Strange and wonderful history and prophecies of Mother Shipton/Chapter 6

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CHAP. V.

Her Prophecy against Cardiral Woolsey.

BY these and several fuch like exploits, Mother Shipton had got a name, far and near, of a cunning woman, or woman of foresight, that her words were counted oracles; nor did she meddle only with private perfons, but was advised by with people of the greatest quality; among which number at that time was Cardinal Woolsey. Whom it was reported, that he intended to live at York, she publicly said he should never come there; which coming to his ear, and being offended he caused three lords to go to her, who came disguised to Ring-houses, near York, where leaving their men, they took a guide and come to Mother Shipton's, and knocking at her door, she cried out, Come in Mr Beasley, (their guide) and these noble lords with you; which much surprised them that she thould know them for when they came in she called cach of them by their names, and treated then with ale and cakes: whereupon said one of the lords, it ye knew our errand, you would not make so much of us. You said the Cardinal should never fee York, No, said she, I said that he might fee York; but never come at it. Well, said the lord, when he does come, thou shalt be burnt. Then taking her linen handkerchief off her head, says she, if this burn, then I may burn; and immediately flung into the fire before them, but it would not burn: so that after it had lain in the flames a quarter of an hour she took it out again, and it was not so much as singed. Hereupon one of the lords asked her what she thought of him. My lord, said she, the time will come when you'll be as low as I, and that is low indeed! which proved true, for shortly after he was beheaded.

Nor was this speech concerning the Cardinal less verified: for he coming from Carwood, went to the top of the tower, and asked where York was? which being shewn him, enquired how far it was there; for quotahe, there was a witch said I should never see York. Nay, says one present, your eminence is misinformed, she said you should see it, but not come at it. Then he vowed to burn her when he came there, which was but eight miles distant; but immediately he was sent for back the king, and died in his return, of a violent loosness at Leicester.