But the Lord-General went quietly to his seat, as did his two companions; and the members, whatever trepidation they might feel, displayed none, but continued their debate, preparatory to passing Sir Harry Vane's bill.
Cromwell listened, his arms folded, his head bent on his breast; the sweet April sunshine filled the chamber with a pleasant haze in which the motes danced; Sir Harry Vane looked often at the Lord-General as if he would find an opportunity to excuse himself for his seeming breach of faith; indeed, his supporters had taken the matter out of his hands and forced the bill on, whether he would or no; but Cromwell sat glooming, and would not meet his eye.
The discussion proceeded, moderate, orderly; presently the Lord-General called to Major-General Harrison, who sat opposite to him on the other side of the House, to come to him.
"Methinks," said Cromwell grimly, looking about him, "this Parliament is rife for a dissolution—and that this is the time for doing it."
Harrison, impetuous as he was, was startled by this; he might urge Cromwell to action, and blame his slowness, but when Cromwell was roused Harrison, like any other, was alarmed.
"Sir," he replied, lowering his voice (for their conversation was being observed with suspicion), "this work is very great and dangerous, therefore, seriously consider of it, before you engage in it."
"You say well," replied Cromwell, and lapsed into moody silence again. Harrison took the seat next him, Lambert being near.
The members, though still outwardly tranquil, hastened the debate, and in a short while the question for passing the bill was about to be put.
Then Cromwell moved, and, leaning sideways to Harrison, touched him on the arm and said, "This is the time; I must do it;" and then he suddenly stood up, taking off his hat, and throwing out his right hand, he addressed the members with great passion.
"What heart have ye for the public good," he cried—"ye who support the corrupt interest of presbytery and that of the lawyers, who are the props of tyranny and oppression? This is a time of rebuke and chastening, but as the Lord liveth, we will have neither rebuke nor chastening from such as you!"