Mrs. Knipp tells me my song
of "Beauty Retire" is mightily cried up, which I am not a little
proud of; and do think I have done "It is Decreed" better, but I
have not finished it.
23rd. Sir W. Coventry sent me word that the Dutch fleet is
certainly abroad; and so we are to hasten all we have to send to
our fleet with all speed. But, Lord! to see how my Lord
Brouncker undertakes the despatch of the fire-ships, when he is
no more fit for it than a porter; and all the while Sir W. Pen,
who is the most fit, is unwilling to displease him, and do not
look after it; and so the King's work is like to be well done.
26th. I was a little disturbed with news my Lord Brouncker
brought me, that we are to attend the King at White Hall this
afternoon, and that it is about a complaint from the Generalls
against us. Sir W. Pen and I by coach to White Hall, and there
staid till the King and Cabinet met in the Green Chamber, and
then we were called in; and there the King begun with me, to hear
how the victualls of the fleet stood. I did in a long discourse
tell him and the rest (the Duke of York, Lord Chancellor, Lord
Treasurer, both the Secretarys, Sir G.
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