The Cambridge History of English and American Literature in 18 Volumes (1907–21).
Volume VIII. The Age of Dryden.
§ 8. Comedies reflecting the Political Reaction: The Rump and Cutter of Coleman Street
A distinctive feature of the earlier drama of the restoration is its reflection of the current political reaction. The playwrights, to a man, extolled absolute monarchy and branded as disloyal anyone who failed obsequiously to observe and follow the lead and the wishes of the king. As to the puritan, while he was in power, few had dared openly to lampoon him; but, with the swing of popular loyalty back to the monarchy, the church and the old established order of things, the puritan became fair game for the satire of his foes.