was an inscription in brass: "Orate pro anima, Thomae Bird," &c.
[The inscription and the bowl are still to be seen in the
almshouse.] They brought me a draft of their drink in a brown
bowl, tipt with silver, which I drank off, and at the bottom was
a picture of the Virgin with the child in her arms, done in
silver. So we took leave, the road pretty good, but the weather
rainy to Eping.

28th. Up in the morning. Then to London through the forest,
here we found the way good, but only in one path, which we kept
as if we had rode through a kennel all the way. We found the
shops all shut, and the militia of the red regiment in arms at
the old Exchange, among whom I found and spoke to Nich. Osborne,
who told me that it was a thanksgiving-day through the City for
the return of the Parliament. At Paul's I light, Mr. Blayton
holding my horse, where I found Dr. Reynolds in the pulpit, and
General Monk there, who was to have a great entertainment at
Grocers' Hall.

29th. To my office. Mr. Moore told me how my Lord is chosen
General at Sea by the Council, and that it is thought that Monk
will be joined with him therein. This day my Lord came to the
House, the first time since he come to town; but he had been at
the Council before.

MARCH 1, 1659-60. I went to Mr. Crewe's, whither Mr. Thomas was
newly come to town, being sent with Sir H. Yelverton, my old
school-fellow at Paul's School, to bring the thanks of the county
to General Monk for the return of the Parliament.