All language subtitles for (ololo.to) Cromwell (1970)

- Is that him?
- Yes.

Oliver.

- God be with you Oliver.
- And you too John.

This is Henry Ireton, a good friend.

- Good day to you sir.
- Mr. Ireton.

I've just been taking a last look at my land.

We had heard you were leaving Mr.
Cromwell, we came from London directly.

Could've saved
yourself the effort Mr. Ireton.

- If we could discuss it Oliver, I'm sure...
- There is nothing to discuss John.

Well, come back to my house.
You've got a long journey back.

You must forgive the
manner of our table Mr. Pym.

Our best crockery is packed for the voyage.

- Bridget, fetch the bread.
- Yes Mother.

We'd hoped to persuade your husband to
change his mind about going to America ma'am.

I should've thought you would know
Oliver better than that Mr. Pym.

It was not an easy decision John.

This is my country, my land.
God has been good to me here.

- Then sir, why are you leaving?
- I have a family Mr. Ireton.

I owe it to my sons to
make a better life for them.

England is no longer a
country for a young man.

I recall you often
spoke out strongly in Parliament...

for the rights and
privileges of the common people.

That was a long time ago Mr. Ireton.

I'd a vision then.

A great nation.

Prosperous, god fearing, good laws, strong...

respected throughout the world.

That was the England I dreamed of.

Well sir, you are a squire
now, a man of property.

Perhaps you no longer
care for the common people.

Perhaps I've been misinformed sir.

I thought as a Puritan you
would see it as your god given duty...

to do the Lord's work in this
land, regardless of sacrifice.

Mr. Ireton...

I was fighting for the liberty of the common
people when you were in knee breeches.

Then why are you leaving?

I am leaving because this country
crawls with greed and corruption.

It is governed by
adventurers and profiteers...

who think more of
their pockets than their principles.

I am leaving sir, because we have a king...

who taxes the rich beyond its means and
steals land from the poor to maintain his...

lavish court and his catholic wife.

Now, when Parliament
objected against these injustices...

he closed his Parliament down.

And our man dare not speak his
mind for fear of imprisonment.

Oh yes.

All my life I believed it was god's
work to fight against such tyranny.

But god has turned his back upon
this nation and we are leaving it.

And what if Parliament
should be recalled Mr. Cromwell?

- And why should a king do that?
- He needs money Oliver.

- What? To build another palace?
- No.

To fight a war.

A war John?

A war against whom?

The Scots have assembled and army on our
border, they may invade us at any moment..

The king needs money to raise an army.

By the king's own decree, Parliament
has not sat these past 12 years...

- and now the king needs money.
- Once Parliament has assembled...

it will lie within our power to change...

the whole structure of
government in this country.

John, how many times did we sit
in Parliament in the old days...

and how many resolutions did we pass?
And how many times did this king overrule us?

Oh, the king can have his war
with Scotland, we will be in America.

There will be a war
Mr. Cromwell but not be with Scotland.

Henry.

- With whom Mr. Ireton?
- Henry, we've argued this matter many times.

I'm convinced of it.

- A war against whom Mr. Ireton?
- Against the king sir.

The king?

You mean a civil war? In England?

You know not the ways of this nation Mr.
Ireton, such things do not happen here.

And in my opinion it is long overdue.

- I will not have such talk in my house.
- It's common enough talk these days, I fear.

Then it is treasonable talk and
I will not have it in my house.

I mark the time when you were much
against the king and never feared to say so.

In truth, there is much in
this king that does offend me.

Yet with all I would not take up arms against
him and I would oppose any move to do so.

In such a cause our swords
will be in god's hands.

It's an odd thing Mr. Ireton, every man
who wages war believes god is on his side.

I warrant god should
often wonder who is on his.

Good evening sir.

Well, if I did give you
offense sir, I beg your pardon.

You're a young man Mr. Ireton, it's fitting
a young man should want to change the world.

Not the world sir, only England.

With a civil war.

- Good evening Mrs. Cromwell.
- Good evening Mr. Ireton.

I'll get your cloak Mr. Ireton.

I hope you'll forgive him.

Goodbye John.

God be with you Oliver.

You've no right to do
this, leave them animals be.

This is the common land.

Any man who raises a hand
against the king's men will be arrested.

You have no right
to do this, this land is ours.

Well, now it belongs to
the Earl of Manchester.

By whose authority?

- By the authority of the king.
- Then I say the king is a thief.

You're under arrest, take him away.

- Bastards.
- Let go him, what's he done?

Release that man.

- Who the devil are you?
- This man works for me.

Whatever he has done,
I will take full responsibility.

He has spoken treason against the king.
Will you take responsibility for that?

The rights to pasture
belong to the common people.

By what authority Lord
Manchester do you take that away?

By the authority of His
Majesty's commissioners,

Granting me and my friends full rights to
this land for the purpose of improvement.

Such a contract cannot be legal,
it is in violation of the law of this land.

As a magistrate, you should
know the king is the law of this land.

On the contrary my Lord Manchester, it
is the king's duty to maintain the law.

This is common land,
it belongs to the people.

This is my land and you are trespassing.

It's only out of respect for your rank I don't
have you arrested for obstructing the law.

- Captain Lundsford.
- My lord?

See that no unauthorized
person enters this area.

Yes my lord, remove these people.

Good morrow to you Squire.
Good morrow Mrs. Cromwell.

Squire, have you news of my husband?

- It's in god's hands Mrs. Carter.
- And in the king's.

Let us pray.

Almighty god...

look down upon this thy
house and we, thy humble servants.

Grant us the spirit of thy grace
through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

Who has done this?

- Answer me, who has done this?
- An edict Squire...

from the archbishop himself
and by order of the king.

By order of the king.

Is the church of England
not a Protestant church?

Would the king turn the house
of god into a Roman temple?

Mr. Cromwell, I beseech you.

Does the king think that god can be bought
with gold, trinkets and gilded rubbish?

- I know only that I have been instructed.
- Has this king forgotten the Reformation?

- Mr. Cromwell...
- Away with it.

Popish idolatry.

Did the Lord not say unto Moses...

Thou shalt not make unto
thyself any graven image.

Nor bow down to them?

Has this king forgotten
the Spanish Inquisition?

Is the Roman catholic church
to have a seat in Westminster?

Oh, my god.

My god. Oh, my god.

Goddamn this king.

King's guard, attention.

Here we are my lord.

That'll do, damn it.
I'm not a damned cripple.

Me sticks, where are me
sticks? Come over here, boy.

- Here they are my lord.
- Give me the damned things.

- And who the devil are you?
- Edward Hyde.

Let's in to His Majesty, where is he?

- He's at prayers my lord.
- Aye.

He might do well to pray and all.
We're going to need some help.

First the Irish and now the Scots.

