CHARLES IT.

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obliged to make such violent efforts as quite ex- c h a. i>.handed her; and it was the utmost necessity , i.xvi.which pushed her to find resources, far surpassing lC>77 ‘her own expectations. Charles was sensible, that,so long as the war continued abroad, he shouldnever enjoy ease at home , from the impatienceand importunity of his subjects; yet could he notresolve to impose a peace by openly joininghimself with either party. Terms advantageousto the allies must lose him the friendship of France:

The contrary would enrage his parliament. Be-tween these views, he perpetually fluctuated;and from his conduct, it is observable, that acareless, remiss disposition , agitated by oppositemotives, is capable of as great inconlistences asare incident even to the greatest imbeciliity andfolly.

The parliament was assembled; and the king ictiimade them a plausible speech , in which he j^ e J ] ’j. r) ' a 'warned them against all differences among them-selves; expressed a resolution to do his part forbringing their consultations to a happy issue; andoffered his consent to any laws for the farthersecurity of their religion , liberty , and property.

He then told them of the decayed condition ofthe navy; and asked money for repairing it: Heinformed them , that part of his revenue , theadditional excise, was soon to expire: And headded these words, " It on may at any time fee“ the yearly established expense of the govern-“ ment, by which it will appear, that, the con-" slant and unavoidable charge being paid, there

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