Staines, let Spilsby see to that.
_Cromwell:_
Spilsby is good.
_Staines:_
If I might say it, would you choose him for that, sir? It is a great
responsibility, and he has been indiscreet. I thought not to use him
to-day.
_Cromwell:_
Indiscreet?
_Staines:_
In his utterances, sir. His belief is in some question.
_Cromwell:_
Surely you are not well advised to turn off one so faithful to the
cause, and so able to serve you as this man is. He is indiscreet, you
say. It may be so in some things; we all have human infirmities. Sir,
the state, in choosing men to serve it, takes no notice of their
opinions. If men be willing faithfully to serve it, that satisfies. Let
it be Spilsby.
_Staines:_
Yes, sir.
_Cromwell:_
Is the army well rested, sir?
_Fairfax:_
They are resting now. Till ten o'clock. We moved up at three.
_Cromwell:_
Three hours for my men. It is enough. The order to advance at eleven?
_Fairfax:_
At eleven.
_Cromwell:_
Is the word for the day chosen?
_Fairfax:_
Not yet.
_Cromwell:_
Let it be, "God our strength." Gentlemen.
(They all rise, and, bareheaded, together they repeat, "God our
strength.")
THE SCENE CLOSES
SCENE V
_The same tent.
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