In the 17th century, no sign of post-mortem poison would not be conclusive. (A good many poisons are not easily detectable even today, e.g. "Molecules of Murder" by Emsley.)
Interesting that Lady Denham wants the affair to be public, not secretive. (The image of "going at noon-day with all his gentlemen with him to visit her" certainly seems public enough.)
Another item of note -- to me, at least -- is that the Duke of Albemarle is one of the very few who thinks he did very well in the "fight".
1.1 The foot of a cat; †used lit. in reference to the fable or tale of a monkey (or a fox) using the foot or paw of a cat to rake roasted chestnuts out of the burning coals. (The story is told by some of a monkey belonging to Pope Julius II., 1503–13; see N. & Q. Ser. vi. VII. 286.)
[1623 Mabbe tr. Aleman's Guzman d'Alf. ii. 167 To take the Cat by the foote, and therewith to rake the coales out of the Ouen.] c 1661 Argyle's Last Will in Harl. Misc. (1746) VIII. 30/1 Like the Monkey, that took the Cat's Foot to pull the Chesnut out of the Fire. 1666 Pepys Diary 6 June, My Lord Brouncker, which I make use of as a monkey do the cat's foot. c 1680 Humane Prudence (1717) 214 The polite man makes use of others as the Fox did of the Cat's Foot, to pull the Apple out of the Fire.
Methinks a improper accounting to his superiors could be more damaging than simply to his ego. Pepys's position is always precarious and he has his enemies all too happy to use Tanger against him.
What we today call "bribes" and "kickbacks" were not regarded as unethical in Pepys's day but the usual way of securing positions -- a sort of direct monetary lobbying.
"to think to dine at my table with me always, being desirous to have my house to myself without a stranger and a mechanique to be privy to all my concernments."
Methinks Terry's criticism is a bit harsh and Michael's comment is on the mark. Anyone's welcome is outstayed and neither of these two are close to the family.
"but were contrary to expectation driven down again with a stinke"
Surely done on purpose by the friendly Pen. (I can relate in that one of our neighbours used to fertilize his fields with pig manure, which is very similar in odour to the human sort.)
This entry raises again, to me anyways, the question about how involved Elizabeth was in the family finances. She did not appear to be chatelaine, and at times, seemed clueless, yet is sometimes recorded as discussing financial matters with Samuel. Today, with the comment about Pepys pere and raising the dowry, she appears both informed and with spending authority.
As a note to Louise of 2009, one finds alterations made nowadays, especially to rural properties, without involving pesky inspectors (and we have found a few that should have involved them). The Navy Office was made of rubble-filled stone walls, I recall, so enlarging a window would not have required moving the jack and king studs. Remove a few stones, square up the hole, put in a larger frame, and plaster it over. It is not entirely clear how they handled the lintel, though.
Wonderful summary of court, as Todd wrote. Pepys almost overwhelmed by information: "He tells me [...], and some others I cannot presently remember, are friends that I may rely on for him." But if he only trusts the ones he remembers, then things should be well.
"and by comes Mrs. Pierce, with my name in her bosom for her Valentine, which will cost me money." Here is the Pepys we have come to know and love/hate.
L&M note that the painting in the entry has not survived. The family rumour is that it was destroyed by a cook during the Victorian era (due to the hypocritical sensitivities of the time, no doubt).
Comments
Second Reading
About Thursday 14 June 1666
john • Link
"Thence took Creed with some kind of violence and some hard words between us [...]"
Did he man-handle Creed into the carriage or is this odd phrasing?
About Sunday 10 June 1666
john • Link
Thank you for the interesting information, SDS.
In the 17th century, no sign of post-mortem poison would not be conclusive. (A good many poisons are not easily detectable even today, e.g. "Molecules of Murder" by Emsley.)
About Sunday 10 June 1666
john • Link
Interesting that Lady Denham wants the affair to be public, not secretive. (The image of "going at noon-day with all his gentlemen with him to visit her" certainly seems public enough.)
Another item of note -- to me, at least -- is that the Duke of Albemarle is one of the very few who thinks he did very well in the "fight".
About Wednesday 6 June 1666
john • Link
"as a monkey do the cat’s foot" made the OED:
cat's-foot
1.1 The foot of a cat; †used lit. in reference to the fable or tale of a monkey (or a fox) using the foot or paw of a cat to rake roasted chestnuts out of the burning coals. (The story is told by some of a monkey belonging to Pope Julius II., 1503–13; see N. & Q. Ser. vi. VII. 286.)
