chance to keep him in Ireland, when he is there:" for Sir W. Pen is going
thither with my Lord Lieutenant. But it is my design to keep much in with
Sir George; and I think I have begun very well towards it. So to the
office, and was there late doing business, and so with my head full of
business I to bed.

9th. Up and to my office, and so to dinner at home, and then to several
places to pay my debts, and then to Westminster to Dr. Castle, who
discoursed with me about Privy Seal business, which I do not much mind, it
being little worth, but by Watkins's--[clerk of the Privy Seal]--late
sudden death we are like to lose money. Thence to Mr. de Cretz, and there
saw some good pieces that he hath copyed of the King's pieces, some of
Raphael and Michael Angelo; and I have borrowed an Elizabeth of his
copying to hang up in my house, and sent it home by Will. Thence with Mr.
Salisbury, who I met there, into Covent Garden to an alehouse, to see a
picture that hangs there, which is offered for 20s., and I offered
fourteen--but it is worth much more money--but did not buy it, I having no
mind to break my oath. Thence to see an Italian puppet play that is
within the rayles there, which is very pretty, the best that ever I saw,
and great resort of gallants. So to the Temple and by water home, and so
walk upon the leads, and in the dark there played upon my flageolette, it
being a fine still evening, and so to supper and to bed. This day I paid
Godfrey's debt of 40 and odd pounds. The Duke of York went last night to
Portsmouth; so that I believe the Queen is near.

10th. By myself at the office all the morning drawing up instructions for
Portsmouth yard in those things wherein we at our late being there did
think fit to reform, and got them signed this morning to send away
to-night, the Duke being now there. At noon to the Wardrobe; there dined.
My Lady told me how my Lady Castlemaine do speak of going to lie in at