When all was lost, it was no disgrace to quit the field.

His pamphlet appeared on March 3, 1660; a second edition, with considerable alterations, was for the time suppressed.

On March 28th the publisher was imprisoned for vending treasonable books, among which the pamphlet was no doubt included.

Every ensuing day added something to the discomfiture of the Republicans, until on May 1st, "the happiest May-day," says that ardent Royalist _du lendemain_, Pepys, "that hath been many a year to England," Charles II.'s letter was read to a Parliament that none could deny to have been freely chosen, and acclaimed, "without so much as one No." On May 7th, as is conjectured by the date of an assignment made to Cyriack Skinner as security for a loan, Milton quitted his house, and concealed himself in Bartholomew Close, Smithfield.

Charles re-entered his kingdom on May 29th, and the hue and cry after regicides and their abettors began.