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Often appears with: crime and punishment · counsel and advisers to rulers · diplomacy and embassies · faction, party, and civil strife · justice as a virtue · political legitimacy and consent · forms of government · religious persecution and toleration · censorship and the press · conquest, plunder, and captives · civil war and rebellion · treaties, truces, and peacemaking
Usually: narrative (883) · betrayal (523) · indignation (475) · detachment (450) · injustice endured (219) · skepticism (190) · argument (184) · censure (157) · deception discovered (151) · the fall of the great (128)
“For this reason a prince ought to have two fears, one from within, on account of his subjects, the other from without, on account of external powers.” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · observation
“And if we shall not have corrected the transgression (or, in the event of our being out of the realm, if our justiciar shall not have corrected it) within forty days… the four barons aforesaid shall refer that matter to the rest… and those five and twenty barons shall… distrain and distress us in all possible ways… until redress has been obtained.” Anonymous, The Magna Carta · observation
“A council to a magistrate, who is himself responsible for what he does, are generally nothing better than a clog upon his good intentions, are often the instruments and accomplices of his bad and are almost always a cloak to his faults.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · observation
“A dissolution or usurpation is the dreadful dilemma to which it is continually exposed.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · observation
“Whence and what art thou, execrable Shape, That dar’st, though grim and terrible, advance Thy miscreated front athwart my way To yonder gates? Through them I mean to pass, That be assured, without leave asked of thee. Retire; or taste thy folly, and learn by proof, Hell-born, not to contend with Spirits of Heaven.” John Milton, Paradise Lost · observation
“But what shall we think of a governor's playing such pitiful tricks, and imposing so grossly on a poor ignorant boy?” Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin · wit
“The heartless and ghastly form of slavery rises between mother and child, even at the bed of death. The mother, at the verge of the grave, may not gather her children, to impart to them her holy admonitions, and invoke for them her dying benediction.” Frederick Douglass, My Bondage and My Freedom · vivid
“To which they answered, that no relative could be dearer to them than their lord, and that they would never follow his murderer.” (Anglo-Saxon Chronicle; translator/editor) James Ingram, The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle · insight
“No worse deed than this was ever done by the English nation since they first sought the land of Britain.” (Anglo-Saxon Chronicle; translator/editor) James Ingram, The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle · observation
“Deception is the natural defence of the weak against the strong, and the South used it for many years against its conquerors; to-day it must be prepared to see its black proletariat turn that same two-edged weapon against itself.” W. E. B. Du Bois (William Edward Burghardt Du Bois), The Souls of Black Folk · insight
“Nor is this situation peculiar to the Southern United States, is it not rather the only method by which undeveloped races have gained the right to share modern culture? The price of culture is a Lie.” W. E. B. Du Bois (William Edward Burghardt Du Bois), The Souls of Black Folk · insight
“There appears, indeed, *one* memorable occasion, in which the senate, after seventy years of patience, made an ineffectual attempt to re-assume its long-forgotten rights.” Edward Gibbon, History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · observation
Douglass explains why he previously withheld details of his escape from slavery, citing risks to escape helpers and victims, but now says slavery’s abolition makes fuller disclosure safer.
Collected Articles of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass Contents My Escape from Slavery Reconstruction Douglass, Frederick. “My Escape from Slavery.” The Century Illustrated Magazine 23, n.s. 1 (Nov. 1881): 125-131. My Escape from Slavery In the first narrative of my experience in slavery, written nearly forty years ago, and in various writings since, I have given the public what I considered very good …
Though free, Douglass learns from “Allender’s Jake” (William Dixon) that New York has betrayers and watchers; he struggles for safety, food, and work, and finds help.
nor part; and the other counseled me to manly endeavor to secure my freedom. This contest was now ended; my chains were broken, and the victory brought me unspeakable joy. But my gladness was short-lived, for I was not yet out of the reach and power of the slave-holders. I soon found that New York was not quite so free or so safe a refuge as I had supposed, and a sense of loneliness and insecurity again oppressed me…
Douglass describes how Stuart shelters him and takes him to David Ruggles and the New York Vigilance Committee, leading to hiding, marriage to his wife (Rev. J. W. C. Pennington), and later passage to Massachusetts.
betrayer. Under this apprehension, as I suppose, he showed signs of wishing to be rid of me, and with whitewash brush in hand, in search of work, he soon disappeared. This picture, given by poor “Jake,” of New York, was a damper to my enthusiasm. My little store of money would soon be exhausted, and since it would be unsafe for me to go on the wharves for work, and I had no introductions elsewhere, the prospect for …
The commentator argues that Muhammad’s revelations arose from sincere conviction about God’s Unity but were also influenced by self-deception and persecution, and then introduces Sura XXX, “The Greeks,” forecasting Persian defeat then reversal and calling for faith in God’s promise, resurrection, and judgment.
