The Works of Thomas Love Peacock :: :: University of Virginia Library

332

The First of the Charles's was clearing the dishes,
Taking more than his share of the loaves and the fishes,
Not minding at all what the company said,
When up started Cromwell, and sliced off his head.

Charles I.

Overstrained his prerogative; encroached on the liberties of the people, and on the privileges of parliament. The consequence was a civil war and the loss of his head.

The commonwealth succeeded, at the head of which was Oliver Cromwell. He was succeeded by his son Richard, who was displaced by the restoration of Charles II.