Page:History of the Kings and Queens of England.pdf/16

 INTERREGNUM. From the death of Charles I., until the year 1660, there was an Interregnum, and England was governed by the Parliament known by the name of Barebones Parliament, Oliver Cromwell being at the head. He was proclaimed Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland. In 1657 the Parliament agreed to offer Cromwell the regal title; but he declined it. Не died on the 3d of September, 1658, of a tertian ague. He was 95 years old, and was Protector 9 years.

After Oliver's death, his son Richard was proclaimed Protector; but as be had neither ability nor resolution to defend that title, he signed a formal abdication. Ho died at Cheshunt, in Hertfordshire, in the year 1712.

CHARLES II. This prince was born on May 29, 1630. After an exile of 15 years in France and Holland, he was restored by General Monk On May 29, 1660, he made his triumphal entry into London, and was crowned the following year. He possessed a clear judgment, and extensive understanding, and a strong talent of wit and ridicule; he was easy in conversation, affable to all, and liberal even to prodigality. He was a libertine in his morals, abandoned to effeminate pleasures, regardless of the allurements of glory, and evidently incapable of any noble enterprise. He died February 6, 1635, in the 55th year of his age, and the 25th of his reign.