" and "No" strongly emphatic on both +sides.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +The Speaker:</div> +<p>I think the "Yeas" have it.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(There are loud and repeated cries of "No.")</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +The Speaker:</div> +<p>The House will divide. Tellers for the Yeas, Sir John Clotworthy, Mr. +Arthur Goodwyn. Tellers for the Noes, Sir Frederick Cornwallis and Mr. +Strangwayes. The Yeas to go forth.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(The House divides, the Yeas, including +<span class = "pagenum">34</span> +<span class = "charname">Cromwell, Hampden</span>, and <span class = +"charname">Ireton</span>, leaving the House, the Noes remaining seated. +The tellers for the Noes, with their staffs, count their numbers in the +House, while the tellers for the Yeas at the door count theirs as they +reënter. The pent-up excitement grows as the Yeas resume their +seats and the telling draws to a close. The tellers move up to the +<span class = "charname">Speaker</span> and give in their figures.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +The Speaker:</div> +<p>The Noes, 148. The Yeas, 159. The Yeas have it by eleven.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(The announcement is received with a loud turmoil of cheering, during +which <span class = "charname">Ireton</span> rises.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Sir, I move that this measure, as passed by this House, be printed +and distributed throughout the land.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(The House breaks out into a wild disturbance. "Yea" shouting against +"No," swords being drawn and members hustling each other. <span class = +"charname">The Speaker</span> and <span class = +"charname">Hampden</span> at length pacify them.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>I beg you remember what business you are on. These are grave times, +for +<span class = "pagenum">35</span> +stout wills, but temperate blood. I beg you, gentlemen.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +The Speaker:</div> +<p>The question is, whether this Declaration shall be printed and +distributed.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(Cries of "Yea" and "No.")</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +The Speaker:</div> +<p>I think the "Noes" have it.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(Again there is tumult, during which the <span class = +"charname">Speaker</span> leaves his chair and the House; and the +session breaks up, the members leaving in passionate discussion. <span +class = "charname">Cromwell, Hampden</span>, and <span class = +"charname">Ireton</span> stand talking.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(to <span class = "charname">Hampden</span>):</div> +<p>It is the beginning.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>It may mean terror in this land.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>It may. But the country must be delivered. I had thought to live in +peace among my Ely acres. I sought none of this. But we must serve. If +this Remonstrance had been rejected, I would have sold all I have and +have never seen England more. And I know there are many other honest men +of this same resolution.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>The issue is set. We may have to spend all that we have.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">36</span> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Our goods, our peace, our lives.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>We must be diligent among the people.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>It is the Lord's will.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>I can speak for many in Nottinghamshire.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>They will be needed.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>I can spend one thousand pounds on arms.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Arms. Yes. If it must be. But God may spare us.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(There is a sound of argument outside, and <span class = +"charname">Bridget Cromwell</span>, persuading an officer of the House +to let her enter, comes in with <span class = "charname">Amos +Tanner</span>. They are both from a long journey.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(greeting her father and the others):</div> +<p>I went to your lodging and learnt that you were still here.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>But what is it, daughter?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Amos here—we had to come.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Well?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Amos:</div> +<p>My boy—there, I can't tell.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Seth—you know he came to London last year.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">37</span> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>It seems he was in a tavern here one evening, and they were talking +about ship money. Seth said it was a bad thing, and he spoke of our +Cousin Hampden.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Amos:</div> +<p>He remembered Mr. Hampden when he was at Ely, sir. He always took a +great opinion of Mr. Hampden, Seth did.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>He said Cousin John was a great patriot because he wouldn't pay. The +King's spies were there. Seth was taken. He got a message sent down to +Amos. It was to be a Star Chamber matter.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Amos:</div> +<p>There wasn't a better lad in the shire, sir.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>What has been done?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>We don't know. I brought Amos up at once to find you. I wanted to +come alone, but he wouldn't let me.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Amos:</div> +<p>I couldn't stay, sir. They'll not have hurt him surely?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>What will they do? Is it too late? Can't it be stopped?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Bassett.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(The officer comes.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bassett:</div> +<p>Yes, sir.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">38</span> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Have you heard any Star Chamber news these last days?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bassett:</div> +<p>Nothing out of the way, sir. A few croppings and brandings.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Any names?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bassett:</div> +<p>Jollyboy was one. That's an anyhow name for a man, now, isn't it? +Lupton there was, too. He was cropped, both ears—said a bishop was +a man. That was blasphemous. And a fellow about ship money. That was +savage. Tanner his name was.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Amos:</div> +<p>Yes—but not Seth—it wasn't Seth Tanner?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bassett:</div> +<p>Tanner was all I heard.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Amos:</div> +<p>It wouldn't be Seth.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>What did they do to him?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bassett:</div> +<p>It's not proper hearing for your sort. But they let him go.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>What was it? The girl has heart enough.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bassett:</div> +<p>Both thumbs, both ears, the tongue, and a T on the forehead.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Amos:</div> +<p>It wasn't Seth, sir. It couldn't be Seth—not like that. He was +the beauty of the four parishes.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">39</span> +Bassett</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(to <span class = "charname">Cromwell</span>):</div> +<p>Was he something to do with you, sir?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>There is a boy, Seth Tanner, we have a care for.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bassett:</div> +<p>Because I made bold to take him in. He was dazed, as it +were—didn't seem to know where to go.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>It was a good man's doing. Where is he?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bassett:</div> +<p>I live under the walls here, as you might say.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Could we see him?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bassett:</div> +<p>Nay—it's no place to take you to. But I'll fetch him if you +will. He doesn't sleep.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Do, then.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Bassett</span> goes.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Amos:</div> +<p>It's not my Seth, is it, sir? Not his tongue—and a bloody T. +They would know how he could sing, and he looked like Gabriel in the +books.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>Shall we go, Oliver?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>No. Let us all see it out.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Father, it's horrible. They don't do things like that, do they?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">40</span> +Amos:</div> +<p>Dumb—and a bloody T—and the thumbs. It's some other poor +lad.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Bassett</span> returns; with him a figure, the +hands and ears bound up in rough thick bandages, and on his forehead a +burning red T. He looks at them, with reason hardly awake.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Amos</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(going to him):</div> +<p>Seth—Seth, boy.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Seth</span> moves his lips, but makes no +sound. They look at him in horror.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Father—father.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>There—no—no.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(To <span class = "charname">Bassett</span>.)</div> +<p>Take him, good fellow. Care for him as you can. Get a surgeon for +him. Here's money. No, no, old man.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Bassett</span> goes with <span class = +"charname">Seth</span>.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Amos:</div> +<p>A bloody T. And dumb. God blast the King!</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Take him to our lodging, daughter. Go with them, Ireton. I'll +follow.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Bridget, Amos</span>, and <span class = +"charname">Ireton</span> go.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>John, you are my best-beloved friend.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>I praise myself in that more than in most.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">41</span> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>I call you to witness. That is a symbol. Before God, I will not rest +until all that it stands for in this unhappy England is less than the +dust. Amen.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Hampden:</div> +<p>Amen.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +( A linkman is heard calling in the street. <span class = +"charname">Cromwell</span> and <span class = "charname">Hampden</span> +go out.)</div> + +<div class = "sceneclose">THE SCENE CLOSES</div> + + + + +<div class = "scenehead"><a name = "scene_iii">SCENE III</a></div> + +<div class = "scenedesc"> +<span class = "charname">Cromwell's</span> house at Ely. A year later, +1642. It is afternoon in winter. <span class = "charname">Mrs. +Cromwell</span> is sitting by the fire, reading. She looks a little more +her eighty-odd years than she did in the first scene. After a few +moments <span class = "charname">Bridget</span> comes in. She is opening +a letter.</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Father has written, grandmother. Shall I read it to you?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes, child.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(sits by the fire, and reads):</div> +<p class = "letter"> +My dear daughter, I am lately arrived in London, from Edgehill in the +county of Warwickshire, +<span class = "pagenum">42</span> +where for the first time our men met the King's army in set dispute. It +was late on the Sabbath afternoon, so that, as we lay for the attack, +the sound of church bells came to us from three or four places. The King +had the better ground, also they exceeded us in numbers, both horse and +foot, and in cannon. It is hard to say which way the battle went, the +advantage at one time being here, at another there. Their horsemen +behaved very well, being commanded by Prince Rupert, a soldier of great +courage in the field. Your Cousin Hampden managed a regiment with much +honour, and twice or thrice delivered our cause. We were engaged until +night stayed us. Some four thousand were slain, their loss, I hear, +being the greater. Of the sixty in my own troop, eighteen fell. We had +commendation from the General, and indeed I think we did not fail in +resolution. But this matter will not be accomplished save we build, as +it were, again from the foundation. This is God's service, and all must +be given. To which end I am now coming home, to call out all such men as +have the love of England +<span class = "pagenum">43</span> +in their hearts, and fear God. I shall labour with them. It seems to me +that I shall be called to great trust in this, and I will set such +example as I can. Expect me as soon as you receive this, for indeed I +leave London as soon almost as my letter. Your mother I saw here with +her nephew. She loves you as I do. Henry Ireton comes with me—he +served very stoutly at Edgehill, and hath a gunshot in the arm. None is +like to serve these times better than he. Give my loving duty to your +grandmother, which I shall at once deliver myself. God bless you.</p> + +<p class = "inset">Your affectionate Father.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>You are born into a great story, child. I am old.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>It's wonderful. To stand like that.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Not wonder only, girl. There are griefs.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>They are wonderful, too, I think.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Youth, you are dear. With an old woman, it's all reckoning. One sees +the follies then of this man and that.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>It had to come, grandmother. The King was taking all.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">44</span> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>It had to come. Men were no wiser than that. To make this of the +land! One Cain, as your father says.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>It's as though life were different, suddenly. Do you feel it, +grandmother?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>I know. There are times when wrath comes, and beauty is forgotten. +But it must be.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(from the letter):</div> +<p>"This is God's service, and all must be given,"</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes. Even that.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>But you do think father is right?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes, child. He could do no other. That's his tribute to necessity. We +all pay it. He will pay it greatly. We may be sure of that.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(Horses are heard outside.)</div> + +<p class = "first"> +Here they are.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Bridget</span> goes out to meet <span class = +"charname">Cromwell</span> and <span class = "charname">Ireton</span>, +with whom she returns in a moment. <span class = +"charname">Ireton's</span> right arm is in a sling. <span class = +"charname">Mrs. Cromwell</span> has put her book aside, and is standing. +She embraces <span class = "charname">Oliver</span>.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Well, mother. Almost before our own tidings, eh?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">45</span> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Bless you, son. How d'ye do, Henry Ireton?</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(Shaking hands with him.)</div> +<p>Is it Colonel Ireton yet?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>No, ma'am.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Soon, mother. He is marked.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Is the arm—</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>No, nothing.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>The Mayor has not come yet?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>No. You expect him?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes. We must work at once.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(A bell rings.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>That may be the Mayor. I will bring him.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(She goes out.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Elizabeth sends her devotion to you, mother.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Thank her, truly. Well, boy, it has begun?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>We must dispute it to the end now.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>May England prosper by you.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>With God's help, amen.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Bridget</span> returns with the <span class = +"charname">Mayor</span> of Ely.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Welcome, Mr. Mayor.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +The Mayor:</div> +<p>Your good-day, Captain +<span class = "pagenum">46</span> +Cromwell.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(To <span class = "charname">Mrs. Cromwell</span>.)</div> +<p>Ma'am.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(To <span class = "charname">Ireton</span>.)</div> +<p>Sir.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Will you sit?</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(They all sit, <span class = "charname">Mrs. Cromwell, Bridget</span>, +and <span class = "charname">Ireton</span> by the fire. <span class = +"charname">Cromwell</span> and the <span class = "charname">Mayor</span> +at the table.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +The Mayor:</div> +<p>At Edgehill in Warwickshire, I hear?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +The Mayor:</div> +<p>The issue was left uncertain, it is said?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Of that battle, yes. But I think the issue was there decided, some +few of us there learning what must now be done. Those few held firmly at +Edgehill, keeping us as far from defeat as we were, though that was +little enough. For our troops are most of them old decayed serving-men, +and tapsters, and such kind of fellows; and their troops are gentlemen's +sons, younger sons and persons of quality. Do you think that the spirits +of such base, mean fellows will ever be able to encounter gentlemen, +that have honour and courage and resolution in them? We must get men of +a spirit that is likely to go on as +<span class = "pagenum">47</span> +far as gentlemen will go, or we shall be beaten still. We must raise +such men as have the fear of God before them, such men as make some +conscience of what they do. We must do this, Mr. Mayor. I never thought +to use a sword, but now all must be given that it may be used well. I +would have you send a summons to all the people of this town and +countryside. Bid them meet two days hence in the market-place at noon. I +will tell them of all these things. I will show them how the heart of +England is threatened. We must give, we must be diligent in service, we +must labour. An army is to be made—we must make it. We have no +help but our own hands—by them alone we must save this country. +Will you send out this summons?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +The Mayor</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(rising):</div> +<p>It shall be done, this hour. My service to you.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(He bows to all and goes.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Nothing is to be spared the cause must have all. We must be frugal, +mother. Daughter, help as you can.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>I will, indeed, father.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">48</span> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>You commit yourself, boy, beyond turning back in all this.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>It must be so. The choice has been made, and is past.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>The Lord prosper you. But I am an old woman. Age can but have +misgivings.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>We must have none, mother. We have gone to this in prayer, we must +establish it in belief. Every yeoman, all the workers in the land, all +courtesy and brave reason look to us. What men hereafter shall make of +their lives must be between them and God in their own hearts. But to-day +it must be given to them, the right to live as they most truly may in +the light of their own proper character. No king may be against us. He +may lead us, but he may not be against us. Have no misgivings, mother. +Faith everywhere, that is our shield.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(rising):</div> +<p>I will be no hindrance, son.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>You are my zeal. I grew to it in you.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>I must see.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(She goes out.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">49</span> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>How is Seth, Bridget?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>He mends daily. Amos tends him like a mother.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>I must see them. Send to Mistress Hall and Robert. Let us have music +this evening. Anthony, too. Let him bring his flute. There's good music +here, Henry.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(He goes.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Robert Hall sings beautifully.