I out to my office, taking in Bagwell's wife, who I knew waited for me,
but company came to me so soon that I could have no discourse with her, as
I intended, of pleasure. So anon abroad with Creed walked to Bartholomew
Fayre, this being the last day, and there saw the best dancing on the
ropes that I think I ever saw in my life, and so all say, and so by coach
home, where I find my wife hath had her head dressed by her woman, Mercer,
which is to come to her to-morrow, but my wife being to go to a
christening tomorrow, she came to do her head up to-night. So a while to
my office, and then to supper and to bed.

8th. Up and to the office, where busy all the morning. At noon dined at
home, and I by water down to Woolwich by a galley, and back again in the
evening. All haste made in setting out this Guinny fleete, but yet not
such as will ever do the King's business if we come to a warr. My wife
this afternoon being very well dressed by her new woman, Mary Mercer, a
decayed merchant's daughter that our Will helps us to, did go to the
christening of Mrs. Mills, the parson's wife's child, where she never was
before. After I was come home Mr. Povey came to me and took me out to
supper to Mr. Bland's, who is making now all haste to be gone for Tangier.
Here pretty merry, and good discourse, fain to admire the knowledge and
experience of Mrs. Bland, who I think as good a merchant as her husband.
I went home and there find Mercer, whose person I like well, and I think
will do well, at least I hope so. So to my office a while and then to
bed.

9th. Up, and to put things in order against dinner. I out and bought
several things, among others, a dozen of silver salts; home, and to the
office, where some of us met a little, and then home, and at noon comes my
company, namely, Anthony and Will Joyce and their wives, my aunt James
newly come out of Wales, and my cozen Sarah Gyles. Her husband did not