Their very noses had been counsellors To Pepin or Clotharius, they keep state so. Sands. They have all new legs, and lame ones; one would take it, That never saw 'em pace before, the spavin And springhalt reigned among 'em. Cham. Death! my lord, Their clothes are after such a pagan cut too, Enter Sir THOMAS LOVELL How now! What news, Sir Thomas Lovell ? Lov. 'Faith, my lord, I hear of none, but the new proclamation That's clapped upon the court-gate. Cham. What is 't for? Lov. The reformation of our travelled gallants, That fill the court with quarrels, talk, and tailors. Cham. I am glad 't is there: now, I would pray our monsieurs To think an English courtier may be wise, And never see the Louvre. Lov. They must either For so run the conditions-leave those remnants Of fool, and feather, that they got in France, With all their honourable points of ignorance Out of a foreign wisdom; renouncing clean Or pack to their old playfellows: there, I take it, The lag end of their lewdness, and be laughed at. Sands. 'Tis time to give 'em physic, their diseases There will be woe indeed, lords: the sly whoresons Have got a speeding trick to lay down ladies; A French song and a fiddle has no fellow. Sands. The devil fiddle 'em! I am glad they're going, For, sure, there's no converting of 'em: now, An honest country lord, as I am, beaten A long time out of play, may bring his plain-song, And have an hour of hearing; and, by 'r lady, Held current music too. Cham. Your colt's tooth is not cast yet. Sands. Well said, Lord Sands : No, my lord, Sir Thomas, To the Cardinal's. O, 't is true: Nor shall not, while I have a stump. Cham. Whither were you a-going? Lov. Your lordship is a guest too. Cham This night he makes a supper, and a great one, 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; Cham. No doubt, he's noble ; He had a black mouth that said other of him. Sands. He may, my lord,-has 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. True, they are so; Cham. But few now give so great ones. My barge stays; Your lordship shall along.-Come, good Sir Thomas, We shall be late else; which I would not be, 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, first, 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 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 Lady. |