Tales of Sam and Bess, 1660-1700

Tales suggesting famed 17th century diarist/naval adminstrator Samuel Pepys and his lady had more going on than even his famed daily diary let us know...

Note: The best way to know Mr. Pepys is through his magnificent nine year daily Diary...Which is now available on-line on a day-to-day basis at pepysdiary courtesy of the wonderful Phil Gyford.

I would also recommend "The Unequaled Self", a new biography by Claire Tomlin...Just terrific and fills in the gaps the diary leaves...

…..

"Pepys' Bright Side…"

Heaven...

Bess, reading.

Door locked against a nervous Sam...

"Some passages are bad...And really make me sad.
Others just make me swear and curse."

Sigh...
"But when chewing on Sam's gristle,
I don't grumble (being a 17th century dutiful wife with low
expectations) I give a whistle..."

Grin...
"And strangely things just turn out for the best. (Hello, boys...Will
Hewer, Mr. Pembleton, Lord Sandwich, Lord Hinchingbroke, Captain
Ferrers, Charles, Jamie, Uncle Wight). So..."

Chorus...
"Always look on the bright side of life..." Whistle.

"Bess, is there someone in there with you?"

"Always look on the right side of life..."

"Bess! I know there's a man..." Listens... "Men! In there with you!
Hewer, is that you?! Defend my interests, boy!"

"Yes, Mr. P." Will calls.

Bess...

"For life is quite absurb...You can take my Samuel's word. But you
can always make up later with a vow. He forgets about his sin, but at
least he makes you grin."

"I say enjoy life, it's our one chance anyhow!" Sam tries...

("Just taking your advice, dear!" call.)

Chorus...

"And also look on the bright side of death." Whistle.

[Spoiler...

"As I near to draw my terminal breath..." Bess...Frown.

"And I did have that terrific bust of you made! All my annotators
praise it." desperate try from door.]

Sam...Sighing.

"Bess, love is just bizarre...You don't see till the final hour. Just
how much your loved one means to you. But love, all the rest was
show, to keep me laughing as I go..." ("And you know how
painful...")"Remember that the story ends with you."

Chorus...

"And always look on the bright side of life." Whistle.

"Always look on the right side of life." Whistle.

("How can she keep these gentlemen in there with her here, isn't this
Heaven?" Sam frowns to Peter. "Exactly." Peter smiles.)

"Always look on the bright side of life." Whistle.

("I think he's had enough, gentlemen. You go home to Lady Jemina, now
Edward." "Right, cousin Bess." warm smile.)

"Always look on the right side of life." Whistle.

("I don't see our reigns were all that bad. Look at the world sit in
today's Times." Charles notes to morose Jamie. "Oh, buck up,
Jamie...I'll put things right with Mary and Anne. You're a dutiful
type but you've got to learn to be less rigid with people. Story of
your life...")

"Always look on the bright side of life." Whistle.

"Always look on the right side of life." Whistle.

("I can break down doors in Heaven?" Sam asks. "Whatever turns you
on." Peter nods.)

"I'll take my next lesson Thursday, Mr. Pembleton. It's still...No,
Uncle." Bess frowns at Wight.

"Hardly Heaven, niece." miffed Wight pouts.