Seth:
Yes, sir.
(He calls from the window.)
Father. Master wants you to sing.
(Amos Tannercomes back.)
Cromwell:
Thank you, Amos. Just a minute, will you? When will supper be, wife?
Elizabeth:
In half an hour.
Cromwell:
How would a turn at bowling be, John?
Hampden:
Done.
Cromwell:
Henry, you, too?
Ireton:
Yes; and, Mr. Cromwell—
Cromwell:
Yes.
Ireton:
I don't know how things are going. But I feel that great events are making and that you and Mr. Hampden here may have power to use men. If it should be so, I would be used. That is all.
Cromwell:
John's the man. I'm likely enough to stay the rest of my days in Ely.
Ireton:
I don't think so, sir.
Cromwell:
No? Well. A glass of sherry, John—or gin?
Hampden:
Sherry, Oliver.
(Cromwellpours 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.
(Bridgetgoes.)
Mrs. Cromwell:
Oliver, boy, you were quite right—all that you said to those men, I mean. I don't approve, mind you, but you were quite right.
Cromwell:
Thank you, mother. I knew you would think so.
Elizabeth:
I wonder what will come of it. You never know, once you begin like this.
Cromwell:
You never know, wife.
Hampden:
There are lessons to be learnt.
Cromwell:
That's what they said.
(Bridgetreturns with a foaming pot of ale, which she gives toAmos.)
Cromwell
(drinking):
To freedom, John. That's good sherry. I respect not such ill reasoners as would keep all wine out of the country lest men should be drunk. Now, Amos. Come along, John, my touch was good last night. I shall beat you.
(He goes out on to the lawn beyond the window, withHampdenandIreton.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 ryeWill better wear for me.
For truly have I ploughed and sown,And kept my acres clean;
And written on my churchyard stoneThis character be seen:
"His flocks, his barns, his gear he madeHis daily diligence,
Nor counted all his earnings paidIn 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, Iretonamong those sitting. We see the east end of the Chapel, with theSpeaker. It is past midnight, and the house is lighted with candles. A member is speaking.
The Member:
That the grievances set out in this Remonstrance now before you are just is clear. The matter has been debated by us these eight hours, and none has been able to deny the wrongs which are here set forth. It is not well with our state, and correction is needed. Mr. Ireton has very clearly shown us how this is. But we must be wary. The King is the King, a necessary part, as it must seem to us, of the government of this country.
(There are murmurs for and against this; assent in the majority.)
To pass this Remonstrance can be no other than to pass a vote of no confidence in that King. Consider this. Saying so much, how shall you deny to overthrow the crown ifneed be? And who among you is willing to bear that burden?
(The murmurs grow to conflicting cries.)
I beseech you let us not commit ourselves thus. Nor do not think I am weak in zeal. There are evil counsellors with the King, and they would destroy us. Our liberties must be looked to. But there should be moderation in this act. We should choose some other way. We must defend ourselves, but we must not challenge the King's authority so.
(He sits down to a confusion of voices, andHampdenrises.)
Hampden:
My friend, I think, is deceived. This Remonstrance is not against the King. It is from the people of this country against a policy. We desire no judgment—all we ask is redress. If we assert ourselves as in this instrument, we but put the King in the way of just government. I think the King hardly knows the measure of his wrongs against us, and I say it who have suffered.
(A murmur of assent.)
To speak clearly as is here done will, I think, be to mend his mind towards us. This Remonstrance has been drawn with allcare. Not only is its intent free of blame towards the King's majesty and person, but it can, I hope, be read by no fair-minded man in the way that my friend fears. If I thought that, I should consider more closely my support of it. But I have considered with all patience, and it seems to me good.
(He sits, and again there is a rattle of argument.Cromwellrises.)
