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Often appears with: forms of government · counsel and advisers to rulers · faction, party, and civil strife · diplomacy and embassies · justice as a virtue · assemblies, councils, and senates · conquest, plunder, and captives · elections and representation · treaties, truces, and peacemaking · conspiracy and assassination · empire and the rule of provinces · fate, destiny, and necessity
Usually: argument (813) · detachment (665) · narrative (503) · skepticism (352) · indignation (346) · the fall of the great (255) · exhortation (250) · injustice endured (239) · censure (204) · curiosity (173)
“There is nothing more necessary to appear to have than this last quality, inasmuch as men judge generally more by the eye than by the hand,” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · insight
“Because the people loved peace, and for this reason they loved the unaspiring prince, whilst the soldiers loved the warlike prince who was bold, cruel, and rapacious.” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · observation
“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
“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
“States that rise unexpectedly, then, like all other things in nature which are born and grow rapidly, cannot leave their foundations and correspondencies fixed in such a way that the first storm will not overthrow them.” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · insight
“one cannot give fixed rules, so I omit them; but, I repeat, it is necessary for a prince to have the people friendly, otherwise he has no security in adversity.” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · precept
“And do not let any one impugn this statement with the trite proverb that “He who builds on the people, builds on the mud,” for this is true when a private citizen makes a foundation there, and persuades himself that the people will free him when he is oppressed by his enemies or by the magistrates; wherein he would find himself very often deceived, as happened to the Gracchi in Rome and to Messer Giorgio Scali in Florence.” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · insight
“That independance being a single simple line, contained within ourselves; and reconciliation, a matter exceedingly perplexed and complicated, and in which, a treacherous capricious court is to interfere, gives the answer without a doubt.” Thomas Paine, Common Sense · insight
“No going to law with nations; cannon are the barristers of Crowns; and the sword, not of justice, but of war, decides the suit.” Thomas Paine, Common Sense · wit
“And the instant, in which such a mode of defence became necessary, all subjection to Britain ought to have ceased; and the independancy of America, should have been considered, as dating its æra from, and published by, the first musket that was fired against her.” Thomas Paine, Common Sense · observation
“Kings are not taken away by miracles, neither are changes in governments brought about by any other means than such as are common and human; and such as we are now using.” Thomas Paine, Common Sense · observation
“If we, our chief justice, our officials, or any of our servants offend in any respect against any man, or transgress any of the articles of the peace or of this security, and the offence is made known to four of the said twenty-five barons, they shall come to us” Anonymous, The Magna Carta · insight
He credits the Qur'an with lofty conceptions of God’s power and providence and argues it helped transform Arabia’s peoples into empire-builders, while acknowledging it also justifies bloodshedding and polygamy.
arms of his followers, has now lasted for nearly thirteen centuries, and embraces more than one hundred millions of our race-more than one-tenth part of the inhabitants of the globe. It must be acknowledged, too, that the Koran deserves the highest praise for its conceptions of the Divine nature, in reference to the attributes of Power, Knowledge, and universal Providence and Unity-that its belief and trust in the O…
This passage continues the same interpretive thesis about Muhammad’s sincerity, faith, persecution, self-deception, and belief in receiving a divine call, repeating earlier argumentation rather than adding new claims.
Koran without argeeing with that motto from St. Augustin, which Sale has prefixed to his title page, "Nulla falsa doctrina est, quæ non aliquid veri permisceat." Qu‘st. Evang. ii. 40. The Arabic text from which this translation has been made is that of Fluegel. Leips. 1841. The translations of Sale, Ullmann, Wahl, Hammer von Purgstall in the Fundgruben des Orients, and M. Kasimirski, have been collated throughout; a…
Suras CVIII “Abundance,” CVIII? (as numbered here) and CV “The Elephant,” plus CVI “The Koreisch” and XCVII “Power,” connect divine favor to prophetic truth, recount the Elephant episode, stress Quraysh protection, and describe Laylat al-Qadr.
after this prayer, Muhammad having been instructed, says the Sonna, to do so by the Angel Gabriel. 2 Islam 3 The following transfer of this Sura from the Arabic into the corresponding English characters may give some idea of the rhyming prose in which the Koran is written: Bismillahi 'rahhmani 'rrahheem. El-hamdoo lillahi rabi 'lalameen. Arrahhmani raheem. Maliki yowmi-d-deen. Eyaka naboodoo, wa‚yaka nest aeen. Ih…
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…
The passage argues that Muslims should follow God and the Apostle, distrust hypocrites, understand that outcomes come from God, and fight on God’s path while trusting divine power and justice.
