it was told me
that it is their custom to confirm all bargains by putting something into
the poor people's box, and that binds as fast as any thing. We also saw
the Guesthouse, where it was very pleasant to see what neat preparation
there is for the poor. We saw one poor man a-dying there. After we had
seen all, we light by chance of an English house to drink in, where we
were very merry, discoursing of the town and the thing that hangs up in
the Stadthouse like a bushel, which I was told is a sort of punishment for
some sort of offenders to carry through the streets of the town over his
head, which is a great weight. Back by water, where a pretty sober Dutch
lass sat reading all the way, and I could not fasten any discourse upon
her. At our landing we met with Commissioner Pett going down to the
water-side with Major Harly, who is going upon a dispatch into England.
They having a coach I left the Parson and my boy and went along with
Commissioner Pett, Mr. Ackworth and Mr. Dawes his friends, to the Princess
Dowager's house again. Thither also my Lord Fairfax and some other English
Lords did come to see it, and my pleasure was increased by seeing of it
again. Besides we went into the garden, wherein are gallant nuts better
than ever I saw, and a fine Echo under the house in a vault made on
purpose with pillars, where I played on my flageolette to great advantage.
Back to the Hague, where not finding Mr. Edward, I was much troubled, but
went with the Parson to supper to Commissioner Pett, where we sat late.
And among other mirth Mr. Ackworth vyed wives, each endeavouring to set
his own wife out to the best advantage, he having as they said an
extraordinary handsome wife. But Mr. Dawes could not be got to say
anything of his. After that to our lodging where W. Howe and I exceeding
troubled not to know what is become of our young gentleman. So to bed.

19th. Up early, hearing nothing of the child, and went to Scheveling,
where I found no getting on board, though the Duke of York sent every day
to see whether he could do it or no. Here I met with Mr. Pinkney and his
sons, and with them went back to the Hague, in our way lighting and going
to see a woman that makes pretty rock-work in shells, &c., which could I
have carried safe I would have bought some of. At the Hague we went to
buy some pictures, where I saw a sort of painting done upon woollen cloth,
drawn as if there was a curtain over it, which was very pleasan