Cromwell:
Sir, this is a day when every man must speak the truth that is in him, or be silent in shame, and for ever. Mr. Hampden is my kinsman, as you know, one who has my best affection. His word has ever been a strength among us, and no man here but knows his valiance in the cause. His has been a long suffering, and his integrity but ripens. But I do not read this occasion as he does, nor, let me say, do I fear it as does our friend who spoke before. That gentleman pleads that this Remonstrance is a vote of want of confidence in the King, such as none of us would willingly pass. Mr. Hampden replies that it is no such vote. I say to you that it is such a vote, and that I would pass itwith all my heart. Sir, this country, the spirit of man in this country, has suffered grievances too great to be borne. By whom are they laid upon us? I say it is by the King. Is a man's estate secure to himself? Does not the King pass upon it levies for his own designs? You know that it is so. Is there not ship money? Mr. Hampden can tell you. Is not that the King's affair? Is there not a Star Chamber? Ask Mr. Prynne and those others. These men disliked the King's church—a very dangerous church as it seems to me—and were bold to say so. And for that each was fined five thousand pounds, and had his ears cut off, and is now in prison for life. And does not the Star Chamber belong to the King? Who among you can deny it? And this land is bruised, I tell you, by such infamies. There is no sureness in a man for his purse or his body, or his conscience. The King,—not the head of the state, mark you, expressing the people's will in one authority,—but this man Charles Rex, may use all these as he will. I aim not to overthrow the monarchy. I know its use and fitness in therealm, as well as any. But this can endure no longer. The King is part of the state, but we have a King who has sought to put the state to his private use. The King should have his authority, but it is an authority subject to the laws of the people. This King denies it, and his judges flatter the heresy. You have but one question before you—there is in truth but one raised by this Remonstrance. Is England to be governed by the King or by elected representatives of the people? That is what we have now to decide, not for ourselves alone, but for our children in the generations to come. If the King will profit by a lesson, I with any man will be his loyal and loving subject. But at this moment a lesson must be given. Why else have you appointed my Lord of Essex from Parliament to take command of the armed forces of this country? Did you not fear that the King would use these also against you? You know you did. I say it again, this that is now to be put to you is a vote of want of confidence in the King. I would it were so more expressly.
(He sits to an angry tumult.Hampdenrises, and after a time secures order.)
Hampden:
Sir, this question could not be argued to an end if we sat here for a week. Already we have considered it more closely and longer, I think, than any that has ever been before this House. It is morning. Each man has spoken freely from his mind. I move that the question now be put.
The Speaker:
The question is, whether this question now be put.
(There are cries of "Yea," and "No.")
The Speaker:
I think the "Yeas" have it.
(This is followed by silence in the House.)
The Speaker:
Then the question now before the House is whether this Declaration shall pass.
(Again there are cries of "Yea" and "No" strongly emphatic on both sides.)
The Speaker:
I think the "Yeas" have it.
(There are loud and repeated cries of "No.")
The Speaker:
The House will divide. Tellers for the Yeas, Sir John Clotworthy, Mr. Arthur Goodwyn. Tellers for the Noes, Sir Frederick Cornwallis and Mr. Strangwayes. The Yeas to go forth.
(The House divides, the Yeas, includingCromwell, Hampden, andIreton, leaving the House, the Noes remaining seated. The tellers for the Noes, with their staffs, count their numbers in the House, while the tellers for the Yeas at the door count theirs as they reënter. The pent-up excitement grows as the Yeas resume their seats and the telling draws to a close. The tellers move up to theSpeakerand give in their figures.)
The Speaker:
The Noes, 148. The Yeas, 159. The Yeas have it by eleven.
(The announcement is received with a loud turmoil of cheering, during whichIretonrises.)
Ireton:
Sir, I move that this measure, as passed by this House, be printed and distributed throughout the land.
(The House breaks out into a wild disturbance. "Yea" shouting against "No," swords being drawn and members hustling each other.The SpeakerandHampdenat 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 and distributed.
(Cries of "Yea" and "No.")
The Speaker:
I think the "Noes" have it.
(Again there is tumult, during which theSpeakerleaves his chair and the House; and the session breaks up, the members leaving in passionate discussion.Cromwell, Hampden, andIretonstand talking.)
Cromwell
(toHampden):
It is the beginning.
Hampden:
It may mean terror in this land.
Cromwell:
It may. But the country must be delivered. I had thought to live in peace among my Ely acres. I sought none of this. But we must serve. If this Remonstrance had been rejected, I would have sold all I have and have never seen England more. And I know there are many other honest men of this same resolution.
Ireton:
The issue is set. We may have to spend all that we have.
Cromwell:
Our goods, our peace, our lives.
Hampden:
We must be diligent among the people.
Cromwell:
It is the Lord's will.
Ireton:
I can speak for many in Nottinghamshire.
Cromwell:
They will be needed.
Hampden:
I can spend one thousand pounds on arms.
Cromwell:
Arms. Yes. If it must be. But God may spare us.
(There is a sound of argument outside, andBridget Cromwell, persuading an officer of the House to let her enter, comes in withAmos Tanner. They are both from a long journey.)
Bridget
(greeting her father and the others):
I went to your lodging and learnt that you were still here.
Cromwell:
But what is it, daughter?
Bridget:
Amos here—we had to come.
Cromwell:
Well?
Amos:
My boy—there, I can't tell.
Bridget:
Seth—you know he came to London last year.
Cromwell:
Yes.
Bridget:
It seems he was in a tavern here one evening, and they were talking about ship money. Seth said it was a bad thing, and he spoke of our Cousin Hampden.
Amos:
He remembered Mr. Hampden when he was at Ely, sir. He always took a great opinion of Mr. Hampden, Seth did.
Bridget:
He said Cousin John was a great patriot because he wouldn't pay. The King's spies were there. Seth was taken. He got a message sent down to Amos. It was to be a Star Chamber matter.
