# May 1662 explained — The Diary

> Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys.

## What happens

Pepys returns from Portsmouth, deals with naval and personal affairs, visits the Tower with Lady Sandwich's children, has his portrait painted, attends plays, and learns of the Queen's arrival. He also navigates tensions with Sir W. Penn and hears of Mr. Coventry's appointment as a Navy Commissioner.

## Themes in this chapter

### Naval Administration and Corruption

Pepys returns to naval office duties, tensions arise over Mr. Coventry's appointment as a Navy Commissioner, and Sir G. Carteret threatens Sir W. Penn.

### Social Ambition and Class

Pepys observes fashions at Gray's Inn, notes the neatness of his boy's livery compared to others, and feels out of countenance among fine ladies at Dr. Clerke's.

### Money, Debt, and Economy

Pepys reviews Lord Sandwich's debts (over £7,000) and incoming funds, and pays his own debts.

### Theatre and Public Entertainment

Pepys sees 'The Knight of the Burning Pestle' and 'Doctor Faustus' (poorly done), and watches wrestling in Moorefields.

## Character check-ins

### Samuel Pepys

Returns from Portsmouth, manages accounts for Lord Sandwich, has his portrait painted, and deals with office and social engagements.

### Elizabeth Pepys

Visits Mrs. Hunt and Lady Carteret, goes to the theatre and Hyde Park, and buys clothes.

### Sir William Penn

Travels with Pepys from Portsmouth, has a tense exchange about confidence, and is threatened by Sir G. Carteret over Mr. Coventry's appointment.

### Sir George Carteret

Travels with Pepys, shares news of the Queen's arrival, and expresses anger at Mr. Coventry's appointment as Navy Commissioner.

### Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich

Pepys reviews his accounts, finding him over £7,000 in debt but with incoming funds to clear it.

### Mr. Moore

Assists Pepys in reviewing Lord Sandwich's accounts.

### Sir William Batten

Contends for the Mastership of Trinity House but loses to Sir J. Minnes; his lady is noted as proud.

### Sir John Minnes

Elected Master of Trinity House over Sir W. Batten.

## Key lines

> He himself made a dish with eggs of the butter of the Sparagus, which is very fine meat, which I will practise hereafter.

Lord Carlingford prepared a dish using asparagus butter and eggs, which Pepys found delicious and intends to replicate.

_Culinary curiosity and note-taking._

> I was much out of countenance, and could hardly carry myself like a man among them; but however, I stayed till my courage was up again, and talked to them.

Pepys felt shy and awkward among the fine ladies at Dr. Clerke's, but stayed until he regained his composure.

_Social anxiety and self-awareness._

> He told me that it is Mr. Coventry that is to come to us as a Commissioner of the Navy; at which he is much vexed, and cries out upon Sir W. Penn, and threatens him highly.

Sir G. Carteret is angry that Mr. Coventry will join the Navy Board and threatens Sir W. Penn.

_Political and personal tensions in naval administration._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/may-1662
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters