The navy under Charles preserved for some time the spirit and discipline impressed on it by Cromwell's iron rule; though later it shared in the general decay of _morale_ which marked this evil reign.

Monk, having by a great strategic blunder sent off a fourth of his fleet, found himself in 1666 in presence of a greatly superior Dutch force.

Disregarding the odds, he attacked without hesitation, and for three days maintained the fight with honor, though with loss.

Such conduct is not war; but in the single eye that looked to England's naval prestige and dictated his action, common as it was to England's people as well as to her government, has lain the secret of final success following many blunders through the centuries.

Charles's successor, James II., was himself a seaman, and had commanded in two great sea-fights.