Pepy's Diary. 06 Apr 1660. This morning came my brother-in-law Balty (age 20) to see me, and to desire to be here with me as Reformado, ["a broken or disbanded officer".] which did much trouble me. But after dinner (my Lord using him very civilly, at table) I spoke to my Lord, and he presented me a letter to Captain Stokes for him that he should be there. All the day with him walking and talking, we under sail as far as the Spitts. In the afternoon, W. Howe and I to our viallins, the first time since we came on board. This afternoon I made even with my Lord to this day, and did give him all the money remaining in my hands. In the evening, it being fine moonshine, I staid late walking upon the quarter-deck with Mr. Cuttance, learning of some sea terms; and so down to supper and to bed, having an hour before put Balty (age 20) into Burr's cabin, he being out of the ship.

Pepy's Diary. 08 Apr 1660 (Lord's day). Very calm again, and I pretty well, but my head aked all day. About noon set sail; in our way I see many vessels and masts, which are now the greatest guides for ships. We had a brave wind all the afternoon, and overtook two good merchantmen that overtook us yesterday, going to the East Indies. The lieutenant and I lay out of his window with his glass, looking at the women that were on board them, being pretty handsome. This evening Major Willoughby, who had been here three or four days on board with Mr. Pickering, went on board a catch [ketch] for Dunkirk. We continued sailing when I went to bed, being somewhat ill again, and Will Howe, the surgeon, parson, and Balty (age 20) supped in the Lieutenant's cabin and afterwards sat disputing, the parson for and I against extemporary prayers, very hot.

Pepy's Diary. 09 Apr 1660. This afternoon I first saw France and Calais [Map], with which I was much pleased, though it was at a distance. About five o'clock we came to the Goodwin [Map], so to the Castles about Deal [Map]; where our Fleet lay, among whom we anchored. Great was the shout of guns from the castles and ships, and our answers, that I never heard yet so great rattling of guns. Nor could we see one another on board for the smoke that was among us, nor one ship from another. Soon as we came to anchor, the captains came from on board their ships all to us on board. This afternoon I wrote letters for my Lord to the Council, &c., which Mr. Dickering was to carry, who took his leave this night of my Lord, and Balty (age 20) after I had wrote two or three letters by him to my wife and Mr. Bowyer, and had drank a bottle of wine with him in my cabin which J. Goods and W. Howe brought on purpose, he took leave of me too to go away to-morrow morning with Mr. Dickering. I lent Balty (age 20) 15s. which he was to pay to my wife. It was one in the morning before we parted. This evening Mr. Sheply came on board, having escaped a very great danger upon a sand coming from Chatham.

Pepy's Diary. 18 Jun 1660. To my Lord's, where much business and some hopes of getting some money thereby. With him to the Parliament House, where he did intend to have gone to have made his appearance to-day, but he met Mr. Crew (age 62) upon the stairs, and would not go in. He went to Mrs. Brown's, and staid till word was brought him what was done in the House. This day they made an end of the twenty men to be excepted from pardon to their estates. By barge to Stepny with my Lord, where at Trinity House we had great entertainment. With, my Lord there went Sir W. Pen, Sir H. Wright (age 23), Hetly, Pierce; Creed, Hill, I and other servants. Back again to the Admiralty, and so to my Lord's lodgings, where he told me that he did look after the place of the Clerk of the Acts [The letters patent appointing Pepys to the office of Clerk of the Acts is dated July 13th, 1660.] for me. So to Mr. Crew's (age 62) and my father's (age 59) and to bed. my wife went this day to Huntsmore for her things, and I was very lonely all night. This evening my wife's brother, Balty (age 20), came to me to let me know his bad condition and to get a place for him, but I perceive he stands upon a place for a gentleman, that may not stain his family when, God help him, he wants bread.

Pepy's Diary. 27 Aug 1661. Hence to my father's, and there staid to talk a while and so by foot home by moonshine. In my way and at home, my wife making a sad story to me of her brother Balty's (age 21) a condition, and would have me to do something for him, which I shall endeavour to do, but am afeard to meddle therein for fear I shall not be able to wipe my hands of him again, when I once concern myself for him. I went to bed, my wife all the while telling me his case with tears, which troubled me.

Pepy's Diary. 11 Sep 1661. After he was ready we went up and down to inquire about my affairs and then parted, and to the Wardrobe, and there took Mr. Moore to Tom Trice, who promised to let Mr. Moore have copies of the bond and my aunt's deed of gift, and so I took him home to my house to dinner, where I found my wife's brother, Balty (age 21), as fine as hands could make him, and his servant, a Frenchman, to wait on him, and come to have my wife to visit a young lady which he is a servant to, and have hope to trepan and get for his wife. I did give way for my wife to go with him, and so after dinner they went, and Mr. Moore and I out again, he about his business and I to Dr. Williams: to talk with him again, and he and I walking through Lincoln's Fields observed at the Opera a new play, "Twelfth Night"¹ was acted there, and the King there; so I, against my own mind and resolution, could not forbear to go in, which did make the play seem a burthen to me, and I took no pleasure at all in it; and so after it was done went home with my mind troubled for my going thither, after my swearing to my wife that I would never go to a play without her. So that what with this and things going so cross to me as to matters of my uncle's estate, makes me very much troubled in my mind, and so to bed. My wife was with her brother to see his mistress today, and says she is young, rich, and handsome, but not likely for him to get.

Note 1. Pepys seldom liked any play of Shakespeare's, and he sadly blundered when he supposed "Twelfth Night" was a new play.

Pepy's Diary. 08 Dec 1662. Up, and carrying Gosnell by coach, set her down at Temple Barr, she going about business of hers today. By the way she was telling me how Balty (age 22) did tell her that my wife did go every day in the week to Court and plays, and that she should have liberty of going abroad as often as she pleased, and many other lies, which I am vexed at, and I doubt the wench did come in some expectation of, which troubles me.

Pepy's Diary. 18 Dec 1662. This afternoon came my wife's brother and his wife, and Mrs. Lodum his landlady (my old friend Mr. Ashwell's sister), Balty's (age 22) wife is a most little and yet, I believe, pretty old girl, not handsome, nor has anything in the world pleasing, but, they say, she plays mighty well on the Base Violl. They dined at her father's today, but for ought I hear he is a wise man, and will not give any thing to his daughter till he sees what her husband do put himself to, so that I doubt he has made but a bad matter of it, but I am resolved not to meddle with it. They gone I to the office, and to see Sir W. Pen (age 41), with my wife, and thence I to Mr. Cade the stationer, to direct him what to do with my two copies of Mr. Holland's books which he is to bind, and after supplying myself with several things of him, I returned to my office, and so home to supper and to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 19 Oct 1665. After dinner I did give them my accounts and letters to write against I went to the Duke of Albemarle's (age 56) this evening, which I did; and among other things, spoke to him for my wife's brother, Balty (age 25), to be of his guard, which he kindly answered that he should. My business of the Victualling goes on as I would have it; and now my head is full how to make some profit of it to myself or people. To that end, when I came home, I wrote a letter to Mr. Coventry (age 37), offering myself to be the Surveyor Generall, and am apt to think he will assist me in it, but I do not set my heart much on it, though it would be a good helpe. So back to my office, and there till past one before I could get all these letters and papers copied out, which vexed me, but so sent them away without hopes of saving the post, and so to my lodging to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 03 Apr 1666. At noon home to dinner, and there my brother Balty (age 26) dined with me and my wife, who is become a good serious man, and I hope to do him good being sending him a Muster-Master on one of the squadrons of the fleete.

