s pieces which are put into a frame of woodwork to
cure and strengthen a shaft.]

he undertook for the new ship at Woolwich, which we have been so long,
to our shame, in looking for, do prove knotty and not fit for service.
Lord! how Sir J. Minnes, like a mad coxcomb, did swear and stamp,
swearing that Commissioner Pett hath still the old heart against the
King that ever he had, and that this was his envy against his brother
that was to build the ship, and all the damnable reproaches in the
world, at which I was ashamed, but said little; but, upon the whole,
I find him still a fool, led by the nose with stories told by Sir W.
Batten, whether with or without reason. So, vexed in my mind to see
things ordered so unlike gentlemen, or men of reason, I went home and to
bed.

2nd. Up by very betimes and to my office, where all the morning till
towards noon, and then by coach to Westminster Hall with Sir W. Pen, and
while he went up to the House I walked in the Hall with Mr. Pierce, the
surgeon, that I met there, talking about my business the other day with
Holmes, whom I told my mind, and did freely tell how I do depend upon my
care and diligence in my employment to bear me out against the pride
of Holmes or any man else in things that are honest, and much to that
purpose which I know he will make good use of. But he did advise me to
take as few occasions as I can of disobliging Commanders, though this is
one that every body is glad to hear that he do receive a check. By and
by the House rises and I home again with Sir W. Pen, and all the way
talking of the same business, to whom I did on purpose tell him my mind
freely, and let him see that it must be a wiser man than Holmes (in
these very words) that shall do me any hurt while I do my duty. I to
remember him of Holmes's words against Sir J. Minnes, that he was a
knave, rogue, coward, and that he will kick him and pull him by the
ears, which he remembered all of them and may have occasion to do it
hereafter to his owne shame to suffer them to be spoke in his presence
without any reply but what I did give him, which, has caused all this
feud. But I am glad of it, for I would now and then take occasion to
let the world know that I will not be made a novice. Sir W. Pen took
occasion to speak about my wife's strangeness to him and his daughter,
and that believing at last that it was from his taking of Sarah to be
his maid, he hath now put her away, at which I am glad. He t