s and dines with me. He tells me what
a bawdy loose play this "Parson's Wedding" is, that is acted by nothing
but women at the King's house, and I am glad of it. Thence to the
Fishery in Thames Street, and there several good discourses about the
letting of the Lotterys, and, among others, one Sir Thomas Clifford,
whom yet I knew not, do speak very well and neatly. Thence I to my cozen
Will Joyce to get him to go to Brampton with me this week, but I think
he will not, and I am not a whit sorry for it, for his company both
chargeable and troublesome. So home and to my office, and then to supper
and then to my office again till late, and so home, with my head and
heart full of business, and so to bed. My wife tells me the sad news of
my Lady Castlemayne's being now become so decayed, that one would not
know her; at least far from a beauty, which I am sorry for. This day
with great joy Captain Titus told us the particulars of the French's
expedition against Gigery upon the Barbary Coast, in the Straights, with
6,000 chosen men. They have taken the Fort of Gigery, wherein were five
men and three guns, which makes the whole story of the King of France's
policy and power to be laughed at.

12th. This morning all the morning at my office ordering things against
my journey to-morrow. At noon to the Coffeehouse, where very good
discourse. For newes, all say De Ruyter is gone to Guinny before us. Sir
J. Lawson is come to Portsmouth; and our fleete is hastening all speed:
I mean this new fleete. Prince Rupert with his is got into the Downes.
At home dined with me W. Joyce and a friend of his. W. Joyce will go
with me to Brampton. After dinner I out to Mr. Bridges, the linnen
draper, and evened with (him) for 100 pieces of callico, and did give
him L208 18s., which I now trust the King for, but hope both to save
the King money and to get a little by it to boot. Thence by water up
and down all the timber yards to look out some Dram timber, but can find
none for our turne at the price I would have; and so I home, and there
at my office late doing business against my journey to clear my hands of
every thing for two days. So home and to supper and bed.

13th. After being at the office all the morning, I home and dined, and
taking leave of my wife with my mind not a little troubled how she would
look after herself or house in my absence, especially, too, leaving a
considerable sum of money in the office, I by coach to the Red Lyon in
Al