Pepy's Diary. 13 Apr 1666. Up, being called up by my wife's brother, for whom I have got a commission from the Duke of Yorke (age 32) for Muster-Master of one of the divisions, of which Harman (age 29) is Rere-Admirall, of which I am glad as well as he. After I had acquainted him with it, and discoursed a little of it, I went forth and took him with me by coach to the Duke of Albemarle (age 57), who being not up, I took a walk with Balty (age 26) into the Parke, and to the Queene's Chappell, it being Good Friday, where people were all upon their knees very silent; but, it seems, no masse this day.

Pepy's Diary. 17 Apr 1666. Up, and to the office, where all the morning. At noon dined at home, my brother Balty (age 26) with me, who is fitting himself to go to sea. So after dinner to my accounts and did proceed a good way in settling them, and thence to the office, where all the afternoon late, writing my letters and doing business, but, Lord! what a conflict I had with myself, my heart tempting me 1000 times to go abroad about some pleasure or other, notwithstanding the weather foule. However I reproached myself with my weaknesse in yielding so much my judgment to my sense, and prevailed with difficulty and did not budge, but stayed within, and, to my great content, did a great deale of business, and so home to supper and to bed. This day I am told that Moll Davis (age 18), the pretty girle, that sang and danced so well at the Duke's house, is dead¹.

Note 1. TT. This proved to be incorrect. Mary "Moll" Davis (age 18) died in 1708.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Apr 1666. Dined at home and took Balty (age 26) with me to Hales's (age 66) to show him his sister's picture, and thence to Westminster, and there I to the Swan [Map] and drank, and so back again alone to Hales's (age 66) and there met my wife and Mercer, Mrs. Pierce being sitting, and two or three idle people of her acquaintance more standing by. Her picture do come on well. So staid until she had done and then set her down at home, and my wife and I and the girle by coach to Islington [Map], and there eat and drank in the coach and so home, and there find a girle sent at my desire by Mrs. Michell of Westminster Hall [Map], to be my girle under the cooke-mayde, Susan. But I am a little dissatisfied that the girle, though young, is taller and bigger than Su, and will not, I fear, be under her command, which will trouble me, and the more because she is recommended by a friend that I would not have any unkindness with, but my wife do like very well of her.

Pepy's Diary. 25 Apr 1666. By and by Sir W. Batten (age 65) and Sir W. Rider met with us, and we did something to purpose about the Chest, and hope we shall go on to do so. They up, I to present Balty (age 26) to Sir W. Pen (age 45), who at my entreaty did write a most obliging letter to Harman (age 41) to use him civilly, but the dissembling of the rogue is such, that it do not oblige me at all.

Pepy's Diary. 25 Apr 1666. Up, and to White Hall to the Duke (age 32) as usual, and did our business there. So I away to Westminster (Balty (age 26) with me, whom I had presented to Sir W. Coventry (age 38)) and there told Mrs. Michell of her kinswoman's running away, which troubled her.

Pepy's Diary. 27 Apr 1666. Up (taking Balty (age 26) with me, who lay at my house last [night] in order to his going away to-day to sea with the pursers of the Henery, whom I appointed to call him), abroad to many several places about several businesses, to my Lord Treasurer's (age 59), Westminster, and I know not where.

Pepy's Diary. 28 Apr 1666. By and by comes my wife and presently after, the tide serving, Balty (age 26) took leave of us, going to sea, and upon very good terms, to be Muster-Master of a squadron, which will be worth £100 this yeare to him, besides keeping him the benefit of his pay in the Guards. He gone, I very busy all the afternoon till night, among other things, writing a letter to my brother John (age 25), the first I have done since my being angry with him, and that so sharpe a one too that I was sorry almost to send it when I had wrote it, but it is preparatory to my being kind to him, and sending for him up hither when he hath passed his degree of Master of Arts.

Pepy's Diary. 21 May 1666. At noon dined at home, and after dinner comes in my wife's brother Balty (age 26) and his wife, he being stepped ashore from the fleete for a day or two. I away in some haste to my Lord Ashly (age 44), where it is stupendous to see how favourably, and yet closely, my Lord Ashly (age 44) carries himself to Mr. Yeabsly, in his business, so as I think we shall do his business for him in very good manner. But it is a most extraordinary thing to observe, and that which I would not but have had the observation of for a great deal of money. Being done there, and much forwarded Yeabsly's business, I with Sir H. Cholmly (age 33) to my Lord Bellassis (age 51), who is lately come from Tangier to visit him, but is not within.

Pepy's Diary. 21 May 1666. So to Westminster Hall [Map] a little about business and so home by water, and then out with my wife, her brother, sister, and Mercer to Islington [Map], our grand tour, and there eat and drank. But in discourse I am infinitely pleased with Balty (age 26), his deportment in his business of Muster-Master, and hope mighty well from him, and am glad with all my heart I put him into this business. Late home and to bed, they also lying at my house, he intending to go away to-morrow back again to sea.

Pepy's Diary. 22 May 1666. At noon home to dinner, Balty (age 26) being gone back to sea and his wife dining with us, whom afterward my wife carried home. I after dinner to the office, and anon out on several occasions, among others to Lovett's, and there staid by him and her and saw them (in their poor conditioned manner) lay on their varnish, which however pleased me mightily to see.

Pepy's Diary. 30 May 1666. So home and did a little business at the office, and so down by water to Deptford, Kent [Map] and back again home late, and having signed some papers and given order in business, home, where my wife is come home, and so to supper with my father, and mighty pleasant we were, and my wife mighty kind to him and Pall, and so after supper to bed, myself being sleepy, and my right eye still very sore, as it has been now about five days or six, which puts me out of tune. To-night my wife tells me newes has been brought her that Balty's (age 26) wife is brought to bed, by some fall or fit, before her time, of a great child but dead. If the woman do well we have no reason to be sorry, because his staying a little longer without a child will be better for him and her.

Pepy's Diary. 03 Jun 1666. A letter is also come this afternoon, from Harman (age 41) in the Henery; which is she [that] was taken by Elliott for the Rupert; that being fallen into the body of the Dutch fleete, he made his way through them, was set on by three fire-ships one after another, got two of them off, and disabled the third; was set on fire himself; upon which many of his men leapt into the sea and perished; among others, the parson first. Have lost above 100 men, and a good many women (God knows what is become of Balty (age 26)), and at last quenched his own fire and got to Aldbrough [Map]; being, as all say, the greatest hazard that ever any ship escaped, and as bravely managed by him. The mast of the third fire-ship fell into their ship on fire, and hurt Harman's (age 41) leg, which makes him lame now, but not dangerous.

Pepy's Diary. 08 Jun 1666. Thence to the Exchequer about some Tangier businesses, and then home, where to my very great joy I find Balty (age 26) come home without any hurt, after the utmost imaginable danger he hath gone through in the Henery, being upon the quarterdeck with Harman (age 41) all the time; and for which service Harman (age 41) I heard this day commended most seriously and most eminently by the Duke of Yorke (age 32). As also the Duke did do most utmost right to Sir Thomas Teddiman, of whom a scandal was raised, but without cause, he having behaved himself most eminently brave all the whole fight, and to extraordinary great service and purpose, having given Trump himself such a broadside as was hardly ever given to any ship. Mings (age 40) is shot through the face, and into the shoulder, where the bullet is lodged. Young Holmes' is also ill wounded, and Ather in The Rupert. Balty (age 26) tells me the case of the Henery; and it was, indeed, most extraordinary sad and desperate.

