hen I to read another play, "The
Custome of the Country," which is a very poor one, methinks. Then to
supper, prayers, and bed.

26th. Up pretty well again, but my mouth very scabby, my cold being
going away, so that I was forced to wear a great black patch, but that
would not do much good, but it happens we did not go to the Duke to-day,
and so I staid at home busy all the morning. At noon, after dinner,
to the 'Change, and thence home to my office again, where busy, well
employed till 10 at night, and so home to supper and to bed, my mind
a little troubled that I have not of late kept up myself so briske in
business; but mind my ease a little too much and my family upon the
coming of Mercer and Tom. So that I have not kept company, nor appeared
very active with Mr. Coventry, but now I resolve to settle to it again,
not that I have idled all my time, but as to my ease something. So I
have looked a little too much after Tangier and the Fishery, and that
in the sight of Mr. Coventry, but I have good reason to love myself for
serving Tangier, for it is one of the best flowers in my garden.

27th. Lay long, sleeping, it raining and blowing very hard. Then up and
to the office, my mouth still being scabby and a patch on it. At the
office all the morning. At noon dined at home, and so after dinner
(Lewellin dining with me and in my way talking about Deering) to the
Fishing Committee, and had there very many fine things argued, and I
hope some good will cone of it. So home, where my wife having (after all
her merry discourse of being with child) her months upon her is gone to
bed. I to my office very late doing business, then home to supper and
to bed. To-night Mr. T. Trice and Piggot came to see me, and desire my
going down to Brampton Court, where for Piggot's sake, for whom it is
necessary, I should go, I would be glad to go, and will, contrary to my
purpose, endeavour it, but having now almost L1000, if not above, in my
house, I know not what to do with it, and that will trouble my mind to
leave in the house, and I not at home.

28th. Up and by water with Mr. Tucker down to Woolwich, first to do
several businesses of the King's, then on board Captain Fisher's ship,
which we hire to carry goods to Tangier. All the way going and coming
I reading and discoursing over some papers of his which he, poor man,
having some experience, but greater conceit of it than is fit, did at
the King's first coming over make proposals of, o