that had served
against the King. Why, says he, in the sea-service, it is impossible to
do any thing without them, there being not more than three men of the
whole King's side that are fit to command almost; and these were Captain
Allen, Smith, and Beech; and it may be Holmes, and Utber, and Batts
might do something. I desired him to tell me if he thought that I did
speak anything that I do against Sir W. Batten and Sir J. Minnes out of
ill will or design. He told me quite the contrary, and that there was
reason enough. After a good deal of good and fine discourse, I took
leave, and so to my Lord Sandwich's house, where I met my Lord, and
there did discourse of our office businesses, and how the Duke do show
me kindness, though I have endeavoured to displease more or less of my
fellow officers, all but Mr. Coventry and Pett; but it matters not. Yes,
says my Lord, Sir J. Minnes, who is great with the Chancellor; I told
him the Chancellor I have thought was declining, and however that the
esteem he has among them is nothing but for a jester or a ballad maker;
at which my Lord laughs, and asks me whether I believe he ever could do
that well. Thence with Mr. Creed up and down to an ordinary, and, the
King's Head being full, went to the other over against it, a pretty man
that keeps it, and good and much meat, better than the other, but
the company and room so small that he must break, and there wants the
pleasure that the other house has in its company. Here however dined an
old courtier that is now so, who did bring many examples and arguments
to prove that seldom any man that brings any thing to Court gets any
thing, but rather the contrary; for knowing that they have wherewith to
live, will not enslave themselves to the attendance, and flattery, and
fawning condition of a courtier, whereas another that brings nothing,
and will be contented to cog, and lie, and flatter every man and woman
that has any interest with the persons that are great in favour, and can
cheat the King, as nothing is to be got without offending God and the
King, there he for the most part, and he alone, saves any thing. Thence
to St. James Park, and there walked two or three hours talking of the
difference between Sir G. Carteret and Mr. Creed about his accounts,
and how to obviate him, but I find Creed a deadly cunning fellow and one
that never do any thing openly, but has intrigues in all he do or says.
Thence by water home to see all well, and then