bout the way of measuring ships and the freight fit to
give for them by the tun, where it was strange methought to hear so
poor discourses among the Lords themselves, and most of all to see how
a little empty matter delivered gravely by Sir W. Pen was taken mighty
well, though nothing in the earth to the purpose. But clothes, I
perceive more and more every day, is a great matter. Thence home with
Sir W. Batten by coach, and I home to dinner, finding my wife still
in bed. After dinner abroad, and among other things visited my Lady
Sandwich, and was there, with her and the young ladies, playing at cards
till night. Then home and to my office late, then home to bed, leaving
my wife and people up to more sports, but without any great satisfaction
to myself therein.

29th. Up and to the office, where we sat all the morning. Then whereas I
should have gone and dined with Sir W. Pen (and the rest of the officers
at his house), I pretended to dine with my Lady Sandwich and so home,
where I dined well, and began to wipe and clean my books in my chamber
in order to the settling of my papers and things there thoroughly, and
then to the office, where all the afternoon sitting, and in the evening
home to supper, and then to my work again.

30th. Lay very long in bed with my wife, it being very cold, and my wife
very full of a resolution to keepe within doors, not so much as to go
to church or see my Lady Sandwich before Easter next, which I am willing
enough to, though I seem the contrary. This and other talke kept me
a-bed till almost 10 a'clock. Then up and made an end of looking over
all my papers and books and taking everything out of my chamber to have
all made clean. At noon dined, and after dinner forth to several places
to pay away money, to clear myself in all the world, and, among others,
paid my bookseller L6 for books I had from him this day, and the
silversmith L22 18s. for spoons, forks, and sugar box, and being well
pleased with seeing my business done to my mind as to my meeting with
people and having my books ready for me, I home and to my office, and
there did business late, and then home to supper, prayers, and to bed.

31st. At the office all the morning, and after dinner there again,
dispatched first my letters, and then to my accounts, not of the month
but of the whole yeare also, and was at it till past twelve at night,
it being bitter cold; but yet I was well satisfied with my worke, and,
above all, to find