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 motherELIZABETH CROMWELL, his wifeBRIDGET CROMWELL, his daughterJOHN HAMPDENHENRY IRETONOLIVER CROMWELLSETH TANNERTWO AGENTS TO THE EARL OF BEDFORDAMOS TANNERA MEMBER OF PARLIAMENTTHE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONSBASSETT, an officer of the HouseTHE MAYOR OF ELYGENERAL FAIRFAXCOLONEL STAINESCOLONEL PEMBERTONA SCOUTA SURGEONAN AIDENEAL, Secretary to CharlesCHARLES IFarm 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, anda garden full of flowers. _

_OLIVER'S wife, ELIZABETH CROMWELL, is sitting at the table, sewing. Ina chair by the open window MRS. CROMWELL, his mother, is reading. She iseighty 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 themagistracy 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 asa 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 needit. 

_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. Thiswill make him worse. I wish John no harm, but--well, I hope he's got abad horse. 

_Elizabeth:_Oliver's mind is made up about the common, whatever happens. John willmake 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 Oliveris 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 andputs 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 therelonger than any one can remember. Who is an Earl of Bedford to take itaway 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 enoughwithout that. 

_Bridget:_But I must, grandmother. There's too much of this kind of interferenceeverywhere. Father says that Cousin John Hampden says--

_Mrs. Cromwell:_And that's three of you in one house. And this young Mr. Ireton hasideas, 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. Hedoesn'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'tdeal 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 worthquarrelling about at all. And yet I'm a silly old woman to talk likethat. But Oliver is a brave fellow--and John, all of them. I want themto 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. JohnHampden sent me some copies from a friend who knows Mr. Herrick. I likethem 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 civilgentleman, too. I spoke to him once--that was forty years ago, the yearOliver was born, I remember. He didn't hold with all this talk againstkings. 

_Elizabeth:_There are kings and kings. Oliver finds no offence in kings--it's in aking. 

_Mrs. Cromwell:_Well, it's all very dangerous, and I'm too old for it. Not but whatOliver'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 hastaste 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 HENRYIRETON, 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, youngman. 

_Ireton:_How may that be, ma'am?

_Mrs. Cromwell:_No, don't ask me. Only don't you and John come putting more notions intoOliver's head. I'm sure he's got more than he can rightly manage as itis. 

_Hampden:_We were told down there that it's to-morrow that my Lord of Bedford andhis 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 holdingback. 

_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'sjudges, 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 theKing's old and loyal servant: that _lex_ was not _rex_, but that nonecould 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 themarkets, 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 greatexample 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'send. 

_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 arelovely, the dancers. I'm all for singing and dancing. The Lord is one tosing and dance, I'll be bound. 

_Mrs. Cromwell:_Now you talk sense, Oliver. Mr. Herrick is very clear about that. So wasDavid. 

_Ireton:_Who is Mr. Herrick, ma'am?

_Mrs. Cromwell:_He's a poet, young man. And he's for being quiet, and not bustling abouteverywhere. 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. Herrickis 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 havenonsense 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. Thepeople in the room form towards them. )

_Cromwell:_Brethren in God, at the end of another day's labour we are met to praiseHim from whom are the means to labour and its rewards. As we go aboutthese fields, He is with us. As you deal by me, and I by you, His eyesees us. Nothing good befalls us but it is by His will, no affliction isours 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 ourtyranny one over another. Be very merciful in all your ways, for mercyis His name. May His counsel be always with our little fellowship. If Ishould fail towards any man, let him speak. May we be as brothersalways, one to another. And may we serve Him to serve whom alone iswisdom. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen. "All people that on earth dodwell. "

(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 fellowswere 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 againstit 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 commonfolk 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 followthe 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 havethem 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 commonsfor 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'spowers 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, notto 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 ofBedford. 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 theserights my rights--as they are. These people of Ely shall speak throughme. 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 ora 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--tothe King himself if it comes to that. You may tell him all that I havesaid. We folk of Ely will use our own commons, and let the Earl ofBedford keep within his own palings. There are lessons, say you. This isMr. John Hampden. Will you speak to him of lessons? Mr. Hampden's shipmoney will be a King's lesson, I tell you. 

