[It was called “A Bill for raising part of the supply for his
     Majesty by an imposition on Sealed Paper and Parchment”—­B.]

yet now it is laid aside wholly, and to be supplied by a land-tax; which it is true will do well, and will be the sooner finished, which was the great argument for the doing of it.  But then it shews them fools, that they would not permit this to have been done six weeks ago, which they might have had.  And next, they have parted with the Paper Bill, which, when once begun, might have proved a very good flower in the Crowne, as any there.  So do really say that they are truly outwitted by the other side.  Thence away to Sir R. Viner’s, and there chose some plate besides twelve plates which I purpose to have with Captain Cocke’s gift of L100, and so home and there busy late, and then home and to bed.

16th (Lord’s day).  Lay long talking with my wife in bed, then up with great content and to my chamber to set right a picture or two, Lovett having sent me yesterday Sancta Clara’s head varnished, which is very fine, and now my closet is so full stored, and so fine, as I would never desire to have it better.  Dined without any strangers with me, which I do not like on Sundays.  Then after dinner by water to Westminster to see Mrs. Martin, whom I found up in her chamber and ready to go abroad.  I sat there with her and her husband and others a pretty while, and then away to White Hall, and there walked up and down to the Queen’s side, and there saw my dear Lady Castlemayne, who continues admirable, methinks, and I do not hear but that the King is the same to her still as ever.  Anon to chapel, by the King’s closet, and heard a very good anthemne.  Then with Lord Bruncker to Sir W. Coventry’s chamber; and there we sat with him and talked.  He is weary of anything to do, he says, in the Navy.  He tells us this Committee of Accounts will enquire sharply into our office.  And, speaking of Sir J. Minnes, he says he will not bear any body’s faults but his own.  He discoursed as bad of Sir W. Batten almost, and cries out upon the discipline of the fleete, which is lost, and that there is not in any of the fourth rates and under scarce left one Sea Commander, but all young gentlemen; and what troubles him, he hears that the gentlemen give out that in two or three years a Tarpaulin shall not dare to look after being better than a Boatswain.  Which he is troubled at, and with good reason, and at this day Sir Robert Holmes is mighty troubled that his brother do not command in chief, but is commanded by Captain Hannum, who, Sir W. Coventry says, he believes to be at least of as good blood, is a longer bred seaman, an elder officer, and an elder commander, but such is Sir R. Holmes’s pride as never to be stopt, he being greatly troubled at my Lord Bruncker’s late discharging all his men and officers but the standing officers at Chatham, and so are all other Commanders, and a very great cry hath been to the King from them