Diary, May 1660 | Page 4

the author's ideas before making
an entire meal of them. D.W.]

THE DIARY OF SAMUEL PEPYS M.A. F.R.S.
CLERK OF THE ACTS AND SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY
TRANSCRIBED FROM THE SHORTHAND MANUSCRIPT IN
THE PEPYSIAN LIBRARY MAGDALENE COLLEGE

CAMBRIDGE BY THE REV. MYNORS BRIGHT M.A. LATE
FELLOW AND PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE
(Unabridged)
WITH LORD BRAYBROOKE'S NOTES
EDITED WITH ADDITIONS BY
HENRY B. WHEATLEY F.S.A.

DIARY OF SAMUEL PEPYS. MAY 1660
May 1st. This morning I was told how the people of Deal have set up
two or three Maypoles, and have hung up their flags upon the top of
them, and do resolve to be very merry to-day. It being a very pleasant
day, I wished myself in Hide Park. This day I do count myself to have
had full two years of perfect cure for the stone, for which God of
heaven be blessed. This day Captain Parker came on board, and without
his expectation I had a commission for him for the Nonsuch frigate
[The "Nonsuch" was a fourth-rate of thirty-two guns, built at Deptford
in 1646 by Peter Pett, jun. The captain was John Parker.]
(he being now in the Cheriton), for which he gave me a French pistole.
Captain H. Cuttance has commission for the Cheriton. After dinner to
nine-pins, and won something. The rest of the afternoon in my cabin
writing and piping. While we were at supper we heard a great noise
upon the Quarter Deck, so we all rose instantly, and found it was to
save the coxon of the Cheriton, who, dropping overboard, could not be
saved, but was drowned. To-day I put on my suit that was altered from
the great skirts to little ones. To-day I hear they were very merry at
Deal, setting up the King's flag upon one of their maypoles, and
drinking his health upon their knees in the streets, and firing the guns,
which the soldiers of the Castle threatened; but durst not oppose.

2nd. In the morning at a breakfast of radishes at the Purser's cabin.
After that to writing till dinner. At which time comes Dunne from
London, with letters that tell us the welcome news of the Parliament's
votes yesterday, which will be remembered for the happiest May-day
that bath been many a year to England. The King's letter was read in
the House, wherein he submits himself and all things to them, as to an
Act of Oblivion to all,

["His Majesty added thereunto an excellent Declaration for the safety
and repose of those, who tortured in their consciences, for having
partaken in the rebellion, might fear the punishment of it, and in that
fear might oppose the tranquillity of the Estate, and the calling in of
their lawful Prince. It is printed and published as well as the letter, but
that shall not hinder me to say, that there was never seen a more perfect
assemblage of all the most excellent natural qualities, and of all the
venues, as well Royal as Christian, wherewith a great Prince may be
endowed, than was found in those two wonderful productions."--Sir
William Lowers 'Relation . . . of the voiage and Residence Which . . .
Charles the II. Hath made in Holland,' Hague, 1660, folio, p. 3.]
unless they shall please to except any, as to the confirming of the sales
of the King's and Church lands, if they see good. The House upon
reading the letter, ordered L50,000 to be forthwith provided to send to
His Majesty for his present supply; and a committee chosen to return an
answer of thanks to His Majesty for his gracious letter; and that the
letter be kept among the records of the Parliament; and in all this not so
much as one No. So that Luke Robinson himself stood up and made a
recantation for what he had done, and promises to be a loyal subject to
his Prince for the time to come. The City of London have put a
Declaration, wherein they do disclaim their owing any other
government but that of a King, Lords, and Commons. Thanks was
given by the House to Sir John Greenville,
[Created Earl of Bath, 1661; son of Sir Bevil Grenville, killed at the
battle of Lansdowne; he was, when a boy, left for dead on the field at
the second battle of Newbury, and said to have been the only person
entrusted by Charles II. and Monk in bringing about the Restoration.]
one of the bedchamber to the King, who brought the letter, and they
continued bare all the time it was reading. Upon notice made from the
Lords to the Commons, of their desire that the Commons would join
with them in their vote for King, Lords, and Commons; the Commons
did concur