Enter ARTHUR reading a letter, U.E.L.
"——and so, cousin, I am very miserable, and if you have this influence with the General Cromwell, whose fair daughter I do so well remember, get me a home with her; for, alas! I can stay no longer here. And yet my father? But to wed with one that I despise, it is impossible, and all things are prepared, I look to you alone for rescue. Farewell. Florence."
I will! I will "Postscript. I hear you are engaged in these dreadful wars. Pray heaven! you have chosen aright; for I know not. But peril not your life more than becomes true valour; for I have heard you are dear to many. Adieu!" I dear to many?—let's see, there is my faithful serving-man—poor fellow, he likes not this life, and doth assume an amusing kind of fear, but I do believe thinking more of me than himself. Well then; I had a dog; but he was lost the night of our passage, when but for his inveterate barking, for which I beat him, I had surely been drowned in the cabin, where I slept, when the vessel was stranded—he loved me; but for more—I know them not.
O dearest Florence! were I lov'd indeed by thee,
There were indeed a bright star in the sky,
To guide my shatter'd bark of destiny! [Retires, U.R.]
Enter CROMWELL, IRETON, DESBOROUGH, and others, U.E.L., ARTHUR joins them.
Crom. Thus, gentlemen, the reports being ended, I would but detain you a short while in prayer.
Des. Nay! as I said before, we are fatigued, and the body needs refreshment.
Ire. [Apart to Cromwell.] How the pampered boar frets!
Crom. [To Desborough.] Will you to my tent?—I can give you a soldier's fare, with a soldier's welcome, a crust and cup of ale, and we can discourse what remains.
An Officer. Indeed we are engaged; but if the General Cromwell would honour us—