King. [To Cromwell.] Sir,

Thou seest me with my children. Doth thine errand

Demand their absence?

Cromwell. No. I sent them to thee

In Christian charity. Thou hast not fallen

Among the heathen!

King. Howsoever sent,

It was a royal boon. My heart hath ached

With the vain agony of longing love

To look upon those blooming cheeks, to kiss