Ireton: By your leave I would marry Bridget.

Cromwell: I dare say.  You would be a very foolish young man else.  And, what of Bridget’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.  I rejoice for you.  But you must wait until this business we have in hand is 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 table writing.  After a few moments MRS. CROMWELL comes in.  She carries a large bunch of keys.  CROMWELL looks up, and continues writing.  She unlocks a large wooden chest, and takes some parchment deeds from it.  Then she comes 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 upon England.

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 help by 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 true in spirit, Amos.  It shall be used.