21 Comp. Sura [lxxxix.] vi. 119. 22 Comp. Sura [lxxxix.] vi. 147. This verse as well as the following, and verse 125, were probably added at Medina. 23 Antistes. Maracci. Or the text may be literally rendered Abraham was a people, i.e. the people of Abraham; from whom the idolatrous Koreisch pretended to derive their origin. 24 Ar. a Hanyf. According to a tradition in Waquidi, fol. 255, Zaid (who died only five ye…
It continues the Moses-and-Pharaoh story, including the believer from Pharaoh’s family, Pharaoh’s threats with Haman, and the believer’s warnings of hell and prior prophetic examples, then contrasts this with Joseph’s earlier message.
And Moses said, "I take refuge with my Lord and your Lord from every proud one who believeth not in the day of reckoning." And a man of the family of Pharaoh, who was a BELIEVER,5 but hid his faith, said, "Will ye slay a man because he saith my Lord is God, when he hath already come to you with proofs of his mission from your Lord? and if he be a liar, on him will be his lie:6 but if he be a man of truth, part at le…
Margoliouth’s introduction argues that Muhammad’s Qur’anic message may reflect sincerity toward monotheism, but also persecution-born conviction that hardened into later violence and possibly self-deception and hallucination; then the passage quotes Qur’anic themes on unity of God, judgment, repentance, and sectarian division.
subject of your disputes, with God doth its decision rest. This is God, my Lord: in Him do I put my trust, and to Him do I turn in penitence; Creator of the Heavens and of the Earth! he hath given you wives from among your own selves, and cattle male and female-by this means to multiply you: Nought is there like Him! the Hearer, the Beholder He! His, the keys of the Heavens and of the Earth! He giveth with open han…
Includes translator’s/footnote explanations about a scandal involving Ayesha, related figures such as Safwan Ibn al-Mu‘attal and Abdallah ibn Ubay, and notes on Islamic legal customs and prohibitions.
3 Comp. Numb. v. ii, 31, with which Muhammad must have been acquainted. 4 The rumour of improper intimacy between Ayesha and Safwan Ibn El Moattal, during Muhammad's return from the expedition against the tribe of Mostaliq (an. Hej. 9), in which he was separated from her for an entire day, which she passed in the company of Safwan, who had found her when accidentally left behind. Verses 4-26 were revealed shortly af…
Continuing the memoir, the text describes Pepys’s official reforms in naval administration, his close relationship with the Duke of York, his removal and Tower imprisonment over Catholic allegations, and eventual reinstatement under Charles II.
soon came to render him useful. The distresses of the young couple at this period were subjects of pleasant reflexion during their prosperity--as recorded in the Diary, 25th February, 1667. But better times were approaching Mr. Pepys: he accompanied Sir Edward Montagu upon his Expedition to the Sound, in March, 1658, and upon his return obtained a clerkship in the Exchequer. Through the interest of the Earl of Sand…
Pepys marks the anniversary of Charles I’s death in song, attends orders to wait on a Star-chamber committee about Colonel Jones, and hears Fleetwood delayed giving answers to Parliament.
blood and wounds.] There seems now to be a general cease of talk, it being taken for granted that Monk do resolve to stand to the Parliament, and nothing else. 31st. After dinner to Westminster Hall, where all we clerks had orders to wait upon the Committee, at the Star-chamber that is to try Colonel Jones, and to give an account what money we had paid him; but the Committee did not sit to-day. [Colonel John Jones…
Pepys records further decisions and maneuvering: the House voids actions against the Lords, Parliament dissolves and cheers the Speaker, posters and inscriptions about Charles are renewed, and proclamations force Cavaliers and certain officers out.
