Now my house is full, and four fiddlers that play
well. Harris I first took to my closet: and I find him a very
curious and understanding person in all pictures and other
things, and a man of fine conversation; and so is Rolt. Among
other things, Harris sung his Irish song, the strangest in itself
and the prettiest sung by him that ever I heard.
25th. This afternoon I saw the Poll Bill, now printed; wherein I
do fear I shall be very deeply concerned, being to be taxed for
all my offices, and then for my money that I have, and my title
as well as my head. It is a very great tax; but yet I do think
it is so perplexed, it will hardly ever be collected duly. The
late invention of Sir G. Downing's is continued of bringing all
the money into the Exchequer. This day the House hath passed the
Bill for the Assessment; which I am glad of. And also our little
Bill, for giving any of us in the office the power of justice of
peace, is done as I would have it.
27th. Roger Pepys and I to walk in the Pell Mell. I find by him
that the House of Parliament continues full of ill humours; and
do say how in their late Poll Bill, which cost so much time, the
yeomanry, and indeed two-thirds of the nation, are left out to be
taxed.
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