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To Master Davenant that I would see him.
He's at The Siren, near to London Bridge.
[Exit Thurloe to execute the order.
We'll see which of us two will be the dupe.
Ill-wishing knaves! but in the darkness where
Your steps are hid, I always have a torch,
Which you cannot put out.
⁠[Enter Thurloe.
Which you cannot put out. Let us pursue.
Have you Spain's envoy seen?
Thurloe. Have you Spain's envoy seen? He offers you
Calais, if you send succour to Dunkirk
Without delay.
Cromwell [reflecting.] ⁠ France offers us Dunkirk,
Spain, Calais. But their generosity
Is somewhat lessened by this circumstance:
Dunkirk belongs to Spain, Calais to France.
Each of these monarchs doth designedly
Give me my choice among his neighbour's towns;
And that my favour may prefer his claim,
Gives me as pledge a conquest to be won.
With France's King I must remain at peace.
Wherefore betray him? T'other offers less.
Thurloe [continuing his report.
The Protestants of Nimes, like the Vaudois
Oppressed, entreat your generous support.
Cromwell.⁠I'll write the Cardinal in their behalf.
But when will he be tolerant?
Thurloe. But when will he be tolerant? Dev'reux
Hath carried Catholic Armagh by assault,
And thus doth Chaplain Peters write thereon:
"To Israel's arms hath God shewed clemency.
Armagh is ta'en at last! By fire and sword
Old men and women we have put to death,
And children; at the least, two thousand slain.