"Neither need trouble thee," said the soldier calmly, speaking with more mildness and adopting the form of speech both more respectful and more affectionate, "since thou needst not see me save by thy own wish."
"It was needful that I should see thee," returned His Highness, "it was very needful. Hard things are said of thee—yea, difficult and curious things."
He walked about the room, looking at the floor, his arms folded behind him, then stopped before Harrison, who remained a few paces from the door standing by the chair on which were his hat and cloak.
"Thou hast meddled with Anabaptists and these mistaken people called Fifth-Monarchy Men," he said abruptly.
A grim smile flashed over Harrison's face.
"Art thou become a persecutor and a watcher over men's consciences and a spy on their actions?" he asked.
"Nay," replied His Highness, grimly too, "thou knowest well enough if I am tolerant or no, Thomas Harrison; thou knowest me very well, even to the roots of my heart. But now I am Governor of England, and over England I shall watch."
"Thou art," said the undaunted Republican, "a tyrant."
"I am a ruler by charter of God and the People," said Cromwell. "It is well known in this nation and in all the world"—he lifted his head with great dignity—"whether I am a tyrant or no. But I will admit this much, I have as much power and authority as many a bad king. Take that along with thee."