<P_7,409>

<heading:edcomment:15-16_DECEMBER_1666>

16 . <font> Lords day . </font> (PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.3)

Lay long , talking with my wife in bed . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.4)

Then up with great content , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.5)

and to my chamber to set right a picture or two - Lovett having sent me
yesterday Santa Clara's head varnished , which is very fine .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.6)

And now my closet is so full stored and so fine , as I would never
desire to have it better . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.7)

Dined without any strangers with me - which I do not like on Sundays .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.8)

Then after dinner by water to Westminster to see Mrs. Martin , whom I
found up in her chamber and ready to go abroad . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.9)

I sat there with her and her husband and others a pretty while ;
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.10)

and then away to White-hall (PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.11)

and there walked up and down to the Queen's side ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.12)

and there saw my dear Lady Castlemayne , who continues admirable $me
$thinks {TEXT:methinks} - (PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.13)

and I do not hear but that the King is the same to her still as ever .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.14)

Anon to chapel , by the King's closet , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.15)

and heard a very good Anthemne . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.16)

Then with Lord Brouncker to Sir W. Coventry's chamber ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.17)

and there we sat with him (PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.18)

and talked . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.19)

He is weary of anything to do , he says , in the Navy .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.20)

He tells us this Committee of Accounts will enquire sharply into our
office ; (PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.21)

and <paren> speaking of Sir J. Mennes </paren> he says he will not bear
anybody's faults but his own . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.22)

He discoursed as bad of Sir W. Batten almost . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.23)

And cries out upon the discipline of the fleet , which is lost .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.24)

And that there is not , in any of the fourth-rates and under , scarce
left one Sea-Comander , but all young gentlemen . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.25)

And which troubles him , he hears that the gentlemen do give out that
in two or three years a Tarpawlin shall not dare to look after being
better then a Boatswain - which he is troubled at , and with good
reason . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,409.26)

And at this day Sir Robt. Holmes is mightily troubled that his brother
doth not command in chief , but is commanded <P_7,410> by Captain
Hannum - who , Sir W. Coventry says he believes to be at least of as
good blood - is a longer bred seaman - an elder officer , and an elder
commander . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,410.27)

But such is Sir R. Holmes's pride , as never to be stopped - he being
greatly troubled at my Lord Brouncker's late discharging all his men
and officers but the standing-officers at Chatham ;
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,410.28)

and so are all other Commanders , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,410.29)

and a very great cry hath been to the King from them all in my Lord's
absence . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,410.30)

But Sir W. Coventry doth undertake to defend it , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,410.31)

and my Lord Brouncker got ground by it I believe - who is angry at Sir
W. Batten and W. $Penn $'s {TEXT:Penn's} bad words concerning it .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,410.32)

And I have made it worse by telling him that they refuse to sign to a
paper which he and I signed on Saturday to declare the reason of his
actions - which Sir W. Coventry likes , and would have it sent him
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,410.33)

and he will sign it - which pleases me well . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,410.34)

So we parted , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,410.35)

and I with Lord Brouncker to Sir P. Neale's chamber ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,410.36)

and there sat and talked awhile - Sir Edwd. Walker being there , and
telling us how he hath lost many fine Rowles of antiquity in Heraldry
by the late fire , but hath saved the most of his papers .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,410.37)

Here was also Dr. Wallis , the famous scholar and mathematician ;
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,410.38)

but he promises little . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,410.39)

<P_7,411>

Left them , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.41)

and in the dark and cold home by water ; (PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.42)

and so to supper and to read , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.43)

and so to bed - my eyes being better today - (PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.44)

and I $can $not {TEXT:cannot} impute it to anything but by my being
much in the dark tonight , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.45)

for I plainly find that it is only excess of light that makes my eyes
sore . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.46)

This afternoon I walked with Lord Brouncker into the park ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.47)

and there talked of the times . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.48)

And he doth think that the King sees that he $can $not {TEXT:cannot}
never have much more money or good from this Parliament , and that
therefore he may hereafter dissolve them . That as soon as he hath the
money settled , he believes a peace will be clapped up ; and that there
are overtures of a peace - which , if such as the Lord Chancellor can
excuse , he will take . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.49)

