[Scene VIII]
Whitehall, November 1654
[THE CHARACTERS ARE]
|
Mrs. Cromwell, Oliver's
mother Elizabeth Cromwell, his wife Bridget Cromwell, his daughter John Hampden Henry Ireton Oliver Cromwell Seth Tanner Two Agents to the Earl of Bedford Amos Tanner A Member of Parliament The Speaker of the House of Commons Bassett, an officer of the House The Mayor of Ely General Fairfax Colonel Staines Colonel Pemberton A Scout A Surgeon An Aide Neal, Secretary to Charles Charles I Farm labourers—Members of Parliament |
Cromwell's house at Ely, about the year 1639. An early summer evening. The window of the room opens on to a smooth lawn, used for bowling, and a garden full of flowers.
Oliver's wife, Elizabeth Cromwell, is sitting at the table, sewing. In a chair by the open window Mrs. Cromwell, his mother, is reading. She is eighty years of age.
Mrs. Cromwell:
Oliver troubles me, persuading everywhere. Restless like this.