Page:Entertaining life & death of the amiable Lady Jane Gray (1).pdf/6

 beloved books, in 1550, when the famous Roger Asclam paid her a visit, as we learn from himself. "Before I went into Germany, says he, I came to "Broadgate in Leicestershire, to take my leave of that noble lady, Jane Grey, to whom I was exceedingly much beholden.— Her parents, the Duke and the Dutchess with all the houshold' gentlemen and gentlewomen, were hunting in the park; I found her in her chamber, reading the Phœdo of Plato in Greek, and that with as much delight as some gentlemen would read a merry tale in Boccace.— After salutation, and duty done, with some other talk, I asked her. Why she could lose such a pastime in the park? Smiling she answered me, I know all their sport in the park is but a shadow to that I find in Plato: Alas! good folk, they never felt what true pleasure meant. And how came you, Madam, quoth I, to this deep knowledge; and what did chiefly allure you unto it, seeing not many women, but very few men, have attained thereunto? I will tell you, said she, and tell you a truth, which perchance you will marvel at! One of