I did propose my Lord Belasses as a man likely to buy it, which he
listened to, and I did fully concur and promote his design of parting with
it, for though I would have my father live, I would not have him die
Treasurer of the Navy, because of the accounts which must be uncleared at
his death, besides many other circumstances making it advisable for him to
let it go. He tells me that he fears all will come to naught in the
nation soon if the King do not mind his business, which he do not seem
likely to do. He says that the Treasury will be managed for a while by a
Commission, whereof he thinks my Lord Chancellor for the honour of it, and
my Lord Ashly, and the two Secretaries will be, and some others he knows
not. I took leave of him, and directly by water home, and there to read
the life of Mr. Hooker, which pleases me as much as any thing I have read
a great while, and by and by comes Mr. Howe to see us, and after him a
little Mr. Sheply, and so we all to talk, and, Mercer being there, we some
of us to sing, and so to supper, a great deal of silly talk. Among other
things, W. Howe told us how the Barristers and Students of Gray's Inne
rose in rebellion against the Benchers the other day, who outlawed them,
and a great deal of do; but now they are at peace again. They being gone,
I to my book again, and made an end of Mr. Hooker's Life, and so to bed.

20th. Up betimes, and comes my flagelette master to set me a new tune,
which I played presently, and shall in a month do as much as I desire at
it. He being gone, I to several businesses in my chamber, and then by
coach to the Commissioners of Excise, and so to Westminster Hall, and
there spoke with several persons I had to do with. Here among other news,
I hear that the Commissioners for the Treasury were named by the King
yesterday; but who they are nobody could tell: but the persons are the
Lord Chancellor, the two Secretaries, Lord Ashly, and others say Sir W.
Coventry and Sir John Duncomb, but all conclude the Duke of Albemarle; but
reports do differ, but will be known in a day or two. Having done my