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,

Crave leave to view these ladies, and entreat

An hour of revels with 'em.

Wol.

Say, Lord Chamberlain,

They have done my poor house grace; for which

I pay 'em

A thousand thanks, and pray 'em take their pleasures.

[Ladies chosen.

The KING takes ANNE BULLEN.

K. Hen. The fairest hand I ever touched: O

Wol. 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

There is, indeed; which they would have your

grace

Find out, and he will take it.

Wol.

Let me see then,—

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

K. Hen. [Unmasking.] Ye have found him,

Cardinal.

You hold a fair assembly; you do well, lord:

You are a churchman, or, I'll tell you, Cardinal,

I should judge now unhappily.

Wol.

I am glad,

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.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?

Lov.

Wol.

Yes, my lord.

Your grace,

I fear, with dancing is a little heated.

K. Hen. I fear, too much.