Cromwell raised his head and gazed into the King's pale, composed face.
"I do ask Your Majesty," he said, and in his deep voice was a note of intense appeal, "to be sincere with me."
"I am sincere with you, General Cromwell," replied Charles.
A light gust of wind shook the oak branches and more leaves drifted downwards.
"To-morrow I will return with General Fairfax and some other officers," said Cromwell, "with whom Your Majesty may finally speak." He seemed about to take his leave, hesitated, then, as if a sudden impulse had shaken him, he turned again and addressed Charles.
"Not for my sake," he said, "nor for any light reason—but for thy soul's sake that when thou comest before the living God thou mayst have no treachery or falsehood in the scale against thee, deal fairly with me now. There thou shalt wear no crown to give thee courage, and no courtier shall flatter thee—therefore, sir, bethink thee, and tell me plainly if I may trust thee."
"I have said it," replied Charles.
For a second Cromwell was silent; then he and Ireton took a formal leave and left the Palace grounds.
When they were mounted and clear of the iron gates and the stone lions, Ireton spoke.
"Wilt thou put that man up in Whitehall again? See how his mind runs on little things—he did offer us bribes as if we were soldiers deserting for higher pay."