Page:Works of Thomas Carlyle - Volume 09.djvu/112

88 Notables; ah yes] to settle the Nation: 'This,' said we, is unsettlement, this is confusion!' For, give me leave, if any body now have the face to say,—and I would die upon this — [Sentence catching fire]—if any man in England have the impudence [Ah!] or face to say, That the reluctance of the Parliament to dissolve themselves was their fear of hasty throwing of the Liberties of the People of God, and of the Nation, into the hands of a bare Representative of the People,—which was then the business we opposed: if any man have the face to say this now, who did then judge it, "that last measure of theirs," and I will say more, ought then to have judged it, to be a confounding of the whole Cause we have fought for,—which it was,—I would look upon that man's face! I would be glad to see such a man! I do not say there is any such here: but if any such should come to me, see if I would not look upon him, and tell him he is an hypocrite! I dare say it, and I dare die for it, "he is an hypocrite";—knowing the spirit that hath been in some men to me. They come and tell me, They do not like my being Protector. Why do you not?—'Why, because you will exercise arbitrary government.'—Why, what is it you want me to do?—'Pray, turn those Gentlemen "of the Long Parliament" all in again; then we will like you exceedingly well!'—[Inarticulate interjection; snort or 'Humph! ']—I was a child in swaddling clouts! I cannot go beyond the Instrument of Government. I cannot