Pepy's Diary. 13 Jun 1666. After we had done with the Duke of Yorke (age 32), I with others to White Hall, there to attend again a Committee of Tangier, but there was none, which vexed me to the heart, and makes me mighty doubtfull that when we have one, it will be prejudiced against poor Yeabsly and to my great disadvantage thereby, my Lord Peterborough (age 44) making it his business, I perceive (whether in spite to me, whom he cannot but smell to be a friend to it, or to my Lord Ashly (age 44), I know not), to obstruct it, and seems to take delight in disappointing of us; but I shall be revenged of him. Here I staid a very great while, almost till noon, and then meeting Balty (age 26) I took him with me, and to Westminster to the Exchequer about breaking of two tallys of £2000 each into smaller tallys, which I have been endeavouring a good while, but to my trouble it will not, I fear, be done, though there be no reason against it, but only a little trouble to the clerks; but it is nothing to me of real profit at all.

Pepy's Diary. 13 Jun 1666. Thence with Balty (age 26) to Hales's (age 66) by coach, it being the seventh day from my making my late oathes, and by them I am at liberty to dispense with any of my oathes every seventh day after I had for the six days before going performed all my vowes. Here I find my father's picture begun, and so much to my content, that it joys my very heart to thinke that I should have his picture so well done; who, besides that he is my father, and a man that loves me, and hath ever done so, is also, at this day, one of the most carefull and innocent men, in the world.

Pepy's Diary. 13 Jun 1666. Thence with mighty content homeward, and in my way at the Stockes did buy a couple of lobsters, and so home to dinner, where I find my wife and father had dined, and were going out to Hales's (age 66) to sit there, so Balty (age 26) and I alone to dinner, and in the middle of my grace, praying for a blessing upon (these his good creatures), my mind fell upon my lobsters: upon which I cried, Odd zooks! and Balty (age 26) looked upon me like a man at a losse what I meant, thinking at first that I meant only that I had said the grace after meat instead of that before meat. But then I cried, what is become of my lobsters? Whereupon he run out of doors to overtake the coach, but could not, so came back again, and mighty merry at dinner to thinke of my surprize.

Pepy's Diary. 16 Jul 1666. Up in the afternoon, and passed the day with Balty (age 26), who is come from sea for a day or two before the fight, and I perceive could be willing fairly to be out of the next fight, and I cannot much blame him, he having no reason by his place to be there; however, would not have him to be absent, manifestly to avoid being there. At night grew a little better and took a glyster of sacke, but taking it by halves it did me not much good, I taking but a little of it. However, to bed, and had a pretty good night of it,

Pepy's Diary. 17 Jul 1666. Thence home and walked in the garden with Sir W. Pen (age 45) a while, and saying how the riding in the coach do me good (though I do not yet much find it), he ordered his to be got ready while I did some little business at the office, and so abroad he and I after 8 o'clock at night, as far almost as Bow, and so back again, and so home to supper and to bed. This day I did bid Balty (age 26) to agree with the Dutch paynter, which he once led me to, to see landskipps, for a winter piece of snow, which indeed is a good piece, and costs me but 40s., which I would not take the money again for, it being, I think, very good. After a little supper to bed, being in less pain still, and had very good rest.

Pepy's Diary. 17 Jul 1666. So as to be able to rise to go to the office and there sat, but now and then in pain, and without making much water, or freely. However, it grew better and better, so as after dinner believing the jogging in a coach would do me good, I did take my wife out to the New Exchange to buy things. She there while I with Balty (age 26) went and bought a common riding-cloake for myself, to save my best. It cost me but 30s., and will do my turne mighty well.

Pepy's Diary. 19 Jul 1666. By and by Balty (age 26) takes his leave of us, he going away just now towards the fleete, where he will pass through one great engagement more before he be two days older, I believe. I to the office, where busy all the afternoon, late, and then home, and, after some pleasant discourse to my wife, to bed. After I was in bed I had a letter from Sir W. Coventry (age 38) that tells me that the fleete is sailed this morning; God send us good newes of them!

Pepy's Diary. 19 Jul 1666. So to the office, where all the morning sitting. Full of wants of money, and much stores to buy, for to replenish the stores, and no money to do it with, nor anybody to trust us without it. So at noon home to dinner, Balty (age 26) and his [his wife] wife with us.

Pepy's Diary. 02 Aug 1666. [Up] and to the office, where we sat, and in discourse at the table with Sir W. Batten (age 65), I was obliged to tell him it was an untruth, which did displease him mightily, and parted at noon very angry with me. At home find Lovett, who brought me some papers varnished, and showed me my crucifix, which will be very fine when done. He dined with me and Balty's (age 26) [his wife] wife, who is in great pain for her husband (age 26), not hearing of him since the fight; but I understand he was not in it, going hence too late, and I am glad of it.

Pepy's Diary. 03 Aug 1666. At noon home to dinner, and then abroad to Sir Philip Warwicke's (age 56) at White Hall about Tangier one quarter tallys, and there had some serious discourse touching money, and the case of the Navy, wherein all I could get of him was that we had the full understanding of the treasure as much as my Lord Treasurer (age 59) himself, and knew what he can do, and that whatever our case is, more money cannot be got till the Parliament. So talked of getting an account ready as soon as we could to give the Parliament, and so very melancholy parted. So I back again, calling my [his sister] wife (age 25) at her [his wife] sister's, from whose husband (age 26) we do now hear that he was safe this week, and going in a ship to the fleete from the buoy of the Nore, where he has been all this while, the fleete being gone before he got down.

Pepy's Diary. 10 Aug 1666. Home to dinner, where [his wife] sister Balty (age 26) dined with us, and met a letter come to me from him. He is well at Harwich [Map], going to the fleete.

Pepy's Diary. 21 Aug 1666. Dined at home, and [his wife] sister Balty (age 26) with us. My wife snappish because I denied her money to lay out this afternoon; however, good friends again, and by coach set them down at the New Exchange, and I to the Exchequer, and there find my business of my tallys in good forwardness. I passed down into the Hall, and there hear that Mr. Bowles, the grocer, after 4 or 5 days' sickness, is dead, and this day buried. So away, and taking up my wife, went homewards. I 'light and with Harman to my mercer's in Lombard Street [Map], and there agreed for, our purple serge for my closett, and so I away home.

Pepy's Diary. 10 Sep 1666. All the morning clearing our cellars, and breaking in pieces all my old lumber, to make room, and to prevent fire. And then to Sir W. Batten's (age 65), and dined; and there hear that Sir W. Rider says that the towne is full of the report of the wealth that is in his house, and would be glad that his friends would provide for the safety of their goods there. This made me get a cart; and thither, and there brought my money all away. Took a Hackney-coach myself (the Hackney-coaches now standing at Allgate). Much wealth indeed there is at his house. Blessed be God, I got all mine well thence, and lodged it in my office; but vexed to have all the world see it. And with Sir W. Batten (age 65), who would have taken away my hands before they were stowed. But by and by comes brother Balty (age 26) from sea, which I was glad of; and so got him, and Mr. Tooker, and the boy, to watch with them all in the office all night, while I upon Jane's coming went down to my wife, calling at Deptford, Kent [Map], intending to see Bagwell, but did not 'ouvrir la porte comme je' [Note. Open the door with I] did expect. So down late to Woolwich, Kent [Map], and there find my wife out of humour and indifferent, as she uses upon her having much liberty abroad.

Pepy's Diary. 11 Sep 1666. Dined at home, Balty (age 26) and myself putting up my papers in my closet in the office. He away, I down to Deptford, Kent [Map] and there spoke with Bagwell and agreed upon to-morrow, and come home in the rain by water.

Pepy's Diary. 12 Sep 1666. Thence to Martin, and there did 'tout ce que je voudrais avec' [Note. All that I wanted with] her, and drank, and away by water home and to dinner, Balty (age 26) and his [his wife] wife there.

