Lov. 'Faith, how easy? Sands. As easy as a down-bed would afford it. Cham. Sweet ladies, will it please you sit? Sir Harry, Place you that side, I'll take the charge of this: His grace is ent'ring.-Nay, you must not freeze; Two women plac'd together makes cold weather:My lord Sands, you are one will keep them waking; Pray, sit between these ladies. Sands. By my faith, And thank your lordship.-By your leave, sweet ladies : [Seats himself between ANNE BULLEN and another lady. If I chance to talk a little wild, forgive me; I had it from my father. Anne. Was he mad, sir? Sands. O, very mad, exceeding mad, in love too: But he would bite none; just as I do now, He would kiss you twenty with a breath. So, now you are fairly seated:-Gentlemen, Sands. For my little cure, Let me alone. [Kisses her. Hautboys. Enter Cardinal WOLSEY, attended; and takes his state. Wol. You are welcome, my fair guests; that noble lady, Or gentleman, that is not freely merry, Is not my friend: This, to confirm my welcome; [Drinks. Sands. Your grace is noble : Let me have such a bowl may hold my thanks, Wol. My lord Sands, I am beholden to you: cheer your neighbours.— Whose fault is this? Sands. The red wine first must rise In their fair cheeks, my lord; then we shall have them Talk us to silence. Anne. You are a merry gamester, My lord Sands. Sands. Yes, if I make my play. Here's to your ladyship: and pledge it, madam, For 'tis to such a thing, Anne. You cannot show me. Sands. I told your grace, they would talk anon. [Drum and trumpets within: Chambers discharged. Wol. What's that? Cham. Look out there, some of you. Wol. What warlike voice? [Exit a Servant. And to what end is this?—Nay, ladies, fear not; By all the laws of war you are privileg❜d. Re-enter Servant. Cham. How now? what is't? Serv. A noble troop of strangers; For so they seem: they have left their barge, and land ed; And hither make, as great ambassadors From foreign princes. Wol. Good lord chamberlain, Go, give them welcome, you can speak the French tongue; And, pray, receive them nobly, and conduct them. [Exit Chamberlain, attended. All arise, and tables You have now a broken banquet; but we'll mend it. A good digestion to you all: and, once more, I shower a welcome on you;-Welcome all. Hautboys. Enter the King, and twelve others, as maskers, habited like Shepherds, with sixteen torch bearers; ushered by the Lord Chamberlain. They pass directly before the Cardinal, and gracefully salute him. A noble company! what are their pleasures? Cham. Because they speak no English, thus they pray'd To tell your grace;-That, having heard by fame This night to meet here, they could do no less, Out of the great respect they bear to beauty, But leave their flocks; and, under your fair conduct, Crave leave to view these ladies, and entreat An hour of revels with them. Wol. Say, lord chamberlain, They have done my poor house grace; for which I pay them A thousand thanks, and pray them take their pleasures. [Ladies chosen for the Dance. The King chooses ANNE BULLEN. K. Hen. The fairest hand I ever touch'd! O, beauty, Till now I never knew thee. [Musick. Dance. Wol. My lord,- Cham. Your grace? Wol. Pray, tell them thus much from me: There should be one amongst them, by his person, If I but knew him, with my love and duty I would surrender it. Cham. I will, my lord. [CHAM. goes to the company, and returns. Wol. What say they? Cham. Such a one, they all confess, There is, indeed; which they would have your grace Find out, and he will take it. Wol. Let me see then.-. [Comes from his State. By all your good leaves, gentlemen;-Here I'll make My royal choice. K. Hen. You have found him, cardinal: [Unmasking. You hold a fair assembly; you do well, lord : Wol. I am glad, Your grace is grown so pleasant. K Hen. My lord chamberlain, Pr'ythee, come hither: What fair lady's that? Cham. An't please your grace, sir Thomas Bullen's daughter, The viscount Rochford, one of her highness' women. K. Hen. By heaven, she is a dainty one.-Sweet heart, I were unmannerly, to take you out, And not to kiss you.-A health, gentlemen, Wol. Sir Thomas Lovell, is the banquet ready Lov. Yes, my lord. Wol. Your grace, I fear, with dancing is a little heated. K. Hen. I fear, too much. Wol. There's fresher air, my lord, In the next chamber. K. Hen. Lead in your ladies, every one.-Sweet partner, I must not yet forsake you: Let's be merry ;- |