Chancellor. But I
think to let it alone, or at least meddle in it as little more as I can.
From thence walked toward Westminster, and being in an idle and wanton
humour, walked through Fleet Alley, and there stood a most pretty wench
at one of the doors, so I took a turn or two, but what by sense of
honour and conscience I would not go in, but much against my will took
coach and away, and away to Westminster Hall, and there 'light of Mrs.
Lane, and plotted with her to go over the water. So met at White's
stairs in Chanel Row, and over to the old house at Lambeth Marsh, and
there eat and drank, and had my pleasure of her twice, she being the
strangest woman in talk of love to her husband sometimes, and sometimes
again she do not care for him, and yet willing enough to allow me a
liberty of doing what I would with her. So spending 5s. or 6s. upon her,
I could do what I would, and after an hour's stay and more back again
and set her ashore there again, and I forward to Fleet Street, and
called at Fleet Alley, not knowing how to command myself, and went in
and there saw what formerly I have been acquainted with, the wickedness
of these houses, and the forcing a man to present expense. The woman
indeed is a most lovely woman, but I had no courage to meddle with her
for fear of her not being wholesome, and so counterfeiting that I had
not money enough, it was pretty to see how cunning she was, would not
suffer me to have to do in any manner with her after she saw I had no
money, but told me then I would not come again, but she now was sure I
would come again, but I hope in God I shall not, for though she be
one of the prettiest women I ever saw, yet I fear her abusing me. So
desiring God to forgive me for this vanity, I went home, taking some
books from my bookseller, and taking his lad home with me, to whom I
paid L10 for books I have laid up money for, and laid out within these
three weeks, and shall do no more a great while I hope. So to my office
writing letters, and then home and to bed, weary of the pleasure I have
had to-day, and ashamed to think of it.

24th (Lord's day). Up, in some pain all day from yesterday's passages,
having taken cold, I suppose. So staid within all day reading of two
or three good plays. At night to my office a little, and so home, after
supper to bed.

25th. Up, and with Sir J. Minnes and Sir W. Batten by coach to St.
James's, but there the Duke being gone out we to my Lord Berkeley's
chambe