For it is the Chancellors interest , he says , to bring peace again ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.50)

for in peace he can do all and command all ; (PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.51)

but in war he $can $not {TEXT:cannot} , because he understands not the
nature of the war - as to the management thereof .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.52)

He tells me he doth not believe that the Duke of York will go to sea
again , though there are a great many about the King that would be glad
of any occasion to take him out of the world - he standing in their
ways ; (PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.53)

and seemed to mean the Duke of Monmouth - who spends his time the most
viciously and idly of any man , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.54)

nor will be fit for anything - (PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.55)

yet he speaks as if it were not impossible but the King would own him
for his son , and that there was a marriage between his mother and him
- which God forbid should be , if it be not true ;
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.56)

nor will the Duke of York easily be gulled in it .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.57)

But this , put to our other distractions , makes things appear very sad
, and likely to be the occasion of much confusion in a little time .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.58)

And my Lord Brouncker seems to say that nothing can help us but the
King's making a peace as soon as he hath this money ; and thereby
putting himself out of debt , and so becoming a good husband ;
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.59)

and then he will neither-1 need this , nor any other Parliament till he
can have one to his mind . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.60)

For no Parliament can , as he says , be kept long good -
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.61)

but they will spoil one another . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,411.62)

And that therefore it hath been the practice of kings <P_7,412> to tell
Parliaments what he hath for them to do , and give them so long time to
do it in , and no longer . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,412.63)

Harry Kembe , one of our messengers , is lately dead .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,412.64)

17 . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,412.65)

Up , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,412.66)

and several people to speak with me . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,412.67)

Then comes Mr. Caesar , and then Goodgroome , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,412.68)

and what with one and the other , nothing but Musique with me this
morning , to my great content ; (PEPYS-E3-H,7,412.69)

and the more to see that God Almighty hath put me into condition to
bear the charge of all this . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,412.70)

So out to the Change I , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,412.71)

and did a little business ; (PEPYS-E3-H,7,412.72)

and then home , where they two musicians and Mr. Cooke came to see me -
and Mercer , to go along with my wife this afternoon to a play .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,412.73)

To dinner , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,412.74)

and then our company all broke up , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,412.75)

and I to my chamber to do several things - among other things , to
write a letter to my Lord Sandwich , it being one of the burdens upon
my mind that I have not writ to him since he went into Spain .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,412.76)

But now I do intend to give him a brief account of our whole year's
action since he went , which will make amends . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,412.77)

My wife well home in the evening from the play ; which I was glad of ,
it being cold and dark , and she having her necklace of pearl on , and
none but Mercer with her . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,412.78)

Spent the evening in fitting my books , to have the number set upon
each in order to my having an Alphabet of my whole , which will be of
great ease to me . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,412.79)

This day Captain Batters came from sea in his Fireshipp ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,412.80)

and came to see me , poor man , as his patron - (PEPYS-E3-H,7,412.81)

and a poor painful wretch he is as can be . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,412.82)

After supper , to bed . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,412.83)

<P_7,413>

18 . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.85)

Up (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.86)

and to the office , where I hear the ill news that poor Batters , that
hath been born and bred a seaman , and brought up his ship from sea but
yesterday , was , going down from me to his ship , drownded in the
Thames - which is a sad fortune , and doth make me afeared , and will
do , more then ever I was . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.87)

At noon dined at home ; (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.88)

and then by coach to my Lord Bellasses , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.89)

but not at home ; (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.90)

so to Westminster hall , where the Lords are sitting still .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.91)

I to see Mrs. Martin , who is very well , and intends to go abroad
tomorrow after her childbed . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.92)

She doth tell me that this child did come la me`me jour that it ought
to hazer after my avoir e`te` con elle before her marido did venir home
. (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.93)

And she would now have done anything cum ego ; (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.94)

and did endeavour , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.95)

but su cosa stava mala , which did empescar . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.96)

Thence to the Swan , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.97)

and there I sent for Sarah (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.98)

and mighty merry we were , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.99)

but contra my will were very far from hazer algo .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.100)

