Page:Life and death of Jane Shore.pdf/14



ANE Shore having surrendered up her chastity to the king, pleased with the glittering of a court, and endeared by a monarch's love, was admired by the vulgar, towards whom she behaved in a most courteous manner.

Her power was so great with the king that when his courtiers dared not intercede for the poor and miserable that lay under his displeasure, she with her wit, would so abate his anger, that she saved the lives of many, both poor and rich. And tho' she could in a manner do all with him, yet it was never known she used her influence to the prejudice of any. And both in London, and the progress shsshe [sic] made in the country, she would cause poor people to be sought for, and relieve 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 the court ladies, who so envied her  that they found themselves unable to repartee. And tho' the king had another mistress before her, namely