the simplest looked fellow and old that ever I saw.  After dinner I took coach and away to Hales’s, where my wife is sitting; and, indeed, her face and necke, which are now finished, do so please me that I am not myself almost, nor was not all the night after in writing of my letters, in consideration of the fine picture that I shall be master of.  Thence home and to the office, where very late, and so home to supper and to bed.

9th.  Up, and being ready, to the Cockpitt to make a visit to the Duke of Albemarle, and to my great joy find him the same man to me that [he has been] heretofore, which I was in great doubt of, through my negligence in not visiting of him a great while; and having now set all to rights there, I am in mighty ease in my mind and I think shall never suffer matters to run so far backward again as I have done of late, with reference to my neglecting him and Sir W. Coventry.  Thence by water down to Deptford, where I met my Lord Bruncker and Sir W. Batten by agreement, and to measuring Mr. Castle’s new third-rate ship, which is to be called the Defyance.

[William Castell wrote to the Navy Commissioners on February 17th, 1665-66, to inform them that the “Defiance” had gone to Longreach, and again, on February 22nd, to say that Mr. Grey had no masts large enough for the new ship.  Sir William Batten on March 29th asked for the consent of the Board to bring the “Defiance” into dock (” Calendar of State Papers,” Domestic, 1665-66, pp. 252, 262, 324).]

And here I had my end in saving the King some money and getting myself some experience in knowing how they do measure ships.  Thence I left them and walked to Redriffe, and there taking water was overtaken by them in their boat, and so they would have me in with them to Castle’s house, where my Lady Batten and Madam Williams were, and there dined and a deale of doings.  I had a good dinner and counterfeit mirthe and pleasure with them, but had but little, thinking how I neglected my business.  Anon, all home to Sir W. Batten’s and there Mrs. Knipp coming we did spend the evening together very merry.  She and I singing, and, God forgive me!  I do still see that my nature is not to be quite conquered, but will esteem pleasure above all things, though yet in the middle of it, it has reluctances after my business, which is neglected by my following my pleasure.  However musique and women I cannot but give way to, whatever my business is.  They being gone I to the office a while and so home to supper and to bed.

10th.  Up, and to the office, and there busy sitting till noon.  I find at home Mrs. Pierce and Knipp come to dine with me.  We were mighty merry; and, after dinner, I carried them and my wife out by coach to the New Exchange, and there I did give my valentine, Mrs. Pierce, a dozen payre of gloves, and a payre of silke stockings, and Knipp for company’s sake, though my wife had, by my consent, laid out 20s. upon her the other day, six payre of gloves.