\version "2.10.14" % on debian sarge 3.1

\layout { ragged-right = ##t }

\relative c''{

  \override Score.SeparationItem #'padding = #10

  \setTextCresc
  \set crescendoText = \markup { \italic "cre" }
  a \< a \!

  \setTextCresc
  \set crescendoText = \markup { \italic "cre" \hspace #1 }
  a \< a \!

}