_Charles:_
Yes, but a day or two. Say three days.
_Cromwell:_
Three days, then, sir. I brought Your Majesty this.
(He takes a miniature from his pouch.)
It is newly drawn by Mr. Cooper. It is of a young man, Andrew Marvell,
of whose verses Your Majesty would think well. He should do much. Cooper
has drawn it well--it's very decisive in line, sir?
_Charles:_
Yes. A little heavy there in the nostril, perhaps, but good. Yes, very.
_Cromwell:_
I am told that Van Dyck admires him.
_Charles:_
I have heard him say so.
_Cromwell:_
It's generous of him--the methods are so different.
_Charles:_
Van Dyck draws marvellously in sanguine.
(He takes a drawing from the drawer in front of him and places it before
Cromwell, on the case of papers.)
That approaches any of the masters, I think.
_Cromwell:_
Good--yes. And yet Hans Holbein was incomparable--not so assertive--no,
copious, and yet as complete, simpler. But--yes, there is great dignity
here.
(He holds up the drawing in front of him, holding it against the folio
case for firmness. CHARLES makes a movement, but instantly restrains
himself. CROMWELL is about to replace the drawing and case on the table,
when his glance falls on NEAL'S paper, which is lying in front of him.
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