Diary of Samuel Pepys — Volume 05: May 1660
by Samuel Pepys
- Pages
- about 63
- Category
- History
- Language
- English
- Reading time
- 69 min at 250 wpm
From the opening
May 1st. This morning I was told how the people of Deal have set up two
or three Maypoles, and have hung up their flags upon the top of them, and
do resolve to be very merry to-day. It being a very pleasant day, I
wished myself in Hide Park. This day I do count myself to have had full
two years of perfect cure for the stone, for which God of heaven be
blessed. This day Captain Parker came on board, and without his
expectation I had a commission for him for the Nonsuch frigate
[The "Nonsuch" was a fourth-rate of thirty-two guns, built at
Deptford in 1646 by Peter Pett, jun. The captain was John Parker.]
(he being now in the Cheriton), for which he gave me a French pistole.
Captain H. Cuttance has commission for the Cheriton. After dinner to
nine-pins, and won something. The rest of the afternoon in my cabin
writing and piping. While we were at supper we heard a great noise upon
the Quarter Deck, so we all rose instantly, and found it was to save the
coxon of the Cheriton, who, dropping overboard, could not be saved, but
was drowned. To-day I put on my suit that was altered from the great
skirts to little ones. To-day I hear they were very merry at Deal,
setting up the King's flag upon one of their maypoles, and drinking his
health upon their knees in the streets, and firing the guns, which the
soldiers of the Castle threatened; but durst not oppose.
2nd. In the morning at a breakfast of radishes at the Purser's cabin.
After that to writing till dinner. At which time comes Dunne from London,
with letters that tell us the welcome news of the Parliament's votes
yesterday, which will be remembered for the happiest May-day that bath
been many a year to England. The King's letter was read in the House,
wherein he submits himself and all things to them, as to an Act of
Oblivion to all,
A short sample. Read the whole book
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