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Wherefore I ordered that you be convoked,
That we might speak together and confer.—
And, first of all, is't meet to choose a king?
Second, should I be chosen?—On these points
Give your opinions, free and uncontrolled.
Let each in turn set forth his theory.
I in all frankness speak—do you the same.
The Earl of Warwick is of highest rank.
Let him begin.—Now, Master Milton, list.
Warwick [rising.]My lord, your faith, your lofty character,
Your intellect, are unexcelled on earth;
And, to your greater glory, you are kin
On the maternal side to all the Warwicks.
Your noble arms bear the same helm as ours.
Now, as a kingdom needs must have a king,
A Rich may no less fitly England rule
Than any Stuart.
[He resumes his seat.
Cromwell [aside.] … Stuart. He's but too o'erjoyed
To exalt his family! Cromwell obscure
Is nought; but let him glitter on the throne,
The Riches are his grandfathers and cousins.
Ay, they have been my ancestors—four years!
[Aloud.]'Tis your turn, Fleetwood.
Lieutenant-General Fleetwood [rising.]I, my lord, declare
For the republic! I make known my views
Without reserve, my honoured father-in-law.
For it we reared the scaffold of the Stuart,
For it we fought. It we must have and will.
To God alone leave we the one true crown.
No Oliver the first nor Charles the Second!
No king forever!
[He resumes his seat.