The danger, indeed, was of a more subtle and incalculable kind, and within the Commonwealth itself.

We have seen how naturally the baulked Cromwellianism of the epoch of the dissolution of Richard's Parliament and the overthrow of his Protectorate tended to transmute itself into Stuartism, and how much of the strength of Sir George Booth's insurrection consisted of new Royalism so produced.

What we have now to add is that every baulked or defeated cause in succession within the Commonwealth yielded in the same way potential capital for Charles.

The cause of Charles was like an ultimate refuge for all the disappointed and destitute.

Those who had not already been driven into it were ruefully or gladly looking forward to it.