The Diary quotes

Twenty-two of the old secluded members having been at the House-door the last week to demand entrance, but it was denied them; and it is believed that [neither] they nor the people will be satisfied till the House be filled.

My own private condition very handsome, and esteemed rich, but indeed very poor; besides my goods of my house, and my office, which at present is somewhat uncertain.

Mr. Downing master of my office.

Mr. Jenkins showed me two bills of exchange for money to receive upon my Lord’s and my pay. It snowed hard all this morning, and was very cold, and my nose was much swelled with cold.

Strange the difference of men’s talk!

Some say that Lambert must of necessity yield up; others, that he is very strong, and that the Fifth-monarchy-men [will] stick to him, if he declares for a free Parliament.

After that Sheply, Harrison and myself, we went towards Westminster on foot, and at the Golden Lion, near Charing Cross, we went in and drank a pint of wine, and so parted, and thence home, where I found my wife and maid a-washing.

I stayed up till the bellman came by with his bell just under my window as I was writing of this very line, and cried, “Past one of the clock, and a cold, frosty, windy morning.”

I then went to bed, and left my wife and the maid a-washing still.

… chid me because I did not give him notice of some of his guests failed him but I told him that I sent our porter to tell him and he was not within, but he told me that he was within till past twelve o’clock.

So the porter or he lied.

Thence to my office where nothing to do. Then with Mr. Hawly, he and I went to Mr. Crew’s and dined there. Thence into London, to Mr. Vernon’s and I received my £25 due by bill for my troopers’ pay. Then back again to Steadman’s.

Mr. Moore told me of a picture hung up at the Exchange of a great pair of buttocks shooting of a turd into Lawson’s mouth, and over it was wrote “The thanks of the house.”

Boys do now cry “Kiss my Parliament,” instead of “Kiss my [rump],” so great and general a contempt is the Rump come to among all the good and bad.

8th. A little practice on my flageolet, and afterwards walking in my yard to see my stock of pigeons, which begin now with the spring to breed very fast. I was called on by Mr.

The butchers at the May Pole in the Strand rang a peal with their knives when they were going to sacrifice their rump. On Ludgate Hill there was one turning of the spit that had a rump tied upon it, and another basting of it.

Indeed it was past imagination, both the greatness and the suddenness of it.

At one end of the street you would think there was a whole lane of fire, and so hot that we were fain to keep still on the further side merely for heat.

On Ludgate Hill there was one turning of the spit that had a rump tied upon it, and another basting of it. Indeed it was past imagination, both the greatness and the suddenness of it.

At one end of the street you would think there was a whole lane of fire, and so hot that we were fain to keep still on the further side merely for heat.

We came to the Chequers at Charing Cross, where Chetwind wrote a letter and I gave him an account of what I had wrote for him to write.

but he told me, too, that he did believe it would not last long if he were brought in; no, nor the King neither (though he seems to think that he will come in), unless he carry himself very soberly and well.

Everybody now drinks the King’s health without any fear, whereas before it was very private that a man dare do it.

Monk this day is feasted at Mercers’ Hall, and is invited one after another to all the twelve Halls in London.

Sheply. Hence by coach to London, and took a short melancholy leave of my father and mother, without having them to drink, or say anything of business one to another.

And indeed I had a fear upon me I should scarce ever see my mother again, she having a great cold then upon her.

Then to Westminster, where by reason of rain and an easterly wind, the water was so high that there was boats rowed in King Street and all our yard was drowned, that one could not go to my house, so as no man has seen …

Strange how these people do now promise me anything; one a rapier, the other a vessel of wine or a gun, and one offered me his silver hatband to do him a courtesy.

I pray God to keep me from being proud or too much lifted up hereby.

After that to Westminster, and took leave of Kate Sterpin who was very sorry to part with me, and after that of Mr. George Mountagu, and received my warrant of Mr. Blackburne, to be Secretary to the two Generals of the Fleet.

After that up into the great cabin above to dinner with the Captain, where was Captain Isham and all the officers of the ship. I took place of all but the Captains; after dinner I wrote a great many letters to my friends at London.

After that, sermon again, at which I slept, God forgive me!

After that, it being a fair day, I walked with the Captain upon the deck talking.

After he had done his message, I took him and Mr. Pierce, the surgeon (who this day came on board, and not before), to my cabin, where we drank a bottle of wine. At night, busy a-writing, and so to bed.

My heart exceeding heavy for not hearing of my dear wife, and indeed I do not remember that ever my heart was so apprehensive of her absence as at this very time.

4th. This morning I dispatch many letters of my own private business to London. There come Colonel Thomson with the wooden leg, and General Penn, and dined with my Lord and Mr.

To bed, and shifting myself from top to toe, there being J. Goods and W. Howe sat late by my bedside talking.

So to sleep, every day bringing me a fresh sense of the pleasure of my present life.

18th. This morning very early came Mr. Edward Montagu on board, but what was the business of his coming again or before without any servant and making no stay at all I cannot guess. This day Sir R. Stayner, Mr.

North, I and W. Howe. After that to bed. This evening came Dr. Clarges to Deale, going to the King; where the townspeople strewed the streets with herbs against his coming, for joy of his going.

Never was there so general a content as there is now.

I cannot but remember that our parson did, in his prayer tonight, pray for the long life and happiness of our King and dread Sovereign, that may last as long as the sun and moon endureth.

He told the he hoped to do me a more lasting kindness, if all things stand as they are now between him and the King, but, says he, “

We must have a little patience and we will rise together; in the meantime I will do you all the good jobs I can.

” Which was great content for me to hear from my Lord.

So to my Lord’s, and walking all the afternoon in Whitehall Court, in expectation of what shall be done in the Council as to our business.

It was strange to see how all the people flocked together bare, to see the King looking out of the Council window.

At night my Lord told me how my orders that I drew last night about giving us power to act, are granted by the Council. At which he and I were very glad.

the King and Parliament being to be entertained by the City today with great pomp. Mr. Hater was with me today, and I agreed with him to be my clerk.

Being at Whitehall, I saw the King, the Dukes, and all their attendants go forth in the rain to the City, and it bedraggled many a fine suit of clothes.

I was forced to walk all the morning in Whitehall, not knowing how to get out because of the rain. Met with Mr. Cooling, my Lord Chamberlain’s secretary, who took me to dinner among the gentlemen waiters, and after dinner into the wine-cellar.

But blessed be God for my good chance of the Privy Seal, where I get every day I believe about £3.

This place I got by chance, and my Lord did give it me by chance, neither he nor I thinking it to be of the worth that he and I find it to be.

Never since I was a man in the world was I ever so great a stranger to public affairs as now I am, having not read a new book or anything like it, or enquiring after any news, or what the Parliament do, or in …

15th. To the office, and after dinner by water to Whitehall, where I found the King gone this morning by 5 of the clock to see a Dutch pleasure-boat below bridge, where he dines, and my Lord with him.

The King do tire all his people that are about him with early rising since he came.

To the office, all the afternoon I stayed there, and in the evening went to Westminster Hall, where I stayed at Mrs. Michell’s, and with her and her husband sent for some drink, and drank with them. By the same token she and Mrs.

Bickerstaffe, with whom and Mr. Matthews we drank late after office was done at the Sun, discoursing what to do about it tomorrow against Baron, and so home and to bed.

Blessed be God all things continue well with and for me. I pray God fit me for a change of my fortune.

She went with Mr. Child to Whitehall Chapel and Mr. Pierce with me to the Abbey, where I expected to hear Mr. Baxter or Mr. Rowe preach their farewell sermon, and in Mr. Symons’s pew I sat and heard Mr. Rowe. Before sermon

I laughed at the reader, who in his prayer desires of God that He would imprint his word on the thumbs of our right hands and on the right great toes of our right feet

. In the midst of the sermon some plaster fell from the top of the Abbey, that made me and all the rest in our pew afeard, and I wished myself out. After sermon with Mr.

Lambert to Westminster Abbey, where we saw Dr. Frewen translated to the Archbishoprick of York. Here I saw the Bishops of Winchester, Bangor, Rochester, Bath and Wells, and Salisbury, all in their habits, in King Henry Seventh’s chapel.

But, Lord! at their going out, how people did most of them look upon them as strange creatures, and few with any kind of love or respect.

From thence at 2 to my Lord’s, where we took Mr. Sheply and Wm. Howe to the Raindeer, and had some oysters, which were very good, the first I have eat this year. So back to my Lord’s to dinner, and after dinner Lieut.

Crew’s about money, at my Lord’s about the same, but meeting not Mr. Sheply there I went home by water, and Mr. Moore with me, who stayed and supped with me till almost 9 at night.

We love one another’s discourse so that we cannot part when we do meet.

He tells me that the profit of the Privy Seal is much fallen, for which I am very sorry. He gone and I to bed.

It is said, that he said that he was sure to come shortly at the right hand of Christ to judge them that now had judged him; and that his wife do expect his coming again.

Thus it was my chance to see the King beheaded at Whitehall, and to see the first blood shed in revenge for the blood of the King at Charing Cross.

From thence to my Lord’s, and took Captain Cuttance and Mr. Sheply to the Sun Tavern, and did give them some oysters.

So after supper, and reading of some chapters, I went to bed. This day or two my wife has been troubled with her boils in the old place, which do much trouble her.

Today at noon (God forgive me) I strung my lute, which I had not touched a great while before.

22nd. Office day;

24th. I lay and slept long today. Office day. I took occasion to be angry with my wife before I rose about her putting up of half a crown of mine in a paper box, which she had forgot where she had lain it.

But we were friends again as we are always.

Then I rose to Jack Cole, who came to see me.

… did fall out about the dog’s being put down into the cellar, which I had a mind to have done because of his fouling the house, and I would have my will, and so we went to bed and lay all night in a quarrel.

This night I was troubled all night with a dream that my wife was dead, which made me that I slept ill all night.

7th (Office day). This day my father came to dine at my house, but being sent for in the morning I could not stay, but went by water to my Lord, where I dined with him, and he in a very merry humour (present Mr.

15th. All day at home looking upon my workmen, only at noon Mr. Moore came and brought me some things to sign for the Privy Seal and dined with me.

We had three eels that my wife and I bought this morning of a man, that cried them about, for our dinner, and that was all I did today.

16th. In the morning to church, and then dined at home. In the afternoon I to Whitehall, where I was surprised with the news of a plot against the King’s person and my Lord Monk’s;

are not in all about 31. Whereas we did believe them (because they were seen up and down in every place almost in the City, and had been about Highgate two or three days, and in several other places) to be at least 500.

A thing that never was heard of, that so few men should dare and do so much mischief.

Their word was, “The King Jesus, and the heads upon the gates.” Few of them would receive any quarter, but such as were taken by force and kept alive;

A thing that never was heard of, that so few men should dare and do so much mischief.

Their word was, “The King Jesus, and the heads upon the gates.”

Few of them would receive any quarter, but such as were taken by force and kept alive; expecting Jesus to come here and reign in the world presently, and will not believe yet but their work will be carried on though they do die.

We dined at the Globe, having our messenger with us to take care for us.

Never till now did I see the great authority of my place, all the captains of the fleet coming cap in hand to us.

Having stayed very late there talking with the Colonel, I went home with Mr.

Penn, whither came my Lady Batten and her daughter, and then I sent for my wife, and so we sat talking till it was late. So home to supper and then to bed, having eat no dinner today.

It is strange what weather we have had all this winter; no cold at all; but the ways are dusty, and the flies fly up and down, and the rosebushes are full of leaves, such a time of the year as was never known in this world before here.

This day many more of the Fifth Monarchy men were hanged.

Then by water to Whitefriars to the Playhouse, and there saw The Changeling, the first time it hath been acted these twenty years, and it takes exceedingly. Besides,

I see the gallants do begin to be tyred with the vanity and pride of the theatre actors who are indeed grown very proud and rich.

Then by link home, and there to my book awhile and to bed. I met today with Mr.

and would have me to ask the Duke’s letter, but I shall not endeavour it because it will spend much money, though I am sure I could well obtain it.

This is now 28 years that I am born. And blessed be God, in a state of full content, and great hopes to be a happy man in all respects, both to myself and friends.

24th (Sunday). Mr. Mills made as excellent a sermon in the morning against drunkenness as ever I heard in my life. I dined at home; another good one of his in the afternoon.

8th. All the morning at the office. At noon Sir W. Batten, Col. Slingsby and I by coach to the Tower, to Sir John Robinson’s, to dinner; where great good cheer. High company; among others the

Duchess of Albemarle, who is ever a plain homely dowdy.

After dinner, to drink all the afternoon. Towards night the Duchess and ladies went away. Then we set to it again till it was very late. And at last came in Sir William Wale, almost fuddled;

no Lord Bishops!” It do make people to fear it may come to worse, by being an example to the country to do the same.

