HKB
60 passages · search this phrase →
Often appears with: justice as a virtue · counsel and advisers to rulers · political legitimacy and consent · conquest, plunder, and captives · religious persecution and toleration · diplomacy and embassies · faction, party, and civil strife · empire and the rule of provinces · crime and punishment · assemblies, councils, and senates · public finance and debt · fate, destiny, and necessity
Usually: argument (1255) · detachment (1165) · narrative (643) · skepticism (433) · exhortation (315) · censure (313) · the fall of the great (308) · injustice endured (291) · indignation (284) · curiosity (278)
“Go on, my dear friend, till you, and those who, like you, have been saved, so as by fire, from the dark prison-house, shall stereotype these free, illegal pulses into statutes; and New England, cutting loose from a blood-stained Union, shall glory in being the house of refuge for the oppressed,—” Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an Amer · precept
“Blessed be God, at the end of the last year I was in very good health, without any sense of my old pain, but upon taking of cold.” Samuel Pepys, Diary of Samuel Pepys — Volume 02: January 1659-1660 · observation
“Such are those to whom some state is given either for money or by the favour of him who bestows it.” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · observation
“Mercenaries and auxiliaries are useless and dangerous; and if one holds his state based on these arms, he will stand neither firm nor safe; for they are disunited, ambitious, and without discipline, unfaithful, valiant before friends, cowardly before enemies; they have neither the fear of God nor fidelity to men, and destruction is deferred only so long as the attack is; for in peace one is robbed by them, and in war by the enemy.” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · observation
“Suspicion is the companion of mean souls, and the bane of all good society.” Thomas Paine, Common Sense · insight
“The present state of America is truly alarming to every man who is capable of reflexion. Without law, without government, without any other mode of power than what is founded on, and granted by courtesy.” Thomas Paine, Common Sense · observation
“Government, like dress, is the badge of lost innocence; the palaces of kings are built on the ruins of the bowers of paradise.” Thomas Paine, Common Sense · vivid
“Here then is the origin and rise of government; namely, a mode rendered necessary by the inability of moral virtue to govern the world; here too is the design and end of government, viz. freedom and security.” Thomas Paine, Common Sense · insight
“To say that the constitution of England is a union of three powers reciprocally checking each other, is farcical, either the words have no meaning, or they are flat contradictions.” Thomas Paine, Common Sense · wit
“No one shall be distrained for performance of greater service for a knight’s fee, or for any other free tenement, than is due therefrom.” Anonymous, The Magna Carta · precept
“A freeman shall not be amerced for a slight offense, except in accordance with the degree of the offense; and for a grave offense he shall be amerced in accordance with the gravity of the offense, yet saving always his “contentment;” and a merchant in the same way, saving his “merchandise;” and a villein shall be amerced in the same way, saving his “wainage”—if they have fallen into our mercy; and none of the aforesaid amercements shall be imposed except by the oath of honest men of the neighborhood.” Anonymous, The Magna Carta · insight
“The history of all past society has consisted in the development of class antagonisms, antagonisms that assumed different forms at different epochs.” Karl Marx; Friedrich Engels, Manifesto of the Communist Party · insight
The passage legislates war responses, says wine and gambling contain both sin and some advantage, gives rules for alms and fair dealing with orphans, forbids marriage with idolaters, regulates relations during menstruation, oaths, divorce waiting periods, and divorce procedures.
War is prescribed to you: but from this ye are averse. Yet haply ye are averse from a thing, though it be good for you, and haply ye love a thing though it be bad for you: And God knoweth; but ye, ye know not. They will ask thee concerning war in the Sacred Month. SAY: To war therein is bad, but to turn aside from the cause of God, and to have no faith in Him, and in the Sacred Temple, and to drive out its people, …
The narrator argues Muhammad sought to end idolatry and proclaim God’s unity, but also depicts his later rule as marked by tyranny, violence, and possible self-deception from supposed catalepsy and hallucinations.
