him a letter to me to give the board their two
tenders, but there being none but the Generall Monk and Mr. Coventry and
Povy and I, I did not think fit to expose them to view now, but put it
off till Saturday, and so with good content rose. Thence I to the Half
Moone, against the 'Change, to acquaint Lanyon and his friends of our
proceedings, and thence to my Lord Chancellor's, and there heard several
tryals, wherein I perceive my Lord is a most able and ready man. After
all done, he himself called, "Come, Mr. Pepys, you and I will take a
turn in the garden." So he was led down stairs, having the goute, and
there walked with me, I think, above an houre, talking most friendly,
yet cunningly. I told him clearly how things were; how ignorant I was
of his Lordship's concernment in it; how I did not do nor say one word
singly, but what was done was the act of the whole Board. He told me by
name that he was more angry with Sir G. Carteret than with me, and also
with the whole body of the Board. But thinking who it was of the Board
that knew him least, he did place his fear upon me; but he finds that
he is indebted to none of his friends there. I think I did thoroughly
appease him, till he thanked me for my desire and pains to satisfy him;
and upon my desiring to be directed who I should of his servants advise
with about this business, he told me nobody, but would be glad to hear
from me himself. He told me he would not direct me in any thing, that it
might not be said that the Lord Chancellor did labour to abuse the King;
or (as I offered) direct the suspending the Report of the Purveyors but
I see what he means, and I will make it my worke to do him service
in it. But, Lord! to see how he is incensed against poor Deane, as a
fanatique rogue, and I know not what: and what he did was done in spite
to his Lordship, among all his friends and tenants. He did plainly say
that he would not direct me in any thing, for he would not put himself
into the power of any man to say that he did so and so; but plainly
told me as if he would be glad I did something. Lord! to see how we poor
wretches dare not do the King good service for fear of the greatness of
these men. He named Sir G. Carteret, and Sir J. Minnes, and the rest;
and that he was as angry with them all as me. But it was pleasant to
think that, while he was talking to me, comes into the garden Sir G.
Carteret; and my Lord avoided speaking with him, and made him and many
others st