gone to secure some of the Common-council of the City, who were
very high yesterday there, and did vote that they would not pay
any taxes till the House was filled up. I went to my office,
where I wrote to my Lord after I had been at the Upper Bench,
where Sir Robert Pye this morning came to desire his discharge
from the Tower; but it could not be granted. I called at Mr.
Harper's, who told me how Monk had this day clapt up many of the
Common-council, and that the Parliament had voted that he should
pull down their gates and portcullisses, their posts and their
chains, which he do intend to do, and do lie in the City all
night.

To Westminster Hall, where I heard an action very finely pleaded
between my Lord Dorset [Richard, 5th Earl of Dorset, ob. 1677.]
and some other noble persons, his lady and other ladies of
quality being there, and it was about 330l. PER ANNUM, that was
to be paid to a poor Spittal which was given by some of his
predecessors; and given on his side.

10th. Mr. Fage told me what Monk had done in the City, how he
had pulled down the most part of the gates and chains that they
could break down, and that he was now gone back to White Hall.
The City look mighty blank, and cannot tell what in the world to
do; the Parliament having this day ordered that the Common-
council sit no more, but that new ones be chosen according to
what qualifications they shall give them.

11th. I heard the news of a letter from Monk, who was now gone
into the City again, and did resolve to stand for the sudden
filling up of the House, and it was very strange how the