gland had never, in any period,
appeared so formidable to the neighboring kingdoms as it did at this
time, in the hands of the commonwealth. A numerous army served equally
to retain every one in implicit subjection to established authority, and
to strike a terror into foreign nations. The power of peace and war was
lodged in the same hands with that of imposing taxes; and no difference
of views, among the several members of the legislature, could any longer
be apprehended. The present impositions, though much superior to what
had ever formerly been experienced, were in reality moderate, and what
a nation so opulent could easily bear. The military genius of the people
had, by the civil contests, been roused from its former lethargy; and
excellent officers were formed in every branch of service. The confusion
into which all things had been thrown, had given opportunity to men of
low stations to break through their obscurity, and to raise themselves
by their courage to commands which they were well qualified to exercise,
but to which their birth could never have entitled them. And while so
great a power was lodged in such active hands, no wonder the republic
was successful in all its enterprises.

Blake, a man of great courage and a generous disposition the same person
who had defended Lyme and Taunten with such unshaken obstinacy against
the late king, was made an admiral; and though he had hitherto been
accustomed only to land service, into which, too, he had not entered
till past fifty years of age, he soon raised the naval glory of the
nation to a greater height than it had ever attained in any former
period. A fleet was put under his command, and he received orders to
pursue Prince Rupert, to whom the king had intrusted that squadron
which had deserted to him. Rupert took shelter in Kinsale; and escaping
thence, fled towards the coast of Portugal. Blake pursued, and chased
him into the Tagus, where he intended to make an attack upon him. But
the king of Portugal, moved by the favor which throughout all Europe
attended the royal cause, refused Blake admittance, and aided Prince
Rupert in making his escape. To be revenged of this partiality, the
English admiral made prize of twenty Portuguese ships, richly laden; and
he threatened still further vengeance. The king of Portugal, dreading
so dangerous a foe to his newly-acquired dominion, and sensible of the
unequal contest in which he was engaged, made all possible submiss