t thither some years, though not many since, from the French King,
it is foretold that the Spaniards should come into their country, and in
such a valley they should be all killed, and then their country should
be wholly delivered from the Spaniards. This was on Tuesday last, and
yesterday came the very first news that in this very valley they had
thus routed and killed the Spaniards, which is very strange but true.
So late at the office, and then home to supper and to bed. This noon I
received a letter from the country from my wife, wherein she seems much
pleased with the country; God continue that she may have pleasure while
she is there. She, by my Lady's advice, desires a new petticoat of
the new silk striped stuff, very pretty. So I went to Paternoster Row'
presently, and bought her one, with Mr. Creed's help, a very fine rich
one, the best I did see there, and much better than she desires or
expects, and sent it by Creed to Unthanke to be made against tomorrow
to send by the carrier, thinking it had been but Wednesday to-day, but
I found myself mistaken, and also the taylor being out of the way, it
could not be done, but the stuff was sent me back at night by Creed to
dispose of some other way to make, but now I shall keep it to next week.

26th. Up betimes, and Mr. Moore coming to see me, he and

[Paternoster Row, now famous as the headquarters of the publishing
houses, was at this time chiefly inhabited by mercers. "This
street, before the Fire of London, was taken up by eminent Mercers,
Silkmen and Lacemen; and their shops were so resorted to by the
nobility and gentry in their coaches, that oft times the street was
so stop'd up that there was no passage for foot passengers"
(Strype's "Stow," book iii., p. 195)].

I discoursed of going to Oxford this Commencement, Mr. Nathaniel Crew
being Proctor and Mr. Childe commencing Doctor of Musique this year,
which I have a great mind to do, and, if I can, will order my matters so
that I may do it. By and by, he and I to the Temple, it raining hard, my
cozen Roger being got out, he and I walked a good while among the Temple
trees discoursing of my getting my Lord to let me have security upon
his estate for L100 per ann. for two lives, my own and my wife, for my
money. But upon second thoughts Mr. Moore tells me it is very likely
my Lord will think that I beg something, and may take it ill, and so we
resolved not to move it there, but