Cromwell [to Frances.
I must leave you. I go hence
To listen to a sermon upon Rome
And priests of Ammon.
[Exit.
Scene 10.—Lady Frances, alone.
Lady Frances.My poor knight but a sorry figure cut.
In truth, the punishment was something harsh.
To marry thus, without well knowing why,
And turn his soft eyes on Dame Guggligoy!
It was ill done, and I am sorry for 't.—
But could I have done better? 'Tis past doubt
My father would have been far more severe.
[She spies the roll of parchment lying on the floor.
But there's his note.—What could he write to me?
I will not read it.
[She glances at the parchment with a curious and longing air.
But should I deny
All mercy?—And if I should read it? Well,
What harm? I can replace it, so that he—
I owe it him to read it—he has been
Punished enough.
[She pounces on the parchment, unties the ribbon and unrolls it.
But shall I read? Is't wrong?
But no! that episode is closed. I'll read.
[She reads.
"My lord."—My lord! what a strange man is this!
He called me princess, angel, nymph, and queen;
And now, "my lord"! A madman!
[She reads on.]"All goes well!"—
He writes just as he speaks—past comprehension.—
