The beauty of this kingdom, I'll assure you.

Lov. That churchman bears a bounteous mind indeed,

A hand as fruitful as the land that feeds us;
His dews fall everywhere.

L. Ch.

No doubt he's noble;

He had a black mouth that said other of him.

56

60

L. San. He may, my lord; h'as wherewithal: in him Sparing would show a worse sin than ill doctrine: Men of his way should be most liberal;

They are set here for examples.

L. Ch.

But few now give so great ones.

True, they are so;

My barge stays;

Your lordship shall along. Come, good Sir Thomas, 64
We shall be late else; which I would not be,
For I was spoke to, with Sir Henry Guilford,
This night to be comptrollers.

L. San.

I am your lordship's.

Exeunt.

Scene Four

[The Presence-chamber in York-Place]

Hautboys. A small table under a state for the Cardinal, a longer table for the guests. Then enter Anne Bullen, and divers other ladies and gentlemen, as guests, at one door; at another door enter Sir Henry Guilford.

Guil. Ladies, a general welcome from his Grace Salutes ye all; this night he dedicates

To fair content and you. None here, he hopes,

58 had: would have

63 My barge stays; cf. n.

67 comptrollers: masters of ceremonies

59 h'as: he has

Scene Four; cf. n.

In all this noble bevy, has brought with her
One care abroad; he would have all as merry

As, first, good company, good wine, good welcome
Can make good people.

4

Enter Lord Chamberlain, Lord Sandys, and Lovell.

O, my lord, y' are tardy!

The very thought of this fair company

Clapp'd wings to me.

L. Ch. You are young, Sir Harry Guilford.

L. San. 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 'em: 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!

L. San.

I would I were;

They should find easy penance.

Lov.

8

12

16

Faith, how easy?

L. San. As easy as a down-bed would afford it.

L. Ch. Sweet ladies, will it please you sit? Sir

Harry,

Place you that side, I'll take the charge of this; 20
His Grace is entering. Nay you must not freeze;
Two women plac'd together makes cold weather:
My Lord Sandys, you are one will keep 'em waking;
Pray, sit between these ladies.

By my faith,

24

L. San. And thank your lordship. By your leave, sweet ladies. If I chance to talk a little wild, forgive me;

I had it from my father.

Anne.

Was he mad, sir?

12 running banquet: slight repast, but with a pun

me

Lovel

L. San. O very mad, exceeding mad; in love too: 28
But he would bite none; just as I do now,
He would kiss you twenty with a breath.

L. Ch.

[Kisses her.]

Well said, my lord.

So, now y' are fairly seated. Gentlemen, -dy! The penance lies on you, if these fair ladies

Pass away frowning.

32

L. San.

Let me alone.

For my little cure,

Hautboys. Enter Cardinal Wolsey and takes
his state.

Car. Y' are welcome, my fair guests: that noble
lady,

Or gentleman, that is not freely merry,

Is not my friend. This, to confirm my welcome;
And to you all, good health.

L. San.

36

[Drinks.]

Your Grace is noble:

Let me have such a bowl may hold my thanks,
And save me so much talking.

Car.

My lord Sandys, 40

I am beholding to you: cheer your neighbours.
Ladies, you are not merry: gentlemen,

Whose fault is this?

L. San.

The red wine first must rise

In their fair cheeks, my lord; then we shall have

Here's to your ladyship; and pledge it, madam,
For 'tis to such a thing,—

Anne.

You cannot show me.

48

L. San. I told your Grace they would talk anon. Drum and trumpet; chambers discharged.

Car.

L. Ch. Look out there, some of ye.
Car.

What's that?

What warlike voice,

And to what end, is this? Nay, ladies, fear not;
By all the laws of war y' are privileg❜d.

52

Enter a servant.

L. Ch. How now,

what is 't?

Serv.

A noble troop of strangers;

For so they seem: they've left their barge and landed; And hither make, as great ambassadors

From foreign princes.

Car.

Good Lord Chamberlain, 56

Go, give 'em welcome; you can speak the French

tongue;

And, pray, receive 'em nobly, and conduct 'em

Into our presence, where this heaven of beauty
Shall shine at full upon them. Some attend him.
All rise, 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 ye; welcome all.

60

Hautboys. Enter King, and Others, as masquers, habited like shepherds, ushered by the Lord Chamberlain. They pass directly before the Cardinal, and gracefully salute him.

A noble company! what are their pleasures?

49 S. d. chambers discharged: small cannon fired; cf. n.

64

L. Ch. Because they speak no English, thus they pray'd

To tell your Grace: that, having heard by fame
Of this so noble and so fair assembly

68

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 'em.

Say, Lord Chamberlain, 72

Car. They have done my poor house grace; for which I pay 'em

A thousand thanks, and pray 'em take their pleasures.
Choose ladies. The King and Anne Bullen.
King. The fairest hand I ever touch'd! O beauty,
Till now I never knew thee!
Music. Dance. 76

Car. My lord.

L. Ch.

Car.

Your Grace?

Pray tell 'em thus much from me:

There should be one amongst 'em, 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.

L. Ch.

I will, my lord.

Car. What say they?

L. Ch.

80

Whisper.

Such a one, they all confess, There is indeed; which they would have your Grace Find out, and he will take it.

Let me see then.

Car.
By all your good leaves, gentlemen, here I'll make
My royal choice.

King.

Ye have found him, cardinal. You hold a fair assembly; you do well, lord:

75 The fairest hand; cf. n.

84