Page 46 - Hampdens Monument Unveiled

struggle had begun, one feeling at least, one object at least,
appeared to be in common between Falkland and Hampden -to make
the result of one short and vigorous effort the basis of a
lasting treaty. But for this object each acted as feeling that,
the more earnest and then more active the conduct of the war,
which both deplored, the more rapid and decisive would be that
to which each now looked as the only prospect (on whichever
side the victory might fall) of assured and lasting peace. When
necessity, this then, was clearly seen, "Mr. Hampden's
carriage," says Lord Clarendon, "become fiercer," and Lord
Falkland says he was always the advisor of the most active
prosecution of the conflict, believing "that one great battle
would end all differences. "Et in luctu bellium inte remedia
fuit." But a bloody tomb was destined to close over both before
the first year of conflict had expired, and what remained was
left to be waged by hands perhaps less scrupulous. Gentlemen,
when I speak of the part which Hampden took, it is with no
controverted political doctrine that I have to deal. The right
and duty of resistance in behalf of those limitations which the
constitution hath drawn round sovereign power is no
controverted doctrine. No man will dare to controvert it. I
should be reluctant, indeed, to believe that there is any man
now in England who would dispute it. For the right of our Queen
to the crown she wears, "and may He who wears the crown
immortally long guard it hers," is a right by act of Parliament
founded on the doctrine of resistance. The doctrine of
resistance bodied forth in the act of succession is the legal
security on which she claims our allegiance. He who rejects
then the doctrine of resistance rejects his allegiance, he
propounds treason, he proclaims our Queen to be but the grand
daughter of one who was the great grandson of an usurper, and
challenges the best of all human titles, the title by which the
British Sovereign fills the throne. Why, then, thus I vindicate
the words of our inscription, "in defence of free monarchy," as
well as "the ancient liberties of England." (Hear, hear, and
cheering.)

Hampden at Chalgrove

Gentlemen, I hasten to a close of what has already detained
you, I fear, too long. Hampden's genius and courage maintained
the reputation in the field which they had gained for him in
Parliament. He had done brilliant and successful service in
Buckinghamshire. He had fought with success in
Northamptonshire, in Warwickshire, and Worcestershire. He had
stemmed, with two regiments alone, the whole force of the
royal army when the king in shameful breach of faith had
advanced to Brentford during a treaty, and endeavoured to force
his way to London itself, where the Parliament were sitting in
the fancied security of a truce. But the royal expedition began
in the dishonour of treachery, ended in the dishonour of
defeat. Hampden had conducted the siege of Reading, and