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Will you sing, too?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>I expect so.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>I once tried to learn the flute. It was no good. I couldn't do it +unless I watched my fingers.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Was it very terrible at Edgehill?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Yes.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Were we really beaten?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>No. A few saved us from that.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Were you one?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Your father was chief among them.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Was he?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>He will lead armies. Every man will follow him. He never faltered, +and there was no misjudgment, ever.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">50</span> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Did you keep the horses you had when you left London?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Yes, both of us.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>I was glad to see you then.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>You know what is coming?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Yes. I see it.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>We shall live with danger now. It may take years. Many of us will not +see the end. We are no longer our own.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>These are the best crusades.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>To be called, thus. To be led by such a one. I know your father will +direct it—he must be the man. He is only a captain to-night, but +in a month or two you will see. And we shall be a mighty following. I +see them forming, terrible hosts. We must give all, truly. I shall give +all, I think. It is little enough. Bridget.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Yes.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>You promised. I might speak again, you said.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Yes.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Will you wed a man so dedicated?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>The more for that. Yes, Henry.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(as they embrace):</div> +<p>May we tell your father now?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">51</span> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Yes—if I can but help you to serve.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>You shape my service. In you shall all the figures of my service +dwell. Will he take this kindly?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Surely. He loves you, he has said it often.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Cromwell</span> returns.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Father, Henry Ireton has to speak to you.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Eh?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Yes, Mr. Cromwell.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Quite so. Mr. Cromwell. That's very interesting now, isn't it?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>By your leave I would marry Bridget.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>I dare say. You would be a very foolish young man else. And, what of +Bridget's leave?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>He has that.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>I should think so, too. Well?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>You consent?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>I could do nothing more gladly. You have chosen well, both of you. I +rejoice for you. But you must wait until this business we have in hand +is gathered up a little.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">52</span> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Yes, father. It is better so.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Let your mother know of the betrothal. I will write as well.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>To-night.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Seth asked to see you, Henry.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Shall we go?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Yes.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Bridget</span> and <span class = +"charname">Ireton</span> go.)</div> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Cromwell</span> lights a candle, gets paper +and pen, and sits at the table writing. After a few moments <span class += "charname">Mrs. Cromwell</span> comes in. She carries a large bunch of +keys. <span class = "charname">Cromwell</span> looks up, and continues +writing. She unlocks a large wooden chest, and takes some parchment +deeds from it. Then she comes to <span class = +"charname">Cromwell</span> at the table.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Oliver.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes, mother.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>These are my five Ely houses, and the Huntingdon farmlands. Use +them.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>But it's all you have.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>My needs are few, and I have not many days.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">53</span> +Cromwell</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(rising):</div> +<p>I will use them, mother, worthily, with God's help.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(He kisses her.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Bless you, my son. Bless you always. And may the mercy of God be upon +England.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Upon England—Amen.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(He places the deeds on the table before him, and resumes his writing. +<span class = "charname">Mrs. Cromwell</span> closes the chest, and sits +at a spinet, playing.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Mr. Lawes makes beautiful music, Oliver.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Oliver:</div> +<p>Yes, mother.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(She plays again for a few moments. Then <span class = +"charname">Bridget</span> and <span class = "charname">Ireton</span> +return.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Amos and Seth want to speak to you, father. The men are coming.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(She beckons them in.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Bridget has news for you, mother.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Bridget</span> and <span class = +"charname">Ireton</span> go to <span class = "charname">Mrs. +Cromwell</span>.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Amos:</div> +<p>I meant to speak when you were down there, sir. But I'm a bit slow. +There's two things, so to say.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">54</span> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes, Amos.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Amos:</div> +<p>There's to be great wars and spending, I know.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes, Amos.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Amos:</div> +<p>I should like to give the little I've saved. You'll spend it well, +sir, I know. It's a matter of two pound. It's not a deal, but it might +help by way of an example, as it might be.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(He offers a small bag of money.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>In such measure it shall be taken from all who will give. That is +true in spirit, Amos. It shall be used.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(He places it with the deeds.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Amos:</div> +<p>And then if I might speak for Seth.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes, what is it?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Amos:</div> +<p>He's dumb, sir, it's true, but you'll find no better heart nor wits. +And he has a fair lot of book-learning now as well, and has come to +handle a pen for all his poor hands were treated so. He would be your +servant, sir, in the wars.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Oliver:</div> +<p>It's a good offer. Very well, Seth, we'll serve together.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Seth</span> acknowledges this, gravely +pleased. There are voices outside.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">55</span> +Bridget:</div> +<p>They are coming, father. Are you ready?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Bridget</span> opens the door on to the stone +hall, and the labourers stand at the door and beyond.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(rising):</div> +<p>My friends, I know not to what labour you will next be called, but we +are upon dark and proving days, coming to memorable issues. The tyranny +that has worked among us so grievously and long now strikes at our all. +We must betake ourselves to defence, or this will be but a rotten realm, +fair for no man to live in henceforth. Do not be mistaken. In the way of +life out of which has come this menacing destruction upon us is much of +beauty, much of nobility, and the light of man's mind. These things it +will be for us in season to cherish and preserve. But where these have +been is no warrant for authority abused. And authority this day is an +abuse against us to the very pitch of wickedness. We are called to stand +for the charter of all men's faith, for the charter which is liberty, +which is God. Against us +<span class = "pagenum">56</span> +are arrayed the ranks of privilege. They are mighty, well used in arms, +fearless, and not easily to be turned aside. But we go to battle in the +name of God. Let every man consider it. Each one of you is here and now +called to service in that name, that hereafter in England a man may call +his hearth his own. And now may the love of God inform you. In humble +courage let us go forward, nourishing our strength, sure always in our +cause. May God bless us, and teach us the true valiance, and may He +spend us according to His will. Amen. The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall +not want.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(Together they sing, <span class = "charname">Amos</span> leading +them.)</div> + +<p class = "letter"> +The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.</p> + +<p class = "letter"> +He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the +still waters.</p> + +<p class = "letter"> +He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for +his name's sake.</p> + +<p class = "letter"> +Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will +fear no evil; for thou art with me....</p> + +<div class = "sceneclose">THE SCENE CLOSES</div> + + + + +<span class = "pagenum">57</span> +<div class = "scenehead"><a name = "scene_iv">SCENE IV</a></div> + +<div class = "scenedesc"> +After dawn on July 14, 1645, the day of Naseby.</div> + +<div class = "scenedesc"> +<span class = "charname">General Fairfax</span>, with <span class = +"charname">Ireton</span>—now colonel—and two other officers, +is holding a council of war in his tent. He is working with a map. +During the proceedings sentries pass to and fro.</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>Between Mill Hill, and Sulby Hall, there. Broad Moor—yes. You +measure their numbers at ten thousand, Staines?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Staines:</div> +<p>Not more than ten, nor less than eight.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>Four thousand or so of them horse?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Staines:</div> +<p>It is thought so.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>Yes, yes. We are eleven thousand, eh, Pemberton?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Pemberton:</div> +<p>Eleven thousand and perhaps three hundred.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>Naseby will be three quarters—no, half a mile behind us.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>The right of the field is boggy, +<span class = "pagenum">58</span> +and pitted by rabbits. The action is like to move to the left.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>Yes. There's a high hedge above there below Sulby. It would be useful +to us then.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Staines:</div> +<p>It has been marked, and dug almost to the waterside.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>Good. Skippon and myself with the infantry there and there. Then the +cavalry—you have one wing, Ireton, or you must command all, since +General Cromwell is not come.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Pemberton:</div> +<p>Is there any word of him?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>None.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Staines:</div> +<p>They do not consider us at Westminster.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>It is disastrous of them to hesitate so. They do not understand.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>No. I have told them that to-day is to be made the fiercest trial of +all, but they do not listen.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Pemberton:</div> +<p>Where is General Cromwell?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>None knows. These months he has been up and down the land, exhorting, +stirring up opinion, watching the discipline +<span class = "pagenum">59</span> +of our new armies, lending his personal authority in bringing men's +minds to the cause. But to-day we need him here. He should have been +sent. We need him.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Urgently. Charles and Rupert are staking all on this.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Staines:</div> +<p>They were never in better tune. It is as though every man were +picked.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>I said this to Westminster.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>We carry too many callow soldiers against them. Example will be +everything. General Cromwell and his chosen troops have that, and +experience; none like them.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Pemberton:</div> +<p>Does the General himself know of our necessity, do you think, +sir?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>There is no tracing him. He almost certainly does not know, or he +would have insisted. There are rumours of him from the eastern counties, +of some activities with his men, but no more.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>And the hope of England here in grave peril. Westminster is +disgraceful.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Staines:</div> +<p>Your appeal was plain, sir—weighty enough?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(taking a paper from the table):</div> +<p>You +<span class = "pagenum">60</span> +may hear for yourself.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(Reading the end of a letter copy.)</div> +<p class = "letter"> +"The general esteem and affection which he hath with the officers and +soldiers of this whole army, his own personal worth and ability for +employment, his great care, diligence, courage, and faithfulness in the +services you have already employed him in, with the constant presence +and blessing of God that have accompanied him, make us look upon it as +the duty we owe to you and the public, to make it our suit."</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Pemberton:</div> +<p>It is shameful of them.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>It is. But that hope is gone. Do I take the left, sir?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>You must choose. The horse entirely are your command now.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Whalley on the right, and you, Pemberton.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>What's the hour?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Staines:</div> +<p>Six o'clock, sir.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>They have had three hours. Let the army sleep till ten if it may +be.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Staines:</div> +<p>Yes, sir.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Are you satisfied about those footmen on the left, sir?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">61</span> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>No, not satisfied. But we cannot better it.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Pemberton:</div> +<p>Rupert is almost certain to see the weakness there.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>Yes, but there it is. Skippon must cover it as he can. We have spoken +of it very exactly.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>If either wing of our horse breaks, it means certain disaster there, +even though Skippon could hold in the centre.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>That's Cromwell again. And all to satisfy the pride of a few useless +members that his self-denying ordinance keeps out of command.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Staines:</div> +<p>Do you think it's that, sir?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>What else? They are more jealous that he should come to no more +honour than that we should succeed. And after all that has been +given.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>The blood.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Pemberton:</div> +<p>It is abominable.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>But there—we must not distress ourselves. We have our own +loyalty. Keep in touch with Skippon, Staines. If you can push their +right foot up towards Sibbertoft +<span class = "pagenum">62</span> +there, spare nothing in the doing. Have you all slept, gentlemen?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton and the others:</div> +<p>Yes, sir.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>Since we lack General Cromwell, more depends on you, Ireton, than on +any man, perhaps. You will not be wanting, I know.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>In endeavour at least—and we can die.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(A scout comes in.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>Yes?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +The Scout:</div> +<p>Something moves across from the east, sir. It is very faint. It may +be haze, or it may be dust.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>Watch. Come again at once.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(The scout goes. <span class = "charname">Fairfax</span> and the others +go to the tent opening, and look out.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>Yes—there. It is moving, isn't it?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>I think not.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Staines:</div> +<p>Surely.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Pemberton:</div> +<p>Could it be?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>No. We should have heard.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>And yet it seems to be moving.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>Gentlemen, we must keep counsel +<span class = "pagenum">63</span> +with ourselves. This is to waste. Nerves must be unclouded to-day.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(He returns to his seat, the others with him.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>Finally, if we on the right have to fall back on Mill Hill, bring +your horse down on to the Kilmarsh Road, Pemberton, if it be any way +possible.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Pemberton:</div> +<p>Yes—there's a ford there, at the fork if we are upstream.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>I'll speak to Whalley, too.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>If at last there should be a general retreat, it is to the west of +Naseby, remember.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Yes. To the west. That there should be that even in the mind!</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>In that case, the baggage is my concern.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(Outside is heard a low murmur of excitement.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>Staines, will you tell Conway that five hundred of his best men must +dispute the Naseby road to the east. And let Mitchell command under +him.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Staines:</div> +<p>Yes, sir.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(The noise outside grows.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">64</span> +Pemberton:</div> +<p>What is it?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>See.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Pemberton</span> goes to the tent opening and +looks out.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Pemberton:</div> +<p>Our men are watching something. It is something moving. +Horsemen—it must be.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(The excitement grows and grows. <span class = "charname">Ireton</span> +joins <span class = "charname">Pemberton</span>.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>There is something.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>Gentlemen, let us promise ourselves nothing.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Ireton</span> and <span class = +"charname">Pemberton</span> move into the tent at <span class = +"charname">Fairfax's</span> word. As they do so the voices outside break +out into a great shout—"Ironsides—Ironsides—Ironsides +is coming to lead us!" The scout comes in, glowing.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(rising):</div> +<p>Yes?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +The Scout:</div> +<p>General Cromwell is riding into the field with his Ironsides, sir, +some six hundred strong.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>Thank God!</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Cromwell</span> comes into the tent, fully +armed, hot and dusty from the road. The +<span class = "pagenum">65</span> +shouting dies away, but outside there is a sound as of new life until +the end of the scene. <span class = "charname">Seth, Oliver's</span> +servant, stands at the tent opening.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>You are welcome; none can say how much.