ling of the
Bill for Triennial Parliaments; but with no successe: but the House
have carried it that there shall be such Parliaments, but without any
coercive power upon the King, if he will bring this Act. But, Lord! to
see how the best things are not done without some design; for I perceive
all these gentlemen that I was with to-day were against it (though there
was reason enough on their side); yet purely, I could perceive, because
it was the King's mind to have it; and should he demand any thing else,
I believe they would give it him. But this the discontented Presbyters,
and the faction of the House will be highly displeased with; but it
was carried clearly against them in the House. We had excellent good
table-talke, some of which I have entered in my book of stories. So with
them by coach home, and there find (bye my wife), that Father Fogourdy
hath been with her to-day, and she is mightily for our going to hear a
famous Reule preach at the French Embassador's house: I pray God he do
not tempt her in any matters of religion, which troubles me; and
also, she had messages from her mother to-day, who sent for her old
morning-gown, which was almost past wearing; and I used to call it her
kingdom, from the ease and content she used to have in the wearing of
it. I am glad I do not hear of her begging any thing of more value,
but I do not like that these messages should now come all upon Monday
morning, when my wife expects of course I should be abroad at the
Duke's. To the office, where Mr. Norman came and showed me a design
of his for the storekeeper's books, for the keeping of them regular in
order to a balance, which I am mightily satisfied to see, and shall love
the fellow the better, as he is in all things sober, so particularly for
his endeavour to do something in this thing so much wanted. So late home
to supper and to bed, weary-with walking so long to no purpose in the
Park to-day.

29th. Was called up this morning by a messenger from Sir G. Carteret to
come to him to Sir W. Batten's, and so I rose and thither to him,
and with him and Sir J. Minnes to, Sir G. Carteret's to examine his
accounts, and there we sat at it all the morning. About noon Sir W.
Batten came from the House of Parliament and told us our Bill for our
office was read the second time to-day, with great applause, and is
committed. By and by to dinner, where good cheere, and Sir G. Carteret
in his humour a very good man, and the most kind fathe