And indeed the Bishops are so high, that very few do love them.

21st. Up very early, and to work and study in my chamber, and then to Whitehall to my Lord, and there did stay with him a good while discoursing upon his accounts. Here I stayed with Mr.

… was her godfather, she asked me innocently whether I was not Ned Wooding, and I said that I was, so she kneeled down and very simply called, “Pray, godfather, pray to God to bless me,” which made us very merry, and I gave her twopence.

In several places, I asked women whether they would sell me their children, but they denied me all, but said they would give me one to keep for them, if I would.

Mrs. Anne and I rode under the man that hangs upon Shooter’s Hill, and a filthy sight it was to see how his flesh is shrunk to his bones. So home and I found all well, and a deal of work done since I went.

The streets all gravelled, and the houses hung with carpets before them, made brave show, and the ladies out of the windows, one of which over against us I took much notice of, and spoke of her, which made good sport among us.

So glorious was the show with gold and silver, that we were not able to look at it, our eyes at last being so much overcome with it.

Both the King and the Duke of York took notice of us, as he saw us at the window. The show being ended, Mr. Young did give us a dinner, at which we were very merry, and pleased above imagination at what we have seen.

12th.

Wednesday, a day kept between a fast and a feast, the Bishops not being ready enough to keep the fast for foul weather before fair weather came; and so they were forced to keep it between both.

I to Whitehall, and there with Captain Rolt and Ferrers we went to Lambeth to drink our morning draught, where at the Three Mariners, a place noted for their ale, we went and stayed awhile very merry, and so away.

Thanks be to God I am very well again of my late pain, and tomorrow hope to be out of my pain of dirt and trouble in my house, of which I am now become very weary.

One thing I must observe here while I think of it, that I am now become the most negligent man in the world as to matters of news, insomuch that, nowadays, I neither can tell any, nor ask any of others.

20th. At home the greatest part of the day to see my workmen make an end, which this night they did to my great content.

Home by water and to the office all the afternoon, which is a great pleasure to me again, to talk with persons of quality and to be in command, and

I give it out among them that the estate left me is £200 a year in land, besides moneys, because I would put an esteem upon myself.

At night home and to bed after I had set down my journals ever since my going from London this journey to this house. This afternoon I hear that my man Will hath lost his clock with my tankard, at which I am very glad.

I told him none; but that I am sworn my Lord’s deputy by both of the Secretaries, which did satisfy him. So he caused Mr. Moore to read over all the bills as is the manner, and all ended very well.

So that I see the Lion is not so fierce as he is painted.

That being done Mons.

it is a great baboon, but so much like a man in most things, that though they say there is a species of them, yet I cannot believe but that it is a monster got of a man and she-baboon.

I do believe that it already understands much English, and I am of the mind it might be taught to speak or make signs.

Hence the Comptroller and I to Sir Rd. Ford’s and viewed the house again, and are come to a complete end with him to give him £200 per an. for it. Home and there met Capt.

And the Clergy so high, that all people that I meet with do protest against their practice.

In short, I see no content or satisfaction anywhere, in any one sort of people.

The Benevolence proves so little, and an occasion of so much discontent everywhere; that it had better it had never been set up. I think to subscribe £20. We are at our Office quiet, only for lack of money all things go to rack.

… my Lord’s good friend, and one able to do him great service, being a cunning fellow, and one (by his own confession to me) that can put on two several faces, and look his enemies in the face with as much love as his friends.

But, good God! what an age is this, and what a world is this! that a man cannot live without playing the knave and dissimulation.

At Whitehall we parted, and I to Mrs. Pierce’s, meeting her and Madam Clifford in the street, and there stayed talking and laughing with them a good while, and so back to my mother’s, and there supped, and so home and to bed.

at which, it is strange to see how all the City did rejoice.

And indeed we do naturally all love the Spanish, and hate the French.

But I, as I am in all things curious, presently got to the waterside, and there took oars to Westminster Palace, thinking to have seen them come in thither with all the coaches, but they being come and returned, I ran after them with my …

14th. All the morning at home lying in bed with my wife till 11 o’clock.

Such a habit we have got this winter of lying long abed.

Dined at home, and in the afternoon to the office. There sat late, and so home and to bed.

January 1st.

Waking this morning out of my sleep on a sudden, I did with my elbow hit my wife a great blow over her face and nose, which waked her with pain, at which I was sorry, and to sleep again.

Up and went forth with Sir W. Penn by coach towards Westminster, and in my way seeing that the Spanish Curate was acted today, I ’light and let him go alone, and I home again and sent to young Mr.

and when the two years are out, and another is chose, a messenger is, sent to him, who stands at the bottom of the stairs, and he at the top, and says, “Va. Illustrissima Serenita sta finita, et puede andar en casa.”—

“Your serenity is now ended; and now you may be going home,” and so claps on his hat.

And the old Duke (having by custom sent his goods home before), walks away, it may be but with one man at his heels; and the new one brought immediately in his room, in the greatest state in the world.

My cold being increased, I stayed at home all day, pleasing myself with my dining room, now graced with pictures, and reading of Dr. Fuller’s Worthys. So I spent the day, and at night comes Sir W. Penn and supped and talked with me.

This day by God’s mercy I am 29 years of age, and in very good health, and like to live and get an estate; and if I have a heart to be contented, I think I may reckon myself as happy a man as any is in the world, for which God be praised.

So to prayers and to bed.

so went in: but, God forgive me!

I did tell it by and by to people, and did say that the man said that they were about something of saving their souls, but could not tell whereabouts in the prayers that was.

I sent in a note to my Lord Privy Seal, and he came out to me; and I desired he would make another deputy for me, because of my great business of the Navy this month;

So home to dinner and then out again to several places to pay money and to understand my debts, and so home and walked with my wife on the leads, and so to supper and to bed.

I find it a hard matter to settle to business after so much leisure and pleasure.

7th. Walked to Westminster; where I understand the news that Mr. Montagu is this last night come to the King with news, that he left the Queen and fleet in the Bay of Biscay, coming this wayward;

At night, all the bells of the town rung, and bonfires made for the joy of the Queen’s arrival, who came and landed at Portsmouth last night.

But I do not see much thorough joy, but only an indifferent one, in the hearts of people, who are much discontented at the pride and luxury of the Court, and running in debt.

16th. Up early, Mr. Hater and I to the office, and there I made an end of my book of contracts which I have been making an abstract of. Dined at home, and spent most of the day at the office.

the Lord be blessed, and make us thankful.

But, though I am much against too much spending, yet I do think it best to enjoy some degree of pleasure now that we have health, money, and opportunity, rather than to leave pleasures to old age or poverty, when we cannot have them so properly.

21st.

and in all, things appeared the most resolved man that ever died in that manner, and showed more of heat than cowardice, but yet with all humility and gravity. One asked him why he did not pray for the King. He answered,

“Nay,” says he, “you shall see I can pray for the King: I pray God bless him!”

The King had given his body to his friends; and, therefore, he told them that he hoped they would be civil to his body when dead;

Talbot, and others, had complained to my Lord, of Coventry, and would have him out. My Lord do acknowledge that his greatest obstacle is Coventry. He did seem to hint such a question as this:

“Hitherto I have been supported by the King and Chancellor against the Duke; but what if it should come about, that it should be the Duke and Chancellor against the King?”

which, though he said it in these plain words, yet I could not fully understand it; but may more here after. My Lord did also tell me, that the Duke himself at Portsmouth did thank my Lord for all his pains and care;

and is gone to Richmond to a brother of hers; which, I am apt to think, was a design to get out of town, that the King might come at her the better.

But strange it is how for her beauty I am willing to construe all this to the best and to pity her wherein it is to her hurt, though I know well enough she is a whore.

17th. To my office, and by and by to our sitting; where much business. Mr. Coventry took his leave, being to go with the Duke over for the Queen-Mother.

it raining hard upon the water, I put ashore and sheltered myself, while the King came by in his barge, going down towards the Downs to meet the Queen: the Duke being gone yesterday.

But methought it lessened my esteem of a king, that he should not be able to command the rain.

Home, and Cooper coming (after I had dispatched several letters) to my mathematics, and so at night to bed to a chamber at Sir W.

But, good God! what a deal of company was there from both yards to help to do it, when half the company would have done it as well.

But I see it is impossible for the King to have things done as cheap as other men.

Thence by water, and by and by landing at the riverside somewhere among the reeds, we walked to Greenwich, where to Cocke’s house again and walked in the garden, and then in to his lady, who I find is still pretty, but was now vexed …

… got a dish of steaks at the White Hart, while his clarkes and others were feasting of it in the best room of the house, and after dinner playing at shuffleboard, and when at last they heard I was there, they went about their survey.

But God help the King! what surveys, shall be taken after this manner!

I after dinner about my business to the Rope-yard, and there stayed till night, repeating several trialls of the strength, wayte, waste, and other things of hemp, by which I have furnished myself enough to finish my intended business of stating the goodness of all …

and I perceive it is all the town talk how poorly he carried himself. But the best was of one Mr. Rawlins, a courtier, that was with my Lord; and in the greatest danger cried,

“God damn me, my Lord, I won’t give you threepence for your place now.”

But all ends in the honour of the pleasure-boats; which, had they not been very good boats, they could never have endured the sea as they did.

Falconer, and after dinner to several experiments of Hemp, and particularly some Milan hemp that is brought over ready dressed. Thence we walked talking, very good discourse all the way to Greenwich, and I do find most excellent discourse from him.

Among other things, his rule of suspecting every man that proposes anything to him to be a knave; or, at least, to have some ends of his own in it.

Being led thereto by the story of Sir John Millicent, that would have had a patent from King James for every man to have had leave to have given him a shilling;

And so he concluded. Parson Herring read a psalm and chapters before sermon; and one was the chapter in the Acts, where the story of Ananias and Sapphira is. And after he had done, says he, “

This is just the case of England at present. God he bids us to preach, and men bid us not to preach; and if we do, we are to be imprisoned and further punished.

All that I can say to it is, that I beg your prayers, and the prayers of all good Christians, for us.” This was all the exposition he made of the chapter in these very words, and no more. I was much pleased with Dr.

And so they landed at Whitehall Bridge, and the great guns on the other side went off:

But that which pleased me best was, that my Lady Castlemaine stood over against us upon a piece of Whitehall, where I glutted myself with looking on her.

But methought it was strange to see her Lord and her upon the same place walking up and down without taking notice one of another, only at first entry he put off his hat, and she made him a very civil salute, but afterwards took …

Anon there came one there booted and spurred that she talked long with. And by and by, she being in her hair, she put on his hat, which was but an ordinary one, to keep the wind off.

But methinks it became her mightily, as everything else do.

The show being over, I went away, not weary with looking on her, and to my Lord’s lodgings, where my brother Tom and Dr. Thomas Pepys were to speak with me.

And when he was come up, they demanded his sword of him before he entered the room.

He told them, if they would have his sword, they should have his boots too.

And so caused his boots to be pulled off, and his nightgown and nightcap and slippers to be sent for; and made the Emperor stay till he could go in his nightdress, since he might not go as a soldier.

Here were great store of great ladies, but very few handsome. The King and Queen were very merry; and he would have made the Queen-Mother believe that his Queen was with child, and said that she said so.

And the young Queen answered, “You lie;” which was the first English word that I ever heard her say which made the King good sport; and he would have taught her to say in English, “Confess and be hanged.”

The company being gone I walked home with great content as I can be in for seeing the greatest rarity, and yet a little troubled that I should see them before my wife’s coming home, I having made a promise that I would not, nor …

… them and fell a-swearing, which I took no notice of, but was vexed, and am still to the very heart for it, for fear it should put him upon taking the closet and my chamber from me, which I protest I am now afraid of.

But it is my very great folly to be so much troubled at these trifles, more than at the loss of £100, or things of greater concernment

; but I forget the lesson I use to preach to others of τὰ ἐφ’ ἡμῖν καὶ τὰ οὐκ ἑφ’ ἡμῖν. After dinner to my office with my head and heart full of troublesome business, and thence by water with Mr. Smith, to Mr.

which is a most brave resolucion. He was very free with me; and by my troth, I do see more real worth in him than in most men that I do know. I would not forget two passages of Sir J. Minnes’s at yesterday’s dinner.

The one, that to the question how it comes to pass that there are no boars seen in London, but many sows and pigs; it was answered, that the constable gets them a-nights.

The other, Thos. Killigrew’s way of getting to see plays when he was a boy. He would go to the Red Bull, and when the man cried to the boys, “Who will go and be a devil, and he shall see the play for nothing?”

Minnes’s at yesterday’s dinner. The one, that to the question how it comes to pass that there are no boars seen in London, but many sows and pigs; it was answered, that the constable gets them a-nights.

The other, Thos. Killigrew’s way of getting to see plays when he was a boy.