_Hampden:_You should tell your masters all that you see and hear. Do not flatterthem. Let it be the truth. Say that men talk everywhere, more and moreopenly. Tell them that you heard John Hampden say that the King's StarChamber was an abomination, that the King soiled his majesty in treatingMr. Prynne and Mr. Bastwick so. Say that you and your like are reviledby all honest men. 

_Ireton:_And you can say that it is no fear of earls or kings that spared you thewhipping you would deserve if you were better than shadows. 

_Bridget:_Well said, Mr. Ireton. 

(There is a demonstration of anger from the labourers, but CROMWELLchecks it. )

_Mrs. Cromwell:_Now, Henry Ireton, these gentlemen may be bears, but I won't have youmake 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 tothose that should know. I am a plain burgess of this city. I farm a fewlands and am known to none. But I have a faith that the people of thiscountry are born to be, under God, a free people. That is thefundamental principle of this English life, If your masters, be they whothey may, forget that, then, as you say, there will be lessons to belearnt. Here in Ely it is my part to see that my fellows do not losetheir birthright. You shall not find us ignorant nor afraid. I wouldhave no violence; let all be by persuasion and tolerance. But these justliberties must not be touched. Will you ask my Lord of Bedford toreconsider 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. TheKing's anger is not light. 

_Cromwell:_You threaten idly. My word is one spoken throughout the land. You cansay 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 thelabourers. )

_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 aremaking and that you and Mr. Hampden here may have power to use men. Ifit 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, Imean. 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 reasonersas 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. Wesee 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 justis clear. The matter has been debated by us these eight hours, and nonehas been able to deny the wrongs which are here set forth. It is notwell with our state, and correction is needed. Mr. Ireton has veryclearly 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 thiscountry. 

(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 noconfidence in that King. Consider this. Saying so much, how shall youdeny to overthrow the crown if need be? And who among you is willing tobear that burden?

(The murmurs grow to conflicting cries. )

I beseech you let us not commit ourselves thus. Nor do not think I amweak in zeal. There are evil counsellors with the King, and they woulddestroy us. Our liberties must be looked to. But there should bemoderation in this act. We should choose some other way. We must defendourselves, 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 theKing. It is from the people of this country against a policy. We desireno judgment--all we ask is redress. If we assert ourselves as in thisinstrument, we but put the King in the way of just government. I thinkthe King hardly knows the measure of his wrongs against us, and I say itwho have suffered. 

(A murmur of assent. )

To speak clearly as is here done will, I think, be to mend his mindtowards us. This Remonstrance has been drawn with all care. Not only isits intent free of blame towards the King's majesty and person, but itcan, I hope, be read by no fair-minded man in the way that my friendfears. If I thought that, I should consider more closely my support ofit. 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 youknow, one who has my best affection. His word has ever been a strengthamong us, and no man here but knows his valiance in the cause. His hasbeen a long suffering, and his integrity but ripens. But I do not readthis occasion as he does, nor, let me say, do I fear it as does ourfriend who spoke before. That gentleman pleads that this Remonstrance isa vote of want of confidence in the King, such as none of us wouldwillingly pass. Mr. Hampden replies that it is no such vote. I say toyou 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 sufferedgrievances too great to be borne. By whom are they laid upon us? I sayit is by the King. Is a man's estate secure to himself? Does not theKing pass upon it levies for his own designs? You know that it is so. Isthere not ship money? Mr. Hampden can tell you. Is not that the King'saffair? Is there not a Star Chamber? Ask Mr. Prynne and those others. These men disliked the King's church--a very dangerous church as itseems to me--and were bold to say so. And for that each was fined fivethousand pounds, and had his ears cut off, and is now in prison forlife. And does not the Star Chamber belong to the King? Who among youcan 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 hisconscience. The King, --not the head of the state, mark you, expressingthe people's will in one authority, --but this man Charles Rex, may useall these as he will. I aim not to overthrow the monarchy. I know itsuse and fitness in the realm, as well as any. But this can endure nolonger. The King is part of the state, but we have a King who has soughtto 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 Kingdenies it, and his judges flatter the heresy. You have but one questionbefore you--there is in truth but one raised by this Remonstrance. IsEngland to be governed by the King or by elected representatives of thepeople? That is what we have now to decide, not for ourselves alone, butfor our children in the generations to come. If the King will profit bya lesson, I with any man will be his loyal and loving subject. But atthis moment a lesson must be given. Why else have you appointed my Lordof Essex from Parliament to take command of the armed forces of thiscountry? Did you not fear that the King would use these also againstyou? You know you did. I say it again, this that is now to be put to youis a vote of want of confidence in the King. I would it were so moreexpressly. 

