You should tell your masters all that you see and hear. Do not flatter them. Let it be the truth. Say that men talk everywhere, more and more openly. Tell them that you heard John Hampden say that the King's Star Chamber was an abomination, that the King soiled his majesty in treating Mr. Prynne and Mr. Bastwick so. Say that you and your like are reviled by all honest men.
Ireton:
And you can say that it is no fear of earls or kings that spared you the whipping you would deserve if you were better than shadows.
Bridget:
Well said, Mr. Ireton.
(There is a demonstration of anger from the labourers, but Cromwell checks it.)
Mrs. Cromwell:
Now, Henry Ireton, these gentlemen may be bears, but I won't have you make this room into a bear-pit.
Cromwell:
No, friends, these men say but what they are sent to say.