a contempt of death; for, says he, how chagrined the Prince was the other day when he thought he should die, having no more mind to it than another man.  But, says he, some men are more apt to think they shall escape than another man in fight, while another is doubtfull he shall be hit.  But when the first man is sure he shall die, as now the Prince is, he is as much troubled and apprehensive of it as any man else; for, says he, since we told [him] that we believe he would overcome his disease, he is as merry, and swears and laughs and curses, and do all the things of a [man] in health, as ever he did in his life; which, methought, was a most extraordinary saying before a great many persons there of quality.  So by and by with Sir W. Pen home again, and after supper to the office to finish my vows, and so to bed.

16th.  Up and with Sir W. Batten and Sir W. Pen to White Hall, where we did our business with the Duke.  Thence I to Westminster Hall and walked up and down.  Among others Ned Pickering met me and tells me how active my Lord is at sea, and that my Lord Hinchingbroke is now at Rome, and, by all report, a very noble and hopefull gentleman.  Thence to Mr. Povy’s, and there met Creed, and dined well after his old manner of plenty and curiosity.  But I sat in pain to think whether he would begin with me again after dinner with his enquiry after my bill, but he did not, but fell into other discourse, at which I was glad, but was vexed this morning meeting of Creed at some bye questions that he demanded of me about some such thing, which made me fear he meant that very matter, but I perceive he did not.  Thence to visit my Lady Sandwich and so to a Tangier Committee, where a great company of the new Commissioners, Lords, that in behalfe of my Lord Bellasses are very loud and busy and call for Povy’s accounts, but it was a most sorrowful thing to see how he answered to questions so little to the purpose, but to his owne wrong.  All the while I sensible how I am concerned in my bill of L100 and somewhat more.  So great a trouble is fear, though in a case that at the worst will bear enquiry.  My Lord Barkeley was very violent against Povy.  But my Lord Ashly, I observe, is a most clear man in matters of accounts, and most ingeniously did discourse and explain all matters.  We broke up, leaving the thing to a Committee of which I am one.  Povy, Creed, and I staid discoursing, I much troubled in mind seemingly for the business, but indeed only on my own behalf, though I have no great reason for it, but so painfull a thing is fear.  So after considering how to order business, Povy and I walked together as far as the New Exchange and so parted, and I by coach home.  To the office a while, then to supper and to bed.  This afternoon Secretary Bennet read to the Duke of Yorke his letters, which say that Allen