(To the agents.)
I should not speak to you but in the hope that you will report it to those that should know. I am a plain burgess of this city. I farm a few lands and am known to none. But I have a faith that the people of this country are born to be, under God, a free people. That is the fundamental principle of this English life, If your masters, be they who they may, forget that, then, as you say, there will be lessons to be learnt. Here in Ely it is my part to see that my fellows do not lose their birthright. You shall not find us ignorant nor afraid. I would have no violence; let all be by persuasion and tolerance. But these just liberties must not be touched. Will you ask my Lord of Bedford to reconsider this?
Second Agent:
His Lordship will reconsider nothing. The proclamation is to-morrow.
Cromwell:
I have no more to say.
First Agent:
Be you wary, Mr. Cromwell. These arrogances have their penalties. The King's anger is not light.
Cromwell:
You threaten idly. My word is one spoken throughout the land. You can say so.