Blessed be God, at the end of the last year I was in very good health, without any sense of my old pain but upon taking of cold. I lived in Axe yard, having my wife and servant Jane, and no more in family then us three. My wife, after the absence of her terms for seven weeks, gave me hope of her being with a child, but on the last day of the year she hath them again.
— Pepys’ Diary, Introduction
I, by having but 3d. in my pocket, made shift to spend no more; whereas if I had had more I had spent more, as the rest did. So that I see it is an advantage to a man to carry little in his pocket.
— Pepys’ Diary, 16 Feb. 1660
All night troubled in my thoughts how to order my business upon this great change with me, that I could not sleep; and being overheated with drink, I made a promise the next morning to drink no strong drink this week, for I find that it makes me sweat in bed and puts me quite out of order.
— Pepys’ Diary, 9 Mar. 1660
Strange how these people do now [since his appointment as Admiral’s secretary] promise me anything; one a Rapier, the other a vessel of wine or a gown, and offered me his silver hatband to [do] him a courtesy. I pray God keep me from being proud or too much lifted up hereby.
— Pepys’ Diary, 22 Mar. 1660
I took out my Flagelette and piped, but in piping I dropped my rapier stick; but when I came to The Hague, I sent my boy back again for it and he found it, for which I gave him 6d., but some horse had gone over it and broke the scabbard.
— Pepys’ Diary, 14 May 1660
I went [ashore] … with a dog that the King loved (which shit in the boat, which made us laugh and me think that a King and all that belongs to him are but just as others are) …
— Pepys’ Diary, 25 May 1660
This night I had a strange dream of bepissing myself, which I really did; and having kicked the clothes off, I got cold and found myself all muck-wet in the morning and had a great deal of pain in making water, which made me very melancholy.
— Pepys’ Diary, 28 May 1660
About 3 in the morning the people begun to wash the deck and the water came pouring into my mouth, which wakened me …
— Pepys’ Diary, 7 Jun. 1660
When I came home I found a Quantity of Chocolatte left for me, but I know not from whom.
— Pepys’ Diary, 19 Jun. 1660
The Bishop of Chichester preached before the King and made a great flattering sermon, which I did not like that clergy should meddle with matters of state.
— Pepys’ Diary, 8 Jul. 1660
I rose today without any pain, which makes me think that my pain yesterday was nothing but from my drinking too much the day before.
— Pepys’ Diary, 11 Aug. 1660
This morning my Lord … carried me by coach to Mr. Crews, in the way talking how good he did hope my place would be to me and, in general, speaking that it was not the salary of any place that did make a man rich, but the opportunities of getting money while he is in the place …
— Pepys’ Diary, 16 Aug. 1660
After they were gone, I went up to put my papers in order; and finding my wife’s clothes lie carelessly laid up, I was angry with her, which I was troubled for.
— Pepys’ Diary, 19 Aug. 1660
Mr. Moore and I and several others being invited today by Mr. Goodman, a friend of his, we dined at the Bull head upon the best venison pasty that ever I eat of in my life; and with one dish more, it was the best dinner I ever was at.
— Pepys’ Diary, 1 Sep. 1660
And afterwards did send for a Cupp of Tee (a China drink of which I never had drunk before) …
— Pepys’ Diary, 25 Sep. 1660
Discoursing concerning what if the Duke should marry her, my Lord told me that among his father’s many old sayings that he had writ in a book or his, this is one: that he that doth get a wench with child and marries her afterward it is as if a man should shit in his hat and then clap it upon his head. I perceive my Lord is grown a man very indifferent in all matters of Religion, and so makes nothing of these things.
— Pepys’ Diary, 7 Oct. 1660
I went out to Charing cross to see Maj.-Gen. Harrison hanged, drawn, and quartered—which was done there—he looking as cheerfully as any man could do in that condition. He was presently cut down and his head and his heart shown to the people, at which there were great shouts of joy.
After that I went by water home, where I was angry with my wife for her things lying about, and in my passion kicked the little fine Baskett which I bought her in Holland and broke it, which troubled me after I had done it.
— Pepys’ Diary, 13 Oct. 1660
… and so to home where I fell to read The fruitless precaution (a book formerly recommended by Dr. Clerke at sea to me), which I read in bed till I had made an end of it and do find it the best-writ tale that ever I read in my life. After that done, to sleep, which I did not very well do because that my wife, having a stopping in her nose, she snored much, which I never did hear her do before.
— Pepys’ Diary, 15 Oct. 1660
This morning one came to me to advise with me where to make me a window into my cellar in lieu of one that Sir W. Batten had stopped up; and going down into my cellar to look, I put my foot into a great heap of turds, by which I find that Mr. Turners house of office is full and comes into my cellar, which doth trouble me; but I will have it helped.
— Pepys’ Diary, 20 Oct. 1660
I took occasion to be angry with my wife before I ris about her putting up of half-a-crowne of mine in the pepper box, which she hath forgot where she hath lain it. But we were friends again, as we are always.
— Pepys’ Diary, 24 Oct. 1660
My wife hath been so ill of late of her old pain that I have not known her this fortnight almost, which is a pain to me.
— Pepys’ Diary, 31 Oct. 1660
This night I was troubled all night with a dream that my wife was dead, which made me that I slept ill all night.
— Pepys’ Diary, 6 Nov. 1660
… he and I went to church into our new Gallery. … There being no women this day, we sat in the foremost pew and behind us our servants; but I hope it will not be always so, it not being handsome for our servants to sit so equal with us.
— Pepys’ Diary, 11 Nov. 1660
My Lord did this day show me the Kings picture which was done in Flanders … it is the most pleasant and the most like him that ever I saw picture in my life.
— Pepys’ Diary, 15 Nov. 1660
After dinner Mr. Sheply and I to the new Playhouse near Lincolnes Inn fields (which was formerly Gibbons’s tennis-court) … it is the finest playhouse, I believe, that ever was in England.
— Pepys’ Diary, 20 Nov. 1660
This morning, observing some things to be laid up not as they should be by the girl, I took a broom and basted her till she cried extremely, which made me vexed, but before I went out I left her appeased …
— Pepys’ Diary, 1 Dec. 1660
And the Winde, I observed, was ris exceedingly this night before I went to bed.
— Pepys’ Diary, 8 Dec. 1660
Up exceeding early to go to the Comptroller, thinking to have gone with him to Whitehall. But he not being up and it being a very fine bright Moonshine morning, I went and walked all alone twenty turns in Cornhill, from gracious streete corner to the Stockes and back again—from 6 a-clock till past 7—so long that I was weary: and going to the Controller’s, thinking to find him ready, I find him gone. At which I was troubled, and being weary, went home.
— Pepys’ Diary, 10 Dec. 1660
… his dinner is a sorry, poor dinner for a man of his estate—there being nothing but ordinary meat in it.
— Pepys’ Diary, 1 Jan. 1661
And after that, I to the Theatre, where was acted Beggars bush—it being very well done; and here the first time that ever I saw Women come upon the stage.
— Pepys’ Diary, 3 Jan. 1661
To my office, and there all the morning; and so home to dinner—where I found Pall (my sister) was come; but I do not let her sit down at table with me; which I do at first, that she may not expect it hereafter with me.
— Pepys’ Diary, 2 Jan. 1661
It is strange what weather we have had all this winter; no cold at all, but the ways are dusty and the flyes fly up and down, and the rosebushes are full of leaves; such a time of the year as never known in the world before here.
— Pepys’ Diary, 21 Jan. 1661
And by the way, in discourse tells me that the best way of beginning a sentence [in Latin], if a man should be out and forget his last sentence (which he never was), that then his last refuge is to begin with an Utcunque.
— Pepys’ Diary, 22 Jan. 1661
And after dinner to Mr. Crews and thence to the Theatre, where I saw again The Lost Lady, which doth now please me better then before. And here, I sitting behind in a dark place, a lady spat backward upon me by a mistake, not seeing me. But after seeing her to be a very pretty lady, I was not troubled at it at all.
— Pepys’ Diary, 28 Jan. 1661
So to Whitehall, where I stayed to hear the trumpets and kettle-drums—and then the other drums; which is much cried up, though I think it dull, vulgar music.
— Pepys’ Diary, 3 Feb. 1661
And after dinner the Comptroller begun some sports; among others, the Nameing of people round, and afterward demanding Questions of them that they are forced to answer their names to; which doth make very good sport. And here I took pleasure to take the forfeits of the ladies who could not do their duty, by kissing of them …
— Pepys’ Diary, 4 Feb. 1661
A most tedious, unseasonable, and impertinent sermon by an Irish Doctor. His text was “Scatter them, O Lord, that delight in warr.” Sir Wm. Batten and I very much angry with the parson.
— Pepys’ Diary, 17 Feb. 1661
Mr. Mills made an excellent sermon in the morning against Drunkennesse that ever I heard in my life.
— Pepys’ Diary, 24 Feb. 1661
… among other things, met with Mr. Townsend, who told of his mistake the other day to put both his legs through one of his Knees of his breeches and went so all day.
— Pepys’ Diary, 4 Apr. 1661
At night, to Hempson’s: here we had, for my sake, two fiddles, the one a bass viall; on which he that played, played well some Lyra lessons, but both together made the worst musique that ever I heard.
Mrs. R. Allen danced very well, and seems the best-humourd woman that ever I saw.
— Pepys’ Diary, 10 Apr. 1661
By and by we came to two little girls keeping cowes; and I saw one of them very pretty, so I had a minde to make her aske my blessing. And telling that I was her godfather, she asked me innocently whether I was not Ned Wooding, and I said that I was; so she kneeled down and very simply cried, “Pray, godfather, pray to God to bless me”—which made us very merry and I gave her twopence. In several places I asked women whether they would Sell me their children; that they denied me all, but said they would give me one to keep for them if I would.
— Pepys’ Diary, 11 Apr. 1661
And strange it is, to think that these two days have held up fair till now that all is done and the King gone out of the hall; and then it fell a-raining and thundering and lightening as I have not seen it do some years—which people did take great notice of God’s blessing of the work of these two days—which is a foolery, to take too much notice of such things.
… there we drank the King’s health and nothing else, till one of the genlemen fell down stark drunk and there lay speweing. And I went to my Lord’s pretty well. But no sooner a-bed with Mr. Sheply but my head begun to turne and I to vomitt, and if ever I was foxed it was now—which I cannot say yet, because I fell asleep and sleep till morning—only, when I waked I found myself wet with my spewing. Thus did the day end, with joy everywhere.
— Pepys’ Diary, 23 Apr. 1661
All our talk about their going to sea this voyage, which Capt. Ferrers is in some doubt whether he shall go or no. But swears that he would go if he were sure never to come back again. And I giving him some hopes, he grew so mad with joy that he fell a-dancing and leaping like a madman. Now it fell out so that the balcone windows were open; and he went to the rayle and made an offer to leap over and asked what if he should leap over there. I told him I would give him 40l if he did not go to sea. With that, though I shut the door and W. Howe hindered him all we could, yet he opened them again and with a vault leaps down into the garden—the greatest and most desperate frolic that ever I saw in my life. I run to see what was become of him, and we find him crawled upon his knees—but could not rise. So we went down into the garden and dragged him to the bench, where he looked like a dead man—but could not stir. And though he had broke nothing, yet his pain in his back was such as he could not endure.
— Pepys’ Diary, 19 May 1661
Up by 3 a-clock this morning and rode to Cambrige, and was there by 7 a-clock. Where after I was trimmed, I went to Christ College and find my brother John at 8 a-clock in bed, which vexed me.
— Pepys’ Diary, 15 Jul. 1661
To Westminster; where at Mr. Mountagu’s chamber I heard a Frenchman play upon the Gittar most extreme well; though, at the best, methinks it is but a bawble.
After dinner Mr. Townsend was called upon by Capt. Cooke; so we three went to a taverne hard by and there he did give us a song or two; and without doubt, he hath the best manner of singing in the world.