You doesn't turn your back on either of them.

Let us give thanks to our mighty god,
that he has seen fit to bless this table...

with the fruits of his bounty. In the
name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, amen.

Amen.

I did remark madam, with some distress
that His Highness, Prince Charles was...

absent from prayers this morning.

- He was with me my lord.
- He did pray with you? In your chapel?

- Yes my lord.
- I am most displeased.

It is not fitting that
a future king of England...

should make his
devotions in a catholic chapel.

Your private beliefs are
respected but this is a Protestant country...

and as head of both church and state it's
my god given duty to see that it so remains.

His Highness found the whole business
so boring my lord, that he fell asleep.

- Didn't you Charles?
- Yes madam.

I believe you will find your
church as solid as ever my lord.

Nevertheless, you will kindly
see that it does not happen again.

Yes my lord.

Your Majesty, the Earl of
Strafford awaits your pleasure.

My good Lord Strafford,
welcome back to England.

Thank you me lord.

Your Majesty, your Royal Highness...

most noble sovereign...

- A chair for his lordship.
- Thank you me lord.

I'm sorry to see you in pain.

It is the agues from the bogs of
Ireland my lord, godforsaken place.

Saving your presence my lord bishop.

We would not have summoned you
Lord Strafford, had the situation...

here not been of a greatest urgency.

You've doubtless heard that the Scottish
rebels are marching on Newcastle?

Aye lord.

You will whip these
barbarians to their senses.

- But what of Ireland my lord?
- We'll deal with Ireland in good time.

- You'll march an army on Scotland.
- Army, what army?

Most of your army lies rotting
beneath the bogs of Ireland.

What's left of it is hard
pressed to keep law and order.

Then we will raise a second army.

I fear Your Majesty may find
that easier said than done.

What? I guarantee I could raise
3000 men under arms inside a month.

But, could you
guarantee their loyalty my lord?

Is there an Englishman living who wouldn't
draw a sword against his king's enemies?

There would be many
Englishmen my Lord Strafford...

who would more readily
draw swords against the king.

God, who is this jackanapes that mouths
such treason in your presence me lord?

You've been away a long time
Strafford, much here has changed.

- Aye, I can see it has.
- I fear Sir Edward but speaks the truth.

To put an effective army in the field against
the Scots will cost almost a million pounds.

The crown does not have a million pounds.

Are we just going to sit
here then and do nothing?

Then I will summon Parliament
and instruct them to provide money.

Parliament?

The king of England go cap in
hand to the common people, like a...

- A beggar.
- Aye, a beggar?

- I have no choice.
- I say take the money.

You my lord, are absolved before god
and before man from any such action.

For in extreme necessity, the king is
acquitted from all rule of government...

and can do all that his power permits.

Power? Where is the power
of a king without an army?

I'll warrant you I'll raise an army...

we'll reduce this
kingdom to submission in one summer.

Do you mean sir, that I should
declare war on my own people?

Aye, before they declare war on you.

Well, sons, there it is.

Parliament House.

Upon that place rests all the hopes of this
nation for a settlement of its ills in peace.

You think it could come to war Father?

Well Oliver, when men run out
of words, they reach for their swords.

Let's hope we can keep them talking.

The king demands money to raise an army.

This House demands redress for grievances.

Grievances which the past 12 years...

have laid heavy upon the nation, I say that-

May I be heard?

I say, therefore,
this House is resolved that we'll vote...

- will vote.
- Welcome back to Parliament.

No money for the king.

Order, order.

Neither will we take up arms
against our Scottish brethren unless...

unless this
Parliament is allowed to function...

as the true voice of the people of England...

and not as a
gathering of lackeys to the king.

Sir Edward Hyde, Your Majesty.

- Well sir Edward?
- Your Majesty.

I believe the House will
grant a loan to the crown.

But only on certain conditions.

Conditions? What do you mean? Conditions?

What are these conditions sir Edward?

In essence sire...

that the crown relinquishes
all authority over Parliament.

And who put forward this proposal?

John Pym, Henry Ireton John Hampden.

The Puritans.

They were well supported my lord.

And they call themselves Englishmen?

My god, it's enough to make
a man deny his birthright.

Yet withal, they still be Englishmen.

They make a mockery of the crown.

They abuse the privilege of free
speech with sedition and treason.

You're too loud Lord Strafford,
it is most unpleasant to the ear.

So it has come to this my lord.

- That you now bargain for your crown.
- What would you have me do?

Arrest every man who opposes me? Hang them?

Would you rather make a gift of the
crown of England to the rabble in the street?

It lies beyond my power to arrest
a citizen without proper charges.

Charges are immaterial.

Such an act would subvert the
fundamental laws of this land madam.

Such an act might save the
crown of England my lord.

I've governed this country
justly and fairly these 12 years...

without reference to any Parliament.

You may be assured I do not intend
now to be schooled in my high office...

by illiterate farm hands, cobblers and...

basket weavers.

My Lord Strafford, you will
rid us of these troublemakers...

Pym, Ireton, all of them.

- I'll arrest every one of them me lord.
- As you will.

- I shall need a warrant.
- That is imperative.

And what will the charges be my lord?

You're an experienced
officer of the crown Strafford.

You do not need to be instructed by me.

Mr. Speaker.

- May I have permission to address the House?
- By all means sir.

Gentlemen, a matter has come to
my notice which is of deep concern to me...

and will, I am sure, be to every
single member of this House.

The Earl of Strafford has, this
day, put his hand to a warrant...

for the arrest and impeachment of myself...

and four other
honorable members of this House...

upon a charge of high treason.

Though Strafford's
hand be upon this warrant...

I see in this business not the hand
of Strafford but that of the king.

My lords.

I beseech you, do not
condemn this king too hastily.

For I am persuaded he has
been ill advised upon this course.

Is not a king to be judged by
those from whom he seeks counsel?

- No.
- He is not.

It is not the function of this House
to sit in judgment upon this king.

The fault lies with those very people
from whom the king has sought counsel.

I therefore move that this House demands...

the arrest and
impeachment of the Earl of Strafford...

upon a charge of high treason
against the people of this nation.

Silence, order.

The motion has been proposed,
let it be put now to the question.

- Is the motion agreed?
- No.

In favor of the motion?

Aye. Aye. Aye.

The ayes have it.

I think my Lord Strafford's condition...

will soon be far happier than mine.

Do you see madam?
You see now what you've made me do?

Gentlemen, His Majesty.

Pray be seated.

Your coming is nothing if not timely.

My Lord Strafford's
head has but barely fallen.

Now gentlemen, it is for you to speak.

Your Majesty, you see here the
leaders of all parties of the House.

And though we be divided on
many issues, we are of one accord.

In that we place above all
else, our allegiance and loyalty...

to our most gracious sovereign.

