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Often appears with: custom and the manners of a people · religious persecution and toleration · justice as a virtue · fate, destiny, and necessity · rank, class, and social order · trade, markets, and merchants · crime and punishment · education and the training of the young · conquest, plunder, and captives · hospitality and the guest · geography and the description of places · crafts, industry, and manufacture
Usually: narrative (368) · detachment (333) · curiosity (219) · argument (185) · wonder (120) · indignation (84) · description (74) · skepticism (67) · commentary or gloss (64) · the stranger's arrival (62)
“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
“We now proceed to the second argument, to which, moreover, we shall return later. If the principle of relativity (in the restricted sense) does not hold, then the Galileian co-ordinate systems K, K′, K″, etc., which are moving uniformly relative to each other, will not be equivalent for the description of natural phenomena.” Albert Einstein, Relativity: The Special and General Theory · insight
“I hold it to be impracticable; and from this I infer, that its security, whatever fine declarations may be inserted in any constitution respecting it, must altogether depend on public opinion, and on the general spirit of the people and of the government.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · insight
“This day at highth of noon came to my sphere / A Spirit, zealous, as he seemed, to know / More of the Almighty’s works, and chiefly Man,” John Milton, Paradise Lost · observation
“Some may think these trifling matters not worth minding or relating; but when they consider that tho' dust blown into the eyes of a single person, or into a single shop on a windy day, is but of small importance, yet the great number of the instances in a populous city, and its frequent repetitions give it weight and consequence, perhaps they will not censure very severely those who bestow some attention to affairs of this seemingly low nature.” Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin · insight
“Human felicity is produc'd not so much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom happen, as by little advantages that occur every day.” Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin · insight
“The cruel injustice, the victorious crime, and the helplessness of innocence, led me to ask, in my ignorance and weakness “Where now is the God of justice and mercy? And why have these wicked men the power thus to trample upon our rights, and to insult our feelings?” Frederick Douglass, My Bondage and My Freedom · insight
“Some said, “I ought to be hanged,” and others, “I ought to be burnt,” others, I ought to have the “hide” taken from my back; while no one gave us a kind word or sympathizing look, except the poor slaves.” Frederick Douglass, My Bondage and My Freedom · observation
“Commanded on Achilles’ tomb to die, Not forc’d, like us, to hard captivity, Or in a haughty master’s arms to lie.” Virgil, The Aeneid · observation
“The size and arrangements of a people’s homes are no unfair index of their condition.” W. E. B. Du Bois (William Edward Burghardt Du Bois), The Souls of Black Folk · insight
“He realizes at last that silently, resistlessly, the world about flows by him in two great streams: they ripple on in the same sunshine, they approach and mingle their waters in seeming carelessness,—then they divide and flow wide apart.” W. E. B. Du Bois (William Edward Burghardt Du Bois), The Souls of Black Folk · vivid
“It is done quietly; no mistakes are made, or if one occurs, the swift arm of the law and of public opinion swings down for a moment, as when the other day a black man and a white woman were arrested for talking together on Whitehall Street in Atlanta.” W. E. B. Du Bois (William Edward Burghardt Du Bois), The Souls of Black Folk · observation
After arriving in Philadelphia and learning how to go to New York via William Street depot, Douglass reaches New York Tuesday morning, September 4, 1838, as a free man and reflects on joy.
directed me to the William-street depot, and thither I went, taking the train that night. I reached New York Tuesday morning, having completed the journey in less than twenty-four hours. My free life began on the third of September, 1838. On the morning of the fourth of that month, after an anxious and most perilous but safe journey, I found myself in the big city of New York, a *free man*—one more added to the migh…
It instructs children of Israel to remember God’s favor and dread the Day of Judgment, recounts Abraham’s covenant and the Ka‘ba’s sanctification, and emphasizes Islam’s continuity through prophets and surrender to God.
O children of Israel! remember my favour wherewith I have favoured you, and that high above all mankind have I raised you: And dread the day when not in aught shall soul satisfy for soul, nor shall any ransom be taken from it, nor shall any intercession avail, and they shall not be helped. When his Lord made trial of Abraham by commands which he fulfilled, He said, "I am about to make thee an Imâm to mankind:" he s…
The passage debates who knows best about Abraham’s faith, teaches that God alone guides, and centers on a change of the qibla toward the sacred Mosque, presenting it as a test and a means to end disputes.
