The English monster, the center of mischief, a shame to the British Chronicle, a pattern for tyranny, murder and hypocrisie, whose bloody Caligula, Domitian, having at last attained the height of his ambition, for five years space, he wallowed in the blood of many gallant and heroick persons....
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- This quote portrays Cromwell in extremely harsh terms, labeling him a tyrant and hypocrite responsible for bloodshed. It reflects a strong contemporary criticism of his rule and ambitions.
- In plain terms
- Cromwell is described as a cruel tyrant who killed many brave people.
- What can you take from it?
- Opponents often view ambitious leaders as monsters.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do victors write history?
- What defines a tyrant?
Another view
Such language reflects extreme bias rather than objective fact.
More from Oliver Cromwell
In short, every beast hath some evil properties; but Cromwell hath the properties of all evil beasts.
Permalink to quote #95 He would sometimes be very cheerful with us, and laying aside his greatness he would be exceeding familiar with us, and by way of diversion would make verses w…
Permalink to quote #94 As to your own person the title of King would be of no advantage, because you have the full Kingly power in you already... I apprehend indeed, less envy and da…
Permalink to quote #93
Related quotes
Caesar had his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell; and George the Third - ['Treason!' cried the Speaker] - may profit by their example. If this be treason,…
Patrick HenryPatrick Henry quote #1 Popery is such a thing as cannot, but for want of a word to express it, be called a religion; nor is it to be mentioned with that civility which is otherwise d…
Andrew MarvellAndrew Marvell quote #1 George W. Bush is a man who seems to be the center of his own universe. He seems to have learned little of human nature and even less of human history over his…
Robert ByrdRobert Byrd quote #1