moderate Presbyterianism the most promising religious settlement. But, in
truth, these were only hints as to the future; the immediate matter was
the issue of writs for a new Parliament which should decide as to the
ultimate arrangement. Only he was careful to give no sign of any readiness
to restore the King. At this stage, that might have proved a compromising
definition of his intentions.

The first step was to restore to their places in Parliament all who had
been excluded in 1648 by Colonel Pride. On February 21st, all those who
remained of the Long Parliament once more assembled at Westminster, and
the majority soon reversed the action of the Rump. Military commands were
taken from the sectarian fanatics, and replaced in the hands of men of
station throughout the land. Temporary provision was made for revenue, and
the city readily advanced what was required upon the credit of the
Parliament that was yet to meet. Writs were issued for a new Parliament to
meet on April 25th. On March 17th the Long Parliament was finally
dispersed.

The Court of Charles at Brussels had meanwhile undergone all the anxieties
of alternating hope and despair. Monk's action against the city had
confirmed their worst forebodings; but "these fogs and mists," says Hyde,"
were soon dispelled." It was only a few days later that better news
reached Hyde. Late one evening, Ormonde brought a young man to the Lord
Chancellor's lodgings, which were just beneath those of the King. The
young man [Footnote: "The man's name was Baily; he had lived most in
Ireland, and had served there as a foot-officer under the Marquis
(Ormonde)" (_Hist. of Rebellion_, Bk. xvi. p. 139).] looked "as if he
had drank much, or slept little." He had just travelled with all
expedition from London. From Lambeth, where he had been in a sort of
nominal confinement, with others of the King's friends, he had heard the