For which reason we are deeply anxious for
a settlement of the differences between us.

I share your sentiment sir Edward.

The issue be this my lord.

Parliament is
persuaded that without the right...

to govern this nation by the will of
the people and with god's guidance...

we be not a Parliament at all.

And that unless some constitutional
reformation be brought about...

we would as well go back
to our homes and our farms...

as pursue this mockery
of a government one more day.

In short Mr. Pym, you're asking me to
relinquish my sovereign power over Parliament.

It does amount to that Your Majesty.

I do swear that I hold this England and its
laws dearer to my heart than any here.

But gentlemen, if you were to reduce
me to a figurehead, a puppet king...

manipulated by Parliament,

How then would I serve my country?
What manner of king would I be?

I am persuaded
Your Majesty, that England must move...

forward to a more
enlightened form of government...

based upon a true
representation of a free people.

Such an institution is
known as democracy sir.

- A democracy Mister...
- Cromwell sir.

Democracy Mr. Cromwell,
was a Greek drollery...

based on the foolish notion that
there are extraordinary possibilities...

in very ordinary people.

It is the ordinary
people my lord, who would most...

readily lay down their
lives in defense of your realm.

It is simply that being ordinary...

they would prefer to be asked and not told.

You know, as I do, that even as we sit here
the Scots rebels are invading this land...

and not an English
sword is raised against them.

I beg you therefore, let us...

bury our differences in
defense of both our church and kingdom.

The Scots invade our land
and all is urgency and alarm.

In the past 12 months our Irish
colonists have been slaughtered...

our churches desecrated,
our clergy persecuted.

The crown has been oddly reluctant to defend
our church and kingdom over there sir.

By my god, I would as soon take up arms
against Rome than against the Scots.

Would you have me declare war on
the entire catholic world Mr. Cromwell?

It is your duty to defend our church sir.

We are speaking now of a
matter of international policy.

Is Your Majesty sure...

that it's not
a matter of domestic expediency?

Come sir, I would remind you sir,
that you are addressing your king.

Mr. Cromwell, you are impertinent.

Such issues are beyond good manners sir.

Catholicism is more than a
religion, it is a political power.

Therefore, I am led to believe...

there will be no peace in Ireland
until the catholic church is crushed.

Your Majesty.

These gentlemen are from the Parliament.

Your Majesty, Parliament
has drawn up this document...

in which are set out our main grievances.

It is our belief that the demands made here
are only those that are just and lawful...

and in the best interests
of both crown and kingdom.

I shall examine these
proposals most carefully Mr. Pym.

Gentlemen.

It is not too late my lord.

You have the power still.

And with god's help the
strength to use that power.

Oh, my dearest Charles.

I married you as a king and as a man.

I beseech you, do not
disappoint me in either aspect.

This House has time and again expressed
its wholehearted loyalty to the crown.

Yet doth Parliament
await in vain for a gesture.

The king is coming with a warrant to arrest
you John Hampden, Henry Ireton...

Sir Arthur Haselrig and Oliver
Cromwell under charge of high treason.

I suggest you leave immediately.

That if the issues that
divide the king from his country...

be not soon resolved, then these
issues may soon divide the nation.

The king is coming
with a warrant for our arrest.

- What?
- We must leave at once.

Oliver, your name is on it.

Come.

My lords, my lords...

Gentlemen, the king comes.
He comes with 100 men at arms.

The doors, the doors, bolt the doors.

Stand aside gentlemen, if you please.

Open in the name of the king.

Mr. Speaker...

Gentlemen, you must pardon this...

infringement of your privilege
but I will not detain you long.

Mr. Speaker, I must
make bold with your chair.

I have here a warrant for the
arrest of five members of this House.

John Pym, Henry Ireton John Hampden,
Oliver Cromwell and Sir Arthur Haselrig...

upon a charge of treason.

I see that the birds have flown.

Mr. Speaker, where are these gentlemen?

May it please Your Majesty, I have
neither eyes to see nor tongue to speak...

except as this House gives me leave.

Well sir, I have eyes. I
see that one of them is here.

- Captain.
- Take him.

Any action against a member of
this House is a breach of privilege.

I move this House declares as public
enemies any who lay hands upon its members.

And I further move...

I further move that any such
action against this House...

be considered a crime against the people...

and treason against this nation.

So be it.

Mr. Speaker, you will inform
the members of this House...

that their presence is no
longer required by the nation.

This Parliament is by my...

authority, terminated, dissolved.

Your Majesty...

Are you aware that
by your action in this House today...

you may have pushed
this nation to the brink of civil war?

Now do we see...

in what contempt this king
holds this House and this nation?

It be either your king or your Parliament.

Honorable members, the decision is yours.

But I beseech you, in the
name of god, think well on it.

Fairfax.

Gentlemen...

I move that this House
demand the control of the militia...

and that this country be put in
an immediate posture of defense.

Mr. Speaker...

My lords...

honorable members...

this nation is now in a state of civil war.

And let us pray that god in
his mercy will give us strength...

in this terrible and most unhappy hour.

Morning William.

- Give you good day Squire.
- Why the coffin?

If it be god's will I die Squire, then
I would've a decent Christian burial.

Let's hope it doesn't come to that
William, I need you in the farm.

- Hello Father.
- Father.

- Morning, where's your sword Richard?
- I have no sword Father.

You must get one and wear it.
It's a mark of your rank Captain.

- Yes.
- God bless thee.

Hallelujah, hallelujah, brethren.
It is the Lord's work we do this day.

This is no place for you
Hugh, though you be welcome.

I've consulted god
on this matter Mr. Cromwell.

I asked him, Lord, whose side are you on?

And he answered me saying,
on the side of truth and justice.

So here I am.

Company, forward.

♪ Lift up your heads ye gates
of brass, ye bars of iron yield... ♪

♪ And let the king of glory
pass the crosses in the field... ♪

♪ That banner brighter than
the star that leaves a trail of light. ♪

Greetings Uncle.

It's a fair day for a fight.
Where be the enemy?

My lords, I present my nephew, his Highness,
Prince Rupert, Count Palatine of the Rhine.

- My lords, I give you greetings.
- Your Highness.

And good Cousin Charles,
most noble Prince of Wales.

- How fare you, young sir?
- I'm well, thank you cousin.

So let us to action, for
I do swear by this sword...

that within a week we will have severed
every round head from its shoulders.

- Well said Your Highness.
- Let the standard be raised.

Soldier, get those guns moving.

Thou shalt proclaim his life.

Though granted...

Halt, halt...

- Where the devil are we?
- Edgehill my lord, over there.

- Morning Robert.
- Morning Edward.

Damn me, they've got a lot of fellows there.

- Where's Cromwell?
- Approaching now my lord.