SAY: Will ye dispute with us about God? when He is our Lord and your Lord! We have our works and ye have your works; and we are sincerely His. Will ye say, "Verily Abraham, and Ismael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, were Jews or Christians?" SAY: Who knoweth best, ye, or God? And who is more in fault than he who concealeth the witness which he hath from God? But God is not regardless of what ye do. That peop…
The notes explain Quranic terms and background (e.g., Sabbath-like or ritual matters, specific wars, mosques, and an incident involving an attempted killing of Muhammad), then introduces Sura V-"The Table" set in Medina.
27 Lit. (are) the one from the other. 28 From giving alms. 29 Comp. Sura liv. 15, p. 77. The traditions as to the collection of pitch from wood of the Ark, in the time of Berosus (B.C. 250?) for amulets, and of the wood itself, in the time of Josephus (Ant. i. 3, 6, c. Apion, i. 19) must have reached Muhammad through his Jewish informants. Fragments are said to have existed in the days of Benjamin of Tudela, and to…
The editor’s preface compares Pepys and John Evelyn on diary style and describes Pepys’s Great Fire of London experiences in 1666, emphasizing detailed firsthand observation and his Navy office at Seething-lane.
written "at the end of each succeeding day;" whereas the Diary of Evelyn is more the result of leisure and after- thought, and partakes more of the character of history. Pepys's account of the Great Fire of London in 1666 is full as minute as that of Evelyn, but it is mingled with a greater number of personal and official circumstances, of popular interest: the scene of dismay and confusion which it exhibits is alm…
The preface characterizes Pepys’s decade as one of Restoration life, the Plague and the Great Fire, and highlights his social venues like Will’s coffee-house and his theatre observations, citing Sir Walter Scott’s praise.
gentleman who deciphered it; and although Pepys's grammar has been objected to, it is thought that the entries derive additional interest from the quaint terms in which they are expressed. The period of the Diary was one of the most interesting and eventful decades in our history. We have here the joyous pictures of the Restoration, as well as much about "the merry monarch," his gaieties and his intrigues. The Pla…
Pepys begins his diary for January 1, 1659-60, noting his good health, household of wife and servant Jane in Axe Yard, the political state of the Rump Parliament, and his Sunday routine at Peter Gunning’s chapel.
any sense of my old pain, but upon taking of cold. I lived in Axe Yard, having my wife, and servant Jane, and no other in family than us three. The condition of the State was thus; viz. the Rump, after being disturbed by my Lord Lambert, [Sufficiently known by his services as a Major-General in the Parliament forces during the Civil War, and condemned as a traitor after the Restoration; but reprieved and banished to…
On the 24th Pepys hosts physicians and chaplains aboard, hears witty conversation, writes a ship-related pass, and notes they come within sight of land late at night.
house for his privacy. After that our company broke up. We have all the Lords Commissioners on board us, and many others. Under sail all night, and most glorious weather. 24th. Up, and made myself as fine as I could, with the linning stockings on and wide canons that I bought the other day at Hague. Extraordinary press of noble company, and great mirth all the day. There dined with me in my cabbin (that is, the c…
Samuel Pepys reports daily events in London—seeing the Quakers expanding, meeting Lord Privy Seal, attending plays, assessing Navy finances, and recording deaths from fever and the illness of Monk.
ways being very bad, got to Baldwick. [Baldock.] I find that both here, and every where else that I come, the Quakers do still continue, and rather grow than lessen. 9th. I to White Hall, where, after four o'clock, comes my Lord Privy Seale, [William, first Viscount, and second Baron Say and Sele, made Lord Privy Seal at the Restoration. Ob. April, 1662.] and so we went up to his chamber over the gate at White Hal…
Pepys continues journeying around southern England for naval business, lodging near Portsmouth, attending lectures and sermons with prominent visitors, touring Southampton’s sights and fortifications, and observing the Queen’s establishment and public plate presentation.
heart to be contented, I think I may reckon myself as happy a man as any in the world, for which God be praised. So to prayers and to bed. 25th. Great talk of the effects of this late great wind; and I heard one say that he had five great trees standing together blown down; and, beginning to lop them, one of them, as soon as the lops were cut off, did, by the weight of the root, rise again and fasten. We have lett…
In mid-January, Pepys notes ongoing court anxieties that Lady Castlemaine will remain with the King, and he records public bell-ringing and bonfires for the Queen’s arrival at Portsmouth, with only lukewarm popular joy.
