There are some things in this establishment that are fundamental... about which I shall deal plainly with you... the government by a single person and a parliament is a fundamental... and... though I may seem to plead for myself, yet I do not: no, nor can any reasonable man say it... I plead for this nation, and all the honest men therein.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker asserts that government by one person plus parliament is fundamental to the nation, claiming he speaks for all honest men.
- In plain terms
- He says mixing one leader with a parliament is essential and he represents honest people in making this case.
- What can you take from it?
- Shared power between one leader and representatives matters.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes a government legitimate?
- Who gets to speak for a nation?
Another view
Claiming to speak for all can be self-serving.
More from Oliver Cromwell
Though peace be made, yet it's interest that keep peace.
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