p of one Dorrington's:--and it was pretty to observe how
Sir W. Pen making use of this argument against the validity of an oath,
against the King, being made by the master's mate of the ship, who was
but a fellow of about 23 years of age--the master of the ship, against
whom we pleaded, did say that he did think himself at that age capable
of being master's mate of any ship; and do know that he, himself, Sir W:
Pen, was so himself, and in no better degree at that age himself: which
word did strike Sir W. Pen dumb, and made him open his mouth no more;
and I saw the King and Duke of York wink at one another at it. This
done, we into the gallery; and there I walked with several people, and
among others my Lord Brouncker, who I do find under much trouble still
about the business of the tickets, his very case being brought in; as
is said, this day in the Report of the Miscarriages. And he seems to
lay much of it on me, which I did clear and satisfy him in; and would
be glad with all my heart to serve him in, and have done it more than
he hath done for himself, he not deserving the least blame, but
commendations, for this. I met with my cozen Roger Pepys and Creed;
and from them understand that the Report was read to-day of the
Miscarriages, wherein my Lord Sandwich is [named] about the business
I mentioned this morning; but I will be at rest, for it can do him no
hurt. Our business of tickets is soundly up, and many others: so they
went over them again, and spent all the morning on the first, which is
the dividing of the fleete; wherein hot work was, and that among great
men, Privy-Councillors, and, they say, Sir W. Coventry; but I do not
much fear it, but do hope that it will shew a little, of the Duke of
Albemarle and the Prince to have been advisers in it: but whereas they
ordered that the King's Speech should be considered today, they took
no notice of it at all, but are really come to despise the King in all
possible ways of chewing it. And it was the other day a strange saying,
as I am told by my cozen Roger Pepys, in the House, when it was moved
that the King's speech should be considered, that though the first part
of the Speech, meaning the league that is there talked of, be the only
good publick thing that hath been done since the King come into England,
yet it might bear with being put off to consider, till Friday next,
which was this day. Secretary Morrice did this day in the House, when
they talked of intelligence