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>A near thing, sir. I only heard from Westminster yesterday at +noon.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>They told us nothing.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>There are many poor creatures at Westminster, sir. Many of them, I +doubt not, would have willingly had me kept uninformed of this. But we +are in time, and that's all. Henry. Good-morning, gentlemen. How goes +it?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(taking his seat, <span class = "charname">Cromwell</span> and the +others also at the table):</div> +<p>The battle is set. Our foot there, Skippon and myself. Colonel Ireton +and Whalley are with the horse. They are at your service.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(at the map):</div> +<p>Rupert will be there. Langdale, if I mistake not, will be there. That +road—is it good?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Pemberton:</div> +<p>Poor below Mill Hill, sir.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Then that is the point; it may be decisive there. You take the left, +Henry.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">66</span> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Yes, sir.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Let Whalley be on my left here—give him fifteen hundred. I have +six hundred. I'll take the right with them myself, Are you on the left, +sir?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>Yes, and the second line.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Good—can I have two of the best regiments down here behind +me?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>Yes. Staines, let Spilsby see to that.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Spilsby is good.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Staines:</div> +<p>If I might say it, would you choose him for that, sir? It is a great +responsibility, and he has been indiscreet. I thought not to use him +to-day.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Indiscreet?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Staines:</div> +<p>In his utterances, sir. His belief is in some question.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Surely you are not well advised to turn off one so faithful to the +cause, and so able to serve you as this man is. He is indiscreet, you +say. It may be so in some things; we all have human infirmities. Sir, +the state, in choosing men to serve it, takes no notice of their +opinions. If men be willing faithfully +<span class = "pagenum">67</span> +to serve it, that satisfies. Let it be Spilsby.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Staines:</div> +<p>Yes, sir.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Is the army well rested, sir?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>They are resting now. Till ten o'clock. We moved up at three.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Three hours for my men. It is enough. The order to advance at +eleven?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>At eleven.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Is the word for the day chosen?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Fairfax:</div> +<p>Not yet.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Let it be, "God our strength." Gentlemen.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(They all rise, and, bareheaded, together they repeat, "God our +strength.")</div> + +<div class = "sceneclose">THE SCENE CLOSES</div> + + + +<div class = "scenehead"><a name = "scene_v">SCENE V</a></div> + +<div class = "scenedesc"> +The same tent. Night—with torches and candles. An aide stands at +the tent opening. The sentries pass to and fro. It is after the action. +<span class = "charname">Ireton</span>, severely wounded, is on a couch, +surgeons attending him. <span class = "charname">Cromwell</span>, +himself battered and +<span class = "pagenum">68</span> +with a slight head wound, stands by the couch.</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>It is not mortal. You are sure of that?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +The Surgeon:</div> +<p>He is hurt, grievously, but he will live now.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>The danger is gone?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +The Surgeon:</div> +<p>Yes. But it will be slow.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Whalley—there—in God's name, man. Tell Spilsby to beat +down under General Cromwell. There's not a minute to lose. +Whalley—that's good—come—no +man—left—left—now, once more. God is our strength.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>There, my son. Brave, brave. It is well.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(himself):</div> +<p>How is it—out there?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>They are scattered.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Scattered. Write to Bridget.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes—it is done.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Read.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(reading a letter from the table):</div> + +<p class = "letter"> +My dearest daughter,—</p> + +<p class = "letter"> +This in all haste. We have fought to-day at Naseby. The field at all +points is ours. +<span class = "pagenum">69</span> +They are destroyed beyond mending. Henry is hurt, but he is well +attended, and the surgeons have no fear. He shall be brought to you by +the first means. He has great honour to-day for himself and for us +all.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>He loves you.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Cromwell</span> adds a word to the letter. +Then he leaves <span class = "charname">Ireton</span> to the surgeons +and speaks to <span class = "charname">Seth</span>, who is at the +table.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Seth, will you write, please.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(He dictates very quietly, not to disturb <span class = +"charname">Ireton</span>.)</div> + +<p class = "letter first"> +To the Speaker of the Commons of England, at Westminster.</p> + +<p class = "letter first"> +Sir,—This, of which the General advises you, is none other but the +hand of God, and to Him alone belongs the glory, wherein none are to +share with him. The General served you with all faithfulness and honour; +and the best commendation I can give him is, that I dare say he +attributes all to God, and would rather perish than assume to himself. +Which is an honest and a thriving way; and yet as much for bravery may +be given to him, in this action, as to a man. Honest men served you +faithfully in this action. Sir, they +<span class = "pagenum">70</span> +are trusty; I beseech you, in the name of God, not to discourage them. I +wish this action may beget thankfulness and humility in all that are +concerned in it. He that ventures his life for the liberty of his +country, I wish he trust God for the liberty of his conscience, and you +for the liberty he fights for. In this he rests, who is your most humble +servant....</p> + +<p class = "first"> +From the camp at Naseby field, in Northamptonshire.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(He signs the letter. Outside in the night the Puritan troops are heard +singing the One Hundred and Seventeenth Psalm:</div> +<div class = "inset"> +"O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.<br> +For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the +Lord endureth for ever.<br> +Praise ye the Lord."</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +They listen. <span class = "charname">Ireton</span> sleeps.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>They sing well.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(He looks at a map; then, to the aide:)</div> +<p>Go to General Peyton. Tell him to keep three troops of horse four +miles down the Leicester road there. He is not to move them till +daybreak. +<span class = "pagenum">71</span> +And ask Colonel Reade to let me have his figures as soon as he can.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +The Aide:</div> +<p>Yes, sir.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(He goes.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Finish that other letter, will you?</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Seth</span> writes again.)</div> + +<p class = "first"> +I can say this of Naseby. When I saw the enemy draw up and march in +gallant order towards us, and we, a company of poor ignorant men to seek +how to order our battle,—the General having commanded me to order +all the horse,—I could not, riding along about my business, but +smile out to God in my praises, in assurance of victory,</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(the Psalm is heard again)</div> + +<p class = "first"> +because God would, by things that are not, bring to naught the things +that are. Of which I had great assurance, and God did it.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(The singing still heard)</div> + +<div class = "sceneclose">THE SCENE CLOSES</div> + + + +<div class = "scenehead"><a name = "scene_vi">SCENE VI</a></div> + +<div class = "scenedesc"> +An evening in November, 1647. A room in Hampton Court, where <span class += "charname">Charles the First</span>, now a prisoner with the army, is +lodged.</div> + +<div class = "scenedesc"> +<span class = "pagenum">72</span> +At a table, writing, is <span class = "charname">Neal</span>, the King's +secretary. He finishes his document, and, going to a bureau, locks it +away. He returns to the table, and, taking up an unopened envelope, +examines it carefully. As he is doing so <span class = +"charname">Charles</span> enters from an inner room.</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>From Hamilton?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Neal:</div> +<p>Yes, sire.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>Has it been opened?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Neal:</div> +<p>I think not.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Charles</span> takes the letter, opens and +reads it.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>Good. The commissioners from Scotland are in London. They are +prepared to hear from us.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Neal:</div> +<p>Andrews goes to London to-night. He is to be trusted.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>Everything begins to move for us again. To-morrow they will miss us +here, eh, Neal? In a week we should be at Carisbrooke.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Neal:</div> +<p>Do not be too confident, sire. Things have miscarried before.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>But not this time, Neal, believe me. Their House and their army are +at odds. +<span class = "pagenum">73</span> +I've seen to that. It has gained time, and perplexed their resolution. +And now Scotland will strike again, and this time mortally. Yes, the end +will be with us, mark me.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ned:</div> +<p>May Your Majesty reckon truly.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>Is Cromwell coming to-night?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ned:</div> +<p>He said not.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>Strangely, the fellow grows on me. But he's a fool, Neal. Brave, but +a fool. He sees nothing. Indeed, he's too dull. Ireton too—they +are heavy stuff. Clods. Poor country. She needs us again truly. To check +such mummers as these—all means are virtuous for that, Neal, +eh?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Neal:</div> +<p>Your Majesty knows.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>Yes, we need no counsel. You are sure that Cromwell was not coming +to-night.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Neal:</div> +<p>That was as he said, sire.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>Then let us consider. These Scots. What was it? Did you set it +down?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Neal:</div> +<p>Yes, sire.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(He gets the paper that he put in the bureau, and gives it to <span +class = "charname">Charles</span>.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(reading it):</div> +<p>Yes. Write.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Neal</span> does so on a large folio +sheet.)</div> + +<p class = "letter first"> +<span class = "pagenum">74</span> +Clause I. For the reason that the Scots should invade England. Let the +intrigues of Parliament with the army and its leaders—notably +Oliver Cromwell—to the peril of the Church and the King, stand to +the world in justification. Clause 2. The royal forces in England shall +move when and as the Duke of Hamilton directs. Clause 3. The King shall +guarantee Presbyterian control in England for three years from this +date. But the King shall for himself be at liberty to use his own form +of divine service. Clause 4. All opinion and practice of those who call +themselves Independents are to be suppressed. To see that this is +diligently done may be left to the King's pleasure.... Yes—once we +are at Carisbrooke.... Copy that, Neal. I will sign it. Let it go by +Andrews to-night.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Neal:</div> +<p>Yes, sire.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>Do it now.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Neal</span> proceeds to do so. <span class = +"charname">Charles</span> moves across to a book-case between the table +and the main door. As he stands there, there is a knock at the +door.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>Yes?</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +<span class = "pagenum">75</span> +(The door is opened by <span class = "charname">Cromwell</span>, with +whom is <span class = "charname">Ireton</span>.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>Mr. Cromwell. We did not expect you.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>No, sir. It is unexpected.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(As the two men come into the room, <span class = +"charname">Charles</span> covers <span class = "charname">Neal</span> +from them as he can. The secretary has no time but to conceal his note +by placing it under a case of folio papers on the table. As the others +approach the table, he bows and retires. <span class = +"charname">Charles</span> sits, and motions the others to do the same. +<span class = "charname">Cromwell</span> takes <span class = +"charname">Neal's</span> place.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>We came, sir, to reassure ourselves.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>As to what?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Your Majesty knows that, in treating with you as we have done these +months past, we have been subject to suspicions.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>I imagined that it might be so. But your character and your +reputation, Mr. Cromwell, can ignore these.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>It is suggested that we become +<span class = "pagenum">76</span> +courtiers, and susceptible as courtiers are. But that is nothing. +Continually we are told that Your Majesty will outwit us.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>But that is too fantastic. Between men so open one with another. Our +scruples—persuasion—yes, these may take time. We may not +always easily understand each other there. But that there should be any +question of duplicity between us—it is monstrous. We may disagree, +stubbornly, Mr. Cromwell, but we know each the other's thought.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>I believe it. You know nothing of these Scotch agents in London?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>Scotch?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>They arrived yesterday.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>Who are they?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>You do not know, sir?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>I? Indeed, no.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>I did not suppose it. But already I am beset by warnings. I dismiss +them, giving my word in this for your integrity, as it were.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>Minds are strained in these days, It is shameless of them to say +this.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">77</span> +Ireton:</div> +<p>It means so much, you see, sir. Intrigues with Scotland—there +are none, we are assured, but if there were it would almost inevitably +bring civil war again. The mere shadow of that in men's minds is enough, +indeed, to overthrow them. No man can consider the possibility of that +without desolation.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>No. That is unquestionable.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>And so I was minded to come, and be sure by word of mouth, so to +speak. Your Majesty knows how suspicions creep in absence, even of those +whom we trust. And I have shown, sir, that I trust you.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>We are not insensitive.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>It is of that trust, truly worn, sir, that we may all yet look for a +happy settlement.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>It is my hope, devoutly.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Parliament bends a little to my persuasion. If I could but induce +Your Majesty to treat no longer directly with them, but to leave all to +me.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>It is our Parliament still. We cannot slight them.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">78</span> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>But, sir, you confuse things daily. If the army were no longer +intact, it would be another matter. But now it is the army that must be +satisfied—in the end there is the real authority. Remember, sir, +that these men are not merely soldiers. They are the heart and the +conscience of the nation in arms. By their arms thay have prevailed, how +bloodily Your Majesty knows. They stand now to see that the settlement +is not against that conscience that armed them.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>But we must consider ourselves. It would be folly to anger the +House.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>The House can do nothing without us. And I have considered you, sir. +I have persuaded the army that the monarchy is the aptest form of +government for this country. It was difficult, but my belief has +prevailed. I have even won respect for Your Majesty's person. Do but +give us our guarantees, and you will mount a securer throne, I think, +than any king has yet held in England.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>But Parliament—</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>No, sir. Parliament's demands are +<span class = "pagenum">79</span> +not our demands. To give them what they ask will be to lose all opinion +in the army. That would be fatal.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Parliament and the army are at one in asking for constitutional +safeguards. All are agreed on that. But after that we are in dispute, +irreconcileably. They want a Presbyterian despotism. This land, sir, has +had enough of despotism, and we will not exchange one despotism for +another. We, the army, demand liberty of opinion. We respect law, we +stand, above all, for order and right behaviour, for an observance of +the rights of others. But we demand that a man's thought shall be his +own, that his faith shall be directed by none. We stand for Bible +freedom. And we, sir, are strong enough to make Parliament accept that, +but Parliament can never make us accept the tyranny of the Presbyters. +We are the new Independents, sir, the Independents of the spirit. We are +determined that henceforth in England no man shall suffer for his +faith.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>I respect these ambitions.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Do but let us go to the army with +<span class = "pagenum">80</span> +that respect, and not a trooper but will renew your power for you.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>A power a little cropped, eh, Mr. Ireton?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>No, sir, enlarged. You have ruled by interest and fear. You can go +back to rule by the affection of a free people. You have the qualities, +sir—why waste them?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>You persuade well. Honestly, I am sure.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>I could take all. I do not want it. I want to restore your fortune, +to give you back a regenerate kingship. Will you take it, sir? It is of +love I offer it, love of England, of your great office. And you should +adorn that inheritance. Men should be proud to call you King, sir.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>We have that pride—and we have suffered.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>I can disabuse rumour about Scotland, I can persuade Parliament about +the Presbytery, I can convince the army of your good faith as to +tolerance, if you will but give me the word. Let us together make +Charles Rex the noblest name of Christendom.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">81</span> +Charles:</div> +<p>How shall I stand with the Episcopacy?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>All tyrannies must go together. We mislike no bishops save that they +stand by a tyrannous church. That we will destroy. It is there as I have +said. We attack not faiths or opinions, but despotism. Let a man think +as he will, but he shall command no other man to think it.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>We will not persecute even our persecutors. But they shall stay their +hands, now and for ever.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>This is just; merciful even. Will you work with us together, sir, to +the salvation of our country?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>You are very patient.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>To great ends. Why do you deliberate, sir? What invention is needed? +All is so plain. And many wish you disaster. If you refuse this, it may +be hard to deny them.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>We do not fear disaster.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>But I offer you an ascendancy undreamt of. It should be plain.