nes and Sir G. Carteret, that knew my Lord Chancellor's
concernment therein, should not at first inform us, he answered me that
for Sir J. Minnes, he is looked upon to be an old good companion, but by
nobody at the other end of the towne as any man of business, and that
my Lord Chancellor, he dares say, never did tell him of it, only Sir G.
Carteret, he do believe, must needs know it, for he and Sir J. Shaw are
the greatest confidants he hath in the world. So for himself, he said,
he would not mince the matter, but was resolved to do what was fit, and
stand upon his owne legs therein, and that he would speak to the
Duke, that he and Sir G. Carteret might be appointed to attend my Lord
Chancellor in it. All this disturbs me mightily. I know not what to say
to it, nor how to carry myself therein; for a compliance will discommend
me to Mr. Coventry, and a discompliance to my Lord Chancellor. But I
think to let it alone, or at least meddle in it as little more as I can.
From thence walked toward Westminster, and being in an idle and wanton
humour, walked through Fleet Alley, and there stood a most pretty wench
at one of the doors, so I took a turn or two, but what by sense of
honour and conscience I would not go in, but much against my will took
coach and away, and away to Westminster Hall, and there 'light of Mrs.
Lane, and plotted with her to go over the water. So met at White's
stairs in Chanel Row, and over to the old house at Lambeth Marsh, and
there eat and drank, and had my pleasure of her twice, she being the
strangest woman in talk of love to her husband sometimes, and sometimes
again she do not care for him, and yet willing enough to allow me a
liberty of doing what I would with her. So spending 5s. or 6s. upon her,
I could do what I would, and after an hour's stay and more back again
and set her ashore there again, and I forward to Fleet Street, and
called at Fleet Alley, not knowing how to command myself, and went in
and there saw what formerly I have been acquainted with, the wickedness
of these houses, and the forcing a man to present expense. The woman
indeed is a most lovely woman, but I had no courage to meddle with her
for fear of her not being wholesome, and so counterfeiting that I had
not money enough, it was pretty to see how cunning she was, would not
suffer me to have to do in any manner with her after she saw I had no
money, but told me then I would not come again, but she now was sure I
would come ag