Pepy's Diary. 14 Sep 1666. So to bed as last night, only my wife and I upon a bedstead with curtains in that which was Mercer's chamber, and Balty (age 26) and his [his wife] wife (who are here and do us good service), where we lay last night. This day, poor Tom Pepys, the turner, was with me, and Kate, Joyce, to bespeake places; one for himself, the other for her husband. She tells me he hath lost £140 per annum, but have seven houses left.

Pepy's Diary. 17 Sep 1666. Thence home a little to look after my people at work and back to Sir G. Carteret's (age 56) to dinner; and thence, after some discourse; with him upon our publique accounts, I back home, and all the day with Harman (age 29) and his people finishing the hangings and beds in my house, and the hangings will be as good as ever, and particularly in my new closet. They gone and I weary, my wife and I, and Balty (age 26) and his [his wife] wife, who come hither to-day to helpe us, to a barrel of oysters I sent from the river today, and so to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 20 Sep 1666. We parted, and I home to dinner, and after dinner to the setting things in order, and all my people busy about the same work. In the afternoon, out by coach, my wife with me, which we have not done several weeks now, through all the ruines, to shew her them, which frets her much, and is a sad sight indeed. Set her down at her brother's, and thence I to Westminster Hall [Map], and there staid a little while, and called her home. She did give me an account of great differences between her mother and Balty's (age 26) [his wife] wife. The old woman charges her with going abroad and staying out late, and painting in the absence of her husband, and I know not what; and they grow proud, both he and she, and do not help their father and mother out of what I help them to, which I do not like, nor my wife.

Pepy's Diary. 30 Sep 1666. Lord's Day. Up, and to church, where I have not been a good while: and there the church infinitely thronged with strangers since the fire come into our parish; but not one handsome face in all of them, as if, indeed, there was a curse, as Bishop Fuller (age 58) heretofore said, upon our parish. Here I saw Mercer come into the church, which I had a mind to, but she avoided looking up, which vexed me. A pretty good sermon, and then home, and comes Balty (age 26) and dined with us. A good dinner; and then to have my haire cut against winter close to my head, and then to church again. A sorry sermon, and away home. Sir W. Pen (age 45) and I to walk to talk about several businesses, and then home; and my wife and I to read in Fuller's Church History, and so to supper and to bed. This month ends with my mind full of business and concernment how this office will speed with the Parliament, which begins to be mighty severe in the examining our accounts, and the expence of the Navy this war.

Pepy's Diary. 15 Oct 1666. After dinner away home, Mr. Brisband along with me as far as the Temple [Map], and there looked upon a new booke, set out by one Rycault, secretary to my Lord Winchelsea (age 38), of the policy and customs of the Turks, which is, it seems, much cried up. But I could not stay, but home, where I find Balty (age 26) come back, and with him some muster-books, which I am glad of, and hope he will do me credit in his employment.

Pepy's Diary. 24 Oct 1666. After dinner to little business, and then abroad with my wife, she to see her brother (age 26), who is sick, and she believes is from some discontent his [his wife] wife hath given him by her loose carriage, which he is told, and he hath found has been very suspicious in his absence, which I am sorry for.

Pepy's Diary. 01 Nov 1666. At noon to dinner, and from dinner my wife and my brother, and W. Hewer (age 24) and Barker away to Betty Michell's, to Shadwell, and I to my office, where I took in Mrs. Bagwell and did what I would with her, and so she went away, and I all the afternoon till almost night there, and then, my wife being come back, I took her and set her at her brother's (age 26), who is very sicke, and I to White Hall, and there all alone a pretty while with Sir W. Coventry (age 38) at his chamber. I find him very melancholy under the same considerations of the King's service that I am. He confesses with me he expects all will be undone, and all ruined; he complains and sees perfectly what I with grief do, and said it first himself to me that all discipline is lost in the fleete, no order nor no command, and concurs with me that it is necessary we do again and again represent all things more and more plainly to the Duke of York (age 33), for a guard to ourselves hereafter when things shall come to be worse. He says the House goes on slowly in finding of money, and that the discontented party do say they have not done with us, for they will have a further bout with us as to our accounts, and they are exceedingly well instructed where to hit us. I left him with a thousand sad reflections upon the times, and the state of the King's matters, and so away, and took up my wife and home, where a little at the office, and then home to supper, and talk with my wife (with whom I have much comfort) and my brother, and so to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 02 Nov 1666. At home to dinner, and there come Mr. Pierce, surgeon, to see me, and after I had eat something, he and I and my wife by coach to Westminster, she set us down at White Hall, and she to her brother's (age 26). I up into the House, and among other things walked a good while with the Serjeant Trumpet, who tells me, as I wished, that the King's Italian here is about setting three parts for trumpets, and shall teach some to sound them, and believes they will be admirable musique. I also walked with Sir Stephen Fox (age 39) an houre, and good discourse of publique business with him, who seems very much satisfied with my discourse, and desired more of my acquaintance. Then comes out the King (age 36) and Duke of York (age 33) from the Council, and so I spoke awhile to Sir W. Coventry (age 38) about some office business, and so called my wife (her brother (age 26) being now a little better than he was), and so home, and I to my chamber to do some business, and then to supper and to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 07 Nov 1666. Thence home and find my wife gone out with my brother to see her brother (age 26).

Pepy's Diary. 21 Nov 1666. Up, with Sir W. Batten (age 65) to Charing Cross, and thence I to wait on Sir Philip Howard (age 35), whom I find dressing himself in his night-gown and turban like a Turke, but one of the finest persons that ever I saw in my life. He had several gentlemen of his owne waiting on him, and one playing finely on the gittar: he discourses as well as ever I heard man, in few words and handsome. He expressed all kindness to Balty (age 26), when I told him how sick he is: he says that, before he comes to be mustered again, he must bring a certificate of his swearing the oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, and having taken the Sacrament according to the rites of the Church of England. This, I perceive, is imposed on all, and he will be ready to do. I pray God he may have his health again to be able to do it.

Pepy's Diary. 29 Nov 1666. Up, and to the office, where busy all the morning. At noon home to dinner, where I find Balty (age 26) come out to see us, but looks like death, and I do fear he is in a consumption; he has not been abroad many weeks before, and hath now a well day, and a fit day of the headake in extraordinary torture.

Pepy's Diary. 07 Dec 1666. Up, and by water to the Exchequer, where I got my tallys finished for the last quarter for Tangier, and having paid all my fees I to the Swan [Map], whither I sent for some oysters, and thither comes Mr. Falconbridge and Spicer and many more clerks; and there we eat and drank, and a great deal of their sorry discourse, and so parted, and I by coach home, meeting Balty (age 26) in the streete about Charing Crosse (age 17) walking, which I am glad to see and spoke to him about his mustering business, I being now to give an account how the several muster-masters have behaved themselves, and so home to dinner, where finding the cloth laid and much crumpled but clean, I grew angry and flung the trenchers about the room, and in a mighty heat I was: so a clean cloth was laid, and my poor wife very patient, and so to dinner, and in comes Mrs. Barbara Sheldon, now Mrs. Wood, and dined with us, she mighty fine, and lives, I perceive, mighty happily, which I am glad [of] for her sake, but hate her husband for a block-head in his choice.

Pepy's Diary. 08 Dec 1666. Very good company we were at dinner, and merry, and after dinner, he being gone about business, my wife and I and Mrs. Pierce and Betty and Balty (age 26), who come to see us to-day very sick, and went home not well, together out, and our coach broke the wheel off upon Ludgate Hill [Map]. So we were fain to part ourselves and get room in other people's coaches, and Mrs. Pierce and I in one, and I carried her home and set her down, and myself to the King's playhouse, which troubles me since, and hath cost me a forfeit of 10s., which I have paid, and there did see a good part of "The English Monsiuer", which is a mighty pretty play, very witty and pleasant. And the women do very well; but, above all, little Nelly (age 16); that I am mightily pleased with the play, and much with the House, more than ever I expected, the women doing better than ever I expected, and very fine women. Here I was in pain to be seen, and hid myself; but, as God would have it, Sir John Chichly (age 26) come, and sat just by me.

