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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 good judgement in fine women; I have seen Shore's wife, and she excells the praises you gave me of her; I like her well, and must enjoy her, but how must I bring it about; to court her in her husbands' presence as private person, I shall be served as you was; and do it as a king will look too low for me. I will not force her from his arms, for that would cause a murmering among my subjects, who would fear the like by their wives and daughters; but I must have her, and with her own consent.
Hastings smiling, immediately said, take no care, for this shall be easy to your Highness; there is one Mrs. Blague your lace woman, who has a house pretty near Shore's, and is very intimate with his wife. This woman is very fond of money, to such a degree that it would make her do any thing. Her will I engage in this matter, and trust me she will soon bring it to pass to your satisfaction. The King liked this device, and it was agreed that he should see her at this Mrs. Blague's, and have freedom to court her, but she should not know that he was the King, until he thought proper to have it discovered.
