27th.  Up early, not quite rid of my pain.  I took more physique, and so made myself ready to go forth.  So to my Lord, who rose as soon as he heard I was there; and in his nightgown and shirt stood talking with me alone two hours,.  I believe, concerning his greatest matters of state and interest.  Among other things, that his greatest design is, first, to get clear of all debts to the King for the Embassy money, and then a pardon.  Then, to get his land settled; and then to, discourse and advise what is best for him, whether to keep his sea employment longer or no.  For he do discern that the Duke would be willing to have him out, and that by Coventry’s means.  And here he told me, how the terms at Argier were wholly his; and that he did plainly tell Lawson and agree with him, that he would have the honour of them, if they should ever be agreed to; and that accordingly they did come over hither entitled, “Articles concluded on by Sir J. Lawson, according to instructions received from His Royal Highness James Duke of York, &c., and from His Excellency the Earle of Sandwich.” (Which however was more than needed; but Lawson tells my Lord in his letter, that it was not he, but the Council of Warr that would have “His Royal Highness” put into the title, though he did not contribute one word to it.) But the Duke of York did yesterday propose them to the Council, to be printed with this title:  “Concluded on, by Sir J. Lawson, Knt.” and my Lord quite left out.  Here I find my Lord very politique; for he tells me, that he discerns they design to set up Lawson as much as they can and that he do counterplot them by setting him up higher still; by which they will find themselves spoiled of their design, and at last grow jealous of Lawson.  This he told me with much pleasure; and that several of the Duke’s servants, by name my Lord Barkeley [of Stratton], Mr. Talbot, and others, had complained to my Lord, of Coventry, and would have him out.  My Lord do acknowledge that his greatest obstacle is Coventry.  He did seem to hint such a question as this:  “Hitherto I have been supported by the King and Chancellor against the Duke; but what if it should come about, that it should be the Duke and Chancellor against the King?” which, though he said it in these plain words, yet I could not fully understand it; but may more here after.  My Lord did also tell me, that the Duke himself at Portsmouth did thank my Lord for all his pains and care; and that he perceived it must be the old Captains that must do the business; and that the new ones would spoil all.  And that my Lord did very discreetly tell the Duke (though quite against his judgement and inclination), that, however, the King’s new captains ought to be borne with a little and encouraged.  By which he will oblige that party, and prevent, as much as may be, their envy; but he says that certainly things will go to rack if ever the old captains should be wholly out, and the new ones only command.  Then