llaine," a new play made by Tom Porter;
and acted only on Saturday at the Duke's house, as if there never had
been any such play come upon the stage. The same yesterday was told me
by Captain Ferrers; and this morning afterwards by Dr. Clerke, who saw
it. Insomuch that after I had done with the Duke, and thence gone with
Commissioner Pett to Mr. Lilly's, the great painter, who came forth to
us; but believing that I come to bespeak a picture, he prevented us by
telling us, that he should not be at leisure these three weeks; which
methinks is a rare thing. And then to see in what pomp his table was
laid for himself to go to dinner; and here, among other pictures, saw
the so much desired by me picture of my Lady Castlemaine, which is a
most blessed picture; and that that I must have a copy of. And having
thence gone to my brother's, where my wife lodged last night, and eat
something there, I took her by coach to the Duke's house, and there was
the house full of company: but whether it was in over-expecting or what,
I know not, but I was never less pleased with a play in my life. Though
there was good singing and dancing, yet no fancy in the play, but
something that made it less contenting was my conscience that I ought
not to have gone by my vow, and, besides, my business commanded me
elsewhere. But, however, as soon as I came home I did pay my crown to
the poor's box, according to my vow, and so no harm as to that is done,
but only business lost and money lost, and my old habit of pleasure
wakened, which I will keep down the more hereafter, for I thank God
these pleasures are not sweet to me now in the very enjoying of them. So
by coach home, and after a little business at my office, and seeing Sir
W. Pen, who continues ill, I went to bed. Dunkirk, I am confirmed, is
absolutely sold; for which I am very sorry.

21st. Up, and while I was dressing myself, my brother Tom being there
I did chide him for his folly in abusing himself about the match, for I
perceive he do endeavour all he can to get her, and she and her friends
to have more than her portion deserves, which now from 6 or L700 is come
to L450. I did by several steps shew Tom how he would not be L100 the
better for her according to the ways he took to joynture her. After
having done with him to the office, and there all the morning, and in
the middle of our sitting my workmen setting about the putting up of
my rails upon my leads, Sir J. Minnes did spy them and fell