Pepy's Diary. 20 Dec 1666. After dinner out with Balty (age 26), setting him down at the Maypole in the Strand, and then I to my Lord Bellasses (age 52), and there spoke with Mr. Moone about some business, and so away home to my business at the office, and then home to supper and to bed, after having finished the putting of little papers upon my books to be numbered hereafter.

Pepy's Diary. 20 Dec 1666. At noon home to dinner, where was Balty (age 26) come, who is well again, and the most recovered in his countenance that ever I did see. Here dined with me also Mrs. Batters, poor woman! now left a sad widow by the drowning of her husband the other day. I pity her, and will do her what kindness I can; yet I observe something of ill-nature in myself more than should be, that I am colder towards her in my charity than 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.

Pepy's Diary. 29 Dec 1666. At noon home to dinner, where Balty (age 26) is and now well recovered.

Pepy's Diary. 07 Jan 1667. Thence 'lighting at the Temple [Map] to the ordinary hard by and eat a bit of meat, and then by coach to fetch my wife from her brother's (age 27), and thence to the Duke's house, and saw "Macbeth", which, though I saw it lately, yet appears a most excellent play in all respects, but especially in divertisement, though it be a deep tragedy; which is a strange perfection in a tragedy, it being most proper here, and suitable.

Pepy's Diary. 16 Jan 1667. So home to dinner, and found Balty (age 27), told him the good news, and then after dinner away, I presently to White Hall, and did give the Duke of York (age 33) a memorial of the salt business, against the Council, and did wait all the Council for answer, walking a good while with Sir Stephen Fox (age 39), who, among other things, told me his whole mystery in the business of the interest he pays as Treasurer for the Army. They give him 12d. per pound quite through the Army, with condition to be paid weekly. This he undertakes upon his own private credit, and to be paid by the King (age 36) at the end of every four months. If the King (age 36) pay him not at the end of the four months, then, for all the time he stays longer, my Lord Treasurer (age 59), by agreement, allows him eight per cent. per annum for the forbearance. So that, in fine, he hath about twelve per cent. from the King (age 36) and the Army, for fifteen or sixteen months' interest; out of which he gains soundly, his expense being about £130,000 per annum; and hath no trouble in it, compared, as I told him, to the trouble I must have to bring in an account of interest. I was, however, glad of being thus enlightened, and so away to the other council door, and there got in and hear a piece of a cause, heard before the King (age 36), about a ship deserted by her fellows (who were bound mutually to defend each other), in their way to Virginy, and taken by the enemy, but it was but meanly pleaded.

Pepy's Diary. 16 Jan 1667. This day, before the Duke of York (age 33), the business of the Muster-Masters was reported, and Balty (age 27) found the best of the whole number, so as the Duke enquired who he was, and whether he was a stranger by his two names, both strange, and offered that he and one more, who hath done next best, should have not only their owne, but part of the others' salary, but that I having said he was my brother-in-law, he did stop, but they two are ordered their pay, which I am glad of, and some of the rest will lose their pay, and others be laid by the heels. I was very glad of this being ended so well. I did also, this morning, move in a business wherein Mr. Hater hath concerned me, about getting a ship, laden with salt from France, permitted to unload, coming in after the King's declaration was out, which I have hopes by some dexterity to get done. Then with the Duke of York (age 33) to the King (age 36), to receive his commands for stopping the sale this day of some prize-goods at the Prize-Office, goods fit for the Navy; and received the King's commands, and carried them to the Lords' House, to my Lord Ashly (age 45), who was angry much thereat, and I am sorry it fell to me to carry the order, but I cannot help it. So, against his will, he signed a note I writ to the Commissioners of Prizes, which I carried and delivered to Kingdone, at their new office in Aldersgate Streete.

Pepy's Diary. 18 Jan 1667. This morning, also, there come to the office a letter from the Duke of York (age 33), commanding our payment of no wages to any of the muster-masters of the fleete the last year, but only two, my brother Balty (age 27), taking notice that he had taken pains therein, and one Ward, who, though he had not taken so much as the other, yet had done more than the rest. This I was exceeding glad of for my own sake and his.

Pepy's Diary. 26 Jan 1667. At noon home to dinner, and after dinner to the office again, and there all the afternoon, and at night poor Mrs. Turner (age 44) come and walked in the garden for my advice about her husband (age 54) and her relating to my Lord Bruncker's (age 47) late proceedings with them. I do give her the best I can, but yet can lay aside some ends of my own in what advice I do give her. So she being gone I to make an end of my letters, and so home to supper and to bed, Balty (age 27) lodging here with my brother, he being newly returned from mustering in the river.

Pepy's Diary. 20 Feb 1667. Thence away, took up my wife; who tells me her brother (age 27) hath laid out much money upon himself and wife for clothes, which I am sorry to hear, it requiring great expense.

Pepy's Diary. 20 Feb 1667. 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 (age 27), and I with Lord Bellasses (age 52) to the Chancellor's (age 58). Lord Bellasses (age 52) tells me how the King of France (age 28) hath caused the stop to be made to our proposition of treating in The Hague; that he being greater than they, we may better come and treat at Paris: so that God knows what will become of the peace!

Pepy's Diary. 26 Feb 1667. Up, and to the office, where all the morning. And here did receive another reference from Sir W. Coventry (age 39) about the business of some of the Muster-Masters, concerning whom I had returned their small performances, which do give me a little more trouble for fear Sir W. Coventry (age 39) should think I had a design to favour my brother Balty (age 27), and to that end to disparage all the rest. But I shall clear all very well, only it do exercise my thoughts more than I am at leisure for. At home find Balty (age 27) and his [his wife] wife very fine, which I did not like, for fear he do spend too much of his money that way, and lay [not] up anything.

Pepy's Diary. 27 Feb 1667. After dinner with my wife by coach abroad, and set Mr. Hunt down at the Temple [Map] and her at her brother's (age 27), and I to White Hall to meet Sir W. Coventry (age 39), but found him not, but met Mr. Cooling, who tells me of my Lord Duke of Buckingham's (age 39) being sent for last night, by a Serjeant at Armes, to the Tower [Map], for treasonable practices, and that the King (age 36) is infinitely angry with him, and declared him no longer one of his Council. I know not the reason of it, or occasion.

Pepy's Diary. 24 Mar 1667. Thence back with Sir W. Batten (age 66) and Sir W. Pen (age 45) home, and heard a piece of sermon, and so home to dinner, where Balty (age 27) come, very fine, and dined with us, and after dinner with me by water to White Hall, and there he and I did walk round the Park, I giving him my thoughts about the difficulty of getting employment for him this year, but advised him how to employ himself, and I would do what I could. So he and I parted, and I to Martin's, where I find her within, and 'su hermano' and 'la veuve' Burroughs. Here I did 'demeurer toda' the afternoon.... [Note. Missing text 'bezando las and drank; and among other things, did by trick arrive at tocando el poil la thing the veuve abovesaid.']

Pepy's Diary. 26 Mar 1667. So to the office, and at the office all the morning, where I had an opportunity to speak to Sir John Harman (age 42) about my desire to have my brother Balty (age 27) go again with him to sea as he did the last year, which he do seem not only contented but pleased with, which I was glad of.

Pepy's Diary. 27 Mar 1667. Thence to the Duke of York's (age 33) lodgings, and did our usual business, and Sir W. Pen (age 45) telling me that he had this morning spoke of Balty (age 27) to Sir W. Coventry (age 39), and that the thing was done, I did take notice of it also to Sir W. Coventry (age 39), who told me that he had both the thing and the person in his head before to have done it, which is a double pleasure to me.

