(ELIZABETH comes back with JOHN HAMPDEN, aged forty-four, and HENRY
IRETON, twenty-eight. They both shake hands with MRS. CROMWELL.)
_Hampden:_
How do you do, ma'am?
_Mrs. Cromwell:_
Well, John.
_Ireton:_
Good-evening, ma'am.
_Mrs. Cromwell:_
You're welcome, Master Ireton, I'm sure. If you behave yourself, young
man.
_Ireton:_
How may that be, ma'am?
_Mrs. Cromwell:_
No, don't ask me. Only don't you and John come putting more notions into
Oliver's head. I'm sure he's got more than he can rightly manage as it
is.
_Hampden:_
We were told down there that it's to-morrow that my Lord of Bedford and
his like are to claim the common rights.
_Elizabeth:_
Yes.
_Ireton:_
Mr. Cromwell is to resist, they said.
_Mrs. Cromwell:_
Now, young man, Oliver doesn't need any urging to it. He needs holding
back.
_Hampden:_
But that's fine for Oliver. Every man must speak to-day--and do as well,
if it comes to it.
_Mrs. Cromwell:_
Yes, but don't be so proud about it, John.
_Elizabeth:_
I think they should be proud.
_Mrs. Cromwell:_
Remember what Mr. Herbert says--
A servant with this clause
Makes drudgerie divine.
Who sweeps a room, as for thy laws,
Makes that and th' action fine.
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