g and kissing them naked... But
this lechery will never leave him. Here I took boat (leaving him there)
and down to the Tower, where I hear the Duke of Albemarle is, and I to
Lumbard Streete, but can get no money. So upon the Exchange, which is
very empty, God knows! and but mean people there. The newes for certain
that the Dutch are come with their fleete before Margett, and some men
were endeavouring to come on shore when the post come away, perhaps
to steal some sheep. But, Lord! how Colvill talks of the businesse of
publique revenue like a madman, and yet I doubt all true; that nobody
minds it, but that the King and Kingdom must speedily be undone, and
rails at my Lord about the prizes, but I think knows not my relation to
him. Here I endeavoured to satisfy all I could, people about Bills of
Exchange from Tangier, but it is only with good words, for money I have
not, nor can get. God knows what will become of all the King's matters
in a little time, for he runs in debt every day, and nothing to pay them
looked after. Thence I walked to the Tower; but, Lord! how empty the
streets are and melancholy, so many poor sick people in the streets
full of sores; and so many sad stories overheard as I walk, every body
talking of this dead, and that man sick, and so many in this place, and
so many in that. And they tell me that, in Westminster, there is never
a physician and but one apothecary left, all being dead; but that there
are great hopes of a great decrease this week: God send it! At the Tower
found my Lord Duke and Duchesse at dinner; so I sat down. And much good
cheer, the Lieutenant and his lady, and several officers with the Duke.
But, Lord! to hear the silly talk that was there, would make one mad;
the Duke having none almost but fools about him. Much of their talke
about the Dutch coming on shore, which they believe they may some of
them have been and steal sheep, and speak all in reproach of them in
whose hands the fleete is; but, Lord helpe him, there is something will
hinder him and all the world in going to sea, which is want of victuals;
for we have not wherewith to answer our service; and how much better it
would have been if the Duke's advice had been taken for the fleete
to have gone presently out; but, God helpe the King! while no better
counsels are given, and what is given no better taken. Thence after
dinner receiving many commands from the Duke, I to our office on the
Hill, and there did a little busine