looking-glasse sent by the Queene-mother from France, hanging in the Queene's chamber, and many brave pictures. And so to barge again; and got home about eight at night very well. 14th. Dined at the Wardrobe; and after dinner, sat talking an hour or two alone with my Lady. She is afraid that my Lady Castlemaine will keep still with the King. 15th. To Westminster; and at the Privy Seale I saw Mr. Coventry's seal …
From July 6–31, Pepys moves among court and navy business, follows tensions involving Lady Castlemaine and Lord Sandwich, and recounts storms, voyages, and the changing public mood toward the monarchy and Church reforms.
to discharge seven times; the best of all devices that ever I saw, and very serviceable, and not a bawble; for it is much approved of, and many thereof made. 6th. To supper with my Lady (Sandwich); who tells me, with much trouble, that my Lady Castlemaine is still as great with the King, and that the King comes as often to her as ever he did. Jack Cole, my old friend, found me out at the Wardrobe; and, among other …
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 attends court festivities at Whitehall as the King and Queen return, hears of the Castlemaine–Lord Sandwich estrangement and church unrest sparked by young people, and notes heightened city security against plots.
Illford, and there, while dinner was getting ready, he and I practised measuring of the tables and other things till I did understand measure of timber and board very well. 19th. At the office; and Mr. Coventry did tell us of the duell between Mr. Jermyn, [He became Baron Jermyn on the death of his uncle, the Earl of St. Alban's, 1683; and died unmarried, 1703.] nephew to my Lord St. Alban's, and Colonel Giles Rawl…
Pepys recounts attending a court ball at Whitehall, watching the King, Queen, Duke of Monmouth, and favourites dance and switching from formal dances to country dances before going home.
the maydes of honour and the young Duke of Monmouth playing at cards. Some of them, and but a few, were very pretty; though all well dressed in velvet gowns. 31st. Mr. Povy and I to White Hall; he taking me thither on purpose to carry me into the ball this night before the King. He brought me first to the Duke's chamber, where I saw him and the Duchesse at supper; and thence into the room where the ball was to be,…
Pepys visits the Russia Embassador at York House, observes how Court business is neglected, discusses Court rumours about the Queen and her changing behaviour, attends plays, and buys a vizard for his wife.
from Ireland; which it seems hath been hatching, and known to the Lord Lieutenant a great while, and kept close till within three days that it should have taken effect. 4th. In the Hall a good while; where I heard that this day the Archbishop of Canterbury, Juxon, [William Juxon, made Bishop of London 1633, translated to Canterbury, 1660.] a man well spoken of by all for a good man, is dead; and the Bishop of Lond…
Pepys quotes Sir G. Carteret’s assessment of Lord Digby’s speaking style, hears that Lady Castlemaine has fallen from Court, and attends St. Mary Overy’s Church while moving through Southwark.
but could not see the Archbishop's hearse: so over the fields to Southwarke. I spent half an hour in St. Mary Overy's Church, where are fine monuments of great antiquity. 4th. Sir Allen Apsley [Sir Allen Apsley, a faithful adherent to Charles I., after the Restoration was made Falconer to the King, and Almoner to the Duke of York in whose regiment he bore a commission. He was in 1661 M.P. for Thetford, and died 16…
Pepys notes changes in London civic entertainments under the Lord Mayor, reports court travel toward Bath, inspects Deptford Yard officers, and mentions a severe cold frost followed by a frost-heavy start to September.
his old bond for 500l. and took a new one of him for 700l., which I am by lending him more money to make up: and am glad of it. 25th. This noon going to the Exchange, I met a fine fellow with trumpets before him in Leadenhall-street, and upon enquiry I find that he is the clerke of the City Market; and three or four men carried each of them an arrow of a pound weight in their hands. It seems this Lord Mayor [Sir Jo…
Pepys marks Ash Wednesday, attends court chapels, tours Somerset House building, discusses an East India dispute over calico and linen, and describes an unusually full church service at St. Paul’s and events in the Tower.
the too good which the Catholiques. And from all together, God knows my heart, I expect nothing but ruin can follow, unless things are better ordered in a little time. 23rd. This day, by the blessing of God, I have lived thirty-one years in the world: and, by the grace of God, I find myself not only in good health in every thing, and particularly as to the stone, but only pain upon taking cold, and also in a fair …
Pepys mourns his brother Tom’s death, then describes Parliament returning and the king’s anger at Bristol, including attempts to arrest him, and follows with the burial arrangements and dinner and church service for Tom.