home I found Mr. Hunt, who told me how the Parliament had voted that the Covenant be printed and hung in churches again. Great hopes of the King's coming again. 6th. Shrove Tuesday. I called Mr. Shepley and we both went up to my Lord's lodgings, at Mr. Crewe's, where he bid us to go home again and get a fire against an hour after. Which we did at White Hall, whither he came, and after talking with him about our g…
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…
Pepys recounts August 19–September 1 activities: duelling reports, Tangier administration commissions, inspecting timber in Waltham Forest and Illford, and worries about plots as city watch arrests suspected abettors.
letter I writ last night, and sent him this morning, to be corrected by him in order to its sending down to all the Yards as a charge to them. 17th. This being the last Sunday that the Presbyterians are to preach, unless they read the new Common Prayer and renounce the Covenant, I had a mind to hear Dr. Bates's farewell sermon; and walked to St Dunstan's, where, it not being seven o'clock yet, the doors were not op…
Pepys watches fencing prizes at the New Theatre, hears of a discovered Irish plot involving the Covenant and Dublin Castle, reports Council business over letters between Scotland and England, and says the French King is well.
well again. I find myself growing in the esteem and credit that I have in the office, and I hope falling to my business again will confirm me in it. JUNE 1, 1663. The Duke having been a-hunting to-day, and so lately come home and gone to bed, we could not see him, and we walked away. And I with Sir J. Minnes to the Strand May-pole; and there light out of his coach, and walked to the New Theatre, which, since the K…
Pepys describes a private conversation with Edward Coventry about his censure over selling offices, explains alleged accusations and witnesses, hears more about the Irish plot, and records deaths and court marriage news.
Council was called extraordinary; and they were opening the letter this last post's coming and going between Scotland and us and other places. The King of France is well again. 2nd. To St. James's, to Mr. Coventry; where I had an hour's private talk with him concerning his own condition, at present being under the censure of the House, being concerned with others in the Bill for selling of offices. He tells me, th…
On July 1, Pepys describes Lord Bristol’s Commons speech about Sir Richard Temple, the House voting Temple innocent, and subsequent gossip on Digby’s reception and Sir Charles Sedley’s trial.
Richard Temple innocent; and that my Lord Digby hath cleared the honour of His Majesty, and Sir Richard Temple's, and given perfect satisfaction of his own respects to the House. 2nd. Walking in the garden this evening with Sir G. Carteret and Sir J. Minnes, Sir G. Carteret told us with great content how like a stage-player my Lord Digby spoke yesterday, pointing to his head as my Lord did, and saying, "First, for …
Pepys reports rumors that the King is colder toward Castlemaine, notes Bristoll’s planned impeachment of the Chancellor, and later records the King’s carriage visits and the Queen-mother’s court presence.
bring in their opinion, Whether these articles are treason, or no? and next, they would know, Whether they were brought in regularly or no, without leave of the Lords' House? 11th. By barge to St. Mary's Creeke; where Commissioner Pett, (doubtful of the growing greatnesse of Portsmouth by the finding of those creekes there,) do design a wett docke at no great charge, and yet no little one; he thinks towards 10,000l…
Pepys describes Bristoll’s formal impeachment of the Chancellor in the Lords with detailed articles of alleged treason, explains how the House orders legal opinions, and then discusses dock-building plans at Portsmouth’s creeks.
this Parliament, (which is likely to be adjourned in a day or two,) and in the mean time the two Lords to remain without prejudice done to either of them. 15th. Captain Grove come and dined with me. He told me of discourse very much to my honour, both as to my care and ability, happening at the Duke of Albemarle's table the other day, both from the Duke and the Duchesse themselves; and how I paid so much a year to…
Pepys closes the first two-year run of the diary, then continues in early July with plague news, arranging fleet command structure under Sandwich and others, secret financial trouble involving Alderman Backewell, and ongoing restrictions and house shut-ins.
is mightily liked of by the King and the Duke of York. Sir G. Lawson was buried late last night at St. Dunstan's by us, without any company at all. 4th. I hear this day the Duke and Prince Rupert are both come back from sea, and neither of them go back again. Mr. Coventry tells me how matters are ordered in the fleet: my Lord Sandwich goes Admiral; under him Sir G. Ascue, and Sir T. Teddiman: Vice Admiral, Sir W…
Pepys records displeasure at a foolish green riband, visits Deptford to see John Evelyn’s art and garden projects, then discusses contentious naval matters around Lord Sandwich and accusations involving Sir W. Pen.
