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Museum of Wonder: Cromwell

Cromwell's Expulsion of the Parliament.

At one period in English history, a lit tle more than two hundred years ago, the country was ruled by one man, Oliver Cromwell, "Old Ironsides," as he was called, who opposed the royal party and cut off the head of King Charles I. He was a warrior, a statesman and re-organizer, a bold, resolute spirit, with vast personal influence, an ardent patriot and champion of the cause of the people. He fixed on a plan to procure the dissolution of the Parliament, and to vest for a time the sovereign authority in a council of forty persons, with himself at their head.

It was his wish to effect this quietly by the votes of the Parliament-his resolu- For help-"The boats!'"-but these are useless, none tion to effect it by open force, if such Can aid, and inch by inch their doom creeps on.

But hark! above men's voices and the roar Of conflagration, shouts the captain-"Men!

Listen-the land is there; ten minutes more, All-saved or lost-will have been settled then !

There's but one chance: 'tis if the pilot's hand Keep strong, to steer a straight course for the land!" And then he shouted, "Are you there, my lad?"