relics98 left by the family of Moses, and the family of Aaron; the angels shall bear it: Truly herein shall be a sign indeed to you if ye are believers." And when Saul marched forth with his forces, he said, "God will test you by a river: He who drinketh of it shall not be of my band; but he who shall not taste it, drinking a drink out of the hand excepted, shall be of my band."99 And, except a few of them, they dra…
The passage continues Sura VIII with inheritance-like rules tying believers by faith and migration, warns that infidels support one another, and closes the legal and communal framework for the believers’ unity.
shall know good21 to be in your hearts, He will give you good beyond all that hath been taken from you, and will forgive you: for God is Forgiving, Merciful." But if they seek to deal treacherously with you-they have already dealt treacherously22 with God before! Therefore hath He given you power over them. God is Knowing, Wise. Verily, they who have believed and fled their homes and spent their substance for the c…
Pepys describes Westminster Hall and Whitehall news: Parliament passes indemnity and vacancy-fill rules, debates Lambert’s strength versus Fifth Monarchy men, and later hears Lambert’s forces abandon him and he declares for Parliament.
the soldiers; and that unless there be a free Parliament chosen, he did believe there are half the Common Council will not levy any money by order of this Parliament. 6th. This morning Mr. Shepley and I did eat our breakfast at Mrs. Harper's, (my brother John being with me,) upon a cold turkey-pie and a goose. 9th. I rose early this morning, and looked over and corrected my brother John's speech, which he is to m…
In early March Pepys reports high-level political appointments, votes and oaths being debated, hopes for Charles’s return, assignments for Pepys’s role in naval service, and warnings about uncertainty between Parliament and soldiers.
to town, being sent with Sir H. Yelverton, my old school-fellow at Paul's School, to bring the thanks of the county to General Monk for the return of the Parliament. 2nd. I went early to my Lord at Mr. Crewe's where I spoke to him. Here were a great many come to see him, as Secretary Thurloe, [John Thurloe, who had been Secretary of State to the two Protectors, but was never employed after the Restoration, though …
In April 1660 at sea off the Thames, Pepys hears that the King will enter, watches fleet preparations and convoy departures, and notes political actions: Lambert released, commissioners consult fleet reductions, and Parliament elections shift toward monarchy.
Sir Gilbert Pickering, Bart.] he tells me that the King will come in, but that Monk did resolve to have the doing of it himself or else to hinder it. 3rd. There come many merchants to get convoy to the Baltique, which a course was taken for. They dined with my Lord, and one of them by name Alderman Wood talked much to my Lord of the hopes that he had now to be settled, (under the King he meant); but my Lord took n…
Pepys continues aboard ship, tracking how naval and parliamentary politics swing to the King: he hears Lambert taken, Parliament meets with speakers chosen, and officers worry about Cavaliers versus Presbyterians.
by which he is capable of being elected for them. This day I heard that the Army had in general declared to stand by what the next Parliament shall do. 15th (Lord's day). To sermon, and then to dinner, where my Lord told us that the University of Cambridge had a mind to choose him for their burgess, which he pleased himself with, to think that they do look upon him as a thriving man, and said so openly at table. A…
On the 28th Pepys reports work and orders on the ship, then on the 27th (Lord’s day) details the ceremonial investing of Lord with the Order of the Garter and George and Garter letter.
table, where the King today with his own hand did marke his height, which accordingly I caused the painter to do, and is now done as is to be seen. 28th. My Lord dined with the Vice-Admiral to-day, (who is as officious, poor man! as any spaniel can be; but I believe all to no purpose, for I believe he will not hold his place;) so I dined commander at the coach table to-day, and all the officers of the ship with me…
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 repeats that the Council granted the Navy orders he helped draft, leaving him glad, and closes the entry with the same satisfaction over the new authority.
night my Lord told me how my orders that I drew last night about giving us power to act, are granted by the Council. At which I was very glad. 5th. This morning my brother Tom brought me my jackanapes coat with silver buttons. It rained this morning, which, makes us fear that the glory of this day will be lost; the King and Parliament being to be entertained by the City to-day with great pomp. Mr. Hater was with …
With rain ruining the King’s City spectacle, Pepys walks through Whitehall, meets court secretaries, visits the Admiralty and Park, and ends the day in despair when he hears Barlow is in town.
