again, though it is most against my interest either of profit or
content of mind, other than for their singing. Home on foot, in my way
calling at Mr. Rawlinson's and drinking only a cup of ale there. He
tells me my uncle has ended his purchase, which cost him L4,500, and how
my uncle do express his trouble that he has with his wife's relations,
but I understand his great intentions are for the Wights that hang upon
him and by whose advice this estate is bought. Thence home, and found my
wife busy among her pies, but angry for some saucy words that her mayde
Jane has given her, which I will not allow of, and therefore will give
her warning to be gone. As also we are both displeased for some slight
words that Sarah, now at Sir W. Pen's, hath spoke of us, but it is no
matter. We shall endeavour to joyne the lion's skin to the fox's tail.
So to my office alone a while, and then home to my study and supper and
bed. Being also vexed at my boy for his staying playing abroad when
he is sent of errands, so that I have sent him to-night to see whether
their country carrier be in town or no, for I am resolved to keep him no
more.

27th. Up, and while I am dressing I sent for my boy's brother, William,
that lives in town here as a groom, to whom and their sister Jane I told
my resolution to keep the boy no longer. So upon the whole they desire
to have him stay a week longer, and then he shall go. So to the office,
and there Mr. Coventry and I sat till noon, and then I stept to the
Exchange, and so home to dinner, and after dinner with my wife to the
Duke's Theatre, and saw the second part of "Rhodes," done with the new
Roxalana; which do it rather better in all respects for person, voice,
and judgment, then the first Roxalana. Home with great content with my
wife, not so well pleased with the company at the house to-day, which
was full of citizens, there hardly being a gentleman or woman in the
house; a couple of pretty ladies by us that made sport in it, being
jostled and crowded by prentices. So home, and I to my study making up
my monthly accounts, which is now fallen again to L630 or thereabouts,
which not long since was L680, at which I am sorry, but I trust in God I
shall get it up again, and in the meantime will live sparingly. So home
to supper and to bed.

28th (Lord's day). Up and, with my wife to church, and coming out, went
out both before my Lady Batten, he not being there, which I believe
will vex her. After dinner