(He sits to an angry tumult. HAMPDEN rises, and after a time securesorder. )

_Hampden:_Sir, this question could not be argued to an end if we sat here for aweek. Already we have considered it more closely and longer, I think, than any that has ever been before this House. It is morning. Each manhas 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 shallpass. 

(Again there are cries of "Yea" and "No" strongly emphatic on bothsides. )

_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 tellersfor the Yeas at the door count theirs as they reenter. The pent-upexcitement grows as the Yeas resume their seats and the telling draws toa 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, duringwhich IRETON rises. )

_Ireton:_Sir, I move that this measure, as passed by this House, be printed anddistributed throughout the land. 

(The House breaks out into a wild disturbance. "Yea" shouting against"No, " swords being drawn and members hustling each other. THE SPEAKERand HAMPDEN at length pacify them. )

_Hampden:_I beg you remember what business you are on. These are grave times, forstout wills, but temperate blood. I beg you, gentlemen. 

_The Speaker:_The question is, whether this Declaration shall be printed anddistributed. 

(Cries of "Yea" and "No. ")

_The Speaker:_I think the "Noes" have it. 

(Again there is tumult, during which the SPEAKER leaves his chair andthe House; and the session breaks up, the members leaving in passionatediscussion. 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 inpeace among my Ely acres. I sought none of this. But we must serve. Ifthis Remonstrance had been rejected, I would have sold all I have andhave never seen England more. And I know there are many other honest menof 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, persuadingan 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 talkingabout ship money. Seth said it was a bad thing, and he spoke of ourCousin Hampden. 

_Amos:_He remembered Mr. Hampden when he was at Ely, sir. He always took agreat opinion of Mr. Hampden, Seth did. 

_Bridget:_He said Cousin John was a great patriot because he wouldn't pay. TheKing's spies were there. Seth was taken. He got a message sent down toAmos. 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 comealone, 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? Luptonthere was, too. He was cropped, both ears--said a bishop was a man. Thatwas blasphemous. And a fellow about ship money. That was savage. Tannerhis 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 thebeauty 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'tseem 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. Hedoesn't sleep. 

_Cromwell:_Do, then. 

(BASSETT goes. )

_Amos:_It's not my Seth, is it, sir? Not his tongue--and a bloody T. They wouldknow 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 inrough thick bandages, and on his forehead a burning red T. He looks atthem, 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 restuntil all that it stands for in this unhappy England is less than thedust. Amen. 

_Hampden:_Amen. 

(A linkman is heard calling in the street. CROMWELL and HAMPDEN goout. )

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 moreher eighty-odd years than she did in the first scene. After a fewmoments 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 thefollies 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. Butit 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. Weall 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 ina moment. IRETON'S right arm is in a sling. MRS. CROMWELL has put herbook 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. CROMWELLand 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 fewof us there learning what must now be done. Those few held firmly atEdgehill, keeping us as far from defeat as we were, though that waslittle enough. For our troops are most of them old decayed serving-men, and tapsters, and such kind of fellows; and their troops are gentlemen'ssons, younger sons and persons of quality. Do you think that the spiritsof such base, mean fellows will ever be able to encounter gentlemen, that have honour and courage and resolution in them? We must get men ofa spirit that is likely to go on as far as gentlemen will go, or weshall be beaten still. We must raise such men as have the fear of Godbefore them, such men as make some conscience of what they do. We mustdo this, Mr. Mayor. I never thought to use a sword, but now all must begiven that it may be used well. I would have you send a summons to allthe people of this town and countryside. Bid them meet two days hence inthe market-place at noon. I will tell them of all these things. I willshow them how the heart of England is threatened. We must give, we mustbe diligent in service, we must labour. An army is to be made--we mustmake it. We have no help but our own hands--by them alone we must savethis 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 havemisgivings. 