on the path of God; and they who believe not, fight on the path of Thagout: Fight therefore against the friends of Satan. Verily craft of Satan shall be powerless! Hast thou not marked those to whom it was said, "Withhold your hands awhile from war; and observe prayer, and pay the stated alms." But when war is commanded them, lo! a portion of them fear men as with the fear of God, or with a yet greater fear, and say…
Continuing the Qur’anic “immunity” themes, the passage legislates restrictions on polytheists visiting temples, ranks believers who fled and fought, sets priorities over family loyalty, and narrates battles like Hunayn and Tabuk-like excuses, stressing trust in God.
An IMMUNITY from God and His Apostle to those with whom ye are in league, among the Polytheist Arabs! (those who join gods with God). Go ye, therefore, at large in the land four months: but know that God ye shall not weaken;2 and that those who believe not, God will put to shame- And a proclamation on the part of God and His Apostle to the people on the day of the greater pilgrimage, that God is free from any engag…
It ends with Sura V’s warnings and alliances: believers must not take Jews or Christians as friends, God will raise a favored people, and the passage attacks Jewish claims like “God’s hand is chained up” and warns against disorder-seekers.
Desire they, therefore, the judgments of the times of(pagan) ignorance? But what better judge can there be than God for those who believe firmly? O Believers! take not the Jews or Christians22 as friends. They are but one another's friends. If any one of you taketh them for his friends, he surely is one of them! God will not guide the evil doers. So shalt thou see the diseased at heart speed away to them, and say, …
The memoir summarizes the diary’s scope (1659-1669), Pepys’s later political shifts around the Restoration and the Dutch War era, and his retirement and death in 1703 at Clapham.
Admiralty,) to retain his situation upon the accession of William and Mary; and he retired into private life' accordingly, but without being followed thither, either by persecution or ill will. The Diary, as already explained, comprehends ten years of Mr. Pepys official life, extending from January, 1659-60, to May, 1669. It is highly necessary to keep in mind that Mr. Pepys was only thirty-seven years of age when …
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 records the Lord Mayor’s day celebrations, watching pageants from merchants’ shops, seeing theatre performances, and the Queen’s arrival attempts and procession-related bonfires around early November 1660.
to meet the Queen). So meeting with one Mr. Hill, that did know my lady, he did take us into the King's closet, and there we did stay all service-time. 29th. I up early, it being my Lord Mayor's day (Sir Richd. Browne,) and neglecting my office, I went to the Wardrobe, where I met my Lady Sandwich, and all the children; and after drinking of some strange and incomparable good clarett of Mr. Remball's, he and Mr. To…
Pepys reports the Parliament’s vote about posthumous punishment for Cromwell and others, and later learns of plots against the King and Monk, Prince/royal deaths and marriages, and further political unrest; he also reflects on 1660-61.
had a letter brought me from my Lord to get a ship ready to carry the Queen's things over to France, she being to go within five or six days. 27th. To Westminster Hall, and in King Street there being a great stop of coaches, there was a falling out between a drayman and my Lord Chesterfield's coachman, and one of his footmen killed. Mr. Moore told me how the House had this day voted the King to have all the Excise…
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 …
On the day of the King’s return from the Tower to Whitehall, Pepys dresses finely and watches a grand procession with nobles, bishops, horses, and decorated streets, praising the spectacle and noting the Duke of York’s suit and the King’s attention.
trouble that it is like to be a wet day. All the way is so thronged with people to see the triumphall arches, that I could hardly pass for them. 22nd. The King's going from the Tower to White Hall. Up early and made myself as fine as I could, and put on my velvet coat, the first day that I put it on, though made half a year ago. And being ready, Sir W. Batten, my Lady, and his two daughters and his son and wife, …
Pepys describes attending Charles II’s Coronation at Westminster Abbey, watching the king, clergy, nobility, oaths, pardon, and ceremonial proclamations from a scaffold before returning toward Westminster Hall as crowds gather.
and there I spoke with my Lord, He talked with me about his suit, which was made in France, and cost him 200l., and very rich it is with embroidery. CORONACON DAY. 23rd. About four I rose and got to the Abbey, where I followed Sir J. Denham, the Surveyor, with some company that he was leading in. [Created at the Restoration K.B., and Surveyor- General of all the King's buildings; better know as the author of "Cooper'…
At Westminster Hall, Pepys watches Charles II dine under a canopy, the Knights of the Bath, the ceremonial champion who challenges anyone to deny the king, and he enjoys observing guests and music with his wife nearby.
