“He showed me a very excellent argument, to prove that our importing less than we export does not impoverish the kingdom, according to the received opinion: which, though it be a paradox, and that I do not remember the argument, yet methought there was a great deal in what he said.” (Feb., 1664.)
“He also made me fully understand that the old law of prohibiting bullion to be exported is, and ever was, a folly and injury rather than good. Arguing thus, that if the exportations exceed the importations, then the balance must be brought home in money, which, when our merchants know cannot be carried out again, they will forbear to bring home in money, but let it lie abroad for trade, or keep in foreign banks; or, if our importations exceed our exportations, then to keep credit the merchants will and must find ways of carrying out money by stealth, which is a most easy thing to do, and is everywhere done, and therefore the law against it signifies nothing in the world.” (Jan., 1665.)
IS ALARMED.
“About eleven o’clock, knowing what money I have in the house, and hearing a noise, I began to sweat worse and worse, till I melted almost to water. I rung, and could not in half an hour make either of the wenches hear me; and this made me fear the more lest they might be gagged; and then I began to think that there was some design in a stone being flung at the window over our stairs this evening, by which the thieves meant to try what looking there would be after them, and know our company. These thoughts and fears I had, and do hence apprehend the fears of all rich men that are covetous, and have much money by them. At last, Jane rose, and then I understood it was only the dog wants a lodging, and so made a noise.” (July, 1664.)
UXORIOUS.
“Called upon Doll, our pretty change woman, for a pair of gloves trimmed with yellow ribbon, to [match] the petticoat my wife bought yesterday, which cost me 20s.; but she is so pretty, that, God forgive me! I could not think it too much, which is a strange slavery that I stand in to beauty, that I value nothing near it.” (Sept., 1664.)
“To the King’s house, to a play, The Traitor, where unfortunately, I met with Sir W. Pen, so that I must be forced to confess it to my wife, which troubles me.” (Jan., 1665.)
“To Clerkenwell church, and there, as I wished, sat next pew to the fair Butler, who indeed is a most perfect beauty still; and one I do very much admire myself for my choice of her for a beauty, having the best lower part of her face that ever I saw all days of my life. After church, I walked to my Lady Sandwitch’s. * * My Lady asked me my opinion about Creed, whether he would have a wife or no, and proposed Mrs. Wright for him. * * She desired I would take a good time and manner of proposing it, and I said I would, though I believe he would love nothing but money. * * So away back to Clerkenwell church, * * and home, and there my wife was angry with me for not coming home, and for gadding abroad to look after beauties.” (Oct. 2nd, 1664.)
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