The Life and Death of Jane Shore, Concubine to Edward IV/Chapter 3
CHAP. III.
Of her being Courted by Lord Hastings who being refused by her, praised her to the King, who went to visit her.
The wedding being over, and the bridegroom enjoying his charming bride, grew exceedingly fond of her, even to doating; which sickened and pauled her love towards him, and he perceiving it strove to wind himself more into her affections; and to this end he cloathed her very rich, 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 unwelcome news, that his fair Jane was married; which however did not make him give over his purpose of enjoying her fair body; so that often he resorted to see her, treating at home, and her husband abroad; often inviting them both to court; and took his opportunities to pour out many amorous discourses, endeavouring by all means to make her defile the marriage bed. At 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, forbidding him his house, which made him fling away in a great heat, resolving to be revenged.
This Lord being chamberlain to Edward the Fourth, 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'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 run 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 the court, only attended by a page. And coming in to Shore's shop, then the richest in 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 beautful.
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 before 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 called down, who came attired in a sky-coloured morning gown, flowered with gold, embroidered with pearls and spangles, her head attired with curious lace, under which her hair flowed wantonly, and her blushes made her appear still more beautiful.
The king no sooner saw her, but he stept forth and saluted her soft coral lips, impressing on then many balmy kisses. Then she, by her husband's desire, sat down, and the king drank to her, she pledged him, and passed it to her husband. Then much discourse ensued in which she appeared so witty, that the king resolved to have her at any rate; and so presented her with some curious things, he paid for his plate, which the good man would have sent home, but, he refused it, ordering his page to carry it; and with many kisses he took leave of the charming fair for that time.
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