15th. My poor brother Tom died. 16th. To the office, where we sat this afternoon, having changed this day our sittings from morning to afternoon, because of the Parliament which returned yesterday; but was adjourned till Monday next, upon pretence that many of the members were said to be upon the road; and also the King had other affairs, and so desired them to adjourn till then. But the truth is, the King is offe…
After playgoing and domestic amusements, Pepys records long reading of old navy books, a crowded social day and troublesome late night boat travel with anxious noblewomen, then hears De Ruyter’s death at Calais.
than just to make him civill, and to command in words of great obligation to his officers and men; but without any the least disturbance in his judgment or spirit. 6th. By barge with Sir W. Batten to Trinity House. Here were my Lord Sandwich, Mr. Coventry, my Lord Craven, and others. A great dinner, and good company. Mr. Prin also, who would not drink any health, no, not the King's, but sat down with his hat on …
Pepys reflects on leaving London streets, stores money in an iron chest, and records the plague’s dramatic spread in his district, describing daily death-focused talk and a forsaken city.
body looks, and discourse in the street is of death, and nothing else, and few people going up and down, that the town is like a place distressed and forsaken. 31st. Up; and after putting several things in order to my removal to Woolwich; the plague having a great encrease this week beyond all expectation of almost 2000, making the general Bill 7000, odd 100; and the plague above 6000. Thus this month ends with gr…
Pepys tours Nonsuch and Blackwell (wood and rare ancient trees found during dock digging), then later returns to the fleet to bargain for goods and reflects on plague decreases and the broader war.
in the family had been very great, and they too had most of them many children, and grandchildren, and great-grand-children. This he tells as a most known and certain truth. 25th. Found ourselves come to the fleet, and so aboard the Prince, and there, after a good while in discourse, we did agree a bargain of 5000l. for my Lord Sandwich for silk, cinnamon, nutmegs, and indigo. And I was near signing to an undertak…
At the year’s start and into January 1666, Pepys travels with the Duke of Albemarle to hear plague declines, then returns to London in a lively coach and observes urban reopening and river encroachments.
the story of the several Archbishops of Canterbury, engrossed in vellum, to hang up in Canterbury Cathedrall in tables, in lieu of the old ones, which are almost worn out. 30th. All the afternoon to my accounts; and there find myself, to my great joy, a great deal worth above 4000l. for which the Lord be praised! and is principally occasioned by my getting 500l. of Cocke, for my profit in his bargains of prize goo…
From the 25th to the 30th Pepys hears the Dutch are out, explores Hackney gardens and sees oranges, records gun failures for the Loyal London, and describes the press-gang crisis and forced impressment.
disowne but that the dividing of the fleet upon the presumptions that were then had (which, I suppose, was the French fleet being come this way,) was a good resolution. 25th. News from Sir W. Coventry that the Dutch are certainly come out. Mrs. Pen carried us to two gardens at Hackny, (which I every day grow more and more in love with,) Mr. Drake's one, where the garden is good, and house and the prospect admirabl…
Pepys continues plague and death reporting about Mr. Rawlinson’s household, then follows up with later confirmations, emphasizing the accumulating toll.
10th. Homeward, and hear in Fenchurch-street, that now the maid also is dead at Mr. Rawlinson's; so that there are three dead in all, the wife, a man-servant, and maid-servant. 14th. Povy tells me how mad my letter makes my Lord Peterborough, and what a furious letter he writ to me in answer, though it is not come yet. This did trouble me; for though there be no reason, yet to have a nobleman's mouth open against …
Pepys and his wife attend Polichinello at Moorfields, then on Sunday learn of the Great Fire starting in Pudding Lane; Pepys observes destruction from the Tower and the river, including St. Magnes Church and Fish Street.
were there horribly frighted to see Young Killigrew come in with a great many more young sparks; but we hid ourselves, so as we think they did not see us. 2nd (Lord's day). Some of our maids sitting up late last night to get things ready against our feast to-day, Jane called us up about three in the morning, to tell us of a great fire they saw in the City. So I rose, and slipped on my night-gown, and went to her wind…
Pepys reports the fire’s advance after drought, including burning churches and St. Lawrence Poultney’s steeple, then meets the King and Duke of York urging house-pulling; he helps coordinate with the Lord Mayor and watches citizens save goods.