He would go to the Red Bull, and when the man cried to the boys, “Who will go and be a devil, and he shall see the play for nothing?”

… merry a good while in the great dining room, and so it being late and my Lord not coming in, I by coach to the Temple, and thence walked home, and so to my study to do some business, and then home and to bed.

Great talk among people how some of the Fanatics do say that the end of the world is at hand, and that next Tuesday is to be the day. Against which, whenever it shall be, good God fit us all.

26th.

I could not see the Embassador in his coach; but his attendants in their habits and fur caps very handsome, comely men, and most of them with hawkes upon their fists to present to the King.

But Lord! to see the absurd nature of Englishmen, that cannot forbear laughing and jeering at everything that looks strange.

So back and to the office, and there we met and sat till seven o’clock, making a bargain with Mr. Wood for his masts of New England; and then in Mr.

Minnes did very narrowly escape drowning on the road, the waters are so high; but is well.

But, Lord! what a hypocrite-like face she made to tell it me.

Thence to Sir W.

And yet for all this, that the King is very kind to the Queen; who, he says, is one of the best women in the world.

Strange how the King is bewitched to this pretty Castlemaine.

Thence to my Lord’s, and there with Mr.

After dinner Dr. Scarborough took some of his friends, and I went along with them, to see the body alone, which we did, which was a lusty fellow, a seaman, that was hanged for a robbery.

I did touch the dead body with my bare hand: it felt cold, but methought it was a very unpleasant sight.

It seems one Dillon, of a great family, was, after much endeavours to have saved him, hanged with a silken halter this Sessions (of his own preparing), not for honour only, but it seems, it being soft and sleek, it do slip close and kills, …

nor any man that could have kept the City for the King thus well and long but him. And if the country can be preserved, he will undertake that the City shall not dare to stir again.

When I am confident there is no man almost in the City cares a turd for him, nor hath he brains to outwit any ordinary tradesman.

So home and wrote a letter to Commissioner Pett to Chatham by all means to compose the business between Major Holmes and Cooper his master, and so to bed.

… Stankes makes with his being crowded in the streets and wearied in walking in London, and would not be wooed by my wife and Ashwell to go to a play, nor to Whitehall, or to see the lions, though he was carried in a coach.

I never could have thought there had been upon earth a man so little curious in the world as he is.

At the office all the afternoon till 9 at night, so home to cards with my father, wife, and Ashwell, and so to bed.

but, Lord! it was enough to make any man sick to hear her; yet I was forced to commend her highly. So home to supper and to bed, Ashwell playing upon the triangle very well before I went to bed.

This day Captain Grove sent me a side of pork, which was the oddest present, sure, that was ever made any man; and the next, I remember I told my wife, I believe would be a pound of candles, or a shoulder of mutton; but the fellow do it in kindness, and is one I am beholden to.

So to bed very weary, and a little galled for lack of riding, praying to God for a good journey to my father, of whom I am afeard, he being so lately ill of his pain.

till my Lord Monk took away some of their swords, and sent for some soldiers to guard the house till the fray was ended.

To such a degree of madness the nobility of this age is come!

After dinner I went up to Sir Thomas Crew, who lies there not very well in his head, being troubled with vapours and fits of dizziness:

But nothing could get the business out of my head, I fearing that this afternoon by my wife’s sending every [one] abroad and knowing that I must be at the office she has appointed him to come.

This is my devilish jealousy, which I pray God may be false, but it makes a very hell in my mind, which the God of heaven remove, or I shall be very unhappy.

So to the office, where we sat awhile. By and by my mind being in great trouble I went home to see how things were, and there I found as I doubted Mr.

but this being upon a private quarrel, they did it in good earnest; and I felt one of their swords, and found it to be very little, if at all blunter on the edge, than the common swords are.

Strange to see what a deal of money is flung to them both upon the stage between every bout.

But a woeful rude rabble there was, and such noises, made my head ache all this evening. So, well pleased for once with this sight, I walked home, doing several businesses by the way.

but it seems he is doubtful of Scotland: and this afternoon, when I was there, the Council was called extraordinary; and they were opening the letters this last post’s coming and going between Scotland and us and other places.

Blessed be God, my head and hands are clear, and therefore my sleep safe.

The King of France is well again.

… or whether by a former promise that he would come once before my wife’s going into the country, but I took no notice of, let them go up and Ashwell with them to dance, which they did, and I stayed below in my chamber, but,

Lord! how I listened and laid my ear to the door, and how I was troubled when I heard them stand still and not dance.

Anon they made an end and had done, and so I suffered him to go away, and spoke not to him, though troubled in my mind, but showed no discontent to my wife, believing that this is the last time I shall be troubled with …

To supper and to bed.

The consideration that this is the longest day in the year is very unpleasant to me.

This afternoon my wife had a visit from my Lady Jeminah and Mr. Ferrers.

Prin, among many, had a pretty tale of one that brought in a bill in parliament for the empowering him to dispose his land to such children as he should have that should bear the name of his wife. It was in Queen Elizabeth’s time.

One replied that there are many species of creatures where the male gives the denomination to both sexes, as swan and woodcock, but not above one where the female do, and that is a goose.

Both at and after dinner we had great discourses of the nature and power of spirits, and whether they can animate dead bodies; in all which, as of the general appearance of spirits, my Lord Sandwich is very scepticall.

… profit with so much dishonour and trouble to us I know not, but however we shall do what we can, though he deserves it not, for there is nothing even to his own advantage that can be got out of him, but by mere force.

So full of policy he is in the smallest matters, that I perceive him to be made up of nothing but design.

I left him here, being in my mind vexed at the trouble that this business gets me, and the distance that it makes between Sir G. Carteret and myself, which I ought to avoyd.

The charge of the Navy intended to be limited to £200,000 per annum, the ordinary charge of it, and that to be settled upon the Customs.

The King yet greatly taken up with Madam Castlemaine and Mrs. Stewart, which God of Heaven put an end to!

Myself very studious to learn what I can of all things necessary for my place as an officer of the Navy, reading lately what concerns measuring of timber and knowledge of the tides.

but there was not trusted, nor received any kindness from the Prince of Conde, as one to whom also he had been false, as he had been to the Cardinal and Grandmont.

In fine, he told us how he is a man of excellent parts, but of no great faith nor judgment, and one very easy to get up to great height of preferment, but never able to hold it.

So home and to my music; and then comes Mr. Creed to me giving me an account of his accounts, how he has now settled them fit for perusal the most strict, at which I am glad. So he and I to bed together.

Walking in the garden this evening with Sir G. Carteret and Sir J. Minnes, Sir G. Carteret told us with great contempt how like a stage-player my Lord Digby spoke yesterday, pointing to his head as my Lord did, and saying,

“First, for his head,” says Sir G. Carteret, “I know what a calf’s head would have done better by half: for his heart and his sword, I have nothing to say to them.”

He told us that for certain his head cost the late King his, for it was he that broke off the treaty at Uxbridge.

which indeed was very good, though not without a slip now and then; and one broadside close to our coach we had going out of the Park, even to the nearness as to be ready to burn our hairs.

Yet methought all these gay men are not the soldiers that must do the King’s business, it being such as these that lost the old King all he had, and were beat by the most ordinary fellows that could be.

Thence with much ado out of the Park, and I ’lighted and through St.

Sat up and with Sir J. Minnes talking, and he speaking his mind in slighting of the Commissioner, for which I wish there was not so much reason.

For I do see he is but a man of words, though indeed he is the ablest man that we have to do service if he would or durst.

Sir J. Minnes being gone to bed, I took Mr.

and when they came they did believe that, this vessel had been drowned, or at least behind, not thinking she could have lived in that sea.

Strange things are told of this vessel, and he concludes his letter with this position, “I only affirm that the perfection of sailing lies in my principle, finde it out who can.”

Thence home, in my way meeting Mr. Rawlinson, who tells me that my uncle Wight is off of his Hampshire purchase and likes less of the Wights, and would have me to be kind and study to please him, which I am resolved to do.

23rd (Lord’s day). Up and to church without my wife, she being all dirty, as my house is.

God forgive me, I looked about to see if I could spy Pembleton, but I could not, which did please me not a little.

Home to dinner, and then to walk up and down in my house with my wife, discoursing of our family matters, and I hope, after all my troubles of mind and jealousy, we shall live happily still.

and at home made my wife get herself presently ready, and so carried her by coach to the fair, and showed her the monkeys dancing on the ropes, which was strange, but such dirty sport that I was not pleased with it.

There was also a horse with hoofs like rams hornes, a goose with four feet, and a cock with three.

Thence to another place, and saw some German Clock works, the Salutation of the Virgin Mary, and several Scriptural stories;

Lane, took her over to Lambeth, where we were lately, and there, did what I would with her, but only the main thing, which she would not consent to, for which God be praised. …

But, trust in the Lord, I shall never do so again while I live.

After being tired with her company I landed her at Whitehall, and so home and at my office writing letters till 12 at night almost, and then home to supper and bed, and there found my poor wife hard at work, which grieved my heart …

At night to supper, though with little comfort, I finding myself both head and breast in great pain, and what troubles me most my right ear is almost deaf.

It is a cold, which God Almighty in justice did give me while I sat lewdly sporting with Mrs. Lane the other day with the broken window in my neck.

I went to bed with a posset, being very melancholy in consideration of the loss of my hearing.

and last night and the night before supped with her; when there being a chine of beef to roast, and the tide rising into their kitchen that it could not be roasted there, and the cook telling her of it, she answered, “

Zounds! she must set the house on fire but it should be roasted!

” So it was carried to Mrs. Sarah’s husband’s, and there it was roasted.

Wood’s lady’s great belly, and said if she should miscarry he would never get another, and that she never saw such a man as this Sir H. Wood in her life, and seeing of Dr. Pridgeon, she said, “

Nay, Doctor, you need not scratch your head, there is hair little enough already in the place.

” But methinks it was not handsome for the weaknesses of Princes to be talked of thus.

Wood in her life, and seeing of Dr. Pridgeon, she said, “Nay, Doctor, you need not scratch your head, there is hair little enough already in the place.”

But methinks it was not handsome for the weaknesses of Princes to be talked of thus.

Thence Creed and I to the King’s Head ordinary, where much and very good company, among others one very talking man, but a scholler, that would needs put in his discourse and philosophy upon every occasion, and though he did well enough, yet his readiness …

I am lately come to a conclusion with Tom Trice to pay him £100, which is a great deal of money, but I hope it will save a great deal more.

But thus everything lessens, which I have and am like to have, and therefore I must look about me to get something more than just my salary, or else I may resolve to live well and die a beggar.

The King stayed so long that we could not discourse with the Duke, and so we parted. I heard the Duke say that he was going to wear a periwig; and they say the King also will.

I never till this day observed that the King is mighty gray.

Thence, meeting with Creed, walked with him to Westminster Hall, and thence by coach took up Mrs.

… the office, after I had wrote my day’s passages, there came to me my cousin Angier of Cambridge, poor man, making his moan, and obtained of me that I would send his son to sea as a Reformado, which I will take care to do.

But to see how apt every man is to forget friendship in time of adversity. How glad was I when he was gone, for fear he should ask me to be bond for him, or to borrow money of me.

10th. Up, pretty well, the weather being become pretty warm again, and to the office, where we sat all the morning, and I confess having received so lately a token from Mrs.

Russell, I did find myself concerned for our not buying some tallow of her (which she bought on purpose yesterday most unadvisedly to her great losse upon confidence of putting it off to us).

So hard it is for a man not to be warped against his duty and master’s interest that receives any bribe or present, though not as a bribe, from anybody else.

But she must be contented, and I to do her a good turn when I can without wrong to the King’s service.

But after dinner Luellin took me up to my chamber to give me £50 for the service I did him, though not so great as he expected and I intended.

But I told him that I would not sell my liberty to any man.

If he would give me anything by another’s hand I would endeavour to deserve it, but I will never give him himself thanks for it, not acknowledging the receiving of any, which he told me was reasonable.

… do put the true praise, and set it on foot in the world, the generality of mankind pleasing themselves in the easy delights of the world, as eating, drinking, dancing, hunting, fencing, which we see the meanest men do the best, those that profess it.

A gentleman never dances so well as the dancing master, and an ordinary fiddler makes better music for a shilling than a gentleman will do after spending forty, and so in all the delights of the world almost.

Thence to the ’Change, and after doing much business, home, taking Commissioner Pett with me, and all alone dined together.

but did tell him that my wife should thank him, and so went on in discourse. When I came home,

Lord! in what pain I was to get my wife out of the room without bidding her go, that I might see what these gloves were

;

… of God, I find myself not only in good health in everything, and particularly as to the stone, but only pain upon taking cold, and also in a fair way of coming to a better esteem and estate in the world, than ever I expected.

