(reading a letter from the table):
My dearest daughter,--
This in all haste. We have fought to-day at Naseby. The field at
all points is ours. They are destroyed beyond mending. Henry is hurt,
but he is well attended, and the surgeons have no fear. He shall be
brought to you by the first means. He has great honour to-day for
himself and for us all.

_Ireton:_
He loves you.

(CROMWELL adds a word to the letter. Then he leaves IRETON to the
surgeons and speaks to SETH, who is at the table.)

_Cromwell:_
Seth, will you write, please.
(He dictates very quietly, not to disturb IRETON.)

To the Speaker of the Commons of England, at Westminster.

Sir,--This, of which the General advises you, is none other but the
hand of God, and to Him alone belongs the glory, wherein none are to
share with him. The General served you with all faithfulness and
honour; and the best commendation I can give him is, that I dare say
he attributes all to God, and would rather perish than assume to
himself. Which is an honest and a thriving way; and yet as much for
bravery may be given to him, in this action, as to a man. Honest men
served you faithfully in this action. Sir, they are trusty; I beseech
you, in the name of God, not to discourage them. I wish this action
may beget thankfulness and humility in all that are concerned in it.