This day (to the stupendous and inscrutable Judgements of God) were the Carcasses of that arch-rebell Cromwell and Bradshaw the judge who condemned his Majestie & Ireton, son-in-law to the Usurper, dragged out of their superbe tombs (in Westminster among the Kings), to Tyburn & hanged on the Gallows there from 9 in the morning til 6 at night, and then buried under that fatal and ignominious monument, in a deepe pitt: Thousands of people who (who had seen them in all their pride and pompous insults) being spectators: look back at November 22, 1658, & be astonish'd - And fear God & honour the King, but meddle not with those who are given to change.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The text recounts the posthumous execution of Cromwell and others as a warning against changing the order.
- In plain terms
- Cromwell and others were dug up and hanged after death to honor the king and warn against change.
- What can you take from it?
- Symbolic actions after death reinforce political authority.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does public punishment show?
- How do you remember enemies?
Another view
The perspective is one-sided and celebrates regicide punishment.
More from Oliver Cromwell
Saw the superb funeral of the Protector:...but it was the joyfullest funeral that I ever saw, for there were none that cried, but dogs, which the souldiers hoo…
Permalink to quote #71 He lived a hypocrite and died a traitor.
Permalink to quote #73 Things will shortly happen which have been unheard of, and above all would open the eyes of those who live under Kings and other Sovereigns, and lead to great …
Permalink to quote #70
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