May 2. Welcome news of the parliament’s votes yesterday, which will be remembered for the happiest May-day that hath been many a year to England.  The king’s letter was read in the house, wherein he submits himself and all things to them.  The house, upon reading the letter, ordered L50,000 to be forthwith provided to send to his majesty for his present supply.  The City of London have put out a declaration, wherein they do disclaim their owning any other government but that of a king, lords, and commons.

May 3. This morning my lord showed me the king’s declaration to be communicated to the fleet.  I went up to the quarter-deck with my lord and the commanders, and there read the papers; which done, the seamen did all of them cry out, “God bless King Charles!” with the greatest joy imaginable.  After dinner to the rest of the ships quite through the fleet.

May 11. This morning we began to pull down all the state’s arms in the fleet, having first sent to Dover for painters to come and set up the king’s.  After dinner we set sail from the Downs, but dropped anchor again over against Dover Castle.

May 12. My lord gave order for weighing anchor, which we did, and sailed all day.

May 14. In the morning the Hague was clearly to be seen by us.  The weather bad; we were sadly washed when we come near the shore, it being very hard to land there.

May 23. Come infinity of people on board from the king to go along with him.  The king, with the two dukes and Queen of Bohemia, Princess Royal, and Prince of Orange, come on board, where I, in their coming in, kissed the king’s, queen’s, and princess’s hands, having done the other before.  Infinite shooting of the runs, and that in a disorder on purpose, which was better than if it had been otherwise.  We weighed anchor, and with a fresh gale and most happy weather we set sail for England.

May 24. Up, and made myself as fine as I could, with the stockings on and wide canons that I bought at Hague.  Extraordinary press of noble company, and great mirth all day.

May 25. By the morning we were come close to the land, and everybody made ready to get on shore.  I spoke to the Duke of York about business, who called me Pepys by name, and upon my desire did promise me his future favour.  The king went in my lord’s barge with the two dukes, and was received by General Monk with all love and respect at his entrance upon the land of Dover.  The shouting and joy expressed by all is past imagination.

1660-1661.  At the end of the last and the beginning of this year, I do live in one of the houses belonging to the Navy Office, as one of the principal officers; my family being myself, my wife, Jane, Will Hewer, and Wayneman, my girl’s brother.  Myself in constant good health, and in a most handsome and thriving condition.  Blessed be God for it.  The king settled, and loved of all.