So to Sir Rob. Viner's about my plate , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.101)

and carried home another dozen of plates , which makes my stock of
plates up 2 1$-2 dozen . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.102)

And at home find Mr. Tho. Andrews , with whom I stayed and talked a
little , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.103)

and invited him to dine with me at Christmas ; (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.104)

and then I to the office , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.105)

and there late doing business , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.106)

and so home and to bed - sorry for poor Batters .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.107)

19 . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.108)

Up (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.109)

and by water to White-hall , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.110)

and there with the Duke of York did our usual business .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.111)

But nothing but complaints of want of money , $without success ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.112)

and Sir W. Coventry's complaint of the defects of our office <paren>
endeed Sir J. Mennes's </paren> , without any amendment .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.113)

And he tells us so plainly of the committee of Parliament's resolution
to enquire home into all our managements , that it makes me resolve to
be wary and to do all things betimes to be ready for them .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,413.114)

Thence , going away , <P_7,414> met Mr. Hingston the Organist <paren>
my old acquaintance </paren> in the Court , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.115)

and I took him to the Dogg tavern (PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.116)

and got him to set me a bass to my <font> It is decreed </font> , which
I think will go well ; (PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.117)

but he commends the song , not knowing the words ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.118)

but says the ayre is good , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.119)

and believes the words are plainly expressed . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.120)

He is of my mind , against having of eighths unnecessarily in
composition . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.121)

This did all please me mightily . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.122)

Then to talk of the King's family : (PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.123)

he says many of the Musique are ready to starve , they being five years
behindhand for their wages . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.124)

Nay , Evens , the famous man upon the Harp , having not his equal in
the world , did the other day die for mere want ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.125)

and was fain to be buried at the almes of the parish - and carried to
his grave in the dark at night , without one Linke , but that Mr
Hingston met it by chance and did give 12d to buy two or three links .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.126)

He says all must come to ruin at this rate , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.127)

and I believe him . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.128)

Thence I up to the Lords' House to enquire for Lord Bellasses ;
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.129)

and there hear how at a conference this morning between the two Houses
, about the business of the Canary Company - my Lord Buckingham leaning
rudely over my Lord Marquis of Dorchester , my Lord Dorchester removed
his elbow . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.130)

Duke of Buckingham asked whether he was uneasy . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.131)

Dorchester replied , " Yes " , and that he durst $not do this , were he
anywhere else . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.132)

Buckingham replied , yes he would , and that he was a better man then
himself . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.133)

Dorchester answered that he lyed . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.134)

With this , Buckingham struck off his hat , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.135)

and took him by his periwigg (PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.136)

and pulled it $a t'other-side {TEXT:a-t'other-side} ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.137)

and held him . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.138)

My Lord Chamberlain and others interposed . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,414.139)

And upon coming into the House , <P_7,415> the Lords did order them
both to the Tower , whither they are to go this afternoon .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,415.140)

I down into the Hall , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,415.141)

and there the Lieutenant of the Tower took me with him
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,415.142)

and would have me to the Tower to dinner ; where I dined - at the head
of his table next his lady - who is comely , and seeming sober and
stately , but very proud and very cunning , or I am mistaken - and
wanton too . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,415.143)

This day's work will bring the Lieutenant of the Tower .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,415.144)

But a strange conceited , vain man he is , that ever I met withal , in
his own praise - as I have heretofore observed of him .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,415.145)

Thence home , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,415.146)

and upon Tower hill saw about 3 or seamen get together ;
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,415.147)

and one , standing upon a pile of bricks , made his sign with his
handkercher upon his stick , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,415.148)

and called all the rest to him , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,415.149)

and several shouts they gave . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,415.150)

This made me afeared , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,415.151)

so I got home as fast as I could - (PEPYS-E3-H,7,415.152)

and hearing of no present hurt , did go to Sir Robt. Viners about my
plate again ; (PEPYS-E3-H,7,415.153)

and coming home , do hear of seamen said in the streets to be in armes
. (PEPYS-E3-H,7,415.154)