- Morning Cromwell.
- Morning my lord.

- Your men fit colonel?
- My men are ready my lord.

You seem damned eager to get
into this business Cromwell.

We all enter this reluctantly but the
die is cast, is that not so Lord Essex?

You are right.

Well, to your position, let no
man move except upon my signal.

- And may god look kindly upon us this day.
- Amen to that.

Missed my breakfast,
damned tricky things, stomachs.

- God be with you men.
- God bless you.

- God be with you.
- Take care of yourself William.

- The Lord will take care of me Squire.
- Have faith John.

I have Squire,
come on lads, look to your muskets.

Have your muskets at the ready, come on now.

Father.

May god take care of you
Richard and be with you Oliver.

And with you too Father.

O Lord, defend our cause
against the face of the enemy.

Save us from the violence
of the enemy. O Lord of hope...

fight for us that we may glorify thee.

O Lord, god of mercy,
put thy strength in our hands this day.

Give not the battle to the
strong but to the righteous.

And be thou, O merciful god...

- Our savior mighty deliverer Jesus Christ.
- Defend me from them that rise up against me.

Our lord, amen.

- Amen.
- Amen.

Father look, it's Lord Essex.

Oh, come cousin, let's take a
good look at these Round-heads.

Your Majesty.

God's teeth, have we not
parleyed enough these past months?

- Well Essex, are you prepared?
- We are, shall we begin at 10?

Oh, make it 9, my lord,
I'm positively starving.

Then in god's name, let's to it.

- It is agreed then, 9 o'clock.
- And by my faith, which I have not...

I swear that within the hour, this
field will be strewn with English dead.

If this be so, they will have
been killed by Englishmen.

For we have not seen fit to import
foreign mercenaries into our ranks.

I will mark you well for that
insult sir, be on your guard.

- Colors to the rear.
- Colors to the rear.

The Lord is our strength, praise to the Lord.

What in the name of god are we waiting for?

Ireton.

- I thought we came here to do battle.
- We're waiting for the appointed time.

The appointed time?

- Colonel Hampden, commence firing.
- Fire.

What the devil is that fool doing?

Artillery, commence firing.

Fire.

O Lord, thou knowest how
busy I must be this day.

If I forget thee, do not thou forget me.

Fire.

Fire.

- You'd better send Fairfax in.
- Bugler, sound the charge.

Troop at the gallop, advance.

- Signal Astley to advance.
- Bugler, sound the advance.

The sport begins.

Troops rear left, at a gallop, charge.

Give fire.

- Advance.
- Advance.

Advance.

Fire.

Advance pike.

Charge pike.

Fire, second rank forward.

At the gallop.

It's getting too damned close for my liking.

- Sound general retreat.
- Sound general retreat.

My lord, why in the name of
Christ did you sound the retreat?

Colonel, you've counter-mined my orders
once today, you'll do as you're told sir.

Hold your ground,
in the name of god, hold your ground.

Well Uncle, did you ever see a
quarry so swiftly put to flight?

The king will forever keep
this field and this day's service...

in grateful remembrance.

Come nightfall, we shall bury our dead.
And then by god, we shall bury this army.

With such pitiful men in our ranks, it
were better this war were never fought.

Not a drop of English
blood soiled this English land.

It's a bad officer who
blames his men Cromwell.

I blame them not
my lord, for they are simple men.

But what match are farmer's
boys against gentleman's sons?

The battle is not yet lost Cromwell.

This battle were lost
before it ever began my lord.

And in like manner, so will this war.

In the morning I'm returning to Cambridge.

If you desert the field,
I'll have you arrested.

This war will not be won with
untrained ploughmen, apprentices...

old, decaying serving men.

We need men with fire in their bowels
who fear the Lord but not the enemy.

As god is my witness, I am
resolved that this battle will be won.

Therefore, it's my
intention to return to Cambridge...

and raise an army of handpicked men,
the like of which this nation has never seen.

With or without your
permission my Lord Manchester.

Bristol will not be permitted to fall.
It is our only seaport in the west...

and if General Goring is incapable of holding
it, then I will dispatch someone who can.

I would've a mind to see Bristol
my lord, it is a fair city, I hear.

Then I shall place Bristol
in your command nephew.

- Now, my lord general, should our forces...
- Your Majesty.

- Yes, what is it?
- News of Cromwell's army Your Majesty.

- Come forward.
- At last, Old Ironsides ventures forth.

- Well, speak man.
- They're about six miles away Your Majesty.

Just south of Naseby, by my reckoning,
there be about 1000 horse and 2000 afoot.

- And what news of Manchester's army?
- I saw no other army Your Majesty.

Was not Cromwell to join
Manchester's forces at Naseby?

- That was our intelligence Your Majesty.
- Then Manchester be still in Lincoln.

So Cromwell comes with his army of 3000...

to our 7000.

- By your leave Uncle.
- Your Highness.

General Astley, sound the alert,
want every man in full battle order at once.

By god, we have him.

Manchester.

Where in the name of Christ is he?
Know you not we are at war?

In god's name I do swear we
fight this war single-handed.

Oliver.

What bloody treachery is this?

We came to meet Manchester and
instead we find the king's army.

Well, I shall take on the king.

And after that if needs must,
I'll take on Manchester as well.

Before you stands the
enemy, his three to every one of us.

And where in god's name is Manchester?

My Lord Manchester will rue the
day he has not joined us here.

And now to your positions.

These tactics we have practiced
often enough these past six months...

now let us put them to the test.

For upon this field of Naseby,
we'll turn the tide of this unhappy war.

God be with you all.

Is this wise Oliver?
We're heavily outnumbered.

Was not Gideon outnumbered by the Amalekites?

It is not numbers that
count but speed and surprise.

Let no man move, except
upon the word of his commander.

Though we be outnumbered, we shall
win this battle. I promise you.

So now put your faith in
god and keep your powder dry.

Halt.

Attack order, double line abreast.

- Forward.
- Forward.

The man must be mad.

- Prepare to attack.
- Prepare to attack.

Our swords are in god's hand,
and our faith is in the Lord.

Charge.

Fire.

Forward.

Colonel.

Regroup. Regroup.

After them.

Advance.

To the rear.

Forward.

- Come on lads.
- At the gallop.

Your Majesty, may I suggest that we withdraw?

No.

Who goes there?

- Captain Cromwell, 3rd Cavalry.
- Richard.

Thanks to god, where's Oliver?

The outrageous
incompetence and inefficiency...

of the high command have tried my patience
and that of my hard pressed army long enough.

By my faith, I swear...

it would be better
that those gallant generals...

Essex and Manchester
took up swords with the king.

For then might we be assured of victory.

- Hear.
- Hear.

For by their reluctance to pursue
this war with the intensity it demands...

they have proved treacherous
both to our cause and to this nation.

