And we, sir, are strong enough to make Parliament accept that,
but Parliament can never make us accept the tyranny of the Presbyters.
We are the new Independents, sir, the Independents of the spirit. We are
determined that henceforth in England no man shall suffer for his faith.
_Charles:_
I respect these ambitions.
_Ireton:_
Do but let us go to the army with that respect, and not a trooper but
will renew your power for you.
_Charles:_
A power a little cropped, eh, Mr. Ireton?
_Cromwell:_
No, sir, enlarged. You have ruled by interest and fear. You can go back
to rule by the affection of a free people. You have the qualities,
sir--why waste them?
_Charles:_
You persuade well. Honestly, I am sure.
_Cromwell:_
I could take all. I do not want it. I want to restore your fortune, to
give you back a regenerate kingship. Will you take it, sir? It is of
love I offer it, love of England, of your great office. And you should
adorn that inheritance. Men should be proud to call you King, sir.
_Ireton:_
We have that pride--and we have suffered.
_Cromwell:_
I can disabuse rumour about Scotland, I can persuade Parliament about
the Presbytery, I can convince the army of your good faith as to
tolerance, if you will but give me the word.
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