— Pepys’ Diary, 27 Jul. 1661
At home and the office all the morning; and at noon comes Luellin to me and he and I to the taverne, and after that to Bartlemew faire; and there, upon his motion, to a pitiful alehouse, where we had a dirty slut or two come up that were whores; but my very heart went against them, so that I took no pleasure but a great deal of trouble at being there and getting from thence, for fear of being seen.
— Pepys’ Diary, 31 Aug. 1661
But I drank so much wine that I was not fit for business; and therefore, at noon I went and walked in Westminster hall a while; and thence to Salsbury Court playhouse, where was acted the first time Tis pitty shee’s a Whore—a simple play and ill acted; only, it was my fortune to sit by a most pretty and most ingenious lady, which pleased me much.
— Pepys’ Diary, 9 Sep. 1661
To Dr. Williams, who did carry me into his garden, where he hath abundance of grapes. And did show me how a dog that he hath doth kill all the Cattes that come thither to kill his pigeons, and doth afterwards bury them. And doth it with so much care that they shall be quite covered, that if but the tip of the tail hangs out, he will take up the cat again and dig the hole deeper—which is very strange.
— Pepys’ Diary, 11 Sep. 1661
The next morning, up early and begun our march. The way about Puckridge very bad; and my wife in the very last dirty place of all got a fall but no hurt, though some dirt. At last she begun, poor wretch, to be tired, and I to be angry at it; but I was to blame, for she is a very good companion as long as she is well.
— Pepys’ Diary, 18 Sep. 1661
And so away to Stevenage and stayed till a showre was over; and so rode easily to Welling—where we supped well and had two beds in the room and so lay single; and must remember it that, of all the nights that ever I slept in my life, I never did pass a night with more epicurisme of sleep—there being now and then a noise of people stirring that waked me; and then it was a very rainy night; and then I was a little weary, that what between waking and then sleeping again, one after another, I never had so much content all my life. And so my wife says it was with her.
— Pepys’ Diary, 23 Sep. 1661
The want of money puts all things, and above all things the Navy, out of order; and yet I do not see that the King takes care to bring in any money, but thinks of new designs to lay out money.
— Pepys’ Diary, 30 Sep. 1661
This day dined by appointment with me Dr. Tho. Pepys and my Cosen Snow and my brother Tom, upon a Fin of Ling and some Sounds, neither of which did I ever know before, but most excellent meat they are both, that in all my life I never eat the like fish.
— Pepys’ Diary, 16 Oct. 1661
This night my boy Wainman, as I was in my chamber, [I] overheard him let off some Gunpowder; and hearing my wife chide him below for it, and a noise made, I call him up and find that it was powder that he had put in his pocket, and a mach carelessely with it, thinking that it was out; and so the match did give fire to the powder and had burned his side and his hand, that he put into his pocket to put out the fire.
— Pepys’ Diary, 2 Nov. 1661
Waking this morning out of my sleep on a sudden, I did with my elbow hit my wife a great blow over her face and nose, which waked her with pain—at which I was sorry.
— Pepys’ Diary, 1 Jan. 1662
… at noon by Coach by invitacion to my Uncle Fenners, where I find his new wife, a pitiful, old, ugly, illbread woman in a hatt, a midwife. Here were many of his and as many of her relations, sorry mean people.
— Pepys’ Diary, 23 Jan. 1662
… to end all, Mrs. Shippman did fill the pie full of white wine (it holding at least a pint and a half) and did drink it off for a health to Sir Wm. and my Lady, it being the greatest draught that ever I did see a woman drink in my life.
— Pepys’ Diary, 3 Feb. 1662
And here I drank wine upon necessity, being ill for want of it.
Going and coming, we played at Gleeke, and I won 9s.-6d. clear, the most that ever I won in my life. I pray God it may not tempt me to play again.
— Pepys’ Diary, 17 Feb. 1662
The boy failing to call us up as I commanded, I was angry and resolved to whip him for that and many other faults today. I bid Will get me a rod, and he and I called the boy up to one of the upper rooms of the Controllers house toward the garden, and there I reckoned all his faults and whipped him soundly; but the rods were so small that I fear they did not much to hurt him, but only my arme, which I am already, within a Quarter of an houre, not able to stir almost.
— Pepys’ Diary, 28 Feb. 1662
My wife and I by coach, first to see my little picture that is a-drawing, and thence to the Opera and there saw Romeo and Julett, the first time it was ever acted. But it is the play of itself the worst that ever I heard in my life …
— Pepys’ Diary, 1 Mar. 1662
Among other things, he and the other Captains that were with us tell me that Negros drownded look white and lose their blacknesse—which I never heard before.
— Pepys’ Diary, 11 Apr. 1662
To dinner to my Lady Sandwich; and Sir Tho. Crewes children coming thither, I took them and all my Lady’s to the Tower and showed them the lions and all that was to be shown, and so took them to my house and there made much of them; and so saw them back to my Lady’s—Sir Th. Crewes children being as pretty and the best behaved that ever I saw of their age.
— Pepys’ Diary, 3 May 1662
So my wife and I took leave of my Lady and home by a hackny-coach, the easiest that ever I met with.
— Pepys’ Diary, 12 May 1662
But though I am much against too much spending, yet I do think it best to enjoy some degree of pleasure, now that we have health, money and opportunities, rather then to leave pleasures to old age or poverty, when we cannot have them so properly.
— Pepys’ Diary, 20 May 1662
… and in the privy Garden saw the finest smocks and linen petticoats of my lady Castlemaynes, laced with rich lace at the bottomes, that ever I saw …
— Pepys’ Diary, 21 May 1662
This day I had the first dish of pease I have had this year.
To trimming myself, which I have this week done every morning, with a pumice stone, which I learnt of Mr. Marsh when I was last at Portsmouth; and I find it very easy, speedy and cleanly, and shall continue the practice of it.
— Pepys’ Diary, 25 May 1662
And I did also in a sudden fit cut off all my beard [moustache], which I have been a great while bringin up, only that I may with my pumice-stone do my whole face, as I now do my chin, and so save time—which I find a very easy way and gentile.
— Pepys’ Diary, 31 May 1662
Having from my wife and the maids complaints made of the boy, I called him up and with my whip did whip him till I was not able to stir, and yet I could not make him confess any of the lies that they tax him with. At last, not willing to let him go away a conqueror, I took him in task again and pulled off his frock to his shirt, and whipped him till he did confess that he did drink the Whay, which he hath denied. And pulled a pinke, and above all, did lay the candlestick upon the ground in his chamber, which he hath denied this Quarter of this year. I confess it is one of the greatest wonders that ever I met with, that such a little boy as he could possibly be able to suffer half so much as he did to maintain a lie. But I think I must be forced to put him away. So to bed, with my arme very weary.
— Pepys’ Diary, 21 Jun. 1662
Mr. Holliard hath been with my wife today and cured her of her pain in her eare, by taking out a most prodigious quantity of hard wax that had hardened itself at the bottom of the eare, of which I am very glad.
— Pepys’ Diary, 27 Jun. 1662
Up by 4 a-clock, and hard at my multiplication table, which I am now almost maister of.
— Pepys’ Diary, 11 Jul. 1662
But, good God, what a deal of company was there from both yards to help to do it, when half the company would have done it as well; but I see it is impossible for the King to have things done as cheap as other men.
— Pepys’ Diary, 21 Jul. 1662
God forgive me, I was sorry to hear that Sir W. Pens maid Betty was gone away yesterday, for I was in hopes to have had a bout with her before she had gone, she being very pretty. I have also a mind to my own wench, but I dare not, for fear she should prove honest and refuse and then tell my wife.
— Pepys’ Diary, 1 Aug. 1662
… I do find most excellent discourse from him [Mr. Falconer]. Among other things, his rule of suspecting every man that proposes anything to him to be a knave, or at least to have some ends of his own in it. Another rule is a proverb that he that cannot say no (that is, that is of so good a nature that he hath, cannot deny anything or cross another in doing anything) is not fit for business. The last of which is a very great fault of mine, which I must amend in.
— Pepys’ Diary, 8 Aug. 1662
… and so till 9 at night—my great trouble being that I was forced to begin an ill practice of bringing down the wages of servants, for which people did curse me; which I do not love.
— Pepys’ Diary, 19 Sep. 1662
… and then to the King’s Theatre, where we saw Midsummers nights dreame, which I have never seen before, nor shall ever again, for it is the most insipid ridiculous play that ever I saw in my life.
— Pepys’ Diary, 29 Sep. 1662
So home and to bed, with quiet mind, blessed be God, but afeared of my candle’s going out, which makes me write thus slubberingly.
— Pepys’ Diary, 26 Oct. 1662
I am also somewhat uncertain what to think of my going about to take a woman-servant into my house in the Quality of a Woman for my wife. My wife promises it shall cost me nothing but her meat and wages, and that it shall not be attended with any other expenses; upon which termes I admit of it, for that it will I hope save me money in having my wife go abroad on visits and other delights.
— Pepys’ Diary, 30 Nov. 1662
Hither come Mr. Battersby; and we falling into a discourse of a new book of Drollery in verse called Hudebras, I would needs go find it out; and met with it at the Temple, cost me 2s.-6d. But when I came to read it, it is so silly an abuse of the Presbyter-Knight going to the warrs, that I am ashamed of it; and by and by meeting at Mr. Townsends at dinner, I sold it to him for 18d.
— Pepys’ Diary, 26 Dec. 1662
The son of one of the Embassadors was in the richest suit, for pearl and tissue, that ever I did see, or shall, I believe.
— Pepys’ Diary, 29 Dec. 1662
After dinner to the Dukes house and there saw Twelfth night acted well, though it be but a silly play and not relating at all to the name or day.
… myself somewhat vexed at my wife’s neglect in leaving of her scarfe, waistcoat, and night-dressings in the coach today that brought us from Westminster, though I confess she did give them to me to look after—yet it was her fault not to see that I did take them out of the coach.
— Pepys’ Diary, 6 Jan. 1663
And the play [The Adventures of five houres], in one word, is the best, for the variety and the most excellent continuance of the plot to the very end, that ever I saw or think ever shall.
— Pepys’ Diary, 8 Jan. 1663
… there preached little Dr. Duport of Cambrige upon Josiahs words, “But I and my house, we will serve the Lord.” But though a great scholar, he made the most flat, dead sermon, both for matter and manner of delivery, that ever I heard; and very long beyond his hour, which made it worse.
— Pepys’ Diary, 8 Feb. 1663
So toward Hide parke, whither all the world I think I are going; and in my going (almost thither) met W. How coming, galloping upon a little crop black nag (it seems one that was taken in some ground of my Lord’s, by some mischance being left by his maister, a Thiefe; this horse being found with black cloth eares on and a false mayne, having none of his own) …
So home to see Sir J. Minnes, who is well again; and after talking with him a while, I took leave and went to hear Mrs. Turner’s daughter play on the Harpsicon, but Lord, it was enough to make any man sick to hear her; yet was I forced to commend her highly.
This day Capt. Grove sent me a side of porke, which was the oddest present, sure, that was ever made to any man; and the next, I remember I told my wife, I believe would be a pound of candles or a shoulder of mutton. But the fellow doth it in kindness and is one I am beholding to.
— Pepys’ Diary, 1 May 1663
… and thence to the new playhouse, the second day of its being opened. The play was The Humorous Lieutenant—a play that hath little good in it. … And though my oath against going to plays doth not oblige me against this house, because it was not then in being, yet believing that at that time my meaning was against all public houses, I am resolved to deny myself the liberty of two plays at Court which are to arreare to me for the months of March and Aprill; which will more than countervail this excess.
— Pepys’ Diary, 8 May 1663
… a little angry with my wife for minding nothing now but the dancing-maister, having him come twice a day, which is a folly.
— Pepys’ Diary, 12 May 1663
Up, with my mind disturbed and with my last night’s doubts upon me. [Finding it almost night and my wife and the Dancing Maister alone above, not dancing but walking.] For which I deserve to be beaten, if not really served as I am fearful of being; especially since, God knows, that I do not find honesty enough in my own mind but that upon a small temptation I could be false to her, and therefore ought not to expet more justice from her—but God pardon both my sin and my folly herein.
