10th.  Went out early, and in my way met with Greatorex,—­[Ralph Greatorex, the well-known mathematical instrument maker of his day.  He is frequently mentioned by Pepys.]—­and at an alehouse he showed me the first sphere of wire that ever he made, and indeed it was very pleasant; thence to Mr. Crew’s, and borrowed L10, and so to my office, and was able to pay my money.  Thence into the Hall, and meeting the Quarter Master, Jenings, and Captain Rider, we four went to a cook’s to dinner.  Thence Jenings and I into London (it being through heat of the sun a great thaw and dirty) to show our bills of return, and coming back drank a pint of wine at the Star in Cheapside.  So to Westminster, overtaking Captain Okeshott in his silk cloak, whose sword got hold of many people in walking.  Thence to the Coffee-house, where were a great confluence of gentlemen; viz.  Mr. Harrington, Poultny, chairman, Gold, Dr, Petty; &c., where admirable discourse till at night.  Thence with Doling to Mother Lams, who told me how this day Scott

[Thomas Scott, M.P., was made Secretary of State to the Commonwealth on the 17th of this same January.  He signed the death warrant of Charles I., for which he was executed at Charing Cross, October 16th, 1660.  He gloried in his offence, and desired to have written on his tombstone, “Thomas Scott who adjudged to death the late king.”]

was made Intelligencer, and that the rest of the members that were objected against last night, their business was to be heard this day se’nnight.  Thence I went home and wrote a letter, and went to Harper’s, and staid there till Tom carried it to the postboy at Whitehall.  So home to bed.

11th.  Being at Will’s with Captain Barker, who hath paid me L300 this morning at my office, in comes my father, and with him I walked, and leave him at W. Joyce’s, and went myself to Mr. Crew’s, but came too late to dine, and therefore after a game at shittle-cocks—­[The game of battledore and shuttlecock was formerly much played even in tennis courts, and was a very violent game.]—­with Mr. Walgrave and Mr. Edward, I returned to my father, and taking him from W. Joyce’s, who was not abroad himself, we inquired of a porter, and by his direction went to an alehouse, where after a cup or two we parted.  I went towards London, and in my way went in to see Crowly, who was now grown a very great loon and very tame.  Thence to Mr. Steven’s with a pair of silver snuffers, and bought a pair of shears to cut silver, and so homeward again.  From home I went to see Mrs. Jem, who was in bed, and now granted to have the small-pox.  Back again, and went to the Coffee-house, but tarried not, and so home.