one a green riband tied in our hats very foolishly; and methinks mighty disgracefully for my Lord to have his folly so open to all the world with this woman. 5th. By water to Deptford, and there made a visit to Mr. Evelyn, who, among other things, showed me most excellent painting in little; in distemper, Indian incke, water colours: graveing; and, above all, the whole secret of mezzo-tinto, and the manner of it, …
Pepys records Parliament’s trouble with his accounts, fears a delayed scheduled massacre, and hears Lady Denham is said to be poisoned, with rumors of a planned poisoning of the King.
was overcome, and all well,) we merrily parted, and home. Stopped by several guards and constables quite through the town, (round the wall as we went,) all being in arms. 10th. The Parliament did fall foul of our accounts again yesterday; and we must arme to have them examined, which I am sorry for: it will bring great trouble to me, and shame upon the office. This is the fatal day that every body hath discoursed…
Pepys reflects on a Gazette report from April about a plot to kill the King and burn London, linking the planned date (3 September) to the Great Fire’s outbreak on 2 September, then quotes the full Old Bailey indictment.
of September: which is very strange, methinks. [This circumstance was so remarkable that it has been thought worth while extracting the whole passage from the Gazette of April 23-26, 1666:-- "At the Sessions in the Old Bailey, John Rathbone, an old Army Colonel, William Saunders, Henry Tucker, Thomas Flint, Thomas Evans, John Myles, Will. Westcot, and John Cole, officers or soldiers in the late Rebellion, were indic…
Pepys describes musician hunger, a Lords’ quarrel between Buckingham and Dorchester over the Canary Company leading to Tower detention, fear from seamen gathering, and a later Sunday church service with a sermon aimed at the Earl of Carlisle.
23rd (Lord's day). To church, where a vain fellow with a periwigg preached, Chaplain (as by his prayer appeared) to the Earle of Carlisle. 24th. It being frost and dry, as far as Paul's, and so back again through the City by Guildhall, observing the ruins thereabouts till I did truly lose myself. No news yet of our Gottenburgh fleet; which makes us have some fears, it being of mighty concernment to have our supply…
Pepys records Sir W. Coventry’s decision to leave office, worries about Prince Rupert’s serious illness, and discusses finance schemes for Army treasurer’s interest and recent theatre/hospital news.
word "Nusance" in the Irish Bill, and do desire a good correspondence between the two Houses; and that the King do intend to prorogue them the last of this month. 16th. Sir W. Coventry came to me aside in the Duke's chamber to tell that he had not answered part of a late letter of mine, because LITTERA SCRIPTA MANET. About his leaving the office, he tells me, it is because he finds that his business at Court will …
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 reflects affectionately on his wife washing clothes and making coal fires, admires the King’s new medall, hears of country impoverishment from high taxes, and records rumors about Buckingham and other political changes.
are, as they swear, in absolute ignorance how this fire should come; which is a strange thing, that so horrid an effect should have so mean and uncertain a beginning. 25th. Lay long in bed, talking with pleasure with my poor wife, how she used to make coal fires, and wash my foul clothes with her own hand for me, poor wretch! in our little room at my Lord Sandwich's; for which I ought for ever to love and admire h…
Pepys reports beliefs about Dutch treaty locations, rumors of French movement in Flanders, and an attempt to arrest the Duke of Buckingham; he then discusses Buckingham’s alleged crimes and likely fate.
in like a young gallant; and hath the motions and carriage of a spark the most that ever I saw any man have. It makes me, I confess, admire her. 3rd. it is believed that the Dutch will yield to have the treaty at London or Dover, neither of which will get our King any credit, we having already consented to have it at the Hague; which, it seems, De Witt opposed, as a thing wherein the King of England must needs have…
Pepys records rumors of plots and government changes, notes a betrothal between Richmond and Mrs. Stewart, discusses poll tax assessment, and bargains for a fire-damaged copy of Rycaut’s Turkish discourse.
or thereabouts burned, I did now offer 20s., and he demands 50s., and I think I shall give it him, though it be only as a monument of the fire. 21st. To the Duke of York's playhouse, where unexpectedly I come to see only the young men and women of the house act; they having liberty to act for their own profit on Wednesdays and Fridays this Lent: and the play they did yesterday, being Wednesday, was so well taken, …
Pepys discusses converting gold to silver for financial obligations, rumors about the death of the Lord Treasurer, political tensions, and the appointment of Treasury commissioners with names still uncertain.
