21st. Up, and by coach to Mr. Povy's, and there got him to signe the
payment of Captain Tayler's bills for the remainder of freight for the
Eagle, wherein I shall be gainer about L30, thence with him to Westminster
by coach to Houseman's [Huysman] the great picture drawer, and saw again
very fine pictures, and have his promise, for Mr. Povy's sake, to take
pains in what picture I shall set him about, and I think to have my
wife's. But it is a strange thing to observe and fit for me to remember
that I am at no time so unwilling to part with money as when I am
concerned in the getting of it most, as I thank God of late I have got
more in this month, viz. near 0250, than ever I did in half a year before
in my life, I think. Thence to White Hall with him, and so walked to the
old Exchange and back to Povy's to dinner, where great and good company;
among others Sir John Skeffington, whom I knew at Magdalen College, a
fellow-commoner, my fellow-pupil, but one with whom I had no great
acquaintance, he being then, God knows, much above me. Here I was afresh
delighted with Mr. Povy's house and pictures of perspective, being strange
things to think how they do delude one's eye, that methinks it would make
a man doubtful of swearing that ever he saw any thing. Thence with him to
St. James's, and so to White Hall to a Tangier Committee, and hope I have
light of another opportunity of getting a little money if Sir W. Warren
will use me kindly for deales to Tangier, and with the hopes went joyfully
home, and there received Captain Tayler's money, received by Will to-day,
out of which (as I said above) I shall get above L30. So with great
comfort to bed, after supper. By discourse this day I have great hopes
from Mr. Coventry that the Dutch and we shall not fall out.

22nd. Up and at the office all the morning. To the 'Change at noon, and
among other things discoursed with Sir William Warren what I might do to
get a little money by carrying of deales to Tangier, and told him the
opportunity I have there of doing it, and he did give me some advice,