se, and
there I did with great pleasure see the many pretty works, and the
little children employed, every one to do something, which was a very
fine sight, and worthy encouragement. I cast away a crowne among them,
and so to the 'Change and among the Linnen Wholesale Drapers to enquire
about Callicos, to see what can be done with them for the supplying our
want of Bewpers for flaggs, and I think I shall do something therein
to good purpose for the King. So to the Coffeehouse, and there fell in
discourse with the Secretary of the Virtuosi of Gresham College, and had
very fine discourse with him. He tells me of a new invented instrument
to be tried before the College anon, and I intend to see it. So to
Trinity House, and there I dined among the old dull fellows, and so home
and to my office a while, and then comes Mr. Cocker to see me, and I
discoursed with him about his writing and ability of sight, and how I
shall do to get some glasse or other to helpe my eyes by candlelight;
and he tells me he will bring me the helps he hath within a day or two,
and shew me what he do. Thence to the Musique-meeting at the Postoffice,
where I was once before. And thither anon come all the Gresham College,
and a great deal of noble company: and the new instrument was brought
called the Arched Viall,

["There seems to be a curious fate reigning over the instruments
which have the word 'arch' prefixed to their name. They have no
vitality, and somehow or other come to grief. Even the famous
archlute, which was still a living thing in the time of Handel, has
now disappeared from the concert room and joined Mr. Pepys's 'Arched
Viall' in the limbo of things forgotten.... Mr. Pepys's
verdict that it would never do... has been fully confirmed by
the event, as his predictions usually were, being indeed always
founded on calm judgment and close observation."--B. (Hueffer's
Italian and other Studies, 1883, p. 263).]

where being tuned with lute-strings, and played on with kees like an
organ, a piece of parchment is always kept moving; and the strings,
which by the kees are pressed down upon it, are grated in imitation of a
bow, by the parchment; and so it is intended to resemble several vyalls
played on with one bow, but so basely and harshly, that it will never
do. But after three hours' stay it could not be fixed in tune; and so
they were fain to go to some other musique of instruments, wh