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>You offer much, and it should +<span class = "pagenum">82</span> +prosper. Or I think so. But I must consider. One has old habits, not +easily to be put by. One grows to kingship thus, or thus—the +manner does not readily change. But I will consider it.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Time presses.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>Yes, but a day or two. Say three days.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Three days, then, sir. I brought Your Majesty this.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(He takes a miniature from his pouch.)</div> +<p>It is newly drawn by Mr. Cooper. It is of a young man, Andrew +Marvell, of whose verses Your Majesty would think well. He should do +much. Cooper has drawn it well—it's very decisive in line, +sir?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>Yes. A little heavy there in the nostril, perhaps, but good. Yes, +very.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>I am told that Van Dyck admires him.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>I have heard him say so.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>It's generous of him—the methods are so different.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>Van Dyck draws marvellously in sanguine.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(He takes a drawing from the drawer +<span class = "pagenum">83</span> +in front of him and places it before Cromwell, on the case of +papers.)</div> +<p>That approaches any of the masters, I think.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Good—yes. And yet Hans Holbein was incomparable—not so +assertive—no, copious, and yet as complete, simpler. +But—yes, there is great dignity here.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(He holds up the drawing in front of him, holding it against the folio +case for firmness. <span class = "charname">Charles</span> makes a +movement, but instantly restrains himself. <span class = +"charname">Cromwell</span> is about to replace the drawing and case on +the table, when his glance falls on <span class = +"charname">Neal's</span> paper, which is lying in front of him. He sees +nothing, but a second glance arrests all his movement. After a moment he +turns to look fixedly at the King. There is a silence; then:)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>What in the name of God is this?</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(Striking the paper with his hand.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>It is private to ourselves.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(rising):</div> +<p>To ourselves? For our private pleasure we will destroy this country, +and blast the people in it! Read it, Ireton.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Ireton</span> takes the paper and +rises.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">84</span> +Charles</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(rising):</div> +<p>These are notes for our own contemplation.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Here are ten lines of the bitterest damnation that ever came from the +mind of treason.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(Taking the paper again.)</div> +<p>The Scots to invade England. The King's arms to be raised again. +Presbytery to... Freedom to be destroyed—and diligently, at the +King's pleasure. Word blaspheming word as we have spoken. Disastrous +man!</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>How far has this gone?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Charles:</div> +<p>We are not before our judges.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>It will come. This iniquity means we know not what new bitterness of +destruction. But know this, Charles Stuart, that, when we draw the sword +again, it is the sword of judgment. Out there many call you the man of +blood. I have laboured for you, have met them all in persuasion. I had +prevailed. It is finished. Blood is upon us again, blood spilled for a +perfidious king. The sword that we had put by for ever! My God, how I +have feared it! Well, so be it. We go to the field again—but then, +prepare you for the reckoning. It shall be to the uttermost.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">85</span> +Charles:</div> +<p>This argument is ended.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>All arguments are ended.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(He goes with <span class = "charname">Ireton</span>, taking the +paper.)</div> + +<div class = "sceneclose">THE SCENE CLOSES</div> + + + + +<div class = "scenehead"><a name = "scene_vii">SCENE VII</a></div> + +<div class = "scenedesc"> +<span class = "charname">Cromwell's</span> house in London. The morning +of January 30, 1649, the day of the King's execution.</div> + +<div class = "scenedesc"> +Outside the window can be seen the grey winter gloom, brightened by +fallen snow. The room, in which a fire is burning, is empty, and for a +time there is silence. Then from a near street comes the soft sound of +muffled drums.</div> + +<div class = "scenedesc"> +<span class = "charname">Bridget</span> runs in, and goes to the window, +opening it. Then she goes back to the door, and calls.</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Mother.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(She goes back to the window.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(coming in):</div> +<p>Yes.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>It is the King. He is passing down to Whitehall.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>Don't look, child.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">86</span> +Bridget:</div> +<p>I can see nothing but the pike-heads. The people seem very still. You +can hear nothing but the drums.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(A little later <span class = "charname">Mrs. Cromwell</span> comes in. +She goes to a chair by the fire.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Oliver has just sent from Whitehall for his great coat. I've sent +Beth with it.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>The King has just passed, grandmother.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>He has gone into Whitehall.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Men will pity him. He had no pity.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Do you think father is right, grandmother? Saying that it had to +be?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes, I do think so.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>He betrayed his own people. It was that.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>There could be no safety or hope while he lived.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Yes. He betrayed his own people. That's it.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Kings must love, too.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>When your father wanted to give him back his throne, a little simple +<span class = "pagenum">87</span> +honesty in the King would have saved all. But he could not come to +that.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>The drums have stopped.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Is Henry with your father?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Yes.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>What is the time?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>Nearly one o'clock.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>It must be past one.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Oliver will be the foremost man in England.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Henry says he could be king.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>That he would never be. I know.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>He will have to guide all.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Don't you wish it could have been done without this, grandmother?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>When the world labours in anger, child, you cannot name the hour.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>But Henry thinks it is right, too.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>If this be wrong, all was wrong.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Yes. Thank you, grandmother. That is what I wanted. It was +necessary.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>Henry meant to come back before the end, didn't he?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>He said so.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">88</span> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>It's very cold.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>I think it will snow again.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>What are the drums beating again for?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Perhaps—I don't know. Will you have another shawl, +grandmother?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>No, thank you.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Ireton</span> comes in.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Has anything happened?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Not yet. In a minute or two. At half-past one. It's three minutes +yet.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Is father there?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Yes.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>Not alone?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>No. Fairfax and Harrison—five of them.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>The King—very brave, I suppose?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Yes. That was inevitable. We are old campaigners.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>Oliver says that he has been noble since death was certain.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Yes.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>If he had but lived so.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>He made life ignoble. He would +<span class = "pagenum">89</span> +have made it ignoble again, and always. He was a king and he despoiled +his people. When that is, kings must perish.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(There is a movement and sound of voices in the streets. <span class = +"charname">Ireton</span> opens the window. <span class = +"charname">Elizabeth</span> and <span class = "charname">Bridget</span> +stand with him.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Ireton:</div> +<p>Yes. It is done.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Mrs. Cromwell</span> slowly moves across to +the window and stands with the others.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Poor, silly king. Oliver will be here directly. Shut the window, +Henry.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Ireton</span> shuts the window. He, <span +class = "charname">Elizabeth</span>, and <span class = +"charname">Bridget</span> stand looking out. <span class = +"charname">Mrs. Cromwell</span> returns to her seat. All are very still, +and there is a long pause. Then, unseen and unheard, <span class = +"charname">Cromwell</span> comes in, moving slowly, his coat and hat +still on, his boots carrying snow. He looks at his people, all with +their backs to him. He walks across the room, and stands behind his +mother, looking into the fire.)</div> + +<div class = "sceneclose">THE SCENE CLOSES</div> + + + +<span class = "pagenum">90</span> +<div class = "scenehead"><a name = "scene_viii">SCENE VIII</a></div> + +<div class = "scenedesc"> +A November night in 1654, six years later. <span class = "charname">Mrs. +Cromwell's</span> bedroom in Whitehall, where <span class = +"charname">Cromwell</span> is now installed as Protector.</div> + +<div class = "scenedesc"> +<span class = "charname">Mrs. Cromwell</span>, now aged ninety-four, is +on her death-bed. Standing beside her is <span class = +"charname">Elizabeth</span>, ministering to her.</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>Is that comfortable?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes, my dear, very comfortable.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>Bridget is coming now. I must go down to Cheapside. I must see that +man there myself.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Very well, my dear. Bridget is a good girl. I may be asleep before +you come back. Good-night.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(kissing her):</div> +<p>Good-night.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(Softly, at the door.)</div> +<p>Bridget.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(from the next room):</div> +<p>Yes, mother.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Elizabeth:</div> +<p>Can you come? I'm going now.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Yes.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(She comes in and <span class = "charname">Elizabeth</span> goes.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Shall I read, grandmother?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">91</span> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes, just a little. Mr. Milton was reading to me this afternoon. Your +father asked him to come. He has begun a very good poem, about Eden and +the fall of man. He read me some of it. He writes extremely well. I +think I should like to hear something by that young Mr. Marvell. He +copies them out for me—you'll find them in that book, there. +There's one about a garden. Just two stanzas of it. I have marked +them.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget</div> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(reading):</div> + +<div class = "verse"> +How vainly men themselves amaze<br> +To win the palm, the oak, or bays,<br> +And their incessant labours see<br> +Crown'd from some single herb or tree,<br> +Whose short and narrow-verged shade<br> +Does prudently their toils upbraid;<br> +While all the flowers and trees do close<br> +To weave the garlands of repose.</div> + +<p class = "first"> +And then this one?</p> + +<div class = "verse first"> +Meanwhile the mind from pleasure less<br> +Withdraws into its happiness;<br> +The mind, that ocean where each kind<br> +Does straight its own resemblance find;<br> +<span class = "pagenum">92</span> +Yet it creates, transcending these,<br> +Far other worlds, and other seas;<br> +Annihilating all that's made<br> +To a green thought in a green shade.</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes. Far other worlds, and other seas. I wish your father would come. +I want to go to sleep, and you never know.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>I think father is coming now.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Cromwell</span> comes in. He wears plain +civilian clothes.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Well, mother dear.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(He kisses her.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>I'm glad you have come, my son. Though you are very busy, I'm +sure.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Is there anything I can do?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>No, thank you. What date is this?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>The second of November.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>It's nearly a year since they made you Protector, then.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Yes. I wonder.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>You need not, son. You were right. There was none other. And you were +right not to take a crown.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">93</span> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>The monarchy will return. I know that.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Why not always a commonwealth like this, father?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Hereafter there shall be a true commonwealth. We have done that for +England. But there must be a king. There is no one to follow me. I am an +interlude, as it were. But henceforth kings will be for the defence of +this realm, not to use it. That has been our work. It is so, mother?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Truly, I think it. It will be a freer land because you have lived in +it, my son. Our name may be forgotten, but it does not matter. You serve +faithfully. I am proud.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>You have been my blessed friend.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>It was kind of Mr. Milton to come this afternoon. I can't remember +whether I thanked him as I should like to.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>He likes to come.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Be kind to all poets, Oliver. They have been very kind to me. They +have the best doctrine.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">94</span> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>That is an aim of mine—to find all men of worth and learning +and genius—to give them due employment. The Lord speaks through +them, I know. I would have none fail or want under my government.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>I know that. Bridget, girl, be a stay to your father and your mother. +They love you. If you should wed again, may you wed well.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>I will cherish my father's great estate, and I will be humble +always.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>And now, I am tired. Bless you, Oliver, my son. The Lord cause His +face to shine upon you, and comfort you in all your adversities, and +enable you to do great things for the glory of your most high God, and +to be a relief unto His people. My dear son. I leave my heart with you. +A good night.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(They both kiss her.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Is Amos Tanner here?</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Yes, grandmother.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>Ask him to sing to me. Very quietly. The song he sang that night at +Ely—you remember—when John and Henry were there.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(<span class = "charname">Bridget</span> goes out.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">95</span> +Mrs. Cromwell:</div> +<p>You have been a good son.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Mother, dear.</p> + +<div class = "stagedir"> +(<span class = "charname">Bridget</span> returns with <span class = +"charname">Amos</span>. Very quietly he sings:)</div> + +<div class = "versepair"> +When I shall in the churchyard lie,<br> +Poor scholar though I be,</div> +<div class = "versepair"> +The wheat, the barley, and the rye<br> +Will better wear for me.</div> + +<div class = "versepair first"> +For truly have I ploughed and sown,<br> +And kept my acres clean;</div> +<div class = "versepair"> +And written on my churchyard stone<br> +This character be seen;</div> + +<div class = "versepair first"> +"His flocks, his barns, his gear he made<br> +His daily diligence,</div> +<div class = "versepair"> +Nor counted all his earnings paid<br> +In pockets full of pence."</div> + +<div class = "stagedir first"> +(While he is singing <span class = "charname">Mrs. Cromwell</span> falls +asleep and he goes. <span class = "charname">Cromwell</span> stands for +a time with <span class = "charname">Bridget</span>, watching his mother +asleep.)</div> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>Daughter, we must be loving, one with another. No man is sure of +himself, ever. He can but pray for faith.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +<span class = "pagenum">96</span> +Bridget:</div> +<p>Father, you have done all that a man might do. You have delivered +England.</p> + +<div class = "speaker"> +Cromwell:</div> +<p>I have said a word for freedom, a poor, confused word. It was all I +could reach to. We are frail, with our passions. We are beset.</p> +<div class = "stagedir"> +(He prays at his mother's bedside, <span class = +"charname">Bridget</span> standing beside him.)</div> + +<p>Thou hast made me, though very unworthy, a mean instrument to do the +people some good, and Thee service. And many of them have set too high a +value upon me, though others wish and would be glad of my death. But, +Lord, however Thou dost dispose of me, continue and go on to do good for +them. Give them one heart, and mutual love. Teach those who look too +much upon Thy instrument to depend more upon Thyself. Pardon such as +desire to trample upon the dust of a poor worm, for they are Thy people, +too. And pardon the folly of this short prayer, even for Jesus Christ's +sake. And give us a good night if it be Thy pleasure.</p> + +<div class = "sceneclose">THE SCENE CLOSES</div> + +<h3>THE END</h3> + +<hr> + +<div class = "mynote"> +<a name = "copyright">Transcriber's Note:</a><br> +The following text was originally printed at the beginning of the book. +It is reproduced here strictly for historical interest.</div> + +<h6>COPYRIGHT, 1921, BY HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY</h6> + +<h6>DRAMATIC RIGHTS IN THE UNITED STATES<br> +CONTROLLED BY WILLIAM HARRIS, JR</h6> + +<h4>CAUTION</h4> + +<p>All dramatic rights for John Drinkwater's <i>Oliver Cromwell</i> in +North America are owned and controlled by William Harris, Jr., Hudson +Theatre, New York City. Special notice should be taken that possession +of this book without a valid contract for production first having been +obtained from Mr. Harris confers no right or license to professionals or +amateurs to produce the play publicly or in private for gain or charity. +Until further notice performances of this play in North America will be +limited to those companies which appear under Mr. Harris's direction, +and he absolutely forbids other performances by professionals or +amateurs, including "readings," tableaux, and anything of such nature +approximating a performance. The play is fully protected by copyright +and any violations will be prosecuted.