time till sermon was
done, and then to Mrs. Martin, and there staid with her an hour or two,
and there did what I would with her, and after been here so long I
away to my boat, and up with it as far as Barne Elmes, reading of Mr.
Evelyn's late new book against Solitude, in which I do not find much
excess of good matter, though it be pretty for a bye discourse. I walked
the length of the Elmes, and with great pleasure saw some gallant ladies
and people come with their bottles, and basket, and chairs, and form, to
sup under the trees, by the waterside, which was mighty pleasant. I to
boat again and to my book, and having done that I took another book, Mr.
Boyle's of Colours, and there read, where I laughed, finding many fine
things worthy observation, and so landed at the Old Swan, and so home,
where I find my poor father newly come out of an unexpected fit of his
pain, that they feared he would have died. They had sent for me to White
Hall and all up and down, and for Mr. Holliard also, who did come, but
W. Hewer being here did I think do the business in getting my father's
bowel, that was fallen down, into his body again, and that which made me
more sensible of it was that he this morning did show me the place where
his bowel did use to fall down and swell, which did trouble me to see.
But above all things the poor man's patience under it, and his good
heart and humour, as soon as he was out of it, did so work upon me, that
my heart was sad to think upon his condition, but do hope that a way
will be found by a steel truss to relieve him. By and by to supper,
all our discourse about Brampton, and my intentions to build there if I
could be free of my engagement to my Uncle Thomas and his son, that they
may not have what I have built, against my will, to them whether I will
or no, in case of me and my brothers being without heirs male; which
is the true reason why I am against laying out money upon that
place, together with my fear of some inconvenience by being so near
Hinchingbroke; being obliged to be a servant to that family, and subject
to what expence they shall cost me; and to have all that I shall buy,
or do, esteemed as got by the death of my uncle, when indeed what I have
from him is not worth naming. After supper to read and then to bed.

27th. Up, and there comes Greeting my flagelette master, and I practised
with him. There come also Richardson, the bookbinder, with one of
Ogilby's Bibles in quires for me to s