— Pepys’ Diary, 16 May 1663
Waked this morning between 4 and 5 by my black-Bird, which whistles as well as ever I heard any; only it is the beginning of many tunes very well, but there leaves them and goes no further.
— Pepys’ Diary, 23 May 1663
Thence to Pauls churchyard, where I find several books ready bound for me; among others, the new Concordance of the Bible, which pleases me much and is a book I hope to make good use of.
— Pepys’ Diary, 5 Jun. 1663
Lay in bed till 7 a-clock, yet rise with an opinion that it was not 5; and so continued, though I heard the clock strike, till noon and could not believe that it was so late as it truly was. I was hardly ever so mistaken in my life before.
— Pepys’ Diary, 6 Jun. 1663
Sometimes they talked of handsome women; and Sir J. Mennes saying that there was no beauty like what he see in the country-markets, and especially at Bury, in which I will agree with him that there is a prettiest woman I ever saw—my Lord replied: “Why, Sir John, what do you think of your neighbours wife?” looking upon me, “do you think that he hath a great beauty to his wife?” Upon my word he hath!"—which I was not a little proud of.
— Pepys’ Diary, 15 Jun. 1663
Sir W. Batten, Sir J. Mennes, my Lady Batten and I by coach to Bednall green to Sir W. Riders to dinner … The greatest Quantity of Strawberrys I ever saw, and good.
— Pepys’ Diary, 26 Jun. 1663
This day in the Dukes chamber, there being a Roman story in the hangings and upon the standards written these four letters, S P Q R, Sir G. Carteret came to me to know what the meaning of those four letters were—which ignorance is not to be borne in a Privy Counsellor methinks, that a schoolboy should be whipt for not knowing.
— Pepys’ Diary, 4 Jul. 1663
And then down into the cellar, and up and down with Mr. Turner to see where his vault for turds may be made bigger, or another made him; which I think may well be.
— Pepys’ Diary, 8 Jul. 1663
So to our lodging to supper; and among other meat, had a brave dish of creame, the best I ever eat in my life—and with which we pleased ourselfs much.
— Pepys’ Diary, 25 Jul. 1663
… and there came to us an idle boy to show us some tubmling tricks, which he did very well and the greatest bending of his body that ever I observed in my life.
— Pepys’ Diary, 27 Jul. 1663
So home; and my brother John and I up, and I to my Musique and then to discourse with him; and I find him not so thorough a philosopher, at least in Aristotle, as I took him for, he not being able to tell me the definicion of fire nor which of the four Qualitys belonged to each of the four elements.
— Pepys’ Diary, 7 Aug. 1663
… before my delight was in multitude of books and spending money in that and buying alway of other things, now that I am become a better husband and have left off buying, now my delight is in the neatness of everything, and so cannot be pleased with anything unless it be very neat; which is a strange folly.
— Pepys’ Diary, 10 Aug. 1663
Slept pretty well, and my wife waked to ring the bell to call up our maids to the washing about 4 a-clock and I was, and she, angry that out bell did not wake them sooner; but I will get a bigger bell.
— Pepys’ Diary, 6 Oct. 1663
[Pepys visits a Jewish Synagogue.] But Lord, to see the disorder, laughing, sporting, and no attention, but confusion in all their service, more like Brutes then people knowing the true God, would make a man forswear ever seeing them more; and endeed, I never did see so much, or could have imagined there had been any religion in the whole world so absurdly performed as this.
— Pepys’ Diary, 14 Oct. 1663
This morning was brought home my new velvet cloak; that is, lined with velvet, a good cloth the outside—the first that ever I had in my life, and I pray God it may not be too soon now that I begin to wear it.
– Pepys’ Diary, 29 Oct. 1663 % !!! … and to bed—myself being in a little pain in one of my testicles, by a stroke I did give it in pulling up my breeches yesterday over-eagerly.
— Pepys’ Diary, 26 Nov. 1663
So my wife rise anon, and she and I all the afternoon at Arithmetique; and she is come to do Addicion, Substraccion and Multiplicacion very well—and so I purpose not to trouble her yet with Division, but to begin with the globes to her now.
— Pepys’ Diary, 6 Dec. 1663
Being directed by sight of bills upon the walls, did go to Shooe lane to see a Cocke-fighting at a new pit there—a sport I was never at in my life. But Lord, to see the strange variety of people, from Parliament-man (by name Wildes, that was Deputy-governor of the Tower when Robinson was Lord Mayor) to the ppprest prentices, bakers, brewers, butchers, draymen, and what not; and all these fellows oe with another in swearing, cursing, and betting. I soon had enough of it; and yet I would not but have seen it once, it being strange to observe the nature of those poor creatures, how they will fight till they drop down dead upon the table and strike after they are ready to give up the ghost—not offering to run away when they are weary or wounded past doing further. Whereas, where a Dunghill brood comes, he will, after a sharp stroke that pricks him, run off the stage, and then they wring off his neck without more ado. Whereas the other they preserve, though their eyes be both out, for breed only of a true cock of the game. One thing more it is strange to see, how people of this poor rank, that look as if they had not bread to put in their mouths, shall bet 3 or 4l at one bet and lose it, and yet bet as much the next battell, as they call every make of two cocks—so that one of them will lost 10 or 20l at a meeting.
And after that was done, Capt. Cooke and his two boys did sing some Italian songs, which I must in a word say I think was fully the best Musique that I ever yet heard in all my life.
— Pepys’ Diary, 21 Dec. 1663
But my wife and I rise from table pretending business, and went to the Dukes house, the first play I have been at these six months, according to my last vowe; and here saw the so much cried-up play of Henry the 8th—which, though I went with resolution to like it, is so simple a thing, made up of a great many patches, that, besides the shows and processions in it, there is nothing in the world good or well done.
— Pepys’ Diary, 1 Jan. 1664
I do find that I am not able to conquer myself as to going to plays till I do come to some new vow concerning it and that I am now come: that is to say, that I will not see above one in a month at any of the public theatres till the sum of 50s. be spent, and then none before New Year’s Day next, unless that I do become worth 1000l sooner then then—and then I am free to come to some other terms.
— Pepys’ Diary, 2 Jan. 1664
… and there saw the King play at Tennis and others. But to see how the King’s play was extolled without any cause at all, was a loathsome sight, though sometimes endeed he did play very well and deserved to be commended; but such open flattery is beastly.
— Pepys’ Diary, 4 Jan. 1664
This morning I begun a practice which I find, by the ease I do it with, that I shall continue, it saving me money and time—that is, to Trimme myself with a Razer—which pleases me mightily.
— Pepys’ Diary, 6 Jan. 1664
Up; and after sending my wife to my aunt Wight’s to get a place to see Turner hanged, I to the office, where we sat all the morning. And at noon, going to the Change and seeing people flock in that, I enquired and found that Turner was not yet hanged; and so I went among them to Leadenhall street at the end of Lyme street, near where the robbery was done, and to St. Mary Axe, where he lived; and there I got for a shilling to stand upon the wheel of a Cart, in great pain, above an hour before the execution was done—he delaying he time by long discourses and prayers one after another, in hopes of a reprieve; but none came, and at last was flung off the lather in his cloak. A comely-looked man he was, and kept his countenance to the end—I was sorry to see him. It was believed there was at least 12 or 14000 people in the street.
— Pepys’ Diary, 21 Jan. 1664
Up and to the office; and at noon to the Coffee-house, where I sat with Sir G. Asckue and Sir Wm. Petty, who in discourse is methinks one of the most rational men that ever I heard speak with a tongue, having all his notions the most distinct and clear; among other things saying that in all his life these three books were the most esteemed and generally cried up for wit in the world—Religio Medici, Osbourne’s Advice to a Son, and Hudibras.
— Pepys’ Diary, 27 Jan. 1664
I stayed a great while talking with a man in the garden that was sawing a piece of marble—and did give him 6d. to drink. He told me much of the nature and labour of that work; how he could not saw above 4 inch. of the stone in a day; and of a greater, not above two. And after it is sawed, then it is rubbed with coarse and then with finer and finer sand till they come to putty, and so polish it as smooth as glass. Their saws have no teeth, but it is the sand only which rubs up and down that doth the thing.
— Pepys’ Diary, 24 Feb. 1664
… and so home to dinner with my wife to a good hog’s harslet, a peice of meat I love but have not eat of I think this seven year.
— Pepys’ Diary, 10 Mar. 1664
Among other things they [the old men of Trinity house] observed that there are but two seamen in the Parliament house, viz., Sir W. Batten and Sir W. Pen—and not above 20 or 30 merchants; which is a strange thing in an Island, and no wonder that hings of trade go no better nor are better understood.
— Pepys’ Diary, 23 Mar. 1664
At noon to the Coffee-house, where excellent discourse with Sir W. Petty; who proposed it, as a thing that is truly questionable, whether there really be any difference between waking and dreaming—that it is hard not only to tell how we know what the difference between one and the other.
— Pepys’ Diary, 2 Apr. 1664
… to Mr. Pagets and there heard some musique, not very good—but only one Dr. Walgrave, an Englishman bred at Rome, who plays the best upon the lute that I ever heard man.
— Pepys’ Diary, 12 Apr. 1664
… and I to walk with Creed and Vernaty in the physique garden in St. James park, where I first saw Orange trees—and other fine trees.
— Pepys’ Diary, 19 Apr. 1664
In the Duke’s chamber there is a bird, given him by Mr. Pierce the surgeon, comes from the East Indys—black the greatest part, with the finest coller of white about the neck. But talks many things, and neyes like the horse and other things, the best almost that ever I heard bird in my life.
… so to Hackny, where I have not been many a year since a little child I boarded there. Thence to Kingsland by my nurse’s house, Goody Lawrence, where my brother Tom and I was kept when young. Then to Newington green and saw the ouotside of Mrs. Herberts house where she lived, and my aunt Ellen with her. But Lord, how in every point I find myself to over-value things when a child.
— Pepys’ Diary, 25 Apr. 1664
In the afternoon the greatest shower of rain of a sudden and the greatest and most continued Thunder that ever I heard I think in my life.
— Pepys’ Diary, 19 Jun. 1664
Walked back from Woolwich to Greenwich all alone, save a man that had a cudgell in his hand; and though he told me he laboured in the King’s yards and many other good arguments that he is an honest man, yet God forgive me, I did doubt he might knock me on the head behind with his club—but I got safe home.
— Pepys’ Diary, 30 Jun. 1664
… and I back to my wife in the barge and so to the Tower wharf and home—being very pleased today with the company, especially Mrs. Pierce, who continues her complexion as well as ever, and hath at this day, I think, the best complexion that ever I saw on any woman, young or old, or child either, all days of my life.
— Pepys’ Diary, 6 Jul. 1664
Thence I and Will to see the Wells, half a mile off; and there I drunk three glasses and went and walked, and came back and drunk two more. The woman would have had me drunk three more; but I could not, my belly being full—but this wrought very well; and so we rode home round by Kingsland, Hackney, and Mile end, till we were quite weary—and my water working at least seven or eight times upon the road, which pleased me well.
And so home, weary; and not being very well, I betimes to bed. And there fell into a most mighty sweat in the night, about 11 a-clock; and there, knowing what money I have in the house and hearing a noise, I begin to sweat worse and worse, till I melted almost to water. I rung, and could not in half an hour make either of the wenches hear me; and this made me fear the more, lest they might be gag’d; and then I begin to think that there was som design in a stone being flung at the window over our stairs this evening, by which the thiefes meant to try what looking there would [be] after them and know our company. These thoughts and fears I had, and do hence apprehend the fears of all rich men that are covetous and have much money by them. At last Jane rose and then I understand it was only the dog wants a lodging and so made a noyse.
