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Often appears with: justice as a virtue · crime and punishment · religious persecution and toleration · faction, party, and civil strife · conspiracy and assassination · political legitimacy and consent · history and the writing of history · diplomacy and embassies · forms of government · education and the training of the young · custom and the manners of a people · fate, destiny, and necessity
Usually: argument (461) · detachment (430) · indignation (385) · skepticism (375) · narrative (343) · injustice endured (238) · censure (230) · exhortation (186) · curiosity (157) · reflection (143)
“Fortunate, most fortunate occurrence!—fortunate for the millions of his manacled brethren, yet panting for deliverance from their awful thraldom!—fortunate for the cause of negro emancipation, and of universal liberty!” Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an Amer · vivid
“I reminded the audience of the peril which surrounded this self-emancipated young man at the North,—even in Massachusetts, on the soil of the Pilgrim Fathers, among the descendants of revolutionary sires; and I appealed to them, whether they would ever allow him to be carried back into slavery,—law or no law, constitution or no constitution.” Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an Amer · observation
“For as in absolute governments the King is law, so in free countries the law ought to be King; and there ought to be no other.” Thomas Paine, Common Sense · precept
“The PASSIONS, therefore, not the REASON, of the public would sit in judgment.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · observation
“The truth is that the general GENIUS of a government is all that can be substantially relied upon for permanent effects.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · insight
“I hold it to be impracticable; and from this I infer, that its security, whatever fine declarations may be inserted in any constitution respecting it, must altogether depend on public opinion, and on the general spirit of the people and of the government.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · insight
“Thou fear, said Zephon bold, / Will save us trial what the least can do / Single against thee wicked, and thence weak.” John Milton, Paradise Lost · observation
“but from Heaven He to his own a Comforter will send, The promise of the Father, who shall dwell His Spirit within them; and the law of faith, Working through love, upon their hearts shall write,” John Milton, Paradise Lost · precept
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, or of good report, if there be any virtue, or any praise, think on these things.” Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin · observation
“And so, when we hear persons saying that the tragedians, and Homer, who is at their head, know all the arts and all things human, virtue as well as vice, and divine things too, for that the good poet cannot compose well unless he knows his subject, and that he who has not this knowledge can never be a poet, we ought to consider whether here also there may not be a similar illusion.” Plato, The Republic · insight
“The best of us, as I conceive, when we listen to a passage of Homer, or one of the tragedians, in which he represents some pitiful hero who is drawling out his sorrows in a long oration, or weeping, and smiting his breast— the best of us, you know, delight in giving way to sympathy, and are in raptures at the excellence of the poet who stirs our feelings most.” Plato, The Republic · observation
“For if you go beyond this and allow the honeyed muse to enter, either in epic or lyric verse, not law and the reason of mankind, which by common consent have ever been deemed best, but pleasure and pain will be the rulers in our State.” Plato, The Republic · insight
Douglass describes shifting from odd jobs in New Bedford to steady work at Mr. Richmond’s brass foundry, where he reads newspapers while operating bellows and avoids abuse from hostile coworkers.
of work that came to hand. I sawed wood, shoveled coal, dug cellars, moved rubbish from back yards, worked on the wharves, loaded and unloaded vessels, and scoured their cabins. I afterward got steady work at the brass-foundry owned by Mr. Richmond. My duty here was to blow the bellows, swing the crane, and empty the flasks in which castings were made; and at times this was hot and heavy work. The articles produced …
He distinguishes the pope’s limited power from the Gospel and the cross, criticizes claims that indulgences are equal or superior to Christ’s merits, and instructs clergy to prevent pardon-preachers from spreading harmful “dreams.”
67. The indulgences which the preachers cry as the "greatest graces" are known to be truly such, in so far as they promote gain. 68. Yet they are in truth the very smallest graces compared with the grace of God and the piety of the Cross. 69. Bishops and curates are bound to admit the commissaries of apostolic pardons, with all reverence. 70. But still more are they bound to strain all their eyes and attend with a…
Margoliouth argues that early Muhammad traditions were largely unwritten for a century, later colored by factions and theology, and that reliable biographies come mainly from writers flourishing under Caliph Al-Ma‘mūn.
15, p. 339, and v. 246, p. 365, and the constant mention of guidance, direction, wandering, may have been suggested by reminiscences of his mercantile journeys in his earlier years. It may be considered quite certain that it was not customary to reduce to writing any traditions concerning Muhammad himself for at least the greater part of a century. They rested entirely on the memory of those who have handed them dow…
The passage continues Sura XVI with moral commandments (justice, kindness, covenant-keeping) and accountability: God’s will ends false excuses, associates-gods vanish, and witnesses are raised including the Qur’an’s role for Meccans.
