t comes in my
mind this night to set down how a house was the other day in Bishopsgate
Street blowed up with powder; a house that was untenanted, and between a
flax shop and a-----------, both bad for fire; but, thanks be to God, it
did no more hurt; and all do conclude it a plot. I would also remember
to my shame how I was pleased yesterday, to find the righteous maid of
Magister Griffin sweeping of 'nostra' office, 'elle con the Roman nariz
and bonne' body which I did heretofore like, and do still refresh me to
think 'que elle' is come to us, that I may 'voir her aliquando'. This
afternoon I am told again that the town do talk of my Lord Arlington's
being to be Lord Treasurer, and Sir W. Coventry to be Secretary of
State; and that for certain the match is concluded between the Duke of
Richmond and Mrs. Stewart, which I am well enough pleased with; and it
is pretty to consider how his quality will allay people's talk; whereas,
had a meaner person married her, he would for certain have been reckoned
a cuckold at first-dash.

20th. Up pretty betimes, and to the Old Swan, and there drank at
Michell's, but his wife is not there, but gone to her mother's, who is
ill, and so hath staid there since Sunday. Thence to Westminster Hall
and drank at the Swan, and 'baiserais the petite misse'; and so to Mrs.
Martin's.... I sent for some burnt wine, and drank and then away, not
pleased with my folly, and so to the Hall again, and there staid a
little, and so home by water again, where, after speaking with my wife,
I with Sir W. Batten and [Sir] J. Minnes to our church to the vestry, to
be assessed by the late Poll Bill, where I am rated as an Esquire, and
for my office, all will come to about L50. But not more than I expected,
nor so much by a great deal as I ought to be, for all my offices. So
shall be glad to escape so. Thence by water again to White Hall, and
there up into the house, and do hear that newes is come now that the
enemy do incline again to a peace, but could hear no particulars, so do
not believe it. I had a great mind to have spoke with the King, about a
business proper enough for me, about the French prize man-of-war, how he
would have her altered, only out of a desire to show myself mindful of
business, but my linen was so dirty and my clothes mean, that I neither
thought it fit to do that, nor go to other persons at the Court, with
whom I had business, which did vex me, and I must remedy [it]. Here
I hear that t