oswald enters, now in uniform, with the news that the commonwealth has fallen and the monarchy has been restored. king charles ii has claimed haddon hall as crown property. rupert is in disbelief, and refuses to yield. meanwhile, the puritans decide to go on strike, practising their self-effacing principles only eight hours a day. the chorus fling down their books and decide to dedicate their lives "to cupid." rupert seeks the mccrankie's counsel, only to find that his friend has replaced his kilt with breeches. mccrankie explains that, after several snorts from his flask, he has finally decided to abandon puritanism.