Amos:
There wasn't a better lad in the shire, sir.
Cromwell:
What has been done?
Bridget:
We don't know. I brought Amos up at once to find you. I wanted to come alone, but he wouldn't let me.
Amos:
I couldn't stay, sir. They'll not have hurt him surely?
Bridget:
What will they do? Is it too late? Can't it be stopped?
Cromwell:
Bassett.
(The officer comes.)
Bassett:
Yes, sir.
Cromwell:
Have you heard any Star Chamber news these last days?
Bassett:
Nothing out of the way, sir. A few croppings and brandings.
Cromwell:
Any names?
Bassett:
Jollyboy was one. That's an anyhow name for a man, now, isn't it? Lupton there was, too. He was cropped, both ears—said a bishop was a man. That was blasphemous. And a fellow about ship money. That was savage. Tanner his name was.
Amos:
Yes—but not Seth—it wasn't Seth Tanner?
Bassett:
Tanner was all I heard.
Amos:
It wouldn't be Seth.
Bridget:
What did they do to him?
Bassett:
It's not proper hearing for your sort. But they let him go.
Cromwell:
What was it? The girl has heart enough.
Bassett:
Both thumbs, both ears, the tongue, and a T on the forehead.
Amos:
It wasn't Seth, sir. It couldn't be Seth—not like that. He was the beauty of the four parishes.
Bassett
(toCromwell):
Was he something to do with you, sir?
Cromwell:
There is a boy, Seth Tanner, we have a care for.
Bassett:
Because I made bold to take him in. He was dazed, as it were—didn't seem to know where to go.
Cromwell:
It was a good man's doing. Where is he?
Bassett:
I live under the walls here, as you might say.
Cromwell:
Could we see him?
Bassett:
Nay—it's no place to take you to. But I'll fetch him if you will. He doesn't sleep.
Cromwell:
Do, then.
(Bassettgoes.)
Amos:
It's not my Seth, is it, sir? Not his tongue—and a bloody T. They would know how he could sing, and he looked like Gabriel in the books.
Hampden:
Shall we go, Oliver?
Cromwell:
No. Let us all see it out.
Bridget:
Father, it's horrible. They don't do things like that, do they?
Amos:
Dumb—and a bloody T—and the thumbs. It's some other poor lad.
(Bassettreturns; with him a figure, the hands and ears bound up in rough thick bandages, and on his forehead a burning red T. He looks at them, with reason hardly awake.)
Amos
(going to him):
Seth—Seth, boy.
(Sethmoves his lips, but makes no sound. They look at him in horror.)
Bridget:
Father—father.
Cromwell:
There—no—no.
(ToBassett.)
Take him, good fellow. Care for him as you can. Get a surgeon for him. Here's money. No, no, old man.
(Bassettgoes withSeth.)
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, andIretongo.)
Cromwell:
John, you are my best-beloved friend.
Hampden:
I praise myself in that more than in most.
Cromwell:
I call you to witness. That is a symbol. Before God, I will not rest until all that it stands for in this unhappy England is less than the dust. Amen.
Hampden:
Amen.
( A linkman is heard calling in the street.CromwellandHampdengo out.)
THE SCENE CLOSES
SCENE III
Cromwell'shouse at Ely. A year later, 1642. It is afternoon in winter.Mrs. Cromwellis sitting by the fire, reading. She looks a little more her eighty-odd years than she did in the first scene. After a few momentsBridgetcomes 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 Englandin their hearts, and fear God. I shall labour with them. It seems to me that I shall be called to great trust in this, and I will set such example as I can. Expect me as soon as you receive this, for indeed I leave London as soon almost as my letter. Your mother I saw here with her nephew. She loves you as I do. Henry Ireton comes with me—he served very stoutly at Edgehill, and hath a gunshot in the arm. None is like to serve these times better than he. Give my loving duty to your grandmother, which I shall at once deliver myself. God bless you.
Your affectionate Father.
Mrs. Cromwell:
You are born into a great story, child. I am old.
Bridget:
It's wonderful. To stand like that.
Mrs. Cromwell:
Not wonder only, girl. There are griefs.
Bridget:
They are wonderful, too, I think.
Mrs. Cromwell:
Youth, you are dear. With an old woman, it's all reckoning. One sees the follies then of this man and that.
Bridget:
It had to come, grandmother. The King was taking all.
Mrs. Cromwell:
It had to come. Men were no wiser than that. To make this of the land! One Cain, as your father says.
Bridget:
It's as though life were different, suddenly. Do you feel it, grandmother?
Mrs. Cromwell:
I know. There are times when wrath comes, and beauty is forgotten. But it must be.
Bridget
(from the letter):
"This is God's service, and all must be given,"
Mrs. Cromwell:
Yes. Even that.