else: and so sent him going, and bid him do his worst. It is one of the most extraordinary cases that ever I saw or understood; but it is true. 17th. To Sir R. Viner's with 600 pieces of gold to turn into silver, for the enabling me to answer Sir G. Carteret's 3000l.; which he now draws all out of my hand towards the paying for a purchase he hath made for his son and my Lady Jemimah, in Northamptonshire, of Sir Sam…
On 14th, Pepys records factional blame at Council, vandalism against the Lord Chancellor with a Dunkirk/Tangier/Todent-saying placard, rumors of cash in the Exchequer, unrest and treason talk, and talk of Albemarle’s appointment as Lord High Constable.
Gauden did tell me yesterday, that the day before at the Council they were ready to fall together by the ears at the Council-table, arraigning one another of being guilty of the counsel that brought us into this misery, by laying up all the great ships. Mr. Hater tells me at noon that some rude people have been, as he hears, at my Lord Chancellor's, where they have cut down the trees before his house and broke his wi…
Pepys recounts July 12–14 political tension at court over the Duke of Buckingham, including his quarrel with Castlemaine, his Tower confinement, and rising criticism of the peace as the Dutch threaten further attacks.
for certain that the Dutch are with their fleet before Dover, and that it is expected they will attempt something there. The business of the peace is quite dashed again. 12th. The Duke of Buckingham was before the Council the other day, and there did carry it very submissively and pleasingly to the King; but to my Lord Arlington, who do prosecute the business, he was most bitter and sharp, and very slighting. As t…
Pepys attends Council at Whitehall about discharging the fleet after ratified peace, describes officials planning to force Exchequer officers to lend money, and observes public silence and shame about peace terms.
that all is finished: which for my life I know not whether to be glad or sorry for, a peace being so necessary, and yet so bad in its terms. 23rd. To White Hall to attend the Council. The King there: and it was about considering how the fleet might be discharged at their coming in shortly, the peace being now ratified, and it takes place on Monday next. To the Treasury-chamber, where I waited talking with Sir G.…
Pepys reports intrigue around the Lord Chancellor’s losing the Great Seal, later hears it is being taken away, discusses factions at court, and recounts gossip and a possible motive tied to Lady Castlemaine.
that she is very poor, and hath lost my Lady Castlemaine, who was her great friend also: but she is come to the playhouse, but is neglected by them all. 27th. To White Hall; and there hear how it is like to go well enough with my Lord Chancellor; that he is like to keep his Seal, desiring that he may stand his trial in Parliament, if they will accuse him of any thing. This day Mr. Pierce, the surgeon was with me; …
Pepys records explanations of why the Chancellor was removed, hopes and fears about wider political plots, visits to Whitehall, a dinner with Sir G. Carteret, and talk about changing court fashions and royal linens.
but when, besides this business of his ill words concerning his Majesty in the business of the Chancellor, he told him that he hath had a long time a mind to put him away for his ill offices, done between him and his wife, the King held his peace, and said no more, but wished him to do what he pleased with him; which was very noble. I met with Fenn; and he tells me, as I do hear from some others, that the business of…
Pepys meets Lady Peterborough about her husband’s pension and debts, discusses with Crewe the ruinous cost of Lord Sandwich in Spain, learns of Sir William Batten’s death, and watches an acting company with painted performers and lewd talk.
at pawne for money, and how they are forced to live beyond their estate, and do get nothing by his being a courtier. The lady I pity, and her family. 4th. To my Lord Crewe's, and there did stay with him an hour till almost night, discoursing about the ill state of my Lord Sandwich, that he can neither be got to be called home, nor money got to maintain him there; [In Spain.] which will ruin his family. And the tr…
Pepys secures approval from the Duke of York for his requested ship, hears news that Parliament may seek revenge on the chancellor through suspected parliamentary designs and alleged money-taking bargains, and visits Wren about his warrant.
