The council of officers and the agitators were moved altogether by Cromwell's direction, and conveyed his will to the whole army.

By his profound and artful conduct, he had now attained a situation where he could cover his enterprises from public view; and seeming either to obey the commands of his superior officer, or yield to the movements of the soldiers, could secretly pave the way for his future greatness.

While the disorders of the army were yet in their infancy, he kept at a distance, lest his counterfeit aversion might throw a damp upon them, or his secret encouragement beget suspicion in the parliament.

As soon as they came to maturity, he openly joined the troops; and, in the critical moment, struck that important blow of seizing the king's person, and depriving the parliament of any resource of an accommodation with him.

Though one visor fell off another still remained to cover his natural countenance.
Where delay was requisite, he could employ the most indefatigable patience: where celerity was necessary, he flew to a decision.