Have they never looked up at the birds subjected to Him in Heaven's vault? None holdeth them in hand but God! In this are signs for those who believe. And God hath given you tents to dwell in: and He hath given you the skins of beasts for tents, that ye may find them light when ye shift your quarters, or when ye halt; and from their wool and soft fur and hair, hath He supplied you with furniture and goods for tempor…
Within Sura XI, the text answers objections that the Koran is invented by challenging opponents to produce similar Suras; it distinguishes believers from idolaters destined for fire, reinforces Moses as precedent, and reiterates the consequences of injustice against God.
And if after trouble hath befallen him we cause him to taste our favour, he will surely exclaim, "The evils are passed away from me." Verily, he is joyous, boastful. Except those who endure with patience and do the things that are right: these doth pardon await and a great reward. Perhaps thou wilt suppress a part of what hath been revealed to thee, and wilt be distress at heart lest they say, "If a treasure be not…
Still under Sura XXIX “The Spider,” the passage continues Qur’anic polemic and prophecy against wrongdoers, includes punishments for past nations, instructs prayer and remembrance, and emphasizes that disputing People of the Book should be done only kindly in certain cases.
to protect them; and they said, "Fear not, and distress not thyself, for thee and thy family will we save, except thy wife; she will be of those who linger.9 We will surely bring down upon the dwellers in this city vengeance from Heaven for the excesses they have committed." And in what we have left of it is a clear sign to men of understanding. And to Madian we sent their brother Shoaib. And he said, "Oh! my peop…
The text shifts into Qur’anic quotations (Sura X implied earlier; also continuing Jonah themes), contrasting Meccan unbelievers’ demands for altered verses with the claim that revelation cannot be changed, and stressing divine foreknowledge, plotting, and signs in nature.
to preach. When we cause man to taste our gifts of mercy, he rejoiceth in it; but if for their by-gone handy-work evil betide them, then lo! is man ungrateful. God's, the kingdom of the Heavens and of the Earth! He createth what He will! and he giveth daughters to whom He will, and sons to whom He will: Or He giveth them children of both sexes, and He maketh whom He will to be childless; for He is Wise, Powerful! …
The passage critiques Muhammad’s Qur’anic authorship and motives, then shifts to Qur’anic warnings: judgment is inevitable, unbelievers deny the Qur’an, idols are powerless, and believers gain reward in Paradise while disbelievers face punishment.
And they say, "When will this threat come to pass? Tell us, if ye be men of truth." SAY: Ye are menaced with a day, which not for an hour shall ye retard or hasten on. The unbelievers say, "We will not believe in this Koran, nor in the Books which preceded it." But couldst thou see when the wicked shall be set before their Lord! With reproaches will they answer one another. The weak shall say to the mighty ones, "B…
The passage argues that Muhammad’s revelations were driven by sincere monotheistic conviction yet also shaped by persecution at Mecca and later coercion and self-deception at Medina, then interleaves Quranic assertions of God’s unity, judgment, and signs rejecting idolatry.
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful PRAISE be to God, who hath created the Heavens and the Earth, and ordained the darkness and the light! Yet unto their Lord do the infidels give peers! He it is who created you of clay then decreed the term of your life: and with Him is another prefixed term for the resurrection. Yet have ye doubts thereof! And He is God in the Heavens and on the Earth! He knoweth…
Continuing Sura XLVII, it emphasizes inner malice being exposed by angels at death, tests believers’ steadfastness, warns against perverting others from God’s path, and insists believers should not seek peace when they have the upper hand.
the diseased of heart look toward thee, with a look of one on whom the shadows of death have fallen! But better in them would be obedience and becoming language. And if, when the command for war is issued, they are true to God, it will be assuredly best for them. Were ye not ready, if ye had turned back from Him, to spread disorder in the land, and violate the ties of blood? These are they whom God hath cursed, an…
The original editor Braybrooke explains how the diary material was prepared, stressing Pepys’s daily shorthand entries, editorial condensation for legibility, frequent theatre notes, and the diary’s overall reliability against other sources.
finished composition. We should rather consider the Work as a collection of reminiscences hastily thrown together at the end of each succeeding day, for the exclusive perusal of the Author. The Journal contains the most unquestionable evidences of veracity; and, as the writer made no scruple of committing his most secret thoughts to paper, encouraged no doubt by the confidence which he derived from the use of short-…
Pepys describes escalating negotiations between secluded members and the Rump, Speaker Lenthall blocking writs, Monk secretly admitting members with soldiers, and later Parliament voting on City gates and prisons.
