AS anecdote is the principal subject of this work, it is to be hoped that a trifling anachronism, to accomplish that design, will be forgiven; and if, in the course of this history, we may be sometimes obliged to refer back to some peculiar circumstances, which happened in this eventful reign, criticism will not, we trust, assail us with severity. We are not writing a chronological history of England; and though the mention of wars and politics / must, of course, be slightly touched upon, yet the domestic scenes of the court and nation form the chief plan of these volumes.

The Earl of Warwick, who was Edward's real friend, now seeing the house of York likely to reign in safety, was desirous to negociate an alliance, which might strengthen his kingdom, and preserve his throne, by the assistance of a foreign power. For this purpose he fixed his views on Bona of Savoy, a princess then in the bloom of early youth, lovely in her person, matchless in virtue, and possessed of every elegant acquirement. Edward evinced no aversion to this match, but shewed rather a more than ready acquiescence to it. What could be his motive for this duplicity, posterity has yet to learn. A beautiful widow, though some years older than / himself, had enchained the affections of Edward so closely, that it puzzled the understanding of both courtier and plebeian to account for it; for while he roved from fair to fair, and formed some connections which appeared to promise permanency, he was yet the willing constant captive of Lady Elizabeth Grey, and had even promised her marriage, whenever he should enjoy the throne of England in perfect security.

Lady Elizabeth was a woman of consummate art and prudence. Her countenance was of the most bewitching beauty, and of that kind which seems to bid defiance to age; as her em bon point added lustre to the most delicate and transparent complexion.