Into the Hall I got, where it was very fine with hangings and scaffolds one upon another full of brave ladies; and my wife in one little one, on the right hand. Here I staid walking up and down, and at last upon one of the side stalls I stood and saw the King come in with all the persons (but the soldiers) that were yesterday in the cavalcade; and a most pleasant sight it was to see them in their several robes. And t…
Pepys notes rain after the coronation ceremonies, minimal disorder, a canopy dispute involving Barons of the Cinque Ports, and then goes to the King Street area where people drink the king’s health and riotous revels occur.
which people did take great notice of; God's blessing of the work of these two days, which is a foolery to take too much notice of such things. I observed little disorder in all this, only the King's footmen had got hold of the canopy and would keep it from the Barons of the Cinque Ports, which they endeavoured to force from them again, but could not do it till my Lord Duke of Albemarle caused it to be put into Sir R…
Pepys continues his coronation-night observations, including a firebrand injuring a woman’s eye, and then concludes that he has seen the grandest state spectacle and does not expect to see such things again.
1666.] and rode in the cavalcade with Maynard, to whom people wish the same fortune. [John Maynard, an eminent lawyer; made Serjeant to Cromwell in 1653, and afterwards King's Serjeant by Charles II., who knighted him. In 1661 he was chosen Member for Berealston, and sat in every Parliament till the Revolution. Ob. 1690, aged 88.] There was also this night in King-streete, a woman had her eye put out by a boy's fli…
Pepys notes the House of Commons’ acts against employing people from the late civil troubles, fears he may be affected, and describes Parliament-men debating Scottish news and possible rebellion.
Church; which will be fatal to a great many, and makes me doubt lest I myself, with all my innocence during the late times, should be brought in, being employed in the Exchequer; but, I hope, God will provide for me. 10th. Put on a black cloth suit, with white lynings under all, as the fashion is to wear, to appear under the breeches. I walked to St. James's, and was there at masse, and was forced in the croud to …
Samuel Pepys stands in a balcony to watch people in the street, then converses with Mr. Coventry about Sir G. Carteret, Jersey’s provisioning, and court politics involving the Chancellor.
streets full of people. I stood in Mr. --'s balcone. They dine all at my Lord Mayor's; but what he do for victualls, or room for them, I know not. 24th. To St.James's,and there an hour's private discourse with Mr. Coventry; he speaking of Sir G. Carteret slightly, and diminishing of his services for the King in Jersey; that he was well rewarded, and had good lands and rents, and other profits from the King, all the…
Pepys wears a new perriwig to church without attracting attention, meets the Duke who claims he does not recognize him, and hears about Algerine demands involving detaining English ships.
in a perriwigg did not prove so strange as I was afraid it would, for I thought that all the church would presently have cast their eyes all upon me. 9th. To the Duke, where, when we come into his closet, he told us that; Mr. Pepys was so altered with his new perriwigg that he did not know him. So to our discourse, and among and above other things we were taken up in talkings upon Sir J. Lawson's coming home, he bein…
Pepys describes late-night court gossip and fears of military changes, intrigues around figures like Lauderdale and Monmouth, disputes over Antrim’s estate, and a sense that politics will lead to ruin.
after us my Lady Aberguenny [Probably Mary, daughter of Thomas Clifford, Esq., of Dunton Walet, Essex, wife to George, ninth Lord Abergavenny.] and other ladies, we back again by coach. 22nd. This evening come Mr. Alsopp the King's brewer, with whom I spent an hour talking and bewailing the posture of things at present; the King led away by half-a-dozen men, that none of his serious servants and friends can come at…
Pepys describes further parliamentary action: Vaughan’s speech against repealing the Triennial Bill fails, Parliament allows triennial parliaments without coercion, and he then shifts to April events involving the Duke of York and a petition involving Lady Peters’ debt.
