behind, not thinking she could have lived in that sea. Strange things are
told of this vessel, and he concludes his letter with this position, "I
only affirm that the perfection of sayling lies in my principle, finde it
out who can." Thence home, in my way meeting Mr. Rawlinson, who tells me
that my uncle Wight is off of his Hampshire purchase and likes less of the
Wights, and would have me to be kind and study to please him, which I am
resolved to do. Being at home he sent for me to dinner to meet Mr. Moore,
so I went thither and dined well, but it was strange for me to refuse, and
yet I did without any reluctancy to drink wine in a tavern, where nothing
else almost was drunk, and that excellent good. Thence with Mr. Moore to
the Wardrobe, and there sat while my Lord was private with Mr. Townsend
about his accounts an hour or two, we reading of a merry book against the
Presbyters called Cabbala, extraordinary witty. Thence walked home and to
my office, setting papers of all sorts and writing letters and putting
myself into a condition to go to Chatham with Mr. Coventry to-morrow. So,
at almost 12 o'clock, and my eyes tired with seeing to write, I went home
and to bed. Ending the month with pretty good content of mind, my wife in
the country and myself in good esteem, and likely by pains to become
considerable, I think, with God's blessing upon my diligence.

DIARY OF SAMUEL PEPYS.
AUGUST
1663

Aug. 1st. Up betimes and got me ready, and so to the office and put
things in order for my going. By and by comes Sir G. Carteret, and he and
I did some business, and then Mr. Coventry sending for me, he staying in
the boat, I got myself presently ready and down to him, he and I by water
to Gravesend (his man Lambert with us), and there eat a bit and so
mounted, I upon one of his horses which met him there, a brave proud