............on the Dissolution of the Long Parliament.
Given to the House of Commons,
20th April 1653.
It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this
place, which you have dishonoured by your
contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every
vice; ye are a factious crew, and
enemies to all good government; ye are a pack of mercenary
wretches, and would like Esau sell
your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray
your God for a few pieces of money.
Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is
there one vice you do not possess? Ye have
no more religion than my horse; gold is your God; which of
you have not barter'd your conscience
for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least
care for the good of the Commonwealth?
Ye sordid prostitutes have you not defil'd this sacred
place, and turn'd the Lord's temple into a den
of thieves, by your immoral principles and wicked
practices?
Ye are grown intolerably odious to the
whole nation; you were deputed here by the people to get
grievances redress'd, are yourselves gone!
So! Take away that shining bauble there, and lock up the
doors. In the name of God, go!
Hmmmmm! Sounds familiar?
Al.