— Pepys’ Diary, 11 Jul. 1664
At noon to Anth. Joyces to our gossips dinner; I had sent a dozen and ahlf bottles of wine thither and paid my double share besides, which is 18s. Very merry we were, and when the women were merry and ris from table, I above with them, ne’er a man but I, I begin discourse of my not getting of children and prayed them to give me their opinions and advice; and they freely and merrily did give me these ten among them. 1. Do not hug my wife too hard nor too much. 2. Eat no late suppers. 3. Drink Juyce of sage. 4. Tent and toast. 5. Wear cool Holland-drawers. 6. Keep stomach warm and back cool. 7. Upon my query whether it was best to do at night or morn, they answered me neither one nor other, but when we have most mind to it. 8. Wife not to go too srait-laced. 9. Myself to drink Mum and sugar. 10. Mrs Ward did give me to change my plat. The 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, and 10th they all did seriously declare and lay much stress upon them, as rules fit to be observed indeed, and especially the last: to lie with our heads where our heels do, or at least to make the bed high at feet and low at head.
— Pepys’ Diary, 26 Jul. 1664
There comes also Mr. Reeve with a Microscope and Scotoscope; for the first I did give him 5l. 10s., a great price; but a most curious bauble it is, and he says as good, nay, th best he knows in England, and he makes the best in the world. The other he gives me, and is of value; and a curious curiosity it is to [see] objects in a dark room with.
— Pepys’ Diary, 13 Aug. 1664
By coach home, calling by the way at Charing cross and there saw the great Dutchman that is come over, under whose arm I went with my hat on and could not reach higher then his eyebrows with the tip of my fingers, reaching as high as I could. He is a comely and well-made man, and his wife a very little but pretty comely Dutch woman. It is true he wears pretty high-heeled shoes, but not very high, and doth generally wear a Turbant, which makes him show yet taller then he really is, though he is very tall as I have said before.
— Pepys’ Diary, 15 Aug. 1664
Waked about 2 a-clock this morning with the noise of Thunder, which lasted for an hour; with such continued Lightenings, not flashes but flames, that all the sky and ayre was light; and that for a great while, not a minuete’s space between new flames all the time; such a thing as I never did see, nor could have believed had ever been in nature. And being put into a great sweat with it, could not sleep till all was over—and that accomppanied with such a storm of rain as I never heard in my life.
— Pepys’ Diary, 16 Aug. 1664
So home and find my boy a very schooleboy that talks inocently and impertinently; but at present it is a sport to us, and in a little time he will leave it. So sent him to bed, he saying that he used to go to bed at 8 a-clock. And then all of us to bed, myself pretty well pleased with my choice of boy.
— Pepys’ Diary, 27 Aug. 1664
So home, having called upon Doll, our pretty Change woman, for a pair of gloves trimmed with yellow ribbon (to [the] petticoat she bought yesterday), which coss me 20s. But she is so pretty, that, God forgive me, I could not think it too much; which is a strange slavery that I stand in to beauty, that I value nothing near it.
— Pepys’ Diary, 6 Sep. 1664
My boy, a brave boy, sings finely and is the most pleasant boy at present, while his ignorant boy’s tricks last, that ever I saw.
— Pepys’ Diary, 9 Sep. 1664
[According to Mr. Pargiter:] … though Mosco is a very great city, yet it is, from the distance between house and house, and few people compared with this—and poor sorry houses, the Emperor himself living in a wooden house—his exercise only flying a hawke at pigeons and carring pigeons ten or twelve mile off and then laying wagers which pigeon shall come soonest home to her house. All the winter within doors, some few playing at Chesse but most drinking their time away. Women live very slavishly there. And it seems, in the Emperor’s Court no room hath above two or three windows, and those the greatest not a yard wide or high—for warmth in winter time. And that the general cure for all diseases there is their sweating-houses—or people that are poor, they get into their ovens, being heated, and there lie. Little learning among things of any sort—not a man that speaks Latin, unless the Secretary of State by chance.
— Pepys’ Diary, 16 Sep. 1664
Fresh newes came of our beating the Dutch at Guiny quie out of all their castles almost, which will make them quite made here at home, sure.
Coming home tonight, I did go to examine my wife’s house-accountts; and finding things that seemed somewhat doubtful, I was angry, though she did make it pretty plain; but confessed that when she doth misse a sum, she doth add something to other things to make it. And upon my being very angry, she doth protest she will here lay up something for herself to buy her a neckelace with—which madded me and doth still trouble me, for I fear she will forget by degrees the way of living cheap and under a sense of want.
— Pepys’ Diary, 29 Sep. 1664
So I walked over Moorefields, and thence to Clerkenwell church and there (as I wished) sat next pew to the fair Butler, who endeed is a most perfect beauty still. And one I do very much admire myself for my choice of her for a beauty—she having the best lower part of her face that ever I saw all days of my life. … So away back to Clerkenwell church, thinking to have got sight of la belle Boteler again, but failed; and so after church walked all over the firleds home; and there my wife was angry with me for not coming home and for gadding abroad to look after beauties, she told me plainly; so I made all peace, and to supper.
— Pepys’ Diary, 2 Oct. 1664
Thence after dinner to a play, to see The Generall; which is so dull and so ill acted, that I think it is the worst I ever saw or heard in all my days.
Tomorrow, they told us, should be acted, or the day after, a new play called The Parsons Dreame, acted all by women.
— Pepys’ Diary, 4 Oct. 1664
Thence, it being time enough, to our own church; and there stood privately at the great doore to gaze upon a pretty lady and from church dogged her home, whither she went to a house near Tower hill; and I think her to be one of the prettiest women I ever saw.
— Pepys’ Diary, 9 Oct. 1664
Slept ill all night, having got a very great cold the other day at Woolwich in head, which makes me full of snot.
— Pepys’ Diary, 28 Oct. 1664
… and so with my wife to the Duke’s house to a play, Macbeth; a pretty good play, but admirably acted.
— Pepys’ Diary, 5 Nov. 1664
Here was a gentleman attending here that told us he saw the other day, and did bring the draft of it to Sir Fr. Prigeon, of a monster born of an hostlers wife at Salsbury; two women-children perfectly made, joyned at the lower part of their bellies, and every part perfect as two bodies, and only one payre of legs, coming forth on one side from the middle where they were joined. It was alive 24 hours, and cried and did as all hopeful children do; but being showed too much to people, was killed.
— Pepys’ Diary, 11 Nov. 1664
Going to bed betimes last night, we waked betimes. And from our people’s being forced to take the key to go out to light a candle, I was very angry and begun to find fault with my wife for not commanding her servants as she ought. Thereupon, she given me some cross answer, I did strike her over her left eye such a blow, as the poor wretch did cry and and was in great pain; but yet her spirit was such as to endeavour to bite and scratch me.
— Pepys’ Diary, 19 Dec. 1664
At noon to the Change to the Coffee-house, and there heard Sir Rd. Ford tell the whole story of our defeat at Guinny—wherein our men are guilty of the most horrid cowardize and perfidiousness, as he says and tells it, that ever Englishmen were.
— Pepys’ Diary, 24 Dec. 1664
I waked in the morning about 6 a-clock, and my wife not come to bed. I lacked a pot but there was none, and bitter cold, so was forced to rise and piss in the chimny, and to bed again.
— Pepys’ Diary, 27 Dec. 1664
With my wife to the King’s house, there to see Vulpone, a most excellent play—the best I think I ever saw, and well acted.
— Pepys’ Diary, 14 Jan. 1665
… I to church, where a most insipid young coxcomb preached.
— Pepys’ Diary, 15 Jan. 1665
Before I went to bed, I sat up till 2 a-clock in my chamber, reading of Mr. Hookes Microscopical Observations, the most ingenious book that ever I read in my life.
— Pepys’ Diary, 21 Jan. 1665
Thence home and visted Sir J. Mennes, who continues ill but is something better. There he told me what a mad freaking fellow Sir Ellis Layton hath been and is—and once at Antwerp, was really mad.
— Pepys’ Diary, 25 Jan. 1665
… at night to my office, there to do some business. And being late at it, comes Mercer to me to tell me that my wife was in bed and desired me to come home, for they hear, and have night after night lately heard, noises over their head upon the leads. Now, it is strange to think how, knowing that I have a great sum of money in my house, this puts me into a most mighty affright, that for more then two hours I could not almost tell what to do or say, but feared this and that—and remembered that this evening I saw a woman and two men stand suspiciously in the Entry in the dark; I calling to them, they made me only this answer: the woman said that the men came to see her. But who she was I could not tell. The truth is, my house is mighty dangerous, having so many ways to be come to, and at my windows over the stairs, to see who goes up and down—but if I escape tonight, I will remedy it. God preserve us this night safe. So at almost 2 a-clock, I home to my house and in great fear to bed, thinking every running of a mouse really a thief—and so to sleep, very brokenly all night long—and found all safe in the morning.
— Pepys’ Diary, 30 Jan. 1665
This day Sir W. Batten, who hath been sick four or five days, is now very bad, so as that people begin to fear his death—and I at a loss whether it will be better for me to have him die, because he is a bad man, or live, for fear a worse should come.
— Pepys’ Diary, 7 Feb. 1665
Up, and to the office (having a mighty pain in my forefinger of my left hand, from a strain that it received last night in struggling avec la femme que je mentioned yesterday) …
— Pepys’ Diary, 21 Feb. 1665
… at night late home and to clean myself with warm water; my wife will have me, because she doth herself; and so to bed.
— Pepys’ Diary, 25 Feb. 1665
Up—and this day being the day that, by a promise a great while ago made to my wife, I was to give her 20l to lay out in clothes against Easter, she did, notwithstanding last night’s falling-out, come to peace with me and I with her, but did boggle mightily at the parting with my money …
At noon I to dinner at Trinity house—and thence to Gresham College, where, first Mr. Hooke read a second very curious Lecture about the late Comett, among other things, proving very probably that this is the very same Comett that appeared before in the year 1618, and that in such a time will probably appear again—which is a very new opinion—but all will be in print.
And this day I did pay my admission money—40s.—to the [Royal] Society.
Here was very fine discourses—and experiments; but I do lack philosophy enough to understand them, and so cannot remember them. Among others, a very perticular account of the making of the several sorts of bread in France, which is accounted the best place for bread in the world.
— Pepys’ Diary, 1 Mar. 1665
At noon to the Change, and then went up to the Change to buy a pair of cotton stocking, which I did at the husband’s shop of the most pretty woman there, who did also invite me to buy some linen of her; and I was glad of the occasion and bespoke some bands of her, entending to make her my seamstress—she being one of the prettiest and most modest-looked women that ever I did see.
— Pepys’ Diary, 4 Apr. 1665
He [the famous young Stillingfleete] did make the most plain, honest, good, grave sermon, in the most unconcerned and easy yet substantial manner, that ever I heard in my life—upon the words of Samuell to the people—“Fear the Lord in truth with all your heart, and remember the great things that he hath done for you”—it being proper to this day, the day of the King’s Coronation.
— Pepys’ Diary, 23 Apr. 1665
After dinner to Mr. Evelings; he being abroad, we walked in his garden, and a lovely noble ground he hath endeed. And among other rarities, a hive of Bees; so, as being hived in glass, you may see the Bees making their honey and Combs mighty pleasantly.
— Pepys’ Diary, 5 May 1665
To the Change after office, and received my Wach from the watchmaker; and a very fine [one] it is—given me by Briggs the Scrivener. But Lord, to see how much of my old folly and childishnesse hangs upon me still, that I cannot forbear carrying my wawtch in my hand in the coach this afternoon, and seeing what a-clock it is 100 times.
— Pepys’ Diary, 13 May 1665
And after dinner I put on my new silk Camelott Sute, the best that ever I wore in my life, the suit costing me above 24l.
That done, we walked to Cornehill, and there at Mr. Cades stood in the Balcon and saw all the funerals, which was with the Bluecoat boys and old men—all the Aldermen, and Lord Mayor, etc., and the number of the company very great—the greatest I ever did see for a Taverne.
— Pepys’ Diary, 1 Jun. 1665
Thence, it being the hottest day that ever I felt in my life, and it is confessed so by all other people the hottest they ever knew in England in the beginning of June …
This day, much against my Will, I did in Drury lane see two or three houses marked with a red cross upon the doors, and “Lord have mercy upon us” write there—which was a sad sight to me, being the first of that kind that to my remembrance I ever saw. It put me into an ill conception of myself and my smell, so that I was forced to buy some roll tobacco to smell to and chaw—which took away the apprehension.
