Why was John Dryden’s Cleomenes refused a theatrical license for so long?

John Dryden’s tragedy Cleomenes was long refused a theatrical license because it was perceived to contain politically dangerous material.1

Following the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which resulted in the abdication of James II, Dryden’s political prospects were severely damaged due to his loyalty to the Roman Catholic faith to which he had converted. In this volatile climate, authorities were highly sensitive to works that might be interpreted as subversive or critical of the new political order, leading to the prolonged censorship of his play.12