Page "Long Parliament" Paragraph 21

" Harrison, who was in Cromwell's confidence on this occasion, rose to debate the motion, merely in order to gain time.

Word was carried to Cromwell, that the House were on the point of putting the final motion ; and Colonel Ingoldby hastened to Whitehall to tell him, that, if he intended to do anything decisive, he had no time to lose.

" Once the troops were in place Cromwell entered the assembly.

He was dressed in a suit of plain black ; with grey worsted stockings.

He took his seat ; and appeared to be listening to the debate.

As the Speaker was about to rise to put the question, Cromwell whispered to Harrison, " Now is the time ; I must do it.

" As he rose, his countenance became flushed and blacked by the terrific passions, which the crisis awakened.

With the most reckless violence of manner and language, he abused the character of the House ; and, after the first burst of his denunciations had passed, suddenly changing his tone, he exclaimed, " You think, perhaps, this is not parliamentary language ; I know it ; nor are you to expect such from me.

" He then advanced out into the middle of the hall, and walked to and fro, like a man beside himself.

In a few moments he stamped upon the floor, the doors flew open and a file of musketeers entered.

As they advance, Cromwell exclaimed, looking over the House, " You are no Parliament ; I say you are no Parliament ; begone, and give place to honester men.