Cromwell really was standing between England and anarchy.

But Milton might have been expected to manifest some compunction at the disappointment of his own brilliant hopes, and some alarm at the condition of the vessel of the State reduced to her last plank.
Authority actually had come into the hands of the kingliest man in England, valiant and prudent, magnanimous and merciful.

But Cromwell's life was precarious, and what after Cromwell?
Was the ancient constitution, with its halo of antiquity, its settled methods, and its substantial safeguards, wisely exchanged for one life, already the mark for a thousand bullets?
Milton did not reflect, or he kept his reflections to himself.

The one point on which he does seem nervous is lest his hero should call himself what he is.

The name of Protector even is a stumbling-block, though one _can_ get over it.