7 Oliver Cromwell Quotes on Legacy

Oliver Cromwell quotes on legacy

43. I would be willing to live and be farther serviceable to God and his people; but my work is done. Yet God will be with his people.

56. During a great part of the eighteenth century most Tories hated him because he overthrew the monarchy, most Whigs because he overthrew Parliament. Since Carlyle wrote, all liberals have seen in him their champion, and all revolutionists have apotheosized the first great representatives of their school; while, on the other side, their opponents have hailed the dictator who put down anarchy. Unless the socialists or the anarchists finally prevail - and perhaps even then - his fame seems as secure as human reputation is likely to be in a changing world.

68. I confess I have an interest in this Mr. Cromwell; and indeed, if truth must be said, in him alone. The rest are historical, dead to me; but he is epic, still living. Hail to thee, thou strong one; hail across the longdrawn funeral-aisle and night of time!...

69. His grandeur he deriv'd from heaven alone, For he was great e'er fortune made him so And wars like mists that rise against the sun Made him but greater seem, not greater grow. No borrow'd bays his temple did adorn, But to our Crown he did fresh jewels bring; Nor was his virtue poison'd soon as born, With the too early thoughts of being King.

73. He lived a hypocrite and died a traitor.

77. In a word, as he was guilty of many crimes against which Damnation is denounced, and for which hell-fire is prepared, so he had some good qualities which have caused the memory of some men in all Ages to be celebrated; and he will be look'd upon by posterity as a brave bad man.

84. I've been dreaming of a time when the English are sick to death of Labour and Tories and spit upon the name Oliver Cromwell and denounce this royal line that still salutes him and will salute him forever.

    Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.