(The sound of horsemen arriving is heard.)
Elizabeth:
That will be John and Mr. Ireton.
(She looks from the window, puts her work into a box, and goes out.)
Mrs. Cromwell
(turning her pages):
Ye have been fresh and green,
Ye have been filled with flowers,
And ye the walks have been
Where maids have spent their hours.
Like unthrifts, having spent
Your stock, and needy grown,
You're left here to lament
Your poor estates alone.