The Life and Death of Jane Shore, Concubine to Edward IV/Chapter 10
A Genuine letter from Jane Shore to King Edward the Fourth, taken from a very ancient History of Jane Shore.
May it please my King and Master,
Vouchsafe to stayne thy royal couch with the poor inklings of thy servant and handmaid, whom nathlesse thou hast most graciously daygned so raise unto thy royal couche, as Abraham did his handmaid Hagar; though I wishe not so share her misfortune, and to be driven from my master's presence.
Could my unworthy pen give a decent colouring to thy Jane's affection then might words, which be the painting of thoughts in the true hearte, do justice to the loyal love she beareth unto thy worthy personne—But how can be black rivulet, which my pen is eager to drinke be worthily enabled to express, in becomynge terrmes, the ocean of love, that aboundythe in my true heart.
Would to my Savioure, that this ocean of love were not troubled with winds which blows therein, and rayse the waves of affliction within my moody soul.
I am encompassed by three potent enemyes, albeit not the flesh, the world, and the devil, unless Lord Hastings be resembled to the first, for he worketh to withdraw my love from thee, and in thy absence to displace thee from the throne, whereon the king is established in my hearte.
The royal partner of thy bosome, the queen, may indeed be likened unto the world, for she encompasseth me round with spies, who watche out for my thoughtes. And though I will not be so harshe in my thoughte or deed, to say thy noble brother Gloucester be in any shape like unto the devil; yet I do verily believe he be more dangerouse, than the other twain, though he beareth
There be some, and divers some, who say be wisheth not well unto thy government; nay, unto thy children.
Among the rest the noble Lord Hastings douted very much, and wisheth thee long to reign, in order that thou mayest the better survive to establish thy royal issue.
Believe what I write cometh from my true hearte's affection, and wish comfort to the wounded spirit of thy loyal servent.
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