Page:Life and transactions of Jane Shore, concubine to King Edward IVth.pdf/7

7 t, Hastings well perceived where he had been, d the satisfaction he had received ; and no oner were they in private, but the King said, ell Hastings, thou hast very good judgment in he women: I have seen Shore's wife, and she cels the praises you gave her; I like her well, nd must enjoy her, but how must I bring it bout? To court her in her husband's presence, s a private person, I shall be served as you was; nd to do it as a King, will look too low for me -I will not force her from his arms, for that would cause a murmuring among my subjects, who would fear the like by their wives and daughters; but I must have her, and with her own consent.

Hastings smiling, immediately said, take no care, for this shall be easy to your Majesty: there s one Mrs. Blague, your lace-woman, has a house ear Shore's, and is very intimate with his wife. This woman is very fond of money, to such a degree, that money would make her do any thing, Her will I engage to do this matter, and trust me she will bring it to pass to your satisfaction. The King liked this device, and it was agreed that he should see her at this Mrs. Blague's, and have freedom to court her, but she should not know that he was the king, till he thought proper to have it discovered.

Lord Hastings was not idle in promoting his master's happiness, but, with gifts and large promises, soon made the lace-woman pliable, so that many meetings were made 2 her house, the King coming in disguise as her friend; and, though Mrs. Blague often left them alone, and the King