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 A few more days in London I must have. Mistress Fleetwood [sourly.]To make yourself a throne, is it not so? In candour, father, would you not be king? But Fleetwood, yes, my husband, will prevent! Cromwell.How now! my son-in-law— Mistress Fleetwood. He does not choose To fake a crooked line. There is no place In a republic for a king. Therein I am with him opposed to your designs. Cromwell.And my own daughter, too! Lady Falconbridge [to .] Upon my word, I do not understand you, sister mine! Our father's a free man, his throne is ours. Why should not he be king, like any other? And why deny ourselves th' ecstatic joy Of being princesses of royal blood? Mistress Fleetwood.Sister, I am by worldly vanities But little moved. My thoughts are all intent Upon salvation. Lady Falconbridge. I do love the court, And know not why, my husband being a lord, My father is not king. Mistress Fleetwood. The pride of Eve, My sister, the first man destroyed! Lady Falconbridge [turning away, disdainfully. 'Tis plain That of a nobleman she's not the wife! Cromwell [in an irritated tone. Be silent, both! Of your young sister, pray, The mild and placid bearing imitate.

Frances, of what think you?