He spoke of these things, and especially of the great naval victories of Blake over the Dutch, with eloquence. Cromwell admitted all. He was far too great to wish Blake’s honour less, for Blake’s honour was England’s honour, and England’s honour was Cromwell’s master passion. "Blake is a good man, and a great commander," he said heartily; "I have seen him on the battle-field, again and again; he took his men there through fire to victory; I do think he will now take them through water the same sure road." When it drew towards midnight the long, bitter argument was at its height; no decision had been reached, no course of conduct decided on; and it was evident to Cromwell that passion and self-interest were gaining the mastery. He stood up, and pointing to the smoky, flickering lights of the nearly burned out candles, said, "The plain truth is, we must have a new Parliament, though we do carry it by force through the teeth of the greatest in the land. I say we must have it. I wish that we had such due forwardness as to set about it to-morrow." "The 3d of November," cried Whitelock. "Such a far-off promise is but words for children. I will better it. I will say to-morrow." "I am with Mr. Whitelock," said one of the members; "at least with present showing." "And I am of the same mind," added Hazelrig. "Hazelrig, you are ever egging people of two minds to be of the worser." "My Lord General, you put us all down. It were well, my lord, if you could believe there are some others of account beside yourself." Cromwell looked keenly at the speaker but did not answer him. Turning to Sir Harry Vane he said, "It is now near to midnight, and we have done no good, and I think we shall do none. Let us go to rest. To-morrow, we will talk the matter down to the bottom, and do what God wills." "Or what the Lord General wills," said Harry Marten with a light laugh, rising as he spoke. "I want not my own will," answered Cromwell with a sudden great emotion. "I have sought the Lord’s will, night and day, on this question. I have indeed! But I do think we have fadged long enough with so great a subject, and the people want a settlement of it—they will have a settlement of it—and I tell you the plain truth, to-morrow there must be some decision. It cannot longer be delayed. There are those who will not suffer it. Truly, I believe this is the greatest occasion that has come to us. As the business stands—I like it not, and somewhat must be done to mend it. I must say this to you—impute it to what you please."