But I pray God give me a heart to fear a fall, and to prepare for it!

24th (Ash-Wednesday). Up and by water, it being a very fine morning, to Whitehall, and there to speak with Sir Ph.

Honiwood’s, with him, in his chamber and below, being too merry for so late a sad work.

But, Lord! to see how the world makes nothing of the memory of a man, an houre after he is dead!

And, indeed, I must blame myself; for though at the sight of him dead and dying, I had real grief for a while, while he was in my sight, yet presently after, and ever since, I have had very little grief indeed for him.

… and to let my cousin Scott have a letter of Attorney to follow the business here in his absence for him, who by that means will have the power of paying himself (which we cannot however hinder) and do us a kindness we think too.

But, Lord! what a shame, methinks, to me, that, in this condition, and at this age, I should know no better the laws of my own country!

Thence to Westminster Hall, and spent till noon, it being Parliament time, and at noon walked with Creed into St. James’s Park, talking of many things, particularly of the poor parts and great unfitness for business of Mr.

Prin, that the King had given him an office of keeping the Records; but that he never comes thither, nor had been there these six months: so that I perceive they expect to get his employment from him.

Thus everybody is liable to be envied and supplanted.

At noon over to the Leg, where Sir G. Ascue, Sir Robt. Parkhurst and Sir W. Penn dined. A good dinner and merry.

He supped with me, and so away, and I to bed.

And strange to see how we are all divided that were bred so long at school together, and what various fortunes we have run, some good, some bad.

26th. All the morning at the office, at noon to Anthony Joyce’s, to our gossip’s dinner. I had sent a dozen and a half of bottles of wine thither, and paid my double share besides, which is 18s.

… to let the Portugeses have right done them, as many of them as continue, or did sell the houses while they were in possession, and something further in their favour, the Duke in an anger I never observed in him before, did cry, says he,

“All the world rides us, and I think we shall never ride anybody.”

Thence home, and, though late, yet Pedro being there, he sang a song and parted. I did give him 5s., but find it burdensome and so will break up the meeting.

Prince Rupert was with us; who is fitting himself to go to sea in the Heneretta. And afterwards in Whitehall I met him and Mr. Gray, and he spoke to me, and in other discourse, says he,

“God damn me, I can answer but for one ship, and in that I will do my part; for it is not in that as in an army, where a man can command everything.”

By and by to a Committee for the Fishery, the Duke of York there, where, after Duke was made Secretary, we fell to name a Committee, whereof I was willing to be one, because I would have my hand in the business, to understand it …

Povy’s sake, to take pains in what picture I shall set him about, and I think to have my wife’s.

But it is a strange thing to observe and fit for me to remember that I am at no time so unwilling to part with money as when I am concerned in the getting of it most

, as I thank God of late I have got more in this month, viz. near £250, than ever I did in half a year before in my life, I think.

“Well, I’le save my Rivall and make her confess, that I deserve, while he do but possess.”

“Why, what, pox,” says Sir Charles Sydly, “would he have him have more, or what is there more to be had of a woman than the possessing her?”

Thence setting all them at home, I home with my wife and Mercer, vexed at my losing my time and above 20s. in money, and neglecting my business to see so bad a play.

Penn was taken mighty well, though nothing in the earth to the purpose.

But clothes, I perceive more and more every day, is a great matter.

Thence home with Sir W. Batten by coach, and I home to dinner, finding my wife still in bed. After dinner abroad, and among other things visited my Lady Sandwich, and was there, with her and the young ladies, playing at cards till night.

All the while I sensible how I am concerned in my bill of £100 and somewhat more.

So great a trouble is fear, though in a case that at the worst will bear enquiry.

My Lord Barkeley was very violent against Povy. But my Lord Ashly, I observe, is a most clear man in matters of accounts, and most ingeniously did discourse and explain all matters.

to see how void of method and sense their discourse was, and in what heat, insomuch as Sir R. Ford (who we judged, some of us, to be a little foxed) fell into very high terms with Sir W. Batten, and then with Captain Cocke.

So that I see that no man is wise at all times.

Thence home to prayers and to bed.

… if I come now to refund it, as I fear I shall, I shall now be ne’er a whit the poorer for it, though yet it is some trouble to me to be poorer by such a sum than I thought myself a month since.

But, however, a quiet mind and to be sure of my own is worth all.

The Lord be praised for what I have, which is this month come down to £1,257. I stayed up about my accounts till almost two in the morning.

which the King hearing, says, “I must to horse.” And there himself personally, when everybody expected they should have been opposed, the King come, and cried to the head of the mutineers, which was Prince Rupert,

“Nephew, I command you to be gone.”

So the Prince, in all his fury and discontent, withdrew, and his company scattered, which they say was the greatest piece of mutiny in the world.

how they meet; never sit down: one comes, now another goes, then comes another; one complaining that nothing is done, another swearing that he hath been there these two hours and nobody come. At last it come to this, my Lord Annesly, says he,

“I think we must be forced to get the King to come to every committee; for I do not see that we do anything at any time but when he is here.”

And I believe he said the truth and very constant he is at the council table on council-days; which his predecessors, it seems, very rarely did;

However,

I find that now and then a little difference do no hurte, but too much of it will make her know her force too much.

We parted after many high words very angry, and I to my office to my month’s accounts, and find myself worth £1,270, for which the Lord God be praised!

but all will be in print. Then to the meeting, where Sir G. Carteret’s two sons, his own, and Sir N. Slaning, were admitted of the society: and this day I did pay my admission money, 40s. to the society.

Here was very fine discourses and experiments, but I do lacke philosophy enough to understand them, and so cannot remember them.

Among others, a very particular account of the making of the several sorts of bread in France, which is accounted the best place for bread in the world.

Martin is brought to bed of a boy and christened Charles, which I am very glad of, for I was fearful of being called to be a godfather to it. But it seems it was to be done suddenly, and so I escaped.

It is strange to see how a liberty and going abroad without purpose of doing anything do lead a man to what is bad

, for I was just upon going to her, where I must of necessity [have] broken my oath or made a forfeit.

Being very glad of this news Mr. Povy and I in his coach to Hyde Park, being the first day of the tour there. Where many brave ladies; among others,

Castlemayne lay impudently upon her back in her coach asleep, with her mouth open.

There was also my Lady Kerneguy, once my Lady Anne Hambleton, that is said to have given the Duke a clap upon his first coming over. Here I saw Sir J. Lawson’s daughter and husband, a fine couple, and also Mr.

As among others, that could discover truly the way of milk coming into the breasts of a woman; and he that could invent proper characters to express to another the mixture of relishes and tastes.

And says, that to him that invents gold, he gives nothing for the philosopher’s stone; for (says he) they that find out that, will be able to pay themselves.

But, says he, by this means it is better than to give to a lecture; for here my executors, that must part with this, will be sure to be well convinced of the invention before they do part with their money. After dinner Mr.

Thence to Povy’s, and there delivered him his letters of greatest import to him that is possible, yet dropped by young Bland, just come from Tangier, upon the road by Sittingburne, taken up and sent to Mr. Pett, at Chatham.

Thus everything done by Povy is done with a fatal folly and neglect.

Then to our discourse with him, Creed, Mr.

We have laine a good while with a good fleet at Harwich. The Dutch not said yet to be out.

We, as high as we make our show, I am sure, are unable to set out another small fleet, if this should be worsted. Wherefore, God send us peace! I cry.

9th (Lord’s day). To church with my wife in the morning, in her new light-coloured silk gown, which is, with her new point, very noble.

Says my Lord Treasurer, “Why, what means all this, Mr. Pepys? This is true, you say; but what would you have me to do? I have given all I can for my life.

Why will not people lend their money? Why will they not trust the King as well as Oliver?

Why do our prizes come to nothing, that yielded so much heretofore?”

going home bespoke the King’s works, will cost me 50s., I believe. So home and late at my office.

But, Lord! to see how much of my old folly and childishness hangs upon me still that I cannot forbear carrying my watch in my hand in the coach all this afternoon, and seeing what o’clock it is one hundred times;

and am apt to think with myself, how could I be so long without one; though I remember since, I had one, and found it a trouble, and resolved to carry one no more about me while I lived.

Then despairing of her coming home, I to bed.

This day, much against my will, I did in Drury Lane see two or three houses marked with a red cross upon the doors, and “Lord have mercy upon us” writ there; which was a sad sight to me, being the first of the kind that, to my remembrance, I ever saw.

It put me into an ill conception of myself and my smell, so that I was forced to buy some roll-tobacco to smell to and chaw, which took away the apprehension.

Captain Smith of The Mary the Duke talks mightily of; and some great thing will be done for him.

Strange to hear how the Dutch do relate, as the Duke says, that they are the conquerors; and bonfires are made in Dunkirke in their behalf; though a clearer victory can never be expected.

Mr. Coventry thinks they cannot have lost less than 6,000 men, and we not dead above 200, and wounded about 400; in all about 600.

18th (Lord’s day). Up, and to church, where Sir W. Penn was the first time [since he] come from sea, after the battle.

Mr. Mills made a sorry sermon to prove that there was a world to come after this.

Home and dined and then to my chamber, where all the afternoon. Anon comes Mr. Andrews to see and sing with me, but Mr. Hill not coming, and having business, we soon parted, there coming Mr.

and away again to the King) and back again with him in the barge, hearing him and the Duke talk, and seeing and observing their manner of discourse.

And God forgive me! though I admire them with all the duty possible, yet the more a man considers and observes them, the less he finds of difference between them and other men, though (blessed be God!) they are both princes of great nobleness and spirits.

The barge put me into another boat that come to our side, Mr. Holder with a bag of gold to the Duke, and so they away and I home to the office.

they are both princes of great nobleness and spirits. The barge put me into another boat that come to our side, Mr. Holder with a bag of gold to the Duke, and so they away and I home to the office.

The Duke of Monmouth is the most skittish leaping gallant that ever I saw, always in action, vaulting or leaping, or clambering.

Thence mighty full of the honour of this day, I took coach and to Kate Joyce’s, but she not within, but spoke with Anthony, who tells me he likes well of my proposal for Pall to Harman, but I fear that less than £500 will …

The Lord of Heaven be praised for it! Will was with me today, and is very well again.

It was a sad noise to hear our bell to toll and ring so often today, either for deaths or burials; I think five or six times.

At night weary with my day’s work, but full of joy at my having done it, I to bed, being to rise betimes tomorrow to go to the wedding at Dagenhams.

I kissed the bride in bed, and so the curtains drawn with the greatest gravity that could be, and so good night.

But the modesty and gravity of this business was so decent, that it was to me indeed ten times more delightful than if it had been twenty times more merry and joviall.

Whereas I feared I must have sat up all night, we did here all get good beds, and I lay in the same I did before with Mr. Brisband, who is a good scholler and sober man;

Eat and drank and away home, and after a little at the office to my chamber to put more things still in order, and late to bed.

The people die so, that now it seems they are fain to carry the dead to be buried by daylight, the nights not sufficing to do it in.

And my Lord Mayor commands people to be within at nine at night all, as they say, that the sick may have liberty to go abroad for air. There is one also dead out of one of our ships at Deptford, which troubles us mightily;

and another thing, speaking of minding of business,

“By God,” says he, “I will and have already almost brought it to that pass, that the King shall not be able to whip a cat, but I must be at the tail of it.”

Meaning so necessary he is, and the King and my Lord Treasurer and all do confess it;

Thence to the Exchange, where I have not been a great while. But, Lord! how sad a sight it is to see the streets empty of people, and very few upon the ’Change.

Jealous of every door that one sees shut up, lest it should be the plague; and about us two shops in three, if not more, generally shut up.

From the ’Change to Sir G. Smith’s with Mr. Fenn, to whom I am nowadays very complaisant, he being under payment of my bills to me, and some other sums at my desire, which he readily do.

Viner’s, and there found not Mr. Lewes ready for me, so I went forth and walked towards Moorefields to see (God forbid my presumption!) whether I could see any dead corpse going to the grave; but, as God would have it, did not.

But, Lord! how everybody’s looks, and discourse in the street is of death, and nothing else, and few people going up and down, that the town is like a place distressed and forsaken.

After one turne there back to Viner’s, and there found my business ready for me, and evened all reckonings with them to this day to my great content.

“For,” says Captain Cocke, “my Lord Treasurer, he minds his ease, and lets things go how they will: if he can have his £8,000 per annum, and a game at l’ombre he is well.

My Lord Chancellor he minds getting of money and nothing else; and my Lord Ashly will rob the Devil and the Alter, but he will get money if it be to be got.

” But that that put us into this great melancholy, was news brought today, which Captain Cocke reports as a certain truth, that all the Dutch fleet, men-of-war and merchant East India ships, are got every one in from Bergen the 3rd of this month, …

Batten met, to go into my Lord Brouncker’s coach, and so we four to Lambeth, and thence to the Duke of Albemarle, to inform him what we have done as to the fleet, which is very little, and to receive his direction.