_Cromwell:_We must have none, mother. We have gone to this in prayer, we mustestablish it in belief. Every yeoman, all the workers in the land, allcourtesy and brave reason look to us. What men hereafter shall make oftheir lives must be between them and God in their own hearts. But to-dayit must be given to them, the right to live as they most truly may inthe light of their own proper character. No king may be against us. Hemay 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 musicthis evening. Anthony, too. Let him bring his flute. There's good musichere, 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 unlessI 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, andthere 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 notsee 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 willdirect it--he must be the man. He is only a captain to-night, but in amonth or two you will see. And we shall be a mighty following. I seethem 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 ofBridget'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. Irejoice for you. But you must wait until this business we have in handis 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 tablewriting. After a few moments MRS. CROMWELL comes in. She carries a largebunch of keys. CROMWELL looks up, and continues writing. She unlocks alarge wooden chest, and takes some parchment deeds from it. Then shecomes 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 uponEngland. 

_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 helpby 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 truein 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. Andhe has a fair lot of book-learning now as well, and has come to handle apen 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 atthe door and beyond. )

_Cromwell_(rising):My friends, I know not to what labour you will next be called, but weare upon dark and proving days, coming to memorable issues. The tyrannythat 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 oflife out of which has come this menacing destruction upon us is much ofbeauty, much of nobility, and the light of man's mind. These things itwill be for us in season to cherish and preserve. But where these havebeen is no warrant for authority abused. And authority this day is anabuse against us to the very pitch of wickedness. We are called to standfor 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 aremighty, 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. Eachone of you is here and now called to service in that name, thathereafter in England a man may call his hearth his own. And now may thelove of God inform you. In humble courage let us go forward, nourishingour strength, sure always in our cause. May God bless us, and teach usthe true valiance, and may He spend us according to His will. Amen. TheLord 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, isholding a council of war in his tent. He is working with a map. Duringthe proceedings sentries pass to and fro. _

_Fairfax:_Between Mill Hill, and Sulby Hall, there. Broad Moor--yes. You measuretheir 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 islike to move to the left. 

_Fairfax:_Yes. There's a high hedge above there below Sulby. It would be useful tous then. 

_Staines:_It has been marked, and dug almost to the waterside. 

_Fairfax:_Good. Skippon and myself with the infantry there and there. Then thecavalry--you have one wing, Ireton, or you must command all, sinceGeneral 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 ofall, 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, lendinghis personal authority in bringing men's minds to the cause. But to-daywe 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 beeverything. General Cromwell and his chosen troops have that, andexperience; 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 wouldhave insisted. There are rumours of him from the eastern counties, ofsome 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 andsoldiers of this whole army, his own personal worth and ability foremployment, his great care, diligence, courage, and faithfulness in theservices you have already employed him in, with the constant presenceand blessing of God that have accompanied him, make us look upon it asthe 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 ofit 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 uselessmembers 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 honourthan 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. Keepin touch with Skippon, Staines. If you can push their right foot uptowards Sibbertoft there, spare nothing in the doing. Have you allslept, gentlemen?

_Ireton and the others:_Yes, sir. 

_Fairfax:_Since we lack General Cromwell, more depends on you, Ireton, than on anyman, 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 behaze, or it may be dust. 

_Fairfax:_Watch. Come again at once. 

(The scout goes. FAIRFAX and the others go to the tent opening, and lookout. )

_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. Nervesmust 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 yourhorse down on to the Kilmarsh Road, Pemberton, if it be any waypossible. 

_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 ofNaseby, 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 mustdispute 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--itmust 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 doso the voices outside break out into a greatshout--"_Ironsides--Ironsides--Ironsides is coming to lead us!_" Thescout comes in, glowing. )

_Fairfax_(rising):Yes?

