The Life and Transactions of Mrs. Jane Shore, concubine to King Edward 4th/Chapter 2
The Dying Lamentation of
MRS. JANE SHORE.
Good People,
Though, by the rigour of the law you are forbidden 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 been long 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 dung-hill, than ever I was in his arms. For, oh! it was an adulterous bed indeed. Oh wretch! that King Edward! that ever I was betrayed by him! What floods of sorrow have my sins occasioned? Oh! learn from me, good people, to beware of vain delights; though they promise fair, they leave bitter stings behind them. Alas! you know my punishment is grievous 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 my happiness above. But, where repentance is not given, what seas of torment rack the soul! O happy dung hill, 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 contagion of raging lust for ever.
FINIS.