I praise myself in that more than in most.

Cromwell:

I call you to witness. That is a symbol. Before God, I will not rest until all that it stands for in this unhappy England is less than the dust. Amen.

Hampden:

Amen.

( A linkman is heard calling in the street. Cromwell and Hampden go out.)

THE SCENE CLOSES

[SCENE III]

Cromwell's house at Ely. A year later, 1642. It is afternoon in winter. Mrs. Cromwell is sitting by the fire, reading. She looks a little more her eighty-odd years than she did in the first scene. After a few moments Bridget comes in. She is opening a letter.

Bridget: