bad of the cancer and my left leg beginning to be sore again. After
dinner to see Mrs. Jem, and in the way met with Catan on foot in the
street and talked with her a little, so home and took my wife to my
father's. In my way I went to Playford's, and for two books that I had
and 6s. 6d. to boot I had my great book of songs which he sells always for
r 4s. At my father's I staid a while, while my mother sent her maid Bess
to Cheapside for some herbs to make a water for my mouth. Then I went to
see Mr. Cumberland, and after a little stay with him I returned, and took
my wife home, where after supper to bed. This day Monk was invited to
White Hall to dinner by my Lords; not seeming willing, he would not come.
I went to Mr. Fage from my father's, who had been this afternoon with
Monk, who do promise to live and die with the City, and for the honour of
the City; and indeed the City is very open-handed to the soldiers, that
they are most of them drunk all day, and have money given them. He did
give me something for my mouth which I did use this night.

14th. Called out in the morning by Mr. Moore, whose voice my wife hearing
in my dressing-chamber with me, got herself ready, and came down and
challenged him for her valentine, this being the day.

[The practice of choosing valentines was very general at this time,
but some of the best examples of the custom are found in this
Diary.]

To Westminster Hall, there being many new remonstrances and declarations
from many counties to Monk and the City, and one coming from the North
from Sir Thomas Fairfax. Hence I took him to the Swan and gave him his
morning draft. So to my office, where Mr. Hill of Worcestershire came to
see me and my partner in our office, with whom we went to Will's to drink.
At noon I went home and so to Mr. Crew's, but they had dined, and so I