asion--yes, these may take time. We may not always easily
understand each other there. But that there should be any question of
duplicity between us--it is monstrous. We may disagree, stubbornly, Mr.
Cromwell, but we know each the other's thought.

_Cromwell:_
I believe it. You know nothing of these Scotch agents in London?

_Charles:_
Scotch?

_Ireton:_
They arrived yesterday.

_Charles:_
Who are they?

_Cromwell:_
You do not know, sir?

_Charles:_
I? Indeed, no.

_Cromwell:_
I did not suppose it. But already I am beset by warnings. I dismiss
them, giving my word in this for your integrity, as it were.

_Charles:_
Minds are strained in these days, It is shameless of them to say this.

_Ireton:_
It means so much, you see, sir. Intrigues with Scotland--there are none,
we are assured, but if there were it would almost inevitably bring civil
war again. The mere shadow of that in men's minds is enough, indeed, to
overthrow them. No man can consider the possibility of that without
desolation.

_Charles:_
No. That is unquestionable.

_Cromwell:_
And so I was minded to come, and be sure by word of mouth, so to speak.
Your Majesty knows how suspicions creep in absence, even of those whom
we trust. And I have shown, sir, that I trust you.

_Charles:_
We are not insensitive.

_Ireton:_
It is of that trust, truly worn, sir, that we may all yet look for a
happy settlement.

_Charles:_
It is my hope, devoutly.

_Cromwell:_
Parliament bends a little to my persuasion. If I could but induce Your
Majesty to treat no longer directly with them, but to leave all to me.

_Charles:_
It is our Parliament still. We cannot slight them.

_Cromwell:_
But, sir, you confuse things daily. If the army were no longer intact,
it would be another matter. But now it is the army that must be
satisfied--in the end there is the real authority. Remember, sir, that
these men are not merely soldiers. They are the heart and the conscience
of the nation in arms. By their arms thay have prevailed, how bloodily
Your Majesty knows. They stand now to see that the settlement is not
against that conscience that armed them.

_Charles:_
But we must consider ourselves. It would be folly to anger the House.

_Cromwell:_
The House can do nothing without us. And I have considered you, sir. I
have persuaded the army that the monarchy is the aptest form of
government for this country. It was difficult, but my belief has
prevailed. I ha