The Diary · Chapter
May 1664 explained
Pepys records his daily life in May 1664, marked by financial anxieties, health troubles (including a severe fit of the stone), and naval administration.
What happens
Pepys records his daily life in May 1664, marked by financial anxieties, health troubles (including a severe fit of the stone), and naval administration. He attends the Duke, deals with canvas disputes at the office, visits the playhouse, and hears a notable legal argument. His mood swings between vexation over debts and family obligations and pleasure from small gains and professional progress.
Themes in this chapter
Naval Administration and Corruption
Pepys engages in disputes over canvas specifications and inspects dockyard business, highlighting the administrative and material concerns of the Navy Office.
Money, Debt, and Economy
Pepys records his financial state (£908 creditor), receives £20 in gold from Captain Taylor, and is vexed by debts and payments due from Pigott and others.
Daily Life and Domesticity
Pepys details his health struggles (stone, physic), domestic routines (wife sleeping apart, hiring a cook-maid), and leisure activities (playhouse, Park).
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Chronicles his health, finances, and naval duties; suffers a severe stone fit and later takes physic.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Takes physic alongside Pepys; accompanies him on outings and to the playhouse.
- Sir William Batten
Pepys has high words with him at the office over canvas specifications.
- Sir William Penn
Dines with Pepys at the Leg tavern.
- Roger Pepys
Pepys visits him and is vexed by his talk of paying brother's debts.
- Mr. Povy
Pepys criticizes his handling of Lord Peterborough's accounts, calling him a coxcomb.
- Mr. Pierce
Pepys visits his house; observes his wife's slatternly habits and sees an opium experiment on a dog.
- Sir William Coventry
Discusses the Dutch war with Pepys, arguing about the reasons for conflict.
Key passages
“Thus everybody is liable to be envied and supplanted.”
Everyone is subject to envy and being replaced.
Pepys reflects on the precariousness of office positions after hearing of a colleague's neglect.
“I was cruelly vexed.”
I was extremely annoyed.
Pepys expresses frustration after talking with his cousin Roger about family debts.
“I am come to such a pass that I shall not know what to do with myself.”
I have reached a point where I don't know how to manage.
Pepys worries about his recurring pain and cold, linking it to not wearing a gown.