18th. This day two soldiers were hanged in the Strand for their late mutiny at Somerset-house. 19th (Lord's day). To Mr. Gunning's, and heard an excellent sermon. Here I met with Mr. Moore, and went home with him to dinner, where he told me the discourse that happened between the secluded members and the members of the House, before Monk last Friday. How the secluded said, that they did not intend by coming in to…
Pepys records 15th–16th: commissioners dine aboard, Sir Samuel Morland is treated as a traitor, Pepys talks with the Lord about religion and politics, and news comes that the King will not visit the Lord on board.
home, and we found an easy admission. His attendance very inconsiderable as for a prince; but yet handsome, and his tutor a fine man, and himself a very pretty boy. 15th. Coming on board we found all the Commissioners of the House of Lords at dinner with my Lord, who after dinner went away for shore. Mr. Morland, now Sir Samuel, was here on board, but I do not find that my Lord or any body did give him any respect…
From June 1 into mid-July Pepys reports letters from London, proclamations against drinking and swearing, his hoped-for appointments, parliamentary and court developments, and later visits to Whitehall and Dorset House.
I bless Almighty God, it being more than I hoped for so soon, being I believe not clearly worth 25l. when I come to sea besides my house and goods. 4th. This morning the King's Proclamation against drinking, swearing, and debauchery, was read to our ships companies in the fleet, and indeed it gives great satisfaction to all. 6th. In the morning I had letters come, that told me among other things, that my Lord's p…
Pepys attends plays “Beggars’ Bush” and “The Silent Woman,” notes women acting onstage for the first time, buys gilt plate for Lord offerings at Whitehall, and hears of Fifth Monarchy (“Fanatiques”) violence in the City and searches at night.
3rd. To the Theatre, where was acted "Beggars' Bush," it being very well done; and here the first time that ever I saw women come upon the stage. 4th. I had been early this morning at White Hall, at the Jewell Office, to choose a piece of gilt plate for my Lord, in returne of his offering to the King (which it seems is usual at this time of year, and an Earle gives twenty pieces in gold in a purse to the King). I …
Pepys continues reading Hooker’s Ecclesiastical Polity, gets summoned to the Privy Seale and Worcester House, attends theatres, and laments court vice, poverty, and the sickly fever season.
to read In "Hooker's Ecclesiastical Polity," which Mr. Moore did give me last Wednesday very handsomely bound; and which I shall read with great pains and love for his sake. 19th. I am sent for to the Privy Seale, and there I found a thing of my Lord Chancellor's to be sealed this afternoon, and so I am forced to go to Worcester House, where severall Lords are met in Council this afternoon. And while I am waiting …
Pepys attends court festivities at Whitehall as the King and Queen return, hears of the Castlemaine–Lord Sandwich estrangement and church unrest sparked by young people, and notes heightened city security against plots.
Illford, and there, while dinner was getting ready, he and I practised measuring of the tables and other things till I did understand measure of timber and board very well. 19th. At the office; and Mr. Coventry did tell us of the duell between Mr. Jermyn, [He became Baron Jermyn on the death of his uncle, the Earl of St. Alban's, 1683; and died unmarried, 1703.] nephew to my Lord St. Alban's, and Colonel Giles Rawl…
Pepys notes Parliament’s looming religious questions about Presbyterians, Papists, and liberty of conscience, including a priest arrested in Holborn, and he continues with his office business and Navy funding details.
greatest of all; and that our own Queene hath little or no company come to her, which I know also to be very true, and am sorry to see it. 18th. Mr. Hater and I alone at the office, finishing our account of the extra charge of the Navy, not properly belonging to the Navy, since the King's coming in to Christmas last; and all extra things being abated, I find that the true charge of the Navy to that time hath been a…
Pepys records parliamentary “Act of Indemnity” and debates over indulgence to Papists, while he meets Mr. Coventry and the Duke, attends a play, observes court favorites, and worries about possible arrest for debt.
