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.