Some might call
this murder. They called it war,--a salutary example.
Finding themselves closely confined within their walls, their friends
outside hanged, no hope of relief, starvation their ultimate fate, the
garrison concluded at length that it was about time to treat for terms
of peace. All England besides was in the hands of Cromwell and the
Parliament; there was nothing to be gained by this one fortress holding
out, unless it were the gallows. They therefore offered to deliver up
the castle, if they might have honorable conditions. If not, they
said,--
"We are still well stocked with provisions, and can hold out for a long
time. If we are assured of pardon we will yield; if not, we are ready to
die, and will not sell our lives for less than a good price."
"I know you for gallant men," replied Lambert, "and am ready to grant
life and liberty to as many of you as I can. But there are six among you
whose lives I cannot save. I am sorry for this, for they are brave men;
but my hands are bound."
"Who are the six? And what have they done that they should be beyond
mercy?"
"They were concerned in the death of Rainsborough. I do not desire their
death, but Cromwell is incensed against them.
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