that we hope to have. My patent has cost me a great deal of money; about 40l. In the afternoon to Henry the Seventh's Chapel, where I heard a Sermon. 17th. This morning (as indeed all the mornings now-a-days) much business at my Lord's. There come to my house before I went out Mr. Barlow, an old consumptive man, and fair conditioned. After much talk, I did grant, him what he asked, viz. 50l. per annum, if my sala…
Pepys, his lord, and senior figures take possession of the Navy Office, then visit the Treasurer’s Office to set things in order, briefly cheering Pepys’s spirits.
the House of Commons, and had the thanks of the House for his great service to his country. [In the Journals this is stated to have taken place July 24th.] 26th. Early to White Hall, thinking to have a meeting of my Lord and the principal officers, but my Lord could not, it being the day that he was to go and be admitted in the House of Lords, his patent being done, which he presented upon his knees to the Speaker;…
Pepys watches titles and ceremonies as the King creates the Lord Chancellor and barons, attends court spectacle involving the Duke of York and his duchess, observes public crowds for triumphal arches, and worries about rain for the next day’s show.
the first time that ever I saw him do it; which he did with great gravity, and it seemed to me to be an ugly office and a simple one. 20th. Comes my boy to tell me that the Duke of York had sent for all the principall officers, &c. to come to him to-day. So I went by water to Mr. Coventry's, and there staid and talked a good while with him till all the rest come. We went up and saw the Duke dress himself, and in …
Pepys reports a rumor of a Portuguese lady at Hampton Court who has already given birth, and he records heated discussions about the Act of Uniformity, alleged debts tied to the Earl of Sandwich, and threats in legal proceedings.
of the Tower, upon my demanding how Sir H. Vane died, told me that he died in a passion; but all confess with so much courage as never man did. 22nd. This day I am told of a Portugall lady, at Hampton Court, that hath dropped a child already since the Queene's coming, and the King would not have them searched whose it is; and so it is not commonly known yet. Coming home to-night, I met with Will. Swan, who do talk…
Pepys discusses political and religious discontent in 1662, attends court visits at Queen-Mother’s and the Queen’s presence chamber, sees Lady Castlemaine and the king’s bastard Monmouth, and records Admiralty business and news about a knighted acquaintance.
and honoured there. I this day heard that Mr. Martin Noell is knighted by the King, which I much wonder at; but yet he is certainly a very useful man. 7th. Home with Mr. Fox and his lady; and there dined with them. Most of our discourse was what ministers are flung out that will not conform: and the care of the Bishop of London that we are here supplied with very good men. Meeting Mr. Pierce, the chyrurgeon, he t…
Pepys notes political tension in Parliament and royal favor, then records visiting Covent Garden coffee-house, examining students at St. Paul’s School, hearing gossip about Charles II’s affairs, and Dutch threats in India affecting English merchants.
business runs high between the Chancellor and my Lord Bristoll against the Parliament; and that my Lord Lauderdale and Cooper open high against the Chancellor; which I am sorry for. 3rd. In Covent Garden to-night, going to fetch my wife, I stopped at the great Coffee-house there, where I never was before: where Dryden the poet (I knew at Cambridge), and all the wits of the town, and Harris the player, and Mr. Hool…
Pepys walks the Tower amid empty streets and plague death, hears of the king and Parliament speeches, gets messages urging confidence about prize goods, then accepts an appointment as Surveyor-General of victualling.
no expectation but we must fall out with them. The 'Change pretty full, and the town begins to be lively again, though the streets very empty, and most shops shut. 27th. The Duke of Albemarle proposed to me from Mr. Coventry, that I should be Surveyor-Generall of the Victualling business, which I accepted. But, indeed, the terms in which Mr. Coventry proposes it for me are the most obliging that ever I could expec…
On 18th-21st Pepys reports Parliament meeting and adjourning, ongoing complaints of lack of money, and preparations for naval and Parliamentary accounts as the King prepares to attend.
our accounts, which now draw near the time they should be ready, the House having ordered Sir G. Carteret, upon his offering them, to bring them in on Saturday next. 23rd. Mr. Wayth and I by water to White Hall, and there at Sir G. Carteret's lodgings Sir W. Coventry met, and we did debate the whole business of our accounts to the Parliament; where it appears to us that the charge of the war from September 1, 1664,…
Early October 1666 Pepys works on lists of ships for a Parliament committee, attends examinations, argues about the King’s reduced power under scrutiny, and hears reports about ruined book sellers and accusations of cheating the King.