</p> + +<h6>PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA</h6> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Oliver Cromwell, by John Drinkwater + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLIVER CROMWELL *** + +***** This file should be named 17091-h.htm or 17091-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/0/9/17091/ + +Produced by Louise Hope, Juliet Sutherland and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Oliver Cromwell + +Author: John Drinkwater + +Release Date: November 18, 2005 [EBook #17091] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLIVER CROMWELL *** + + + + +Produced by Louise Hope, Juliet Sutherland and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + OLIVER + CROMWELL + + _A Play_ + + By + JOHN DRINKWATER + + + [Illustration: (Gout bien ou rien) + (The Riverside Press)] + + + Boston and New York + HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY + + + * * * * * + + + To + + BERNARD SHAW + + with Homage to the + Master Dramatist of his Age + and with the Gratitude that is his Due + from Every Younger Writer for + the English Theatre + + + * * * * * + + +The Characters Are + +MRS. CROMWELL, Oliver's mother +ELIZABETH CROMWELL, his wife +BRIDGET CROMWELL, his daughter +JOHN HAMPDEN +HENRY IRETON +OLIVER CROMWELL +SETH TANNER +TWO AGENTS TO THE EARL OF BEDFORD +AMOS TANNER +A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT +THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS +BASSETT, an officer of the House +THE MAYOR OF ELY +GENERAL FAIRFAX +COLONEL STAINES +COLONEL PEMBERTON +A SCOUT +A SURGEON +AN AIDE +NEAL, Secretary to Charles +CHARLES I +Farm labourers--Members of Parliament + + + + + SCENE I + + +_CROMWELL'S house at Ely, about the year 1639. An early summer evening. +The window of the room opens on to a smooth lawn, used for bowling, and +a garden full of flowers._ + +_OLIVER'S wife, ELIZABETH CROMWELL, is sitting at the table, sewing. In +a chair by the open window MRS. CROMWELL, his mother, is reading. She is +eighty years of age._ + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Oliver troubles me, persuading everywhere. Restless like this. + +_Elizabeth:_ +He says that the time is uneasy, and that we are part of it. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +There's a man's house. It's enough surely. + +_Elizabeth:_ +I know. But Oliver must be doing. You know how when he took the +magistracy he would listen to none of us. He knows best. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +What time is John coming? + +_Elizabeth:_ +By nightfall he said. Henry Ireton is coming with him. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +John Hampden is like that, too. He excites the boy. + +_Elizabeth:_ +Yes, but mother, you will do nothing with Oliver by thinking of him as +a boy. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Of course he's a boy. + +_Elizabeth:_ +He's forty. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Methuselah. + +_Elizabeth:_ +What? + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +I said Methuselah. + +_Elizabeth:_ +He says John's the bravest man in England. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Just because he won't pay a tax. How if everybody refused to pay taxes? +If you don't have taxes, I don't see how you are to have a government. +Though I can't see that it governs anybody, except those that don't need +it. + +_Elizabeth:_ +Oliver says it's a wrong tax, this ship money. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +There's always something wrong. It keeps men busy, I suppose. + +_Elizabeth:_ +But it was brave of John. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +I know, I know. But why must he come here to-night of all in the year? +Oliver's like somebody out of the Bible about to-morrow as it is. This +will make him worse. I wish John no harm, but--well, I hope he's got a +bad horse. + +_Elizabeth:_ +Oliver's mind is made up about the common, whatever happens. John will +make no difference. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +You can't pretend he'll make him more temperate. + +_Elizabeth:_ +It's very wrong to take away the common from the people. I think Oliver +is right. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Of course he's right. But I'm too old. I've seen too many broken heads. +He'll be no righter for a broken head. + +(BRIDGET CROMWELL, a girl, comes. She takes some eggs from her apron and +puts them on a dish on a shelf.) + +_Bridget:_ +Why, grandmother, whose head is to be broken? + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Your father's is like to be. + +_Bridget:_ +You mean to-morrow? + +_Elizabeth:_ +At the meeting, yes. + +_Bridget:_ +But he must do it. Why, the people have fished and kept cattle there +longer than any one can remember. Who is an Earl of Bedford to take it +away from them? I know I would let my head be broken first. + +_Elizabeth:_ +It is said that the King gave leave. + +_Bridget:_ +Then the King gave what wasn't his to give. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Now, child, don't you encourage your father, too. He's eager enough +without that. + +_Bridget:_ +But I must, grandmother. There's too much of this kind of interference +everywhere. Father says that Cousin John Hampden says-- + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +And that's three of you in one house. And this young Mr. Ireton has +ideas, too, I believe. + +_Bridget:_ +Mr. Ireton is twenty-eight. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +That accounts for it. + +_Bridget:_ +You don't think they just ought to be allowed to take the common away, +do you, grandmother? + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +It makes no matter what I think. + +_Bridget:_ +Of course you don't. None of us do. We couldn't. + +_Elizabeth:_ +You mustn't tease your grandmother, Bridget. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +She's a very old lady, and can't speak for herself. + +_Bridget:_ +I meant no ill manners, grandmother. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Never mind your manners child. But don't encourage your father. He +doesn't need it. This house is all commotion as it is. + +_Bridget:_ +I can't help it. There's so much going on everywhere. The King doesn't +deal fairly by people, I'm sure. Men like father must say it. + +_Elizabeth:_ +Have you put the lavender in the rooms? + +_Bridget:_ +No. I'll take it now. + +(She takes a tray from the window and goes out.) + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +I don't know what will happen. I sometimes think the world isn't worth +quarrelling about at all. And yet I'm a silly old woman to talk like +that. But Oliver is a brave fellow--and John, all of them. I want them +to be brave in peace--that's the way you think at eighty. +(Reading.) +This Mr. Donne is a very good poet, but he's rather hard to understand. +I suppose that is being eighty, too. Mr. Herrick is very simple. John +Hampden sent me some copies from a friend who knows Mr. Herrick. I like +them better than John does. +(She takes up a manuscript book and reads:) + + Lord, Thou hast given me a cell + Wherein to dwell; + A little house, whose humble roof + Is waterproof; + Under the spars of which I lie + Both soft and dry.... + +But Mr. Shakespeare was best of all, I do believe. A very civil +gentleman, too. I spoke to him once--that was forty years ago, the year +Oliver was born, I remember. He didn't hold with all this talk against +kings. + +_Elizabeth:_ +There are kings and kings. Oliver finds no offence in kings--it's in a +king. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Well, it's all very dangerous, and I'm too old for it. Not but what +Oliver's brain is better than mine. But we have to sit still and watch. +However-- +(reading) + + Lord, 'tis thy plenty-dropping hand + That sows my land: + All this, and better, dost thou send + Me for this end: + That I should render for my part + A thankful heart, + Which, fired with incense, I resign + As wholly Thine: + But the acceptance--that must be, + O Lord, by Thee. + +Mr. Herrick has chosen a nice name for his book. Hesperides. He has +taste as well as understanding. + +(The sound of horsemen arriving is heard.) + +_Elizabeth:_ +That will be John and Mr. Ireton. + +(She looks from the window, puts her work into a box, and goes out.) + +_Mrs. Cromwell_ +(turning her pages): + + Ye have been fresh and green, + Ye have been filled with flowers, + And ye the walks have been + Where maids have spent their hours. + + Like unthrifts, having spent + Your stock, and needy grown, + You're left here to lament + Your poor estates alone. + +(ELIZABETH comes back with JOHN HAMPDEN, aged forty-four, and HENRY +IRETON, twenty-eight. They both shake hands with MRS. CROMWELL.) + +_Hampden:_ +How do you do, ma'am? + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Well, John. + +_Ireton:_ +Good-evening, ma'am. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +You're welcome, Master Ireton, I'm sure. If you behave yourself, young +man. + +_Ireton:_ +How may that be, ma'am? + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +No, don't ask me. Only don't you and John come putting more notions into +Oliver's head. I'm sure he's got more than he can rightly manage as it +is. + +_Hampden:_ +We were told down there that it's to-morrow that my Lord of Bedford and +his like are to claim the common rights. + +_Elizabeth:_ +Yes. + +_Ireton:_ +Mr. Cromwell is to resist, they said. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Now, young man, Oliver doesn't need any urging to it. He needs holding +back. + +_Hampden:_ +But that's fine for Oliver. Every man must speak to-day--and do as well, +if it comes to it. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Yes, but don't be so proud about it, John. + +_Elizabeth:_ +I think they should be proud. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Remember what Mr. Herbert says-- + A servant with this clause + Makes drudgerie divine. + Who sweeps a room, as for thy laws, + Makes that and th' action fine. +As for thy laws, remember. + +_Hampden:_ +Surely, we shall remember that always. + +(BRIDGET comes in.) + +_Bridget:_ +Cousin John. + +_Hampden:_ +Well, Bridget, my girl. + +(He kisses her.) + +_Bridget:_ +How do you do, Mr. Ireton? + +_Ireton_ +(shaking hands): +Well, I thank you, mistress. + +_Bridget:_ +Does father know, mother? + +_Elizabeth:_ +I've sent down to the field. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +He'll be here soon enough. I'm sorry the judges were against you, John. +I don't know what else you could expect, though. They are the King's +judges, I suppose. + +_Hampden:_ +That's what we dispute, ma'am. The King says that they should serve him. +We say that they should serve the laws. + +_Ireton:_ +It was just when Mr. Hampden was being heard. The law they said was the +King's old and loyal servant: that _lex_ was not _rex_, but that none +could gainsay that _rex_ was _lex_. + +_Hampden:_ +That's what we shall have to decide, and before long, I think. + +_Bridget:_ +Father says that. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +This house is ready for any kind of revolution, John. + +_Ireton:_ +But you find it everywhere, ma'am. All along the countryside, in the +markets, in the church porches--everywhere. + +_Elizabeth:_ +Is the vine doing well this year, John? + +_Hampden:_ +It's the best year I remember. + +_Elizabeth:_ +Ours, too. + +_Bridget:_ +Were you there, Mr. Ireton, when Cousin John's case was tried? + +_Ireton:_ +Yes. + +_Bridget:_ +It was splendid, wasn't it--although he lost, I mean? + +_Ireton:_ +It was the note of deliverance. + +_Bridget:_ +I wish I could have been there, Cousin John. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Will you give me my shawl, Henry Ireton. +(He does so.) +There's Oliver coming. Now you can all be thunder. + +_Bridget:_ +Now, grandmother, you know you don't think it's just that. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +So you have hope for me yet, miss? + +_Bridget:_ +Grandmother. + +(CROMWELL comes in. He is in plain country dress. His age is forty.) + +_Cromwell:_ +John--it's good to see you. You're an hour before reckoning. +(Taking HAMPDEN'S hand.) + +_Hampden:_ +Yes, Oliver. Is all well? + +_Cromwell:_ +Not that--but our courage is well enough. You are very welcome, Henry. +(Taking his hand.) +Was it good travelling? + +_Ireton:_ +Not a bad mile on the journey. + +_Bridget:_ +Father, Mr. Ireton heard Cousin John's case tried. Wasn't he lucky? + +_Cromwell:_ +Whoever heard that heard history being made, John. It was a great +example to set. + +_Hampden:_ +One works from the spirit, Oliver. + +_Cromwell:_ +That's what we must do. You've heard about this affair down here? + +_Hampden:_ +The common? Yes. + +_Cromwell:_ +There's to be no yielding about that. + +_Hampden:_ +I'm glad of it, Oliver. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +What will it all come to, John? + +_Cromwell:_ +There are times, mother, when we may not count the cost. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +You're very vexatious sometimes, Oliver. + +_Cromwell:_ +But you know I'm right in this, mother. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Being right doesn't make you less vexatious. + +_Elizabeth:_ +Have they finished in Long Close? + +_Cromwell:_ +Yes. They will be here soon. + +_Bridget:_ +They all come up from the field for prayers, Mr. Ireton, at the day's +end. + +_Hampden:_ +Is your hay good, Oliver? + +_Cromwell:_ +I haven't much down this year. What there is, is good. + +_Hampden:_ +We got the floods too late. But it has mended well enough. + +_Bridget:_ +The dancers came for some money, father. + +_Elizabeth:_ +Shall I give them something? + +_Cromwell:_ +To be sure. + +_Elizabeth:_ +How much? + +_Cromwell:_ +Oh--a crown or two. + +_Hampden:_ +Dancers? + +_Cromwell:_ +Aye, John. Don't you hold with them? + +_Hampden:_ +They're no offence, perhaps--but I'm never quite sure. + +_Cromwell:_ +Oh, but be sure, John. We must make no mistake about that. They are +lovely, the dancers. I'm all for singing and dancing. The Lord is one to +sing and dance, I'll be bound. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Now you talk sense, Oliver. Mr. Herrick is very clear about that. So was +David. + +_Ireton:_ +Who is Mr. Herrick, ma'am? + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +He's a poet, young man. And he's for being quiet, and not bustling about +everywhere. You ought to read him. + +_Ireton:_ +Do you know Mr. Herrick's work, Mr. Hampden? + +_Hampden:_ +I've nothing to say against that, though it's not very serious. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Don't be silly, Mr. Hampden--if you excuse me for saying so. Mr. Herrick +is very serious indeed, only he isn't always telling us of it. + +_Hampden:_ +Yes: perhaps you're right, ma'am. I prefer George Herbert. + +_Bridget:_ +Yes, I like his book, too, Cousin John. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Well, it's no bad judgment to stand for Mr. Herbert. Only I won't have +nonsense talked about Mr. Herrick. + +_Elizabeth:_ +Are you ready, Oliver? They are coming. + +_Oliver:_ +Yes. +(To HAMPDEN and IRETON.) +Friends, you are welcome to this house. + +(The labourers from the farm are gathering outside the window. The +people in the room form towards them.) + +_Cromwell:_ +Brethren in God, at the end of another day's labour we are met to praise +Him from whom are the means to labour and its rewards. As we go about +these fields, He is with us. As you deal by me, and I by you, His eye +sees us. Nothing good befalls us but it is by His will, no affliction is +ours but His loving mercy will hear us. The Lord God walks at our hand. +He is here now in our midst. His desires are our freedom, His wrath our +tyranny one over another. Be very merciful in all your ways, for mercy +is His name. May His counsel be always with our little fellowship. If I +should fail towards any man, let him speak. May we be as brothers +always, one to another. And may we serve Him to serve whom alone is +wisdom. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen. "All people that on earth do +dwell." + +(They sing:) + + All people that on earth do dwell, + Sing to the Lord, with cheerful voice; + Him serve with fear, his praise forth tell, + Come ye before Him and rejoice. + + The Lord, we know, is God indeed. + Without our aid He did us make; + We are his folk, He doth us feed, + And for his sheep He doth us take. + + O enter then his gate with praise, + Approach with joy his courts unto; + Praise, laud, and bless his name always, + For it is seemly so to do. + +(As the men move away, one of them, SETH TANNER, comes forward.) + +_Seth:_ +As I came up from Long Close I stopped at the ale-house. Two fellows +were there from the Earl of Bedford. Talking they were. + +_Cromwell:_ +What had they to say? + +_Seth:_ +It seems they know you are going to stand out for the people to-morrow. + +_Cromwell:_ +Well? + +_Seth:_ +Treason, they call it. + +_Cromwell:_ +Treason. + +_Seth:_ +Seeing that my Lord of Bedford has the King's authority, as it were. + +_Cromwell:_ +Thank you, Seth. + +_Seth:_ +They were coming here, they said. To warn you, and persuade you against +it if it might be. + +_Cromwell:_ +Thank you, Seth. + +_Seth_ +(to HAMPDEN): +If I might be so bold, sir? + +_Hampden:_ +What, my friend? + +_Seth:_ +That was a brave thing to do, sir, that about the ship money. We common +folk know what it means. I'm sure we thank you with all our hearts. + +_Hampden:_ +I don't know about brave, but I know it is good to be thanked like that. + +_Seth:_ +Yes, sir. That's all. Good-even, sir; good-even, mistress. + +(He is moving away as two of BEDFORD'S agents appear at the window, +followed by the other labourers, who have returned with them.) + +_First Agent:_ +Is this Mr. Oliver Cromwell's? + +_Cromwell:_ +It is. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +The door is along there, to the right. + +_Cromwell:_ +It's no matter, mother. What do you want? + +_First Agent:_ +To see Mr. Cromwell. + +_Cromwell:_ +You are speaking to him. + +_Second Agent:_ +May we come in? + +_Cromwell:_ +Why, yes. + +(They do so. The labourers gather round the window again. They follow +the coming argument with close personal concern.) + +_Second Agent:_ +May we speak with you alone? + +_Cromwell:_ +These are all my friends. I have nothing to say that I would not have +them hear. + +_First Agent:_ +It is discretion for your sake. + +_Cromwell:_ +I do not desire your interest. What have you to say? + +_Second Agent:_ +It is said that you will oppose the proclamation to-morrow. + +_Cromwell:_ +Assuredly. + +_Second Agent:_ +The Earl of Bedford and those with him have not drained these commons +for nothing. + +_Cromwell:_ +Well? + +_Second Agent:_ +They have earned the rights to be proclaimed to-morrow. + +_Cromwell:_ +By whose will? + +_First Agent:_ +By the King's. + +_Cromwell:_ +These rights of pasture belong to the people. It is within no man's +powers to take them away. + +_Second Agent:_ +The King decrees it. + +_Cromwell:_ +I know not how that may be. I know that these rights are the people's, +above any earl or king whatsoever. The King is to defend our rights, not +to destroy them. + +_First Agent:_ +This is plain treason. + +_Cromwell:_ +It is plain sense. + +_Second Agent:_ +What will you do? + +_Cromwell:_ +To-morrow you will proclaim these rights from the people to my lord of +Bedford. To-morrow I shall tell the people that I alone, if needs be, +will oppose it. I will fight it from court to court. I will make these +rights my rights--as they are. These people of Ely shall speak through +me. They shall pay me a groat a year for each head of cattle they graze, +and they shall enjoy every foot of the land as long as I have a word or +a pound left for resistance. + +_Second Agent:_ +You are very arrogant, Mr. Cromwell. There are lessons to be learnt. + +_Cromwell:_ +Aye, there are lessons. I do not speak to you, but to your master--to +the King himself if it comes to that. You may tell him all that I have +said. We folk of Ely will use our own commons, and let the Earl of +Bedford keep within his own palings. There are lessons, say you. This is +Mr. John Hampden. Will you speak to him of lessons? Mr. Hampden's ship +money will be a King's lesson, I tell you. + +_Hampden:_ +You should tell your masters all that you see and hear. Do not flatter +them. Let it be the truth. Say that men talk everywhere, more and more +openly. Tell them that you heard John Hampden say that the King's Star +Chamber was an abomination, that the King soiled his majesty in treating +Mr. Prynne and Mr. Bastwick so. Say that you and your like are reviled +by all honest men. + +_Ireton:_ +And you can say that it is no fear of earls or kings that spared you the +whipping you would deserve if you were better than shadows. + +_Bridget:_ +Well said, Mr. Ireton. + +(There is a demonstration of anger from the labourers, but CROMWELL +checks it.) + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Now, Henry Ireton, these gentlemen may be bears, but I won't have you +make this room into a bear-pit. + +_Cromwell:_ +No, friends, these men say but what they are sent to say. +(To the agents.) +I should not speak to you but in the hope that you will report it to +those that should know. I am a plain burgess of this city. I farm a few +lands and am known to none. But I have a faith that the people of this +country are born to be, under God, a free people. That is the +fundamental principle of this English life, If your masters, be they who +they may, forget that, then, as you say, there will be lessons to be +learnt. Here in Ely it is my part to see that my fellows do not lose +their birthright. You shall not find us ignorant nor afraid. I would +have no violence; let all be by persuasion and tolerance. But these just +liberties must not be touched. Will you ask my Lord of Bedford to +reconsider this? + +_Second Agent:_ +His Lordship will reconsider nothing. The proclamation is to-morrow. + +_Cromwell:_ +I have no more to say. + +_First Agent:_ +Be you wary, Mr. Cromwell. These arrogances have their penalties. The +King's anger is not light. + +_Cromwell:_ +You threaten idly. My word is one spoken throughout the land. You can +say so. + +_Second Agent:_ +Mr. Cromwell, we do not-- + +_Cromwell:_ +My mind is fixed. I think I have made my intention clear. That is all. +You may go. + +(There is again a movement against them as they go, followed by the +labourers.) + +_Cromwell:_ +Seth. + +_Seth:_ +Yes, sir. + +_Cromwell:_ +Ask your father to stay, will you? We shall want a song after that. + +_Seth:_ +Yes, sir. +(He calls from the window.) +Father. Master wants you to sing. + +(AMOS TANNER comes back.) + +_Cromwell:_ +Thank you, Amos. Just a minute, will you? When will supper be, wife? + +_Elizabeth:_ +In half an hour. + +_Cromwell:_ +How would a turn at bowling be, John? + +_Hampden:_ +Done. + +_Cromwell:_ +Henry, you, too? + +_Ireton:_ +Yes; and, Mr. Cromwell-- + +_Cromwell:_ +Yes. + +_Ireton:_ +I don't know how things are going. But I feel that great events are +making and that you and Mr. Hampden here may have power to use men. If +it should be so, I would be used. That is all. + +_Cromwell:_ +John's the man. I'm likely enough to stay the rest of my days in Ely. + +_Ireton:_ +I don't think so, sir. + +_Cromwell:_ +No? Well. A glass of sherry, John--or gin? + +_Hampden:_ +Sherry, Oliver. + +(CROMWELL pours out the sherry.) + +_Cromwell:_ +Henry? + +_Ireton:_ +Thank you. + +_Cromwell_ +(giving glasses): +Amos? + +_Amos:_ +I'd liefer have a pot of ale, master, if might be. + +_Cromwell:_ +Yes, yes. Bridget, girl. + +(BRIDGET goes.) + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Oliver, boy, you were quite right--all that you said to those men, I +mean. I don't approve, mind you, but you were quite right. + +_Cromwell:_ +Thank you, mother. I knew you would think so. + +_Elizabeth:_ +I wonder what will come of it. You never know, once you begin like this. + +_Cromwell:_ +You never know, wife. + +_Hampden:_ +There are lessons to be learnt. + +_Cromwell:_ +That's what they said. + +(BRIDGET returns with a foaming pot of ale, which she gives to AMOS.) + +_Cromwell_ +(drinking): +To freedom, John. That's good sherry. I respect not such ill reasoners +as would keep all wine out of the country lest men should be drunk. Now, +Amos. Come along, John, my touch was good last night. I shall beat you. + +(He goes out on to the lawn beyond the window, with HAMPDEN and IRETON. +They are seen passing to and fro, playing bowls.) + +_Amos_ +(singing:) + When I shall in the churchyard lie, + Poor scholar though I be, + The wheat, the barley, and the rye + Will better wear for me. + + For truly have I ploughed and sown, + And kept my acres clean; + And written on my churchyard stone + This character be seen: + + "His flocks, his barns, his gear he made + His daily diligence, + Nor counted all his earnings paid + In pockets full of pence." + +(As he finishes, the bowlers stand listening at the window.) + +THE SCENE CLOSES + + + + + SCENE II + + +_The Commons of England in session at St. Hepburn's Chapel, Westminster, +on November 22, 1641. CROMWELL, HAMPDEN, IRETON among those sitting. We +see the east end of the Chapel, with the SPEAKER. It is past midnight, +and the house is lighted with candles. A member is speaking._ + +_The Member:_ +That the grievances set out in this Remonstrance now before you are just +is clear. The matter has been debated by us these eight hours, and none +has been able to deny the wrongs which are here set forth. It is not +well with our state, and correction is needed. Mr. Ireton has very +clearly shown us how this is. But we must be wary. The King is the King, +a necessary part, as it must seem to us, of the government of this +country. + +(There are murmurs for and against this; assent in the majority.) + +To pass this Remonstrance can be no other than to pass a vote of no +confidence in that King. Consider this. Saying so much, how shall you +deny to overthrow the crown if need be? And who among you is willing to +bear that burden? + +(The murmurs grow to conflicting cries.) + +I beseech you let us not commit ourselves thus. Nor do not think I am +weak in zeal. There are evil counsellors with the King, and they would +destroy us. Our liberties must be looked to. But there should be +moderation in this act. We should choose some other way. We must defend +ourselves, but we must not challenge the King's authority so. + +(He sits down to a confusion of voices, and HAMPDEN rises.) + +_Hampden:_ +My friend, I think, is deceived. This Remonstrance is not against the +King. It is from the people of this country against a policy. We desire +no judgment--all we ask is redress. If we assert ourselves as in this +instrument, we but put the King in the way of just government. I think +the King hardly knows the measure of his wrongs against us, and I say it +who have suffered. + +(A murmur of assent.) + +To speak clearly as is here done will, I think, be to mend his mind +towards us. This Remonstrance has been drawn with all care. Not only is +its intent free of blame towards the King's majesty and person, but it +can, I hope, be read by no fair-minded man in the way that my friend +fears. If I thought that, I should consider more closely my support of +it. But I have considered with all patience, and it seems to me good. + +(He sits, and again there is a rattle of argument. CROMWELL rises.) + +_Cromwell:_ +Sir, this is a day when every man must speak the truth that is in him, +or be silent in shame, and for ever. Mr. Hampden is my kinsman, as you +know, one who has my best affection. His word has ever been a strength +among us, and no man here but knows his valiance in the cause. His has +been a long suffering, and his integrity but ripens. But I do not read +this occasion as he does, nor, let me say, do I fear it as does our +friend who spoke before. That gentleman pleads that this Remonstrance is +a vote of want of confidence in the King, such as none of us would +willingly pass. Mr. Hampden replies that it is no such vote. I say to +you that it is such a vote, and that I would pass it with all my heart. +Sir, this country, the spirit of man in this country, has suffered +grievances too great to be borne. By whom are they laid upon us? I say +it is by the King. Is a man's estate secure to himself? Does not the +King pass upon it levies for his own designs? You know that it is so. Is +there not ship money? Mr. Hampden can tell you. Is not that the King's +affair? Is there not a Star Chamber? Ask Mr. Prynne and those others. +These men disliked the King's church--a very dangerous church as it +seems to me--and were bold to say so. And for that each was fined five +thousand pounds, and had his ears cut off, and is now in prison for +life. And does not the Star Chamber belong to the King? Who among you +can deny it? And this land is bruised, I tell you, by such infamies. +There is no sureness in a man for his purse or his body, or his +conscience. The King,--not the head of the state, mark you, expressing +the people's will in one authority,--but this man Charles Rex, may use +all these as he will. I aim not to overthrow the monarchy. I know its +use and fitness in the realm, as well as any. But this can endure no +longer. The King is part of the state, but we have a King who has sought +to put the state to his private use. The King should have his authority, +but it is an authority subject to the laws of the people. This King +denies it, and his judges flatter the heresy. You have but one question +before you--there is in truth but one raised by this Remonstrance. Is +England to be governed by the King or by elected representatives of the +people? That is what we have now to decide, not for ourselves alone, but +for our children in the generations to come. If the King will profit by +a lesson, I with any man will be his loyal and loving subject. But at +this moment a lesson must be given. Why else have you appointed my Lord +of Essex from Parliament to take command of the armed forces of this +country? Did you not fear that the King would use these also against +you? You know you did. I say it again, this that is now to be put to you +is a vote of want of confidence in the King. I would it were so more +expressly. + +(He sits to an angry tumult. HAMPDEN rises, and after a time secures +order.) + +_Hampden:_ +Sir, this question could not be argued to an end if we sat here for a +week. Already we have considered it more closely and longer, I think, +than any that has ever been before this House. It is morning. Each man +has spoken freely from his mind. I move that the question now be put. + +_The Speaker:_ +The question is, whether this question now be put. + +(There are cries of "Yea," and "No.") + +_The Speaker:_ +I think the "Yeas" have it. + +(This is followed by silence in the House.) + +_The Speaker:_ +Then the question now before the House is whether this Declaration shall +pass. + +(Again there are cries of "Yea" and "No" strongly emphatic on both +sides.) + +_The Speaker:_ +I think the "Yeas" have it. + +(There are loud and repeated cries of "No.") + +_The Speaker:_ +The House will divide. Tellers for the Yeas, Sir John Clotworthy, Mr. +Arthur Goodwyn. Tellers for the Noes, Sir Frederick Cornwallis and Mr. +Strangwayes. The Yeas to go forth. + +(The House divides, the Yeas, including CROMWELL, HAMPDEN, and IRETON, +leaving the House, the Noes remaining seated. The tellers for the Noes, +with their staffs, count their numbers in the House, while the tellers +for the Yeas at the door count theirs as they reenter. The pent-up +excitement grows as the Yeas resume their seats and the telling draws to +a close. The tellers move up to the Speaker and give in their figures.) + +_The Speaker:_ +The Noes, 148. The Yeas, 159. The Yeas have it by eleven. + +(The announcement is received with a loud turmoil of cheering, during +which IRETON rises.) + +_Ireton:_ +Sir, I move that this measure, as passed by this House, be printed and +distributed throughout the land. + +(The House breaks out into a wild disturbance. "Yea" shouting against +"No," swords being drawn and members hustling each other. THE SPEAKER +and HAMPDEN at length pacify them.) + +_Hampden:_ +I beg you remember what business you are on. These are grave times, for +stout wills, but temperate blood. I beg you, gentlemen. + +_The Speaker:_ +The question is, whether this Declaration shall be printed and +distributed. + +(Cries of "Yea" and "No.") + +_The Speaker:_ +I think the "Noes" have it. + +(Again there is tumult, during which the SPEAKER leaves his chair and +the House; and the session breaks up, the members leaving in passionate +discussion. CROMWELL, HAMPDEN, and IRETON stand talking.) + +_Cromwell_ +(to HAMPDEN): +It is the beginning. + +_Hampden:_ +It may mean terror in this land. + +_Cromwell:_ +It may. But the country must be delivered. I had thought to live in +peace among my Ely acres. I sought none of this. But we must serve. If +this Remonstrance had been rejected, I would have sold all I have and +have never seen England more. And I know there are many other honest men +of this same resolution. + +_Ireton:_ +The issue is set. We may have to spend all that we have. + +_Cromwell:_ +Our goods, our peace, our lives. + +_Hampden:_ +We must be diligent among the people. + +_Cromwell:_ +It is the Lord's will. + +_Ireton:_ +I can speak for many in Nottinghamshire. + +_Cromwell:_ +They will be needed. + +_Hampden:_ +I can spend one thousand pounds on arms. + +_Cromwell:_ +Arms. Yes. If it must be. But God may spare us. + +(There is a sound of argument outside, and BRIDGET CROMWELL, persuading +an officer of the House to let her enter, comes in with AMOS TANNER. +They are both from a long journey.) + +_Bridget_ +(greeting her father and the others): +I went to your lodging and learnt that you were still here. + +_Cromwell:_ +But what is it, daughter? + +_Bridget:_ +Amos here--we had to come. + +_Cromwell:_ +Well? + +_Amos:_ +My boy--there, I can't tell. + +_Bridget:_ +Seth--you know he came to London last year. + +_Cromwell:_ +Yes. + +_Bridget:_ +It seems he was in a tavern here one evening, and they were talking +about ship money. Seth said it was a bad thing, and he spoke of our +Cousin Hampden. + +_Amos:_ +He remembered Mr. Hampden when he was at Ely, sir. He always took a +great opinion of Mr. Hampden, Seth did. + +_Bridget:_ +He said Cousin John was a great patriot because he wouldn't pay. The +King's spies were there. Seth was taken. He got a message sent down to +Amos. It was to be a Star Chamber matter. + +_Amos:_ +There wasn't a better lad in the shire, sir. + +_Cromwell:_ +What has been done? + +_Bridget:_ +We don't know. I brought Amos up at once to find you. I wanted to come +alone, but he wouldn't let me. + +_Amos:_ +I couldn't stay, sir. They'll not have hurt him surely? + +_Bridget:_ +What will they do? Is it too late? Can't it be stopped? + +_Cromwell:_ +Bassett. + +(The officer comes.) + +_Bassett:_ +Yes, sir. + +_Cromwell:_ +Have you heard any Star Chamber news these last days? + +_Bassett:_ +Nothing out of the way, sir. A few croppings and brandings. + +_Cromwell:_ +Any names? + +_Bassett:_ +Jollyboy was one. That's an anyhow name for a man, now, isn't it? Lupton +there was, too. He was cropped, both ears--said a bishop was a man. That +was blasphemous. And a fellow about ship money. That was savage. Tanner +his name was. + +_Amos:_ +Yes--but not Seth--it wasn't Seth Tanner? + +_Bassett:_ +Tanner was all I heard. + +_Amos:_ +It wouldn't be Seth. + +_Bridget:_ +What did they do to him? + +_Bassett:_ +It's not proper hearing for your sort. But they let him go. + +_Cromwell:_ +What was it? The girl has heart enough. + +_Bassett:_ +Both thumbs, both ears, the tongue, and a T on the forehead. + +_Amos:_ +It wasn't Seth, sir. It couldn't be Seth--not like that. He was the +beauty of the four parishes. + +_Bassett_ +(to CROMWELL): +Was he something to do with you, sir? + +_Cromwell:_ +There is a boy, Seth Tanner, we have a care for. + +_Bassett:_ +Because I made bold to take him in. He was dazed, as it were--didn't +seem to know where to go. + +_Cromwell:_ +It was a good man's doing. Where is he? + +_Bassett:_ +I live under the walls here, as you might say. + +_Cromwell:_ +Could we see him? + +_Bassett:_ +Nay--it's no place to take you to. But I'll fetch him if you will. He +doesn't sleep. + +_Cromwell:_ +Do, then. + +(BASSETT goes.) + +_Amos:_ +It's not my Seth, is it, sir? Not his tongue--and a bloody T. They would +know how he could sing, and he looked like Gabriel in the books. + +_Hampden:_ +Shall we go, Oliver? + +_Cromwell:_ +No. Let us all see it out. + +_Bridget:_ +Father, it's horrible. They don't do things like that, do they? + +_Amos:_ +Dumb--and a bloody T--and the thumbs. It's some other poor lad. + +(BASSETT returns; with him a figure, the hands and ears bound up in +rough thick bandages, and on his forehead a burning red T. He looks at +them, with reason hardly awake.) + +_Amos_ +(going to him): +Seth--Seth, boy. + +(SETH moves his lips, but makes no sound. They look at him in horror.) + +_Bridget:_ +Father--father. + +_Cromwell:_ +There--no--no. +(To BASSETT.) +Take him, good fellow. Care for him as you can. Get a surgeon for him. +Here's money. No, no, old man. + +(BASSETT goes with SETH.) + +_Amos:_ +A bloody T. And dumb. God blast the King! + +_Cromwell:_ +Take him to our lodging, daughter. Go with them, Ireton. I'll follow. + +(BRIDGET, AMOS, and IRETON go.) + +_Cromwell:_ +John, you are my best-beloved friend. + +_Hampden:_ +I praise myself in that more than in most. + +_Cromwell:_ +I call you to witness. That is a symbol. Before God, I will not rest +until all that it stands for in this unhappy England is less than the +dust. Amen. + +_Hampden:_ +Amen. + +(A linkman is heard calling in the street. CROMWELL and HAMPDEN go +out.) + +THE SCENE CLOSES + + + + + SCENE III + + +_CROMWELL'S house at Ely. A year later, 1642. It is afternoon in winter. +MRS. CROMWELL is sitting by the fire, reading. She looks a little more +her eighty-odd years than she did in the first scene. After a few +moments BRIDGET comes in. She is opening a letter._ + +_Bridget:_ +Father has written, grandmother. Shall I read it to you? + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Yes, child. + +_Bridget_ +(sits by the fire, and reads): + My dear daughter, I am lately arrived in London, from Edgehill in + the county of Warwickshire, where for the first time our men met the + King's army in set dispute. It was late on the Sabbath afternoon, so + that, as we lay for the attack, the sound of church bells came to us + from three or four places. The King had the better ground, also they + exceeded us in numbers, both horse and foot, and in cannon. It is + hard to say which way the battle went, the advantage at one time + being here, at another there. Their horsemen behaved very well, + being commanded by Prince Rupert, a soldier of great courage in the + field. Your Cousin Hampden managed a regiment with much honour, and + twice or thrice delivered our cause. We were engaged until night + stayed us. Some four thousand were slain, their loss, I hear, being + the greater. Of the sixty in my own troop, eighteen fell. We had + commendation from the general, and indeed I think we did not fail in + resolution. But this matter will not be accomplished save we build, + as it were, again from the foundation. This is God's service, and + all must be given. To which end I am now coming home, to call out + all such men as have the love of England in their hearts, and fear + God. I shall labour with them. It seems to me that I shall be called + to great trust in this, and I will set such example as I can. Expect + me as soon as you receive this, for indeed I leave London as soon + almost as my letter. Your mother I saw here with her nephew. She + loves you as I do. Henry Ireton comes with me--he served very + stoutly at Edgehill, and hath a gunshot in the arm. None is like + to serve these times better than he. Give my loving duty to your + grandmother, which I shall at once deliver myself. God bless you. + Your affectionate Father. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +You are born into a great story, child. I am old. + +_Bridget:_ +It's wonderful. To stand like that. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Not wonder only, girl. There are griefs. + +_Bridget:_ +They are wonderful, too, I think. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Youth, you are dear. With an old woman, it's all reckoning. One sees the +follies then of this man and that. + +_Bridget:_ +It had to come, grandmother. The King was taking all. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +It had to come. Men were no wiser than that. To make this of the land! +One Cain, as your father says. + +_Bridget:_ +It's as though life were different, suddenly. Do you feel it, +grandmother? + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +I know. There are times when wrath comes, and beauty is forgotten. But +it must be. + +_Bridget_ +(from the letter): +"This is God's service, and all must be given." + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Yes. Even that. + +_Bridget:_ +But you do think father is right? + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Yes, child. He could do no other. That's his tribute to necessity. We +all pay it. He will pay it greatly. We may be sure of that. + +(Horses are heard outside.) + +Here they are. + +(BRIDGET goes out to meet CROMWELL and IRETON, with whom she returns in +a moment. IRETON'S right arm is in a sling. MRS. CROMWELL has put her +book aside, and is standing. She embraces OLIVER.) + +_Cromwell:_ +Well, mother. Almost before our own tidings, eh? + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Bless you, son. How d'ye do, Henry Ireton? +(Shaking hands with him.) +Is it Colonel Ireton yet? + +_Ireton:_ +No, ma'am. + +_Cromwell:_ +Soon, mother. He is marked. + +_Bridget:_ +Is the arm-- + +_Ireton:_ +No, nothing. + +_Cromwell:_ +The mayor has not come yet? + +_Bridget:_ +No. You expect him? + +_Cromwell:_ +Yes. We must work at once. + +(A bell rings.) + +_Bridget:_ +That may be the mayor. I will bring him. + +(She goes out.) + +_Cromwell:_ +Elizabeth sends her devotion to you, mother. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Thank her, truly. Well, boy, it has begun? + +_Cromwell:_ +We must dispute it to the end now. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +May England prosper by you. + +_Cromwell:_ +With God's help, amen. + +(BRIDGET returns with the MAYOR of Ely.) + +_Cromwell:_ +Welcome, Mr. Mayor. + +_The Mayor:_ +Your good-day, Captain Cromwell. +(To MRS. CROMWELL.) +Ma'am. +(To IRETON.) +Sir. + +_Cromwell:_ +Will you sit? + +(They all sit, MRS. CROMWELL, BRIDGET, and IRETON by the fire. CROMWELL +and the MAYOR at the table.) + +_The Mayor:_ +At Edgehill in Warwickshire, I hear? + +_Cromwell:_ +Yes. + +_The Mayor:_ +The issue was left uncertain, it is said? + +_Cromwell:_ +Of that battle, yes. But I think the issue was there decided, some few +of us there learning what must now be done. Those few held firmly at +Edgehill, keeping us as far from defeat as we were, though that was +little enough. For our troops are most of them old decayed serving-men, +and tapsters, and such kind of fellows; and their troops are gentlemen's +sons, younger sons and persons of quality. Do you think that the spirits +of such base, mean fellows will ever be able to encounter gentlemen, +that have honour and courage and resolution in them? We must get men of +a spirit that is likely to go on as far as gentlemen will go, or we +shall be beaten still. We must raise such men as have the fear of God +before them, such men as make some conscience of what they do. We must +do this, Mr. Mayor. I never thought to use a sword, but now all must be +given that it may be used well. I would have you send a summons to all +the people of this town and countryside. Bid them meet two days hence in +the market-place at noon. I will tell them of all these things. I will +show them how the heart of England is threatened. We must give, we must +be diligent in service, we must labour. An army is to be made--we must +make it. We have no help but our own hands--by them alone we must save +this country. Will you send out this summons? + +_The Mayor_ +(rising): +It shall be done, this hour. My service to you. + +(He bows to all and goes.) + +_Cromwell:_ +Nothing is to be spared the cause must have all. We must be frugal, +mother. Daughter, help as you can. + +_Bridget:_ +I will, indeed, father. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +You commit yourself, boy, beyond turning back in all this. + +_Cromwell:_ +It must be so. The choice has been made, and is past. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +The Lord prosper you. But I am an old woman. Age can but have +misgivings. + +_Cromwell:_ +We must have none, mother. We have gone to this in prayer, we must +establish it in belief. Every yeoman, all the workers in the land, all +courtesy and brave reason look to us. What men hereafter shall make of +their lives must be between them and God in their own hearts. But to-day +it must be given to them, the right to live as they most truly may in +the light of their own proper character. No king may be against us. He +may lead us, but he may not be against us. Have no misgivings, mother. +Faith everywhere, that is our shield. + +_Mrs. Cromwell_ +(rising): +I will be no hindrance, son. + +_Cromwell:_ +You are my zeal. I grew to it in you. