PAGEANTS, at this period of time, formed the ruling diversion of the great. / An evening festival, in some respects, resembling our most gaudy theatrical representations; they were held chiefly at the court, and the houses of the nobles, and even the commoners and poor plebeians, to ape the manners of their superiors, had also their pageants exhibited. They became at length so frequent, that the actors were as numerous as the spectators; it therefore became customary to hire some of the most beautiful women, who were not very tenacious of their characters, some fine men from the soldiery, and a few needy adventurers, / and were too idle to work for it. Those, for a stipulated sum, performed the part allotted them; if they danced and sung, they were a peculiar acquisition. At one of these public exhibitions, Edward was smitten with the person of a very lovely women; her voice was harmonious, and her every action accompanied with a grace peculiar to herself. The prince, though then in a state of inebriety, which was visible to the whole audience, was quite enchanted with her; and, quitting Lady Elizabeth Grey, near whom he was seated, he said, ‘Don't be jealous, Bess, but I must go to Lord Stanley, and enquire something about that lovely girl.’