and instead of bringing great comfort from thence, (but I expected no better from him,) he tells me that the Duke and Mr. Coventry make no great matter of it. 23rd. Up by times; and not daring to go by land, did (Griffin going along with me for fear,) slip to White Hall by water; where to Mr. Coventry, and, as we used to do, to the Duke; the other of my fellows being come. But we did nothing of our business, the D…
Pepys visits Lambeth and examines the Privy Seal Office books, hears rumours about French court behaviour and the Queen’s ignorance, and notes improvements in the City’s streets while Parliament seeks the informer of Sir Richard Temple’s words.
with him; and yet he says that, for all this, the Queene do not know of it, for that nobody dares to tell her; but that I dare not believe. 22nd. To Westminster, where all along I find the shops evening with the sides of the houses, even in the broadest streets; which will make the City very much better than it was. It seems the House do consent to send to the King to desire that he would be graciously pleased to …
Pepys describes attending Parliament in Westminster, hearing the Speaker’s speech to the King about bills on the Lord’s Day, Conventicles and Papists, and granting four subsidies, then the King’s plans and prorogation to 16 March.
it to have been a very noble house, and a delicate parke about it, where just now there was a doe killed for the King to carry up to Court. 27th. We rode hard home, and see up our horses at Fox Hall, and I by water (observing the King's barge attending his going to the House this day) home, it being about one o'clock. By water to Westminster, and there come most luckily to the Lords' House, as the House of Commons…
Pepys discusses court looseness, religion and clergy arrogance with Mr. Blackburne, assesses the political influence of religious liberty, and weighs views on Monk and the former army.
to whom the King, he says, is still kind, so as now and then he goes to her as he believes; but with no such fondness as he used to do. But yet it is thought that this new wench is so subtle, that it is verily thought if the Queene had died, he would have married her. Mr. Blackburne and I fell to talk of many things, wherein he was very open to me: first, in that of religion, he makes it greater matter of prudence fo…
Pepys continues the conventicles debate details, emphasizing disputes over what counts as Church ‘practice’ versus ‘practice of the conventicle,’ and mentions parliamentary quarrels over Mr. Prin’s bill language.
5th. My eyes beginning every day to grow less and less able to bear with long reading or writing, though it be by daylight; which I never observed till now. 13th. In the Painted Chamber I heard a fine conference between some of the two Houses upon the Bill for Conventicles. The Lords would be freed from having their houses searched by any but the Lord Lieutenant of the County: and upon being found guilty, to be t…
Pepys continues commentary on public praise and burial ceremonies for naval figures, describes the worsening plague statistics in London, and recounts court business with the Duke’s return from sea and political bustle at Whitehall.
a clerk, and the Alderman, and his son; and there was a little grandson also Richard, who will hereafter be Sir Richard Browne. My Lord Mayor very respectfull to me. 14th. I met with Mr. Cowling; who observed to me how he finds every body silent in the praise of my Lord Sandwich, to set up the Duke and the Prince; but that the Duke did both to the King and my Lord Chancellor write abundantly of my Lord's courage an…
From Albemarle House Pepys gets Sandwich’s letter about further Dutch captures, then goes to the Exchange amid plague around London, contrasting improved health statistics with dead bodies and sick persons nearby.
to the basest degree. I was only pleased at a very fine picture of the Queene-Mother, when she was young, by Vandike; a very good picture, and a lovely face. 14th. To the Duke of Albemarle, where I find a letter of the 12th. from Solebay, from my Lord Sandwich, of the fleet's meeting with about eighteen more of the Dutch fleet, and his taking of most of them; and the messenger says, they had taken three after the l…
Pepys meets Mr. Prin about reforms to simplify English law, reads law at Mr. Evelyn’s, reviews his finances, and discusses a relative’s limitations serving as a Justice of the Peace under Quaker legislation.
of it, is to be imputed to him. The fleet is not yet gone from the Nore. The plague encreases in many places, and is 53 this week with us. 13th. Into St. Margett's [St. Margaret's.] Church, where I heard a young man play the fool upon the doctrine of Purgatory. 16th. I to my Lord Crowe's, who is very lately come to town, and he talked for half an hour of the business of the warr, wherein he is very doubtful, fro…
On 23rd-26th Pepys debates war and navy accounts with Sir W. Coventry and Sir G. Carteret, delivers signed letters to Parliament, continues troubled sleep, and observes book losses in St Paul’s churchyard and Court intrigues involving the Duke of York and Castlemaine/Denham.
