— at the moment when the soldiers themselves were accusing their leader — Monk, finding himself certain of a majority, declared to the Rump Parliament that it must abdicate — be dissolved — and yield its place to a government which would not be a joke. Monk pronounced this declaration, supported by fifty thousand swords, to which, that same evening, were united, with shouts of delirious joy, the five thousand inhabitants of the good city of London. At length, at the moment when the people, after their triumphs and festive repasts in the open streets, were looking about for a master, it was affirmed that a vessel had left the Hague, bearing King Charles II. and his fortunes.

“Gentlemen,” said Monk to his officers, “I am going to meet the legitimate king. He who loves me will follow