and I would be thought to be as much with Mr. Coventry as I can. Here we
staid till noon, and by that time paid off the Breda, and then to dinner
at the tavern, where I have obtained that our commons is not so large as
they used to be, which I am glad to see. After dinner by water to the
office, and there we met and sold the Weymouth, Successe, and Fellowship
hulkes, where pleasant to see how backward men are at first to bid; and
yet when the candle is going out, how they bawl and dispute afterwards who
bid the most first. And here I observed one man cunninger than the rest
that was sure to bid the last man, and to carry it; and inquiring the
reason, he told me that just as the flame goes out the smoke descends,
which is a thing I never observed before, and by that he do know the
instant when to bid last, which is very pretty. In our discourse in the
boat Mr. Coventry told us how the Fanatiques and the Presbyters, that did
intend to rise about this time, did choose this day as the most auspicious
to them in their endeavours against monarchy: it being fatal twice to the
King, and the day of Oliver's death.

[Cromwell had considered the 3rd of September as the most fortunate
day of his life, on account of his victories at Dunbar and
Worcester. It was also remarkable for the great storm that occurred
at the time of his death; and as being the day on which the Fire of
London, in 1666, burnt with the greatest fury.--B.]

But, blessed be God! all is likely to be quiet, I hope. After the sale I
walked to my brother's, in my way meeting with Dr. Fairbrother, of whom I
enquired what news in Church matters. He tells me, what I heard confirmed
since, that it was fully resolved by the King's new Council that an
indulgence should be granted the Presbyters; but upon the Bishop of
London's speech