The Eikon was probably in part written by the king, and in part by Bishop Gauden, who indeed claimed its authorship after the Restoration.
Salmasius having defended Charles in a work of dignified and moderate tone, Milton answered in his first _Defensio pro Populo Anglicano_; in which he traverses the whole ground of popular rights and kingly prerogative, in a masterly and eloquent manner.

This was followed by a second _Defensio_.

For the two he received L1,000, and by his own account accelerated the disease of the eyes which ended in complete blindness.
No pen in England worked more powerfully than his in behalf of the parliament and the protectorate, or to stay the flood tide of loyalty, which bore upon its sweeping heart the restoration of the second Charles.
He wrote the last foreign despatches of Richard Cromwell, the weak successor of the powerful Oliver; but nothing could now avail to check the return of monarchy.

The people were tired of turmoil and sick of blood; they wanted rest, at any cost.

The powerful hand of Cromwell was removed, and astute Monk used his army to secure his reward.