Page:Life and transactions of Mrs. Jane Shore (2).pdf/4

 4 But, the maid he had bribed with gold to get her abroad, repenting of such treachery to her master, gave timely notice, and so prevented it. Her father perceiving, that unless he took some speedy course, her great stock of beauty would be her ruin, resolved to marry her, so that having surrendered her virginity, and being in the arms of au husband, those that sought to crop her virgin rose, would not regard her, but give over their pursuits. And, among those that courted, and earnestly sought her in way, of marriage, was one Matthew Shore, a rich goldsmith in Lombard-street, whom her father pitched upon as a fit husband : and acquainted his fair daughter with his intention to marry her to him, but she appeared very averse to it, alleging sometimes dis- proportion of years, he being above-thirty; at other times, his being disfigured with the small pox, and many other exceptions she made. However, her father's positive commands, and the rich presents her lover made her, won her consent, or seemingly she yielded to the match, und so married they were in great pomp; many of the court, as well as the city, being invited to the wedding, which was kept with great feasting, many days. The wedding being over, and the bridegroom having enjoyed his charming bride, grew exceedingly fond of her, even to dottage, which sickened and palled her love towards; and he perceiving it, strove to wind himself the more into her affections; and to this end he clothed her very richly, and adorned her with jewels, denying her nothing she desired, or that he thought would tend to her satisfaction or delight. It was not long before Lord Hastings heard the un- welcome tidings, that his fairest Jane was married ; which, however, did not make him give over his pur- pose of enjoying her fair body; so that often he resorted to see her, treating her at home, and her husband abroad ; often inviting them both to court; and took his opportunities to pour out many amorous discourses,