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +I must see. + +(She goes out.) + +_Cromwell:_ +How is Seth, Bridget? + +_Bridget:_ +He mends daily. Amos tends him like a mother. + +_Cromwell:_ +I must see them. Send to Mistress Hall and Robert. Let us have music +this evening. Anthony, too. Let him bring his flute. There's good music +here, Henry. + +(He goes.) + +_Bridget:_ +Robert Hall sings beautifully. + +_Ireton:_ +Will you sing, too? + +_Bridget:_ +I expect so. + +_Ireton:_ +I once tried to learn the flute. It was no good. I couldn't do it unless +I watched my fingers. + +_Bridget:_ +Was it very terrible at Edgehill? + +_Ireton:_ +Yes. + +_Bridget:_ +Were we really beaten? + +_Ireton:_ +No. A few saved us from that. + +_Bridget:_ +Were you one? + +_Ireton:_ +Your father was chief among them. + +_Bridget:_ +Was he? + +_Ireton:_ +He will lead armies. Every man will follow him. He never faltered, and +there was no misjudgment, ever. + +_Bridget:_ +Did you keep the horses you had when you left London? + +_Ireton:_ +Yes, both of us. + +_Bridget:_ +I was glad to see you then. + +_Ireton:_ +You know what is coming? + +_Bridget:_ +Yes. I see it. + +_Ireton:_ +We shall live with danger now. It may take years. Many of us will not +see the end. We are no longer our own. + +_Bridget:_ +These are the best crusades. + +_Ireton:_ +To be called, thus. To be led by such a one. I know your father will +direct it--he must be the man. He is only a captain to-night, but in a +month or two you will see. And we shall be a mighty following. I see +them forming, terrible hosts. We must give all, truly. I shall give all, +I think. It is little enough. Bridget. + +_Bridget:_ +Yes. + +_Ireton:_ +You promised. I might speak again, you said. + +_Bridget:_ +Yes. + +_Ireton:_ +Will you wed a man so dedicated? + +_Bridget:_ +The more for that. Yes, Henry. + +_Ireton_ +(as they embrace): +May we tell your father now? + +_Bridget:_ +Yes--if I can but help you to serve. + +_Ireton:_ +You shape my service. In you shall all the figures of my service dwell. +Will he take this kindly? + +_Bridget:_ +Surely. He loves you, he has said it often. + +(CROMWELL returns.) + +_Bridget:_ +Father, Henry Ireton has to speak to you. + +_Cromwell:_ +Eh? + +_Ireton:_ +Yes, Mr. Cromwell. + +_Cromwell:_ +Quite so. Mr. Cromwell. That's very interesting now, isn't it? + +_Ireton:_ +By your leave I would marry Bridget. + +_Cromwell:_ +I dare say. You would be a very foolish young man else. And, what of +Bridget's leave? + +_Bridget:_ +He has that. + +_Cromwell:_ +I should think so, too. Well? + +_Ireton:_ +You consent? + +_Cromwell:_ +I could do nothing more gladly. You have chosen well, both of you. I +rejoice for you. But you must wait until this business we have in hand +is gathered up a little. + +_Bridget:_ +Yes, father. It is better so. + +_Cromwell:_ +Let your mother know of the betrothal. I will write as well. + +_Bridget:_ +To-night. + +_Cromwell:_ +Seth asked to see you, Henry. + +_Ireton:_ +Shall we go? + +_Bridget:_ +Yes. + +(BRIDGET and IRETON go.) + +(CROMWELL lights a candle, gets paper and pen, and sits at the table +writing. After a few moments MRS. CROMWELL comes in. She carries a large +bunch of keys. CROMWELL looks up, and continues writing. She unlocks a +large wooden chest, and takes some parchment deeds from it. Then she +comes to CROMWELL at the table.) + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Oliver. + +_Cromwell:_ +Yes, mother. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +These are my five Ely houses, and the Huntingdon farmlands. Use them. + +_Cromwell:_ +But it's all you have. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +My needs are few, and I have not many days. + +_Cromwell_ +(rising): +I will use them, mother, worthily, with God's help. +(He kisses her.) + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Bless you, my son. Bless you always. And may the mercy of God be upon +England. + +_Cromwell:_ +Upon England--Amen. + +(He places the deeds on the table before him, and resumes his writing. +MRS. CROMWELL closes the chest, and sits at a spinet, playing.) + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Mr. Lawes makes beautiful music, Oliver. + +_Oliver:_ +Yes, mother. + +(She plays again for a few moments. Then BRIDGET and IRETON return.) + +_Bridget:_ +Amos and Seth want to speak to you, father. The men are coming. + +_Cromwell:_ +Yes. +(She beckons them in.) + +_Cromwell:_ +Bridget has news for you, mother. + +(BRIDGET and IRETON go to MRS. CROMWELL.) + +_Amos:_ +I meant to speak when you were down there, sir. But I'm a bit slow. +There's two things, so to say. + +_Cromwell:_ +Yes, Amos. + +_Amos:_ +There's to be great wars and spending, I know. + +_Cromwell:_ +Yes, Amos. + +_Amos:_ +I should like to give the little I've saved. You'll spend it well, sir, +I know. It's a matter of two pound. It's not a deal, but it might help +by way of an example, as it might be. +(He offers a small bag of money.) + +_Cromwell:_ +In such measure it shall be taken from all who will give. That is true +in spirit, Amos. It shall be used. + +(He places it with the deeds.) + +_Amos:_ +And then if I might speak for Seth. + +_Cromwell:_ +Yes, what is it? + +_Amos:_ +He's dumb, sir, it's true, but you'll find no better heart nor wits. And +he has a fair lot of book-learning now as well, and has come to handle a +pen for all his poor hands were treated so. He would be your servant, +sir, in the wars. + +_Oliver:_ +It's a good offer. Very well, Seth, we'll serve together. + +(SETH acknowledges this, gravely pleased. There are voices outside.) + +_Bridget:_ +They are coming, father. Are you ready? + +_Cromwell:_ +Yes. + +(BRIDGET opens the door on to the stone hall, and the labourers stand at +the door and beyond.) + +_Cromwell_ +(rising): +My friends, I know not to what labour you will next be called, but we +are upon dark and proving days, coming to memorable issues. The tyranny +that has worked among us so grievously and long now strikes at our all. +We must betake ourselves to defence, or this will be but a rotten realm, +fair for no man to live in henceforth. Do not be mistaken. In the way of +life out of which has come this menacing destruction upon us is much of +beauty, much of nobility, and the light of man's mind. These things it +will be for us in season to cherish and preserve. But where these have +been is no warrant for authority abused. And authority this day is an +abuse against us to the very pitch of wickedness. We are called to stand +for the charter of all men's faith, for the charter which is liberty, +which is God. Against us are arrayed the ranks of privilege. They are +mighty, well used in arms, fearless, and not easily to be turned aside. +But we go to battle in the name of God. Let every man consider it. Each +one of you is here and now called to service in that name, that +hereafter in England a man may call his hearth his own. And now may the +love of God inform you. In humble courage let us go forward, nourishing +our strength, sure always in our cause. May God bless us, and teach us +the true valiance, and may He spend us according to His will. Amen. The +Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. + +(Together they sing, AMOS leading them.) + + The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. + He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the + still waters. + He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for + his name's sake. + Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will + fear no evil; for thou art with me ... + +THE SCENE CLOSES + + + + + SCENE IV + + +_After dawn on July 14, 1645, the day of Naseby._ + +_GENERAL FAIRFAX, with IRETON--now colonel--and two other officers, is +holding a council of war in his tent. He is working with a map. During +the proceedings sentries pass to and fro._ + +_Fairfax:_ +Between Mill Hill, and Sulby Hall, there. Broad Moor--yes. You measure +their numbers at ten thousand, Staines? + +_Staines:_ +Not more than ten, nor less than eight. + +_Fairfax:_ +Four thousand or so of them horse? + +_Staines:_ +It is thought so. + +_Fairfax:_ +Yes, yes. We are eleven thousand, eh, Pemberton? + +_Pemberton:_ +Eleven thousand and perhaps three hundred. + +_Fairfax:_ +Naseby will be three quarters--no, half a mile behind us. + +_Ireton:_ +The right of the field is boggy, and pitted by rabbits. The action is +like to move to the left. + +_Fairfax:_ +Yes. There's a high hedge above there below Sulby. It would be useful to +us then. + +_Staines:_ +It has been marked, and dug almost to the waterside. + +_Fairfax:_ +Good. Skippon and myself with the infantry there and there. Then the +cavalry--you have one wing, Ireton, or you must command all, since +General Cromwell is not come. + +_Pemberton:_ +Is there any word of him? + +_Fairfax:_ +None. + +_Staines:_ +They do not consider us at Westminster. + +_Ireton:_ +It is disastrous of them to hesitate so. They do not understand. + +_Fairfax:_ +No. I have told them that to-day is to be made the fiercest trial of +all, but they do not listen. + +_Pemberton:_ +Where is General Cromwell? + +_Fairfax:_ +None knows. These months he has been up and down the land, exhorting, +stirring up opinion, watching the discipline of our new armies, lending +his personal authority in bringing men's minds to the cause. But to-day +we need him here. He should have been sent. We need him. + +_Ireton:_ +Urgently. Charles and Rupert are staking all on this. + +_Staines:_ +They were never in better tune. It is as though every man were picked. + +_Fairfax:_ +I said this to Westminster. + +_Ireton:_ +We carry too many callow soldiers against them. Example will be +everything. General Cromwell and his chosen troops have that, and +experience; none like them. + +_Pemberton:_ +Does the General himself know of our necessity, do you think, sir? + +_Fairfax:_ +There is no tracing him. He almost certainly does not know, or he would +have insisted. There are rumours of him from the eastern counties, of +some activities with his men, but no more. + +_Ireton:_ +And the hope of England here in grave peril. Westminster is disgraceful. + +_Staines:_ +Your appeal was plain, sir--weighty enough? + +_Fairfax_ +(taking a paper from the table): +You may hear for yourself. +(Reading the end of a letter copy.) +"The general esteem and affection which he hath with the officers and +soldiers of this whole army, his own personal worth and ability for +employment, his great care, diligence, courage, and faithfulness in the +services you have already employed him in, with the constant presence +and blessing of God that have accompanied him, make us look upon it as +the duty we owe to you and the public, to make it our suit." + +_Pemberton:_ +It is shameful of them. + +_Ireton:_ +It is. But that hope is gone. Do I take the left, sir? + +_Fairfax:_ +You must choose. The horse entirely are your command now. + +_Ireton:_ +Whalley on the right, and you, Pemberton. + +_Fairfax:_ +What's the hour? + +_Staines:_ +Six o'clock, sir. + +_Fairfax:_ +They have had three hours. Let the army sleep till ten if it may be. + +_Staines:_ +Yes, sir. + +_Ireton:_ +Are you satisfied about those footmen on the left, sir? + +_Fairfax:_ +No, not satisfied. But we cannot better it. + +_Pemberton:_ +Rupert is almost certain to see the weakness there. + +_Fairfax:_ +Yes, but there it is. Skippon must cover it as he can. We have spoken of +it very exactly. + +_Ireton:_ +If either wing of our horse breaks, it means certain disaster there, +even though Skippon could hold in the centre. + +_Fairfax:_ +That's Cromwell again. And all to satisfy the pride of a few useless +members that his self-denying ordinance keeps out of command. + +_Staines:_ +Do you think it's that, sir? + +_Fairfax:_ +What else? They are more jealous that he should come to no more honour +than that we should succeed. And after all that has been given. + +_Ireton:_ +The blood. + +_Pemberton:_ +It is abominable. + +_Fairfax:_ +But there--we must not distress ourselves. We have our own loyalty. Keep +in touch with Skippon, Staines. If you can push their right foot up +towards Sibbertoft there, spare nothing in the doing. Have you all +slept, gentlemen? + +_Ireton and the others:_ +Yes, sir. + +_Fairfax:_ +Since we lack General Cromwell, more depends on you, Ireton, than on any +man, perhaps. You will not be wanting, I know. + +_Ireton:_ +In endeavour at least--and we can die. + +(A scout comes in.) + +_Fairfax:_ +Yes? + +_The Scout:_ +Something moves across from the east, sir. It is very faint. It may be +haze, or it may be dust. + +_Fairfax:_ +Watch. Come again at once. + +(The scout goes. FAIRFAX and the others go to the tent opening, and look +out.) + +_Fairfax:_ +Yes--there. It is moving, isn't it? + +_Ireton:_ +I think not. + +_Staines:_ +Surely. + +_Pemberton:_ +Could it be? + +_Fairfax:_ +No. We should have heard. + +_Ireton:_ +And yet it seems to be moving. + +_Fairfax:_ +Gentlemen, we must keep counsel with ourselves. This is to waste. Nerves +must be unclouded to-day. + +(He returns to his seat, the others with him.) + +_Fairfax:_ +Finally, if we on the right have to fall back on Mill Hill, bring your +horse down on to the Kilmarsh Road, Pemberton, if it be any way +possible. + +_Pemberton:_ +Yes--there's a ford there, at the fork if we are upstream. + +_Ireton:_ +I'll speak to Whalley, too. + +_Fairfax:_ +If at last there should be a general retreat, it is to the west of +Naseby, remember. + +_Ireton:_ +Yes. To the west. That there should be that even in the mind! + +_Fairfax:_ +In that case, the baggage is my concern. + +(Outside is heard a low murmur of excitement.) + +_Fairfax:_ +Staines, will you tell Conway that five hundred of his best men must +dispute the Naseby road to the east. And let Mitchell command under him. + +_Staines:_ +Yes, sir. + +(The noise outside grows.) + +_Pemberton:_ +What is it? + +_Fairfax:_ +See. + +(PEMBERTON goes to the tent opening and looks out.) + +_Pemberton:_ +Our men are watching something. It is something moving. Horsemen--it +must be. + +(The excitement grows and grows. IRETON joins PEMBERTON.) + +_Ireton:_ +There is something. + +_Fairfax:_ +Gentlemen, let us promise ourselves nothing. + +(IRETON and PEMBERTON move into the tent at FAIRFAX'S word. As they do +so the voices outside break out into a great +shout--"_Ironsides--Ironsides--Ironsides is coming to lead us!_" The +scout comes in, glowing.) + +_Fairfax_ +(rising): +Yes? + +_The Scout:_ +General Cromwell is riding into the field with his Ironsides, sir, some +six hundred strong. + +_Fairfax:_ +Thank God! + +(CROMWELL comes into the tent, fully armed, hot and dusty from the road. +The shouting dies away, but outside there is a sound as of new life +until the end of the scene. SETH, OLIVER'S servant, stands at the tent +opening.) + +_Fairfax:_ +You are welcome; none can say how much. + +_Cromwell:_ +A near thing, sir. I only heard from Westminster yesterday at noon. + +_Fairfax:_ +They told us nothing. + +_Cromwell:_ +There are many poor creatures at Westminster, sir. Many of them, I doubt +not, would have willingly had me kept uninformed of this. But we are in +time, and that's all. Henry. Good-morning, gentlemen. How goes it? + +_Fairfax_ +(taking his seat, CROMWELL and the others also at the table): +The battle is set. Our foot there, Skippon and myself. Colonel Ireton +and Whalley are with the horse. They are at your service. + +_Cromwell_ +(at the map): +Rupert will be there. Langdale, if I mistake not, will be there. That +road--is it good? + +_Pemberton:_ +Poor below Mill Hill, sir. + +_Cromwell:_ +Then that is the point; it may be decisive there. You take the left, +Henry. + +_Ireton:_ +Yes, sir. + +_Cromwell:_ +Let Whalley be on my left here--give him fifteen hundred. I have six +hundred. I'll take the right with them myself, Are you on the left, sir? + +_Fairfax:_ +Yes, and the second line. + +_Cromwell:_ +Good--can I have two of the best regiments down here behind me? + +_Fairfax:_ +Yes. Staines, let Spilsby see to that. + +_Cromwell:_ +Spilsby is good. + +_Staines:_ +If I might say it, would you choose him for that, sir? It is a great +responsibility, and he has been indiscreet. I thought not to use him +to-day. + +_Cromwell:_ +Indiscreet? + +_Staines:_ +In his utterances, sir. His belief is in some question. + +_Cromwell:_ +Surely you are not well advised to turn off one so faithful to the +cause, and so able to serve you as this man is. He is indiscreet, you +say. It may be so in some things; we all have human infirmities. Sir, +the state, in choosing men to serve it, takes no notice of their +opinions. If men be willing faithfully to serve it, that satisfies. Let +it be Spilsby. + +_Staines:_ +Yes, sir. + +_Cromwell:_ +Is the army well rested, sir? + +_Fairfax:_ +They are resting now. Till ten o'clock. We moved up at three. + +_Cromwell:_ +Three hours for my men. It is enough. The order to advance at eleven? + +_Fairfax:_ +At eleven. + +_Cromwell:_ +Is the word for the day chosen? + +_Fairfax:_ +Not yet. + +_Cromwell:_ +Let it be, "God our strength." Gentlemen. + +(They all rise, and, bareheaded, together they repeat, "God our +strength.") + +THE SCENE CLOSES + + + + + SCENE V + + +_The same tent. Night--with torches and candles. An aide stands at the +tent opening. The sentries pass to and fro. It is after the action. +IRETON, severely wounded, is on a couch, surgeons attending him. +CROMWELL, himself battered and with a slight head wound, stands by the +couch._ + +_Cromwell:_ +It is not mortal. You are sure of that? + +_The Surgeon:_ +He is hurt, grievously, but he will live now. + +_Cromwell:_ +The danger is gone? + +_The Surgeon:_ +Yes. But it will be slow. + +_Ireton:_ +Whalley--there--in God's name, man. Tell Spilsby to beat down under +General Cromwell. There's not a minute to lose. Whalley--that's +good--come--no man--left--left--now, once more. God is our strength. + +_Cromwell:_ +There, my son. Brave, brave. It is well. + +_Ireton_ +(himself): +How is it--out there? + +_Cromwell:_ +They are scattered. + +_Ireton:_ +Scattered. Write to Bridget. + +_Cromwell:_ +Yes--it is done. + +_Ireton:_ +Read. + +_Cromwell_ +(reading a letter from the table): + My dearest daughter,-- + This in all haste. We have fought to-day at Naseby. The field at + all points is ours. They are destroyed beyond mending. Henry is hurt, + but he is well attended, and the surgeons have no fear. He shall be + brought to you by the first means. He has great honour to-day for + himself and for us all. + +_Ireton:_ +He loves you. + +(CROMWELL adds a word to the letter. Then he leaves IRETON to the +surgeons and speaks to SETH, who is at the table.) + +_Cromwell:_ +Seth, will you write, please. +(He dictates very quietly, not to disturb IRETON.) + + To the Speaker of the Commons of England, at Westminster. + + Sir,--This, of which the General advises you, is none other but the + hand of God, and to Him alone belongs the glory, wherein none are to + share with him. The General served you with all faithfulness and + honour; and the best commendation I can give him is, that I dare say + he attributes all to God, and would rather perish than assume to + himself. Which is an honest and a thriving way; and yet as much for + bravery may be given to him, in this action, as to a man. Honest men + served you faithfully in this action. Sir, they are trusty; I beseech + you, in the name of God, not to discourage them. I wish this action + may beget thankfulness and humility in all that are concerned in it. + He that ventures his life for the liberty of his country, I wish he + trust God for the liberty of his conscience, and you for the liberty + he fights for. In this he rests, who is your most humble servant.... + + From the camp at Naseby field, in Northamptonshire. + +(He signs the letter. Outside in the night the Puritan troops are heard +singing the One Hundred and Seventeenth Psalm: + + "O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. + + For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the + Lord endureth for ever. + + Praise ye the Lord." + +They listen. IRETON sleeps.) + +_Cromwell:_ +They sing well. +(He looks at a map; then, to the aide:) +Go to General Peyton. Tell him to keep three troops of horse four miles +down the Leicester road there. He is not to move them till daybreak. And +ask Colonel Reade to let me have his figures as soon as he can. + +_The Aide:_ +Yes, sir. + +(He goes.) + +_Cromwell:_ +Finish that other letter, will you? + +(SETH writes again.) + +I can say this of Naseby. When I saw the enemy draw up and march in +gallant order towards us, and we, a company of poor ignorant men to seek +how to order our battle,--the General having commanded me to order all +the horse,--I could not, riding along about my business, but smile out +to God in my praises, in assurance of victory, + +(the Psalm is heard again) + +because God would, by things that are not, bring to naught the things +that are. Of which I had great assurance, and God did it. + +(The singing still heard) + +THE SCENE CLOSES + + + + + SCENE VI + + +_An evening in November, 1647. A room in Hampton Court, where CHARLES +THE FIRST, now a prisoner with the army, is lodged._ + +_At a table, writing, is NEAL, the King's secretary. He finishes his +document, and, going to a bureau, locks it away. He returns to the +table, and, taking up an unopened envelope, examines it carefully. As he +is doing so CHARLES enters from an inner room._ + +_Charles:_ +From Hamilton? + +_Neal:_ +Yes, sire. + +_Charles:_ +Has it been opened? + +_Neal:_ +I think not. + +(CHARLES takes the letter, opens and reads it.) + +_Charles:_ +Good. The commissioners from Scotland are in London. They are prepared +to hear from us. + +_Neal:_ +Andrews goes to London to-night. He is to be trusted. + +_Charles:_ +Everything begins to move for us again. To-morrow they will miss us +here, eh, Neal? In a week we should be at Carisbrooke. + +_Neal:_ +Do not be too confident, sire. Things have miscarried before. + +_Charles:_ +But not this time, Neal, believe me. Their House and their army are at +odds. I've seen to that. It has gained time, and perplexed their +resolution. And now Scotland will strike again, and this time mortally. +Yes, the end will be with us, mark me. + +_Ned:_ +May Your Majesty reckon truly. + +_Charles:_ +Is Cromwell coming to-night? + +_Ned:_ +He said not. + +_Charles:_ +Strangely, the fellow grows on me. But he's a fool, Neal. Brave, but a +fool. He sees nothing. Indeed, he's too dull. Ireton too--they are heavy +stuff. Clods. Poor country. She needs us again truly. To check such +mummers as these--all means are virtuous for that, Neal, eh? + +_Neal:_ +Your Majesty knows. + +_Charles:_ +Yes, we need no counsel. You are sure that Cromwell was not coming +to-night. + +_Neal:_ +That was as he said, sire. + +_Charles:_ +Then let us consider. These Scots. What was it? Did you set it down? + +_Neal:_ +Yes, sire. + +(He gets the paper that he put in the bureau, and gives it to CHARLES.) + +_Charles_ +(reading it): +Yes. Write. + +(NEAL does so on a large folio sheet.) + + Clause I. For the reason that the Scots should invade England. Let the + intrigues of Parliament with the army and its leaders--notably Oliver + Cromwell--to the peril of the Church and the King, stand to the world + in justification. Clause 2. The royal forces in England shall move + when and as the Duke of Hamilton directs. Clause 3. The King shall + guarantee Presbyterian control in England for three years from this + date. But the King shall for himself be at liberty to use his own form + of divine service. Clause 4. All