Sir Harry Vane was addressing this fragment of a Parliament
with a passionate harangue in favor of the bill. Cromwell sat for some
time in silence, listening to his speech, his only words being to his
neighbor, St. John.
"I am come to do what grieves me to the heart," he said.
Vane pressed the House to waive its usual forms and pass the bill at
once.
"The time has come," said Cromwell to Harrison, whom he had beckoned
over to him.
"Think well," answered Harrison; "it is a dangerous work."
[Illustration: OLIVER CROMWELL.]
The man of fate subsided into silence again. A quarter of an hour more
passed. Then the question was put "that this bill do now pass."
Cromwell rose, took off his hat, and spoke. His words were strong.
Beginning with commendation of the Parliament for what it had done for
the public good, he went on to charge the present members with acts of
injustice, delays of justice, self-interest, and similar faults, his
tone rising higher as he spoke until it had grown very hot and
indignant.
"Your hour is come; the Lord hath done with you," he added.
"It is a strange language, this," cried one of the members, springing up
hastily; "unusual this within the walls of Parliament.
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