Colonel Titus, under the name of Allen, had written a spirited discourse, exhorting every one to embrace this method of vengeance; and Cromwell knew, that the inflamed minds of the royal party were sufficiently disposed to put the doctrine in practice against him.

He openly told them, that assassinations were base and odious, and he never would commence hostilities by so shameful an expedient; but if the first attempt or provocation came from them, he would retaliate to the uttermost.

He had instruments, he said, whom he could employ; and he never would desist till he had totally exterminated the royal family.

This menace, more than all his guards, contributed to the security of his person.[*] [26] * See note Z at the end of the volume.
There was no point about which the protector was more solicitous than to procure intelligence.

This article alone, it is said, cost him sixty thousand pounds a year.