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. Cham. Well said, my lord. So, now you are fairly seated:-Gentlemen, The penance lies on you, Pass away frowning. if these fair ladies Sands. For my little cure, Let me alone. [Kisses her. Haut boys. 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: l'his, 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. 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, 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. 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 ;— |