17
behaved in a most courteous manner.
Her power was so great with the King, that when the courtiers durst not intercede for the poor and miserable that lay under his displeasure, she, with her wit, would so abate his anger, that she saved the lives of very many both poor and rich. And though she could in a manner do all with him, yet it was never known she used her influence to the prejudice of any. And both in London, and the progresses she made in the country, she would cause poor people to be sought for, and relieve their necessities, inducing and persuading others, who expected any good offices from the King by her means, to do the same, never selling her favours; and by her ready wit, she so baffled the court-ladies, who envied her aspiring that they found themselves unable to repartee. And though the King had another mistress before her, namely Lady Belly, yet he preferred our heroine much above her, and would often merrily say, I have two
