Page:Life and transactions of Jane Shore, concubine to King Edward IVth.pdf/9

9 abruptly, judging that she had a hand in the matter.

All this night the fair Jane was restless: her husband enquired the cause, but could not learn it. As soon as she got up. she went to Mrs. Blague, to consult what she must do in this strait, well knowing the King's humour.

Mrs. Blague, seeing her thus pensive, said, 'Come, my dear, you must not be coy, nor deny the King's request. You will glitter so near a throne, and enjoy a gallant bed-fellow. I find he is resolved to have you for a mistress, and therefore it is best for you willingly to submit to him.'

At this discourse she trembled, yet considering, from the many attempts her beauty had caused, that it was not made to be enjoyed by one, in a fatal hour she consented; and instead of writing an answer to the King's letter, it was agreed that very night she should take her apparel, and put herself into the hands of the King. This being concluded, Mrs Blague sent the King notice, who sent a chariot for them; and in the mean time her clothes were conveyed away to Mrs. Blague's. However, she supped with her husband, when on a sudden somebody came on a feigned errand, and said, her mother was taken ill, and desired to speak with her. He would have gone with her, but she put it off, and giving him the last kiss he ever was to receive from her, she left him, and coming where the chariot stood ready, she and Mrs. Blague got into it, and were conveyed to the King's secret appartment; where they found him in his closet. He welcomed them,