t of the collections for the Fishery, and the loose and base
manner that monies so collected are disposed of in, would make a
man never part with a penny in that manner, and, above all, the
inconvenience of having a great man, though never so seeming pious as
my Lord Pembroke is. He is too great to be called to an account, and
is abused by his servants, and yet obliged to defend them for his owne
sake. This day, by the blessing of God, my wife and I have been married
nine years: but my head being full of business, I did not think of it
to keep it in any extraordinary manner. But bless God for our long lives
and loves and health together, which the same God long continue, I wish,
from my very heart!
11th. Up and to the office, where we sat all the morning. My wife this
morning went, being invited, to my Lady Sandwich, and I alone at home at
dinner, till by and by Luellin comes and dines with me. He tells me what
a bawdy loose play this "Parson's Wedding" is, that is acted by nothing
but women at the King's house, and I am glad of it. Thence to the
Fishery in Thames Street, and there several good discourses about the
letting of the Lotterys, and, among others, one Sir Thomas Clifford,
whom yet I knew not, do speak very well and neatly. Thence I to my cozen
Will Joyce to get him to go to Brampton with me this week, but I think
he will not, and I am not a whit sorry for it, for his company both
chargeable and troublesome. So home and to my office, and then to supper
and then to my office again till late, and so home, with my head and
heart full of business, and so to bed. My wife tells me the sad news of
my Lady Castlemayne's being now become so decayed, that one would not
know her; at least far from a beauty, which I am sorry for. This day
with great joy Captain Titus told us the particulars of the French's
expedition against Gigery upon the Barbary Coast, in the Straights, with
6,000 chosen men. They have taken the Fort of Gigery, wherein were five
men and three guns, which makes the whole story of the King of France's
policy and power to be laughed at.
12th. This morning all the morning at my office ordering things against
my journey to-morrow. At noon to the Coffeehouse, where very good
discourse. For newes, all say De Ruyter is gone to Guinny before us. Sir
J. Lawson is come to Portsmouth; and our fleete is hastening all speed:
I mean this new fleete. Prince Rupert with his is got into the Downes.
At home dined with
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