of Rate for Pole-money, an for judicial proceedings. At Westminster Hall
I met with Mr. Paget the lawyer, and dined with him at Heaven. This
afternoon my wife went to Mr. Pierce's wife's child's christening, and was
urged to be godmother, but I advised her before-hand not to do it, so she
did not, but as proxy for my Lady Jemimah. This the first day that ever I
saw my wife wear black patches since we were married!

[The fashion of placing black patches on the face was introduced
towards the close of the reign of Charles I., and the practice is
ridiculed in the "Spectator."]

My Lord came to town to-day, but coming not home till very late I staid
till 10 at night, and so home on foot. Mr. Sheply and Mr. Childe this
night at the tavern.

31st. Early to wait upon my Lord at White Hall, and with him to the
Duke's chamber. So to my office in Seething Lane. Dined at home, and
after dinner to my Lord again, who told me that he is ordered to go
suddenly to sea, and did give me some orders to be drawing up against his
going. This afternoon I agreed to let my house quite out of my hands to
Mr. Dalton (one of the wine sellers to the King, with whom I had drunk in
the old wine cellar two or three times) for L41. At night made even at
Privy Seal for this month against tomorrow to give up possession, but we
know not to whom, though we most favour Mr. Bickerstaffe, with whom and
Mr. Matthews we drank late after office was done at the Sun, discoursing
what to do about it tomorrow against Baron, and so home and to bed.
Blessed be God all things continue well with and for me. I pray God fit
me for a change of my fortune.

DIARY OF SAMUEL PEPYS.