Page:Life and transactions of Mrs. Jane Shore (2).pdf/5

 5 endeavouring by all means to make her defile the mar- riage-bed. And one time, intending to try his utmost efforts, he threw her on a bed when they were alone ; but she got from him, and ran to her husband, telling him plainly how rude Lord Hastings had been ; which angering Shore, he modestly rebuked him, and forbade him his house, which made him go away in great heat, but resolving to be revenged. This Lord, being Chamberlain to King Edward IV. having frequently his ear; and, finding he was much inclined to fine women, though he was married to Lady Elizabeth Grey, took an opportunity to tell him of Jane Shore's beauty, extolling 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 with- drew 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 pretence of carrying it beyond seas, soon agreed for a considerable quantity: but yet no wife ap- peared, 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 male the king more