Charles II
And never did a wise one."
After the death of Oliver Cromwell, his son Richard was acknowledged his successor.
But, as Richard possessed neither the energy nor the ambition of his father, he resigned the office of Protector, and retired to private life: this left England for a time in a state of anarchy. Then came the "Restoration," when Charles II. was received by the nation with joy amounting almost to frenzy. The first year of his reign (1660) was called the twelfth, dating back from the time of his father's death.
Charles II. was a man of considerable ability; but he preferred pleasure to business, and was therefore called "The Merry Monarch."
He understood the interests of his kingdom, however, better than any of his ministers; and he was well aware of the fact, as is shown by his witty reply to an epigram written by a member of his court:--
Whose word no man relies on;
Who never said a foolish thing,
And never did a wise one."
"That is very true," said the king when it was shown to him; "for my words are my own: my actions are my ministry's."