almost all along, ever since
I was a boy, Arethusa, the part which I was to have acted at Sir Robert
Cooke's; and it was very pleasant to me, but more to think what a
ridiculous thing it would have been for me to have acted a beautiful
woman. Thence to Mr. Pierces, and there saw Knepp also, and were merry;
and here saw my little Lady Katherine Montagu come to town, about her
eyes, which are sore, and they think the King's evil, poor, pretty
lady. Here I was freed from a fear that Knepp was angry or might take
advantage to declare the essay that je did the other day, quand je was
con her ... Thence to the New Exchange, and there met Harris and Rolt,
and one Richards, a tailor and great company-keeper, and with these over
to Fox Hall, and there fell into the company of Harry Killigrew, a rogue
newly come back out of France, but still in disgrace at our Court, and
young Newport and others, as very rogues as any in the town, who were
ready to take hold of every woman that come by them. And so to supper
in an arbour: but, Lord! their mad bawdy talk did make my heart ake! And
here I first understood by their talk the meaning of the company that
lately were called Ballets; Harris telling how it was by a meeting of
some young blades, where he was among them, and my Lady Bennet

[Evidently adopted as a cant expression. The woman here alluded to
was a procuress well known in her day, and described in the "Tatler"
(No. 84) as "the celebrated Madam Bennet." We further learn, from
the "Spectator" (No. 266), that she was the Lady B. to whom
Wycherley addressed his ironical dedication of "The Plain Dealer,"
which is considered as a masterpiece of raillery. It is worthy of
remark that the fair sex may justly complain of almost every word in
the English language designating a woman having, at some time or
another, been used as a term of reproach; for we find Mother, Madam,
Mistress, and Miss, all denoting women of bad character; and here
Pepys adds the title of my Lady to the number, and completes the
ungracious catalogue.--B.]

and her ladies; and their there dancing naked, and all the roguish
things in the world. But, Lord! what loose cursed company was this, that
I was in to-night, though full of wit; and worth a man's being in for
once, to know the nature of it, and their manner of talk, and lives.
Thence set Rolt and some of [them] at the New Exchange, and so I home,