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.