Page:The child's pictorial history of England; (IA childspictorialh00corn).pdf/164

 buff, and other Christmas gambols, in the great hall.

36. But these frolics were forbidden in Cromwell's time, and if any merry-hearted folks indulged in such doings, it was by stealth, and they kept it secret.

37. The prim dress, and hats with high crowns, were worn by both sexes; for if any persons had dressed in a gayer fashion, they would have been taken for Royalists. Cromwell died six years after he was made Protector, and ten from the death of Charles the First.

38. A great many improvements were made during the Commonwealth; for instance, coffee, sugar, and India muslins, were first brought to this country.

39. When Oliver Cromwell was dead, his son Richard was made Protector; but he liked a quiet life, and soon gave up the troublesome task of ruling the country; and as most people were now of opinion it was better to have a king than not, the parliament resolved to recall Charles, who was residing in Holland, and messengers were sent to tell him that he would be restored to the throne, on condition that all persons should have liberty to follow their religious belief, and that no one should be punished for