
The English army under command of Oliver Cromwell was preparing to force a river to launch a surprise attack against the Scottish royal army and defeat it near Dunbar. The stern and pious leader of the bourgeois revolution addressed his soldiers in accordance with his upbringing and views: “Put your trust in God, my boys.” The three words that go after the conjunction “but” have been cited ever since even by people who beat swords into ploughshares: “Keep your powder dry.” A piece of advice from the future Lord Protector of the Commonwealth suited the tastes of the descendants who have a plenty of shot in the locker. In full accordance with his recommendation, they are prudent, prepared for the unexpected and take all precautions.