Private Expenses of Charles II.

Malone, the well-known editor of Shakespeare, possessed a curious volume—an account of the privy expenses of Charles II., kept by Baptist May. A few extracts from Malone's transcripts are here subjoined:—

£s.d.

My Lord St. Alban's bill,1,7461811

Lady Castlemaine's debts,1,11610

For grinding cocoanuts,580

Paid Lady C, play-money,30000

For a band of music,5000

For a receipt for chocolate22700

Lady C, play-money,30000

Mr. Knight, for bleeding the king,1000

Mr. Price, for milking the asses,1000

Lady C, play-money,30000

To one that showed tumbler's tricks,576

For weighing the King,100

The Queen's allowance,1,25000

Lost by the King at play on twelfth-night,22000

Nell Gwyn,10000

For 3,685 ribbons for healing,107104

Lord Landerdale, for ballads,500

Paid what was borrowed for the Countess of Castlemaine,1,65000