But, Lord! what a sad time it is to see no boats upon the River; and grass grows all up and down Whitehall Court, and nobody but poor wretches in the streets!

And, which is worst of all, the Duke showed us the number of the plague this week, brought in the last night from the Lord Mayor;

Whether the fellow do this out of kindness or knavery, I cannot tell; but it is pretty to observe.

Talking with him in the high way, come close by the bearers with a dead corpse of the plague; but, Lord! to see what custom is, that I am come almost to think nothing of it.

So to my lodging, and there, with Mr. Hater and Will, ending a business of the state of the last six months’ charge of the Navy, which we bring to £1,000,000 and above, and I think we do not enlarge much in it if anything.

5th (Lord’s day). Up, and after being trimmed, by boat to the Cockpit, where I heard the Duke of Albemarle’s chaplain make a simple sermon: among other things, reproaching the imperfection of humane learning, he cried: “

All our physicians cannot tell what an ague is, and all our arithmetic is not able to number the days of a man

;” which, God knows, is not the fault of arithmetic, but that our understandings reach not the thing. To dinner, where a great deal of silly discourse, but the worst is I hear that the plague increases much at Lambeth, St.

So I on board my Lord Brouncker; and there he and Sir Edmund Pooly carried me down into the hold of the India ship, and there did show me the greatest wealth lie in confusion that a man can see in the world.

Pepper scattered through every chink, you trod upon it; and in cloves and nutmegs, I walked above the knees; whole rooms full.

And silk in bales, and boxes of copperplate, one of which I saw opened.

Hater with me, and there spent the evening till midnight discoursing and settling of our Victualling business, that thereby I might draw up instructions for the Surveyours and that we might be doing something to earne our money. This done I late to bed.

Among other things it pleased me to have it demonstrated, that a Purser without professed cheating is a professed loser, twice as much as he gets.

23rd. Up betimes, and so, being trimmed, I to get papers ready against Sir H. Cholmly come to me by appointment, he being newly come over from Tangier.

Off the ’Change I went home with Sir G. Smith to dinner, sending for one of my barrels of oysters, which were good, though come from Colchester, where the plague hath been so much. Here a very brave dinner, though no invitation; and,

Lord! to see how I am treated, that come from so mean a beginning, is matter of wonder to me.

But it is God’s great mercy to me, and His blessing upon my taking pains, and being punctual in my dealings.

Carteret about office business, but no money in view. Here my Lord and I stayed and dined, the Vice-Chamberlain taking his leave. At table the Duchess, a damned ill-looked woman, complaining of her Lord’s going to sea the next year, said these cursed words:

“If my Lord had been a coward he had gone to sea no more: it may be then he might have been excused, and made an Embassador”

(meaning my Lord Sandwich). This made me mad, and I believed she perceived my countenance change, and blushed herself very much.

and in his coach to Hackney, a very fine, cold, clear, frosty day. At his house I find him with a plain little dinner, good wine, and welcome.

He is still a prating man; and the more I know him, the less I find in him.

A pretty house he hath here indeed, of his own building. His old mother was an object at dinner that made me not like it;

I said little to him or concerning him; but, Lord! to see how he writes to me a-days, and styles me “My Honour.”

So much is a man subjected and dejected under afflictions as to flatter me in that manner on this occasion.

Back with my Lord to Sir J. Minnes, where I left him and the rest of a great deal of company, and so I to my office, where late writing letters and then home to bed.

… weather and no fears nor cares upon me, I do think myself obliged to think myself happy, and do look upon myself at this time in the happiest occasion a man can be, and whereas we take pains in expectation of future comfort and ease,

I have taught myself to reflect upon myself at present as happy, and enjoy myself in that consideration, and not only please myself with thoughts of future wealth and forget the pleasure we at present enjoy.

So took coach and to Windsor, to the Garter, and thither sent for Dr. Childe; who come to us, and carried us to St. George’s Chapel;

Here Sir W. Penn did give me the reason in my ear of his importunity for money, for that he is now to marry his daughter.

God send her better fortune than her father deserves I should wish him for a false rogue.

Thence by coach to Hales’s, and there saw my wife sit; and I do like her picture mightily, and very like it will be, and a brave piece of work.

It is a mighty fine witty boy, Mrs. Pierce’s little boy. Thence home and to the office, where late writing letters and leaving a great deal to do on Monday, I home to supper and to bed.

The truth is, I do indulge myself a little the more in pleasure, knowing that this is the proper age of my life to do it; and out of my observation that most men that do thrive in the world, do forget to take pleasure during the time that they are getting their estate, but reserve that till they have got one, and then it is too late for them to enjoy it with any pleasure.

11th (Lord’s day). Up, and by water to Whitehall, there met Mr. Coventry coming out, going along with the Commissioners of the Ordnance to the water side to take barge, they being to go down to the Hope.

But to see their clothes, and the various sorts, and what a mixture of things there was; here a wooden-leg, there a ruff, here a hobbyhorse, there a crown, would make a man split himself to see with laughing; and particularly Lacy’s wardrobe, and Shotrell’s.

But then again, to think how fine they show on the stage by candlelight, and how poor things they are to look now too near hand, is not pleasant at all.

The machines are fine, and the paintings very pretty.

So walked to Dickeshoare, and there took boat again and home, and thence to Westminster, and attended all the morning on the Exchequer for a quarter’s tallies for Tangier.

But, Lord! to see what a dull, heavy sort of people they are there would make a man mad.

At noon had them and carried them home, and there dined with great content with my people, and within and at the office all the afternoon and night, and so home to settle some papers there, and so to bed, being not very well, having …

and the difference among all between what they do now, and what it was the night when Monk come into the City.

Such a night as that I never think to see again, nor think it can be.

After I come home I was till one in the morning with Captain Cocke drawing up a contract with him intended to be offered to the Duke tomorrow, which, if it proceeds, he promises me £500.

Charles. Very pleasant with her half an hour, and so away and down to Blackewall, and there saw the soldiers (who were by this time gotten most of them drunk) shipped off.

But, Lord! to see how the poor fellows kissed their wives and sweethearts in that simple manner at their going off, and shouted, and let off their guns, was strange sport.

In the evening come up the River the Katharine yacht, Captain Fazeby, who hath brought over my Lord of Alesbury and Sir Thomas Liddall (with a very pretty daughter, and in a pretty travelling-dress) from Flanders, who saw the Dutch fleet on Thursday, and ran …

Sir William Clerke lost his leg; and in two days died. The Loyal George, Seven Oaks, and Swiftsure, are still missing, having never, as the General writes himself, engaged with them.

It was as great an alteration to find myself required to write a sad letter instead of a triumphant one to my Lady Sandwich this night, as ever on any occasion I had in my life.

So late home and to bed.

But, above all, that The Prince run on shore upon the Galloper, and there stuck; was endeavoured to be fetched off by the Dutch, but could not; and so they burned her; and Sir G. Ascue is taken prisoner, and carried into Holland.

This news do much trouble me, and the thoughts of the ill consequences of it, and the pride and presumption that brought us to it.

At noon to the ’Change, and there find the discourse of town, and their countenances much changed; but yet not very plain.

on this occasion, the Queen, in ordinary talk before the ladies in her drawing-room, did say to my Lady Castlemaine that she feared the King did take cold, by staying so late abroad at her house.

She answered before them all, that he did not stay so late abroad with her, for he went betimes thence (though he do not before one, two, or three in the morning), but must stay somewhere else.

The King then coming in and overhearing, did whisper in the ear aside, and told her she was a bold impertinent woman, and bid her to be gone out of the Court, and not come again till he sent for her;

He was surprised when I told him I heard that the King did intend to borrow some money of the City, and would know who had spoke of it to me; I told him Sir Ellis Layton this afternoon.

He says it is a dangerous discourse; for that the City certainly will not be invited to do it, and then for the King to ask it and be denied, will be the beginning of our sorrow.

He seems to fear we shall all fall to pieces among ourselves. This evening we hear that Sir Christopher Mings is dead of his late wounds; and Sir W. Coventry did commend him to me in a most extraordinary manner.

Williamson is. It seems the Dutch do mightily insult of their victory, and they have great reason.

Sir William Barkeley was killed before his ship taken; and there he lies dead in a sugar-chest, for everybody to see, with his flag standing up by him.

And Sir George Ascue is carried up and down the Hague for people to see. Home to my office, where late, and then to bed.

Coventry. And it may be so; for I do not find Sir W. Coventry so highly commending the Duke as he used to be, but letting fall now and then some little jerkes: as this day, speaking of news from Holland, he says,

“I find their victory begins to shrinke there, as well as ours here.”

Here I met with Captain Cocke, and he tells me that the first thing the Prince said to the King upon his coming, was complaining of the Commissioners of the Navy; that they could have been abroad in three or four days but for us;

Coventry’s chamber (where I saw his father my Lord Coventry’s picture hung up, done by Stone, who then brought it home. It is a good picture, drawn in his judge’s robes, and the great seale by him. And while it was hanging up,

“This,” says Sir W. Coventry, merrily, “is the use we make of our fathers,”

) to discourse about the proposition of serving us with hemp, delivered in by my Lord Brouncker as from an unknown person, though I know it to be Captain Cocke’s.

about shipping of some more pressed men, and that done, away to Broad Street, to Sir G. Carteret, who is at a pay of tickets all alone, and I believe not less than one thousand people in the streets.

But it is a pretty thing to observe that both there and everywhere else, a man shall see many women nowadays of mean sort in the streets, but no men; men being so afeard of the press.

I dined with Sir G. Carteret, and after dinner had much discourse about our public business; and he do seem to fear every day more and more what I do; which is, a general confusion in the State;

who are under great dejectedness for want of knowing that they did do anything against the enemy, notwithstanding all that they did to us.

Which, though it be true, yet methought was one of the most dishonourable motions to our countrymen that ever was made; and is worth remembering.

Thence with Sir W. Penn home, calling at Lilly’s, to have a time appointed when to be drawn among the other Commanders of Flags the last year’s fight.

and then for fruit, the best way is to have walls built circularly one within another, to the South, on purpose for fruit, and leave the walking garden only for that use. Thence walked through the House, where most people mighty hush and, methinks, melancholy.

I see not a smiling face through the whole Court; and, in my conscience, they are doubtful of the conduct again of the Generals, and I pray God they may not make their fears reasonable.

Sir Richard Fanshaw is lately dead at Madrid. Guyland is lately overthrown wholly in Barbary by the King of Tafiletta. The fleet cannot yet get clear of the River, but expect the first wind to be out, and then to be sure they fight.

several, and the best of their country, as they seemed to esteem them, by their praising and admiring them: but, Lord! the strangest air that ever I heard in my life, and all of one cast.

But strange to hear my Lord Lauderdale say himself that he had rather hear a cat mew, than the best music in the world; and the better the music, the more sicke it makes him; and that of all instruments, he hates the lute most, and next to that, the bagpipe.

Thence back with my Lord to his house, all the way good discourse, informing of myself about optics still, and there left him and by a hackney home, and after writing three or four letters, home to supper and to bed.

The service is very great, and our joys as great for it. All this will make the Duke of Albemarle in repute again, I doubt, though there is nothing of his in this.

But, Lord! to see what success do, whether with or without reason, and making a man seem wise, notwithstanding never so late demonstration of the profoundest folly in the world.

Thence walked over the Park with Sir W. Coventry, in our way talking of the unhappy state of our office;

The messenger being gone back, Erwin and his company asked their druggerman what he had said, which he told them. “But why,” say they, “would you say that without our leave, it being not true?”—

“It is no matter for that,” says he, “I must have said it, or have been hanged, for our King do not live by meat, nor drink, but by having great lies told him.”

In our way back we come by a little vessel that come into the river this morning, and says he left the fleet in Sole Bay, and that he hath not heard (he belonging to Sir W.

poor people staying in their houses as long as till the very fire touched them, and then running into boats, or clambering from one pair of stairs by the waterside to another.

And among other things, the poor pigeons, I perceive, were loth to leave their houses, but hovered about the windows and balconies till they were, some of them burned, their wings, and fell down.

Having stayed, and in an hour’s time seen the fire rage every way, and nobody, to my sight, endeavouring to quench it, but to remove their goods, and leave all to the fire, and having seen it get as far as the Steelyard, and the …

Extraordinary good goods carried in carts and on backs. At last met my Lord Mayor in Canning-street, like a man spent, with a handkercher about his neck. To the King’s message he cried, like a fainting woman, “

Lord! what can I do? I am spent: people will not obey me.

I have been pulling down houses; but the fire overtakes us faster than we can do it.” That he needed no more soldiers; and that, for himself, he must go and refresh himself, having been up all night.

Barbary and her husband away before us.