into the House with his book of accounts under his arme, to present to the House. All night still mightily troubled in my sleep with fire and houses pulling down. 26th. By coach home, calling at Bennet's, our late mercer, who is come into Covent Garden to a fine house looking down upon the Exchange. And I perceive many Londoners every day come. And Mr. Pierce hath let his wife's closet, and the little blind bedch…
Pepys buys prints at Faythorne’s, notices Lady Castlemaine’s portrait, hears court rumors of a coming “fatal day” tied to Papists, and records that everyone’s fears are active.
strange, and speaks the melancholy disposition of the City at present, while never more was said of, and feared of, and done against the Papists, than just at this time. 7th. Called at Faythorne's to buy some prints for my wife to draw by this winter, and here did see my Lady Castlemaine's picture, done by him from Lilly's, in red chalke, and other colours, by which he hath cut it in copper to be printed. The pict…
Pepys records House of Commons hostility toward the Paper Bill, where courtiers overcome “the others” through division votes, and he later dines and comments on Exchange news about arriving fleets supporting England’s winter supplies.
courtiers did carry it against those men upon a division of the House, a great many, that it should be committed; and so it was: which they reckon good news. 15th. To the office, where my Lord Brouncker (newly come to town from his being at Chatham and Harwich to spy enormities): and at noon I with him and his lady, Williams, to Captain Cocke's; where a good dinner, and very merry. Good news to-day upon the Excha…
Pepys continues parliamentary gossip on the Poll and Irish Bills, rumors of Coventry’s prosecution for selling places, the King’s sharp speech and proposed prorogation, and the Commons’ factional resistance.
Mr. Sanchy, my old acquaintance, which I wonder at, he commending him mightily; but am glad of it. He tells me too how the famous Stillingfleete was a Blue-coat boy. 18th. This morning come Captain Cocke to me, and tells me that the King comes to the House this day to pass the Poll Bill and the Irish Bill; and that, though the Faction is very froward in the House, yet all will end well there. But he says that one …
Pepys tours the Capuchin/monastery spaces at the Park with Lord Brouncker, attends plays and meets Nell Gwynne, hears of a seamen mutiny, and hosts company including Captain Rolt and Mr. Harris.
will have passed with it; wherein they are very open, what their meaning is, which was but doubted before, for they do in all respects doubt the King's pleasing them. 23rd. My Lord Brouncker and I walking into the Park, I did observe the new buildings: and my Lord seeing I had a desire to see them, they being the place for the priests and friers, he took me back to my Lord Almoner; [Cardinal Howard of Norfolk, the…
Pepys attends theater, measures record-breaking cold, hears political talk at the Temple about Bellasses’s fall, and then notes rumors that a council proclamation will declare the Duke of Buckingham a traitor.
is certain that yesterday a proclamation was voted at the council touching the proclaiming of my Lord Duke of Buckingham a traytor, and that it will be out on Monday. 11th. Yesterday the King did publicly talk of the King of France's dealing with all the Princes of Christendome. As to the States of Holland he hath advised them, on good grounds, to refuse to treat with us at the Hague, because of having opportunity…
Between the 15th and 20th, Pepys reports Tangier’s governor choice (John Middleton), attends plays criticizing sale of places, hears the King ban further performances by Lacy, and recounts a violent quarrel between Lacy and Ned Howard.
that the King and Lord Chancellor did know that he was worth, with the debt the King owed him, 50,000l. (I think he said) when the King come into England. 15th. Called up by Sir H. Cholmly, who tells me that my Lord Middleton [John first Earl of Middleton in Scotland.] is for certain chosen Governor of Tangier; a man of moderate understanding, not covetous, but a soldier of fortune, and poor. To the King's house b…
On May 1, 1667, Pepys sees market life and Nell Gwynne, describes parliamentary commissioners for accounts struggling over oath authority, and then attends plays while also hearing financial mismanagement and gossip about future government posts.
her mouth; naked-necked, without any thing about it, and a black just-au-corps. She seemed to me a very comely woman: but I hope to see more of her on May-day. 28th. To Deptford, and there I walked down the Yard, Shish and Cox with me; and discoursed about cleaning of the wet docke, and heard (which I had before) how, when the docke was made, a ship of near 500 tons was there found; a ship supposed of Queene Elizab…
Pepys reports Commissioner Pett’s imprisonment in the Tower, a rumored Dutch ship explosion, and talk at the Navy office that money shortages may lead to Parliament being called or not.
