The Diary · Chapter
September 1668 explained
Pepys navigates political tensions at the Navy Office, receives a visit from the Duke of Richmond about his yacht, and attends the Treasury with Brouncker and Penn.
What happens
Pepys navigates political tensions at the Navy Office, receives a visit from the Duke of Richmond about his yacht, and attends the Treasury with Brouncker and Penn. He enjoys a play and a puppet show, visits Southwarke-Fair, and hears news of Buckingham's rising influence and Sir W. Coventry's decline. Domestic life includes a venison-pasty dinner, teaching Mercer the Larke's song, and a quarrel with his wife. He also learns of Mr. Trevor's appointment as Secretary and the adjournment of Parliament.
Themes in this chapter
Political Intrigue and Restoration
Buckingham's rising influence, Coventry's decline, and the Duke of York's stand on Gawden's case reflect court factionalism.
Naval Administration and Corruption
Disputes over the victualling-contract and the Duke of York's great letter highlight Navy Office challenges.
Theatre and Public Entertainment
Pepys attends 'The Maid in the Mill', a puppet show of Whittington, and Jacob Hall's rope dancing.
Daily Life and Domesticity
Domestic scenes: venison-pasty dinner, teaching Mercer the Larke's song, and a quarrel with Elizabeth.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Narrator and protagonist; attends to Navy business, visits the Duke of Richmond, and enjoys entertainments.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Pepys's wife; goes to Sturbridge-Fair, attends a play, and quarrels with Pepys.
- Sir William Coventry
Discusses the Victualling contract and Navy answers; noted as being out of favor at court.
- Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich
Mentioned in relation to Lady Hinchingbroke and wedding clothes for Mrs. Pickering.
- Sir William Penn
Attends Treasury meeting with Pepys and Brouncker; later sups with Pepys.
- Lord Brouncker
Attends Treasury meeting about the victualling-contract with Pepys and Penn.
- Mr. Hewer
Writes to Pepys about Roger Pepys's hospitality at Sturbridge-Fair.
- Roger Pepys
Invites Pepys to Sturbridge-Fair; entertains Mrs. Pepys and W. Hewer.
Key passages
“I did hope to see his lady, the beautiful Mrs. Stuart, but she, I hear, is in the country.”
Pepys hoped to meet the Duke of Richmond's wife, the famous beauty Mrs. Stuart, but she was away.
Pepys's admiration for the Duchess is evident.
“I all that night so vexed that I did not sleep almost all night, which shows how unfit I am for trouble.”
Pepys was so upset by the Treasury dispute that he could barely sleep, reflecting his sensitivity to conflict.
Highlights Pepys's emotional reaction to professional stress.
“I taught her the whole Larke's song perfectly, so excellent an ear she hath.”
Pepys taught Mercer the entire Larke's song in just fifteen minutes, praising her musical talent.
Shows Pepys's enjoyment of music and Mercer's quick learning.
“I do hear this day what troubles me, that Sir W. Coventry is quite out of play, the King seldom speaking to him.”
Pepys learns with concern that Sir W. Coventry has lost the King's favor and is rarely spoken to.
Reflects the shifting political landscape at court.
