rom the discourse was this of Sir W. Coventry, that he do look upon
ourselves in a desperate condition. The issue of all standing upon this
one point, that by the next fight, if we beat, the Dutch will certainly
be content to take eggs for their money (that was his expression); or
if we be beaten, we must be contented to make peace, and glad if we can
have it without paying too dear for it. And withall we do rely wholly
upon the Parliament's giving us more money the next sitting, or else we
are undone. Being gone hence, I took coach to the Old Exchange, but did
not go into it, but to Mr. Cade's, the stationer, stood till the shower
was over, it being a great and welcome one after so much dry weather.
Here I understand that Ogleby is putting out some new fables of his
owne, which will be very fine and very satyricall. Thence home to
dinner, and after dinner carried my wife to her sister's and I to Mr.
Hales's, to pay for my father's picture, which cost me L10 the head and
25s. the frame. Thence to Lovett's, who has now done something towards
the varnishing of single paper for the making of books, which will do, I
think, very well. He did also carry me to a Knight's chamber in Graye's
Inne, where there is a frame of his making, of counterfeite tortoise
shell, which indeed is most excellently done. Then I took him with me to
a picture shop to choose a print for him to vernish, but did not agree
for one then. Thence to my wife to take her up and so carried her home,
and I at the office till late, and so to supper with my wife and to
bed. I did this afternoon visit my Lord Bellasses, who professes all
imaginable satisfaction in me. He spoke dissatisfiedly with Creed, which
I was pleased well enough with. My Lord is going down to his garrison to
Hull, by the King's command, to put it in order for fear of an invasion
which course I perceive is taken upon the sea-coasts round; for we have
a real apprehension of the King of France's invading us.

28th. Up, and at the office all the morning. At noon home to dinner, and
after dinner abroad to Lumbard Streete, there to reckon with Sir Robert
Viner for some money, and did sett all straight to my great content, and
so home, and all the afternoon and evening at the office, my mind full
at this time of getting my accounts over, and as much money in my hands
as I can, for a great turne is to be feared in the times, the French
having some great design (whatever it is) in hand, and our nece