We shall be late else; which I would not be,
For I was spoke to, with Sir Henry Guildford,
This night to be comptrollers.

Sands.

I am your lordship's.

[Exeunt.

SCENE IV. 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 GUILDFORD.

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

To fair content, and you.

None here, he hopes,

In all this noble bevy, has brought with her

One care abroad; he would have all as merry
As far's good company, good wine, good welcome,
Can make good people.

Enter Lord Chamberlain, Lord SANDS, and Sir
THOMAS LOVELL.

O, my lord, you are tardy;

The very thought of this fair company

Clapped wings to me

Cham. You are young, Sir Harry Guildford.
Sands. 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
confessor

To one or two of these.

Sands.

I would I were ;

They should find easy penance.

Lov.

but now

'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 entering.-Nay, you must not freeze; Two women placed 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 Ladu

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.

[Kisses her.

Well said, my lord.

So, now you are fairly seated.-Gentlemen,
The penance lies on you, if these fair ladies
Pass away frowning.

Sands.

Let me alone.

For my little cure,

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; And to you all, good health.

Sands.

[Drinks

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 beholding 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

Here's to your ladyship; and pledge it, madam,

For 't is to such a thing

What warlike voice,

Cham. Look out there, some of ye.

Wol.

And to what end is this?-Nay, ladies, fear not;

By all the laws of war you are privileged.

Enter a Servant.

Cham. 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.

Wol.

Good Lord Chamberlain,

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.

[Exit Chamberlain. All rise, and tables removed. You have now a broken banquet, but we 'll mend it. A good digestion to you all; once more,

I shower a welcome on ye:-Welcome all.

Hautboys. Enter the 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? Cham. Because they speak no English, thus they prayed

To tell your grace :-that, having heard 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,