they begin to fear the main. He and every body cries out of the office of the Ordnance, for their neglects, both at Gravesend and Upner, and every where else. 18th. To the office, and by and by word was brought me that Commissioner Pett is brought to the Tower, and there laid up close prisoner; which puts me into a fright, lest they may do the same with us as they do with him. Great news to-night of the blowing up…
Pepys records Commons action on an Act of Indemnity and voices fear that only pardoning loyalists will save Charles II, then describes Coventry’s connections, news of failed Dutch-fire-ship actions, and Court vice amid news of peace.
of the Government; and I pray God they may be permitted to do it, for nothing else, I fear, will save the King and kingdom than the doing it betimes. 27th. To the office, where I hear that Sir John Coventry [Nephew to Sir William and Henry Coventry; created K.B. at Charles II.'s coronation, and M.P. for Weymouth in several Parliaments. The outrage committed on his person by Sir Thomas Sandys, O'Bryan, and others, …
Pepys misses the Duke of York at Whitehall, sees the King lay the first stone of the Royal Exchange, watches "The Black Prince" again, and records Commons debate over impeaching high officials.
very briske to see themselves so well acquitted; which makes me a little proud, but yet not secure but we may yet meet with a back-blow which we see not. 23rd. To White Hall, there to attend the Duke of York; but came a little too late, and so missed it: only spoke with him, and heard him correct my Lord Barkeley who fell foul on Sir Edward Spragg, (who, it seems, said yesterday to the House, that if the officers …
Pepys reflects on political faction and uncertainty: the king turns against those not attacking the Chancellor, fears of impeaching even the Duke of York, and he hears about court music where the King and Queen attend.
but I did desire him to speak all he knew, and not to spare me, nor did promise nor give him any thing, but sent him away with good words. 16th. Met Mr. Gregory, my old acquaintance, an understanding gentleman; and he and I walked an hour together, talking of the bad prospect of the times. And the sum of what I learn from him is this: That the King is the most concerned in the world against the Chancellor and all …
Pepys attends Royal Society officer elections and observes a bloodletting procedure, then continues noting Commons likely to yield or force Clarendon’s commitment, including a fear of falling into a Commonwealth.
peace for what he had done; for that he never could foresee that what he meant so well, in the counselling to lay by the Chancellor, should come to this. 30th. To Arundell House, to the election of officers [Of the Royal Society.] for the next year; where I was near being chosen of the Council, but am glad I was not, for I could not have attended, though above all things I could wish it; and do take it as a mighty…
Pepys records Commons and Lords debates over the Act of Indemnity, especially the case of “Carr” and the disgrace of Lord Gerard, including the pillory ordered without reopening evidence he says was cleared in court.
plain fellow for my sister; though I shall, I see, have no pleasure nor content in him, as if he had been a man of reading and parts, like Cumberland. 8th. The great talk is of Carr's coming off in all his trials, to the disgrace of my Lord Gerard to that degree, and the ripping up of so many notorious rogueries and cheats of my Lord's, that my Lord, it is thought, will be ruined: and above all do show the madness…
Pepys criticizes Francis Pemberton for not reading an Act, reports a satirical packet of letters brought into the House, and notes court and naval committee confusion and rivalries at Court.
but begun with telling us that we were not at all concerned in that Act; which was a total mistake, by his not having read over the Act at all. 12th. My cosen Roger told me the pleasant passage of a fellow's bringing a bag of letters to-day into the lobby of the House, where he left them, and withdrew himself without observation. The bag being opened, the letters were found all of one size, and directed with one ha…
Pepys reports the Queen miscarrying, recounts Commons and Lords fighting over the East India Company’s judgment, and describes a dramatic parliamentary vote threatening anyone assisting the Lords’ execution.
of him. Then to Brouncker's house, and there sat and talked, I asking many questions in mathematics to my Lord, which he do me the pleasure to satisfy me in. 9th. I hear that the Queene hath miscarryed of a perfect child, being gone about ten weeks; which do show that she can conceive, though it be unfortunate that she cannot bring forth. We are told also that last night the Duchesse of Monmouth dancing at her lod…
Pepys notes political unrest in London, travels by water home with pleasure, consults Whitehall officials about state offices, visits a new play at court, and tries paper-tube experiments for his failing eyes.
not men, and almost force the women; which troubled me, to see the confidence of the vice of the age: and so we away by water with much pleasure home. 30th. To White Hall. There met with Mr. May, who was giving directions about making a close way for people to go dry from the gate up into the House, to prevent their going through the galleries; which will be very good. I staid and talked with him about the state …
Pepys attends the theatre to see The Silent Woman, hears political news about secretaryship and parliamentary adjournment, then continues theatre and court talk while navigating court patronage, travel, and household expenses.
bricks upon an adventure with others, by which he presumed to have got a great deal of money: so that I see the most ingenious men may sometimes be mistaken. 27th. In the Park, where I met Mr. Wren; and he and I walked together in the Pell-Mell, it being most summer weather that ever was seen. And here talking of several things; of the corruption of the Court, and how unfit it is for ingenuous men, and himself par…
On March 5-6 Pepys visits Coventry at the Tower, discusses his removal from the Council, resentment over plans to mock him in a play, and worries that court factions may overpower the Duke of York.
