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, first, good company, good wine, good welcome, Can make good people. Enter LORD CHAMBERLAIN, LORD SANDS, and SIR THOMAS LOVELL. O, my lord, you're tardy : The very thought of this fair company Cham. Guildford. You are young, Sir Harry Sands. Sir Thomas Lovell, had the car dinal 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 ! Sands. I would I were ; Faith, how easy? They should find easy penance. Lov. 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 'em 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're 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, and takes his state. Wol. You're welcome, my fair guests: that noble lady Or gentleman that is not freely merry, Is not my friend: this, to confirm my wel Ladies, you are not merry: gentlemen, Sands. rise The red wine first must In their fair cheeks, my lord; then we shall Cham. Look out there, some of ye. Wol. [exit Servant. What warlike voice, And to what end, is this? Nay, ladies, fear not; By all the laws of war you 're privileged. Re-enter Servant. Cham. How now! what is 't? Serv. troop of strangers; A noble For so they seem: they've left their barge, and landed; And hither make, as great ambassadors 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, attended. 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. 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? |