Enter Lord Chamberlain, LORD SANDS, and SIR The very thought of this fair company Cham. You are young, sir Harry Guildford. Lov. O, that your lordship were but now confessor To one or two of these! Sands. I would I were; They should find easy penance. 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. [Kisses her. Cham. Well said, my lord. So, now you are fairly seated :-Gentlemen, 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. And save me so much talking. Wol. Sands. The red wine first must rise In their fair cheeks, my lord; then we shall have them Talk us to silence. Anne. My lord Sands. Sands. You are a merry gamester, Yes, if I make my play. Here's to your ladyship: and pledge it, madam, For 't is 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 ye. [Exit a Servant. Wol. What warlike voice? And to what end is this?-Nay, ladies, fear not; By all the laws of war ye 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 landed; 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 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 torchbearers; 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, But leave their flocks; and, under your fair conduct, 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. Wol. My lord. Cham. Your grace? [Music. Dance. Wol. Pray, tell them thus much from me: 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. You have found him, cardinal: [Unmasking. You hold a fair assembly; you do well, lord: Wol. I am glad My lord chamberlain, Your grace is grown so pleasant. K. Hen. Prithee, 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-Sweetheart, I were unmannerly to take you out, And not to kiss you.-A health, gentlemen, Let it go round. Wol. Sir Thomas Lovell, is the banquet ready I' the privy chamber? 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 ;- To lead them once again; and then let 's dream |