Pepy's Diary. 27 Mar 1667. Sir W. Pen (age 45) and I to White Hall, and in the coach did begin our discourse again about Balty (age 27), and he promises me to move it this very day. He and I met my Lord Bruncker (age 47) at Sir G. Carteret's (age 57) by appointment, there to discourse a little business, all being likely to go to rack for lack of money still.

Pepy's Diary. 28 Mar 1667. At noon dined well. Balty (age 27), who is mighty thoughtful how to dispose of his [his wife] wife, and would fain have me provide a place for her, which the thoughts of what I should do with her if he should miscarry at sea makes me avoid the offering him that she should be at my house. I find he is plainly jealous of her being in any place where she may have ill company, and I do pity him for it, and would be glad to help him, and will if I can.

Pepy's Diary. 29 Mar 1667. I home, and there find Balty (age 27) and his [his wife] wife got thither both by my wife for me to give them good advice, for her to be with his father and mother all this time of absence, for saving of money, and did plainly and like a friend tell them my mind of the necessity of saving money, and that if I did not find they did endeavour it, I should not think fit to trouble myself for them, but I see she is utterly against being with his father and mother, and he is fond of her, and I perceive the differences between the old people and them are too great to be presently forgot, and so he do propose that it will be cheaper for him to put her to board at a place he is offered at Lee, and I, seeing that I am not like to be troubled with the finding a place, and having given him so much good advice, do leave them to stand and fall as they please, having discharged myself as a friend, and not likely to be accountable for her nor be troubled with her, if he should miscarry I mean, as to her lodging, and so broke up.

Pepy's Diary. 29 Mar 1667. Then he and I to make a visit to Sir W. Pen (age 45), who hath thought fit to show kindness to Balty (age 27) in this business, indeed though he be a false rogue, but it was he knew a thing easy to do.

Pepy's Diary. 29 Mar 1667. So to the Council chamber, but staid not there, but to a periwigg-maker's of his acquaintance, and there bought two periwiggs, mighty fine; indeed, too fine, I thought, for me; but he persuaded me, and I did buy them for £4 10s. The two. Then to the Exchange [Map] and bought gloves, and so to the Bull-Head Taverne [Map], whither he brought my French gun; and one Truelocke, the famous gunsmith, that is a mighty ingenious man, and he did take my gun in pieces, and made me understand the secrets thereof and upon the whole I do find it a very good piece of work, and truly wrought; but for certain not a thing to be used much with safety: and he do find that this very gun was never yet shot off: I was mighty satisfied with it and him, and the sight of so much curiosity of this kind. Here he brought also a haberdasher at my desire, and I bought a hat of him, and so away and called away my wife from his house, and so home and to read, and then to supper and to bed, my head full in behalf of Balty (age 27), who tells me strange stories of his mother. Among others, how she, in his absence in Ireland, did pawne all the things that he had got in his service under Oliver, and run of her own accord, without her husband's leave, into Flanders, and that his purse, and 4s. a week which his father receives of the French church, is all the subsistence his father and mother have, and that about £20 a year maintains them; which, if it please God, I will find one way or other to provide for them, to remove that scandal away.

Pepy's Diary. 29 Mar 1667. Lay long talking with my wife about Balty (age 27), whom I do wish very well to, and would be glad to advise him, for he is very sober and willing to take all pains.

Pepy's Diary. 31 Mar 1667. So away back by water, and left Balty (age 27) at White Hall and I to Mrs. Martin... [Missing text: 'and there did haze todo which yo would hazer con her'] and so by coach home, and there to my chamber, and then to supper and bed, having not had time to make up my accounts of this month at this very day, but will in a day or two, and pay my forfeit for not doing it, though business hath most hindered me.

Pepy's Diary. 31 Mar 1667. After dinner Balty (age 27) (who dined also with us) and I with Sir J. Minnes (age 68) in his coach to White Hall, but did nothing, but by water to Strand Bridge and thence walked to my Lord Treasurer's (age 60), where the King (age 36), Duke of York (age 33), and the Caball, and much company without; and a fine day.

Pepy's Diary. 01 Apr 1667. So away we to the Duke of York (age 33), and there in his closett Sir W. Coventry (age 39) and I delivered the letter, which the Duke of York (age 33) made not much of, I thought, as to laying it to heart, as the matter deserved, but did promise to look after the getting of money for us, and I believe Sir W. Coventry (age 39) will add what force he can to it. I did speak to Sir W. Coventry (age 39) about Balty's (age 27) warrant, which is ready, and about being Deputy Treasurer, which he very readily and friendlily agreed to, at which I was glad, and so away and by coach back to Broad-streete to Sir G. Carteret's (age 57), and there found my brother passing his accounts, which I helped till dinner, and dined there, and many good stories at dinner, among others about discoveries of murder, and Sir J. Minnes (age 68) did tell of the discovery of his own great-grandfather's murder, fifteen years after he was murdered.

Pepy's Diary. 03 Apr 1667. Up, and with Sir W. Batten (age 66) to White Hall to Sir W. Coventry's (age 39) chamber, and there did receive the Duke's (age 33) order for Balty's (age 27) receiving of the contingent money to be paymaster of it, and it pleases me the more for that it is but £1500, which will be but a little sum for to try his ability and honesty in the disposing of, and so I am the willinger to trust and pass my word for him therein.

Pepy's Diary. 06 Apr 1667. So to Captain Cocke's (age 50) to meet Fenn, to talk about this money for Balty (age 27), and there Cocke (age 50) tells me that he is confident there will be a peace, whatever terms be asked us, and he confides that it will take because the French and Dutch will be jealous one of another which shall give the best terms, lest the other should make the peace with us alone, to the ruin of the third, which is our best defence, this jealousy, for ought I at present see.

Pepy's Diary. 06 Apr 1667. So to the office, having staid as long as I could, and there sat all the morning, and then home at noon to dinner, and then abroad, Balty (age 27) with me, and to White Hall, by water, to Sir G. Carteret (age 57), about Balty's (age 27) £1500 contingent money for the fleete to the West Indys, and so away with him to the Exchange [Map], and mercers and drapers, up and down, to pay all my scores occasioned by this mourning for my mother; and emptied a £50 bag, and it was a joy to me to see that I am able to part with such a sum, without much inconvenience; at least, without any trouble of mind.

Pepy's Diary. 07 Apr 1667. So to Sir G. Carteret's (age 57) again to talk with him about Balty's (age 27) money, and wrote a letter to Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map] about part of it, and then in his coach, with his little daughter Porpot (as he used to nickname her), and saw her at home, and her maid, and another little gentlewoman, and so I walked into Moore Fields [Map], and, as is said, did find houses built two stories high, and like to stand; and it must become a place of great trade, till the City be built; and the street is already paved as London streets used to be, which is a strange, and to mean unpleasing sight.

Pepy's Diary. 07 Apr 1667. So home and to my chamber about sending an express to Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map] about Balty's (age 27) money, and then comes Mrs. Turner (age 44) to enquire after her son's business, which goes but bad, which led me to show her how false Sir W. Pen (age 45) is to her, whereupon she told me his obligations to her, and promises to her, and how a while since he did show himself dissatisfied in her son's coming to the table and applying himself to me, which is a good nut, and a nut I will make use of. She gone I to other business in my chamber, and then to supper and to bed. The Swede's Embassadors and our Commissioners are making all the haste they can over to the treaty for peace, and I find at Court, and particularly Lord Bellasses (age 52), says there will be a peace, and it is worth remembering what Sir W. Coventry (age 39) did tell me (as a secret though) that whereas we are afeard Harman's (age 42) fleete to the West Indys will not be got out before the Dutch come and block us up, we shall have a happy pretext to get out our ships under pretence of attending the Embassadors and Commissioners, which is a very good, but yet a poor shift.