and every thing after so long a drought proving combustible, even the very stones of churches, and among other things, the poor steeple [St, Lawrence Poultney, of which Thomas Elborough was Curate.] by which pretty Mrs. -- lives, and whereof my old schoolfellow Elborough is parson, taken fire in the very top, and there burned till it fell down; I to White Hall (with a gentleman with me, who desired to go off from th…
During the Great Fire Pepys stays with guests, receives news of burned friends in Fish Street, walks through crowded streets of people moving goods, manages errands by boat to the King and Duke of York, and describes the spread by fire-flakes.
she mighty fine, and her husband, for aught I see, a likely man. But Mr. Moone's design and mine, which was to look over my closet, and please him with the sight thereof, which he hath long desired, was wholly disappointed; for we were in great trouble and disturbance at this fire, not knowing what to think of it. However, we had an extraordinary good dinner, and as merry as at this time we could be. While at dinner …
Pepys describes a terrifying night view of the fire as an unbroken arch across the river and hill of the City, then prepares for evacuation and secret packing of money and papers amid constant rumours and further burning.
so as houses were burned by these drops and flakes of fire, three or four, nay, five or six houses, one from another. When we could endure no more upon the water, we to a little ale-house on the Bankside, over against the Three Cranes, and there staid till it was dark almost, and saw the fire grow, and as it grew darker, appeared more and more, and in corners and upon steeples, and between churches and houses, as far…
On the morning after, Pepys orders transport for his money and plate to Sir W. Rider in Bednall Green, moves other goods by lighter and over Tower Hill, and describes the Duke of York’s efforts to keep order while household members argue amid evacuation.
night. We did put Mr. Hater, poor man, to bed a little; but he got but very little rest, so much noise being in my house, taking down of goods. 3rd. About four o'clock in the morning, my Lady Batten sent me a cart to carry away all my money, and plate, and best things, to Sir W. Rider's at Bednall-greene. Which I did, riding myself in my night gown, in the cart; and, Lord! to see how the streets and the highways …
Pepys visits a fire in Bishopsgate, suspects a plot, sees women fighting flames, then moves through Southwark and Westminster, dining with officials as Clothworkers’ Hall burns and laborers sleep at the office.
Sunday, having been always full of variety of actions, and little sleep, that it looked like a week or more, and I had forgot almost the day of the week. 6th. Up about five o'clock; and met Mr. Gauden at the gate of the office, (I intending to go out, as I used, every now and then to-day, to see how the fire is,) to call our men to Bishop's- gate, where no fire had yet been near, and there is now one broke out: wh…
On 7th Pepys surveys burned areas including St Paul’s and Fleet Street, borrows and washes a shirt, discusses French involvement, militia mobilization, naval losses, and markets set at Leadenhall and Mile-end-greene.
night long there. But strange it is to see Clothworkers' Hall on fire these three days and nights in one body of flame, it being the cellar full of oyle. 7th. Up by five o'clock; and, blessed be God! find all well; and by water to Pane's Wharfe. Walked thence, and saw all the towne burned, and a miserable sight of Paul's church, with all the roofs fallen, and the body of the quire fallen into St. Fayth's; Paul's …
On 8th Pepys meets city officials about money, attends the Duke of Albemarle at Gresham College, observes widespread losses and stinginess toward laborers, and reports theft of neighbors’ wine while he fears further fire.
out for markets to be kept at Leadenhall and Mile-end-greene, and several other places about the town; and Tower-hill, and all churches to be set open to receive poor people. 8th. I stopped with Sir G. Carteret to desire him to go with us, and to enquire after money. But the first he cannot do, and the other as little, or say "When we can get any, or what shall we do for it?" He, it seems, is employed in the corr…
On 9th Pepys attends church, writes in his journal, sends his brother away, then on 10th clears and protects his cellars, moves money to Sir W. Rider’s house, and hires guards while learning rumors of wartime wealth and danger.
