(The announcement is received with a loud turmoil of cheering, during which IRETON rises.)

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 SPEAKER and HAMPDEN at length pacify them.)

Hampden: I beg you remember what business you are on.  These are grave times, for stout 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 the SPEAKER leaves his chair and the House; and the session breaks up, the members leaving in passionate discussion.  CROMWELL, HAMPDEN, and IRETON stand talking.)

Cromwell (to HAMPDEN):  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, and BRIDGET CROMWELL, persuading an officer of the House to let her enter, comes in with AMOS 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.