Pepy's Diary. 07 Apr 1667. Home to dinner, wife and I and W. Hewer (age 25), and after dinner I by water to White Hall to Sir G. Carteret's (age 57), there to talk about Balty's (age 27) money, and did present Balty (age 27) to him to kiss his hand, and then to walk in the Parke, and heard the Italian musique at the Queen's (age 28) chapel, whose composition is fine, but yet the voices of eunuchs I do not like like our women, nor am more pleased with it at all than with English voices, but that they do jump most excellently with themselves and their instrument, which is wonderful pleasant; but I am convinced more and more, that, as every nation has a particular accent and tone in discourse, so as the tone of one not to agree with or please the other, no more can the fashion of singing to words, for that the better the words are set, the more they take in of the ordinary tone of the country whose language the song speaks, so that a song well composed by an Englishman must be better to an Englishman than it can be to a stranger, or than if set by a stranger in foreign words.

Pepy's Diary. 10 Apr 1667. So home, and Balty (age 27) and I to look Mr. Fenn at Sir G. Carteret's (age 57) office in Broad Streete, and there missing him and at the banker's hard by, we home, and I down by water to Deptford, Kent [Map] Dockyard, and there did a little business, and so home back again all the way reading a little piece I lately bought, called "The Virtuoso, or the Stoicke", proposing many things paradoxical to our common opinions, wherein in some places he speaks well, but generally is but a sorry man.

Pepy's Diary. 11 Apr 1667. After dinner I to the office, where busy till evening, and then with Balty (age 27) to Sir G. Carteret's (age 57) office, and there with Mr. Fenn despatched the business of Balty's (age 27) £1500 he received for the contingencies of the fleete, whereof he received about £253 in pieces of eight at a goldsmith's there hard by, which did puzzle me and him to tell; for I could not tell the difference by sight, only by bigness, and that is not always discernible, between a whole and half-piece and quarterpiece. Having received this money I home with Balty (age 27) and it, and then abroad by coach with my wife and set her down at her father's, and I to White Hall, thinking there to have seen the Duchess of Newcastle's (age 44) coming this night to Court, to make a visit to the Queene (age 57), the King (age 36) 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; and she, at the end, made her respects to the players from her box, and did give them thanks. There is as much expectation of her coming to Court, that so people may come to see her, as if it were the Queen of Sheba; but I lost my labour, for she did not come this night.

Pepy's Diary. 12 Apr 1667. I did pacify all I could, and then away by water home, there to write letters and things for the dispatch of Balty (age 27) away this day to sea; and after dinner he did go, I having given him much good counsell; and I have great hopes that he will make good use of it, and be a good man, for I find him willing to take pains and very sober.

Pepy's Diary. 19 Jul 1667. Up and comes the flageolet master, and brings me two new great Ivory pipes which cost me 32s., and so to play, and he being done, and Balty's (age 27) wife taking her leave of me, she going back to Lee to-day, I to Westminster and there did receive £15,000 orders out of the Exchequer in part of a bigger sum upon the eleven months tax for Tangier, part of which I presently delivered to Sir H. Cholmly (age 34), who was there, and thence with Mr. Gawden to Auditor Woods and Beales to examine some precedents in his business of the Victualling on his behalf, and so home, and in my way by coach down Marke Lane, mightily pleased and smitten to see, as I thought, in passing, the pretty woman, the line-maker's wife that lived in Fenchurch Streete [Map], and I had great mind to have gone back to have seen, but yet would correct my nature and would not.

Pepy's Diary. 02 Jan 1668. So home to dinner, where Balty's (age 28) [his wife] wife is come to town; she come last night and lay at my house, but being weary was gone to bed before I come home, and so I saw her not before.

Pepy's Diary. 09 Apr 1668. Up, and to the office, where all the morning sitting, then at noon home to dinner with my people, and so to the office again writing of my letters, and then abroad to my bookseller's, and up and down to the Duke of York's playhouse, there to see, which I did, Sir W. Davenant's corpse carried out towards Westminster, there to be buried. Here were many coaches and six horses, and many hacknies, that made it look, methought, as if it were the buriall of a poor poet. He seemed to have many children, by five or six in the first mourning-coach, all boys. And there I left them coming forth, and I to the New Exchange, there to meet Mrs. Burroughs, and did take her in a carosse and carry elle towards the Park, kissing her..., but did not go into any house, but come back and set her down at White Hall, and did give her wrapt in paper for my Valentine's gift for the last year before this, which I never did yet give her anything for, twelve half-crowns, and so back home and there to my office, where come a packet from the Downes from my brother Balty (age 28), who, with Harman (age 43), is arrived there, of which this day come the first news. And now the Parliament will be satisfied, I suppose, about the business they have so long desired between Brouncker (age 48) and Harman (age 43) about not prosecuting the first victory. Balty (age 28) is very well, and I hope hath performed his work well, that I may get him into future employment. I wrote to him this night, and so home, and there to the perfecting my getting the scale of musique without book, which I have done to perfection backward and forward, and so to supper and to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 17 Apr 1668. At noon home to dinner with my people, and there much pretty discourse of Balty's (age 28). So by coach to White Hall: the coachman on Ludgate Hill [Map] 'lighted, and beat a fellow with a sword, 2s. 6d. Did little business with the Duke of York (age 34). Hear that the House is upon the business of Harman (age 43), who, they say, takes all on himself.

Pepy's Diary. 17 Apr 1668. Friday. Called up by Balty's (age 28) coming, who gives me a good account of his voyage, and pleases me well, and I hope hath got something. This morning paid the Royall Society £1 6s., and so to the office all the morning.

Pepy's Diary. 22 Apr 1668. So to the fishmonger's, and bought a couple of lobsters, and over to the sparagus garden, thinking to have met Mr. Pierce, and his wife and Knepp; but met their servant coming to bring me to Chatelin's, the French house, in Covent Garden [Map], and there with musick and good company, Manuel and his wife, and one Swaddle, a clerk of Lord Arlington's (age 50), who dances, and speaks French well, but got drunk, and was then troublesome, and here mighty merry till ten at night, and then I away, and got a coach, and so home, where I find Balty (age 28) and his [his wife] wife come to town, and did sup with them, and so they to bed. This night the Duke of Monmouth (age 19) and a great many blades were at Chatelin's, and I left them there, with a Hackney-coach attending him.

Pepy's Diary. 25 Apr 1668. Thence homeward by the Coffee House in Covent Garden [Map], thinking to have met Harris (age 34) here but could not, and so home, and there, after my letters, I home to have my hair cut by my [his wife] sister Michell and her husband (age 28), and so to bed. This day I did first put off my waste-coate, the weather being very hot, but yet lay in it at night, and shall, for a little time.

Pepy's Diary. 26 Apr 1668. Thence with Balty (age 28) away and got a coach and to Hide Park, and there up and down and did drink some milk at the Lodge, and so home and to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 26 Apr 1668. Lord's Day. Lay long, and then up and to Church, and so home, where there come and dined with me Harris (age 34), Rolt (age 39), and Bannister, and one Bland, that sings well also, and very merry at dinner, and, after dinner, to sing all the afternoon. But when all was done, I did begin to think that the pleasure of these people was not worth so often charge and cost to me, as it hath occasioned me. They being gone I and Balty (age 28) walked as far as Charing Cross [Map], and there got a coach and to Hales's (age 68) the painter, thinking to have found Harris (age 34) sitting there for his picture, which is drawing for me. But he, and all this day's company, and Hales (age 68), were got to the Crown tavern, at next door, and thither I to them and stayed a minute, leaving Captain Grant (age 48) telling pretty stories of people that have killed themselves, or been accessory to it, in revenge to other people, and to mischief other people, and thence with Hales (age 68) to his house, and there did see his beginning of Harris's (age 34) picture, which I think will be pretty like, and he promises a very good picture.

