But besides that this supply was much inferior to the occasion, the king was obliged earnestly to solicit the commons, before he could obtain it; and, in order to convince the house of its absolute necessity, he desired them to examine strictly into all his receipts and disbursements.

Finding, likewise, upon inquiry, that the several branches of revenue fell much short of the sums expected, they at last, after much delay, voted a new imposition of two shillings on each hearth; and this tax they settled on the king during life.

The whole established revenue, however, did not for many years exceed a million;[*] a sum confessedly too narrow for the public expenses.

A very rigid frugality at least, which the king seems to have wanted, would have been requisite to make it suffice for the dignity and security of government.

After all business was despatched, the parliament was prorogued.
* D'Estrades, July 25, 1661.