— Pepys’ Diary, 7 Jun. 1665
It stroke me very deep this afternoon, going with a Hacknycoach from my Lord Treasurer’s down Holborne—the coachman I found to drive easily and easily; at last stood still, and came down hardly able to stand; and told me that he was suddenly stroke very sick and almost blind, he could not see. So I light and went into another coach, with a sad heart for the poor man and trouble for myself, lest he should have been stroke with the plague—being at that end of the town that I took him up.
— Pepys’ Diary, 17 Jun. 1665
But Lord, what silly discourse we [Mr. Carteret and I] had by the way as to matter of love-matters, he being the most awkerd man I ever I met withall my life as to that business.
So they led him up to his chamber, where I stayed a little to know how he [Mr. Carteret] liked the lady; which he told me he did mightily, but Lord, in the dullest insipid manner that ever lover did.
— Pepys’ Diary, 15 Jul. 1665
And having trimmed myself, down to Mr. Carteret; and he being ready, we down and walked in the gallery an hour or two, it being a most noble and pretty house that ever for the bigness I saw.
— Pepys’ Diary, 16 Jul. 1665
But Lord, to see, among other things, how all these great people here are afeared of London, being doubtful of anything that comes from thence or that hath lately been there, that I was forced to say that I lived wholly at Woolwich.
— Pepys’ Diary, 17 Jul. 1665
The King having dined, he came down, and I went in the barge with him, I sitting at the door hearing him and the Duke talk and seeing and observing their manner of discourse; and God forgive me, though I adore them with all the duty possible, yet the more a man considers and observes them, the less he finds of difference between them and other men, though (blessed be God) they are both princes of great nobleness and spirits.
The Duke of Monmouth is the most skittish, leaping gallant that ever I saw, alway in action, vaulting or leaping or clambering.
— Pepys’ Diary, 26 Jul. 1665
… and after them, the Duke and Duchesse—whose hands I did kiss. And it was the first time I did ever or did see anybody else kiss her hand; and it was a most fine white and fat hand.
— Pepys’ Diary, 27 Jul. 1665
The people die so, that now it seems they are fain to carry the dead to be buried by daylight, the nights not sufficing to do it in.
— Pepys’ Diary, 12 Aug. 1665
… called at Capt. Cookes and to his chamber, he being in bed—where something put my last night’s dream into my head, which I think is the best that ever was dreamed—which was, that I had my Lady Castlemayne in my armes and was admitted to use all the dalliance I desired with her, and then dreamed that this could not be awake but that it was only a dream. But that since it was a dream and that I took so much real pleasure in it, what a happy thing it would be, if when we are in our graves (as Shakespeere resembles it), we could dream, and dream but such dreams as this—that then we should not need to be so fearful of death as we are this plague-time.
— Pepys’ Diary, 15 Aug. 1665
But I think Cocke is the greatest Epicure that is; eats and drinks with the greatest pleasure and Liberty that ever man did.
— Pepys’ Diary, 17 Aug. 1665
And it is a wonder what will be the fashion after the plague is done as to periwigs, for nobody will dare to buy any haire for fear of the infection—that it had been cut off of the heads of people dead of the plague.
— Pepys’ Diary, 3 Sep. 1665
After dinner comes Coll. Blunt in his new Charriott made with Springs, as that was of Wicker wherein a while since we rode at his house. And he hath rode, he says, now this Journy, many mile in it with one horse, and outdrives any coach and out-goes any horse, and so easy he says. So for Curiosity I went into it to try it; and up the hill to the Heath and over the Cartrutts went to try it, and found it pretty well, but not so easy as he pretends …
— Pepys’ Diary, 5 Sep. 1665
Among other humours, Mr. Eveling’s repeating of some verses made up of nothing but the various acceptations of May and Can, and doing it so aptly, upon occasion of something of that nature, and so fast, did make us all die almost with laughing …
— Pepys’ Diary, 10 Sep. 1665
Up, and walked to Greenwich, taking pleasure to walk with my minute wach in my hand, by which I am now come to see the distances of my way from Woolwich to Greenwich. And I do find myself to come within two minutes constantly to the same place at the end of each quarter of an hour.
He [Sir W. Hickes] did give us the meanest dinner—of beef—shoulder and umbles of venison which he takes away from the keeper of the Forest—and a few pigeons; and all in the meanest manner that ever I did see—to the basest degree.
— Pepys’ Diary, 13 Sep. 1665
I to dinner with Mr. Waight to his father-in-law’s in Greenwich—one of the most silly, harmless, prating old men that ever I heard in my life.
— Pepys’ Diary, 26 Sep. 1665
Thence, mighty merry and much pleased with the dinner and company, and they with me, I parted; and there was set upon by the poor wretches, whom I did give word and some little money to; and the poor people went away like lambs, and in good earnest are not to be censured if their necessities drive them to bad Courses of stealing or the like, while they lack the wherewith to live.
And saving only this night, and a day or two about the same business about a monty or six weeks ago, I do end this month with the greatest content, and may say that these last three months, for joy, health and profit, have been much the greatest that ever I received in all my life in any twelve months almost in my life—having nothing upon me but the consideration of the sickliness of the season during this great plague to mortify mee.
— Pepys’ Diary, 30 Sep. 1665
We spent most of the morning talking, and reading of The Seige of Rhodes, which is certainly (the more I read it the more I think so) the best poem that ever was wrote.
— Pepys’ Diary, 1 Oct. 1665
Thence back the back way to my office, where very late, very busy—but most of all when at nights comes two waggons from Rochester with more goods from Capt. Cocke; and in housing them at Mr. Tookers lodgings, comes two of the Custome house to seize them, and did seize them, but I showed them my Transire. However after some heat and angry words, we locked them up, and sealed up the key and did give it to the constable to keep till Monday—and so parted. But Lord, to think how the poor constable came to me in the dark, going home: “Sir,” says he, “I have the Key, and if you would have me do any service for you, send for me betimes tomorrow morning and I will do what you would have me.” Whether the fellow doth this out of kindness of knavery, I cannot tell, but it is pretty to observe.
— Pepys’ Diary, 7 Oct. 1665
… where my wife and Mercer and Mrs. Barbara danced, and mighty merry we were, but especially at Mercer’s dancing a Jigg, which she does the best I ever did see, having the most natural way of it and keeps time the most perfectly I ever did see.
— Pepys’ Diary, 11 Oct. 1665
And after supper to talk and to sing, his man Dutton’s wife singing very prettily (a mighty fat woman), and I wrote out one song from her and pricked the Tune, being very pretty. But I did never hear one sing with so much pleasure to herself as this lady doth, relishing it to her very heart—which was mighty pleasant.
— Pepys’ Diary, 15 Oct. 1665
And they tell me that in Westminster there is never a physician and but one apothecary left, all being dead …
— Pepys’ Diary, 16 Oct. 1665
Lay very long in bed, discoursing with Mr. Hill of most things of a man’s life, and how little merit doth prevail in the world, but only favour—and that for myself, chance without merit brought me in, and that diligence only keeps me so, and will, living as I do among so many lazy people, that the diligent man becomes necessary, that they cannot do anything without him.
— Pepys’ Diary, 1 Nov. 1665
In fine, a most excellent person he [Mr. Eveling] is, and must be allowed a little for a little conceitedness; but he may well be so, being a man so much above others.
— Pepys’ Diary, 5 Nov. 1665
He [Mr. Eveling] also showed us several letters of the old Lord of Liecesters in Queen Elizabeth’s time—under the very handwriting of Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary Queen of Scotts and others, very venerable names. But Lord, how poorly methinks they wrote in those days, and on what plain uncut paper.
— Pepys’ Diary, 24 Nov. 1665
Here the best company for Musique I ever was in in my life, and wish I could live and die in it, both for music and the face of Mrs. Pierce and my wife and Knipp, who is pretty enough, but the most excellent mad-hum[ou]rd thing; and sings the noblest that ever I heard in my life, and Rolt with her, some things together most excellently—I spent the night in ecstasy almost; and having invited them to my house a day or two hence, we broke up…
— Pepys’ Diary, 6 Dec. 1665
He gone, I to my Lord Brouncker and there spent the evening, by my desire, in seeing his Lordship open to pieces and make up again his Wach, thereby being taught what I never knew before; and it is a thing very well worth my having seen, and am mightily pleased and satisfied with it.
— Pepys’ Diary, 22 Dec. 1665
The great evil of this year, and the only one endeed, is the fall of my Lord of Sandwich, whose mistake about the Prizes hath undone him, I believe, as to interest at Court; though sent (for a little palliateing it) Imbassador into Spayne, which he is now fitting himself for. But the Duke of Albemarle goes with the Prince to sea this next year, and my Lord very meanly spoken of; and endeed, his miscarriage about the prize goods is not to be excused, to suffer a company of rogues to go away with then times as much as himself, and the blame of all to be deservedly laid upon him.
— Pepys’ Diary, 31 Dec. 1665
… I close to my papers to set all in order, and to perform my vow to finish my Journall and other things before I kiss any woman more, or drink any wine, which I must be forced to do tomorrow if I go to Greenwich, as I am invited by Mr. Boreman to hear Mrs. Knipp sing.
… also upon writing a letter to my father about Pall, whom it is time now, I find, to think of disposing of, while God Almighty hath given me something to give with her; and in my letter to my father I do offer to give her 450l, to make her own 50l, givven her by my uncle, up 500l. I do also therein propose Mr. Harman the upholster for a husband for her, to whom I have a great love, and did heretofore love his former wife, and a civil man he is, and careful in his way. Besides, I like his trade and place he lives in, being Cornehill.
— Pepys’ Diary, 14 Jan. 1666
… and so by water to Boremans by night—where the greatest disappointment that ever I saw in my life: much company—a good supper provided, and all come with expectation of excess of mirth; but all blank through the waywardnesse of Mrs. Knipp, who, though she had appointed the night, could not be got to come—not so much as her husband could get her to come; but, which was a pleasant thing in all my anger—I asking him (while we were in expectation what answer one of our many messengers would bring) what he thought, whether she would come or no, he answered that for his part he could not so much as think. By and by we all to supper, which the silly maister of the feast commanded; but what with my being out of humour, and the badness of the meat dressed, I did never eat a worse supper in my life.
— Pepys’ Diary, 15 Jan. 1666
To the office, where upon Mr. Kinaston’s coming to me about some business of Coll. Norwood’s, I sent my boy home for some papers; where, he staying longer then I would have him and being vexed at the business and to be kept from my fellows in the office longer then was fit, I became angry and boxed my boy when he came, that I do hurt my Thumb so much, that I was not able to stir all the day after and in great pain.
— Pepys’ Diary, 20 Jan. 1666
To the Crowne tavern behind the Exchange by appointment, and there met the first meeing of Gresham College since the plague. Dr. Goddard did fill us with talk in defence of his and his fellow-physicians’ going out of town in the plague-time; saying that their perticular patients were most gone out of town, and they left at liberty—and a great deal more, etc.
But what, among other fine discourse, pleased me most, was Sir G. Ent about Respiration; that it is not to this day known or concluded on among physicians, nor to be done either, how that action is managed by nature or for what use it is.
— Pepys’ Diary, 22 Jan. 1666
… and my Lord and I, the wind being again very furious, so as we durst not go by water, walked to London quite round the Bridge, no boat being able to Stirre; and Lord, what a dirty walk we had, and so strong the wind, that in the fields we many times could not carry our bodies against it, but was driven backward. … It was dangerous to walk the streets, the bricks and tiles falling from the houses, that the whole streets were covered in them—and whole chimneys, nay, whole houses in two or three places, blowed down. But above all, the pales on London bridge on both sides were blown away, so that we were fain to stoop very low, for fear of blowing off the bridge. We could see no boats in the Thames afloat but what were broke loose and carried through the bridge, it being ebbing water.
— Pepys’ Diary, 24 Jan. 1666
At night comes Sir W. Warren, and he and I into the garden and talked over all our business. He gives me good advice, not to imbark into trade … so as to be seen to mind it, for it will do me hurt, and draw my mind off from my business and embroil my estate too soon. So to the office business, and I find him as cunning a man in all points as ever I met with in my life; and mighty merry we were in the discourse of our own tricks.
