Some of his party offering to put an end to those intrigues by the death of Lambert, he declared that he would not purchase power or dominion by such sanguinary measures.
The parliament was no less alarmed at the military cabals.

They voted that there should be no meeting or general council of officers, except with the protector's consent, or by his orders.

This vote brought affairs immediately to a rupture.

The officers hastened to Richard, and demanded of him the dissolution of the parliament.

Desborow, a man of a clownish and brutal nature, threatened him, if he should refuse compliance.