he King is the King,
a necessary part, as it must seem to us, of the government of this
country.

(There are murmurs for and against this; assent in the majority.)

To pass this Remonstrance can be no other than to pass a vote of no
confidence in that King. Consider this. Saying so much, how shall you
deny to overthrow the crown if need be? And who among you is willing to
bear that burden?

(The murmurs grow to conflicting cries.)

I beseech you let us not commit ourselves thus. Nor do not think I am
weak in zeal. There are evil counsellors with the King, and they would
destroy us. Our liberties must be looked to. But there should be
moderation in this act. We should choose some other way. We must defend
ourselves, but we must not challenge the King's authority so.

(He sits down to a confusion of voices, and HAMPDEN rises.)

_Hampden:_
My friend, I think, is deceived. This Remonstrance is not against the
King. It is from the people of this country against a policy. We desire
no judgment--all we ask is redress. If we assert ourselves as in this
instrument, we but put the King in the way of just government. I think
the King hardly knows the measure of his wrongs against us, and I say it
who have suffered.

(A murmur of assent.)

To speak clearly as is here done will, I think, be to mend his mind
towards us. This Remonstrance has been drawn with all care. Not only is
its intent free of blame towards the King's majesty and person, but it
can, I hope, be read by no fair-minded man in the way that my friend
fears. If I thought that, I should consider more closely my support of
it. But I have considered with all patience, and it seems to me good.

(He sits, and again there is a rattle of argument. CROMWELL rises.)

_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 h