ry well of it, I saying little, but pleased to hear him talk; and to
see how some men may by age come to know much, and yet by their drinking
and other pleasures render themselves not very considerable. I did this
day find by discourse with somebody, that this nobleman was the great
Major-General Middleton; that was of the Scots army, in the beginning of
the late war against the King. Thence home and to the office to finish
my letters, and so home and did get my wife to read to me, and then Deb
to comb my head. ...

14th. Up, and by water, stopping at Michell's, and there saw Betty, but
could have no discourse with her, but there drank. To White Hall, and
there walked to St. James's, where I find the Court mighty full, it
being the Duke or York's birthday; and he mighty fine, and all the
musick, one after another, to my great content. Here I met with Sir
H. Cholmly; and he and I to walk, and to my Lord Barkeley's new house;
there to see a new experiment of a cart, which; by having two little
wheeles fastened to the axle-tree, is said to make it go with half the
ease and more, than another cart but we did not see the trial made.
Thence I home, and after dinner to St. James's, and there met my
brethren; but the Duke of York being gone out, and to-night being a play
there; and a great festival, we would not stay, but went all of us to
the King's playhouse, and there saw "The Faythful Shepherdess" again,
that we might hear the French Eunuch sing, which we did, to our great
content; though I do admire his action as much as his singing, being
both beyond all I ever saw or heard. Thence with W. Pen home, and there
to get my people to read, and to supper, and so to bed.

15th. Up, and all the morning at the office, and at home at dinner,
where, after dinner, my wife and I and Deb. out by coach to the
upholsters in Long Lane, Alderman Reeve's, and then to Alderman Crow's,
to see variety of hangings, and were mightily pleased therewith, and
spent the whole afternoon thereupon; and at last I think we shall pitch
upon the best suit of Apostles, where three pieces for my room will come
to almost L80: so home, and to my office, and then home to supper and to
bed. This day at the Board comes unexpected the warrants from the Duke
of York for Mr. Turner and Hater, for the places they desire, which
contents me mightily.

16th. Up, and busy all the morning at the office, and before noon I took
my wife by coach, and Deb., and shewed her