- Hear.
- Hear.

If we beat the king 99 times...

he will still be our
king and we his subjects.

If he beats us but once,
we shall all be hanged.

If that is so, then why
in the bowels of Christ...

did we take up arms
against him, in the first place?

Gentlemen...

honest men had served us faithfully...

and many had died...

that this House may sit in
freedom and this nation live in liberty.

In the name of god, I beseech you...

do not desert them now.

Unless Parliament
supports this war to the full...

I am bound to say in all
conscience that I will lay down my sword...

and let this House make
its peace with the king.

Be that peace ever so base.

Then, it is for this House to decide.

I move that this House demands the
immediate resignation of the high command...

upon the grounds that
they be no longer competent...

to command the
armed forces of this Parliament.

Order, order, order.

The motion has been proposed,
let it now be put to the question.

- Those against Colonel Cromwell's motion.
- No.

- Those in favor of the motion.
- Aye.

The ayes have it, the motion be carried.

I move...

I move that Colonel Cromwell be
appointed commander in chief of the army.

Yeah.

Bristol, we must dispatch aid to
Bristol with all possible speed...

for as long as Rupert
holds Bristol, this war be not lost.

Gral Digby, if you can detach your forces in
this area and approach Bristol from the east?

Do that my lord, would be to
expose this city to immediate attack.

Then we move the
Marquis of Huntly's army southward.

The marquis my lord, surrendered
to Cromwell's forces yesterday.

Cromwell. I hear
nothing but Cromwell, Cromwell.

My lord, it is but a game we play here,
a game with wooden armies and paper flags.

'Tis but a block
of wood you hold in your hand.

- My lords, all I ask for is a little time.
- Time my lord, costs us heavily.

If we can hold on here
in Oxford for six weeks...

the Scots have
promised an army of 20,000 men.

Her Majesty is in communication
with my cousin, the king of France...

and I have good reason to
hope for support from Ireland.

An army from Ireland Your Majesty?

I would as soon join forces with Cromwell
himself as take up arms with the Catholics.

I am the king and defender of my people...

and I maintain the right to seek
relief from no matter what quarter.

As king my lord, it is your god given
duty to defend the faith of this nation.

- I do what I think to be right sir.
- Catholics as allies, it's unthinkable.

My god, if it has come to this, let us
rather sue for an honorable peace...

than fight a dishonorable war.

I will not countenance defeat.

Rather than abandon my kingdom to Parliament,
I would come to terms with the devil himself.

Since you came to the throne Your Majesty...

your armies have persistently
persecuted our church in Ireland.

And yet, now that your
need is great, you turn to us for help.

The king's actions in
Ireland Your Excellency...

will seem as nothing should
these Puritans come to power.

It is not only the crown of
England that is in peril Excellency.

All institutions...

of established order throughout
the countries of Europe are threatened.

An Irish army of 20,000 men...

even 15,000, would forestall such a threat...

and bring this wretched war to a speedy end.

I am instructed to say that His Holiness...

would permit an Irish force to
take up arms in this country.

But there are certain conditions.

First, the catholic church in
Ireland must be completely restored...

and permitted to practice freely
without interference or oppression.

Secondly, all Protestant
churches in Ireland must be closed...

and all Protestant bishops
and ministers removed from office.

Oh, there are one or two other
minor conditions of little consequence.

What you demand
Excellency, would be a betrayal of...

my coronation oath as
head of the English church.

You have a duty Charles to the crown, for
without that, you will be head of nothing.

May I tell His Holiness that you
will agree to these conditions?

You have something to say to me sir Edward?

Your Majesty, His Highness Prince
Rupert attends in the council chamber.

- Rupert? Here in Oxford?
- Yes my lord.

I fear Bristol has fallen.

- Your Excellency will excuse me.
- Yes Your Majesty.

My lords, His Majesty.

Do not rise sir, when your king approaches?

Rise sir, or to your knees in shame.

You did give me your most solemn promise
that you would hold Bristol for four months.

Yet you have not held it for four weeks.

You promised mountains,
yet you perform molehills.

- You make a knave of your king.
- My lord...

we were besieged on all sides.

Our men were foot weary from battle,
ailing with plague and sickness.

Yet you contrived to escape with your life.

I have brought you an army my lord.

An army, 2000 strong, ready and
willing to fight on for their king.

In exchange for all the corn and stores
you held in Bristol and 200 cannon.

That was the price of your freedom sir.
I did what I considered to be right.

You deserted your command sir.

- I made a military decision.
- Decision that may have cost us this war.

Your action in this matter
is of such affliction to me sir...

that it is the greatest
trial that has yet befallen me.

My conclusion is...

to desire you to seek subsistence
elsewhere, not in my kingdom.

Most gracious lord...

I do not crave forgiveness, for by all as I
hold most dear, I do solemnly swear...

that I acted only in good faith.

The matter is at an end, I will hear no more.

My lord...

My lord, I beseech you.

In god's name, allow that I may die
with honor, condemn me not to live.

Captain Lundsford...

Do not put upon these shoulders the
terrible shame of exile and dishonor.

I beg you, take my life most noble lord.

Good Uncle, for pity's sake.

His Highness is to be kept under close
guard until such time as he is deported.

Very well Your Majesty.

Father, Mother says I'm to
go with her tonight to France.

- Is that your wish Father?
- Yes.

My duty is to stay here
with you and fight beside you.

Your place now is
at your mother's side Charles.

You will help her raise
money, perhaps an army.

Should I meet my death
and you are safely in France...

then England will still
have in you, a lawful king.

You will go with your mother.

I love this land.

And when this great
responsibility becomes yours...

then I pray that with god's help...

you will reign more happily than I have done.

Now go, with god's speed
and your father's blessing.

Oh, Charles.

I love you.

Your Majesty, it is my most
solemn duty to place you under arrest.

- By whose command sir?
- By the command of Parliament sir.

I know of no authority in
England above that of the king.

It is upon that issue
that this war was fought.

- Whither am I to be taken?
- To London sir.

- You must grant me a little time to...
- We leave for London at once.

- And my children, what of them?
- We will take care of your children.

His Majesty will
have all the time he requires.

As for your children sir,
you may take them with you.

I thank you sir.

♪ Him serve with
fear, his praise foretell... ♪

♪ Come ye before him and rejoice ♪

♪ The Lord ye know is god indeed ♪

♪ Without our aid he did us make ♪

- ♪ We are his flock ♪
- General John Pym is dead.

♪ And for his sheep, he doth us take ♪

- When did it happen?
- This morning.

- What is it?
- John Pym is dead.

Parliament is discussing
peace terms with the king.

- Does the army have no say in this?
- The army has been ordered to disband.

In god's name, did we fight this war that the
politicians should take over behind our backs?

