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?