So in great fear home , expecting to find a tumult about our house ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,415.155)

and was doubtful of my riches there - (PEPYS-E3-H,7,415.156)

but I thank God , I found all well . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,415.157)

But by and by Sir W. Batten and Sir R Ford do tell me that the seamen
have been at some prisons to release some seamen , <P_7,416> and that
the Duke of Albemarle is in armes , and all the Guards at the other end
of the town ; (PEPYS-E3-H,7,416.158)

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 .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,416.159)

I sat long , talking with them . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,416.160)

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 . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,416.161)

He did tell me , and so did Sir W. Batten , how Sir Allen Brodericke
and Sir Allen Apsly did come drunk the other day into the House , and
did both speak for half an hour together , and could not be either
laughed or pulled or bid to sit down and hold their peace - to the
great contempt of the King's servants and cause - which I am aggrieved
at with all my heart . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,416.162)

We were full in discourse of the sad state of our times . And the
horrid shame brought on the King's service by the just clamours of the
poor seamen . And that we must be undone in a little time .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,416.163)

Home , full of trouble on these considerations . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,416.164)

And among other things , I to my chamber (PEPYS-E3-H,7,416.165)

and there to ticket a good part of my books , in order to the Numbring
of them - for my easy finding them to read , as I have occasion .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,416.166)

So to supper and to bed - with my heart full of trouble .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,416.167)

. (PEPYS-E3-H,7,416.168)

Up (PEPYS-E3-H,7,416.169)

and to the office , where we sat all the morning .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,416.170)

And here , among other things , came Captain Cocke ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,416.171)

and I did get him to sign me a note for the , to pay for the plate he
<P_7,417> doth present me with , which I am very glad of .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,417.172)

At noon home to dinner , where was Balty come ; who is well again , and
the most recovered in his countenance that ever I did see .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,417.173)

Here dined with me also Mrs. Batters , poor woman , now left a sad
widow by the drowning of her husband the other day .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,417.174)

I pity her , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,417.175)

and will do her what kindness I can ; (PEPYS-E3-H,7,417.176)

yet I observe something of ill-nature in myself , more then should be :
that I am colder towards her in my charity then I should be to one so
painful as he and she have been , and full of kindness to their power
to my wife and I . (PEPYS-E3-H,7,417.177)

After dinner out with Balty , setting him down at the Maypole in the
Strand ; (PEPYS-E3-H,7,417.178)

and then I to my Lord Bellasses , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,417.179)

and there spoke with Mr. Moone about some business ;
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,417.180)

and so away home to my business at the office , (PEPYS-E3-H,7,417.181)

and then home to supper and to bed , after having finished the putting
of little papers upon my books , to be numbered hereafter .
(PEPYS-E3-H,7,417.182)

<P_8,313>

<heading:edcomment:JULY_1667>

1 . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,313.185)

Up betimes about 4 a-clock , waked by a damned noise between a sow
gelder and a cow and a dog , nobody after we were up being able to tell
us what it was . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,313.186)

After being ready , we took coach ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,313.187)

and being very sleepy , drouzed most part of the way to gravesend ;
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,313.188)

and there light (PEPYS-E3-H,8,313.189)

and down to the new Battery which are like to be very fine ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,313.190)

and there did hear a plain fellow cry out upon the folly of 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 - (PEPYS-E3-H,8,313.191)

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 do begin to
see through them and contemn them . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,313.192)

" Besides , " says he , " they spoil the river by it . "
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,313.193)

Then informed ourselfs where we might have some Creame ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,313.194)

and they guided us to one Goody Best's , a little out of the town
towards London-road ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,313.195)

and thither we went with the Coach (PEPYS-E3-H,8,313.196)

and find it a mighty clean , plain house , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,313.197)

and had a dish of very good cream to our liking ;
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,313.198)

and so away presently , very merry , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,313.199)

and fell to reading of the several <font> Advices to a Painter </font>
, which made us good sport ; and endeed , are very witty ;
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,313.200)

and Creed did also repeat to me some of the substance of letters of old
Burleigh in Queen Elizabeth's time which he hath of late read in the
printed <font> Cabbala </font> , which is a very fine style at this day
and fit to be imitated . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,313.201)