Duchesse herself and my Lady Castlemaine, were very witty. This done, they took barge, and I with Sir J. Smith to Captain Cox's; and there to talk, and left them. 5th. After dinner I to the Tower, where I find Sir W. Coventry with abundance of company with him; and after sitting awhile and hearing some merry discourse, and, among others, of Mr. Brouncker's being this day summoned to Sir William Morton [Made a Justi…
Pepys goes to Greenwich for church after visiting the Duke of York and Sir Thomas Clifford about Navy administration, then hears political talk about the King’s hostility to Conventicles and the Duke of Buckingham’s rumored misconduct.
27th. We took coach again, and got home about six at night. 29th. Up, and by water to White Hall; and there to the Duke of York to show myself after my journey to Chatham, but did no business to-day with him: only after gone from him, I to Sir T. Clifford's; and there, after an hour's waiting, he being alone in his closet, I did speak with him, and give him the account he gave me to draw up, and he did like it ver…
Pepys describes disputes at Whitehall about Navy instructions and the Council of Trade; the Duke of York takes Treasurers to task, Wren tries to dine with the Archbishop but misses the locked gate, and Pepys hears that Pen may be replaced and adversaries losing ground.
believe will do the thing, and therein gives me great content; but I have, I fear, all the content that must be received by my eyes, which are almost lost. 10th. To White Hall, where the Duke of York met the office, and there discoursed of several things, particularly the Instructions of Commanders of ships. But here happened by chance a discourse of the Council of Trade, against which the Duke of York is mightily…
Pepys resolves to stop wearing gold-laced sleeves to avoid being noticed, gathers may-dew with his wife, hears news of pregnancies at court, visits Lambeth and witnesses a mocked Presbyterian sermon, and receives flattering talk about his navy office.
Park yesterday which vexed me also, so as to resolve never to appear in Court with them, but presently to have them taken off, as it is fit I should. 11th. My wife up by four o'clock, to go to gather May-dew. Some trouble at-Court for fear of the Queene's miscarrying; she being, as they all conclude, far gone with child. 12th. My brother John tells me the first news that my sister Jackson is with child and far g…
This passage quotes House of Commons journal entries about Pepys denying an altar or crucifix, identifies the Earl of Shaftesbury and Sir John Banks as the sources, and recounts Coventry’s and Meeres’s attendance for testimony.
assertions of Sir John Banks and the Earl of Shaftesbury, which they did not stand to when examined on the subject, and the charge was not proved to be good. ["The House then proceeding upon the debate touching the Election for Castle Rising, between Mr. Pepys and Mr. Offley, did, in the first place, take into consideration what related personally to Mr. Pepys. Information being given to the House th…
The editor argues that the crucifix question was really about a varnished print, criticizes Parliament’s intrusion into personal liberty, and supplies a Shaftesbury letter explaining his imperfect memory.
and brings me my print of the Passion, varnished by him, and the frame which is indeed very fine, though not so fine as I expected; but pleases me exceedingly." Whether he had or had not a crucifix in his house was a matter for himself alone, and the interference of the House of Commons was a gross violation of the liberty of the subject. In connection with Lord Shaftesbury's part in this matter, the late Mr. W. D.…
Pepys struggles with a cash shortage, borrows £10 from Mr. Crew, pays his office, dines with military officials, visits London coffee-houses, and hears that Thomas Scott has been made Secretary of State.
that I have, at which I was put to a great loss how I should get money to make up my cash, and so went to bed in great trouble. 10th. Went out early, and in my way met with Greatorex,--[Ralph Greatorex, the well-known mathematical instrument maker of his day. He is frequently mentioned by Pepys.]--and at an alehouse he showed me the first sphere of wire that ever he made, and indeed it was very pleasant; thence to…
Corinth replies that Corcyra’s moderation is hypocrisy aimed at monopoly of “crime,” and argues Corinth’s war against Corcyra is justified by the seizure of Epidamnus and the rejection of arbitration.
