the Presbyters and others, designing to cry up the Covenant, and to secure
Dublin Castle and other places; and they have debauched a good part of the
army there, promising them ready money.

[This was known as "Blood's Plot," and was named after Colonel
Thomas Blood, afterwards notorious for his desperate attack upon the
Duke of Ormond in St. James's Street (1670) and for his robbery of
the crown jewels in the Tower (1671). He died August 24th, 1680.]

Some of the Parliament there, they say, are guilty, and some withdrawn
upon it; several persons taken, and among others a son of Scott's, that
was executed here for the King's murder. What reason the King hath, I
know not; but it seems he is doubtfull of Scotland: and this afternoon,
when I was there, the Council was called extraordinary; and they were
opening the letters this last post's coming and going between Scotland and
us and other places. Blessed be God, my head and hands are clear, and
therefore my sleep safe. The King of France is well again.

2d. Up and by water to White Hall and so to St. James's, to Mr. Coventry;
where I had an hour's private talk with him. Most of it was discourse
concerning his own condition, at present being under the censure of the
House, being concerned with others in the Bill for selling of offices. He
tells me, that though he thinks himself to suffer much in his fame hereby,
yet he values nothing more of evil to hang over him for that it is against
no statute, as is pretended, nor more than what his predecessors time out
of mind have taken; and that so soon as he found himself to be in an
errour, he did desire to have his fees set, which was done; and since that
he hath not taken a token more. He undertakes to prove, that he did never
take a token of any captain to get him employed in his life beforehand, or
demanded any thing: and for the other accusation, that the Cavaliers are