With this , and talking and laughing <P_8,314> at the folly of our
maisters in the management of things at this day , we got home by noon
, where all well . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,314.202)

And then to dinner , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,314.203)

and after dinner both of us laid down upon the Couch and chairs and to
sleep ; which I did for an hour or two , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,314.204)

and then to the office , where I am sorry to hear that Sir J. Mennes is
likely to die this night or tomorrow . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,314.205)

I forgot to set down that we met this morning upon the road with Mrs.
Williams , going down to my Lord Brouncker ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,314.206)

we bowed without speaking one to another , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,314.207)

but I am ashamed at the folly of the man , to have her down at this
serious busy time , when the town and country is full of people and
full of censure , and against him perticularly . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,314.208)

At Sir W. Batten's my Lady tells me that she hears for certain that my
Lord's maid of his lodgings here doth give out that Mrs. Williams hath
been fain of late to sell her best clothes and Jewells to get a little
money upon - which is a sad condition . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,314.209)

Thence to the office (PEPYS-E3-H,8,314.210)

and did write to my Lord Brouncker to give me a little satisfaction
about the certainty of the Chaines being broke , which I begin to doubt
, and the more from Sir W Pen's discourse ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,314.211)

it is worth while to read my letter to him entered in my letter book .
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,314.212)

Home in the evening to supper ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,314.213)

and so pretty betimes , about a-clock , to bed , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,314.214)

and slept well . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,314.215)

This day letters are come that my sister is very ill .
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,314.216)

2 . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,314.217)

Up , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,314.218)

and put on my new silk Camelott suit , made of my cloak ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,314.219)

and suit now made into a vest . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,314.220)

So to the office , where W. Penn and myself and Sir T. Harvy met , the
first time we have had a meeting since the coming of the Dutch upon the
coast . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,314.221)

Our only business <paren> for we have little else to do , nobody being
willing to trust us for anything </paren> was to speak with the owners
of <P_8,315> six merchantmen which we have been taking up this
fortnight , and are yet in no readiness , they not fitting their ships
without money advanced to them , we owing them for what their ships
have earned the last year . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.222)

So everything stands still for money , while we want money to pay for
some of the most necessary things that we promised ready money for in
the heighth of our wants - as grapnells , &c. ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.223)

at noon home to dinner ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.224)

and after dinner , my wife and Jane <paren> mighty fine the girle
</paren> to go to see Jane's old mistress , who was to see her ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.225)

and did see my wife the other day . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.226)

And it is pleasant to hear with what kindness her old mistress speaks
of this girl , and how she would still have her , and how the wench
cried when she told her that she must come to her old mistress , my
wife . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.227)

They gone , I to my chamber , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.228)

and there dallied a little with my maid Nell to touch her thing , but
nothing more . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.229)

And so to the office , where busy till night ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.230)

and then comes Mrs. Turner (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.231)

and walks with me in the garden , to talk with me about her husband's
business and to tell me how she hears at the other end of the town how
bad our office is spoken of by the King and Prince and Duke of
Albemarle ; and that there is not a good word said of any of us but of
me , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.232)

and me they do all speak mightily of - which , whether {COM:it_is} true
or no , I am mighty glad to hear . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.233)

But from all put together that I hear from other people , I am likely
to pass as well as anybody . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.234)

So she gone , comes my wife and to walk in the garden , Sir J. Mennes
being still ill and so keeping us from singing ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.235)

and by and by Sir W Pen came (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.236)

and walked with us , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.237)

and gave us a bottle of cider ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.238)

and so we home to supper , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.239)

and I to read myself asleep (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.240)

and so to bed . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.241)

<paren> This day I am told that poor Tooker is dead , a very painful
poor man as ever I knew . </paren> (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.242)

3 . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.243)

Up , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.244)

and within most of the morning , my tailor's boy coming to alter
something in my new suit I put on yesterday . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,315.245)

