["Sir Robert Moray presented the Society from the King with a phial of Florentine poison sent for by his Majesty from Florence, on purpose to have those experiments related of the efficacy thereof, tried by the Society.”  The poison had little effect upon the kitten (Birch’s “History;” vol. ii., p. 31).]

The first it made for a time drunk, but it come to itself again quickly; the second it made vomitt mightily, but no other hurt.  The third I did not stay to see the effect of it, being taken out by Povy.  He and I walked below together, he giving me most exceeding discouragements in the getting of money (whether by design or no I know not, for I am now come to think him a most cunning fellow in most things he do, but his accounts), and made it plain to me that money will be hard to get, and that it is to be feared Backewell hath a design in it to get the thing forced upon himself.  This put me into a cruel melancholy to think I may lose what I have had so near my hand; but yet something may be hoped for which to-morrow will shew.  He gone, Creed and I together a great while consulting what to do in this case, and after all I left him to do what he thought fit in his discourse to-morrow with my Lord Ashly.  So home, and in my way met with Mr. Warren, from whom my hopes I fear will fail of what I hoped for, by my getting him a protection.  But all these troubles will if not be over, yet we shall see the worst of there in a day or two.  So to my office, and thence to supper, and my head akeing, betimes, that is by 10 or 11 o’clock, to bed.

20th.  Up, and all the morning busy at the office.  At noon dined, and Mr. Povy by agreement with me (where his boldness with Mercer, poor innocent wench, did make both her and me blush, to think how he were able to debauch a poor girl if he had opportunity) at a dish or two of plain meat of his own choice.  After dinner comes Creed and then Andrews, where want of money to Andrews the main discourse, and at last in confidence of Creed’s judgement I am resolved to spare him 4 or L500 of what lies by me upon the security of some Tallys.  This went against my heart to begin, but when obtaining Mr. Creed to joyne with me we do resolve to assist Mr. Andrews.  Then anon we parted, and I to my office, where late, and then home to supper and to bed.  This night I am told the first play is played in White Hall noon-hall, which is now turned to a house of playing.  I had a great mind, but could not go to see it.

21st.  Up and to my office about business.  Anon comes Creed and Povy, and we treat about the business of our lending money, Creed and I, upon a tally for the satisfying of Andrews, and did conclude it as in papers is expressed, and as I am glad to have an opportunity of having 10 per cent. for my money, so I am as glad that the sum I begin this trade with is no more than L350.  We all dined at Andrews’ charge at the Sun behind the ’Change, a good