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these two main groups is one of Swedish envoys, another of Piedmontese, another of Dutch, all noticeable by reason of their distinctive costumes.—In the background a group of English nobles, among whom Hannibal Sesthead, a young Danish nobleman, attracts attention by his coat of gold brocade and the two pages in attendance on him.—Two Puritan sentinels, armed with halberd and musket, are pacing to and fro in front of a large Gothic door at the rear of the hall.

Scene 1.—The Duc de Créqui, Ambassador of France, Mancini, nephew of Cardinal Mazarin, and their suite; Don Luis de Cardenas, Ambassador of Spain, and his suite; Filippi, Envoy of Christina of Sweden, and his suite; Three Vaudois Deputies; Six Envoys of the Dutch Republic; Hannibal Sesthead, cousin to the King of Denmark, and two Pages; English Nobles and Gentlemen; Two Sentinels.

Don Luis de Cardenas [to one of his pages.
Page, what's the hour?
The Page [looking at a large watch that hangs from his girdle.] Page… 'Tis noon.
Don Luis. Page what's the hour? 'Tis noon. Now, by St. James!
Two hours I 've waited! Howsoever great
This Cromwell be, that it doth much import
His glory that a noble of Castile
Should at his door be seen to cool his heels,
I do agree; nathless he's over-late.
The Page.⁠Most noble lord, the while your worship waits