Now this one came to mind the other week with all these goings on in Parliament. Although not a greatly read man I do take a great deal of interest in history and politics, amongst other thing. What struck me was the speech Oliver Cromwell gave to Parliament in the 17th century that seemed apt. The "lord protector". Of course there are different schools of thought but love or hate the man, the speech has stood the test of time.
"It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonored by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice; ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government; ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money. Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess? Ye have no more religion than my horse; gold is your God; which of you have not barter'd your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth? Ye sordid prostitutes have you not defil'd this sacred place, and turn'd the Lord's temple into a den of thieves, by your immoral principles and wicked practices? Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation; you were deputed here by the people to get grievances redress'd, are yourselves gone! So! Take away that shining bauble there, and lock up the doors. In the name of God, go!" Dissolution of the Long Parliament by Oliver Cromwell given to the House of Commons, 20 April 1653.
Who now for lord protector? My money's on Joanna Lumley with an army of ghurkas. Who could argue!
0 comments:
Post a Comment