Page:Life and transactions of Jane Shore, concubine to King Edward IVth.pdf/17

17 money being spent, she had no rescu ce, but to take some cheap lodging, and sell part of her clothes to pay for it, and support herself till next market-day, when she might be more successful at the Bridge.

So far as is known, however, she was directed to a house of good character, but it was in a bad neighbourhood. There resided in the same close an old woman, who was hackneyed in the ways of vice, and who had just been liberated from Bridewell. Observing a beautiful young woman, with all the simplicity of country manners, she immediately marked her for her prey. She introduced herself to her acquaintance, and learning that she had no means of subsistence but from the sale of her clothes, she advised her to walk the streets, as many miserable, young women do, assuring her that, from her appearance, she would soon attract the notice of gentlemen, and get plenty of money.

The Lord interposed on her behalf, not in a miraculous, but certainly in an extraordinary manner. While walking in the Saltmarket, a young man happened to pass, who heard her reprove the old woman for swearing; for though she had been guilty of great sin, and was putting herself in the way of committing still greater, she was not so hardened in wickedness, she had not so far lost the impression of a good education, as to hear with indifference the profanation of her maker's name.

The young man walked on, very sorry to see a simple, modest looking young woman in such company; and in the meantime, the old woman