ON A PORTRAIT OF CROMWELL.

"Paint me as I am," said Cromwell,

Rough with age, and gashed with wars—

"Show my visage as you find it—

Less than truth my soul abhors!"

This was he whose mustering phalanx

Swept the foe at Marston Moor;

This was he whose arm uplifted

From the dust the fainting poor.

God had made his face uncomely—

"Paint me as I am," he said.

So he lives upon the canvas

Whom they chronicled as dead!

Simple justice he requested

At the artist's glowing hands,

"Simple justice!" from his ashes

Cries a voice that still commands.

And, behold! the page of History,

Centuries dark with Cromwell's name,

Shines to-day with thrilling luster

From the light of Cromwell's fame!