coursing with the keeper of the Pell Mell,
who was sweeping of it; who told me of what the earth is mixed that do
floor the Mall, and that over all there is cockle-shells powdered, and
spread to keep it fast; which, however, in dry weather, turns to dust
and deads the ball. Thence to Mr. Coventry; and sitting by his bedside,
he did tell me that he sent for me to discourse upon my Lord Sandwich's
allowances for his several pays, and what his thoughts are concerning
his demands; which he could not take the freedom to do face to face,
it being not so proper as by me: and did give me a most friendly and
ingenuous account of all; telling me how unsafe, at this juncture, while
every man's, and his actions particularly, are descanted upon, it is
either for him to put the Duke upon doing, or my Lord himself to desire
anything extraordinary, 'specially the King having been so bountifull
already; which the world takes notice of even to some repinings. All
which he did desire me to discourse with my Lord of; which I have
undertook to do. We talked also of our office in general, with which he
told me that he was now-a-days nothing so satisfied as he was wont to
be. I confess I told him things are ordered in that way that we must
of necessity break in a little time a pieces. After done with him about
these things, he told me that for Mr. Hater the Duke's word was in short
that he found he had a good servant, an Anabaptist, and unless he did
carry himself more to the scandal of the office, he would bear with
his opinion till he heard further, which do please me very much.
Thence walked to Westminster, and there up and down in the Hall and the
Parliament House all the morning; at noon by coach to my Lord Crew's,
hearing that Lord Sandwich did dine there; where I told him what had
passed between Mr. Coventry and myself; with which he was contented,
though I could perceive not very well pleased. And I do believe that my
Lord do find some other things go against his mind in the House; for in
the motion made the other day in the House by my Lord Bruce, that none
be capable of employment but such as have been loyal and constant to
the King and Church, the General [Monk] and my Lord were mentioned to be
excepted; and my Lord Bruce did come since to my Lord, to clear himself
that he meant nothing to his prejudice, nor could it have any such
effect if he did mean it. After discourse with my Lord; to dinner with
him; there dining there my Lord M