there is but 800l. found in the world of money; and is in great doubt what we shall do towards the doing ourselves right with them, about the prize money. 13th. To St. James's; and there to the Duke of York's chamber and there he was dressing; and many Lords and Parliament-men come to kiss his hands, they being newly come to town. And then the Duke of York did of himself call me to him and tell me that he had spok…
Pepys recounts Coventry reading the prince and duke’s narratives accusing him, hears fears of the Chancellor’s execution, then watches "The Tempest" and later records continued Commons heat over the Chancellor’s impeachment.
midst of the play, did drop down as dead, being choked; but with much ado Orange Mall did thrust her finger down his throat, and brought him to life again. 4th. To Westminster; and there landing at the New Exchange stairs, I to Sir W. Coventry: and there he read over to me the Prince's and Duke of Albemarle's Narratives; wherein they are very severe against him and our office. But Sir W. Coventry do contemn them;…
Pepys notes a conference between Lords and Commons over whether to confine Clarendon, discusses king’s remarks about the Chancellor versus Buckingham and Bristoll, and records pressure and witness summonses relating to prize goods and Sandwich.
his son Jack (Sir John) his going to France, that he may be a witness against my Lord Sandwich: which do trouble me, though he can, I think, say little. 15th. A conference between the two Houses today; so I stayed: and it was only to tell the Commons that the Lords' cannot agree to the confining or sequestring of the Earle of Clarendon from the Parliament, forasmuch as they do not specify any particular crime which…
Commons orders Clarendon’s left-behind paper burned and asks the King to stop his escape, while Pepys notes Gilsthrop’s burial closing the 65,000l. damage talk and continuing political retaliation.
yield 100l. a year, is now reputed worth 33l. 6s. 8d.; and that this is the common market-price between one man and another, made upon a good and moderate medium. 4th. I hear that the House of Lords did send down the paper which my Lord Clarendon left behind him, directed to the Lords, to be seditious and scandalous; and the Commons have voted that it be burned by the hands of the hangman, and that the King be desi…
Pepys comments on a deadly duel involving the Duke of Buckingham, Holmes, and Jenkins against Lord Shrewsbury and others near Barne-Elms, then mentions tension over the King’s advisers and the Royal Society.
practices of commanders which I will find a time to recollect; and he will be an admirable help to my writing a history of the Navy, if ever I do. 17th. Much discourse of the duell yesterday between the Duke of Buckingham, Holmes, and one Jenkins, on one side, and my Lord of Shrewsbury, [Francis, eleventh Earl of Shrewsbury, died of his wounds March 16th following.] Sir John Talbot, [Sir John Talbot, a Gentleman o…
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 experiments with musical theory, hears that Sir William Pen will command the summer fleet and that Prince Rupert resents it, and later reports Coventry’s renewed troubles over petitions.
kindness for, that he should not at any desire of his be put to this service, and thereby make the Prince his enemy and contract more envy from other people. 24th. From the Duke's chamber Sir W. Coventry and I to walk in the Mattted Gallery; and there, among other things, he tells me of the wicked design that now is at last contriving against him, to get a petition presented from people, that the money they have pa…
Between 16th and 22nd Pepys follows impeachment and parliamentary proceedings against W. Pen and others, hears Harman’s case details, and reports shifts in custody and a proposal to make ships faster.
Harman, how he prevaricated, and hath undoubtedly been imposed on and wheedled; and he is like the miller's man that in Richard the Third's time was hanged for his master. 20th. To White Hall, and there hear how Brouncker is tied, which I think will undo him; but what good it will do Harman I know not, he hath so befouled himself; but it will be good sport to my Lord Chancellor to hear how his great enemy is fain t…
Pepys corrects and submits the Duke of York’s signed version of his report, navigates anxieties that he may be blamed for it, debates office security with Wren and Cocke, and meets the Duke of York’s commissioners about prizes.
here danced all night long, with a noble supper; and about two in the morning the table spread again for a noble breakfast beyond all moderation; and then broke up. 27th. To St. James's; and there with Mr. Wren did correct his copy of my letter, which the Duke of York hath signed in my very words, without alteration of a syllable. And so, pleased therewith, I to my Lord Brouncker, who I find within, but hath busin…
Pepys notes that delivering his answer to the Duke of York has put him at rest, though he still plans to finish copies of others’ answers to protect himself from further suspicion.
my communication with the Duke of York against them. So now I am at rest in that matter, and shall be more when my copies are finished of their answers. 19th. To the King's playhouse, and there saw "The Silent Woman;" the best comedy, I think, that ever was wrote: and sitting by Shadwell [Thomas Shadwell, the dramatic writer. Ob. 1692.] the poet, he was big with admiration of it. Here was my Lord Brouncker and …
Pepys hears from Mr. Povy that Buckingham and Arlington are manipulating the King, weakening the Duke of York and Chancellor, and expects further political changes and conflicts.