We stayed till, it being darkish, we saw the fire as only one entire arch of fire from this to the other side the bridge, and in a bow up the hill for an arch of above a mile long: it made me weep to see it.

The churches, houses, and all on fire and flaming at once; and a horrid noise the flames made, and the cracking of houses at their ruins. So home with a sad heart, and there find everybody discoursing and lamenting the fire;

And took up (which I keep by me) a piece of glasse of Mercers’ Chapel in the street, where much more was, so melted and buckled with the heat of the fire like parchment.

I also did see a poor cat taken out of a hole in the chimney, joining to the wall of the Exchange, with the hair all burned off the body, and yet alive.

So home at night, and find there good hopes of saving our office; but great endeavours of watching all night, and having men ready; and so we lodged them in the office, and had drink and bread and cheese for them.

And I lay down and slept a good night about midnight, though when I rose I heard that there had been a great alarme of French and Dutch being risen, which proved, nothing.

But it is a strange thing to see how long this time did look since Sunday, having been always full of variety of actions, and little sleep, that it looked like a week or more, and I had forgot, almost the day of the week.

6th. Up about five o’clock, and where met Mr.

so that that was well again.

It was pretty to see how hard the women did work in the cannells, sweeping of water; but then they would scold for drink, and be as drunk as devils.

I saw good butts of sugar broke open in the street, and people go and take handsful out, and put into beer, and drink it.

17th.

Up betimes, and shaved myself after a week’s growth, but, Lord! how ugly I was yesterday and how fine today!

By water, seeing the City all the way, a sad sight indeed, much fire being still in. To Sir W. Coventry, and there read over my yesterday’s work:

a thing, it seems, carried on by the Western Parliament-men, wholly against the sense of most of the rest of the House; who think if you do this, you give the Irish again cause to rebel.

Thus plenty on both sides makes us mad.

The Committee of the Canary Company of both factions come to me for my Cousin Roger that is of the Committee. Thence with [Sir] W. Coventry when the House rose and [Sir] W. Batten to St.

He tells me we are to owe the losse of so many ships on the sands, not to any fault of the pilots, but to the weather; but in this I have good authority to fear there was something more.

He says the Dutch do fight in very good order, and we in none at all.

He says that in the July fight, both the Prince and Holmes had their belly-fulls, and were fain to go aside; though, if the wind had continued, we had utterly beaten them.

Thence to the Ropeyarde and the other yards to do several businesses, he and I also did buy some apples and pork; by the same token the butcher commended it as the best in England for clothe and colour.

And for his beef, says he, “Look how fat it is; the lean appears only here and there a speck, like beauty-spots.”

Having done at Woolwich, we to Deptford (it being very cold upon the water), and there did also a little more business, and so home, I reading all the way to make end of the Bondman (which the oftener I read the more I like), …

for if you will give me another bottle of wine, I will tell you as great, if not greater, a miracle.”

And what was that, but that our dirty Besse (meaning his Duchess) should come to be Duchess of Albemarle?

Here we parted, and so by and by the Council rose, and out comes Sir G. Carteret and Sir W. Coventry, and they and my Lord Brouncker and I went to Sir G. Carteret’s lodgings, there to discourse about some money demanded by Sir W.

and presently more particulars, that the Horse-guard was on fire; and so we run up to the garret, and find it so; a horrid great fire; and by and by we saw and heard part of it blown up with powder.

The ladies begun presently to be afeard: one fell into fits. The whole town in an alarme.

Drums beat and trumpets, and the guards everywhere spread, running up and down in the street.

This afternoon going towards Westminster, Creed and I did stop, the Duke of York being just going away from seeing of it, at Paul’s, and in the Convocation House Yard did there see the body of Robert Braybrooke, Bishop of London, that died 1404.

He fell down in his tomb out of the great church into St. Fayth’s this late fire, and is here seen his skeleton with the flesh on; but all tough and dry like a spongy dry leather, or touchwood all upon his bones.

His head turned aside. A great man in his time, and Lord Chancellor; and his skeletons now exposed to be handled and derided by some, though admired for its duration by others. Many flocking to see it.

The first died upon the place, and the other very well, and likely to do well.

This did give occasion to many pretty wishes, as of the blood of a Quaker to be let into an Archbishop, and suchlike;

but, as Dr. Croone says, may, if it takes, be of mighty use to man’s health, for the amending of bad blood by borrowing from a better body.

It was a drunken quarrel, where one was as blameable as the other. It was referred to further examination, but the

Duke of York declared, that as he would not favour disobedience, so neither drunkenness, and therein he said very well.

Thence with Sir W. Coventry to Westminster Hall, and there parted, he having told me how Sir J.

… to bed, being mightily troubled with a pain in the small of my back, through cold, or (which I think most true) my straining last night to get open my plate chest, in such pain all night I could not turn myself in my bed.

News this day from Brampton, of Mr. Ensum, my sister’s sweetheart, being dead: a clown.

13th. Up, and to the office, where we sat. At noon to the ’Change and there met Captain Cocke, and had a second time his direction to bespeak £100 of plate, which I did at Sir R.

and the Duke of Albemarle is gone with some forces to Wapping, to quell the seamen; which is a thing of infinite disgrace to us. I sat long talking with them; and, among other things,

Sir R. Ford did make me understand how the House of Commons is a beast not to be understood, it being impossible to know beforehand the success almost of any small plain thing, there being so many to think and speak to any business, and they of so uncertain minds and interests and passions.

He did tell me, and so did Sir W.

… and entering of it fair, with the sorting of all my expenses, to see how and in what points I have exceeded, did make it late work, till my eyes become very sore and ill, and then did give over, and supper, and to bed.

Thus ends this year of public wonder and mischief to this nation, and, therefore, generally wished by all people to have an end.

Myself and family well, having four maids and one clerk, Tom, in my house, and my brother, now with me, to spend time in order to his preferment.

Williams. So home, and took a small snap of victuals, and away, with my wife, to the Duke’s house, and there saw Mustapha, a most excellent play for words and design as ever I did see.

I had seen it before but forgot it, so it was wholly new to me, which is the pleasure of my not committing these things to my memory.

Home, and a little to the office, and then to bed, where I lay with much pain in my head most of the night, and very unquiet, partly by my drinking before I went out too great a draught of sack, and partly my eyes …

and to my great joy find Mr. Frampton in the pulpit; so to my great joy I hear him preach, and I think the best sermon, for goodness and oratory, without affectation or study, that ever I heard in my life.

The truth is, he preaches the most like an apostle that ever I heard man; and it was much the best time that ever I spent in my life at church.

His text, Ecclesiastes xi, verse 8th—the words, “But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all, yet let him remember the days of darkness, for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity.”

And into the kitchen I went, where a good neck of mutton at the fire, and other victuals boiling. I do not think they fared very hard. Their windows all looking into a fine garden and the Park; and mighty pretty rooms all.

I wished myself one of the Capuchins.

Having seen what we could here, and all with mighty pleasure, so away with the Almoner in his coach, talking merrily about the difference in our religions, to Whitehall, and there we left him.

Penn himself, and, therefore, I must beware of him accordingly, and I hope I shall. I did pity the woman with all my heart, and gave her the best council I could; and so, falling to other discourse,

I made her laugh and merry, as sad as she came to me; so that I perceive no passion in a woman can be lasting long;

and so parted and I home, and there teaching my girl Barker part of my song “It is decreed,” which she will sing prettily, and so after supper to bed.

Sir W. Coventry being gone, we at noon to dinner to Sir W. Penn’s, he inviting me and my wife, and there a pretty good dinner, intended indeed for Sir W. Coventry, but he would not stay.

So here I was mighty merry and all our differences seemingly blown over, though he knows, if he be not a fool, that I love him not, and I do the like that he hates me.

Soon as dined, my wife and I out to the Duke’s playhouse, and there saw Heraclius, an excellent play, to my extraordinary content; and the more from the house being very full, and great company; among others, Mrs.

Then to supper and so to bed. I did this night give him 20s. for books, and as much for his pocket, and 15s. to carry him down, and so to bed.

Poor fellow! he is so melancholy, and withal, my wife says, harmless, that I begin to love him, and would be loth he should not do well.

8th. This morning my brother John come up to my bedside, and took his leave of us, going this day to Brampton.

So home and to supper, not at all smitten with the music tonight, which I did expect should have been so extraordinary, Tom Killigrew crying it up, and so all the world, above all things in the world, and so to bed.

One wonder I observed today, that there was no music in the morning to call up our new-married people, which is very mean, methinks, and is as if they had married like dog and bitch.

17th (Lord’s day). Up, and called at Michell’s, and took him and his wife and carried them to Westminster, I landing at Whitehall, and having no pleasure in the way con elle;

but the trouble is, that this poor man, who hath received no part of his money these four years, and is ready to starve almost, must yet pay to the Poll Bill for this pension.

He told me several particulars of the King’s coming thither, which was mighty pleasant, and shows how mean a thing a king is, how subject to fall, and how like other men he is in his afflictions.

Thence with my tallies home, and a little dinner, and then with my wife by coach to Lincoln’s Inn Fields, sent her to her brother’s, and I with Lord Bellasses to the Lord Chancellor’s.

that about two in the morning they felt themselves almost choked with smoke, and rising, did find the fire coming upstairs; so they rose to save themselves; but that, at that time, the bavins were not on fire in the yard.

So that they are, as they swear, in absolute ignorance how this fire should come; which is a strange thing, that so horrid an effect should have so mean and uncertain a beginning.

By and by called in to the King and Cabinet, and there had a few insipid words about money for Tangier, but to no purpose. Thence away walked to my boat at Whitehall, and so home and to supper, and then to talk with W.

25th.

Lay long in bed, talking with pleasure with my poor wife, how she used to make coal fires, and wash my foul clothes with her own hand for me, poor wretch! in our little room at my Lord Sandwich’s; for which I ought forever to love and admire her, and do; and persuade myself she would do the same thing again, if God should reduce us to it.

So up and by coach abroad to the Duke of Albemarle’s about sending soldiers down to some ships, and so home, calling at a belt-maker’s to mend my belt, and so home and to dinner, where pleasant with my wife, and then to the office, …

upon the evening my accounts, I do appear £6,800 creditor. This done, I to supper about 12 at night, and so to bed. The weather for three or four days being come to be exceeding cold again as any time this year.

I did within these six days see smoke still remaining of the late fire in the City; and it is strange to think how, to this very day, I cannot sleep at night without great terrors of fire, and this very night I could not sleep till almost two in the morning through thoughts of fire.

Thus this month is ended with great content of mind to me, thriving in my estate, and the affairs in my offices going pretty well as to myself. This afternoon Mr.

I by discourse do perceive he and his Lady are to their hearts out with my Lord Brouncker and Mrs. Williams, to which I added something, but, I think, did not venture too far with them.

But, Lord! to see to what a poor content any acquaintance among these people, or the people of the world, as they nowadays go, is worth; for my part I and my wife will keep to one another and let the world go hang, for there is nothing but falseness in it.

So home to supper and hear my wife and girl sing a little, and then to bed with much content of mind.

Batten asked me whether I was mortified enough, and told me we had got the day, which was mighty welcome news to me and us all.

But it is pretty to see what money will do.

Yesterday, Walker was mighty cold on our behalf, till Sir W. Batten promised him, if we sped in this business of the goods, a coach; and if at the next trial we sped for the ship, we would give him a pair of horses.

they stand a great many in a cluster about Cornhill; but that all of them are either in the gift of the Lord Archbishop, or Bishop of London, or Lord Chancellor, or gift of the City.

Thus all things, even to the building of churches, are done in this world!

And then he says, which I wonder at, that I should not in all this time see, that Moorefields have houses two stories high in them, and paved streets, the City having let leases for seven years, which he do conclude will be very much …

… at her father’s, and I to Whitehall, thinking there to have seen the Duchess of Newcastle’s coming this night to Court, to make a visit to the Queen, the King having been with her yesterday, to make her a visit since her coming to town.

The whole story of this lady is a romance, and all she do is romantick.

Her footmen in velvet coats, and herself in an antique dress, as they say; and was the other day at her own play, The Humourous Lovers; the most ridiculous thing that ever was wrote, but yet she and her Lord mightily pleased with it;

The King mighty angry; and it was bitter indeed, but very true and witty.

I never was more taken with a play than I am with this Silent Woman, as old as it is, and as often as I have seen it. There is more wit in it than goes to ten new plays.

Thence with my wife and Knipp to Mrs. Pierce’s, and saw her closet again, and liked her picture.

Willson and told him how against his knowledge he was put in, and had so little wit as to say to him,

“This will make the pot boyle, will it not, Mr. Willson? will it not make the pot boyle?”

and do offer him to come in and do his business for him, and he would reward him. This Mr. Willson did come and tell her presently, he having been their servant, and to this day is very faithful to them.

