Page:Life and transactions of Jane Shore, concubine to King Edward IVth.pdf/12

12 his own founding at Windsor, but Crook-backed Richard his brother, who murdered Henry VI. and Prince Henry his son, aspiring to the throne, though Edward had left two sons behind him, viz. Edward and Richard, and several daughters, all lawfully begotten with the Queen, he quarrelled with Lord Hastings, (who after the death of the King had taken Jane Shore for his concubine, as now free) brcause he would not assist him in his wicked project, of making away with his two nephews, whom he afterwards caused to be murdered in the Tower, alledging that the Queen and Shore's wife had bewitched him, shewing his withered arm, which all knew had been so from his cradle; and, that lord thinking to excuse them, said, if they had done so, they ought to be punished. Richard furiously replied, 'Thou traitor, dost thou serve me with ifs ? I say, it is a truth very well known to thee, that they have done so, and that I will make good on thy body; wherefore I arrest thee, Lord Hastings, for high treason.' And, soon after, he caused his head to be cut off in the Tower.

Jane Shore had no sooner notice of the death of Lord Hastings, ber paramour, but she perceived a storm was falling on her own head, therefore she thought it necessary to provide in time, and so she carried her jewels to her old confident, Mrs. Blague, entreating her to conceal them for her; but she, like a faithless woman, when Jane came and asked for them, not only denied them, but when, in the greatest need, she came to crave alms of her, she thrust her out of doors, threatening to have her whipped for her impudence.