— Pepys’ Diary, 25 Jan. 1666
Perticularly, he [Mr. Eveling] intertained me with discourse of an Infirmery which he hath projected for the sick and wounded seamen against the next year, which I mightily approve of—and will endeavour to promote it, it being a worthy thing—and of use and will save money.
After supper I made the ladies sing, and they have been taught; but Lord, though I was forced to commend them, yet it was the saddest stuff I ever heard.
— Pepys’ Diary, 29 Jan. 1666
It being fast-day, I stayed at home all day long to set things to rights in my chamber, by taking out all my books and putting my chamber in the same condition it was before the plague. But in the morning, doing of it and knowcking up a nail, I did bruise my left thumb, so as broke a great deal of my flesh off, that it hung by a little. It was a sight frighted my wife—but I put some balsam of Mrs. Turners to it, and though in great pain, yet went on with my business…
— Pepys’ Diary, 7 Feb. 1666
My new plate sets off my cupboard very nobly.
— Pepys’ Diary, 9 Feb. 1666
My Lord being gone, I took Mr. Hill to my Lord Chancellors new house that is building, and went with trouble up to the top of it and there is there the noblest prospect that ever I saw in my life, Greenwich being nothing to it. And in everything is a beautiful house—and most strongly built in every respect—and as if, as it hath, it had the Chancellor for its maister.
Thence with him [Mr. Hill] to his painter, Mr. Hales, who is drawing his picture—which will be mighty like him, and pleased me, so that I am resolved presently to have my wife’s and mine done by him, he having a very maisterly hand.
Here I perceive Sir G. Carteret had prepared himself to answer a Choque of Sir W. Coventry, by offering of himself to show all he had paid, and what is unpaid and what moneys and assignments he hath in his hands—which, if he makes good, was the best thing he ever did say in his life—and the best timed, for else it must have fallen very foul of him.
— Pepys’ Diary, 14 Feb. 1666
Met with Creed, and walked with him a turn or two in the park, but without much content, having now designs of getting money in my head, which allows me not the leisure I used to have with him. Besides, and odde story lately told of him for a great truth, of his endeavouring to lie with a woman at Oxford, and her crying out saved her; and this being publicly known, doth a little make me hate him.
Thence took coach, and calling by the way at my bookseller’s for a book, write about twenty years ago in prophecy of this year coming on, 1666, explaining it to be the mark of the beast.
— Pepys’ Diary, 18 Feb. 1666
Well, by and by the child is brought, and christened Katharine. And I this day on this occasion drank a galss of wine, which I have not professedly done these two years I think—but a little in the time of the sickness.
— Pepys’ Diary, 20 Feb. 1666
… to the King’s house and to observe the neatness and contrivance of the house and gates; it is the most Romantique castle that is in the world.
… and so took coach and away to Eaton, the Doctor [Dr. Childe] with me. At Eaton I left my wife in the coach, and he and I to the college and there find all mighty fine. The school good, and the custom pretty of boys cutting their names in the shuts of the window when they go to Cambrige; by which many a one hath lived to see himself Provost and Fellow, that had his name in the window standing.
— Pepys’ Diary, 26 Feb. 1666
… and so away home, and there find Mrs. Knipp and we dined together, she the pleasantest company in the world.
— Pepys’ Diary, 28 Feb. 1666
Up betimes and to the office, where all the morning—sitting; and did discover three or four fresh instance of Sir W. Pen’s old cheating dissembling tricks—he being as false a fellow as ever was born.
And here by chance I saw the mistress of the house I have heard much of; and a very pretty woman she is endeed—and her husband the simplest-looked fellow and old that ever I saw.
After dinner I took coach and away to hales’s, where my wife is sitting; and endeed, her face and neck, which are now finished, do so please me, that I am not myself almost, nor was not all the night after, in writing of my letters, in consideration of the fine picture that I shall be maister of.
— Pepys’ Diary, 8 Mar. 1666
It is a mighty fine witty boy, Mrs. pierce’s little boy.
The truth is, I do indulge myself a little the more pleasure, knowing that this is the proper age of my life to do it, and out of my observation that most men that do thrive in the world do forget to take pleasure during the time that they are getting their estate but reserve that till they have got one, and then it is too late for them to enjoy it with any pleasure.
— Pepys’ Diary, 10 Mar. 1666
… to Harman’s house, and took him to a tavern hard by and we to discourse of our business, and I offered 500l. And he declares most ingenuously that his trade is not to be trusted on—that he however needs no money, but would have her money bestowed on her—which I like well, he saying that he would adventury 2 or 300l with her. I like him as a most good-natured and discreet man, and I believe very cunning.
Thence to Hales, where I met my wife and people, and do find the picture, above all things, a mmost pretty picture and mighty like my wife—and I asked him his price: he says 14l; and the truth is, I think he doth deserve it.
— Pepys’ Diary, 15 Mar. 1666
At noon home to dinner, and presently with my wife out to Hales’s, where I am still infinitely pleased with my wife’s picture. I paid him 14l for it, and 25s. for the frame, and I think it not a whit too dear for so good a picture. He promises it shall be as good as my wife’s, and I sit to have it full of shadows, and do almost break my neck looking over my shoulder to make the posture for him to work by.
— Pepys’ Diary, 17 Mar. 1666
… after dinner we walked to the King’s playhouse, all in dirt, they being altering of the Stage to make it wider—but God knows when they will being to act again. But my business here was to see the inside of the Stage and all the tiring roomes and Machines; and endeed it was a sight worthy seeing. But to see their clothes and the various sorts, and what a mixture of things there was, here a wooden leg, there a ruff, here a hobby-horse, there a Crowne, would make a man split himself to see with laughing—and particularly Lacys wardrobe, and Shotrell’s. But then again, to think how fine they show on the s tage by candlelight, and how poor things they are to look now too nearhand, is not pleasant at all.
— Pepys’ Diary, 19 Mar. 1666
… I walked thence into the park, with her [Mrs. Pierce’s] little boy James with me, who is the wittiest boy, and the best company in the world. And so back again through Whitehall both coming and going. And people did generally take him to be my boy—and some would ask me.
— Pepys’ Diary, 15 Apr. 1666
Thence away to Mrs. Pierces, who was not at home, but gone to my house to visit me with Mrs. Knipp. I therefore took up the little girl Betty and my maid Mary that now lives there. And to my house, there they had been but were gone; so in our way back again, met them coming back again to my house in Cornehill, and there stopped, laughing at our pretty misfortunes; and so I carried them to Fish street street and there treated them with prawns and lobsters; and it beginning to grow dark, we away; but the jest is, our horses would not draw us up the Hill, but we were fain to light and stay till the coachman had made them draw down to the bottom of the hill, thereby warming their legs; and then they came up cheerfully enough…
— Pepys’ Diary, 18 Apr. 1666
So back to the office, and there met with the Comissioners of the Ordnance, where Sir W. Pen, being almost drunk, vexed me, and the more because Mr. Chichly observed it with me—and it was a disparagement to the office.
— Pepys’ Diary, 19 Apr. 1666
And they being gone, I mighty weary to bed, after having my hair of my head cut shorter, even close to my skull, for coolness, it being mighty hot weather.
— Pepys’ Diary, 29 Apr. 1666
… and so home, where my wife in mighty pain, and mightily vexed at my being abroad with these women [Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Knipp]—and when they were gone, called them “whores” and I know not what; which vexed me, having been so innocent with them.
— Pepys’ Diary, 9 May 1666
Having set home my aunt and come home, I fell to examine my wife’s kitchen book, and find 20s. mistake, which made me mighty angry, and great differences between us. And so in that difference, to bed.
— Pepys’ Diary, 14 May 1666
A letter is also come this afternoon from Harman in the Henery …, that being fallen into the body of the Duch fleet, he made his way through them, was set on by three fireships, one after another—got two of them off and disabled the third—was set on fire himself, upon which many of his men leaped into the sea and perished; among others, the Parson first—hath lost above 100 men and good many wounded (God knows what is become of Balty); and at last quenched his own fire and got to Albrough—being, as all say, the greatest hazard that ever any ship scaped, and as bravely managed by him.
— Pepys’ Diary, 3 Jun. 1666
… Creed and I walked into the park till 9 or 10 at night, it beeing fine moonshine—discoursing of the unhappiness of our fleet. What it would have been if the Prince had not come in. How much the Duke hath failed of what he was so presumptuous of. How little we deserve of God Almighty to give us better fortune. How much this excuse[s] all that was imputed to my Lord Sandwich; and how much more he is a man fit to be trusted with all these matters then these that now command, who act by nor with any advice, but rashly and without any order. How bad we are at intelligence, that should give the Prince no sooner notice of anything, but let him come to Dover without notice of any fight, or where the fleet were, or anything else; nor give the Duke any notice that he might depend upon the Prince’s reserve. And lastly, of how good use all may be to check our pride and presumption in adventuring upon hazards upon unequal force, against a people that can fight, it seems now, as well as we, and that will not be discouraged by any lossed, but that they will rise again.
— Pepys’ Diary, 4 Jun. 1666
So putting all together, we are, and are like to be, in a sad condition. We are endeavouring to raise money by borrowing it on the City; but I do not think the City will lend a farthing.
— Pepys’ Diary, 10 Jun. 1666
Then to the office a little, and so to Lumberd street to borrow a little money upon a tally, but cannot. Thence to Exchequer, and there after much wrangling got consent that I should have a great tally broken into little ones.
Thence to my Lord Bellasyse by invitation … it was pretty to see how passionately my Lord’s daughter loves music, the most that ever I saw creature in my life.
— Pepys’ Diary, 18 Jun. 1666
At my business till late at night; then with my wife into the garden, and there sang with Mercer—whom I feel myself beginning to love too much, by handling of her breasts in a morning when she dresses me, they being the finest that ever I saw in my life; that is the truth of it.
— Pepys’ Diary, 19 Jun. 1666
This day, in the morning came Mr. Chichly to Sir W. Coventry to tell him the ill-successe of the guns made for the Loyall London; which is, that in the trial, every one of the great guns, the whole Cannon of seven (as I take it), broke to pieces—which is a strange mishap, and that which will give more occasion to people’s discourse of the King’s business being done ill.
— Pepys’ Diary, 26 Jun. 1666
But before I was in bed, while I was undressing myself, our new ugly maid Luce had like to have broke her neck in the dark, going down our upper stairs; but (which I was glad of) the poor girl did only bruise her head. But at first did lie on the ground groaning, and drawing her breath like one a-dying.
— Pepys’ Diary, 30 Jun. 1666
He [Sir W. Pen] says three thigns must [be] remedied, or else we all be undone, by this fleet.
- That we must fight in line, whereas we fight promiscuously, to our utter and demonstrable ruine—the Duch fighting otherwise—and we, whenever we beat them.
- We must not desert ships of out own in distress as we did, for that makes a captain desperate, and will fling away his ship when there are no hopes left of him of succour.
- That ships, when they are little shattered, must not take the liberty to come in of themselfs; but refit themselfs the best they can, and stay out—many of our ships coming in with very small disablings.
He [Sir W. Pen] did talk very rationally to me, insomuch that I took more pleasure this night in hearing him discourse then I ever did in my life in anything that he said.
— Pepys’ Diary, 4 Jul. 1666
To bed, after washing my legs and feet with warm water in my Kitchin.
This evening I had Davila brought home to me, and I find it a most excellent history as ever I read.
— Pepys’ Diary, 14 Jul. 1666
… had a good dinner, and find the Bishopp [of Limbricke in Ireland] the same good man as ever; and in a word, kind to us, and methinks one of the comeliest and most becoming Pr[e]lates in all respects that ever I saw in my life.
— Pepys’ Diary, 18 Jul. 1666
At noon walked in the garden with Comissioner Pett (newly come to town), who tells me how infinite the disorders are among the commanders and all officers of the fleet—no discipline—nothing but swearing and cursing, and everybody doing what they please …
— Pepys’ Diary, 21 Jul. 1666
Up and to my chamber, doing several things there of moment. And then comes Simpson the Joyner, and he and I with great pains contriving presses to put my books up in; they now growing numerous, and lying one upon another on my chairs, I lose the use, to avoid the trouble of removing them when I would open a book.
