that I may get a sum by to set me up. I am now also busy in a discovery
for my Lord Sandwich and Sir H. Bennett by Mr. Wade's means of some of
Baxter's [Barkstead] money hid in one of his cellars in the Tower. If we
get it it may be I may be 10 or L20 the better for it. I thank God I have
no crosses, but only much business to trouble my mind with. In all other
things as happy a man as any in the world, for the whole world seems to
smile upon me, and if my house were done that I could diligently follow my
business, I would not doubt to do God, and the King, and myself good
service. And all I do impute almost wholly to my late temperance, since
my making of my vowes against wine and plays, which keeps me most happily
and contentfully to my business; which God continue! Public matters are
full of discontent, what with the sale of Dunkirk, and my Lady
Castlemaine, and her faction at Court; though I know not what they would
have more than to debauch the king, whom God preserve from it! And then
great plots are talked to be discovered, and all the prisons in town full
of ordinary people, taken from their meeting-places last Sunday. But for
certain some plots there hath been, though not brought to a head.