discourse. I walked the length of the Elmes, and with great pleasure saw
some gallant ladies and people come with their bottles, and basket, and
chairs, and form, to sup under the trees, by the waterside, which was
mighty pleasant. I to boat again and to my book, and having done that I
took another book, Mr. Boyle's of Colours, and there read, where I
laughed, finding many fine things worthy observation, and so landed at the
Old Swan, and so home, where I find my poor father newly come out of an
unexpected fit of his pain, that they feared he would have died. They had
sent for me to White Hall and all up and down, and for Mr. Holliard also,
who did come, but W. Hewer being here did I think do the business in
getting my father's bowel, that was fallen down, into his body again, and
that which made me more sensible of it was that he this morning did show
me the place where his bowel did use to fall down and swell, which did
trouble me to see. But above all things the poor man's patience under it,
and his good heart and humour, as soon as he was out of it, did so work
upon me, that my heart was sad to think upon his condition, but do hope
that a way will be found by a steel truss to relieve him. By and by to
supper, all our discourse about Brampton, and my intentions to build there
if I could be free of my engagement to my Uncle Thomas and his son, that
they may not have what I have built, against my will, to them whether I
will or no, in case of me and my brothers being without heirs male; which
is the true reason why I am against laying out money upon that place,
together with my fear of some inconvenience by being so near
Hinchingbroke; being obliged to be a servant to that family, and subject
to what expence they shall cost me; and to have all that I shall buy, or
do, esteemed as got by the death of my uncle, when indeed what I have from
him is not worth naming. After supper to read and then to bed.

27th. Up, and there comes Greeting my flagelette master, and I practised
with him. There come also Richardson, the bookbinder, with one of