At our coming hither we found the Duke and Duchesse
all alone at dinner, methought melancholy: or else I thought so,
from the late occasion of the Chancellor's fall, who, they say,
however, takes it very contentedly.
4th. By coach to White Hall to the Council-chamber; and there
met with Sir W. Coventry going in, who took me aside, and told me
that he was just come from delivering up his seal and papers to
Mr. Wren; and told me he must now take his leave of me as a naval
man, but that he shall always bear respect to his friends there,
[The officers of the Navy.] and particularly to myself with great
kindness; which I returned to him with thanks, and so with much
kindness parted; and he into the Council. Staid and heard
Alderman Barker's case of his being abused by the Council of
Ireland, touching his lands there. All I observed there is the
silliness of the King, playing with his dog all the while, and
not minding the business; and what he said was mighty weak: but
my Lord Keeper I observed to be a mighty able man. To the Duke
of York's playhouse, and there saw "Mustapha;" which the more I
see the more I like; and is a most admirable poem, and bravely
acted; only both Betterton and Harris could not contain from
laughing in the midst of a most serious part, from the ridiculous
mistake of one of the men upon the stage; which I did not like.
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