17
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 journeys she made in the country, she would cause poor people to be sought for, and relieved 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 Betsy, yet he preferred our heroine much above her, and would often merrily say I have two mistresses, of quite different tempers, one the most religious, and the other the merriest in England: and indeed she was had in great favour all the reign of the
