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?

Bridget: The more for that.  Yes, Henry.

Ireton (as they embrace):  May we tell your father now?

Bridget: Yes—­if I can but help you to serve.

Ireton: You shape my service.  In you shall all the figures of my service dwell.  Will he take this kindly?

Bridget: Surely.  He loves you, he has said it often.

(CROMWELL returns.)

Bridget: Father, Henry Ireton has to speak to you.

Cromwell: Eh?

Ireton: Yes, Mr. Cromwell.

Cromwell: Quite so.  Mr. Cromwell.  That’s very interesting now, isn’t it?