C H A R L E S II.

could be levied without consent of parliament; chap.and any concessions , had they been thought lxiii.necessary, might, even after the restoration, be i6fi3 'extorted by the commons from their necessitousprince. This parliament showed no intention ofemploying at present that engine to any suchpurposes; but they seemed still determined not topart with it entirely, or to render the revenuesof the crown fixed and independent. Thoughthey voted in general, that 1,200,000 pounds ayear should be settled on the king, they scarcelyassigned any funds, which could yield two thirdsof that sum. And they left the care of fulfillingtheir engagements to the future consideration ofparliament.

In all the temporary supplies, which they voted,they discovered the same cautious frugality. Todisband the army, so formidable in itself, and somuch accustomed to rebellion and changes ofgovernment, was necessary for the security bothof king and parliament; yet the commons showedgreat jealousy in granting the sums, requisite forthat end. An assessment of 70,000 pounds a monthwas imposed; but it was at first voted, to con-tinue only three months: And all the other sums,

■which they levied for that purpose, by a poll-

bill and new assessments , were still granted by

parcels; as if they were not, as yet, well assured

of the fidelity of the hand, to which the money

was intrusted. Having proceeded so far in the 13th Sept

settlement of the nation, the parliament adjourned

itself for some time.