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Cromwell [in a kindly tone.]Aha!
The Envoy. Aha! Tyrannic laws upon our lives
Impose harsh fetters. We are Calvinists,
Our Prince a Catholic; and fire and steel
Have set our towns ablaze, all to the end
That we may be compelled to pray as he does.
Our mourning country sends us to your feet.
Cromwell.Who dares oppress you? who?
The Envoy. Who dares oppress you? who? The Duke of Savoy.
Cromwell.My lord Ambassador of France, dost hear?
Go bid the Cardinal for love of us
To stay the ills whereby this people groan.
France holds this noble duke within her grasp;
See that he yields! To persecute for faith
Is contrary to the divine precept.
Moreover, I love Calvin.
[The Duke bows.
Mancini [to the Duke, in an undertone.]To indite
These words more plainly: "Public Toleration,"
His hands he's dipped in blood of Catholics.
Cromwell [to the Swedish envoy.
Your name?

[Turning to the Vaudois as they retire to the rear of the hall.] Your name? Vaudois, on us rely always.

The Swedish Envoy [bowing.
Filippi; Terracina is my home;
And 'tis my mission at a hero's feet
To lay this gift the which to him doth send
My Queen Christina's august majesty.

[He places before Cromwell a small casket bound with polished steel, and hands him a letter, which Cromwell passes to Stoupe.

[To Cromwell, in an undertone.
By whose command and in whose interest