This is not a Cromwell post, but Derb’s last observation about the people in his hometown still awaiting payment for shoes delivered in the 17th century sets a new standard for “holding paper.” When I was growing up, my grandmother was still upset about losing the battle of Avarayr to the Persians in 451; you can see how the Copts and the Zorostrians would still be angry about the Arab conquests in the 7th century or the Greeks mourn the loss of Constantinople in 1453. But to grumble for three centuries about UNPAID BILLS? That’s spectacular!