If Parliament has decided the army will
disband, then the army will disband.

I say we take the army
and march on Parliament.

The sword will not rule this land.

We fought to institute
a parliamentary system...

and overthrow the very
tyranny which you now propose.

And who is talking to the king? Parliament?

I doubt it, I warrant I know
who is doing all the talking.

I have these past three days been in
consultation with His Majesty the king.

And I'm pleased to inform the House that the
king is now prepared to discuss peace terms...

provided that the army stand down.

I have given this House's assurance
that his wishes will be complied with.

Further, in recognition
of the very great debt...

this House owes its
commander General Cromwell...

it is proposed to award him a
pension of 3000 pounds a year...

together with certain
estates in the county of Cambridge.

It is further proposed
that the sum of 2000 pounds...

Such low treachery is not
worthy even of you my Lord Manchester.

Am I to believe my ears?

Did this nation win a bloody civil war...

in order the king should
dictate the terms of peace?

I have already discussed the matter
at great length with His Majesty-

You have discussed it?
It is a matter for this House to discuss.

- Hear.
- Hear.

The king will not come to
terms sir, until the army stand down.

- Hear.
- Hear.

And the army will not stand
down until the king comes to terms.

So if the king will not talk to this House
then let the king talk to the army.

Out of the question.
The king would never agree.

Parliament is behind us sir and on
this occasion we have the majority.

Sir Thomas Fairfax...

- He's bringing in the army.
- Order, order.

Order, I say.

Order, silence, order.

Order.

Silence, order,

I believe my Lord Manchester,
that now I have the majority.

This is dictatorship, it
will mean a new civil war.

Order.

Honorable members...

I swear before my god that
you give me no alternative.

When those liberties for
which this army and this nation...

have fought so hard are
most solemnly guaranteed...

then this army will stand down.

And upon that, you have
my most sacred promise.

- And who have we here?
- It is I my lord.

You are supposed to run
Sir Edward, not let me catch you.

I'm afraid I'm getting a little
too old for such games my lord.

Cromwell is here to see you.

You must play on your own now children.
Your father has other games to play.

Prince Henry, you will be good
enough to give me back my hat.

Sir.

Gentlemen, His Majesty.

We came to present our terms my lord.

If Your Majesty will be so
kind as to study these proposals.

Has Parliament approved this treaty?

Parliament no longer truly represents
the people of this nation sir Edward.

And you Mr. Cromwell, do you truly
represent the people of this nation?

I represent the army sir...

and the army is the heart
and conscience of the people.

So having failed to come
to terms with Parliament...

you would now negotiate with the king.

I am not bound to negotiate with anyone.

With 50,000 men under my command I could
impose a government on this nation overnight.

One is given to wondering Mr.
Cromwell, why you do not do that?

I am deeply convinced my lord,
it be the duty of Parliament...

to frame a constitutional
government and not the army.

Then I do not see that you
have any need of me at all.

On the contrary sir.

An England without a king is unthinkable.

But withal, a king that can command respect.

A monarch who governs, not from fear,
but by the affection of a free people.

Such a king could reunite
this great nation of ours...

and make the name of England
the noblest in all Christendom.

Should you adorn that inheritance my lord, all
Englishmen would be proud to call you king.

Mr. Cromwell, I do confess
that I did greatly misjudge you...

for I did mark you as an ambitious man.

To these ends my lord, I am ambitious.

Then you have my respect sir.

Thank you my lord.

We shall return in the morning sir.

I shall require a little longer to
study this document, perhaps a week.

As Your Majesty pleases.

I sincerely hope that our future
relations may be equally amiable sir.

That is my hope also my lord.

A cunning fellow.

- I believe him to be a sincere man my lord.
- Indeed.

If these proposals be acceptable...

there never was a crown so
nearly lost, so easily recovered.

Whatever these proposals may be sir Edward,
they are not acceptable to the king.

- Cromwell has betrayed us.
- Aye.

We have given our blood and our
lives in this war to put down this king.

If Cromwell comes to terms with him
now, what price our freedom then?

Get back, will you?

I have served General
Cromwell faithfully all my life...

and I reckoned him to be a man who
feared god and did honor his word.

But in this business he has shown
himself to be a man of no honor.

Aye.

We fought this war to remove this king...

- not to put him back on the throne...
- Aye,

I say, let us march on London,

let us take Parliament and
then let the king try to negotiate with us.

- Make way for Cromwell.
- Traitors, mutineers.

I don't have to tell you, any of
you, you could all be hanged for this.

We are not serfs general, nor mercenaries.

We have fought for the Lord in our
cause and now we have a right to speak.

You have no rights to
preach revolt and mutiny.

As for you John Carter, I did expect
a greater degree of loyalty from you.

I am still loyal to what I fought
for sir, can the same be said of you?

I have not betrayed my god,
country, Parliament or my conscience.

And where was your conscience this
day, when you parleyed with the king?

I tell you, all of you,

I do most honestly believe that
we have taught this king a lesson.

And he will prove most honorable.
Upon that I would stake my life.

Traitor, traitor.

This is a military camp
sir, not a debating chamber.

Under military law, any man
inciting mutiny can be hanged.

- Colonel Harrison.
- Yes General.

These three men will
draw lots, one of them will be hanged.

- Captain Lancing, get a length of rope.
- Yes sir.

- You man.
- Yes sir.

Pick up some straws.

General, there is a Sir
Edward Hyde to see you.

Sir Edward, has the king
considered our terms?

The king sir, has not even read your terms.

Nor will I venture has he
any intention of so doing.

He has, this day, drawn up a secret
treaty with Manchester and Essex to...

raise a Scottish army
against the Parliamentary forces.

He has already consented to
a catholic army from Ireland.

While you negotiate a settlement with him,
he is planning a second civil war.

I do confess that I have these many
years given my allegiance to a man...

not worthy of the title king of England.

Colonel Harrison.

I will have this king's head...

Aye, and the crown upon it.

This obstinate king, this man of blood...

whose heart god has hardened,
can no longer be trusted.

For in prodigious treason, he has
revealed himself to be a traitor.

A man of no honor.

A man unfitted to bear
the title, king of England.

- Hear.
- Hear.

I demand therefore, in the name of the
army and the people of this nation that...

Charles I,
king of England, be brought hence...

to stand trial for
his life on a charge of treason.

Oyez, oyez, oyez.

All manner of persons
having anything to do with this court...

come forward and give your attendance.

Every man to keep silence
upon pain of imprisonment.

God save the king.

Let the prisoner be brought in.

The Clerk of Arraigns will read the charges.

Charles Stuart, king of England...

you stand before this court
charged with high treason.

In that being admitted king of
England and therein trusted with power...

to govern according to the laws,
you did out of wickedness and design...

erect and uphold in yourself an
unlimited and tyrannical power.