masters or such like thing, in Cheapside, a company of 'prentices come and rescued them, and pulled down the pillory; and they being set up again, did the like again. 28th. The great matter to-day in the House hath been, that Mr. Vaughan, [John Vaughan, afterwards knighted, and made Chief Justice of the Common Pleas.] the great speaker, is this day come to town, and hath declared himself in a speech of an hour and…
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 records a Cabinet meeting at Whitehall where he argues the Navy’s dire financial and material situation, prompting Prince Rupert to rebut him, leaving Pepys uneasy about political motives and hoping for money.
room; which is a state lesson I never knew before. But when others discover your fear, and that discontent procures fear, they will be discontented too, and impose on you. 7th. To White Hall, where met by Sir W. Batten and Lord Brouncker, to attend the King and Duke of York at the Cabinet; but nobody had determined what to speak of, but only in general to ask for money. So I was forced immediately to prepare in my…
Pepys describes court corruption rumours (amours and intrigue), Parliament’s major debate on raising 1,800,000l. including replacing chimney-money, and the King’s insistence on a new vest fashion.
happen to hinder his doing the like service the next trial; which makes me think that it were not a thing very unfit; but I will not move in it. 15th. Colvill tells me of the viciousness of the Court; the contempt the King brings himself into thereby; his minding nothing, but doing all things just as his people about him will have it! The Duke of York becoming a slave to this Lady Denham, and wholly minds her. Th…
Pepys reunites with Richard Cumberland after seven years, hears political news about Coventry and Arlington’s offices, a marriage plan for the Duke of Richmond, and Caesar’s angling “experiment” with a minikin gut-string.
him (Sir G. Carteret) how those very people (meaning the Prince, and Duke of Albemarle) are punished in the same kind as they did seek to abuse my Lord Sandwich. 18th. Comes my old good friend Mr. Richard Cumberland [Richard Cumberland educated at St. Paul's School, and Magdalene College, Cambridge, made Bishop of Peterborough 1691. Ob. 1718, aged 86.] to see me, being newly come to town, whom I have not seen almo…
Pepys notes concerns over the Duke of York’s sick sons, repeats that everyone wants them to live for the State’s sake, and then travels with Sir George Carteret amid marriage-brokering news.
great, and like a great man and grandfather. I find every body mightily concerned for these children, as a matter wherein the State is much concerned that they should live. 16th. I away with Sir G. Carteret to London, talking all the way; and he do tell me that the business of my Lord Hinchingbroke his marriage with my Lord Burlington's daughter, is concluded on by all friends; and that my Lady is now told of it, a…
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 continues mid-July reflections: Buckingham’s release, Parliament’s praise for Pepys’s civility, rumours about court favour, and the Dutch situation described as still dangerous and uncertain.
me how I am mightily in esteem with the Parliament; there being harangues made in the House to the Speaker, of Mr. Pepys's readiness and civility to show them everything. 13th. Mr. Pierce tells us what troubles me, that my Lord Buckhurst hath got Nell away from the King's house, and gives her 100l. a-year, so as she hath sent her parts to the house, and will act no more and yesterday Sir Thomas Crewe told me that L…
Pepys describes Parliament’s disgust at being ‘fooled’ by the peace, their belief the King is driven by lust and court rogues, and the growing expectation that the King will prorogue Parliament to avoid further sessions.
yet De Ruyter (or he that commanded this fleet) had notice of it, and told it to a fisherman of ours that he took and released on Thursday last, which was the day before our fleet came to him. But then, that that seems most to our disgrace, and which the Duke of York did take special and vehement notice of, is, that when the Dutch saw so many fire-ships provided for them, themselves lying, I think, about the Nore, th…
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 discusses the Chancellor’s fall with the Duke of York’s position, rumors linking the Chancellor to Lady Castlemaine’s faction, and court worries about Brouncker’s favor and anti–Duke of York influence.
and the Duke of York was then of the same mind with him, and did speak of it to the King, though since, for reasons best known to himself, he afterwards altered. I did then desire to know, what was the great matter that grounded his desire of the Chancellor's removal? He told me many things not fit to be spoken, and yet not any thing of his being unfaithful to the King, but, INSTAR OMNIUM, he told me that while he wa…
Pepys hears news of French ships attacked near the Barbados, watches a prizefight at the Bear Garden, then meets at St. James’s and discusses how the Chancellor’s fall has deepened royal distrust of the Duke of York.