Pepy's Diary. 01 May 1668. Thence by water, not being able to get a coach, nor boat but a sculler, and that with company, is being so foul a day, to the Old Swan [Map], and so home, and there spent the evening, making Balty (age 28) read to me, and so to supper and to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 04 May 1668. Up betimes, and by water to Charing Cross [Map], and so to W. Coventry (age 40), and there talked a little with him, and thence over the Park to White Hall, and there did a little business at the Treasury, and so to the Duke (age 34), and there present Balty (age 28) to the Duke of York (age 34) and a letter from the Board to him about him, and the Duke of York (age 34) is mightily pleased with him, and I doubt not his continuance in employment, which I am glad of.

Pepy's Diary. 19 May 1668. So home by coach, and to the office, where ended my letters, and then home, and there got Balty (age 28) to read to me out of Sorbiere's Observations in his Voyage into England, and then to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 26 May 1668. So home, where we find all well, and brother Balty (age 28) and his [his wife] wife looking to the house, she mighty fine, in a new gold-laced 'just a cour'. I shifted myself, and so to see Mrs. Turner (age 45), and Mercer appearing over the way, called her in, and sat and talked, and then home to my house by and by, and there supped and talked mighty merry, and then broke up and to bed, being a little vexed at what W. Hewer (age 26) tells me Sir John Shaw did this day in my absence say at the Board, complaining of my doing of him injury and the board permitting it, whereas they had more reason to except against his attributing that to me alone which I could not do but with their condent and direction, it being to very good service to the King (age 37), and which I shall be proud to have imputed to me alone. The King (age 37) I hear come to town last night.

Pepy's Diary. 22 Jun 1668. Up, and with Balty (age 28) to St. James's, and there presented him to Mr. Wren (age 39) about his being Muster-Master this year, which will be done. So up to wait on the Duke of York (age 34), and thence, with W. Coventry (age 40), walked to White Hall good discourse about the Navy, where want of money undoes us.

Pepy's Diary. 13 Jul 1668. Thence my people all by water to Deptford, Kent [Map], to see Balty (age 28), while I to buy my espinette¹, which I did now agree for, and did at Haward's meet with Mr. Thacker, and heard him play on the harpsicon, so as I never heard man before, I think.

Note 1. Espinette is the French term for a small harpsichord, at that time called in England a spinet. It was named from a fancied resemblance of its quill plectra to spines or thorns.

Pepy's Diary. 15 Nov 1668. At noon comes Mr. Shepley to dine with me and W. Howe, and there dined and pretty merry, and so after dinner W. Howe to tell me what hath happened between him and the Commissioners of late, who are hot again, more than ever, about my Lord Sandwich's (age 43) business of prizes, which I am troubled for, and the more because of the great security and neglect with which, I think, my Lord do look upon this matter, that may yet, for aught I know, undo him. They gone, and Balty (age 28) being come from the Downs, not very well, is come this day to see us, I to talk with him, and with some pleasure, hoping that he will make a good man. I in the evening to my Office again, to make an end of my journall, and so home to my chamber with W. Hewer (age 26) to settle some papers, and so to supper and to bed, with my mind pretty quiet, and less troubled about Deb. than I was, though yet I am troubled, I must confess, and would be glad to find her out, though I fear it would be my ruin. This evening there come to sit with us Mr. Pelling, who wondered to see my wife and I so dumpish, but yet it went off only as my wife's not being well, and, poor wretch, she hath no cause to be well, God knows.

Pepy's Diary. 27 Dec 1668. So home, my coach coming for me, and there find Balty (age 28) and Mr. How, who dined with me; and there my wife and I fell out a little about the foulness of the linen of the table, but were friends presently, but she cried, poor heart! which I was troubled for, though I did not give her one hard word. Dinner done, she to church, and W. How and I all the afternoon talking together about my Lord Sandwich's (age 43) suffering his business of the prizes to be managed by Sir R. Cuttance, who is so deep in the business, more than my Lord knows of, and such a loggerhead, and under such prejudice, that he will, we doubt, do my Lord much wrong.

Pepy's Diary. 10 Jan 1669. Lord's Day. Accidentally talking of our maids before we rose, I said a little word that did give occasion to my wife to fall out; and she did most vexatiously, almost all the morning, but ended most perfect good friends; but the thoughts of the unquiet which her ripping up of old faults will give me, did make me melancholy all day long. So about noon, past 12, we rose, and to dinner, and then to read and talk, my wife and I alone, for Balty (age 29) was gone, who come to dine with us, and then in the evening comes Pelting to sit and talk with us, and so to supper and pretty merry discourse, only my mind a little vexed at the morning's work, but yet without any appearance. So after supper to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 30 Jan 1669. Lay long in bed, it being a fast-day for the murder of the late King; and so up and to church, where Dr. Hicks made a dull sermon; and so home, and there I find W. Batelier and Balty (age 29), and they dined with us, and I spent all the afternoon with my wife and W. Batelier talking, and then making them read, and particularly made an end of Mr. Boyle's Book of Formes, which I am glad to have over, and then fell to read a French discourse, which he hath brought over with him for me, to invite the people of France to apply themselves to Navigation, which it do very well, and is certainly their interest, and what will undo us in a few years, if the King of France (age 30) goes on to fit up his Navy, and encrease it and his trade, as he hath begun. At night to supper, and after supper, and W. Batelier gone, my wife begun another book I lately bought, called "The State of England", which promises well, and is worth reading, and so after a while to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 10 Feb 1669. After dinner, I did what I went for, which was to get his consent that Balty (age 29) might hold his Muster-Master's place by deputy, in his new employment which I design for him, about the Storekeeper's accounts; which the Duke of York (age 35) did grant me, and I was mighty glad of it.

Pepy's Diary. 11 Apr 1669. Thence, leaving Balty (age 29) there, I took my wife to St. James's, and there carried her to the Queen's (age 30) Chapel, the first time I ever did it; and heard excellent musick, but not so good as by accident I did hear there yesterday, as I went through the Park from White Hall to see Sir W. Coventry (age 41), which I have forgot to set down in my journal yesterday. And going out of the Chapel, I did see the Prince of Tuscany (age 26) come out, a comely, black, fat man, in a mourning suit; and my wife and I did see him this afternoon through a window in this Chapel. All that Sir W. Coventry (age 41) yesterday did tell me new was, that the King (age 38) would not yet give him leave to come to kiss his hand; and he do believe that he will not in a great while do it, till those about him shall see fit, which I am sorry for.

Pepy's Diary. 11 Apr 1669. Lord's day. Easter Day. Up, and to Church; where Alderman Backewell's (age 51) wife, and mother, and boy, and another gentlewoman, did come, and sit in our pew; but no women of our own there, and so there was room enough. Our Parson made a dull sermon, and so home to dinner; and, after dinner, my wife and I out by coach, and Balty (age 29) with us, to Loton, the landscape-drawer, a Dutchman, living in St. James's Market, but there saw no good pictures. But by accident he did direct us to a painter that was then in the house with him, a Dutchman, newly come over, one Evarelst, who took us to his lodging close by, and did shew us a little flower-pot of his doing, the finest thing that ever, I think, I saw in my life; the drops of dew hanging on the leaves, so as I was forced, again and again, to put my finger to it, to feel whether my eyes were deceived or no. He do ask £70 for it: I had the vanity to bid him £20; but a better picture I never saw in my whole life; and it is worth going twenty miles to see it.