I knocked. It was by their discovery of some people stealing of some neighbours' wine that lay in vessels in the streets. So to sleep; and all well all night. 9th. Sunday. Up; and was trimmed, and sent my brother to Woolwich to my wife, to dine with her. I to church, where our parson made a melancholy but good sermon; and many and most in the church cried, specially the women. The church mighty full; but few of …
On 13th-14th Pepys continues relocating goods from Deptford and makes his house ready with carpenters, deals with public business and Parliamentary accounting, retrieves wine from the ground, and keeps money-chests hidden.
home, and unload them by carts and hands before night, to my exceeding satisfaction: and so after supper to bed in my house, the first time I have lain there. 14th. Up, and to work, having carpenters come to help in setting up bedsteads and hangings; and at that trade my people and I all the morning, till pressed by publick business to leave them against my will in the afternoon: and yet I was troubled in being at…
Pepys learns the King prorogues Parliament to October, discusses hopes to pacify tensions over Lord Mordaunt, reflects on Cromwell, records church and music outings, and evaluates improvements in the theatre after the Great Fire.
away, leaving her in their possession, and carried away by them: a ship built at Bristoll the last year, of fifty guns and upwards, and a most excellent good ship. 8th. Sir W. Batten come this morning from the House, where the King hath prorogued this Parliament to October next. I am glad they are up. The Bill for Accounts was not offered, the party being willing to let it fall; but the King did tell them he expe…
Pepys attends court as Captain Cocke discusses peace negotiations involving Amsterdam, Lord Arlington, and De Witt, while Pepys remarks on Sunday leisure at the Queen’s side.
each name, might be very, pretty. One wonder I observed to-day, that there was no musique in the morning to call up our new-married people; which is very mean methinks. 17th. Staid till the council was up, and attended the King and Duke of York round the Park, and was asked several questions by both; but I was in pain lest they should ask me what I could not answer; as the Duke of York did the value of the hull of …
On the 26th, Pepys observes Court paintings and discusses with Mr. Evelyn the “badness” of government—wicked courtiers, ministerial sickness, neglected clergy, mistresses’ influence, and shortages among servants.
design, as it is thought, to make the best coutenance we can to the Swede's Embassadors before their leaving us to go to the treaty abroad, to show some jollity. 24th. To Sir John Duncomb's lodging in the Pell Mell, in order to the money spoken of in the morning; and there awhile sat and discoursed: and I find that he is a very proper man for business, being very resolute and proud, and industrious. He told me wh…
Pepys notes one duke’s continuing illness and another’s death, worries about family obligations at Brampton, attends bear-baiting violence near Bear-garden stairs, and continues following court news.
the pit, and feared that in the tumult I might get some hurt. At last the battle broke up, and so I away. The Duke of Cambridge very ill still. 28th. Up, and by coach to St. James's, where I find Sir W. Coventry desirous to have spoke with me. It was to read over a draught of a letter which he hath made for his brother Commissioners and him to sign to us, demanding an account of the whole business of the Navy acco…
On 13th, Pepys confirms the Royal Charles is taken and burned, orders efforts to sink ships like Barking-Creeke to stop further Dutch advance, sends family to the countryside, and describes financial panic in Blackwell’s bank and the city.
be condemned by the King and Duke of York, and so put to trouble; though, God knows I have in my own person done my full duty, I am sure. 13th. No sooner up but hear the sad news confirmed of the Royal Charles being taken by them, and now in fitting by them, (which Pett should have carried up higher by our several orders, and deserves therefore to be hanged for not doing it,) and burning several others; and that an…
Pepys records delays and preparations: Parliament will meet, coal costs rise, Dutch ships reappear near the Thames, Buckingham surrenders and is taken to the Tower, and offices shuffle at court.
that about 80 sail of Dutch, great and small, were seen coming up the River this morning; and this tide some of them to the upper end of the Hope. 28th. We find the Duke of York and Sir W. Coventry gone this morning by two o'clock to Chatham, to come home to-night: and it is fine to observe how both the King and Duke of York have in their several late journeys to and again done them in the night for coolnesse. Th…
Pepys continues west and south through Wiltshire/Berkshire, passing Littlecote and Newbury, then reaches Reading (or Reding), where he notes the broad river running through the town.