make them a courageous speech, which he says he may do (the City of London being now burned, and himself master of an army) better than any prince before him. 5th. The Sub-committee have made their report to the Grand Committee, and in pretty kind terms. Captain Cocke told me of a wild motion made in the House of Lords by the Duke of Buckingham, for all men that have cheated the King to be declared traitors and fe…
Pepys summarizes his delay in writing up journal notes after the Fire, reports Parliament cutting Navy wear-and-tear funding, debates funding the King for the next year, and sees court fashion plans affecting the Duke of York.
day have appointed to declare the sum they will give the King, and to propose the way of raising it; so that this is likely to be the great day. 13th. To White Hall, and there the Duke of York (who is gone over to all his pleasures again, and leaves off care of business, what with his woman, my Lady Denham, and his hunting three times a week was just come in from hunting. So I stood and saw him dress himself, and …
Pepys records political and electoral hostility to court influence, a developing naval dispute between Holmes and Smith, and the handling of grievances without real peace; he also notes fallout blamed on the Fire.
the method all the King's work is now done in. The Foresight also and another come to disasters in the same place this week in the cleaning; which is strange. 29th. Up, and to the office to do business, and thither comes to me Sir Thomas Teddiman, and he and I walked a good while in the garden together, discoursing of the disorder and discipline of the fleet, wherein he told me how bad every thing is; but was very …
Pepys notes the Poll Bill’s passage efforts to remove the Proviso, then explains it was removed, discusses King’s spending on debts and court finances, reports ships from Smyrna reaching safety, and gives Exchange market impressions.
11th. This day the Poll Bill was to be passed, and great endeavours used to take away the Proviso. 12th. Sir H. Cholmly did with grief tell me how the Parliament hath been told plainly that the King hath been heard to say, that he would dissolve them rather than pass this Bill with the Proviso. But tells me, that the Proviso is removed, and now carried that it shall be done by a Bill by itself. He tells me how th…
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 …
At a dinner with the Duke of Albemarle, Pepys hears disputes about naval battles against the Dutch and French influence, discusses inland “land-admirals,” and notes Maundy Thursday charity done by the Bishop of London rather than the King.
at White Hall to the Maunday, it being Maunday Thursday; but the King did not wash the poor people's feet himself, but the Bishop of London did it for him. 5th. Mr. Young was talking about the building of the City again: and he told me that those few churches that are to be new built are plainly not chosen with regard to the convenience of the City; they stand a great many in a cluster about Cornhill: but that all…
Pepys reports that the Treasury commission is set for the Duke of Albemarle and others, that the court is disturbed by the sudden change, and he discusses naval timber misconduct and a Duke of York examination.
River; which I saw, but it was but a little one; but big enough to prevent my mistake of that for a colt, if ever I become Mayor of Huntingdon. 23rd. Sir John Duncomb is sworn yesterday a Privy-councillor. This day I hear also that last night the Duke of Kendall, [Henry Stuart. Created Duke of Kendall, 1664.] second son of the Duke of York, did die; and that the other, Duke of Cambridge, continues very ill still.…
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 dines at Lord Ashley’s, debates House of Lords’ legal authority, observes court talk and spectacle, reviews Navy/East India prize accounts, and hears how the King and Duke of York acted drunkenly while hunting.
before, since I came to be a person concerned in business; and I doubt, when I come to make up my accounts, I shall find it so by the expence. 23rd. At my Lord Ashly's by invitation to dine there. At table it is worth remembering that my Lord tells us that the House of Lords is the last appeal that a man can make upon a point of interpretation of the law, and that therein they are above the Judges; and that he did…
Pepys learns from Carteret that the King considers the Commons’ planned thanks for removing the chancellor irregular but will proceed, and later Cholmly reports Commons and Lords have formally concurred in the King’s promise not to re-employ the chancellor.
