that it is not any skill of the Dutch that can
hinder our trade if we will, we having so many advantages over them, of
winds, good ports, and men; but it is our pride, and the laziness of the
merchant. He seems to think that there may be some negotiation which may
hinder a warr this year, but that he speaks doubtfully as unwilling I
perceive to be thought to discourse any such thing. The main thing he
desired to speake with me about was, to know whether I do understand my
Lord Sandwich's intentions as to going to sea with this fleete; saying,
that the Duke, if he desires it, is most willing to it; but thinking
that twelve ships is not a fleete fit for my Lord to be troubled to
go out with, he is not willing to offer it to him till he hath some
intimations of his mind to go, or not. He spoke this with very great
respect as to my Lord, though methinks it is strange they should not
understand one another better at this time than to need another's
mediation. Thence walked over the Parke to White Hall, Mr. Povy with me,
and was taken in a very great showre in the middle of the Parke that we
were very wet. So up into, the house and with him to the King's closett,
whither by and by the King came, my Lord Sandwich carrying the sword.
A Bishopp preached, but he speaking too low for me to hear behind the
King's closett, I went forth and walked and discoursed with Colonell
Reames, who seems a very willing man to be informed in his business of
canvas, which he is undertaking to strike in with us to serve the Navy.
By and by my Lord Sandwich came forth, and called me to him: and we fell
into discourse a great while about his business, wherein he seems to
be very open with me, and to receive my opinion as he used to do; and
I hope I shall become necessary to him again. He desired me to think of
the fitness, or not, for him to offer himself to go to sea; and to give
him my thoughts in a day or two. Thence after sermon among the ladies on
the Queene's side; where I saw Mrs. Stewart, very fine and pretty, but
far beneath my Lady Castlemayne. Thence with Mr. Povy home to dinner;
where extraordinary cheer. And after dinner up and down to see his
house. And in a word, methinks, for his perspective upon his wall in
his garden, and the springs rising up with the perspective in the little
closett; his room floored above with woods of several colours, like but
above the best cabinet-work I ever saw; his grotto and vault, with his
bottles of win