with pillars, which makes it a good walk. All the five coaches that come this day from Bath, as well as we, were gone out of the town before six. 16th. Tuesday. After paying the reckoning, 14s. 4d. and servants 2s., poor 1s., set out; and passing through a good part of this country of Wiltshire, saw a good house [Littlecote.] of Alexander Popham's, [M.P. for Bath.] and another of my Lord Craven's, [Hampstead Mar…
Pepys observes court and public life, watches noble figures at the Park, works late on a major letter to the Duke of York, meets French Ambassador Colbert, and tours London to enjoy new urban improvements and sermons.
have his entry to-day: but his things, though rich, are not new; supposed to be the same his brother had the other day at the treaty at Aix-la-Chapelle, in Flanders. 18th. Alone to the Park; but there were few coaches: among the few there were our two great beauties, my Lady Castlemaine and Richmond; the first time I saw the latter since she had the small pox. I had much pleasure to see them, but I thought they w…
Pepys walks past the rebuilding of St. Paul’s and St. Faith’s, fears collapsing church walls, witnesses the Guards muster in Hyde Park with the Duke of Monmouth, and adjusts his written reply to the Duke of York.
come to say it would be acted again to-morrow, both he that said it (Beeson [Probably Beeston, who had been Manager of the Cockpit Theatre.]) and the pit fell a-laughing. 18th. Walking it to the Temple, and in my way observe that the stockes are now pulled quite down: and it will make the coming into Cornhill and Lumber-street mighty noble. I stopped too at; Paul's, and there did go into St. Fayth's church, and a…
Pepys sees a description of the Escurial promised by Lord Sandwich, reports Sandwich’s low-spirited Tangier committee performance, and hears concerns about weak reporting.
greatness of the King of France, and of his being fallen into the right way of making the kingdom great. I was mightily pleased with this company and their discourse. 6th. To see Roger Pepys at his lodgings next door to Arundell- house, a barber's. And there I did see a book, which my Lord Sandwich hath promised one to me of, "A Description of the Escuriall in Spain;" which I have a great desire to have, though I …
Pepys attends meetings with the Duke of York on managing the war with Algiers, watches prize-fighting at the Bear-garden, visits Alderman Backewell, and continues civic and cultural sightseeing.
tube, for fourteen days past; which is so much as I hope I shall not run in arrear again, but the badness of my eyes do force me to it. 12th. The whole office attended the Duke of York at his meeting with Sir Thomas Allen and several flag-officers, to consider of the manner of managing the war with Algier; and it being a thing I was wholly silent in, I did only observe; and find that their manner of discourse on th…
Pepys uses a new “vizard” eye device to help his failing eyesight, then takes his wife to the Park; later a fire at Durham-yard destroys Lady Hungerford’s house, with the King’s court stopping it by blowing up the next building.
done only by his own seeking, that it was to his injury more than profit, and made his case the worse, being ill-managed, and in a cause against the King. 25th (Lord's day). Up, and to my office awhile, and thither comes Lead with my vizard, with a tube fastened within both eyes; which, with the help which he prompts me to, of a glass in the tube, do content me mightily. W. How came and dined with us; and then I t…
Pepys praises books sent to him, then on 30th describes commissioning and shopping for his coach and clothing, visiting craftsmen, and celebrating the loud, popular word “Punch” for a fat short child.
too late. This morning Mr. Sheres sent me in two volumes, Marian his History of Spaine in Spanish, an excellent book; and I am much obliged to him for it. 30th. Up, and by coach to the coachmaker's; and there I do find a great many ladies sitting in the body of a coach that must be ended by to-morrow, (they were my Lady Marquess of Winchester, [Isabella, daughter of William Viscount Stafford, third wife to James fi…
On May 1, 1669 Pepys and his wife parade their new livery through London despite dusty windy weather; on May 2 he visits Lord Sandwich at Whitehall and walks after church.
the ally, did hear them call their fat child Punch, which pleased me mightily, that word being become a word of common use for all that is thick and short. May 1, 1669. Up betimes. My wife extraordinary fine with her flowered tabby gown that she made two years ago, now laced exceeding pretty; and indeed was fine all over. And mighty earnest to go, though the day was very lowering; and she would have me put on my …
Pepys records Commons debate around an Act of Indemnity, then describes the King’s birthday celebrations at Whitehall (Whitsunday events, church music) and social outings to Hyde Park, ending with concern over his failing eyesight and changing how he keeps his diary.