in case an accommodation shall be made between Spain and him for Flanders, for then he will have nothing more easy to do with his army than to subdue us. 11th. Come to dine with me Sir W. Batten and his lady, and Mr. Griffith their Ward, and Sir W. Pen and his lady, and Mrs. Lowther, (who is grown either through pride or want of manners a fool, having not a word to say; and, as a further mark of a beggarly proud fo…
Pepys dines with officials, attends the theater, and reports political fears that the King may declare the Duke of Monmouth legitimate, with worries that the Duke of York will be unable to act.
for the use of my Lady Castlemaine's children; and that this did incense her, and she did speak very scornful words and sent a scornful message to him about it. 14th. The King and Duke of York and the whole Court is mighty joyful at the Duchesse of York's being brought to bed this day, or yesterday, of a son; which will settle men's minds mightily. And Pierce tells me that he do think that what the King do, of givi…
Pepys records the joyful birth of the Duchess of York’s son and the court’s attendant politics, including fears about Parliament, Monmouth’s promotion, and suggestions the Queen could be removed, then he attends multiple plays.
Mad Couple," [Probably "A Mad Couple well Matched" a comedy by Richard Brome, printed in 1653.] my wife having been at the same play with Jane in the 18d. seat. 21st. The King, Duke of York, and the men of the Court have been these four or five days a-hunting at Bagshot. 22nd. At noon comes Mr. Sheres, whom I find a good, ingenious man, but do talk a little too much of his travels. He left my Lord Sandwich well,…
After recovering the gold up to about the correct total, Pepys rides back to London safely, learns Sir William Batten’s burial, and records Parliament’s response to the King’s speech and worries about calling Lord Sandwich home.
by this time it was past two in the morning; and so to bed, and there lay in some disquiet all night telling of the clock till it was day-light. 11th. And then W. Hewer and I, with pails and a sieve, did lock ourselves into the garden, and there gather all the earth about the place into pails, and then sift those pails in one of the summer-houses (just as they do for dyamonds in other parts of the world); and there…
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 meets the Duke of York, hears bills proposed for Clarendon’s banishment/treason, learns Clarendon is in Calais after fleeing by boat, and draws a lesson that silence is better than speaking in such crises.
escape out of the nation. This day Gilsthrop is buried, who hath made all the late discourse of the great discovery of 65,000l. of which the King hath been wronged. 6th. With Sir J. Minnes to the Duke of York, the first time that I have seen him, or we waited on him, since his sickness: and blessed be God, he is not at all the worse for the small-pox, but is only a little weak yet. We did much business with him, …
Pepys records Sir G. Carteret’s anxiety about the kingdom’s breakup, hears the King justify Lord Sandwich’s actions regarding Dutch ships, and notes the King’s message adjourning Parliament to February.
with the wooden leg, and Wildman, the Fifth-Monarchy man (a great creature of the Duke of Buckingham's), are in nomination to be Commissioners, among others, upon the Bill of Accounts. 8th. To White Hall, where I saw the Duchesse of York (in a fine dress of second mourning for her mother, being black edged with ermin) go to make her first visit to the Queene since the Duke of York's being sick; and by and by she be…
Pepys talks about staging Shakespeare’s or heroic tragedy “Catiline” at the King’s house, notes payments for theatrical robes, and hears expectations that the Parliament will purge royal officers even if Pepys may escape.
for it; and I do think it may do me good, for he do happen to be held a considerable person, of a young man, both for sobriety and ability. 9th. Comes Sir G. Carteret to talk with me, who seems to think himself safe as to his particular, but do doubt what will become of the whole kingdom, things being so broke in pieces. He tells me that the King himself did the other day very particularly tell the whole story of …
Pepys hears Coventry’s complaints about court enemies, reduced charges in Ireland, and then notes he has learned a cousin was made marshal to Lord Coke, showing how careers have fallen and risen.
