Cromwell.
_Cromwell:_
You are speaking to him.
_Second Agent:_
May we come in?
_Cromwell:_
Why, yes.
(They do so. The labourers gather round the window again. They follow
the coming argument with close personal concern.)
_Second Agent:_
May we speak with you alone?
_Cromwell:_
These are all my friends. I have nothing to say that I would not have
them hear.
_First Agent:_
It is discretion for your sake.
_Cromwell:_
I do not desire your interest. What have you to say?
_Second Agent:_
It is said that you will oppose the proclamation to-morrow.
_Cromwell:_
Assuredly.
_Second Agent:_
The Earl of Bedford and those with him have not drained these commons
for nothing.
_Cromwell:_
Well?
_Second Agent:_
They have earned the rights to be proclaimed to-morrow.
_Cromwell:_
By whose will?
_First Agent:_
By the King's.
_Cromwell:_
These rights of pasture belong to the people. It is within no man's
powers to take them away.
_Second Agent:_
The King decrees it.
_Cromwell:_
I know not how that may be. I know that these rights are the people's,
above any earl or king whatsoever. The King is to defend our rights, not
to destroy them.
_First Agent:_
This is plain treason.
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