commend "The Villaine," a new play made by Tom Porter; and acted only on
Saturday at the Duke's house, as if there never had been any such play
come upon the stage. The same yesterday was told me by Captain Ferrers;
and this morning afterwards by Dr. Clerke, who saw it. Insomuch that
after I had done with the Duke, and thence gone with Commissioner Pett to
Mr. Lilly's, the great painter, who came forth to us; but believing that I
come to bespeak a picture, he prevented us by telling us, that he should
not be at leisure these three weeks; which methinks is a rare thing. And
then to see in what pomp his table was laid for himself to go to dinner;
and here, among other pictures, saw the so much desired by me picture of
my Lady Castlemaine, which is a most blessed picture; and that that I must
have a copy of. And having thence gone to my brother's, where my wife
lodged last night, and eat something there, I took her by coach to the
Duke's house, and there was the house full of company: but whether it was
in over-expecting or what, I know not, but I was never less pleased with a
play in my life. Though there was good singing and dancing, yet no fancy
in the play, but something that made it less contenting was my conscience
that I ought not to have gone by my vow, and, besides, my business
commanded me elsewhere. But, however, as soon as I came home I did pay my
crown to the poor's box, according to my vow, and so no harm as to that is
done, but only business lost and money lost, and my old habit of pleasure
wakened, which I will keep down the more hereafter, for I thank God these
pleasures are not sweet to me now in the very enjoying of them. So by
coach home, and after a little business at my office, and seeing Sir W.
Pen, who continues ill, I went to bed. Dunkirk, I am confirmed, is
absolutely sold; for which I am very sorry.

21st. Up, and while I was dressing myself, my brother Tom being there I
did chide him for his folly in abusing himself about the match, for I
perceive he do endeavour all he can to get her, and she and her friends to