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 as far 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 flut