On the 23rd of February, 1667, Sam celebrates the good fortune of reaching his 34th birthday. Scandal rocks Whitehall as Lord Brouncker's Clerk is accused of taking bribes. He in turn accuses Lord Batten of the same, and Sam accepts a series of 'gifts' from Commissioner Pett. Adapted by Hattie Naylor.

Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter.

Historical consultant: Liza Picard
Sound by Nigel Lewis

A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll. Show less