cular business of canvas
to buy for the King, and here by chance I saw the mistresse of the house
I have heard much of, and a very pretty woman she is indeed and her
husband the simplest looked fellow and old that ever I saw. After dinner
I took coach and away to Hales's, where my wife is sitting; and, indeed,
her face and necke, which are now finished, do so please me that I am
not myself almost, nor was not all the night after in writing of my
letters, in consideration of the fine picture that I shall be master of.
Thence home and to the office, where very late, and so home to supper
and to bed.

9th. Up, and being ready, to the Cockpitt to make a visit to the Duke of
Albemarle, and to my great joy find him the same man to me that [he has
been] heretofore, which I was in great doubt of, through my negligence
in not visiting of him a great while; and having now set all to rights
there, I am in mighty ease in my mind and I think shall never suffer
matters to run so far backward again as I have done of late, with
reference to my neglecting him and Sir W. Coventry. Thence by water
down to Deptford, where I met my Lord Bruncker and Sir W. Batten by
agreement, and to measuring Mr. Castle's new third-rate ship, which is
to be called the Defyance.

[William Castell wrote to the Navy Commissioners on February 17th,
1665-66, to inform them that the "Defiance" had gone to Longreach,
and again, on February 22nd, to say that Mr. Grey had no masts large
enough for the new ship. Sir William Batten on March 29th asked for
the consent of the Board to bring the "Defiance" into dock ("
Calendar of State Papers," Domestic, 1665-66, pp. 252, 262, 324).]

And here I had my end in saving the King some money and getting myself
some experience in knowing how they do measure ships. Thence I left them
and walked to Redriffe, and there taking water was overtaken by them in
their boat, and so they would have me in with them to Castle's house,
where my Lady Batten and Madam Williams were, and there dined and a
deale of doings. I had a good dinner and counterfeit mirthe and pleasure
with them, but had but little, thinking how I neglected my business.
Anon, all home to Sir W. Batten's and there Mrs. Knipp coming we did
spend the evening together very merry. She and I singing, and, God
forgive me! I do still see that my nature is not to be quite conquered,
but will esteem pleasure above all things, though yet in the