« He was a civil
servant and work was the means of giving him the wealth and public esteem he
coveted. But it was also something more – it gave him the self-discipline
and self-fulfilment that his ardent nature required. It is no accident that the
diary (which virtually begins with the opening of his public career) has more
information about his work than about any other aspect of his life. After the
summer of 1660 he was Clerk of the Acts to the Navy Board […]. His duties
brought him into constant contact not only with colleagues in the public
service, but with Court and Parliament. […] he observes political
intrigues and relates naval battles. Best of all he tells secrets
[…]. »
« Il était fonctionnaire et pour lui, le travail était
un moyen d’accéder à la fortune et à l’estime publique qu’il
convoitait. Mais il était aussi quelque chose de plus : il lui permettait
la discipline et l’accomplissement de soi que son ardente nature
exigeait. Ce n’est pas un hasard si le journal