The Diary · Chapter
January 1663–64 explained
Pepys reflects on his finances, finalizes his will, and contemplates his strained relationship with Lord Sandwich.
What happens
Pepys reflects on his finances, finalizes his will, and contemplates his strained relationship with Lord Sandwich. He also hears gossip about the King's infatuation with Mrs. Stewart and the Duke of York's diligence, while managing naval office affairs and social engagements.
Themes in this chapter
Money, Debt, and Economy
Pepys meticulously accounts his estate, gains £50, and reaches a net worth of £858, while also discussing a robbery of £1,050 and £4,000 in jewels.
Political Intrigue and Restoration
Court gossip about the King's dalliance with Mrs. Stewart, the Duke of York's seriousness, and Lord Sandwich's cautious behavior highlight Restoration politics.
Daily Life and Domesticity
Pepys finalizes his will, tears up old papers, teaches his wife the globes, and enjoys social dinners, reflecting domestic routines.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Pepys finalizes his will, settles accounts, and reflects on his financial and personal state.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Pepys takes her by water to Axe Yard and later teaches her a lesson on the globes.
- Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich
Pepys observes Lord Sandwich's distant behavior, fearing their friendship is strained due to past confidences.
- Sir William Coventry
Pepys corresponds with him about Department Treasurers and meets him at Whitehall.
- Sir George Carteret
Pepys visits Auditor Beale's with him and Sir J. Minnes to review ledgers.
- Sir John Minnes
Pepys directs him on keeping books and accompanies him to Auditor Beale's.
- Mr. Pierce
Pepys walks with him at Whitehall and hears gossip about the King and Mrs. Stewart.
- Mrs. Turner
Pepys briefly speaks with her after visiting Auditor Beale's.
Key passages
“I did also perfectly prepare a state of my estate and annexed it to my last will and testament, which now is perfect, and, lastly, I did make up my monthly accounts, and find that I have gained above £50 this month clear, and so am worth £858 clear, which is the greatest sum I ever yet was master of”
Pepys completed a full statement of his finances, attached it to his finalized will, and calculated that he had earned over £50 that month, bringing his net worth to £858—the highest he had ever achieved.
Pepys takes pride in his financial discipline and growing wealth.
“he tells me that my Lady Castlemaine is not at all set by by the King, but that he do dote upon Mrs. Stewart only; and that to the leaving of all business in the world, and to the open slighting of the Queen”
Mr. Pierce reported that the King no longer favors Lady Castlemaine, but is entirely infatuated with Mrs. Stewart, neglecting state affairs and publicly disrespecting the Queen.
Court gossip reveals the King's personal distractions and their political implications.
“I tore some old papers; among others, a romance which (under the title of Love a Cheate ) I begun ten years ago at Cambridge; and at this time reading it over tonight I liked it very well, and wondered a little at myself at my vein at that time when I wrote it, doubting that I cannot do so well now if I would try.”
Pepys tore up old papers, including a romance called 'Love a Cheate' he had started at Cambridge a decade earlier, and was surprised by his youthful literary skill, doubting he could match it now.
Pepys reflects on his past creativity and the passage of time.