opinion and practice of those who + call themselves Independents are to be suppressed. To see that this + is diligently done may be left to the King's pleasure.... Yes--once + we are at Carisbrooke.... Copy that, Neal. I will sign it. Let it go + by Andrews to-night. + +_Neal:_ +Yes, sire. + +_Charles:_ +Do it now. + +(NEAL proceeds to do so. CHARLES moves across to a book-case between the +table and the main door. As he stands there, there is a knock at the +door.) + +_Charles:_ +Yes? + +(The door is opened by CROMWELL, with whom is IRETON.) + +_Charles:_ +Mr. Cromwell. We did not expect you. + +_Cromwell:_ +No, sir. It is unexpected. + +(As the two men come into the room, CHARLES covers NEAL from them as he +can. The secretary has no time but to conceal his note by placing it +under a case of folio papers on the table. As the others approach the +table, he bows and retires. CHARLES sits, and motions the others to do +the same. CROMWELL takes NEAL'S place.) + +_Cromwell:_ +We came, sir, to reassure ourselves. + +_Charles:_ +As to what? + +_Cromwell:_ +Your Majesty knows that, in treating with you as we have done these +months past, we have been subject to suspicions. + +_Charles:_ +I imagined that it might be so. But your character and your reputation, +Mr. Cromwell, can ignore these. + +_Cromwell:_ +It is suggested that we become courtiers, and susceptible as courtiers +are. But that is nothing. Continually we are told that Your Majesty will +outwit us. + +_Charles:_ +But that is too fantastic. Between men so open one with another. Our +scruples--persuasion--yes, these may take time. We may not always easily +understand each other there. But that there should be any question of +duplicity between us--it is monstrous. We may disagree, stubbornly, Mr. +Cromwell, but we know each the other's thought. + +_Cromwell:_ +I believe it. You know nothing of these Scotch agents in London? + +_Charles:_ +Scotch? + +_Ireton:_ +They arrived yesterday. + +_Charles:_ +Who are they? + +_Cromwell:_ +You do not know, sir? + +_Charles:_ +I? Indeed, no. + +_Cromwell:_ +I did not suppose it. But already I am beset by warnings. I dismiss +them, giving my word in this for your integrity, as it were. + +_Charles:_ +Minds are strained in these days, It is shameless of them to say this. + +_Ireton:_ +It means so much, you see, sir. Intrigues with Scotland--there are none, +we are assured, but if there were it would almost inevitably bring civil +war again. The mere shadow of that in men's minds is enough, indeed, to +overthrow them. No man can consider the possibility of that without +desolation. + +_Charles:_ +No. That is unquestionable. + +_Cromwell:_ +And so I was minded to come, and be sure by word of mouth, so to speak. +Your Majesty knows how suspicions creep in absence, even of those whom +we trust. And I have shown, sir, that I trust you. + +_Charles:_ +We are not insensitive. + +_Ireton:_ +It is of that trust, truly worn, sir, that we may all yet look for a +happy settlement. + +_Charles:_ +It is my hope, devoutly. + +_Cromwell:_ +Parliament bends a little to my persuasion. If I could but induce Your +Majesty to treat no longer directly with them, but to leave all to me. + +_Charles:_ +It is our Parliament still. We cannot slight them. + +_Cromwell:_ +But, sir, you confuse things daily. If the army were no longer intact, +it would be another matter. But now it is the army that must be +satisfied--in the end there is the real authority. Remember, sir, that +these men are not merely soldiers. They are the heart and the conscience +of the nation in arms. By their arms thay have prevailed, how bloodily +Your Majesty knows. They stand now to see that the settlement is not +against that conscience that armed them. + +_Charles:_ +But we must consider ourselves. It would be folly to anger the House. + +_Cromwell:_ +The House can do nothing without us. And I have considered you, sir. I +have persuaded the army that the monarchy is the aptest form of +government for this country. It was difficult, but my belief has +prevailed. I have even won respect for Your Majesty's person. Do but +give us our guarantees, and you will mount a securer throne, I think, +than any king has yet held in England. + +_Charles:_ +But Parliament-- + +_Ireton:_ +No, sir. Parliament's demands are not our demands. To give them what +they ask will be to lose all opinion in the army. That would be fatal. + +_Cromwell:_ +Parliament and the army are at one in asking for constitutional +safeguards. All are agreed on that. But after that we are in dispute, +irreconcileably. They want a Presbyterian despotism. This land, sir, has +had enough of despotism, and we will not exchange one despotism for +another. We, the army, demand liberty of opinion. We respect law, we +stand, above all, for order and right behaviour, for an observance of +the rights of others. But we demand that a man's thought shall be his +own, that his faith shall be directed by none. We stand for Bible +freedom. And we, sir, are strong enough to make Parliament accept that, +but Parliament can never make us accept the tyranny of the Presbyters. +We are the new Independents, sir, the Independents of the spirit. We are +determined that henceforth in England no man shall suffer for his faith. + +_Charles:_ +I respect these ambitions. + +_Ireton:_ +Do but let us go to the army with that respect, and not a trooper but +will renew your power for you. + +_Charles:_ +A power a little cropped, eh, Mr. Ireton? + +_Cromwell:_ +No, sir, enlarged. You have ruled by interest and fear. You can go back +to rule by the affection of a free people. You have the qualities, +sir--why waste them? + +_Charles:_ +You persuade well. Honestly, I am sure. + +_Cromwell:_ +I could take all. I do not want it. I want to restore your fortune, to +give you back a regenerate kingship. Will you take it, sir? It is of +love I offer it, love of England, of your great office. And you should +adorn that inheritance. Men should be proud to call you King, sir. + +_Ireton:_ +We have that pride--and we have suffered. + +_Cromwell:_ +I can disabuse rumour about Scotland, I can persuade Parliament about +the Presbytery, I can convince the army of your good faith as to +tolerance, if you will but give me the word. Let us together make +Charles Rex the noblest name of Christendom. + +_Charles:_ +How shall I stand with the Episcopacy? + +_Cromwell:_ +All tyrannies must go together. We mislike no bishops save that they +stand by a tyrannous church. That we will destroy. It is there as I have +said. We attack not faiths or opinions, but despotism. Let a man think +as he will, but he shall command no other man to think it. + +_Ireton:_ +We will not persecute even our persecutors. But they shall stay their +hands, now and for ever. + +_Cromwell:_ +This is just; merciful even. Will you work with us together, sir, to the +salvation of our country? + +_Charles:_ +You are very patient. + +_Cromwell:_ +To great ends. Why do you deliberate, sir? What invention is needed? All +is so plain. And many wish you disaster. If you refuse this, it may be +hard to deny them. + +_Charles:_ +We do not fear disaster. + +_Cromwell:_ +But I offer you an ascendancy undreamt of. It should be plain. + +_Charles:_ +You offer much, and it should prosper. Or I think so. But I must +consider. One has old habits, not easily to be put by. One grows to +kingship thus, or thus--the manner does not readily change. But I will +consider it. + +_Cromwell:_ +Time presses. + +_Charles:_ +Yes, but a day or two. Say three days. + +_Cromwell:_ +Three days, then, sir. I brought Your Majesty this. +(He takes a miniature from his pouch.) +It is newly drawn by Mr. Cooper. It is of a young man, Andrew Marvell, +of whose verses Your Majesty would think well. He should do much. Cooper +has drawn it well--it's very decisive in line, sir? + +_Charles:_ +Yes. A little heavy there in the nostril, perhaps, but good. Yes, very. + +_Cromwell:_ +I am told that Van Dyck admires him. + +_Charles:_ +I have heard him say so. + +_Cromwell:_ +It's generous of him--the methods are so different. + +_Charles:_ +Van Dyck draws marvellously in sanguine. +(He takes a drawing from the drawer in front of him and places it before +Cromwell, on the case of papers.) +That approaches any of the masters, I think. + +_Cromwell:_ +Good--yes. And yet Hans Holbein was incomparable--not so assertive--no, +copious, and yet as complete, simpler. But--yes, there is great dignity +here. + +(He holds up the drawing in front of him, holding it against the folio +case for firmness. CHARLES makes a movement, but instantly restrains +himself. CROMWELL is about to replace the drawing and case on the table, +when his glance falls on NEAL'S paper, which is lying in front of him. +He sees nothing, but a second glance arrests all his movement. After a +moment he turns to look fixedly at the King. There is a silence; then:) + +_Cromwell:_ +What in the name of God is this? +(Striking the paper with his hand.) + +_Charles:_ +It is private to ourselves. + +_Cromwell_ +(rising): +To ourselves? For our private pleasure we will destroy this country, and +blast the people in it! Read it, Ireton. + +(IRETON takes the paper and rises.) + +_Charles_ +(rising): +These are notes for our own contemplation. + +_Cromwell:_ +Here are ten lines of the bitterest damnation that ever came from the +mind of treason. +(Taking the paper again.) +The Scots to invade England. The King's arms to be raised again. +Presbytery to... Freedom to be destroyed--and diligently, at the King's +pleasure. Word blaspheming word as we have spoken. Disastrous man! + +_Ireton:_ +How far has this gone? + +_Charles:_ +We are not before our judges. + +_Cromwell:_ +It will come. This iniquity means we know not what new bitterness of +destruction. But know this, Charles Stuart, that, when we draw the sword +again, it is the sword of judgment. Out there many call you the man of +blood. I have laboured for you, have met them all in persuasion. I had +prevailed. It is finished. Blood is upon us again, blood spilled for a +perfidious king. The sword that we had put by for ever! My God, how I +have feared it! Well, so be it. We go to the field again--but then, +prepare you for the reckoning. It shall be to the uttermost. + +_Charles:_ +This argument is ended. + +_Cromwell:_ +All arguments are ended. + +(He goes with IRETON, taking the paper.) + +THE SCENE CLOSES + + + + + SCENE VII + + +_CROMWELL'S house in London. The morning of January 30, 1649, the day of +the King's execution._ + +_Outside the window can be seen the grey winter gloom, brightened by +fallen snow. The room, in which a fire is burning, is empty, and for a +time there is silence. Then from a near street comes the soft sound of +muffled drums._ + +_BRIDGET runs in, and goes to the window, opening it. Then she goes back +to the door, and calls._ + +_Bridget:_ +Mother. + +(She goes back to the window.) + +_Elizabeth_ +(coming in): +Yes. + +_Bridget:_ +It is the King. He is passing down to Whitehall. + +_Elizabeth:_ +Don't look, child. + +_Bridget:_ +I can see nothing but the pike-heads. The people seem very still. You +can hear nothing but the drums. + +(A little later MRS. CROMWELL comes in. She goes to a chair by the +fire.) + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Oliver has just sent from Whitehall for his great coat. I've sent Beth +with it. + +_Bridget:_ +The King has just passed, grandmother. + +_Elizabeth:_ +He has gone into Whitehall. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Men will pity him. He had no pity. + +_Bridget:_ +Do you think father is right, grandmother? Saying that it had to be? + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Yes, I do think so. + +_Elizabeth:_ +He betrayed his own people. It was that. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +There could be no safety or hope while he lived. + +_Bridget:_ +Yes. He betrayed his own people. That's it. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Kings must love, too. + +_Elizabeth:_ +When your father wanted to give him back his throne, a little simple +honesty in the King would have saved all. But he could not come to that. + +_Bridget:_ +The drums have stopped. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Is Henry with your father? + +_Bridget:_ +Yes. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +What is the time? + +_Elizabeth:_ +Nearly one o'clock. + +_Bridget:_ +It must be past one. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Oliver will be the foremost man in England. + +_Bridget:_ +Henry says he could be king. + +_Elizabeth:_ +That he would never be. I know. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +He will have to guide all. + +_Bridget:_ +Don't you wish it could have been done without this, grandmother? + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +When the world labours in anger, child, you cannot name the hour. + +_Bridget:_ +But Henry thinks it is right, too. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +If this be wrong, all was wrong. + +_Bridget:_ +Yes. Thank you, grandmother. That is what I wanted. It was necessary. + +_Elizabeth:_ +Henry meant to come back before the end, didn't he? + +_Bridget:_ +He said so. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +It's very cold. + +_Bridget:_ +I think it will snow again. + +_Elizabeth:_ +What are the drums beating again for? + +_Bridget:_ +Perhaps--I don't know. Will you have another shawl, grandmother? + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +No, thank you. + +(IRETON comes in.) + +_Bridget:_ +Has anything happened? + +_Ireton:_ +Not yet. In a minute or two. At half-past one. It's three minutes yet. + +_Bridget:_ +Is father there? + +_Ireton:_ +Yes. + +_Elizabeth:_ +Not alone? + +_Ireton:_ +No. Fairfax and Harrison--five of them. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +The King--very brave, I suppose? + +_Ireton:_ +Yes. That was inevitable. We are old campaigners. + +_Elizabeth:_ +Oliver says that he has been noble since death was certain. + +_Ireton:_ +Yes. + +_Bridget:_ +If he had but lived so. + +_Ireton:_ +He made life ignoble. He would have made it ignoble again, and always. +He was a king and he despoiled his people. When that is, kings must +perish. + +(There is a movement and sound of voices in the streets. IRETON opens +the window. ELIZABETH and BRIDGET stand with him.) + +_Ireton:_ +Yes. It is done. + +(MRS. CROMWELL slowly moves across to the window and stands with the +others.) + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Poor, silly king. Oliver will be here directly. Shut the window, Henry. + +(IRETON shuts the window. He, ELIZABETH, and BRIDGET stand looking out. +MRS. CROMWELL returns to her seat. All are very still, and there is a +long pause. Then, unseen and unheard, CROMWELL comes in, moving slowly, +his coat and hat still on, his boots carrying snow. He looks at his +people, all with their backs to him. He walks across the room, and +stands behind his mother, looking into the fire.) + +THE SCENE CLOSES + + + + + SCENE VIII + + +_A November night in 1654, six years later. MRS. CROMWELL'S bedroom in +Whitehall, where CROMWELL is now installed as Protector._ + +_MRS. CROMWELL, now aged ninety-four, is on her death-bed. Standing +beside her is ELIZABETH, ministering to her._ + +_Elizabeth:_ +Is that comfortable? + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Yes, my dear, very comfortable. + +_Elizabeth:_ +Bridget is coming now. I must go down to Cheapside. I must see that man +there myself. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Very well, my dear. Bridget is a good girl. I may be asleep before you +come back. Good-night. + +_Elizabeth_ +(kissing her): +Good-night. +(Softly, at the door.) +Bridget. + +_Bridget_ +(from the next room): +Yes, mother. + +_Elizabeth:_ +Can you come? I'm going now. + +_Bridget:_ +Yes. + +(She comes in and ELIZABETH goes.) + +_Bridget:_ +Shall I read, grandmother? + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Yes, just a little. Mr. Milton was reading to me this afternoon. Your +father asked him to come. He has begun a very good poem, about Eden and +the fall of man. He read me some of it. He writes extremely well. I +think I should like to hear something by that young Mr. Marvell. He +copies them out for me--you'll find them in that book, there. There's +one about a garden. Just two stanzas of it. I have marked them. + +_Bridget_ +(reading): + + How vainly men themselves amaze + To win the palm, the oak, or bays, + And their incessant labours see + Crown'd from some single herb or tree, + Whose short and narrow-verged shade + Does prudently their toils upbraid; + While all the flowers and trees do close + To weave the garlands of repose. + +And then this one? + + Meanwhile the mind from pleasure less + Withdraws into its happiness; + The mind, that ocean where each kind + Does straight its own resemblance find; + Yet it creates, transcending these, + Far other worlds, and other seas; + Annihilating all that's made + To a green thought in a green shade. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Yes. Far other worlds, and other seas. I wish your father would come. +I want to go to sleep, and you never know. + +_Bridget:_ +I think father is coming now. + +(CROMWELL comes in. He wears plain civilian clothes.) + +_Cromwell:_ +Well, mother dear. + +(He kisses her.) + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +I'm glad you have come, my son. Though you are very busy, I'm sure. + +_Cromwell:_ +Is there anything I can do? + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +No, thank you. What date is this? + +_Cromwell:_ +The second of November. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +It's nearly a year since they made you Protector, then. + +_Cromwell:_ +Yes. I wonder. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +You need not, son. You were right. There was none other. And you were +right not to take a crown. + +_Cromwell:_ +The monarchy will return. I know that. + +_Bridget:_ +Why not always a commonwealth like this, father? + +_Cromwell:_ +Hereafter there shall be a true commonwealth. We have done that for +England. But there must be a king. There is no one to follow me. I am an +interlude, as it were. But henceforth kings will be for the defence of +this realm, not to use it. That has been our work. It is so, mother? + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Truly, I think it. It will be a freer land because you have lived in it, +my son. Our name may be forgotten, but it does not matter. You serve +faithfully. I am proud. + +_Cromwell:_ +You have been my blessed friend. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +It was kind of Mr. Milton to come this afternoon. I can't remember +whether I thanked him as I should like to. + +_Cromwell:_ +He likes to come. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Be kind to all poets, Oliver. They have been very kind to me. They have +the best doctrine. + +_Cromwell:_ +That is an aim of mine--to find all men of worth and learning and +genius--to give them due employment. The Lord speaks through them, I +know. I would have none fail or want under my government. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +I know that. Bridget, girl, be a stay to your father and your mother. +They love you. If you should wed again, may you wed well. + +_Bridget:_ +I will cherish my father's great estate, and I will be humble always. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +And now, I am tired. Bless you, Oliver, my son. The Lord cause His face +to shine upon you, and comfort you in all your adversities, and enable +you to do great things for the glory of your most high God, and to be a +relief unto His people. My dear son. I leave my heart with you. A good +night. + +(They both kiss her.) + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Is Amos Tanner here? + +_Bridget:_ +Yes, grandmother. + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +Ask him to sing to me. Very quietly. The song he sang that night at +Ely--you remember--when John and Henry were there. + +(BRIDGET goes out.) + +_Mrs. Cromwell:_ +You have been a good son. + +_Cromwell:_ +Mother, dear. + +(BRIDGET returns with AMOS. Very quietly he sings:) + + When I shall in the churchyard lie, + Poor scholar though I be, + The wheat, the barley, and the rye + Will better wear for me. + + For truly have I ploughed and sown, + And kept my acres clean; + And written on my churchyard stone + This character be seen; + + "His flocks, his barns, his gear he made + His daily diligence, + Nor counted all his earnings paid + In pockets full of pence." + +(While he is singing MRS. CROMWELL falls asleep and he goes. CROMWELL +stands for a time with BRIDGET, watching his mother asleep.) + +_Cromwell:_ +Daughter, we must be loving, one with another. No man is sure of +himself, ever. He can but pray for faith. + +_Bridget:_ +Father, you have done all that a man might do. You have delivered +England. + +_Cromwell:_ +I have said a word for freedom, a poor, confused word. It was all I +could reach to. We are frail, with our passions. We are beset. + +(He prays at his mother's bedside, BRIDGET standing beside him.) + +Thou hast made me, though very unworthy, a mean instrument to do the +people some good, and Thee service. And many of them have set too high a +value upon me, though others wish and would be glad of my death. But, +Lord, however Thou dost dispose of me, continue and go on to do good for +them. Give them one heart, and mutual love. Teach those who look too +much upon Thy instrument to depend more upon Thyself. Pardon such as +desire to trample upon the dust of a poor worm, for they are Thy people, +too. And pardon the folly of this short prayer, even for Jesus Christ's +sake. And give us a good night if it be Thy pleasure. + +THE SCENE CLOSES + + +THE END + + + * * * * * + + +[Transcriber's Note: + +The following text was printed at the beginning of the original book. +It is included here for historical interest only.] + + +Copyright, 1921, by Houghton Mifflin Company + +Dramatic Rights in the United States +Controlled by William Harris, Jr + + +CAUTION + +All dramatic rights for John Drinkwater's _Oliver Cromwell_ in North +America are owned and controlled by William Harris, Jr., Hudson Theatre, +New York City. Special notice should be taken that possession of this +book without a valid contract for production first having been obtained +from Mr. Harris confers no right or license to professionals or amateurs +to produce the play publicly or in private for gain or charity. Until +further notice performances of this play in North America will be +limited to those companies which appear under Mr. Harris's direction, +and he absolutely forbids other performances by professionals or +amateurs, including "readings," tableaux, and anything of such nature +approximating a performance. 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