respected therein: and so without further discourse we parted upon very good terms of respect, and with few words, but my mind not fully satisfied about the monies they mean. 29th. The King's birth-day. To White Hall, where all very gay; and particularly the Prince of Tuscany very fine, and is the first day of his appearing out of mourning since he came. I heard the Bishop of Peterborough [Joseph Henshaw. Ob. 16…
He explains that before Hellen and his sons gained strength in Phthiotis, Greeks used tribal names rather than “Hellenes,” and that Homer shows shared identity and collective action were still limited before Troy.
the already large population of the city to such a height that Attica became at last too small to hold them, and they had to send out colonies to Ionia. There is also another circumstance that contributes not a little to my conviction of the weakness of ancient times. Before the Trojan war there is no indication of any common action in Hellas, nor indeed of the universal prevalence of the name; on the contrary, befo…
Thucydides explains how Athenian settlement patterns in Attica from early kings through Theseus’s centralization shaped reluctance to abandon ancestral townships during the summer invasion.
Athens in the different departments when the Peloponnesian invasion was impending and hostilities were being commenced. Pericles also urged his usual arguments for expecting a favourable issue to the war. The Athenians listened to his advice, and began to carry in their wives and children from the country, and all their household furniture, even to the woodwork of their houses which they took down. Their sheep and c…
As Athenians crowd into Athens, some cannot find space and occupy temples and wall-towers; they confront an oracle’s curse about the Pelasgian parcel, while Archidamus assaults Oenoe on the border, delaying before breaking camp to invade Attica.
houses and the hereditary temples of the ancient constitution, and at having to change their habits of life and to bid farewell to what each regarded as his native city. When they arrived at Athens, though a few had houses of their own to go to, or could find an asylum with friends or relatives, by far the greater number had to take up their dwelling in the parts of the city that were not built over and in the templ…
In Corcyra, slaves join the commons, women fight with tiles, oligarchs burn buildings to stop a march, and after Athenian attempts to settle matters, the arrival of Peloponnesian ships leads to a confused sea battle and wider reprisals.
slaves and to invite them to join them. The mass of the slaves answered the appeal of the commons; their antagonists being reinforced by eight hundred mercenaries from the continent. After a day’s interval hostilities recommenced, victory remaining with the commons, who had the advantage in numbers and position, the women also valiantly assisting them, pelting with tiles from the houses, and supporting the melee wit…
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…
Telemachus replies to Minerva that Ulysses has vanished and left him with only grief, while Ithacan and island chiefs consume his estate by pressuring Penelope to remarry.
of his own? And the guests—how atrociously they are behaving; what riot they make over the whole house; it is enough to disgust any respectable person who comes near them.” “Sir,” said Telemachus, “as regards your question, so long as my father was here it was well with us and with the house, but the gods in their displeasure have willed it otherwise, and have hidden him away more closely than mortal man was ever ye…
In the suitors’ conversation Telemachus identifies Minerva-disguised Mentes as a Taphians’ leader, then the suitors go to sleep while Telemachus broods upstairs with Euryclea preparing his bed.
and young, and some other may take the lead among them; nevertheless I will be chief in my own house, and will rule those whom Ulysses has won for me.” Then Eurymachus, son of Polybus, answered, “It rests with heaven to decide who shall be chief among us, but you shall be master in your own house and over your own possessions; no one while there is a man in Ithaca shall do you violence nor rob you. And now, my good …
Menelaus, feasting with the visitors, recounts his worldwide travels and grief over the Trojan aftermath, lamenting the murder of his brother and Ulysses’s absence, while Telemachus admires the palace wealth.
of such men as you cannot have been lost. You must be descended from a line of sceptre-bearing kings, for poor people do not have such sons as you are.” On this he handed them39 a piece of fat roast loin, which had been set near him as being a prime part, and they laid their hands on the good things that were before them; as soon as they had had enough to eat and drink, Telemachus said to the son of Nestor, with his…
Ulysses is released by Alcinous’s household, carried aboard a Phaeacian ship, falls asleep, and the crew rows into Ithaca at dawn, taking him ashore and hiding the gifts by an olive tree and off the road.
death, the common lot of mankind, lay their hands upon you. I now take my leave; be happy in this house with your children, your people, and with king Alcinous.” As he spoke he crossed the threshold, and Alcinous sent a man to conduct him to his ship and to the sea shore. Arete also sent some maidservants with him—one with a clean shirt and cloak, another to carry his strong box, and a third with corn and wine. When…