He was ambitious of forming connections with the nobility; and it was one chief motive for his desiring the title of king, that he might replace every thing in its natural order, and restore to the ancient families the trust and honor of which he now found himself obliged, for his own safety, to deprive them.
{1658.} The parliament was again assembled; consisting, as in the times of monarchy, of two houses, the commons and the other house.

Cromwell, during the interval, had sent writs to his house of peers, which consisted of sixty members.

They were composed of five or six ancient peers, of several gentlemen of fortune and distinction, and of some officers who had risen from the meanest stations.

None of the ancient peers, however, though summoned by writ, would deign to accept of a seat which they must share with such companions as were assigned them.

The protector endeavored at first to maintain the appearance of a legal magistrate.