Sund. Sir Thomas Lovell, had the cardinal
But half my lay-thoughts in him, some of these
Should find a running banquet ere they rested,
I think, would better please them : By my life,
They are a sweet society of fair ones.

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, The penance lies on you, if these fair ladies

Pass away frowning.
Sands.

For my little cure,
Let me alone.

Hautboys. Enter Cardinal Wolsey, attended; and

takes his state. 8

Wol. You are welcome, my fair guests; that no

ble lady, Or gentleman, that is not freely merry, Is not my friend : This, to confirm my welcome ; And to you all good health.

[Drinks. Sands.

Your
grace

is noble ;Let me have such a bowl

may
hold
my

thanks,
And save me so much talking.
Wol.

My lord Sands,
I am beholden to you : cheer your neighbours.-
Ladies, you are not merry ;-Gentlemen,
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. 9
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. & Chair. 9 Choose my game.

i Small cannon.

Wol.

What's that? Cham. Look out there, some of you.

[Exit a Servant. Wol.

What warlike voice? 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

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, Into our presence, where this heaven of beauty Shall shine at full upon them :--Some attend him.“

[Exit Chamberlain, attended. All arise,

and Tables removed. 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 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 beard by fame Of this so noble and so fair assembly 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 plea

sures.

[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? IV ol.

Pray, tell them thus much from me : There should be one amongst them, by his person, More worthy this place than myself; to whom, 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. 2 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: You are a churchman, or, I'll tell you, cardinal, I should judge now unhappily. 3 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,
Let it go round.

Wol. Sir Thomas Lovell, is the banquet ready
I’ the privy chamber?