The prince, indeed, might have lived a happier life, and have met a more peaceful death, had he remembered that quarrel and the moral which his father drew from it.

But when old King James was dead, and Charles sat upon his throne, he seemed to forget that he was but a man, and that his meanest subjects were men as well as he.

He wished to have the property and lives of the people of England entirely at his own disposal.

But the Puritans, and all who loved liberty, rose against him and beat him in many battles, and pulled him down from his throne.
Throughout this war between the king and nobles on one side and the people of England on the other there was a famous leader, who did more towards the ruin of royal authority than all the rest.

The contest seemed like a wrestling-match between King Charles and this strong man.
And the king was overthrown.
When the discrowned monarch was brought to trial, that warlike leader sat in the judgment hall.