the common swords are. Strange to see what a
deal of money is flung to them both upon the stage between every bout.
But a woful rude rabble there was, and such noises, made my head ake all
this evening. So, well pleased for once with this sight, I walked
home, doing several businesses by the way. In my way calling to see
Commissioner Pett, who lies sick at his daughter, a pretty woman, in
Gracious Street, but is likely to be abroad again in a day or two. At
home I found my wife in bed all this day .... I went to see Sir Wm. Pen,
who has a little pain of his gout again, but will do well. So home to
supper and to bed. This day I hear at Court of the great plot which
was lately discovered in Ireland, made among the Presbyters and others,
designing to cry up the Covenant, and to secure Dublin Castle and other
places; and they have debauched a good part of the army there, promising
them ready money.

[This was known as "Blood's Plot," and was named after Colonel
Thomas Blood, afterwards notorious for his desperate attack upon the
Duke of Ormond in St. James's Street (1670) and for his robbery of
the crown jewels in the Tower (1671). He died August 24th, 1680.]

Some of the Parliament there, they say, are guilty, and some withdrawn
upon it; several persons taken, and among others a son of Scott's, that
was executed here for the King's murder. What reason the King hath, I
know not; but it seems he is doubtfull of Scotland: and this afternoon,
when I was there, the Council was called extraordinary; and they were
opening the letters this last post's coming and going between Scotland
and us and other places. Blessed be God, my head and hands are clear,
and therefore my sleep safe. The King of France is well again.

2d. Up and by water to White Hall and so to St. James's, to Mr.
Coventry; where I had an hour's private talk with him. Most of it was
discourse concerning his own condition, at present being under the
censure of the House, being concerned with others in the Bill for
selling of offices. He tells me, that though he thinks himself to suffer
much in his fame hereby, yet he values nothing more of evil to hang over
him for that it is against no statute, as is pretended, nor more than
what his predecessors time out of mind have taken; and that so soon as
he found himself to be in an errour, he did desire to have his fees
set, which was done; and since that he hath not taken a token more. He
undertakes