To rule at your will and overthrow
the rights and liberties of the people.

And that you did
traitorously and maliciously...

levy a cruel war
against Parliament and the people.

And are therefore guilty of
all the treasons, rapings, burnings...

spoils, desolations, damages and mischiefs
to the nation committed in the said war.

Thus, on behalf of the people of England,
this court impeaches you as a tyrant...

traitor, murderer and public enemy
to the Commonwealth of England.

- God save the king.
- Silence.

Sir, you have heard the charges against you.

The court expects an answer.

First, I would know by what
authority, I mean lawful authority...

I am brought here and carried
from place to place and I know not what.

And by what authority you
presume to sit in judgment on me.

Remember, I am your lawful king.

Think well upon it.

I have a trust committed to me
by god by old and lawful descent.

Therefore, let me know by what authority
I am brought here and I shall answer.

It is not for the
prisoner to question the court.

I am no ordinary prisoner sir.

An answer sir, the court demands an answer.

- Then I refuse an answer.
- Sir, you are before a court of justice.

Well sir...

I see that I am before a power.

The court will keep silent.

Mr. Solicitor General,
are your witnesses prepared?

- They are my lord.
- Then let them be brought forth.

Call Sir Edward Hyde.

And you saw the king and his wife...

alone in their chambers
with this catholic Archbishop Rinuccini?

I did.

And what did you assume
was the purpose of this meeting?

You are obliged to answer sir Edward.

- To raise an Irish army my lord.
- To fight against the Parliamentary forces?

And at this time, was the king in
communication with any other foreign power?

Yes, yes, with the king of
France and with the Dutch.

- For the same purpose?
- Yes.

To raise a foreign
army to invade this country...

and to perpetuate the war
against the people of this kingdom.

Sir Edward?

Yes.

To the block with him.

Sir, throughout
the three days of this hearing...

this court has
patiently awaited your pleasure...

to hear what you have to say in
answer to the charges against you.

Yet you have declined to speak.

I am most willing sir to
answer before Parliament...

but not before this assembly...

whose authority I refuse to acknowledge.

Sir, what answers you may offer
the commons can be given here.

For this court does sit in the
name of the House of Commons.

Sir, if as you have said, you do
love the liberty of the subject...

you will grant me, your king,
a hearing before Parliament...

which is the lords and commons assembled.

Sir, I submit you seek only
to delay the course of justice.

By your favor sir,
I seek only those rights...

which, as your king, I would
grant to any one of my subjects.

Silence.

Sir, this court requires to know if...

you have anything to say
before judgment is passed upon you.

I have nothing to say to you.

Then this court will retire to judgment.

What ails thee? Art thou mad?

Have we come thus far that
you would betray us now?

There is nothing in the
Constitution of this land...

- that entitles us to bring a king to trial.
- Is not the king answerable to his subjects?

- The trial is clearly illegal and I will...
- Is not the king answerable to his subjects?

The king sir, is answerable only to god.

Then by god, when he dies, he
shall have much to answer for.

- We have gone too far in this matter.
- This commission has no lawful authority...

- Our authority lies with the Parliament sir.
- Parliament is the law in this land.

If the charges against
this king be not proven...

what terrible retribution may
he not bring down upon our heads?

In the name of god.

What are we all? Men?

Cowering and quivering
like downtrodden serfs.

The king is not England,
and England is not the king.

It is not the survival
of the king that is at issue here.

It is the survival of England.

And this king, by his
dishonesties, by his treasons...

and by his secret
treaties with foreign powers...

has shown himself to be ill
fitted to govern this great nation.

As god is my witness Oliver,
I desire not the king's death...

but the settlement of this nation in peace.

You think I don't desire that?
Go back to my farm and my family?

Very well., go again to this king.

Offer him once more our terms.

Though god knows, he should be
well acquainted with them by now.

Tell him he may sit upon his throne...

but that this country will
be governed by Parliament...

and Parliament will be elected by the people.

Now sir Thomas, if you can
achieve this where we have failed...

this trial will end.

Here is a warrant demanding the death...

of the king upon the charge
of high treason against this nation.

It will require all your
signatures sir Thomas...

I have come thus far
with you Oliver, in our great cause...

but I will not sign this warrant.

- Oliver, I cannot.
- Is he guilty or not guilty?

- He is the king.
- Is he guilty?

- Yes.
- Sign it.

Charles Stuart, king of England...

you have been found guilty of high treason
against the good people of this nation...

represented in Parliament, by whose authority
this court does sit in judgment upon you.

Upon this charge...

it is the sentence of this court
that you be taken hence to an...

appointed place...

and put to death by the
severing of the head from the body.

And that is the sentence of the whole court.

- Remove the prisoner.
- Silence.

Will you hear me a word sir?

No sir, you're not
to be heard after sentence.

By your favor sir.

I know as much law as any man
here, I have the right to be heard.

No sir. Guard, remove your prisoner.

I demand...

Blood for the traitor.

- General.
- Sir Thomas.

I have been this past
night to the commissioners.

They have instructed me to lay before
you this warrant for 40,000 pounds...

in return for the king's life.

How little you know me that you
think you can buy my principles.

You insult me with that cheap bribe.

Will you not think on it?

I have thought on it, and well.

By my god, I have thought on it.

Then the soldiers of the
governor took Jesus into the common hall.

And they stripped him and
put on him a scarlet robe.

And when they had platted a crown
of thorns, they put it upon his head.

And they bowed the knee
before him and mocked him saying...

Hail, king of the Jews, and they spit...

- Your Majesty.
- Is it time?

No Your Majesty.

Her Royal Highness, the Princess Elizabeth
and his Royal Highness, Prince Henry.

Elizabeth, sweetheart.

Don't grieve for me. Henry.

Now, both of you...

mark what I say.

They will cut off thy
father's head. There now.

Henry, pay careful attention to what I say.

You must not let them make you king...

not while your
brother Charles is still alive.

- I would be torn to pieces first.
- That's my son.

Today, your brother will be king.

Elizabeth, now.

It's a glorious death to which I go.

Tell your mother...

that my love for her
was the same to the last.

And remember me in your prayers.

- The king's escort Your Majesty.
- Thank you.

God bless you both.

- What kind of morning is it colonel?
- Indeed it is somewhat chilly Your Majesty.

Then I was wise to put on a second shirt.

For if I trembled with the cold, my
enemies would say it was from fear.

I would not expose myself to such a reproach.

- Please keep them.
- Oh, Your Majesty.

I do not fear death sir Thomas.
It is not at all terrible to me.

I thank my god I have prepared for it.
Are we to ride to Westminster or walk?

My orders are that we walk Your Majesty.

Admirable, the morning air will do me good.