_The Scout:_General Cromwell is riding into the field with his Ironsides, sir, somesix 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 lifeuntil the end of the scene. SETH, OLIVER'S servant, stands at the tentopening. )

_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 doubtnot, would have willingly had me kept uninformed of this. But we are intime, 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 Iretonand 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. Thatroad--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 sixhundred. 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 greatresponsibility, and he has been indiscreet. I thought not to use himto-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 thecause, and so able to serve you as this man is. He is indiscreet, yousay. 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 theiropinions. If men be willing faithfully to serve it, that satisfies. Letit 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 ourstrength. ")

THE SCENE CLOSES

 SCENE V

_The same tent. Night--with torches and candles. An aide stands at thetent 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 thecouch. _

_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 underGeneral Cromwell. There's not a minute to lose. Whalley--that'sgood--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 thesurgeons 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 heardsinging 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 milesdown the Leicester road there. He is not to move them till daybreak. Andask 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 ingallant order towards us, and we, a company of poor ignorant men to seekhow to order our battle, --the General having commanded me to order allthe horse, --I could not, riding along about my business, but smile outto 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 thingsthat 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 CHARLESTHE FIRST, now a prisoner with the army, is lodged. _

_At a table, writing, is NEAL, the King's secretary. He finishes hisdocument, and, going to a bureau, locks it away. He returns to thetable, and, taking up an unopened envelope, examines it carefully. As heis 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 preparedto 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 ushere, 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 atodds. I've seen to that. It has gained time, and perplexed theirresolution. 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 afool. He sees nothing. Indeed, he's too dull. Ireton too--they are heavystuff. Clods. Poor country. She needs us again truly. To check suchmummers 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 comingto-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 thetable and the main door. As he stands there, there is a knock at thedoor. )

_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 hecan. The secretary has no time but to conceal his note by placing itunder a case of folio papers on the table. As the others approach thetable, he bows and retires. CHARLES sits, and motions the others to dothe 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 thesemonths 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 courtiersare. But that is nothing. Continually we are told that Your Majesty willoutwit us. 

_Charles:_But that is too fantastic. Between men so open one with another. Ourscruples--persuasion--yes, these may take time. We may not always easilyunderstand each other there. But that there should be any question ofduplicity 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 dismissthem, 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 civilwar again. The mere shadow of that in men's minds is enough, indeed, tooverthrow them. No man can consider the possibility of that withoutdesolation. 

_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 whomwe 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 ahappy settlement. 

_Charles:_It is my hope, devoutly. 

_Cromwell:_Parliament bends a little to my persuasion. If I could but induce YourMajesty 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 besatisfied--in the end there is the real authority. Remember, sir, thatthese men are not merely soldiers. They are the heart and the conscienceof the nation in arms. By their arms thay have prevailed, how bloodilyYour Majesty knows. They stand now to see that the settlement is notagainst 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. Ihave persuaded the army that the monarchy is the aptest form ofgovernment for this country. It was difficult, but my belief hasprevailed. I have even won respect for Your Majesty's person. Do butgive 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 whatthey 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 constitutionalsafeguards. All are agreed on that. But after that we are in dispute, irreconcileably. They want a Presbyterian despotism. This land, sir, hashad enough of despotism, and we will not exchange one despotism foranother. We, the army, demand liberty of opinion. We respect law, westand, above all, for order and right behaviour, for an observance ofthe rights of others. But we demand that a man's thought shall be hisown, that his faith shall be directed by none. We stand for Biblefreedom. 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 aredetermined 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 butwill 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 backto 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, togive you back a regenerate kingship. Will you take it, sir? It is oflove I offer it, love of England, of your great office. And you shouldadorn 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 aboutthe Presbytery, I can convince the army of your good faith as totolerance, if you will but give me the word. Let us together makeCharles 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 theystand by a tyrannous church. That we will destroy. It is there as I havesaid. We attack not faiths or opinions, but despotism. Let a man thinkas he will, but he shall command no other man to think it. 

_Ireton:_We will not persecute even our persecutors. But they shall stay theirhands, now and for ever. 

_Cromwell:_This is just; merciful even. Will you work with us together, sir, to thesalvation of our country?

_Charles:_You are very patient. 

_Cromwell:_To great ends. Why do you deliberate, sir? What invention is needed? Allis so plain. And many wish you disaster. If you refuse this, it may behard 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 mustconsider. One has old habits, not easily to be put by. One grows tokingship thus, or thus--the manner does not readily change. But I willconsider 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. Cooperhas 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 beforeCromwell, 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 dignityhere. 