Such were the words of the Corcyraeans. After they had finished, the Corinthians spoke as follows: “These Corcyraeans in the speech we have just heard do not confine themselves to the question of their reception into your alliance. They also talk of our being guilty of injustice, and their being the victims of an unjustifiable war. It becomes necessary for us to touch upon both these points before we proceed to the …
In Athens, the mutilation of the city’s stone Hermae is investigated as possible impiety and a conspiracy against the democracy, and accusations implicate Alcibiades, who offers to stand trial but is sent on the Sicily expedition instead.
the plague and the long war, and a number of young men had grown up and capital had accumulated by reason of the truce, everything was the more easily provided. In the midst of these preparations all the stone Hermae in the city of Athens, that is to say the customary square figures, so common in the doorways of private houses and temples, had in one night most of them their fares mutilated. No one knew who had done…
Alcinous stops Demodocus’s lament because the stranger keeps weeping, and asks Odysseus his name, homeland, route, and why he mourns the Trojan tale.
but Alcinous alone noted it, and was ware thereof, as he sat nigh him and heard him groaning heavily. And presently he spake among the Phaeacians, masters of the oar: “Hearken, ye captains and counsellors of the Phaeacians, and now let Demodocus hold his hand from the loud lyre, for this song of his is nowise pleasing alike to all. From the time that we began to sup, and that the divine minstrel was moved to sing, e…
Antinous proposes killing Telemachus and dividing the household’s wealth, but Amphinomus argues they should consult Zeus and avoid murder if the gods disapprove; Penelope then rebukes Antinous in the hall.
went to the assembly-place, and suffered none other to sit with them, either of the young men or of the elders. Then Antinous spake among them, the son of Eupeithes: “Lo now, how the gods have delivered this man from his evil case! All day long did scouts sit along the windy headlands, ever in quick succession, and at the going down of the sun we never rested for a night upon the shore, but sailing with our swift sh…
Despite signs, Amphinomus urges the wooers to focus on the feast, which they hold with sacrifices and mixed wine; Telemachus seats Odysseus by the threshold, controls the meal, and tries to prevent assaults.
“Friends, this counsel of ours will not go well, namely, the slaying of Telemachus; rather let us bethink us of the feast.” So spake Amphinomus, and his saying pleased them well. They passed into the halls of godlike Odysseus and laid by their mantles on the chairs and high seats, and sacrificed great sheep and stout goats and the fatlings of the boars and the heifer of the herd; then they roasted the entrails and s…
Darwin argues that his theory will be judged by impartial naturalists, criticizes those who accept some creation while rejecting variation, and stresses the need to explain how new species first appear.
meaning of the term of a hundred million years; it cannot add up and perceive the full effects of many slight variations, accumulated during an almost infinite number of generations. Although I am fully convinced of the truth of the views given in this volume under the form of an abstract, I by no means expect to convince experienced naturalists whose minds are stocked with a multitude of facts all viewed, during a …
Du Bois reviews Booker T. Washington’s strategy of conciliating the white South, especially the “Atlanta Compromise,” and argues it won admiration and silenced some opposition while boosting Washington’s national influence.
applause of the South, it interested and won the admiration of the North; and after a confused murmur of protest, it silenced if it did not convert the Negroes themselves. To gain the sympathy and cooperation of the various elements comprising the white South was Mr. Washington’s first task; and this, at the time Tuskegee was founded, seemed, for a black man, well-nigh impossible. And yet ten years later it was done…
Du Bois argues that suppressing honest criticism of Washington is dangerous for democracy, and then explains how African Americans’ group leadership evolved through revolt, adjustment, and self-realization under changing conditions.
land has been but too willing to deliver the solution of a wearisome problem into his hands, and say, “If that is all you and your race ask, take it.” Among his own people, however, Mr. Washington has encountered the strongest and most lasting opposition, amounting at times to bitterness, and even today continuing strong and insistent even though largely silenced in outward expression by the public opinion of the na…
Du Bois argues that arguments blaming race and color as crimes drive most Black Americans to feel daily wronged, so the future should focus on education and building Negro colleges to steer between dilettantism and shallow thinking.
and lawlessness its twin abortions; that color and race are not crimes, and yet it is they which in this land receive most unceasing condemnation, North, East, South, and West. I will not say such arguments are wholly justified,—I will not insist that there is no other side to the shield; but I do say that of the nine millions of Negroes in this nation, there is scarcely one out of the cradle to whom these arguments…