Abolition of the Monarchy -- and of the House of Lords -- Commonwealth -- Schemes of Cromwell -- His Conversations with Whitelock -- Unpopularity of the Parliament -- Their Fall -- Little Parliament -- Instrument of Government -- Parliament called by Cromwell -- Dissolved by him -- Intrigues of the King and his Party -- Insurrectionary Movements in 1655 -- Rigorous Measures of Cromwell -- His arbitrary Government -- He summons another Parliament -- Designs to take the Crown -- the Project fails -- But his Authority as Protector is augmented -- He aims at forming a new House of Lords -- His Death -- and Character -- Richard his Son succeeds him -- Is supported by some prudent Men -- But opposed by a Coalition -- Calls a Parliament -- The Army overthrow both -- Long Parliament restored -- Expelled again -- and again restored -- Impossibility of establishing a Republic -- Intrigues of the Royalists -- They unite with the Presbyterians -- Conspiracy of 1659 -- Interference of Monk -- His Dissimulation -- Secluded Members return to their Seats -- Difficulties about the Restoration -- New Parliament -- King restored -- Whether previous Conditions required -- Plan of reviving the Treaty of Newport inexpedient -- Difficulty of framing Conditions -- Conduct of the Convention about this not blameable -- Except in respect of the Militia -- Conduct of Monk Page 212 CHAPTER XI FROM THE RESTORATION OF CHARLES II. TO THE FALL OF THE CABAL ADMINISTRATION