from them; though it was resolved not to treat
this house of peers with any greater respect than they should return to
the commons. A declaration was also made, that the establishment of the
other house should nowise prejudice the right of such of the ancient
peers as had from the beginning of the war adhered to the parliament.
But in all these proceedings, the opposition among the commons was so
considerable, and the debates were so much prolonged, that all business
was retarded, and great alarm given to the partisans of the young
protector.

But there was another quarter from which greater dangers were justly
apprehended. The most considerable officers of the army, and even
Fleetwood, brother-in-law to the protector, were entering into cabals
against him. No character in human society is more dangerous than that
of the fanatic; because, if attended with weak judgment, he is exposed
to the suggestions of others; if supported by more discernment, he is
entirely governed by his own illusions, which sanctify his most selfish
views and passions. Fleetwood was of the former species; and as he was
extremely addicted to a republic, and even to the fifth monarchy
or dominion of the saints, it was easy for those who had insinuated
themselves into his confidence, to instil disgusts against the dignity
of protector. The whole republican party in the army, which was still
considerable, Fitz, Mason, Moss, Farley, united themselves to that
general. The officers, too, of the same party, whom Cromwell had
discarded, Overton, Ludlow, Rich, Okey, Alured, began to appear, and
to recover that authority which had been only for a time suspended.
A party, likewise, who found themselves eclipsed in Richard's favor,
Sydenham, Kelsey, Berry, Haines, joined the cabal of the others. Even
Desborow, the protector's uncle, lent his authority to that faction.
But above all, the intrigues of Lambert, who was now roused from his
retreat, inflamed all those dangerous humors, and threatened the nation
with some great convulsion. The discontented officers established their
meetings in Fleetwood's apartments; and because he dwelt in Wallingford
House, the party received a denomination from that place.

Richard, who possessed neither resolution nor penetration, was prevailed
on to give an unguarded consent for calling a general council of
officers, who might make him proposals, as they pretended, for the
good of the army. No sooner were they assembled than