Mother Shipton had now got a name far and near for a cunning woman, or a woman of foresight, that her words were counted oracles, nor was she visited only by private persons, but advised with by people of the greatest quality. Among which number at that time was Cardinal Wolsey; when it was reported that he intended to live at York, she publicly said, “He should never come thither,” which, coming to his ears, and being offended, he caused three lords to go to her, who came disguised to Dringhouses, near York, where leaving their men, they took a guide to Mother Shipton’s, and knocking at the door, she called from within, “Come in, Mr. Besley (the guide), and these noble lords with you,” which surprised them, that she should know them; for when they came in she called each of them by their names, and treated them with ale and cakes; whereupon, said one of the lords, “If you knew our errand you would not make so much of us; you said the cardinal should never see York.” “No,” said she, “I said he might see York but never come at it.” “Well,” said the lords, “when he does come thou shalt be burnt.” Then, taking off her linen handkerchief from her head, she said, “If this burns,” and immediately flung it into the fire, but it did not burn; and after it had laid in the flames a quarter of an hour, she took it out again not so much as singed. One of the lords then asked her what she thought of him. “My lord, the time will come when your lordship will be as low as I am, and that is low indeed,” which proved true, for shortly after he was beheaded. Nor was her speech of the cardinal less verified; for coming to Cawood, he went to the top of the tower and asked where York was, which being shown him, he inquired how far it was thither. For, quoth he, “There was a witch said I should never see York.” “Nay,” said one present, “your eminence is misinformed; she said, you might see it, but never come at it.” Then he vowed to burn her when he came there, which was but eight miles distant; but, behold, he was immediately sent for back by the king, and never returned.