This was the great error of that Parliament: and, though an error it were, it was an error generous, virtuous, and more to be deplored than censured.
"Hence came the power of the army and its leaders, and especially of that most famous leader, whom both in our conversation to-day, and in that discourse whereon I before touched, you have, in my poor opinion, far too roughly handled.

Wherefore you speak contemptibly of his parts I know not; but I suspect that you are not free from the error common to studious and speculative men.

Because Oliver was an ungraceful orator, and never said, either in public or private, anything memorable, you will have it that he was of a mean capacity.

Sure this is unjust.

Many men have there been ignorant of letters, without wit, without eloquence, who yet had the wisdom to devise, and the courage to perform, that which they lacked language to explain.