[Aloud.]Now, gentlemen, we are prepared to listen.
The Speaker [standing, uncovered, like all the others.
My lord, we bring to you for your approval
The bills enacted by the Parliament,
Wherein 'twill to your Highness be made clear
How dearly we do love the good old cause.
Your sanction deign to give.
Cromwell. We will consider.
The Speaker [turning to the Clerk.
Clerk of the Commons, read the laws proposed.
On June the twenty-fifth, in the ninth year
Of our God-given liberty. The Parliament
Hath passed these bills, the last, that is to say:—
First. Inasmuch as men may sin, like Noah,
Through heedless misuse of the vine its fruit,
And swear by holy names, without intent
Evil to do, the Parliament decrees,
So purposing to temper present laws,
That drunkards shall be punished with the lash
And swearers with the cord.
Cromwell. 'Tis very mild.
He who blasphemes the God to whom we pray,
He 's quite as bad as any murderer,
Ay, or as any actor! Why should he
Be punished less?—These laws are temporary,
And for that reason we assent to them.
[The Speaker and the Members bow.
The Clerk [reading on.
Second. The victories but lately won
By Admiral Blake, shall by a general fast
Commemorated be. The Commons House,
Having with zeal conned o'er the sacred books,
