CONFERENCE V. Cromwell, Fleetwood, Desborough [In St. James's Park, April 25th, 1657.] 1 CONFERENCE I. LORD STRAFFORD AND MR. PYM. [At Greenwich, in 1633.] Ex PY M. XCUSE my freedom. I haté apostacy, and I can hardly bear the fight of a man who has changed his principles. When you quitted the Commons, and folicited a feat in the other Houfe, I faw clearly you were deserting the cause of the people. STRAFFORD. Did I not oppofe all illegal proceedings for feveral years, at the expence of my personal liberty, with as much energy and eloquence as the best of you all? And had I not as much merit as any one in procuring the Bill of Rights that has made you all fafe? I think the people have obtained all that you can defire for them, and that the prerogative is pared clofe enough. PY M. You could not withstand the funshine of Royal Favour. You have made an ill exchange for yourself. The people will never forgive your deferting them for the bauble of a peerage: they will be always apprehensive you will employ your influence and great abilities against them. Was it worth while to gratify the wishes of one person at the expence of your honour? to venture the indignation of all good men, by going out of the path you set out in, and should have continued in, during your political life? STRAFFORD. I hope I have not loft the good opinion of wife and honest men. I have not forfaken nor loft fight of the interest of my country: I am in love with its government and its laws: I have it now in my power to ferve it |