was Marshall to my Lord Coke when he was Lord Chief Justice; which beginning of his I did not know to be so low; but so it was, it seems. 31st. Up; and by coach, with W. Griffin with me, and our Contract-books, to Durham Yard, to the Commissioners for Accounts; the first time I ever was there; and staid awhile before I was admitted to them. I did observe a great many people attending about complaints of seamen con…
Pepys notes that after the successful Parliamentary defence he goes to the King’s house to watch part of the tragedy The Discontented Colonel.
mightily overjoyed at this success. After dinner to the King's house, and there saw part of "The Discontented Colonell." [Brennoralt, or The Discontented Colonel; a tragedy, by Sir John Suckling.] 6th. Up betimes, and with Sir D. Gauden to Sir W. Coventry's chamber; where the first word he said to me was, "Good-morrow, Mr. Pepys, that must be Speaker of the Parliament-house:" and did protest I had got honour for ev…
Pepys records celebrations and speeches praising his Parliamentary performance, discusses a Lords’ petition for precedence, and continues social and political activity in London’s official circles.
at conferences with the Lords did stand bare. It was mighty worth my hearing; but the King did say only that he would consider of it, and so dismissed them. 8th. With Sir W. Coventry, who I find full of care in his own business, how to defend himself against those that have a mind to cheque him; and though I believe not for honour and for the keeping his employment, but for safety and reputation's sake, is desirous…
Pepys attends church and then visits theatres and court spectacles, including Sedley’s The Mulbery Garden, while commenting on court behavior and ongoing social gossip about judges and aristocratic affairs.
a shoulder-belt according to the new fashion, and the hands of my vest and tunique laced with silk-lace of the colour of my suit: and so very handsome to church. 18th. To my Lord Bellasses, at his new house by my late Lord Treasurer's; which indeed is mighty noble, and good pictures, indeed not one bad one in it. It being almost twelve o'clock, or little more, to the King's playhouse, where the doors were not then…
Pepys records further London life and court/political news: the playhouses, his picture being finished, purchasing an espinette, and intense debate over Navy “tickets” and oaths.
not admire, though my wife prefers him to Browne; nor do I think it like. He does it for W. Hewer, who hath my wife's also, which I like less. 15th. At noon is brought home the espinette I bought the other day of Haward; cost me 5l. My Lady Duchesse of Monmouth is still lame, and likely always to be so; which is a sad chance for a young lady to get only by trying of tricks in dancing. 17th. To White Hall, where …
Pepys continues the aftermath of the Hewer-Middleton conflict, plans to make Middleton look foolish, consults the Duke of York and Brouncker, and hears about Parliament proroguing and new houses collapsing.
my being troubled; but such is the weakness of my nature that I could not help it, which vexes me, showing me how unable I am to live with difficulties. 10th. Up, and to the office, where busy all the morning: Middleton not there, so no words or looks of him. At noon home to dinner; and so to the office, and there all the afternoon busy. And at night W. Hewer home with me; and we think we have got matter enough t…
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 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…
The King and court leave London for Newmarket for a week; Pepys then learns plans for an Anglo-French league involving money, fears it will undermine the Dutch and make Parliament and the kingdom unstable.
here, it seems;, and stopped the fire by blowing up of the next house. The King and Court; went out of town to Newmarket this morning betimes, for a week. 28th. Up, and was called upon by Sir H. Cholmly to discourse about some accounts of his of Tangier: and then to other talk. And I find by him that it is brought almost to effect, the late endeavours of the Duke of York and Duchesse, the Queene-Mother, and my Lor…
On Jan 9, 1659/60 OS, Pepys struggles to raise money for debts while hearing political news in London, visiting coffee-houses and Westminster Hall, and ends the day worried about a required payment.
where I found Mr. Sheply, and after supper went home together. Here I heard of the death of Mr. Palmer, and that he was to be buried at Westminster tomorrow. 9th. For these two or three days I have been much troubled with thoughts how to get money to pay them that I have borrowed money of, by reason of my money being in my uncle's hands. I rose early this morning, and looked over and corrected my brother John's sp…
Corcyra urges that receiving them supports goodwill and punishes defection, arguing Athens should secure the strongest existing naval ally rather than fail to add a key coastal position; the sea-power balance is central.
