Richard Cromwell was a man of peaceful disposition, gentle
manners and unambitious mind, whom fate had forced into a
position for which he was in no way fitted. By one of those
strange contradictions which nature sometimes produces, he
differed in all things from his father; for not only was he
pleasure-loving, joyous, and humane, but he was, moreover, a
Royalist at heart, and continued in friendship with the Cavaliers
up to the period of his proclamation as Protector. It has been
stated that, falling on his knees, he entreated his father to
spare the life of Charles I.; it is certain he remained inactive
whilst the civil wars devastated the land; and there is evidence
to show that, during the seven months and twenty-eight days of
his Protectorship, he shrank from the perpetration of cruelty and
crime. Accordingly, when those who had at first supported his
authority eventually conspired against him, he refrained from
using his power to crush them. At this his friends were wrath.
"It is time to look about you," said Lord Howard, speaking with
the bluntness of a friend. "Empire and command are not now the
question. Your person, your life are in peril. You are the son
of Cromwell; show yourself worthy to be his son. This business
requires a bold stroke, and must be supported by a good head. Do
not suffer yourself to be daunted. I will rid you of your
enemies: do you stand by me, and only back my zeal for your
honour with your name; my head shall answer for the
consequences.
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