# April 1669 explained — The Diary

> Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys.

## What happens

In April 1669, Pepys continues his naval administrative duties, attending a court-martial and presenting a history of the Navy to the Duke of York. He deals with personal matters, including his eyesight, for which he acquires a special vizard with a tube. He also encounters Deb. and manages domestic and social affairs.

## Themes in this chapter

### Naval Administration and Corruption

Pepys attends a court-martial where commanders protect a rogue captain, and later presents a history of the Navy to counter political efforts to change the administration.

### Daily Life and Domesticity

Pepys acquires a vizard for his eyes, dines with family and friends, visits the Park, and deals with household matters.

### Social Ambition and Class

Pepys interacts with nobility and courtiers, including the Duke of York and the Prince of Tuscany, while managing his own social standing.

## Character check-ins

### Samuel Pepys

Narrator and central figure; attends court-martial, presents Navy history to Duke of York, acquires vizard for eyesight.

### Elizabeth Pepys

Pepys's wife; dines with him, goes to the Park, and receives lessons in perspective.

### Sir William Penn

Hosts a dinner for Pepys and others; Pepys is little pleased with the host.

### Lord Brouncker

Dines at Sir W. Penn's with his mistress, then accompanies Pepys and Elizabeth.

### Sir John Minnes

Dines at Sir W. Penn's with his niece; later lends his coach to Pepys.

### Mr. Hewer

Assists Pepys with Navy history and dines with him at the Cocke.

### Mr. Creed

Visits Pepys and approves his refusal to advance money without order.

## Key lines

> But, Lord! to see what wretched doings there were among all the Commanders to ruin the Purser, and defend the Captain in all his rogueries, be it to the prejudice of the King or Purser, no good man could bear!

Pepys is appalled by the commanders' collusion to protect a corrupt captain at the expense of the purser and the King.

_Reflects Pepys's frustration with naval corruption._

> I did see the young Duchess, a little child in hanging sleeves, dance most finely, so as almost to ravish me, her ears were so good: taught by a Frenchman that did heretofore teach the King, and all the King's children, and the Queen-Mother herself, who do still dance well.

Pepys is captivated by the young Duchess's dancing, taught by the same Frenchman who instructed the royal family.

_Highlights Pepys's appreciation for dance and courtly entertainment._

> Well pleased tonight to have Lead, the vizard-maker, bring me home my vizard, with a tube fastened in it, which, I think, will do my business, at least in a great measure, for the easing of my eyes.

Pepys is satisfied with his new vizard fitted with a tube, hoping it will relieve his eye strain.

_Shows Pepys's ongoing concern with his eyesight and his use of assistive devices._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/april-1669
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters