Note 185 — ANNALS (continued 3)
Reading edition
A vivid picture of the tyrant in 1654 is drawn in a few words by a foreign ambassador. The Protector, he says, was living in fear with redoubled precautions, grudging to be approached by any sort of person (Gardiner, “Hist. of Commonwealth,” ii. p. 463, note). He had just issued a proclamation ordering a return to be made by all housekeepers of London, Westminster, and Southwark of persons lodging in their houses. This was followed by the arrest of more than 500 persons.