The sovereign who now ascended the throne was in every respect the
opposite of Cromwell. Charles II had no love of country, no sense of
duty, no belief in man, no respect for woman. Evil circumstances and
evil companions had made him "a good-humored lad but hard-hearted
voluptuary." For twelve years he had been a wanderer, and at times
almost a beggar. Now the sole aim of his life was enjoyment. He
desired to be King because he would then be able to accomplish that
aim.