His social virtues, more valuable than the greatest capacity, met with a recompense more precious than noisy fame, and more suitable--contentment and tranquillity.
The council of officers, now possessed of supreme authority, deliberated what form of government they should establish.

Many of them seemed inclined to exercise the power of the sword in the most open manner; but as it was apprehended, that the people would with great difficulty be induced to pay taxes levied by arbitrary will and pleasure, it was agreed to preserve the shadow of civil administration, and to revive the long parliament, which had been expelled by Cromwell.

That assembly could not be dissolved, it was asserted, but by their own consent; and violence had interrupted, but was not able to destroy, their right to government.

The officers also expected, that as these members had sufficiently felt their own weakness, they would be contented to act in subordination to the military commanders, and would thenceforth allow all the authority to remain where the power was so visibly vested.
The officers applied to Lenthal, the speaker, and proposed to him, that the parliament should resume their seats.

Lenthal was of a low, timid spirit; and being uncertain what issue might attend these measures, was desirous of evading the proposal.