_Cromwell:_
Sir, this is a day when every man must speak the truth that is in him,
or be silent in shame, and for ever. Mr. Hampden is my kinsman, as you
know, one who has my best affection. His word has ever been a strength
among us, and no man here but knows his valiance in the cause. His has
been a long suffering, and his integrity but ripens. But I do not read
this occasion as he does, nor, let me say, do I fear it as does our
friend who spoke before. That gentleman pleads that this Remonstrance is
a vote of want of confidence in the King, such as none of us would
willingly pass. Mr. Hampden replies that it is no such vote. I say to
you that it is such a vote, and that I would pass it with all my heart.
Sir, this country, the spirit of man in this country, has suffered
grievances too great to be borne. By whom are they laid upon us? I say
it is by the King. Is a man's estate secure to himself? Does not the
King pass upon it levies for his own designs? You know that it is so. Is
there not ship money? Mr. Hampden can tell you. Is not that the King's
affair? Is there not a Star Chamber? Ask Mr. Prynne and those others.
These men disliked the King's church--a very dangerous church as it
seems to me--and were bold to say so. And for that each was fined five
thousand pounds, and had his ears cut off, and is now in prison for
life. And does not the Star Chamber belong to the King? Who among you
can deny it? And this land is bruised, I tell you, by such infamies.
There is no sureness in a man for his purse or his body, or his
conscience. The King,--not the head of the state, mark you, expressing
the people's will in one authority,--but this man Charles Rex, may use
all these as he will. I aim not to overthrow the monarchy. I know its
use and fitness in the realm, as well as any. But this can endure no
longer. The King is part of the state, but we have a King who has sought
to put the state to his private use. The King should have his authority,