(Unabridged)

WITH LORD BRAYBROOKE’S NOTES

EDITED WITH ADDITIONS BY

HenryB. Wheatley F.S.A.

Diaryof Samuel Pepys. 
May
1660

May 1st.  This morning I was told how the people of Deal have set up two or three Maypoles, and have hung up their flags upon the top of them, and do resolve to be very merry to-day.  It being a very pleasant day, I wished myself in Hide Park.  This day I do count myself to have had full two years of perfect cure for the stone, for which God of heaven be blessed.  This day Captain Parker came on board, and without his expectation I had a commission for him for the Nonsuch frigate

[The “Nonsuch” was a fourth-rate of thirty-two guns, built at
Deptford in 1646 by Peter Pett, jun.  The captain was John Parker.]

(he being now in the Cheriton), for which he gave me a French pistole.  Captain H. Cuttance has commission for the Cheriton.  After dinner to nine-pins, and won something.  The rest of the afternoon in my cabin writing and piping.  While we were at supper we heard a great noise upon the Quarter Deck, so we all rose instantly, and found it was to save the coxon of the Cheriton, who, dropping overboard, could not be saved, but was drowned.  To-day I put on my suit that was altered from the great skirts to little ones.  To-day I hear they were very merry at Deal, setting up the King’s flag upon one of their maypoles, and drinking his health upon their knees in the streets, and firing the guns, which the soldiers of the Castle threatened; but durst not oppose.

2nd.  In the morning at a breakfast of radishes at the Purser’s cabin.  After that to writing till dinner.  At which time comes Dunne from London, with letters that tell us the welcome news of the Parliament’s votes yesterday, which will be remembered for the happiest May-day that bath been many a year to England.  The King’s letter was read in the House, wherein he submits himself and all things to them, as to an Act of Oblivion to all,

["His Majesty added thereunto an excellent Declaration for the safety and repose of those, who tortured in their consciences, for having partaken in the rebellion, might fear the punishment of it, and in that fear might oppose the tranquillity of the Estate, and the calling in of their lawful Prince.  It is printed and published as well as the letter, but that shall not hinder me to say, that there was never seen a more perfect assemblage of all the most excellent natural qualities, and of all the venues, as well Royal as Christian, wherewith a great Prince may be endowed, than was found in those two wonderful productions.”—­Sir William Lowers ’Relation . . . of the voiage and Residence Which . . .  Charles the ii.  Hath made in Holland,’ Hague, 1660, folio, p. 3.]

unless they shall please to except any, as to the