your dependencies. This ought not to be, but you should either forbid her enlisting men in your dominions, or you should lend us too what help you may think advisable. “But your real policy is to afford us avowed countenance and support. The advantages of this course, as we premised in the beginning of our speech, are many. We mention one that is perhaps the chief. Could there be a clearer guarantee of our good fait…
Corinth continues by denying that its dispute was really about arbitration, insisting Corcyra sought arms first, warning Athens not to patronize defection, and arguing that an auxiliary alliance would force Athens to share punishment.
our dependency, which they took no steps to claim in its distress upon our coming to relieve it, was by them seized, and is now held by force of arms. “As to their allegation that they wished the question to be first submitted to arbitration, it is obvious that a challenge coming from the party who is safe in a commanding position cannot gain the credit due only to him who, before appealing to arms, in deeds as well…
Pericles claims Athens is a “school of Hellas,” argues its reality exceeds reputation, and then turns to how the dead chose death in battle rather than submission or fear.
a payment, not a free gift. And it is only the Athenians, who, fearless of consequences, confer their benefits not from calculations of expediency, but in the confidence of liberality. “In short, I say that as a city we are the school of Hellas, while I doubt if the world can produce a man who, where he has only himself to depend upon, is equal to so many emergencies, and graced by so happy a versatility, as the Ath…
Pericles tells the Athenians that their naval power makes their empire different from losing land and argues that courage should rely on judgment and contempt rather than hope amid plague and uncertainty.
it is jealous of the arrogance that aspires higher than its due. Cease then to grieve for your private afflictions, and address yourselves instead to the safety of the commonwealth. “If you shrink before the exertions which the war makes necessary, and fear that after all they may not have a happy result, you know the reasons by which I have often demonstrated to you the groundlessness of your apprehensions. If thos…
In the third year, the Peloponnesians attack Plataea; Plataeans invoke Pausanias’ prior oaths, Archidamus proposes neutrality or handover, Athenians consult and reject, and Archidamus begins a complex siege with mounds and walls.
Third Year of the War—Investment of Plataea—Naval Victories of Phormio—Thracian Irruption into Macedonia under Sitalces The next summer the Peloponnesians and their allies, instead of invading Attica, marched against Plataea, under the command of Archidamus, son of Zeuxidamus, king of the Lacedaemonians. He had encamped his army and was about to lay waste the country, when the Plataeans hastened to send envoys to hi…
The Mytilenian envoys argue that alliances require mutual trust but Athens ruled through fear and political stratagem, so when Athenian power grew, Mytilene believed it would inevitably be enslaved and sought alliance elsewhere.
the examples already given; it being unlikely that she would reduce our fellow confederates, and not do the same by us who were left, if ever she had the power. “Had we all been still independent, we could have had more faith in their not attempting any change; but the greater number being their subjects, while they were treating us as equals, they would naturally chafe under this solitary instance of independence a…
On arriving in Athens, Salaethus is executed and the Athenians initially decree killing all adult men and enslaving Mitylene, then reverse it after repentance; Cleon argues for immediate harsh justice, and Diodotus argues for delay and rational counsel.
concerned in the revolt. He also sent back the greater part of his forces, remaining with the rest to settle Mitylene and the rest of Lesbos as he thought best. Upon the arrival of the prisoners with Salaethus, the Athenians at once put the latter to death, although he offered, among other things, to procure the withdrawal of the Peloponnesians from Plataea, which was still under siege; and after deliberating as to …
The Plataeans recount their earlier service to Sparta at the time of the Helot revolt at Ithome and explain why they fought against Thebes, claiming Sparta and its allies committed the betrayal by marching against them.
time of the great panic at Sparta, after the earthquake, caused by the secession of the Helots to Ithome, we sent the third part of our citizens to assist you. “On these great and historical occasions such was the part that we chose, although afterwards we became your enemies. For this you were to blame. When we asked for your alliance against our Theban oppressors, you rejected our petition, and told us to go to th…
The Thebans argue Plataeans deserve blame for abandoning the anti-Persian league and joining Athenian domination, insisting that choosing Athens commits them to its outcomes and makes their later excuses invalid.
then became their accomplices in oppressing others; although baseness rather consists in not returning like for like than in not returning what is justly due but must be unjustly paid. “Meanwhile, after thus plainly showing that it was not for the sake of the Hellenes that you alone then did not Medize, but because the Athenians did not do so either, and you wished to side with them and to be against the rest; you n…