Keeper's speech for all but what he was forced to say about the reason of the King's sending away the House so soon the last time, when they were met. 16th. At home most of the morning with Sir H. Cholmly, about some accounts of his: and for news he tells me that the Commons and Lords have concurred, and delivered the King their thanks, among other things, for his removal of the Chancellor; who took their thanks v…
Debates in the Lords and Commons over the reasons for proceedings against Lord Clarendon escalate into protests, with Lords claiming exclusive court authority while Commons press for conference and justice.
the House in the business of Chatham: which I am glad to hear; and the more, for that I know that he is a great creature of Sir R. Brookes's. 21st. Among other things of news I do hear, that upon the reading of the House of Commons' Reasons of the manner of their proceedings in the business of my Lord Chancellor, the Reasons were so bad, that my Lord Bristoll himself did declare that he would not stand, to what he …
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 records Parliament adjourning, experiments with paper-tube spectacles, hears about changes to the Duke of York’s naval authority, attends dinners, drafts a report for the Duke of York, and observes ambassadors and art.
his work, and the chrystal and case and gold case comes to 8l. 3s. 4d.; and which I sent him this night, that I might be out of his debt. 11th. The Parliament met enough to adjourne to the 10th of November next. At the office all the afternoon till night, being mightily pleased with a trial I have made of the use of a tube- spectacall of paper, tried with my right eye. This day I hear that, to the great joy of th…
Pepys debates the Lord Keeper’s criticisms of the Navy with the Duke of York and Wren, mocks the proposed remedies as ridiculous, describes repairs and blotted artwork in Whitehall, and joins office reading under suspicion.
and there met at Sir Richard Ford's with the Duke of York's Commissioners about our prizes, with whom we shall have some trouble before we make an end with them. 28th. To White Hall; where the Duke of York did call me aside, and told me that he must speak with me in the afternoon and with Mr. Wren, for that now he hath got the paper from my Lord Keeper about the exceptions taken against the management of the Navy; …
On Sunday Pepys reads his long letter with Sir William Coventry, discusses politics and a prophecy about Lord Falmouth, attends chapel and entertains himself in the Park and gardens, and hears committees about Tangier.
famous rope- dancer, was said to have received a salary from Lady Castlemaine, who had become enamoured of him.] dancing on the ropes; a thing worth seeing, and mightily followed. 30th. Lord's day. Walked to St. James's and Pell Mell, and, read over with Sir W. Coventry my long letter to the Duke of York, and which the Duke of York hath from mine wrote to the Board, wherein he is mightily pleased, and I perceive d…
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…
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…
Pepys meets the Duke of York and Wren over administrative plans, learns of Pen’s departure to Victualling, and hears court talk about disbanding the Duke of York’s Guards and putting Ormond into commission.
him out of this office. Sir John Talbot talks mighty high for my Lord of Ormond: and I perceive this family of the Talbots hath been raised by my Lord. 5th. The Duke of York did call me and Mr. Wren; and my paper that I have lately taken pains to draw up was read, and the Duke of York pleased therewith; and we did all along conclude upon answers to my mind for the Board, and that that, if put in execution, will do …
New treasurers present the Great Seal for Anglesy’s suspension, shuffle officeholders and paymaster appointments, and Pepys later hears an argument about a Newcastle land grant under the Exchequer Seal.
brother, and oust all the rest. But Mr. Hutchinson do already see that his work now will be another kind of thing than before, as to the trouble of it. 13th. Up, and with Sir W. Pen by coach to White Hall; where to the Duke of York, and there did our usual business. And thence I to the Commissioners of the Treasury; where I staid and heard an excellent case argued between my Lord Gerard and the town of Newcastle, …
At year’s start Pepys receives a silver warming-pan from Captain Beckford, later assists committees of Tangier where the Duke of York protects him from Treasury orders without his assent, and attends plays including “The Island Princesse.”
