The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

which was done there, he looking as cheerful as any man could do in that condition.
‘Diary’ 13 October 1660
A good honest and painful sermon.
‘Diary’ 17 March 1661
If ever I was foxed it was now.
‘Diary’ 23 April 1661
But methought it lessened my esteem of a king, that he should not be able to command the rain.
‘Diary’ 19 July 1662
I see it is impossible for the King to have things done as cheap as other men.
‘Diary’ 21 July 1662
But Lord! to see the absurd nature of Englishmen, that cannot forbear laughing and jeering at
everything that looks strange.
‘Diary’ 27 November 1662
My wife, who, poor wretch, is troubled with her lonely life.
‘Diary’ 19 December 1662
A woman sober, and no high flyer, as he calls it.
‘Diary’ 27 May 1663
Most of their discourse was about hunting, in a dialect I understand very little.
‘Diary’ 22 November 1663
While we were talking came by several poor creatures carried by, by constables, for being at a
conventicle...I would to God they would either conform, or be more wise, and not be catched!
‘Diary’ 7 August 1664
Pretty witty Nell. ‘Diary’ 3 April 1665 (of Nell Gwynne)
Strange to see how a good dinner and feasting reconciles everybody.
‘Diary’ 9 November 1665
Strange to say what delight we married people have to see these poor fools decoyed into our
condition.
‘Diary’ 25 December 1665
Music and women I cannot but give way to, whatever my business is.
‘Diary’ 9 March 1666
But it is pretty to see what money will do.
‘Diary’ 21 March 1667
This day my wife made it appear to me that my late entertainment this week cost me above
£12, an expense which I am almost ashamed of, though it is but once in a great while, and is the
end for which, in the most part, we live, to have such a merry day once or twice in a man’s life.
‘Diary’ 6 March 1669
And so I betake myself to that course, which is almost as much as to see myself go into my
grave—for which, and all the discomforts that will accompany my being blind, the good God
prepare me!
‘Diary’ 31 May 1669, closing words