The king is coming.

- He's coming now, the king is coming.
- Hey you, stop him.

Gentlemen, the king comes.

- Traitor.
- Execute him.

Execute him.

- And a true, urgent sword in our hand.
- God bless Your Majesty, god bless you.

Escort, halt.

Well gentlemen, are you afraid to
kill your king with an open face?

I will not delay you long,
but will say only this to you...

As god is my witness, I have forgiven
those that have brought me here...

and pray that my death
be not laid to their charge.

For I do endeavor, even to
the last, to maintain the peace...

of my kingdom.

I go now from a corruptible...

to an incorruptible crown.

To everlasting peace.

Will that suffice?

Permit me sir that I may pray
a while before the blow is struck.

Then when I put out my hands so...

that will be the sign.

Lord, let us now thy servant depart
in peace according to thy word.

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation...

which thou has prepared
before the face of all people.

Glory be to the Father and to
the Son and to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning
is now and ever shall be.

Behold the head of a traitor.

We did not assassinate.

Nor was this thing done in a corner, it
was done in the face of god and of all men.

The office of king is now
abolished, long live Parliament.

- Long live the Republic.
- Aye, long live the Republic.

Richard, I want to go back to Cambridge.

- Will you come with me son?
- If you wish Father.

It will be peace and quiet there now.

God knows my soul craves a little peace.

You must not think on it Oliver.

It's over now, the war, everything.

'Tis over and done.

Oliver, you're home now.

It's nothing more to think on.

Save that we two may
grow old together in peace.

Peace.

Father.

Henry Ireton is at the house
with some men from Parliament.

I'll be along shortly.

Tom.

Arthur.

Henry.

Well, you all seem solemn enough.

It is a solemn business
that brings us here Oliver.

Well, speak of it.

The country needs a head of
state Oliver, it must be governed.

- Is it not governed by Parliament?
- There must be a figurehead.

It is our tradition, the
country needs a king Oliver.

God knows you've said so many times yourself.

The country will be rule by Parliament.

Now, in the name of Christ,
how often must I say that?

- And who will control Parliament?
- The people, the people, the people.

- It's not practical, it won't work.
- It will work and it must work.

We are here on behalf of
Parliament to offer you the crown.

To offer...

Me, king of England?

King Oliver I of England.

Elizabeth tell me, do
you see before you a king?

This tired, sickening
man, this country oaf...

crude in speech and manner?

This, this rough fellow...

does he display the bearing of a king?

You are the one man
who can govern this country.

In the name of god, did we cut the
head off this king only to steal his crown?

This hollow golden
ring, this worthless trinket.

Give it to a whore for the price of her bed.

If you would find a head to fit it, let
it adorn some court jester or some...

strolling player that
he may play your king, but not I.

Power must be absolute
or it be no power at all.

It was not for power that we did this
thing, have you not understood that yet?

Now Ireton, mark me and mark me well.

That you be hard set upon
ambitious courses has not escaped me...

and if you seek to use
me towards such ends...

though I love you like a
brother, I swear I will destroy you.

Every freeborn Englishman,
be he the lowest of the lowest...

is entitled to a voice in
the governing of this country.

But there is no vote for the
poor, for the underprivileged.

No vote for all those who took up arms...

to put down the very autocracy that
this Parliament now imposes upon us.

You did not vote this Parliament into office.
This gaggle of buffoons, these villains.

Much has been said in this
House about the so called inequity of...

certain members being financially
involved in national projects.

Members have ascribed to this state
of affairs dark and sinister motives.

I say if we in Parliament cannot
gain from ruling the country...

there's really very little
point in our being here at all.

No member of this House should
be permitted to profit from his office.

- Hear.
- Hear.

If this House knew its
duty to the nation, it would...

terminate its sitting
and let a new Parliament be elected.

Gentlemen, I move that this House
be given power to remain in office...

a further three years without reelection.

In my opinion, a committee
of inquiry should be set up...

to investigate the financial
involvement of certain members.

Order, please.

Mr. Speaker, may I have your
permission to address this assembly?

By all means sir.

My lords, honorable members...

I have always desired, above
my life, a free Parliament...

sitting by the authority of
the good people of this nation.

A Parliament open and
visible, to be seen by all men.

It is six years since I handed over
to you this great responsibility...

in the hope that you would
make good and wholesome laws...

which the people
of this nation expected of you.

I must confess to some
abatement of my hopes...

for what has happened in my absence.

Instead of uniting the
good people of this nation...

with righteousness and peace...

which would've been a glorious
and Christian thing to have done.

What do I find?

Anarchy, corruption...

division and dissatisfaction.

I say that the enemies
of this nation have flourished...

under your protection.

You were from the beginning...

a provisional government
not truly representative of the people.

For have the people elected you?

Has this House gone once to the
people it purports to represent?

No, it has not. And after six years
of misgovernment, what do we find?

Sir Thomas Fairfax moves a bill
to give this House a further lease...

of its worthless and dishonorable life.

Gentlemen, an immovable Parliament...

is more obnoxious than an immovable king.

You are drunkards,
tricksters, villains, whore-masters...

godless, self seeking, ambitious tricksters.

You are no more capable of
conducting the affairs of this nation...

than you are of running a brothel.

You are scum sir, and not
truly elected scum at that.

This is no Parliament, I
shall put an end to your sitting.

I hereby declare this Parliament dissolved.

- Colonel Harrison.
- Yes sir.

- Troops forward.
- Rubbish.

- Remove them.
- Come on, get them out.

This is dictatorship sir, dictatorship.
Dictator, dictatorship.

This is illegal. Come sir.

- Come sir.
- I refuse to quit this chair.

By your leave sir.

Away with this bauble.

I've seem to recall that
we cut off a king's head...

for such as this.

You are a traitor sir, it is the likes
of you who have turned my hand to this.

I have sought the Lord's guidance
night and day in this matter.

It is not idly done, for this
nation will be justly governed.

I will give this
nation back its self respect.

We will walk in this world
with our heads held high.

I will liberate man's souls
from the darkness of ignorance.

I will build schools
and universities for all.

This will become the golden age of learning.

I will bring the law within
the reach of every common man.

There'll be work and bread for all.

This nation will prosper
because it is a godly nation...

and because we walk
hand in hand with the Lord.

I swear by the name of the
living god that I will see this nation...

properly governed...

if I have to do it myself.

Dear god, give me the strength to do it...

alone.

Oliver Cromwell ruled the
nation as lord protector for five years.

In that short time, he raised
England to be a great power...

feared and respected throughout the world.

Under his hand were laid the
foundations of a truly democratic nation.

In 1658 he died.

Three years later, Charles,
prince of Wales, was crowned king...

and a monarch sat once more
upon the throne of England.

But an England never to be the same again.