Of late I have not given so free and full a power unto (Cromwell) as formerly I did, because I heard that he used his power so as in honour I could not avow him in it....for his expressions were sometimes against the nobility, that he hoped to live to see never a nobleman in England, and he loved such (and such) better than others because they did not love Lords. And he further expressed himself with contempt of the Assemberly of Divines...these he termed persecutors, and that they persecuted honester men than themselves.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author restricts power given to Cromwell due to his disrespectful remarks about the nobility and religious leaders. Cromwell's anti-aristocratic sentiments and contempt for established bodies concern the speaker.
- In plain terms
- Power was reduced because Cromwell spoke disrespectfully about nobles and clergy.
- What can you take from it?
- Disrespect toward established institutions can limit one's authority.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is disrespect justified in leadership?
- How should power be balanced with loyalty?
Another view
Reforms often require challenging established institutions.
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