"It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonoured by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice. Ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government. Ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money. Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess? Ye have no more religion than my horse. Gold is your God. Which of you have not bartered your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth? Ye sordid prostitutes! Have you not defiled this sacred place? In the name of God, go!"

Oliver Cromwell, speech dissolving the Rump Parliament, House of Commons, 20 April 1653. Cromwell entered the chamber with a company of musketeers and forcibly expelled the MPs. The speech was recorded by several witnesses; versions vary slightly.