Daily entries from the 17th century London diary
We met at the office this morning about some particular business, and then I to Whitehall, and there dined with my Lord, and after dinner Mr. Creed and I to White-Fryars, where we saw “The Bondman” acted most excellently, and though I have seen it often, yet I am every time more and more pleased with Betterton’s action. From thence with him and young Mr. Jones to Penell’s in Fleet Street, and there we drank and talked a good while, and so I home and to bed.
Temperature: 6°C / 43°F (Mar 1661 avg.)
“The Bondman” - Sam saw this play back on March 1. http://www.pepysdiary.com/archive/1661/03/01/index.php
Clearly, he knows what he likes (Betterton in the leading role.)
“‘The Bondman’ acted most excellently, and though I have seen it often, yet I am every time more and more pleased with Betterton’s action…”
Here he references more one attendance yet He did not go to Plays before the the start of the Journal,[they were a no no][only one previous ref: to the Bondman] so I’m a little confused{shush}, does he not record all his doings?
He has seen Betteton on more than two occassions so he may be referring to the actor rather than the play.
Is Betterton is the subject, not the bondman?
Seen here[ may be] for the first time on Saturday 18 August 1660
then
Cockpitt to see “The Moore of Venice,” which was well done
http://www.pepysdiary.com/archive/1660/10/11/index.php#7793
Whitefriars to the Play-house, and there saw “The Changeling,” the first time it hath been acted these twenty years, and it takes exceedingly
http://www.pepysdiary.com/archive/1661/02/23/index.php#11864
“…young Mr. Jones …” Coll: Jones? I would have thought the Rank would have been in vogue?
Young Mr Jones. It does seem unlike Sam to drop a title: perhaps this Mr Jones is Col. Phillip Jones’ son who was mentioned on 9th. February this year as being a friend of Mr Creed.