— Pepys’ Diary, 23 Jul. 1666
And at noon to dinner at the Popes head … Here, very pretty discourse of Dr. Charleton concernign Nature’s fashioning every creature’s teeth according to the food she intends them. And that man’s, it is plain, was not for flesh, but for fruit. And that he can at any time tell the food of a beast unknown, by the teeth. My Lord Brouncker made one or two objections to it; that creatures find their food proper for their teeth, rather then that the teeth was fitted for the food. But the Doctor, I think, did well observe that creates do naturally, and from the first, before they have had experience to try, do love such a food rather than another. And that all children love fruit, and none brought to flesh but against their wills at first.
But at supper there [Lord Lauderdale’s house] played one of their servants upon the viallin, some Scotch tunes only—several—and the best of their country, as they seemed to esteem them by their praising and admiring them; but Lord, the strangest ayre that ever I heard in my life, and all of one cast.
— Pepys’ Diary, 28 Jul. 1666
But no great matters to brag on, God knows.
— Pepys’ Diary, 29 Jul. 1666
… reading over the second part of The Seige of Rhodes with great delight.
— Pepys’ Diary, 5 Aug. 1666
And then about 9 a-clock, to Mrs. Mercers gate, where the fire and boys expected us and her son had provided abundance of Serpents and rockets; and there mighty merry (my Lady Pen and Pegg going thither with us and Nan Wright) till about 12 at night, flinging our fireworks and burning one another and the people over the way.
— Pepys’ Diary, 14 Aug. 1666
So down the River, reading The Adventures of five houres, which the more I read the more I admire.
— Pepys’ Diary, 15 Aug. 1666
The sport [of taking of a wild Eliphant] being ended, a messenger comes from the King, which the Druggerman thought had been to have taken away his life. But it was to enquire how the strangers liked the sport. The Druggerman answered that they did cry it up to be the best that ever they saw, and that they never heard of any prince so great in everything as this King. The messenger being gone back, Erwin and his company asked their Druggerman what he had said, which he told them. “But why,” say they, “would you say that without our leave, it being not true?” “It is not matter for that,” says he, “I must have said it, or have been hanged, for our King doth not live by meat nor drink, but by having great lyes told him.”
— Pepys’ Diary, 17 Aug. 1666
Up and to Deptford by water, reading Othello, Moore of Venice, which I ever heretofore esteemed a mighty good play; but having so lately read The Adventures of five hours, it seems a mean thing.
— Pepys’ Diary, 20 Aug. 1666
Late at the office; and then home and there find Mr. Batelier and his sister Mary … he told me of … making a bargain with another man at a taverne for some Claretts, they did hire a fellow to thunder (which he had the art of doing upon a deale board) and to rain and hail; that is, make the noise of—so as did give them a pretence of undervaluing their Merchants wines, by saying this thunder would spoil and turn them—which was so reasonable to the Merchant that he did abate two pistolls per Ton for the wine, in belief of that—whereas, going out, there was no such thing.
— Pepys’ Diary, 21 Aug. 1666
I had opportunity of much talk with Sir W. Penn today …; and he doth much undervalue the honour that is given to the conduct of the late business of Holmes in burning the ships and town, saying it was a great thing endeed, and of great profit to us, in being of great loss to the enemy; but that is was wholly a business of chance, and no conduct imployed in it. I find Sir W. Penn doth hold up his head at this time higher than evey he did in his life. I perceive he doth look after Sir J. Mennes’s place if he dies; and though I love him not, nor do desire to have him in, yet I do think him the ablest man in England for it.
— Pepys’ Diary, 22 Aug. 1666
Some of our maids sitting up late last night to get things ready against our feast today, Jane called us up, about 3 in the morning, to tell us of a great fire they saw in the City.
… to the Lieutenant of the Tower, who tells me that it [the Great Fire of London] begun this morning in the King’s bakers house in Pudding lane …
And among other things, the poor pigeons I perceive were loath to leave their houses, but hovered about the windows and balconies till they were some of them burned, their wings, and fell down.
… I was called for and did tell the King and Duke of York what I saw, and that unless his Majesty did command houses to be pulled down, nothing could stop the fire. They seemed much troubled, and the King commanded me to go to my Lord Mayor from him and command him to spare no houses but to pull down before the fire every way.
At last met my Lord Mayor in Canning Streete, like a man spent, with a handkercher about his neck. To the King’s message, he cried like a fainting woman, “Lord, what can I do? I am spent! People will not obey me. I have been pull[ing] down houses. But the fire overtakes us faster than we can do it.”
So near the fire as we could for smoke; and all over the Thames, with one’s face in the wind you were almost burned with a shower of Firedrops—this is very true—so as houses were burned by these drops and flakes of fire, three or four, nay five or six houses, one from another. When we could endure no more upon the water, we to a little alehouse on the Bankside over against the Three Cranes, and there stayed till it was dark almost and saw the fire grow; and as it grow darker, appeared more and more, and in Corners and upon steeples and between churches and houses, as far as we could see up the hill of the CIty, in a most horrid malicious bloody flame, not like the fine flame of an ordinary fire. Barbary and her husband away before us. We stay till, it being darkish, we saw the fire as only one entire arch of fire from this to the other side of the bridge, and in a bow up the hill, for an arch of abovce a mile long. It made me weep to see it. The churches, houses, and all on fire and flaming at once, and a horrid noise the flames made, and the cracking of houses at their ruine.
— Pepys’ Diary, 2 Sep. 1666
Sir W. Batten, not knowing how to remove his wind [wine], did dig a pit in the garden and laid it in there; and I took the opportunity of laying all the papers of my office that I could not otherwise dispose of. And in the evening Sir W. Penn and I did dig another and put our wine in it, and I my parmazan cheese as well as my wine and some other things.
I wrote to my father this night; but the post-house being burned, the letter could not go.
— Pepys’ Diary, 4 Sep. 1666
… to Sir R. Ford’s, and there dined, in an earthen platter a fried breast of mutton, great many of us. But very merry; and endeed as good a meal, though as ugly a one, as ever I had in my life.
— Pepys’ Diary, 6 Sep. 1666
… to church again, and there preached Deane Harding; but methinks a bad poor sermon, though proper for the time—nor eloquent, in saying at this time that the City is reduced from a large Folio to a Decimo tertio.
— Pepys’ Diary, 9 Sep. 1666
Mighty busy about this account, and while my people were busy, myself wrote near 30 letters and orders with my own hand. At it till 11 at night; and it is strange to see how clear my head was, being eased of all the matter of all those letters; whereas one would think that I should have been dozed—I never did observe so much of myself in my life.
— Pepys’ Diary, 15 Sep. 1666
Up betimes, and shaved myself after a week’s growth; but Lord, how ugly I was yesterday and how fine today.
— Pepys’ Diary, 17 Sep. 1666
Strange, with what freedom and quantity I pissed this night, which I know not what to impute to but my oysters–unless the coldness of the night should cause it, for it was a sad rainy and tempestuous night.
— Pepys’ Diary, 18 Sep. 1666
Waked betimes, mightily troubled in mind, and in the most true trouble that I ever was in my life, saving in that business last year of the East India prizes.
— Pepys’ Diary, 3 Oct. 1666
And endeed, I am mad in love with my Lord Chancellor, for he doth comprehend and speak as well, and with the greatest easiness and authority, that ever I saw man in my life.
— Pepys’ Diary, 13 Oct. 1666
… and then out, the first time I ever was abroad with Doll Lane, to the Dog tavern, and there drank with her–a bad face, but a good-bodied girl.
— Pepys’ Diary, 26 Oct. 1666
… and so home, and there begun to read Potters discourse upon 666, which pleases me mightily; and then broke off, and to supper and to bed.
— Pepys’ Diary, 4 Nov. 1666
To my Lord Crews, and there dined and mightily made of, having not, to my shame, been there in eight months before. Here my Lord and Sir Tho. Crew, Mr. John, and Dr. Crew–and two strangers. The best family in the world for goodness and sobriety.
— Pepys’ Diary, 5 Nov. 1666
… but took coach and called at Faythornes to buy some prints for my wife to draw by this winter; and here did see my Lady Castlemaynes picture, done by him from Lillys, in red chalke and other colours, by which he hath cut it in copper to be printed. The picture in chalke is the finest thing I ever saw in my life I think, and did desire to buy it; but he says he must keep it awhile to correct his Copper plate by, and when that is done, he will sell it me.
— Pepys’ Diary, 7 Nov. 1666
And then at noon to the Exchange and to my little goldsmith’s, whose wife is very pretty and modest, that ever I saw any.
— Pepys’ Diary, 9 Nov. 1666
… and my wife and brother and I to my Uncle Wights, where my aunt is grown so ugly, and their entertainment so bad, that I am in pain to be there, nor will go thither again a good while if sent for–for we were sent for tonight; we had not gone else.
— Pepys’ Diary, 11 Nov. 1666
… and myself to the Popeshead, where all the Houblons were, and Dr. Croone; and by and by to an exceeding pretty supper–excellent discourse of all sorts; and endeed, are a set of the finest gentlemen that ever I met withal in my life.
Here Dr. Croone told me that at the meeting at Gresham College tonight (which it seems they now have every Wednesday again) there was a pretty experiment, of the blood of one Dogg let out (till he died) into the body of another on one side, while all his own run out on the other side. The first died upon the place, and the other very well, and likely to do well. This did give occasion to many pretty wishes, as of the blood of a Quaker to be let into an Archbishop, and such like. But, as Dr. Croone says, may if it takes be of mighty use to man’s health, for the amending of bad blood by borrowing from a better body.
— Pepys’ Diary, 14 Nov. 1666
I home, by Mr. Gauden in his coach; and so with great pleasure to spend the evening at home upon my Lyra Viall, and then to supper and to bed–with mighty peace of mind, and a hearty desire that I had but what I have quietly in the country–but I fear I do at this day see the best that either I, or the rest of our nation, will ever see.
— Pepys’ Diary, 20 Nov. 1666
Here I saw Mrs. Steward this afternoon, methought the beautifullest creature that ever I saw in my life, more then ever I thought her, as often as I have seen her–and I begin to think doth exceed my Lady Castlemayne, at least now.
— Pepys’ Diary, 25 Nov. 1666
… Mr. Carteret and I to Gresham College, where they meet now weekly again. And here they had good discourse how this late experiment of the dog (which is in perfect good health) may be improved to good uses to men—and other pretty things, and then broke up.
— Pepys’ Diary, 28 Nov. 1666
At noon home, and Goodgroome dined with us—who teaches my wife to sing. After dinner I did give him my song, /Beauty Retire/, which he hath often desired of me; and without flattery, I think is a very good song.
— Pepys’ Diary, 5 Dec. 1666
And for these three or four days I perceive my overworking of my eyes by Candlelight doth hurt them, as it did last winter. That by day I am well and do get them right—but then after candlelight they begin to sore and run—so that I entend to get some green spectacles.
— Pepys’ Diary, 13 Dec. 1666
Nay, Evens, the famous man upon the Harp, having not his equal in the world, did the other day die for mere want, and was fain to be buried at the almes of the parish—and carried to his grave in the dark of night, and without one Linke, but that Mr. Hingston met it by chance and did give 12d. to buy two or three links.
He [Sir R. Ford] 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 and 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’ Diary, 19 Dec. 1666
I do truly find that I have overwrought my eyes, so that now they are become weak and apt to be tired, and all excess of light makes them sore, so that now, to the candlelight I am forced to sit by, adding the Snow upon the ground all day, my eyes are very bad, and will be worse if not helped; so my Lord Brouncker doth advise me, as a certain cure, to use Greene Spectacles, which I will do. [ … ] I this evening did buy me a pair of green spectacles, to see whether they will help my eyes or no.
— Pepys’ Diary, 24 Dec. 1666
To the Duke’s house, and there saw /Mackbeth/ most excellently acted, and a most excellent play for variety.
