19
with Lord Hastings, (who after the death of the King had taken Jane Shore or his concubine, as now free) because he would not assist him in his wicked project, of making away with his two nephews, whom he afterwards caused to be murdered in the Tower, alleging that the Queen and Shore's wife had bewitched him, shewing his withered arm, which all knew had been so from his cradle; and that Hastings, thinking to excuse them, said, "If they had done so, they ought to be punished.” Richard furiously replied, “Thou traitor, dost thou serve me with Ifs? I say, it is a truth very well known to thee, that they have done so, and that I will make good on thy body; wherefore I arrest thee, Lord Hastings, for high treason." And, soon after, he caused his head to be cut off in the Tower.
Jane Shore had no sooner notice of the death of Lord Hastings, her paramour, but she perceived a storm was calling on her own head, therefore she thought it necessary to provide in time,
