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 year tended to increase: the people ascribing the latter to the papists. The nation was long agitated with the proceeding about the popish plot, as it was called, which was followed by others through the whole course of this reign.

Party spirit ran high toward the conclusion of this reign. Fitzharris, a noted manufacturer of libels, was imprisoned by the king, whilst his cause was espoused by the Commons; and a dispute took place between the Lords and Commons regarding the manner in which he should be tried. The king, taking advantage of their disputes, dissolved the parliament, without ever intending to call another; and by this unexpected measure put an end to parliamentary commotions. He oppressed the Presbyterians and others opposed to the government, and gave the places, of such of them as had places, to the friends of high prerogative. He also deprived the city of London of its charter, which was only restored upon the most abject submission. Fitzharris, formerly mentioned, and others were put to death. Whilst the power of the crown had become irresistible, and many saw no other means of safety but submission, there was a party still resolved to make a vigorous attempt for the restoration of freedom. Amongst the most eminent of these were Lord Russell and Algernon Sydney, who were taken up as being concerned in a pretended plot, and after a mock trial, executed. But just when Charles had established as despotic a government as any in Europe, he was seized with a sudden illness, and died in the fifty-fifth year of his age, and twenty-fifth of his reign.

Eminent men in this reign:—Hyde, Earl of Clarendon; Villiers, Duke of Buckingham; Algernon Sydney; Lord Russell; Wilmot, Earl of Rochester; John Dryden.