(He holds up the drawing in front of him, holding it against the foliocase for firmness. CHARLES makes a movement, but instantly restrainshimself. 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 amoment 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, andblast 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 themind 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'spleasure. 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 ofdestruction. But know this, Charles Stuart, that, when we draw the swordagain, it is the sword of judgment. Out there many call you the man ofblood. I have laboured for you, have met them all in persuasion. I hadprevailed. It is finished. Blood is upon us again, blood spilled for aperfidious king. The sword that we had put by for ever! My God, how Ihave 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 ofthe King's execution. _

_Outside the window can be seen the grey winter gloom, brightened byfallen snow. The room, in which a fire is burning, is empty, and for atime there is silence. Then from a near street comes the soft sound ofmuffled drums. _

_BRIDGET runs in, and goes to the window, opening it. Then she goes backto 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. Youcan hear nothing but the drums. 

(A little later MRS. CROMWELL comes in. She goes to a chair by thefire. )

_Mrs. Cromwell:_Oliver has just sent from Whitehall for his great coat. I've sent Bethwith 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 simplehonesty 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 mustperish. 

(There is a movement and sound of voices in the streets. IRETON opensthe window. ELIZABETH and BRIDGET stand with him. )

_Ireton:_Yes. It is done. 

(MRS. CROMWELL slowly moves across to the window and stands with theothers. )

_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 along pause. Then, unseen and unheard, CROMWELL comes in, moving slowly, his coat and hat still on, his boots carrying snow. He looks at hispeople, all with their backs to him. He walks across the room, andstands behind his mother, looking into the fire. )

THE SCENE CLOSES

 SCENE VIII

_A November night in 1654, six years later. MRS. CROMWELL'S bedroom inWhitehall, where CROMWELL is now installed as Protector. _

_MRS. CROMWELL, now aged ninety-four, is on her death-bed. Standingbeside 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 manthere myself. 

_Mrs. Cromwell:_Very well, my dear. Bridget is a good girl. I may be asleep before youcome 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. Yourfather asked him to come. He has begun a very good poem, about Eden andthe fall of man. He read me some of it. He writes extremely well. Ithink I should like to hear something by that young Mr. Marvell. Hecopies them out for me--you'll find them in that book, there. There'sone 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 wereright 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 forEngland. But there must be a king. There is no one to follow me. I am aninterlude, as it were. But henceforth kings will be for the defence ofthis 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 servefaithfully. 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 rememberwhether 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 havethe best doctrine. 

_Cromwell:_That is an aim of mine--to find all men of worth and learning andgenius--to give them due employment. The Lord speaks through them, Iknow. 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 faceto shine upon you, and comfort you in all your adversities, and enableyou to do great things for the glory of your most high God, and to be arelief unto His people. My dear son. I leave my heart with you. A goodnight. 

(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 atEly--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. CROMWELLstands for a time with BRIDGET, watching his mother asleep. )

_Cromwell:_Daughter, we must be loving, one with another. No man is sure ofhimself, ever. He can but pray for faith. 

_Bridget:_Father, you have done all that a man might do. You have deliveredEngland. 

_Cromwell:_I have said a word for freedom, a poor, confused word. It was all Icould 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 thepeople some good, and Thee service. And many of them have set too high avalue 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 forthem. Give them one heart, and mutual love. Teach those who look toomuch upon Thy instrument to depend more upon Thyself. Pardon such asdesire 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'ssake. 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 StatesControlled by William Harris, Jr

CAUTION

All dramatic rights for John Drinkwater's _Oliver Cromwell_ in NorthAmerica are owned and controlled by William Harris, Jr. , Hudson Theatre, New York City. Special notice should be taken that possession of thisbook without a valid contract for production first having been obtainedfrom Mr. Harris confers no right or license to professionals or amateursto produce the play publicly or in private for gain or charity. Untilfurther notice performances of this play in North America will belimited to those companies which appear under Mr. Harris's direction, and he absolutely forbids other performances by professionals oramateurs, including "readings, " tableaux, and anything of such natureapproximating a performance. The play is fully protected by copyrightand any violations will be prosecuted.