[1623 Mabbe tr. Aleman's Guzman d'Alf. ii. 167 To take the Cat by the foote, and therewith to rake the coales out of the Ouen.] c 1661 Argyle's Last Will in Harl. Misc. (1746) VIII. 30/1 Like the Monkey, that took the Cat's Foot to pull the Chesnut out of the Fire. 1666 Pepys Diary 6 June, My Lord Brouncker, which I make use of as a monkey do the cat's foot. c 1680 Humane Prudence (1717) 214 The polite man makes use of others as the Fox did of the Cat's Foot, to pull the Apple out of the Fire.
About Saturday 2 June 1666
john • Link
"But, Lord! to see how the poor fellows kissed their wives and sweethearts in that simple manner at their going off ..."
And how many did not return?
About Monday 21 May 1666
john • Link
Methinks a improper accounting to his superiors could be more damaging than simply to his ego. Pepys's position is always precarious and he has his enemies all too happy to use Tanger against him.
About Wednesday 9 May 1666
john • Link
Indeed a most poignant entry.
I would guess that an insect bite was the cause of the painful cheek. Tooth infections do not subside (even with asparagus).
About Tuesday 8 May 1666
john • Link
Further to the above, Pepys probably saw this as refunding Downing's fee because services were not forthcoming to the King.
About Tuesday 8 May 1666
john • Link
What we today call "bribes" and "kickbacks" were not regarded as unethical in Pepys's day but the usual way of securing positions -- a sort of direct monetary lobbying.
About Thursday 3 May 1666
john • Link
"to think to dine at my table with me always, being desirous to have my house to myself without a stranger and a mechanique to be privy to all my concernments."
Methinks Terry's criticism is a bit harsh and Michael's comment is on the mark. Anyone's welcome is outstayed and neither of these two are close to the family.
About Monday 30 April 1666
john • Link
"but were contrary to expectation driven down again with a stinke"
Surely done on purpose by the friendly Pen. (I can relate in that one of our neighbours used to fertilize his fields with pig manure, which is very similar in odour to the human sort.)
About Thursday 19 April 1666
john • Link
This entry raises again, to me anyways, the question about how involved Elizabeth was in the family finances. She did not appear to be chatelaine, and at times, seemed clueless, yet is sometimes recorded as discussing financial matters with Samuel. Today, with the comment about Pepys pere and raising the dowry, she appears both informed and with spending authority.
About Friday 13 April 1666
john • Link
San Diego Sarah, the L&M large glossary states that "black" as an adjective meant of dark hair or complexion.
We never did find out what Bess and Mercer were paid to draw ledger lines nor why they were not engaged again.
About Monday 9 April 1666
john • Link
As a note to Louise of 2009, one finds alterations made nowadays, especially to rural properties, without involving pesky inspectors (and we have found a few that should have involved them). The Navy Office was made of rubble-filled stone walls, I recall, so enlarging a window would not have required moving the jack and king studs. Remove a few stones, square up the hole, put in a larger frame, and plaster it over. It is not entirely clear how they handled the lintel, though.
About Friday 6 April 1666
john • Link
"I could not go to the coach with her, but W. Hewer did and hath leave from me to go the whole day’s journey with her."
Was Will paid for this, I wonder, or simply regarded as part of his duties (as Pepys was the boss)?
About Monday 2 April 1666
john • Link
Pepys is clearly proud of his wife to be seen with him at Whitehall, possibly a first.
About Friday 9 March 1665/66
john • Link
As so common with such events. one so dearly wishes to hear the Bagwells' side. Yet Pepys's marriage was not arranged.
About Thursday 8 March 1665/66
john • Link
And we arrive at today, when the SAS is accepting women.
About Sunday 25 February 1665/66
john • Link
Wonderful summary of court, as Todd wrote. Pepys almost overwhelmed by information: "He tells me [...], and some others I cannot presently remember, are friends that I may rely on for him." But if he only trusts the ones he remembers, then things should be well.
About Thursday 15 February 1665/66
john • Link
"and by comes Mrs. Pierce, with my name in her bosom for her Valentine, which will cost me money." Here is the Pepys we have come to know and love/hate.
L&M note that the painting in the entry has not survived. The family rumour is that it was destroyed by a cook during the Victorian era (due to the hypocritical sensitivities of the time, no doubt).