Anonymous

“ Shore was greatly pleased at her conduct, and more discourse had passed, but people coming into the shop about business, she retired.
The King soon arrived at court, where he had been missed by his nobles, soon changed his apparel, and came amongst them with a very chearful countenance, and though others were ignorant, Hastings well perceived where he had been, and the satisfaction he had received, and no sooner were they in private, but the King said, well Hastings, thou hast very good judgement in fine women: I have seen Shore's wife, and she excels the praises you gave her ”

“ And a baker, who had been condemned to die for a riot in King Edward's reign, and saved by her means, as he saw her pass along, in gratitude for her kindness, would trundle a penny loaf after her, which she thankfully received, and blessed him with tears in her eyes; but some malicious neighbour informing against him, he was taken up and hanged for disobeying King Richard's proclamation, which so terrified others, that they durst not relieve her with any thing ”

“ Hastings smiling, immediately said, take no care, for this shall be easy to your Majesty: there is one Mrs. Blague, your lace-woman, has a house near Shore's, and is very intimate with his wife. This woman is very fond of money, to such a degree, that money would make her do any thing. Her will I engage to do this matter, and trust me she will bring it to pass to your satisfaction. The King liked this device, and it was agreed that he should see her at this Mrs. Blauge's, and have freedom to court her, but she should not know that he was the king, till he thought proper to have it discovered. ”

“ The wedding being over, and the bridegroom having enjoyed his charming bride, grew exceedingly fond of her, even to dottage, which sickened and palled her love toward him, and he perceiving it, strove to wind himself the more into her affections ”

“ 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 withdrew 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 ”

“ Her father perceiving, that, unless he took some speedy course, her great stock of beauty would be her ruin, resolved to marry her, so that having surrendered her virginity, and being in the arms of an husband, those that sought to crop her virgin rose, would not regard her, but give over their pursuit. ”

“ 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 ”