I think I am the least troubled at it, for I care not at all for it: but my Lord Brouncker and Pen do seem to think much of it. 30th. Up betimes; and Mr. Povy comes to even accounts with me; which we did, and then fell to other talk. He tells me, in short, how the King is made a child of by Buckingham and Arlington, to the lessening of the Duke of York, whom they cannot suffer to be great, for fear of my Lord Chan…
On March 1 Pepys hears Lady Paulina Montagu has died, notes Parliament prorogued and hoped time to travel to France, and reports a planned duel between Buckingham and Halifax or Coventry involving Sir W. Coventry being sent to the Tower.
the people, so many as to make up above 10l. in the whole house! But I plainly discern the musick is the better, by how much the house the emptier. 1668-9. MARCH 1. I do hear that my Lady Paulina Montagu did die yesterday! at which I went to my Lord's lodgings, but he is shut up with sorrow, and so not to be spoken with: and therefore I returned, and to Westminster Hall, where I have not been, I think, in some mo…
From March 4 Pepys recounts the escalation of Coventry’s challenge with Buckingham, Coventry’s confinement in the Tower, and Pepys’ subsequent journeys by water and dinner with the Duke of York’s household at Deptford and nearby.
all is over, only I hear that the students do resolve to try the Charter of the City. So we home, and betimes to bed, and slept well all night. 4th. To White Hall, where in the first Court I did meet Sir Jeremy Smith, who did tell me that Sir W. Coventry was just now sent to the Tower, about the business of the challenging the Duke of Buckingham, and so was also Harry Saville to the Gate-house; which, as he is a ge…
Pepys visits Sir W. Coventry and learns that Navy office factions may remove him, while Coventry advises the Duke of York to placate them by allowing the King’s preferred appointments.
Richard Browne and Mr. Evelyn in their coach to the church, where Mr. Plume preached. [Thomas Plume, D.D., Vicar of Greenwich 1662, and installed Archdeacon of Rochester 1679. Ob, 1704.] 30th. Up, and to Sir W. Coventry, to see and discourse with him; and he tells me that he hath lately been with my Lord Keeper, and had much discourse about the Navy: and particularly he tells me that he finds they are divided touc…
Pepys hosts Hugh May and Sir Henry Capell, visits the Old Artillery Ground to watch a new gun tested, discusses patents and profit, and hears that the Duke of Buckingham has a spite against him and that Sir T. Allen is not his ally.
that he do still remain incognito, and so intends to do all the time he stays here, for avoiding trouble to the King and himself, and expence also to both. 20th. At noon comes my guest Mr. Hugh May, and with him Sir Henry Capell, my old Lord Capell's son, and Mr. Parker. And I had a pretty dinner for them; and both before and after dinner had excellent discourse; and showed them my closet and my office, and the me…
Pepys reports meetings and court business on Navy financing and Parliament politics, including fears that attempts to avoid recalling Parliament could ruin relations with Holland.
believe, they will not part with me; so I thank God my condition is such that I can retire and be able to live with comfort, though not with abundance. 21st. To Auditor Wood's, and met my Lord Bellasses upon some business of his accounts. Attended the Duke of York a little, being the first time of my waiting on him at St. James's this summer, whither he is now newly gone. And thence walked to White Hall; and so b…
On 27th–28th, Pepys pays an old acquaintance (Tom Newton), negotiates with Downing’s circle about documents and characters, accompanies Hawly and arranges Squib’s transfer, and watches Downing depart for Holland.
to my last, concerning my money which I would have out of my Coz. Beck's' hand, wherein Beck desires it four months longer, which I know not how to spare. 27th. Going to my office I met with Tom Newton, my old comrade, and took him to the Crown in the Palace, and gave him his morning draft. And as he always did, did talk very high what he would do with the Parliament, that he would have what place he would, and th…
Corcyra answers the treaty objection by claiming neutrality under the Lacedaemonian treaty allows choosing either side, while accusing Corinth of recruiting men from Athens’ dependencies and seeking support by deceit.
