s, 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.

(He places it with the deeds.)

_Amos:_
And then if I might speak for Seth.

_Cromwell:_
Yes, what is it?

_Amos:_
He's dumb, sir, it's true, but you'll find no better heart nor wits. And
he has a fair lot of book-learning now as well, and has come to handle a
pen for all his poor hands were treated so. He would be your servant,