Page:Life and transactions of Jane Shore, concubine to King Edward IVth.pdf/5

5 ling her wit above her features, which made the King hearken to this new adventure, and he resolved to go to Shore's shop in disguise to see her.

The King, whose thoughts still ran on his intended Mistress, delayed not long to pay her a visit; and in order to it; attired himself like a merchant, and withdrew privately from court, being only attended by his page: and coming into Shore's shop, then the richest in all Lombard- street, he found the good man employed in his business; and, waiting till he was a little at leisure, he desired to see some plate, which being shewn him, he, under a pretence of carrying it beyond sea, soon agreed for a considerable quantity: but yet no wife appeared, which made him delay the time with discourse, of what was then transacting in England and places abroad, where he said he had travelled.

This delighted Shore mightily, so that he ordered his man to fetch up a bottle of wine, and they drank merrily, the good man beginning with a health to the King, which the King pledged him in. So when some other healths had passed the King asked, if there was not a mistress to so fair a house? otherwise, he could help him to a wife, rich, young and beautiful

For this offer Shore thanked him, but told him, he was already married to such a one as he described, whom he loved entirely. This discourse made the King more desirous to see her ere he departed and asked if he could not have a sight of her. Shore, little thinking what was intended for his ruin, and proud of his wife's beauty, soon yielded to his request, and ordered her to be cal-