deceit, nor to yield to their direct requests; concessions to adversaries only end in self-reproach, and the more strictly they are avoided the greater will be the chance of security. “If it be urged that your reception of us will be a breach of the treaty existing between you and Lacedaemon, the answer is that we are a neutral state, and that one of the express provisions of that treaty is that it shall be competen…
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…
Thucydides explains how a love affair led Harmodius and Aristogiton to conspire against Hippias and Hipparchus during the Panathenaea, culminating in Hipparchus’ death and a harsher reign under Hippias.
lengthened the altar in the market-place, and obliterated the inscription; but that in the Pythian precinct can still be seen, though in faded letters, and is to the following effect: Pisistratus, the son of Hippias, Sent up this record of his archonship In precinct of Apollo Pythias. That Hippias was the eldest son and succeeded to the government, is what I positively assert as a fact upon which I have had more ex…
Alcibiades becomes the target of suspicion during the Hermae-mysteries panic, especially as Lacedaemon advances near the Isthmus; Athens sends Salaminia to Sicily for charges, but Alcibiades flees by default and is condemned.
heads. In this it was, after all, not clear whether the sufferers had been punished unjustly, while in any case the rest of the city received immediate and manifest relief. To return to Alcibiades: public feeling was very hostile to him, being worked on by the same enemies who had attacked him before he went out; and now that the Athenians fancied that they had got at the truth of the matter of the Hermae, they beli…
Alcibiades addresses the Spartans while supported by Corinthians and Syracuse, explaining his exile and urging open war: he recounts Athenian plans for Sicily and Carthage and the eventual threat to Peloponnese.
Syracuse to prevent their surrendering to the Athenians, showed no disposition to send them any assistance, Alcibiades now came forward and inflamed and stirred the Lacedaemonians by speaking as follows: “I am forced first to speak to you of the prejudice with which I am regarded, in order that suspicion may not make you disinclined to listen to me upon public matters. The connection, with you as your proxeni, which…
Alcibiades urges Tissaphernes to prolong the war cheaply, avoid uniting land and sea command under one party, keep the Phoenician fleet and pay in check, and exploit the king’s ability to switch sides when convenient.
cause for economy, but that as soon as he received remittances from the king he would give them their pay in full and do what was reasonable for the cities. Alcibiades further advised Tissaphernes not to be in too great a hurry to end the war, or to let himself be persuaded to bring up the Phoenician fleet which he was equipping, or to provide pay for more Hellenes, and thus put the power by land and sea into the sa…
At Samos and then Athens, Alcibiades’s influence helps an oligarchical conspiracy: captains form a club, promise king’s support and pay if the democracy is abolished, and they plan to send Pisander and others to restore Alcibiades.
be glad to return to his country and to make Tissaphernes their friend), the captains and chief men in the armament at once embraced the idea of subverting the democracy. The design was first mooted in the camp, and afterwards from thence reached the city. Some persons crossed over from Samos and had an interview with Alcibiades, who immediately offered to make first Tissaphernes, and afterwards the King, their frie…
Phrynichus sends a secret letter to Astyochus warning about Alcibiades’s intrigue; Astyochus forwards it to Tissaphernes, then Alcibiades and Phrynichus trade accusations, yet Samos is fortified in time—then Alcibiades presses Tissaphernes toward an alliance with Athens.
an embassy to Athens to treat for the restoration of Alcibiades and the abolition of the democracy in the city, and thus to make Tissaphernes the friend of the Athenians. Phrynichus now saw that there would be a proposal to restore Alcibiades, and that the Athenians would consent to it; and fearing after what he had said against it that Alcibiades, if restored, would revenge himself upon him for his opposition, had …
Pisander and allies push oligarchy while Diitrephes abolishes democracy at Thasos; at Athens, Androcles is secretly assassinated and a narrow five-thousand-plus oligarchic structure is imposed, enforced by intimidation and selective violence.
to sustain the war, and to contribute without stint money and all else that might be required from their own private estates, as they would henceforth labour for themselves alone. After encouraging each other in these resolutions, they now at once sent off half the envoys and Pisander to do what was necessary at Athens (with instructions to establish oligarchies on their way in all the subject cities which they migh…