about Privy Seal business, which I do not much mind,
it being little worth, but by Watkins's--[clerk of the Privy Seal]--late
sudden death we are like to lose money. Thence to Mr. de Cretz, and
there saw some good pieces that he hath copyed of the King's pieces,
some of Raphael and Michael Angelo; and I have borrowed an Elizabeth
of his copying to hang up in my house, and sent it home by Will. Thence
with Mr. Salisbury, who I met there, into Covent Garden to an alehouse,
to see a picture that hangs there, which is offered for 20s., and I
offered fourteen--but it is worth much more money--but did not buy it,
I having no mind to break my oath. Thence to see an Italian puppet play
that is within the rayles there, which is very pretty, the best that
ever I saw, and great resort of gallants. So to the Temple and by water
home, and so walk upon the leads, and in the dark there played upon my
flageolette, it being a fine still evening, and so to supper and to bed.
This day I paid Godfrey's debt of 40 and odd pounds. The Duke of York
went last night to Portsmouth; so that I believe the Queen is near.

10th. By myself at the office all the morning drawing up instructions
for Portsmouth yard in those things wherein we at our late being there
did think fit to reform, and got them signed this morning to send away
to-night, the Duke being now there. At noon to the Wardrobe; there
dined. My Lady told me how my Lady Castlemaine do speak of going to lie
in at Hampton Court; which she and all our ladies are much troubled at,
because of the King's being forced to show her countenance in the sight
of the Queen when she comes. Back to the office and there all afternoon,
and in the evening comes Sir G. Carteret, and he and I did hire a ship
for Tangier, and other things together; and I find that he do single
me out to join with me apart from the rest, which I am much glad of. So
home, and after being trimmed, to bed.

11th (Lord's day). To our church in the morning, where, our Minister
being out of town, a dull, flat Presbiter preached. Dined at home,
and my wife's brother with us, we having a good dish of stewed beef of
Jane's own dressing, which was well done, and a piece of sturgeon of
a barrel sent me by Captain Cocke. In the afternoon to White Hall; and
there walked an hour or two in the Park, where I saw the King now out
of mourning, in a suit laced with gold and silver, which it was said
was out of fashion. Thence to the Wardrobe; an