A great deal of company, and the weather and garden pleasant: that it is very pleasant and cheap going thither, for a man may go to spend what he will, or nothing, all is one.

But to hear the nightingale and other birds, and here fiddles, and there a harp, and here a Jew’s trump, and here laughing, and there fine people walking, is mighty divertising.

Among others, there were two pretty women alone, that walked a great while, which being discovered by some idle gentlemen, they would needs take them up;

which is good advice, and I think I will give notice of it; and did so.

But it is pretty odd to see how everybody, even at this high time of danger, puts business off of their own hands!

He says that he told this to the Lieutenant of the Tower, to whom I, for the same reason, was directing him to go; and the Lieutenant of the Tower bade him come to us, for he had nothing to do with it;

and a gibbet either set up before or painted upon his gate, and these three words writ:

“Three sights to be seen; Dunkirke, Tangier, and a barren Queen.”

It gives great matter of talk that it is said there is at this hour, in the Exchequer, as much money as is ready to break down the floor. This arises, I believe, from Sir G.

where, they think, they shall be able to oppose them; but do cry out of the falling back of the seamen, few standing by them, and those with much faintness. The like they write from Portsmouth, and their letters this post are worth reading.

Sir H. Cholmly come to me this day, and tells me the Court is as mad as ever; and that the night the Dutch burned our ships the King did sup with my Lady Castlemayne, at the Duchess of Monmouth’s, and there were all mad in hunting of a poor moth.

All the Court afraid of a Parliament; but he thinks nothing can save us but the King’s giving up all to a Parliament. Busy at the office all the afternoon, and did much business to my great content.

Wren, Fenn, and Charles Porter, and Temple and his wife. Here I fell in with these, and to Bodham’s with them, and there we sat and laughed and drank in his arbour, Wren making much and kissing all the day of Temple’s wife.

It is a sad sight to see so many good ships there sunk in the River, while we would be thought to be masters of the sea.

Cocke says the bankers cannot, till peace returns, ever hope to have credit again; so that they can pay no more money, but people must be contented to take public security such as they can give them;

and more, that yesterday was damned at the Council, the Canary Company; and also that my Lord Mordaunt hath laid down his Commission, both good things to please the Parliament, which I hope will do good.

Pierce tells me that all the town do cry out of our office, for a pack of fools and knaves;

but says that everybody speaks either well, or at least the best of me, which is my great comfort, and think I do deserve it, and shall show I have; but yet do think, and he also, that the Parliament will send us all going;

Lowther tells me that the Duke of Buckingham do dine publicly this day at Wadlow’s, at the Sun Tavern; and is mighty merry, and sent word to the Lieutenant of the Tower, that he would come to him as soon as he had dined.

Now, how sad a thing it is, when we come to make sport of proclaiming men traitors, and banishing them, and putting them out of their offices, and Privy Council, and of sending to and going to the Tower: God have mercy on us!

At table, my Lady and Sir Philip Carteret have great and good discourse of the greatness of the present King of France—what great things he hath done, that a man may pass, at any hour in the night, all over that wild city [Paris], with …

… the King’s officers above, to spend so much money in works at Woolwich and Deptford, and sinking of good ships loaden with goods, when, if half the charge had been laid out here, it would have secured all that, and this place too, before now.

And I think it is not only true in this, but that the best of the actions of us all are so silly, that the meanest people begin to see through them, and contemn them.

Besides, says he, they spoil the river by it.

But Sir H. Cholmly tells me he [the] Chancellors did say the other day at his table,

“Treachery!” says he; “I could wish we could prove there was anything of that in it; for that would imply some wit and thoughtfulness; but we are ruined merely by folly and neglect.”

And so Sir H. Cholmly tells me they did all argue for peace, and so he do believe that the King hath agreed to the three points Mr. Coventry brought over, which I have mentioned before, and is gone with them back.

We took notice of his woolen knit stockings of two colours mixed, and of his shoes shod with iron shoes, both at the toe and heels, and with great nails in the soles of his feet, which was mighty pretty: and, taking notice of them,

“Why,” says the poor man, “the downs, you see, are full of stones, and we are faine to shoe ourselves thus; and these,” says he, “will make the stones fly till they sing before me.”

I did give the poor man something, for which he was mighty thankful, and I tried to cast stones with his horne crooke.

but God knows whether they can do it any hurt, or no, but it was pretty news come the other day so fast, of the Dutch fleets being in so many places, that Sir W. Batten at table cried,

“By God,” says he, “I think the Devil shits Dutchmen.”

20th.

and then the King is forced to part with them, “as,” says he, “he did with Dunkirke, by my Lord Tiviott’s making it so chargeable to the King as he did that, and would have done Tangier, if he had lived.”

I perceive he is the only man that do seek the King’s profit, and is bold to deliver what he thinks on every occasion.

Having broke up here, I away with Mr.

and Sir H. Bellasses talked a little louder than ordinary to Tom Porter, giving of him some advice. Some of the company standing by said, “What! are they quarrelling, that they talk so high?” Sir H. Bellasses hearing it, said, “No!” says he: “

I would have you know that I never quarrel, but I strike; and take that as a rule of mine!

”—“How?” says Tom Porter, “strike! I would I could see the man in England that durst give me a blow!” with that Sir H. Bellasses did give him a box of the ear; and so they were going to fight there, but were hindered.

To which Sir Charles Sidley is said to answer,

“A pox take his Grace! pray tell his Grace that I believe he finds himself too old, and is afraid that I should outdo him among his girls, and spoil his trade.”

But he makes no more of doubt to say that the Archbishop is a wencher, and known to be so, which is one of the most astonishing things that I have heard of, unless it be, what for certain he says is true, that my …

… passage, with all their fear, better than we could do ourselves in the main sea, when the Duke of Albemarle run away from the Dutch, when the Prince was lost, and the Royal Charles and the other great ships come on ground upon the Galloper.

Thus, in all things, in wisdom, courage, force, knowledge of our own streams, and success, the Dutch have the best of us, and do end the war with victory on their side.

The Duke of York being ready, we into his closet, but, being in haste to go to the Parliament House, he could not stay.

and my cousin Roger told me that (but that was in mirth) he believed, if he had not come up, he should have had his house burned.

The kingdom never in so troubled a condition in this world as now; nobody pleased with the peace, and yet nobody daring to wish for the continuance of the war, it being plain that nothing do nor can thrive under us.

Here I saw old good Mr. Vaughan, and several of the great men of the Commons, and some of them old men, that are come 200 miles, and more, to attend this session of Parliament;

Tom Killigrew, being by, answered,

“Sir,” says he, “pray which is the best for a man, to be a Tom Otter to his wife or to his mistress?”

meaning the King’s being so to my Lady Castlemayne. Thus he went on;

a play made by my Lord Duke of Newcastle, but, as everybody says, corrected by Dryden. It is the most entire piece of mirth, a complete farce from one end to the other, that certainly was ever writ.

I never laughed so in all my life.

I laughed till my head [ached] all the evening and night with the laughing; and at very good wit therein, not fooling. The house full, and in all things of mighty content to me.

Here we sung several good things, but

I am more and more confirmed that singing with many voices is not singing, but a sort of instrumental music, the sense of the words being lost by not being heard

, and especially as they set them with Fuges of words, one after another, whereas singing properly, I think, should be but with one or two voices at most and the counterpoint.

but the fault being my own, contrary to my wife’s frequent desires, I cannot find fault, but am resolved never to let them come to that pass again.

The truth is, I have indulged myself more in pleasure for these last two months than ever I did in my life before, since I come to be a person concerned in business

; and I doubt, when I come to make up my accounts, I shall find it so by the expense.

says the King. “Why so?”—“Why,” says he, “if you are, let us drink his health.”—“Why, let us,” says the King. Then he fell on his knees, and drank it; and having done, the King began to drink it.

“Nay, Sir,” says Armerer, “by God you must do it on your knees!”

So he did, and then all the company: and having done it, all fell a-crying for joy, being all maudlin and kissing one another, the King the Duke of York, and the Duke of York the King:

and having done it, all fell a-crying for joy, being all maudlin and kissing one another, the King the Duke of York, and the Duke of York the King: and in such a maudlin pickle as never people were: and so passed the day.

But Sir H. Cholmly tells me, that the King hath this good luck, that the next day he hates to have anybody mention what he had done the day before, nor will suffer anybody to gain upon him that way; which is a good quality.

Parted with Sir H.

both instrumentall—I think twenty-four violins—and vocall; an English song upon Peace.

But, God forgive me! I never was so little pleased with a concert of music in my life.

The manner of setting of words and repeating them out of order, and that with a number of voices, makes me sick, the whole design of vocall music being lost by it. Here was a great press of people;

But here she told me her condition, which is good enough, being sole executrix, to the disappointment of all her husband’s children, and prayed my friendship about the accounts of the prizes, which I promised her.

And here do see what creatures widows are in weeping for their husbands, and then presently leaving off; but I cannot wonder at it, the cares of the world taking place of all other passions.

Thence to the office, where all the morning busy, and at noon home to dinner, where Mr.

Here we also saw again the two fat children come out of Ireland, and a brother and sister of theirs now come, which are of little ordinary growth, like other people.

But, Lord! how strange it is to observe the difference between the same children, come out of the same little woman’s belly!

Thence to Mile-End Greene, and there drank, and so home bringing home night with us, and so to the office a little, and then to bed.

Here Mrs. Pierce tells me that the two Marshalls at the King’s house are Stephen Marshall’s, the great Presbyterian’s daughters: and that Nelly and Beck Marshall, falling out the other day, the latter called the other my Lord Buckhurst’s whore. Nell answered then,

“I was but one man’s whore, though I was brought up in a bawdyhouse to fill strong waters to the guests; and you are a whore to three or four, though a Presbyter’s praying daughter!”

which was very pretty. Mrs. Pierce is still very pretty, but paints red on her face, which makes me hate her, that I thank God I take no pleasure in her at all more.

He answered that he would never be a poor King, and then the other would mend of itself.

“No,” says he, “I would eat bread and drink water first, and this day discharge all the idle company about me, and walk only with two footmen; and this I have told the King, and this must do it at last.”

I asked him how long the King would suffer this. He told me the King must suffer it yet longer, that he would not advise the King to do otherwise;

and that he himself is looked upon to be a man that will be of no faction, and so they do shun to make him; and I am glad of it.

He tells me that he thanks God he never knew what it was to be tempted to be a knave in his life; till he did come into the House of Commons, where there is nothing done but by passion, and faction, and private interest.

Reames did tell me of a fellow last night (one Kelsy, a commander of a fire-ship, who complained for want of his money paid him) did say that he did see one of the Commissioners of the Navy bring in three wagon-loads of prize-goods into …

and to warn me of it, which is a great courtesy in him to do, and I desire him to continue to do so. This business of this fellow, though it may be a foolish thing, yet it troubles me, and

I do plainly see my weakness that I am not a man able to go through trouble, as other men, but that I should be a miserable man if I should meet with adversity, which God keep me from!

He desirous to get back into the House, he having his notes in his hand, the lawyers being now speaking to the point of whether treason or not treason, the article of advising the King to break up the Parliament, and to govern by the …

… Gerard, a great while ago, come to the King, and told him that the Chancellor did say openly that the King was a lazy person and not fit to govern, which is now made one of the things in the people’s mouths against the Chancellor,

“Why,” says the King, “that is no news, for he hath told me so twenty times, and but the other day he told me so;”

and made matter of mirth at it: but yet this light discourse is likely to prove bad to him.

… ago did say of Bristoll, that he was a man able in three years to get himself a fortune in any kingdom in the world, and lose all again in three months, do now hug him, and commend his parts everywhere, above all the world.

How fickle is this man [the King], and how unhappy we like to be!

That he fears some furious courses will be taken against the Duke of York; and that he hath heard that it was designed, if they cannot carry matters against the Chancellor, to impeach the Duke of York himself, which God forbid!

why do you suffer him to go on in these things?”—

“Why,” says the Duke of Buckingham, “I do suffer him to do this, that I may hereafter the better command him.”

This he swears to me the person himself to whom the Duke of Buckingham said this did tell it him, and is a man of worth, understanding, and credit.

… while and my wife again with noises, and my wife did rise twice, but I think it was Sir John Minnes’s people again late cleaning their house, for it was past 1 o’clock in the morning before we could fall to sleep, and so slept.

But I perceive well what the care of money and treasure in a man’s house is to a man that fears to lose it.

My Lord Anglesey told me this day that he did believe the House of Commons would, the next week, yield to the Lords;

which the man denied; but told them, and so they agreed, that he would excuse the City the £700, that he might have the benefit of the melioration without paying anything for it.

So much some will get by having the City burned!

But he told me that in other cases ground, by this means, that was not 4d. a-foot before, will now, when houses are built, be worth 15s. a-foot.

and there expected, but found nothing extraordinary, there being nothing but a high masse. The Queen was there, and some ladies.

But, Lord! what an odde thing it was for me to be in a crowd of people, here a footman, there a beggar, here a fine lady, there a zealous poor papist, and here a Protestant, two or three together, come to see the show.

I was afeard of my pocket being picked very much.

… am told today, which troubles me, that great complaint is made upon the ’Change, among our merchants, that the very Ostend little pickaroon men-of-war do offer violence to our merchantmen, and search them, beat our masters, and plunder them, upon pretence of carrying Frenchmen’s goods.

Lord! what a condition are we come to, and that so soon after a war!

29th (Lord’s day).

which did give me another pretty observation of a man, that did win mighty fast when I was there. I think he won £100 at single pieces in a little time. While all the rest envied him his good fortune, he cursed it, saying,

“A pox on it, that it should come so early upon me, for this fortune two hours hence would be worth something to me, but then, God damn me, I shall have no such luck.”

This kind of profane, mad entertainment they give themselves.

The King answered to it with great indifferency, as a thing that it was no great matter whether it was done or no. Sir W. Coventry answered: “

I see your Majesty do not remember the old English proverb, ‘He that will not stoop for a pin, will never be worth a pound.’

” And so they parted, the King bidding him do as he would; which, methought, was an answer not like a King that did intend ever to do well.

… agrees or differs from other lists, and I do find so great a difference between them all that I am at a loss which to take, and therefore think mine to be as much depended upon as any I can make out of them all.

So little care there has been to this day to know or keep any history of the Navy.

17th. Up, and by coach to Whitehall to attend the Council there, and here I met first by Mr.

one wished all the guns of the ship were his, and that they were silver; and says the other,

“You are a fool, for, if you can have it for wishing, why do you not wish them gold?”

—“So,” says he, “if a rhodomontado will do any good, why do you not say 100 ships?” And it is true; for the Dutch and French are said to make such preparations as 50 sail will do no good.

and my Lord Shrewsbury is run through the body, from the right breast through the shoulder: and Sir John Talbot all along up one of his armes; and Jenkins killed upon the place, and the rest all, in a little measure, wounded.

This will make the world think that the King hath good councillors about him, when the Duke of Buckingham, the greatest man about him, is a fellow of no more sobriety than to fight about a whore.

And this may prove a very bad accident to the Duke of Buckingham, but that my Lady Castlemayne do rule all at this time as much as ever she did, and she will, it is believed, keep all matters well with the Duke of Buckingham:

but they all incline to find it a natural death, though there are mighty busy people to have it go otherwise, thinking to get his estate, but are mistaken. Thence, after sitting with her and company a while, comforting her: though

I can find she can, as all other women, cry, and yet talk of other things all in a breath.

So home, and thereto cards with my wife, Deb., and Betty Turner, and Batelier, and after supper late to sing. But, Lord!

“Nor,” said I, “a Clerk of the Acts, for I see the reward of it; and, thanked God! I have enough of my own to buy me a good book and a good fiddle, and I have a good wife;”—

“Why,” says he, “I have enough to buy me a good book, and shall not need a fiddle, because I have never a one of your good wives.”

I understand by him that we are likely to have our business of tickets voted a miscarriage, but [he] cannot tell me what that will signify more than that he thinks they will report them to the King and there leave them, but I doubt …

that neither then, nor all the evening going home, and at home, I was able to think of anything, but remained all night transported, so as

I could not believe that ever any music hath that real command over the soul of a man as this did upon me

: and makes me resolve to practice wind-music, and to make my wife do the like.

… several things painted upon a deal board, which board is so well painted that in my whole life I never was so well pleased or surprised with any picture, and so troubled that so good pictures should be painted upon a piece of bad deal.

Even after I knew that it was not board, but only the picture of a board, I could not remove my fancy.

After supper to bed, being very sleepy, and, I bless God, my mind being at very good present rest.

and that they do give out that they are for pulling down the bawdyhouses, which is one of the greatest grievances of the nation. To which the King made a very poor, cold, insipid answer: “

Why, why do they go to them, then?

” and that was all, and had no mind to go on with the discourse. Mr.

and mighty merry we were till about eleven or twelve at night, with mighty great content in all my company, and

I did, as I love to do, enjoy myself in my pleasure as being the height of what we take pains for and can hope for in this world, and therefore to be enjoyed while we are young and capable of these joys.

My wife extraordinary fine today, in her flower tabby suit, bought a year and more ago, before my mother’s death put her into mourning, and so not worn till this day: and everybody in love with it;

I asked, and she told me this was the first time her Lady had seen it, I having a mind to say something to her.

One thing of familiarity I observed in my Lady Castlemayne: she called to one of her women, another that sat by this, for a little patch off her face, and put it into her mouth and wetted it, and so clapped it upon her own by the side of her mouth, I suppose she feeling a pimple rising there.

Thence with Creed to Westminster Hall, and there met with cousin Roger, who tells me of the great conference this day between the Lords and Commons, about the business of the East India Company, as being one of the weightiest conferences that hath been, and …

Here met with Mrs. Washington, my old acquaintance of the Hall, whose husband has a place in the Excise at Windsor, and it seems lives well. I have not seen her these 8 or 9 years, and she begins to grow old, I perceive, visibly.

So time do alter, and do doubtless the like in myself.

This morning the House is upon the City Bill, and they say hath passed it, though I am sorry that I did not think to put somebody in mind of moving for the churches to be allotted according to the convenience of the people, and …

I am told also that the Countess of Shrewsbury is brought home by the Duke of Buckingham to his house, where his Duchess saying that it was not for her and the other to live together in a house, he answered, “

Why, Madam, I did think so, and, therefore, have ordered your coach to be ready, to carry you to your father’s

,” which was a devilish speech, but, they say, true; and my Lady Shrewsbury is there, it seems.

and that this was better than to leave it to the Parliament to make bad construction of their thrift, if any trouble should happen.

Thus wary the world is grown!

Thence back again presently home, and did business till noon: and then to Sir G. Carteret’s to dinner, with much good company, it being the King’s birthday, and many healths drunk:

Harris telling how it was by a meeting of some young blades, where he was among them, and my Lady Bennet and her ladies; and their there dancing naked, and all the roguish things in the world.

But, Lord! what loose cursed company was this, that I was in tonight, though full of wit

; and worth a man’s being in for once, to know the nature of it, and their manner of talk, and lives.

Hewer, Murford, and our guide, and I single to Stonage; over the Plain and some great hills, even to fright us. Come thither, and find them as prodigious as any tales I ever heard of them, and worth going this journey to see.

God knows what their use was! they are hard to tell, but yet maybe told.

Give the shepherd-woman, for leading our horses, 4d. So back by Wilton, my Lord Pembroke’s house, which we could not see, he being just coming to town;

12th (Friday).

Up, finding our beds good, but lousy; which made us merry.

We set out, the reckoning and servants coming to 9s. 6d.; my guide thither, 2s.; coachman, advanced, 10s. So rode a very good way, led to my great content by our landlord to Philips-Norton, with great pleasure, being now come into Somersetshire;

was here, did come running hither, and with her eyes so full of tears, and heart so full of joy, that she could not speak when she come in, that it made me weep too:

I protest that I was not able to speak to her, which I would have done, to have diverted her tears.

His wife a good woman, and so sober and substantiall as I was never more pleased anywhere. Servant-maid, 2s.

nor do I think it like. He do it for W. Hewer, who hath my wife’s also, which I like less. This afternoon my Lady Pickering come to see us: I busy, saw her not.

But how natural it is for us to slight people out of power, and for people out of power to stoop to see those that while in power they contemned!

15th.

23rd.

Up, and all day long, but at dinner, at the Office, at work, till I was almost blind, which makes my heart sad.

24th. Up, and by water to St. James’s, having, by the way, shown Symson Sir W. Coventry’s chimneypieces, in order to the making me one; and there, after the Duke of York was ready, he called me to his closet;

So back to church, and heard a good sermon of Mr. Gifford’s at our church, upon “Seek ye first the kingdom of Heaven and its righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” A very excellent and persuasive, good and moral sermon.

Showed, like a wise man, that righteousness is a surer moral way of being rich, than sin and villainy.

Then home to dinner, where Mr. Pelling, who brought us a hare, which we had at dinner, and W. Howe. After dinner to the Office, Mr.

However, we went on to our business in, the examination of the draught, and so parted, and I vexed at what happened, and Brouncker and W. Penn and I home in a hackney coach.

And I all that night so vexed that I did not sleep almost all night, which shows how unfit I am for trouble.

So, after a little supper, vexed, and spending a little time melancholy in making a base to the Lark’s song, I to bed.

… had done the best service that he believed any man, or any ten men, could have done, yet that it was for the King’s interest not to let it lie too long in one hand, lest nobody should be able to serve him but one.

But the Duke of York did openly tell him that he was not for removing of old servants that have done well, neither in this place, nor in any other place, which is very nobly said.

It being 7 or 8 at night, I home with Backewell by coach, and so walked to D. Gawden’s, but he not at home, and so back to my chamber, the boy to read to me, and so to supper and to bed.

That Anglesey will not lose his place easily, but will contend in law with whoever comes to execute it.

That the Duke of York, in all things but in his codpiece, is led by the nose by his wife.

That W. Coventry is now, by the Duke of York, made friends with the Duchess; and that he is often there, and waits on her. That he do believe that these present great men will break in time, and that W.

That, in the citadel of Antwerp, a soldier hath not a liberty of begging till he hath served three years.

They will cry out against their King and Commanders and Generals, none like them in the world, and yet will not hear a stranger say a word of them but he will cut his throat.

That, upon a time, some of the Commanders of their army exclaiming against their Generals, and particularly the Marquis de Caranen, the Confessor of the Marquis coming by and hearing them, he stops and gravely tells them that the three great trades of the world …

I did, as I might truly, deny it, and was mightily troubled, but all would not serve.

At last, about one o’clock, she come to my side of the bed, and drew my curtain open, and with the tongs red hot at the ends, made as if she did design to pinch me with them, at which, in dismay, I rose up, and with a few words she laid them down

; and did by little and, little, very sillily, let all the discourse fall;

and mighty merry all day long, with exceeding great content, and so till seven at night; and so took their leaves, it being dark and foul weather.

Thus was this entertainment over, the best of its kind, and the fullest of honour and content to me, that ever I had in my life: and shall not easily have so good again.

The truth is, I have some fear that I am more behindhand in the world for these last two years, since I have not, or for some time could not, look after my accounts, which do a little allay my pleasure.

and some think it is his plot to make the King thus, to show his power in the making him change his mind.

But Pierce did tell me that the King did certainly say, that he that took one stone from the Church, did take two from his Crown.

By and by the corpse come out; and I, with Sir Richard Browne and Mr. Evelyn, in their coach to the church, where Mr. Plume preached.

… a little darkish she did not, I think, know me well, and so to my office to put my papers in order, they having been removed for my closet to be made clean, and so home to my wife, who is come home from Deptford.

But, God forgive me, I hardly know how to put on confidence enough to speak as innocent, having had this passage today with Deb., though only, God knows, by accident.

But my great pain is lest God Almighty shall suffer me to find out this girl, whom indeed I love, and with a bad amour, but I will pray to God to give me grace to forbear it.

and so, by and by, to the Council-Chamber, and heard a remarkable cause pleaded between the Farmers of the Excise of Wiltshire, in complaint against the justices of Peace of Salisbury: and Sir H. Finch was for the former.

But, Lord! to see how he did with his admirable eloquence order the matter, is not to be conceived almost: so pleasant a thing it is to hear him plead.

Then at noon by coach home, and thither by and by comes cousin Turner, and The., and Joyce, in their riding-clod:

… the decay of gentlemen’s families in the country, telling us that the old rule was, that a family might remain fifty miles from London one hundred years, one hundred miles from London two hundred years, and so farther, or nearer London more or less years.

He also told us that he hath heard his father say, that in his time it was so rare for a country gentleman to come to London, that, when he did come, he used to make his will before he set out.

Thence to St.

28th. To St. James’s, where the King’s being with the Duke of York prevented a meeting of the Tangier Commission.

But, Lord! what a deal of sorry discourse did I hear between the King and several Lords about him here! but very mean methought.

So with Creed to the Excise Office, and back to Whitehall, where, in the Park, Sir G. Carteret did give me an account of his discourse lately, with the Commissioners of Accounts, who except against many things, but none that I find considerable;

are past, and my eyes hindering me in almost all other pleasures, I must endeavour to keep a margin in my book open, to add, here and there, a note in shorthand with my own hand.

And so I betake myself to that course, which is almost as much as to see myself go into my grave: for which, and all the discomforts that will accompany my being blind, the good God prepare me!