Wednesday 9 October 1661
This morning went out about my affairs, among others to put my Theorbo out to be mended, and then at noon home again, thinking to go with Sir Williams both to dinner by invitation to Sir W. Rider’s, but at home I found Mrs. Pierce, la belle, and Madam Clifford, with whom I was forced to stay, and made them the most welcome I could; and I was (God knows) very well pleased with their beautiful company, and after dinner took them to the Theatre, and shewed them “The Chances;” and so saw them both at home and back to the Fleece tavern, in Covent Garden, where Luellin and Blurton, and my old friend Frank Bagge, was to meet me, and there staid till late very merry. Frank Bagge tells me a story of Mrs. Pepys that lived with my Lady Harvy, Mr. Montagu’s sister, a good woman; that she had been very ill, and often asked for me; that she is in good condition, and that nobody could get her to make her will; but that she did still enquire for me, and that now she is well she desires to have a chamber at my house. Now I do not know whether this is a trick of Bagge’s, or a good will of hers to do something for me; but I will not trust her, but told him I should be glad to see her, and that I would be sure to do all that I could to provide a place for her. So by coach home late.
11 Annotations
First Reading
Bob T • Link
Mrs. Pepys
Sam may have stayed late and been merry, but he could still recognize a con game when he saw it. I wonder if his friend Bagge is in on the deal. He probably is because he's the one setting it up.
It's a sign that our Sammy is moving up because even old friends are trying to make money off him.
Bradford • Link
Can someone with L&M give details about "The Chances"? Impossible to Google with any efficiency.
Ruben • Link
Can someone with L&M give details about "The Chances"?
faithful Google says:
open
http://www.picks.plus.com/howard/…
ilustrated!
vicente • Link
"...Now I do not know whether this is a trick of Bagge's,…” I’m glad that he doth not writ a Bagge of trick’s.???? He doth be frank.? Oh no!!
Paul Chapin • Link
Ruben, thanks for a great link. Fun to see an early notice of Joan Plowright.
Vicente, sssssss.
Mary • Link
"The Chances"
(per L&M) A comedy by John Fletcher, probably written about 1617 and published 1647. Don John, in this play, said to be one of Charles Hart's best roles. Pepys first noted seeing it on 27th February 1661.
JWB • Link
Bragge's bait...
"Mons. L'Impertinent…told me a ridiculous story how that last week he had caused a simple citizen to spend; 80l. in entertainments of him and some friends of his upon pretence of some service that he would do him in his suit after a widow”…Mar4 ‘59/60.
vicente • Link
There be no comment on that human trait the Con: Oh! those pearlies that fool the the ever hopeful human. { there is one....}
http://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/1…
Adspicere oportet quicquid possis perdere. Syrus, Maxims or keep ye 'and in ye pocket matey.
{you ought to watch whatever you can lose}
Pauline • Link
"...I do not know whether this is a trick..."
I'm unaware of such high jinx (the fakely stolen tankard, etc.) being part of today's government service up-and-comer's jostlings. I suppose it is possible that P. Wolfowitz was told that sticking a comb in his mouth would be a wise signal to a certain wealthy widow who had yet to write her will; but those of us outside those inner circles within inner circle no doubt miss (and misinterpret) a lot of the "fun" of it all.
Second Reading
GrannieAnnie • Link
Let's see: Half a day's work yesterday in the morning followed by entertainments (without Beth.) Today half a day's work followed by entertainments (mainly without Beth.) Idle hands are the devil's workshop, Sam! Better change your ways.
Terry Foreman • Link
"Now I do not know whether this is a trick of Bagge’s, or a good will of hers to do something for me; but I will not trust her"
L&M: Probably a slip for 'him'. This Mrs Pepys has not been identified. Nothing came of all this.