contented to try it, wishing it may prove effectual. Thence away with
Sir W. Batten in his coach home, in our way he telling me the certaine
newes, which was afterward confirmed to me this day by several, that the
Bishopp of Munster has made a league [with] the Hollanders, and that our
King and Court are displeased much at it: moreover we are not sure of
Sweden. I home to my house, and there dined mighty well, my poor wife
and Mercer and I. So back again walked to White Hall, and there to and
again in the Parke, till being in the shoemaker's stockes.--[A cant
expression for tight shoes.]--I was heartily weary, yet walked however
to the Queene's Chappell at St. James's, and there saw a little mayde
baptized; many parts and words whereof are the same with that of our
Liturgy, and little that is more ceremonious than ours. Thence walked to
Westminster and eat a bit of bread and drank, and so to Worster House,
and there staid, and saw the Council up, and then back, walked to the
Cockepitt, and there took my leave of the Duke of Albemarle, who is
going to-morrow to sea. He seems mightily pleased with me, which I am
glad of; but I do find infinitely my concernment in being careful to
appear to the King and Duke to continue my care of his business, and to
be found diligent as I used to be. Thence walked wearily as far as Fleet
Streete and so there met a coach and home to supper and to bed, having
sat a great while with Will Joyce, who come to see me, and it is the
first time I have seen him at my house since the plague, and find him
the same impertinent, prating coxcombe that ever he was.

23rd. Being mighty weary last night, lay long this morning, then up and
to the office, where Sir W. Batten, Lord Bruncker and I met, and toward
noon took coach and to White Hall, where I had the opportunity to take
leave of the Prince, and again of the Duke of Albemarle; and saw them
kiss the King's hands and the Duke's; and much content, indeed, there
seems to be in all people at their going to sea, and [they] promise
themselves much good from them. This morning the House of Parliament do
meet, only to adjourne again till winter. The plague, I hear, encreases
in the towne much, and exceedingly in the country everywhere. Thence
walked to Westminster Hall, and after a little stay, there being nothing
now left to keep me there, Betty Howlett being gone, I took coach and
away home, in my way asking in two or three places the worth of pearles,