1668-9. JANUARY 1. Presented from Captain Beckford with a noble silver warming-pan. 4th. W. Hewer and I went and saw the great tall woman that is to be seen, who is but twenty-one years old, and I do easily stand under her arms. To White Hall, where a Committee of Tangier met; and I did receive an instance of the Duke of York's kindness to me, and the whole Committee, that they would not order any thing about the …
On the 14th–15th Pepys shows Coventry old Navy records, argues with the Duke of York about debt-running and political reform, reflects on court fortunes, and has his face moulded by a plasterer.
as, I think, it is too good for him ever to have writ it; and it is a serious sort of book, and not fit for every body to read. 14th (Lord's day). Up, and by coach to Sir W. Coventry: and there he tells me he takes no more care for any thing more than in the Treasury; and that that being done, be goes to cards and other delights, as plays, and in the summer-time to bowles. But here he did show me two or three old …
Pepys records conversations at the Tower with Sir W. Coventry about petitions, appointments in the Navy Treasury, and Coventry’s dealings with the King over Lord Clarendon and the Duke of York.
of defending the present constitution of the Navy; but there could not have liberty without order from him that is in present, waiting, Mr. Bickerstaffe, who is out of town. 9th. Up, and to the Tower; and there find Sir W. Coventry alone writing down his journall, which, he tells me, he now keeps of the material things; upon which I told him, (and he is the only man I ever told it to, I think,) that I kept it most …
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…
The editor’s preface explains English new-year reckoning and then shifts to Pepys’s diary context: he had been healthy after catching cold, lived in Axe Yard with wife and servant Jane, and notes political conditions of the Rump after Lambert’s disturbance.
THE DIARY OF SAMUEL PEPYS M.A. F.R.S. CLERK OF THE ACTS AND SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY 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 1660 N.S. COMPLETE JANUARY …
Pepys reports January 1–9 political and social developments: the Rump returns, Lambert and other officers are positioned, Monk is in Scotland, City leaders seek a free Parliament, and Pepys’s own uncertain office finances are noted.
The condition of the State was thus; viz. the Rump, after being disturbed by my Lord Lambert, [John Lambert, major-general in the Parliamentary army. The title Lord was not his by right, but it was frequently given to the republican officers. He was born in 1619, at Calton Hall, in the parish of Kirkby-in-Malham-Dale, in the West Riding of Yorkshire. In 1642 he was appointed captain of horse un…
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…
On the 17th–18th Pepys gives money to ushers during a dinner, consults with Mrs. Jem, debates Roman government and ballot versus war, hears Sydenham voted out and Salloway sent to the Tower, and reports Protector Richard Cromwell’s political troubles.
the next pass [he] was killed on the spot. The Earl fled to Chelsea, and there took water and escaped. The jury found it chance-medley."--Rugge's "Diurnal," Addit MSS., British Museum.--B.] We went forward and came about one of the clock to Mr. Fuller's, but he was out of town, so we had a dinner there, and I gave the child 40s. to give to the two ushers. After that we parted and went homewards, it being market day…
Athenian envoys defend imperial moderation as fair dealing in Athenian contract trials, contrasting legal restraint with other powers’ use of force, and warn that Spartan rule would lose popularity.
left us would fall to you. And no one can quarrel with a people for making, in matters of tremendous risk, the best provision that it can for its interest. “You, at all events, Lacedaemonians, have used your supremacy to settle the states in Peloponnese as is agreeable to you. And if at the period of which we were speaking you had persevered to the end of the matter, and had incurred hatred in your command, we are s…
In Pericles’ funeral speech, he says he must obey ancestral custom while beginning with Athens’ ancestors and then describing the democratic constitution and equal justice for citizens.
ancestors have stamped this custom with their approval, it becomes my duty to obey the law and to try to satisfy your several wishes and opinions as best I may. “I shall begin with our ancestors: it is both just and proper that they should have the honour of the first mention on an occasion like the present. They dwelt in the country without break in the succession from generation to generation, and handed it down f…
Pericles addresses the angry Athenians after the war’s start, arguing that national greatness protects private citizens and that his war policy was reasonable despite their present calamities and doubts.
double object of restoring confidence and of leading them from these angry feelings to a calmer and more hopeful state of mind. He accordingly came forward and spoke as follows: “I was not unprepared for the indignation of which I have been the object, as I know its causes; and I have called an assembly for the purpose of reminding you upon certain points, and of protesting against your being unreasonably irritated …
Brasidas and allied forces wait to avoid offensive battle, the Athenians decline due to unequal risk, and Megarian exiles reopen the gates; Brasidas later returns to Corinth while executed enemies and an enduring oligarchy follow.