— Pepys’ Diary, 28 Dec. 1666
… then alone to the King’s House and there saw /The Custome of the Country/, the second time of its being acted, wherein Knipp does the Widow well; but of all the plays that ever I did see, the worst, having neither plot, language, nor anything in the earth that is acceptable.
— Pepys’ Diary, 2 Jan. 1667
At noon (my wife being gone to Westminster) I with my Lord Brouncker by coach as far as the Temple—in the way, he telling me that my Lady Denham is at last dead. Some suspect her poisoned, but it will be best known when her body is opened; which will be today, she dying yesterday morning. The Duke of York is troubled for her; but hath declared he will never have a public mistress again—which I shall be glad of, and would the King would do the like.
… 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.
— Pepys’ Diary, 7 Jan. 1667
And he [Sir W. Warren] should take notice of the two flagons he saw at my house at dinner at my late feast, and merrily (yet I know enviously) said I could not come honestly by them. This I am glad to hear, though vexed to see his ignoble soul. But I shall beware of him; and yet it is fit he should see I am no mean fellow but can live in the world and have something.
— Pepys’ Diary, 11 Jan. 1667
This day I observe still in many places the smoking remains of the late fire.
— Pepys’ Diary, 16 Jan. 1667
I to church, and there beyond expectation find out seat and all the church crammed by twice as many people as used to be; and to my great joy find Mr. Frampton in the pulpit. So to my great joy I hear him preach, and I think the best sermon, for goodness—oratory—without affectation or study—that ever I heard in my life. The truth is, he preaches the most like an Apostle that ever I heard man. And was much the best time that ever I spent in my life at church.
— Pepys’ Diary, 20 Jan. 1667
I do also observe the counterfeit windows there was in the formm of Doores, with Looking glasses instead of windows, which makes the room seem both bigger and lighter I think; and I have some thoughts to have the like in one of my rooms.
— Pepys’ Diary, 23 Jan. 1667
Among other things, Harris sung his Irish song, the strangest in itself and the prettiest sung by him that ever I heard.
— Pepys’ Diary, 24 Jan. 1667
This morning, before I went to the office there came to me Mr. Young and Whistler, Flaggmakers, and with mighty earnestness did present me with and press me to take a box, wherein I could not guess there was less then 100l in gold. But I do wholly refuse it, and did not at last take it—the truth is, not thinking them safe men to receive such a gratuity from nor knowing any considerable courtesy that ever I did do them—but desirous to keep myself free from their reports and to have it in my power to say I had refused their offer.
— Pepys’ Diary, 5 Feb. 1667
Up and with my wife to church, where Mr. Mills made an unnecessary sermon upon Orginall Sin, neither understood by himself nor the people.
— Pepys’ Diary, 10 Feb. 1667
Nor do I dote on the Eunuchs; they sing endeed pretty high and have a mellow kind of sound, but yet I have been as well satisfied with several women’s voices, and men also, as Crispe of the Wardrobe.
— Pepys’ Diary, 16 Feb. 1667
I did this day, going by water, read the Answer to the /Apology for Papists/, which did like me mightily, it being a thing as well write as I think most things that ever I read in my life, and glad I am that I read it.
— Pepys’ Diary, 17 Feb. 1667
Having done here, Sir W. Batten and I home by coach; and though the sermon at our church was begun, yet he would light and go home and eat a slice of roast beef off the spit, and did; and then he and I to church in the middle of the sermon.
Asking Sir R. Viner what he thought was the cause of the fire, he tells me that the Baker, son and his daughter did all swear again and again that their Oven was drawn by 10 a-clock at night. That having occasion to light a candle about 12, there was not so much fire in the bakehouse as to light a match for a candle, so as they were fain to go into another place to light it. That about 2 in the morning they felt themselfs almost choked with smoke; and rising, did find the fire coming upstairs—so they rose to save themselfs; but that at that time the bavins were not on fire in the yard. So that they are, as they swear, in absolute ignorance how this fire should come—which is a strange thing, that so horrid an effect should have so mean an uncertain a beginning.
This night, going through bridge by water, my waterman told me how the mistress of the Beare tavern at the brodge foot did lately fling herself into the Thames and drownded herself; which did trouble me the more when they tell me it was she that did live at the White Horse tavern in Lumbard street; which was a most beautiful woman, as most I have seen. It seems hat had long melancholy upon her, and hath endeavoured to make away with herself often.
— Pepys’ Diary, 24 Feb. 1667
Lay long in bed, talking with pleasure with my poor wife how she used to make coal fires and wash my foul clothes with her own hand for me, poor wretch, in our little room at my Lord Sandwiches; for which I ought for ever to love and admire her, and do, and persuade myself she would do the same thing again if God should reduce us to it.
… and at my goldsmith’s did observe the King’s new Medall, where in little there is Mrs. Stewards face, as well done as ever I saw anything in my whole life I think—and a pretty thing it is that he should choose her face to represent Britannia by.
— Pepys’ Diary, 25 Feb. 1667
… he [Mr. Hunt] told me some ridiculous pieces of thrift of Sir G. Downing’s, who is their countryman—in inviting some poor people at Chirstmas last, to charm the country people’s mouths; but did give them nothing but beef porridge, pudding, and pork, and nothing said all dinner, but only his mother would say, “It’s good broth, son.” He would answer, “Yes, it is good broth.” Then his lady confirm all and say, “Yes, very good broth.” By and by he would begin and say, “Good pork;” “Yes,” says the mother, “good pork.” Then he cries, “Yes, very good pork.”
— Pepys’ Diary, 27 Feb. 1667
In the street in Mark land do observe (it being St. Davids’ day) the picture of a man dressed like a Welchman, hanging by the neck upon one of the poles that stand out at the top of one of the merchants’ houses, in full proportion and very handsomely done—which is one of the oddest sights I have seen a good while.
… before dinner making my wife to sing; poor wretch, her ear is so bad that it made me angry, till the poor wretch cried to see me so vexed at her, that I think I shall not discourage her so much again but will endeavour to make her understand sounds and do her good that way, for she hath a great mind to learn, only to please me; and therefore I am mighty unjust to her in discouraging her so much.
— Pepys’ Diary, 1 Mar. 1667
This day in the barge I took Berchensha’s translation of Alsted his /Templum/; but the most ridiculous book, as he hath translated it, that ever I saw in my life; I declaring that I understood not three lines together, from one end of the book to the other.
— Pepys’ Diary, 4 Mar. 1667
To Westminster hall; there bought some newsbooks and, as everywhere else, hear everybody complain of the dearness of coals, being at 4l per chaldron; the weather too being become most bitter cold, the King saying today that it was the coldest day he ever knew in England.
— Pepys’ Diary, 6 Mar. 1667
Here we fell into talk with Sir St. Fox; and among other things, of the Spanish manner of walking when three are together; and showed me how, which was pretty, to prevent differences.
While W. Batten and I were alone, we had much friendly discourse, though I will never trust him far.
— Pepys’ Diary, 14 Mar. 1667
This day Mr. Caesar told me a pretty experiment of his, of Angling with a Minikin, a gut-string varnished over, which keeps it from swelling and is beyond any hair for strength and smallness—the secret I like mightily.
— Pepys’ Diary, 18 Mar. 1667
… so I to Sir W. Batten to dinner, and had a good dinner of Ling and herring pie, very good meat—best of that kind that ever I had …
— Pepys’ Diary, 20 Mar. 1667
So home to dinner, where my wife having dressed herself in a silly dress, of a blue petticoat uppermost and white satin waistcoat and white hood (though I think she did it because her gown is gone to the tailor’s) did, together with my being hungry (which always make me peevish), make me angry.
— Pepys’ Diary, 22 Mar. 1667
To the King’s playhouse, and by and by comes Mr. Lowder and his wife and mine and into a box forsooth, neither of them being dressed, which I was almost ashamed of—Sir W. Penn and I in the pit; and here saw /The Mayden Queene/ again; which endeed, the more I see the more I like; and is an excellent play, and so done by Nell her merry part, as cannot be better done in Nature I think.
— Pepys’ Diary, 25 Mar. 1667
But on my behalf, I have cause to be joyful this day, as being my usual feast-day for my being cut of the stone this day nine years; and through God’s blessing am at this day and have long been in as good condition of health as ever I was in my life, or any man in England is, God make me thankful for it.
— Pepys’ Diary, 26 Mar. 1667
… sent for Jervas my old periwig-maker and he did bring me a periwig; but it was full of nits; so as I was troubled to see it (it being his old fault) and did send him to make it clean …
So I home, and there up to my wife in our chamber; and there received from my brother the news of my mother’s dying on Monday, about 5 or 6 a-clock in the afternoon, and that the last time she spoke of her children was on Friday last, and her last words were “God bless my poor Sam!”
— Pepys’ Diary, 27 Mar. 1667
… and Dr. Crew did make a very pretty, neat, sober, honest sermon; and delivered it very readily, decently, and gravely, beyond his years—so as I was exceedingly taken with it, and I believe the whole chapel—be being but young; but his manner of his delivery I do like exceedingly.
— Pepys’ Diary, 3 Apr. 1667
Up; and going down, found Jervas the barber with a periwig which I had the other day cheapened at Westminster; but it being full of nits, as heretofore his work used to be, I did now refuse it, having bought elsewhere.
— Pepys’ Diary, 4 Apr. 1667
So I away to the Temple to my new bookseller’s, and there I did agree for Rycaut’s late history of the Turkish Policy, which costs me 55s.; whereas it was sold plain before the late fire for 8s., and bound and coloured as this is for 20 …
— Pepys’ Diary, 8 Apr. 1667
The whole story of this Lady [the Duchesse of Newcastle] is a romance, and all she doth is romantic. 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 respect to the players from her box and did give them thanks.
— Pepys’ Diary, 11 Apr. 1667
… coming homeward again, saw my door and hatch open, left so by Luce our cookmaid; which so vexed me, that I did give her a kick in the our entry and offered a blow at her, and was seen doing so by Sir W. Penn’s footboy, which did vex me to the heart because I know he will be telling their family of it, though I did put on presently a very pleasant face to the boy and spoke kindly to him as one without passion, so as it may be he might not think I was angry; but yet I was troubled at it.
— Pepys’ Diary, 12 Apr. 1667
… and I to the King’s house by chance, where a new play; so full as I never saw it, I forced to stand all the while close to the very door, till I took cold, and many people went away for want of room. The King and Queen and Duke of York and Duchesse there and all the Court, and Sir W. Coventry. The play called /The Change of Crownes/, a play of Ned Howard’s, the best that I ever saw at that House, being a great play and serious only …
— Pepys’ Diary, 15 Apr. 1667
Here we saw /Macbeth/, which though I have seen it often, yet it is one of the best plays for a stage, and a variety of dancing and music, that ever I saw.
— Pepys’ Diary, 19 Apr. 1667
Up, and John, a hackney coachman whom of late I have much used, as being formerly Sir W. Penn’s coachman, coming to me by my direction to see whether I would use him today or no, I took him to our back gate to look upon the ground which is to be let there, where I have a mind to buy enough to build a coach-house and stable; for I have had it much in my thoughts lately that it is not too much for me now, in degree or cost, to keep a coach; but contrarily, that I am almost ashamed to be seen in a hackney; and therefor, if I can have the conveniency, I will secure the ground at least till peace comes, that I do receive encouragement to keep a coach or else that I may part with the ground again. The plae I like very well, being close by my own house, and so resolve to go about it.
So after she and I [Mercer] sung /Scio Moro/, which is one of the best pieces of music to my thinking that ever I did hear in my life …
— Pepys’ Diary, 21 Apr. 1667
He [Mr. Eveling] tells me the King of France hath his Maistresses, but laughs at the foolery of our King, that makes his bastards princes, and loses his revenue upon them—and makes his mistresses his maisters. And the King of France did never grant Lavaliere anything to bestow on others; and gives a little subsistence, but no more, to his bastards.
— Pepys’ Diary, 26 Apr. 1667
Here was a good sermon and much company, but I sleepy and a little out of order for my hat falling down through a hole underneath the pulpit; which however, after sermon, by a stick and the help of the cleark, I got up again.
— Pepys’ Diary, 28 Apr. 1667