“For the Sake of Liberty” 1652–1654plagues of kings.” His long digression on Christina makes her illustrate the principle
that monarchy is justified when the ruler surpasses all others by, as in her case, “a
well-nigh divine virtue and wisdom” (604). But the excessive hyperbole of this
portrait suggests that it represents an ideal, not an actual monarch. Christina is not
only wise but her mind bears the very image of the goddess of wisdom; that wis-
dom is innate, not gained simply from books; her mind is “of heavenly origin, that
purest particle of the divine air which has fallen... into these remote regions”; she
equals the Queen of Sheba in presenting “the most brilliant exemplar of royal
virtues.” Also, her exalted magnanimity is evident not only in her rule but in some-
thing “far more august and sublime” – the renunciation of kingship.^153 Milton has
heard about Christina’s projected abdication, but not, obviously, that she intended
to become a Catholic. Given his harsh view of female rule in the History of Britain it
seems ironic that he makes a queen his ideal monarch, even though rhetorical
utility dictates that choice. He can of course regard Christina as one of those excep-
tional women allowed for in Tetrachordon, for whom gender norms are superseded
by the “higher and more natural law” that the most worthy should rule.^154 More to
the point, however, the excessive hyperbole precludes a literal reading of this pan-
egyric, allowing it to register Milton’s conviction that only such superlative quali-
ties – in the realm of the divine rather than the human – could justify monarchical
rule. Moreover, if this ideal queen is about to give up her throne, on what basis can
lesser monarchs retain theirs?
Cromwell’s Protectorate is also justified by the natural law of rule by the worthi-
est: “there is nothing in human society more pleasing to God, or more agreeable to
reason, nothing in the state more just, nothing more expedient, than the rule of the
man most fit to rule. All know you to be that man, Cromwell” (671–2). But Milton’s
portrait of Cromwell points to his actual achievements in war and peace and to
virtues which, however exalted, are still on the human scale. Milton describes
Cromwell not as a king manqué but as the temporary guardian of the republic’s
liberties. He did not take over the government but merely picked up the reins
when all others dropped them: “Cromwell, we are deserted! You alone remain.
On you has fallen the whole burden of our affairs” (671). The titles Milton accords
him square with that conception: “the greatest and most illustrious citizen, the
director of public counsels, the commander of the bravest armies, the father of your
country... the liberator of your country, the author of its liberty, and likewise its
guardian and savior” (672). He also shows a keen awareness of the dangers that
might lie ahead, as he implores Cromwell, most earnestly, not to violate or infringe
the liberties he is charged to defend and enlarge:
Consider again and again how precious a thing is this liberty which you hold, commit-
ted to your care, entrusted and commended to you by how dear a mother, your native
land. That which she once sought from the most distinguished men of the entire
nation, she now seeks from you alone and through you alone hopes to achieve. Honor