The Life and Death of Jane Shore, Concubine to Edward IV/Chapter 9
The Dying Lamentation of
Mrs Jane Shore.
Good People,
Though by the rigour of the law you are forbid to give me any relief, yet you may pity my unhappy state, for the scripture saith, "That to the miserable pity should be shewn." I am now putting a period to a miserable life. A life that I have long been weary of: Nor would I desire to live in the splendour, pomp, and glory of Edward's court. No, I am happier now on the dunghill than ever I was in his arms; for Oh! It was an adulterous bed indeed. Oh! wretch! that I knew King Edward! that ever I was betrayed by him! What floods of sorrows have my sins occasioned? Oh! learn from me, good people, to beware of vain delights; they promise fair, but leave bitter stings behind them. Alasǃ you think my punishment bitter in this world, and so it is; for I have endured a thousand deaths in one: But now my dying moments are come, I rejoice. Sincere repentance has secured me happiness above: But Oh! where repentance is not given, what seas of torment rack the soul.———O happy dunghill, how do I embrace thee; from thee my pardoned soul shall soar to heaven, though here I leave this filthy carcase.
O that the name of Shore may be an antidote to stop the poisonous and foul contageon of lust for ever.
———o———