Friday 18 April 1662
This morning sending the boy down into the cellar for some beer I followed him with a cane, and did there beat him for his staying of awards [?? D.W.] and other faults, and his sister came to me down and begged for him. So I forebore, and afterwards, in my wife’s chamber, did there talk to Jane how much I did love the boy for her sake, and how much it do concern to correct the boy for his faults, or else he would be undone. So at last she was well pleased. This morning Sir G. Carteret, Sir W. Batten and I met at the office, and did conclude of our going to Portsmouth next week, in which my mind is at a great loss what to do with my wife, for I cannot persuade her to go to Brampton, and I am loth to leave her at home. All the afternoon in several places to put things in order for my going. At night home and to bed.
A. De Araujo Link to this
"beat him for his staying of awards"
It beats me!...
Bradford Link to this
"Shorter Pepys":
. . . "I fallowed him with a cane, and did there beat him for his staying of arrands and other faults,". . . [sic, sic]
"Stay: to keep waiting," says the Glossary---which in this context no doubt means putting off the errands he has been charged with carrying out.
As for Sam's not leaving Elizabeth home alone unchaperoned, what perils might befall her?---other than, of course, Gentleman Callers.
DrCari Link to this
It appears incorrigible Wayneman was up to his old tricks.
Sam was required to apply some 'correction'. This won't be the last time, nor the last of Jane's pleas to Sam for mercy toward Wayneman.
Clement Link to this
"incorrigible Wayneman"
I believe this is the second caning he has received at Sam's hand; the last was for lying about the provenance of a rocket in his pocket before Bonfire Night.
http://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/1661/11/02/
Clement Link to this
"a great loss what to do with my wife"
Sam never mentions Elizabeth's preference in the matter, and I suspect he's clumsily trying to overmanage the outcome.
I won't further apply my boot of speculation against the deceased horse of motive, but he sure sounds like he's hiding some intent.
Australian Susan Link to this
If Sam is going to see the arrival of England's new Queen (hidden away behind "offical" navy business or busyness), then it does seem rather mean not to arrange matters so Elizabeth can come. It would be a lovely treat for her, but would need new clothes, of course........
It does not seem to have occured to Sam that Elizabeth could stay with her own family. What's wrong with that? (except of course that Elizabeth doesn't want to). How about a room in the Wardrobe also?
Australian Susan Link to this
Corporal punishment.
Sam was in loco parentis and thus perceived it as his duty to chastise the boy physically for his own good. They really did believe this in those days ("spare the rod and spoil the child"). A father could and did beat his daughter until she was married and then this "duty" [sic] was handed over to the new husband. Sometimes, this was done literally with the father handing an old slipper to do the beating to the son-in-law to signify this change. This is the origin of the practice of tying old shoes to the back of going-away cars.
Cumgranissalis Link to this
"...did there talk to Jane how much I did love the boy for her sake, and how much it do concern to correct the boy for his faults, or else he would be undone..." Well put.
"Quidquid praecipies, esto brevis"
'Orice , Ars Poetica, 333
Whatever you admonish, be quick.
Cumgranissalis Link to this
Eliza has seen the accomodations in the Navy Yard. He only wants to see the real Navy town.
Mary Link to this
The Portsmouth journey.
We have heard nothing of any other wives being taken along on this trip. Sam would not feel able to take Elizabeth along as the 'trailing spouse' if no other women were to join the party. Let's wait and see how the group is finally composed.
Todd Bernhardt Link to this
re: the Portsmouth journey
I agree with Mary. Though Sam has strayed from the straight and narrow often enough (and, we know, will continue to do so), I haven't seen convincing evidence so far that he has ulterior motives in this instance. So far, he's been completely honest when "speaking to" his diary; I don't see why things would be any different this time.
Peter Link to this
Nice turn of phrase, Clement. Not quite flogging a dead horse... but very nearly!
A. Hamilton Link to this
"Sam has strayed from the straight and narrow often enough"
If once is enough. I may have missed something, but so far Sam's sins appear to be enjoying the sight of pretty women, flirting, and one sexual adventure some 18 months ago. I surmise that the adventures that made (unmade) his reputation lie in the future.
Robert Gertz Link to this
Pity Sam doesn't give us a list of specific rivals he fears. Though his having been a witness to the King's and Duke's open courting of Mrs. Palmer, Lady Castlemaine...and no doubt a witness to many other such advances by lesser men to married women. Perhaps that was enough...
Todd Bernhardt Link to this
re: often enough
In my wife's opinion -- and, I'm presuming, Elizabeth's! -- once would *be* enough! :-)
Wim van der Meij Link to this
- beat him for the staying of awards -: Warrington has: - staying of errands -. Now it does make sense, methinks.
Wim van der Meij Link to this
Now I see that Bradford already mentioned the errands.