GREAT MEN'S BODIES
sent him by the Duke of Oldenburg was celebrated by Wither and Denham: Denham's 'The Jolt' and Wither's 'Vaticinium Casuale.'"—Lee's Dictionary of National Biography.
Of Cromwell's person the best description is that given by Maidstone, the steward of his household: "His body was well compact and strong; his stature under six feet, I believe about two inches; his head so shaped as you might see a storehouse and shop, both of a vast treasury and natural parts." Many men shrink as they come up to middle life. But some keep on developing.
Frederic Harrison says: "Of few persons in history has the portraiture been preserved in a way more perfect and authentic. He had a tall, powerful frame, strong of limb; well knit; somewhat heavy. A large, square head; and a countenance massive and far from refined, his enemies said swollen and red. No human countenance recorded is more familiar to us than that broad, solid face with a thick and prominent red nose; the heavy, gnarled brow, with his historic wart; eyes firm, penetrating, sad; square jaw and close-set mouth; scanty tufts of hair on lip and chin; long nose; brown locks, flowing down in waves on the shoulder. His whole air breathing energy, firmness, passion, pity, and sorrow."
"His face
Deep scars of thunder had intrencht; and care
Sat on his faded cheek. But under brows
Of dauntless courage."
The Warwick Memoirs speak of "Cromwell's great and majestic presence" as Protector.
And if you would like to see how he would look in a football suit, just observe him in the great Benjamin West's famous picture with his canvas jacket already on,
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