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 Elizabeth. Cromwell, me! Pray pardon me. In all my grandeur I forget myself, I lose myself! my mind doth not accord My borrowed titles and my real name, My Lady Protectress and Mistress Cromwell.

Cromwell.I am not happy, Thurloe. Thurloe. But those ladies Adore your Highness— Cromwell. Bah! five women! I Would rather far, by absolute decrees, Govern five towns, five earldoms, or five kingdoms! Thurloe.What! you who England and all Europe rule! Cromwell.A bourgeoise wed the master of the earth! I am a slave, my friend! Thurloe. My lord, you might— Cromwell.Not so. The balance of my destiny Is overthrown. Europe is in one scale, My wife is in the other. Thurloe. If, perchance, I could exchange my place for yours, a woman— Cromwell [sternly.]You're overbold to harbor such a thought! Thurloe [abashed.]My lord, I say— Cromwell. 'Tis well! let's say no more! What news have you?