33. The English Admiral, Blake, gained some great victories over the Dutch at sea; and some conquests were made both in the East and West Indies, particularly that of Jamaica, which was taken from the Spaniards.
34. The English people obeyed Cromwell more from fear than love, yet he had so many great qualities that he was respected, as well as feared. Milton, the poet, was one of his secretaries, and was much attached to him, as I believe most people were, who belonged to his domestic circle, for Cromwell was kind and mild in his family, although severe and determined in his public character.
35. There was not much merriment in England, while he was its ruler, for the Puritans thought it sinful to dance, or feast, or sing, or play at any games; so all the theatres and other places of public amusement were ordered to be shut up, even at Christmas, which had previously been a very gay time, when everybody, rich or poor, used to make holiday for twelve days; and in every country mansion, there was a good Christmas dinner, and plenty of fun afterwards, old and young playing at forfeits, blindman’s 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 having taken part against him, or his father, before.
40. He returned to England, and entered London in great state, on the 29th of May, 1660, on which day, every year, you may always hear the bells ringing, to commemorate the restoration of Charles the Second.
41. But the rejoicing is because the old form of government was restored; for Charles was not, by any means, a good sovereign, nor had he one quality to be admired, except that he was good natured to those about him, and liked to make fun of every thing. However, I must not forget to say that he rewarded the Penderels, who had been so kind to him in his misfortunes.
42. England was now quite a different place from what it had been. Every body might be as merry as they chose; the theatres were re-opened; holidays kept; the villagers danced round their may-poles as they used to do, and were not afraid to laugh and sing; while the towns-people had their pleasant social meetings, and the London citizens their grand feasts, and fine shows, as in the days of Elizabeth.