The Diary · Chapter
November 1663 explained
Pepys records a month of domestic and professional life, including a quarrel with his wife over a servant's lie, a visit to Whitehall where he observes the King's graying hair and the Duke of York's intention to wear a periwig, and conversa
What happens
Pepys records a month of domestic and professional life, including a quarrel with his wife over a servant's lie, a visit to Whitehall where he observes the King's graying hair and the Duke of York's intention to wear a periwig, and conversations about court gossip, religious liberty, and the mismanagement of the kingdom's revenue. He also discusses the Navy Office with colleagues and hears concerns about Lord Sandwich's standing at court.
Themes in this chapter
Political Intrigue and Restoration
Pepys hears of Lord Sandwich's possible disfavor at court and discusses the King's reliance on former Parliamentarians versus Cavaliers.
Naval Administration and Corruption
Pepys discusses Navy Office business and the mismanagement of royal revenue, including difficulties in collecting taxes.
Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality
Pepys and Elizabeth have a heated quarrel over a servant's lie, but reconcile before bed.
Religion and Sectarian Conflict
Mr. Blackburne argues for liberty of conscience and criticizes the pride of the present clergy, noting the contrast with former Parliamentarian soldiers.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Records his daily activities, including church attendance, arithmetic lessons with his wife, and a quarrel with Elizabeth.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Attends church with Pepys, makes marmalade with Mrs. Hunt, and quarrels with Pepys over a perceived lie by the maid Jane.
- Sir William Penn
Attends church for the first time in months after illness; later gives Pepys a ride home.
- Sir George Carteret
Present with Pepys at Whitehall in the Matted Gallery.
- Sir John Minnes
Present with Pepys at Whitehall in the Matted Gallery.
- Sir William Batten
Present with Pepys at Whitehall in the Matted Gallery.
- Mr. Creed
Walks with Pepys to Westminster Hall and accompanies him to the periwig maker's.
- Mr. Pierce
Shares court gossip with Pepys about Lord Sandwich's standing and the King's infatuation with Mrs. Stewart.
Key passages
“I heard the Duke say that he was going to wear a periwig; and they say the King also will. I never till this day observed that the King is mighty gray.”
Pepys learns that the Duke of York plans to wear a periwig, and hears the King may do the same; he notices for the first time how gray the King's hair is.
Observation of royal fashion and aging.
“He told me also how loose the Court is, nobody looking after business, but every man his lust and gain; and how the King is now become besotted upon Mrs. Stewart, that he gets into corners, and will be with her half an houre together kissing her to the observation of all the world.”
Pierce describes the court as dissolute, with the King openly infatuated with Mrs. Stewart, kissing her in corners for all to see.
Court gossip about the King's behavior.
“He do tell me what the City thinks of General Monk, as of a most perfidious man that hath betrayed everybody, and the King also; who, as he thinks, and his party, and so I have heard other good friends of the King say, it might have been better for the King to have had his hands a little bound for the present, than be forced to bring such a crew of poor people about him, and be liable to satisfy the demands of every one of them.”
Blackburne reports that the City views General Monk as treacherous, and that some royalists think the King would have been better off with some initial constraints rather than being burdened by a needy court.
Criticism of General Monk and the King's situation.