<P_8,316>

Then to the office (PEPYS-E3-H,8,316.247)

and did business , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,316.248)

and then <paren> my wife being a little ill of those in the bed
</paren> I to Sir W. Batten's (PEPYS-E3-H,8,316.249)

and dined , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,316.250)

and there comes in Sir Rd. Ford (PEPYS-E3-H,8,316.251)

and tells us how he hath been at the Session's-house ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,316.252)

and there it is plain that there is a combination of rogues in the town
that do make it their business to set houses on fire , and that one
house they did set on fire in Aldersgate-street last Easter , and that
this is proved by two young men , whom one of them debauched by degrees
to steal their father's plate and clothes , and at last to be of their
company , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,316.253)

and they had their places to take up what goods were flung into the
streets out of the windows when the houses were on fire ;
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,316.254)

and this is like to be proved to a great number of rogues , whereof
five are already found , and some found guilty this day .
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,316.255)

One of these boys is the son of a Mountagu , of my Lord Manchester's
family ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,316.256)

but whose son , he could not tell me . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,316.257)

This is a strange thing $me $thinks {TEXT:methinks} ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,316.258)

but I am glad that it is proved so true and discovered .
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,316.259)

So home , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,316.260)

and to enter my Journall of my late journy to this hour ;
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,316.261)

and then to the office - where to do a little business ;
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,316.262)

and then by water to White-hall <paren> calling at Michells in my way ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,316.263)

but the rogue would not invite me in , I having a mind para ver his
wife </paren> ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,316.264)

and there to the Council-chamber to deliver a letter to their Lordships
about the state of the six merchantmen which we have been so long
fitting out . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,316.265)

When I came , the King and the whole tableful of Lords were hearing of
a pitiful cause of a complaint of an old man , with a great gray beard
, against his son , for not allowing himself something to live on ;
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,316.266)

and at last came to the ordering the son to allow his father a year .
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,316.267)

This cause lasted them near two hours ; which $me $thinks
{TEXT:methinks} , at this time to be the work of the Council-board of
England , is a <P_8,317> scandalous thing , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,317.268)

and $me $thought {TEXT:methought} Sir W. Coventry to me did own as much
. (PEPYS-E3-H,8,317.269)

Here I find all the news is the enemy's landing men near Harwich , and
attacquing Langnerfort and being beat off thence with our great guns ,
killing some of their men and they leaving their lathers behind them ;
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,317.270)

but we had no Horse in the way on Suffolke side ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,317.271)

otherwise we might have galled their Foot . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,317.272)

The Duke of York is gone down thither this day , while the Generall sat
sleeping this afternoon at the Counciltable . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,317.273)

The news so much talked of this Exchange , of a peace , I find by Sir
Rd. Browne arises from a letter the Swedes agent hath received from
Bredah , and showed at Court today , that they are come very near it ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,317.274)

but I do not find anybody here relying on it . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,317.275)

This cause being over , the Trinity-house men , whom I did not expect
to meet , were called in ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,317.276)

and there Sir W Pen made a formal speech in answer to a Question of the
King's , whether the lying of the sunk ships in the River would spoil
the River ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,317.277)

but Lord , how gingerly he answered it , and with a deal of do , that
he did not know whether it would be safe as to the enemy to have them
taken up , but that doubtless it would be better for the River to have
them taken up . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,317.278)

$Me $thought {TEXT:Methought} the Council found them answer like fools
, (PEPYS-E3-H,8,317.279)

and it ended in bidding them think more of it and bring their answer in
writing . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,317.280)

Thence I to Westminster-hall (PEPYS-E3-H,8,317.281)

and there hear how they talk against the present management of things ,
and against Sir W. Coventry for <P_8,318> his bringing in of new
commanders and casting out the old seamen ; which I did endeavour to
rectify Mr. Michell and them in , letting them know that he hath
opposed it all his life , the most of any man in England .
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.282)

