I have taught myself to reflect
upon myself at present as happy, and enjoy myself in that consideration,
and not only please myself with thoughts of future wealth and forget
the pleasure we at present enjoy. So took coach and to Windsor, to the
Garter, and thither sent for Dr. Childe; who come to us, and carried us
to St. George's Chappell; and there placed us among the Knights' stalls
(and pretty the observation, that no man, but a woman may sit in
a Knight's place, where any brass-plates are set); and hither come
cushions to us, and a young singing-boy to bring us a copy of the anthem
to be sung. And here, for our sakes, had this anthem and the great
service sung extraordinary, only to entertain us. It is a noble place
indeed, and a good Quire of voices. Great bowing by all the people, the
poor Knights particularly, to the Alter. After prayers, we to see the
plate of the chappell, and the robes of Knights, and a man to shew us
the banners of the several Knights in being, which hang up over the
stalls. And so to other discourse very pretty, about the Order. Was
shewn where the late [King] is buried, and King Henry the Eighth, and
my Lady [Jane] Seymour. This being done, to the King's house, and to
observe the neatness and contrivance of the house and gates: it is the
most romantique castle that is in the world. But, Lord! the prospect
that is in the balcone in the Queene's lodgings, and the terrace and
walk, are strange things to consider, being the best in the world,
sure. Infinitely satisfied I and my wife with all this, she being in all
points mightily pleased too, which added to my pleasure; and so giving
a great deal of money to this and that man and woman, we to our taverne,
and there dined, the Doctor with us; and so took coach and away to Eton,
the Doctor with me. Before we went to Chappell this morning, Kate Joyce,
in a stage-coach going toward London, called to me. I went to her and
saluted her, but could not get her to stay with us, having company. At
Eton I left my wife in the coach, and he and I to the College, and there
find all mighty fine. The school good, and the custom pretty of
boys cutting their names in the struts of the window when they go to
Cambridge, by which many a one hath lived to see himself Provost and
Fellow, that had his name in the window standing. To the Hall, and there
find the boys' verses, "De Peste;" it being their custom to make verses
at Shrove-tide. I read several, and very good