"And now the Irish are asham'd
To see themselves in one year tam'd;
So much one man can do
That does both act and know.
They can affirm his praises best,
And have, though overcome, confest
How good he is, how just,
And fit for highest trust;
Nor yet grown stiffer with command,
But still in the republic's hand;
How fit he is to sway
That can so well obey.
Throughout this columnar section of this project, verse, prose, and speech relating to Cromwell's time in Ireland will be showcased, demonstrating the variety of opinions that were held - ranging from the favorable to the excoriating.
The poem above was written by Andrew Marvell, upon Cromwell's return to England in 1650, before his journey to Scotland. It reflects the rather high opinion that Cromwell earned during this time, as well as the usual dismissal of the Irish.