trophy; but regarding the action as a whole the forces separated without either side having gained a decisive advantage, the Boeotians returning to their army and the Athenians to Nisaea. After this Brasidas and the army came nearer to the sea and to Megara, and taking up a convenient position, remained quiet in order of battle, expecting to be attacked by the Athenians and knowing that the Megarians were waiting to…
Brasidas further assures Acanthus that he will not seize the city for a party, insists freedom requires respecting constitutions, and threatens to lay waste the land if they refuse his offer of alliance.
suspicions of my intentions after the guarantees which I offer, and equally so against doubts of my ability to protect you, and I invite you to join me without hesitation. “Some of you may hang back because they have private enemies, and fear that I may put the city into the hands of a party: none need be more tranquil than they. I am not come here to help this party or that; and I do not consider that I should be b…
After Argos defects, Mantineans make terms with Lacedaemon, and the Lacedaemonians with Argives install oligarchies at Sicyon and Argos; then Argos restores ties with Athens, builds sea walls, and Lacedaemon attacks but later returns home, ending the winter and the fourteenth and fifteenth war years.
rest of the garrison out of the place, and shut the gates behind them. Afterwards the Athenians renewed their treaty with the Epidaurians, and by themselves gave up the fortress. After the defection of Argos from the league, the Mantineans, though they held out at first, in the end finding themselves powerless without the Argives, themselves too came to terms with Lacedaemon, and gave up their sovereignty over the t…
Thucydides sketches several Sicilian colonies’ origins and political character, then explains why Athens is preparing to invade Sicily, prompted by envoys from Egesta urging aid against Syracuse.
their turn not long afterwards by Anaxilas, tyrant of Rhegium, the town was by him colonized with a mixed population, and its name changed to Messina, after his old country. Himera was founded from Zancle by Euclides, Simus, and Sacon, most of those who went to the colony being Chalcidians; though they were joined by some exiles from Syracuse, defeated in a civil war, called the Myletidae. The language was a mixture…
Despite Nicias’ extensive logistical demands and his offer to resign, the Athenians become even more determined, vote to give the generals full powers, and begin preparations using stored funds after recovery from plague and war.
us from home as much money as possible, as the sums talked of as ready at Egesta are readier, you may be sure, in talk than in any other way. “Indeed, even if we leave Athens with a force not only equal to that of the enemy except in the number of heavy infantry in the field, but even at all points superior to him, we shall still find it difficult to conquer Sicily or save ourselves. We must not disguise from oursel…
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…
Athenagoras answers that the Athenians are unlikely to leave the Peloponnesian war to start a new one in Sicily, argues Syracuse is far better prepared than the invaders, and urges punishment and preventive control of internal agitators.
as if the danger was real. That the Athenians are coming to attack us, and are already upon the voyage, and all but here—this is what I am sure of.” Thus far spoke Hermocrates. Meanwhile the people of Syracuse were at great strife among themselves; some contending that the Athenians had no idea of coming and that there was no truth in what he said; some asking if they did come what harm they could do that would not …
Athenagoras develops his argument into a defense of democracy: he says the word demos means the whole state, that many can judge and decide best, and that oligarchy keeps profit while giving the many the danger.
with only a camp pitched from the ships, and composed of tents and bare necessaries, from which they would not be able to stir far for fear of our cavalry. “But the Athenians see this as I tell you, and as I have reason to know are looking after their possessions at home, while persons here invent stories that neither are true nor ever will be. Nor is this the first time that I see these persons, when they cannot re…
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…
When news reaches Athens, citizens doubt it, blame political promoters and oracle-mongers, and panic, then resolve to resist by rebuilding ships and finances, securing confederates, and electing a board of elders as summer ends.
Nineteenth and Twentieth Years of the War—Revolt of Ionia— Intervention of Persia—The War in Ionia When the news was brought to Athens, for a long while they disbelieved even the most respectable of the soldiers who had themselves escaped from the scene of action and clearly reported the matter, a destruction so complete not being thought credible. When the conviction was forced upon them, they were angry with the o…
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…