Bridget:
But you do think father is right?
Mrs. Cromwell:
Yes, child. He could do no other. That's his tribute to necessity. We all pay it. He will pay it greatly. We may be sure of that.
(Horses are heard outside.)
Here they are.
(Bridgetgoes out to meetCromwellandIreton, with whom she returns in a moment.Ireton'sright arm is in a sling.Mrs. Cromwellhas put her book aside, and is standing. She embracesOliver.)
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.
(Bridgetreturns with theMayorof Ely.)
Cromwell:
Welcome, Mr. Mayor.
The Mayor:
Your good-day, CaptainCromwell.
(ToMrs. Cromwell.)
Ma'am.
(ToIreton.)
Sir.
Cromwell:
Will you sit?
(They all sit,Mrs. Cromwell, Bridget, andIretonby the fire.Cromwelland theMayorat the table.)
The Mayor:
At Edgehill in Warwickshire, I hear?
Cromwell:
Yes.
The Mayor:
The issue was left uncertain, it is said?
Cromwell:
Of that battle, yes. But I think the issue was there decided, some few of us there learning what must now be done. Those few held firmly at Edgehill, keeping us as far from defeat as we were, though that was little enough. For our troops are most of them old decayed serving-men, and tapsters, and such kind of fellows; and their troops are gentlemen's sons, younger sons and persons of quality. Do you think that the spirits of such base, mean fellows will ever be able to encounter gentlemen, that have honour and courage and resolution in them? We must get men of a spirit that is likely to go on asfar as gentlemen will go, or we shall be beaten still. We must raise such men as have the fear of God before them, such men as make some conscience of what they do. We must do this, Mr. Mayor. I never thought to use a sword, but now all must be given that it may be used well. I would have you send a summons to all the people of this town and countryside. Bid them meet two days hence in the market-place at noon. I will tell them of all these things. I will show them how the heart of England is threatened. We must give, we must be diligent in service, we must labour. An army is to be made—we must make it. We have no help but our own hands—by them alone we must save this country. Will you send out this summons?
The Mayor
(rising):
It shall be done, this hour. My service to you.
(He bows to all and goes.)
Cromwell:
Nothing is to be spared the cause must have all. We must be frugal, mother. Daughter, help as you can.
Bridget:
I will, indeed, father.
Mrs. Cromwell:
You commit yourself, boy, beyond turning back in all this.
Cromwell:
It must be so. The choice has been made, and is past.
Mrs. Cromwell:
The Lord prosper you. But I am an old woman. Age can but have misgivings.
Cromwell:
We must have none, mother. We have gone to this in prayer, we must establish it in belief. Every yeoman, all the workers in the land, all courtesy and brave reason look to us. What men hereafter shall make of their lives must be between them and God in their own hearts. But to-day it must be given to them, the right to live as they most truly may in the light of their own proper character. No king may be against us. He may lead us, but he may not be against us. Have no misgivings, mother. Faith everywhere, that is our shield.
Mrs. Cromwell
(rising):
I will be no hindrance, son.
Cromwell:
You are my zeal. I grew to it in you.
Mrs. Cromwell:
I must see.
(She goes out.)
Cromwell:
How is Seth, Bridget?
Bridget:
He mends daily. Amos tends him like a mother.
Cromwell:
I must see them. Send to Mistress Hall and Robert. Let us have music this evening. Anthony, too. Let him bring his flute. There's good music here, Henry.
(He goes.)
Bridget:
Robert Hall sings beautifully.
Ireton:
Will you sing, too?
Bridget:
I expect so.
Ireton:
I once tried to learn the flute. It was no good. I couldn't do it unless I watched my fingers.
Bridget:
Was it very terrible at Edgehill?
Ireton:
Yes.
Bridget:
Were we really beaten?
Ireton:
No. A few saved us from that.
Bridget:
Were you one?
Ireton:
Your father was chief among them.
Bridget:
Was he?
Ireton:
He will lead armies. Every man will follow him. He never faltered, and there was no misjudgment, ever.
Bridget:
Did you keep the horses you had when you left London?
Ireton:
Yes, both of us.
Bridget:
I was glad to see you then.
Ireton:
You know what is coming?
Bridget:
Yes. I see it.
Ireton:
We shall live with danger now. It may take years. Many of us will not see the end. We are no longer our own.
Bridget:
These are the best crusades.
Ireton:
To be called, thus. To be led by such a one. I know your father will direct it—he must be the man. He is only a captain to-night, but in a month or two you will see. And we shall be a mighty following. I see them forming, terrible hosts. We must give all, truly. I shall give all, I think. It is little enough. Bridget.
Bridget:
Yes.
Ireton:
You promised. I might speak again, you said.
Bridget:
Yes.
Ireton:
Will you wed a man so dedicated?