After a deal of this bibble babble , I to Mrs. Martins
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.283)

and there she was gone in before ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.284)

but when I came , contrary to my expectation , I find her all in
trouble , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.285)

and what was it for but that I have got her with child ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.286)

for those do not venir upon her as they should have done ;
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.287)

and is in exceeding grief , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.288)

and swears that the child is mine ; which I do not believe ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.289)

but yet do comfort her that either it $can $not {TEXT:cannot} be so ;
or if it be , that I will take care to send for her husband , though I
do hardly see how I can be sure of that , the ship being at sea and as
far as Scotland ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.290)

but however , I must do it , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.291)

and shall find some way or other of doing it , though it doth trouble
me not a little . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.292)

Thence , not pleased , away to White-hall to Mr. Williamson and by and
by my Lord Arlington about Mr. Lanyon's business ;
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.293)

and it is pretty to see how Mr. Williamson did altogether excuse
himself that my business was not done , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.294)

and when I came to my Lord and told him my business , - " Why , " says
my Lord , " it hath $been done , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.295)

and the King signed it several days ago ; " (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.296)

and so it was , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.297)

and was in Mr. Williamson's hand , which made us both laugh ;
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.298)

and I in innocent mirth , I remember , said , " It is pretty to see in
what a condition we are , that all our matters nowadays are undone we
know not how , and done we know not when . " (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.299)

He laughed at it , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.300)

but I have since reflected on it (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.301)

and find it a severe speech , as it might be taken by a chief minister
of state , as endeed Mr. Williamson is , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.302)

for he is endeed the Secretary . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.303)

But we fell to other pleasant talk , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.304)

and a fine gentleman he is ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.305)

and so gave him 5l for his fee , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.306)

and away home (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.307)

and to Sir W. Batten's to talk a little ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.308)

and then to the office to do a little business , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.309)

and so home to supper and to read myself asleep ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.310)

and then to bed . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,318.311)

<P_8,319>

4 . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,319.313)

Up ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,319.314)

and in vain expecting Sir Rd. Ford's calling on me , I took coach
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,319.315)

and to the Sessions-house , where I have a mind to hear Bazill
Fielding's case tried ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,319.316)

and so got up to the Bench , my Lord Chief Justice Keeling being Judge
. (PEPYS-E3-H,8,319.317)

Here I stood bare , not challenging , though I might well enough , to
be covered . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,319.318)

But here was several fine trials . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,319.319)

Among others , several brought in for making it their trade to set
houses on fire , merely to get plunder , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,319.320)

and all proved by the two little boys spoken of yesterday by Sir R.
Ford , who did give so good account of perticulars that I never heard
children in my life ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,319.321)

and I confess , though I was unsatisfied with the force given to such
little boys to take away men's lives , yet when I was told that my Lord
Chief-Justice did declare that there was no law against taking the oath
of children above twelve years old , and then heard from Sir R. Ford
the good account which the boys had given of their understanding the
nature and consequence of an oath , and now my own observation of the
sobriety and readiness of their answers , further then of any man of
any rank that came to give witness this day , though some men of years
and learning , I was a little amazed , and fully satisfied that they
ought to have as much credit as the rest . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,319.322)

They proved against several , their consulting several times at a
bawdy-house in Moore-Fields called the Russia House , among many other
rogueries , of setting houses on fire , that they might gather the
goods that were flung into the streets ; (PEPYS-E3-H,8,319.323)

and it is worth considering how unsafe it is to have children play up
and down this lewd town , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,319.324)

for these two boys , one is my Lady Mountagus <paren> I know not what
Lady Mountagu </paren> son and the other of good condition , were
playing in Moore-Fields , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,319.325)

and one rogue , Gabr. Holmes , did come to them and teach them to drink
, and then to bring him plate and clothes from their fathers' houses
and carry him into their houses , and leaving open the doors for him ;
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,319.326)

and at last were made of their conspiracy , (PEPYS-E3-H,8,319.327)

and were at the very burning <P_8,320> of this $house in
Aldersgate-street on Easter Sunday at night last ,
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,320.328)

and did gather up goods as they had resolved before .
(PEPYS-E3-H,8,320.329)

And this Gabriel Holmes did advise to have had two houses set on fire ,
one after another , that while they were quenching of one , they might
be burning another . (PEPYS-E3-H,8,320.330)