Page:Life & transactions of Mrs. Jane Shore, concubine to King Edward IV.pdf/17

 haved in a most courtious manner.

Her power was so great with the King, that when his courtiers durst not intercede with the poor and miserable that lay under his displeasure, she with her wit, would so abate his anger, so that she saved the lives of very many, both rich and poor. And though she could in a manner do all with him, but it was never known she used her influence to the prejudice of any. And both in London and the progresses she made in the country, she would cause poor people to be sought for, and relieved their necessities, inducing and persuading others, who expected any good offices from the King, by her means, to do the same, never selling her favours; and by her ready wit, she so baffled the court ladies, who envied her aspiring, that they found themselves unable to repartee. And though the King had another mistress before her, namely, Lady Bessy, yet he preferred our heroine much above her, and would often merrily say I have two mistresses,