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 welcome;
And to you all, good health.

Sands.

Wol.

[Drinks.

Your grace is noble:
Let me have such a bowl may hold my thanks,
And save me so much talking.

My Lord Sands, 40

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 have 'em
Talk us to silence.

My Lord Sands.

Anne.

Sands.

Anne.

You are a merry gamester,

Yes, if I make my play.

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

You cannot show me.

Sands. I told your grace they would talk anon. [Drum and trumpet: chambers discharged.

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.

Wol.

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.

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. 60
[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?

Cham. 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

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 70
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. [They choose. The King chooses Anne Bullen. King. The fairest hand I ever touch'd! O beauty, Till now I never knew thee!

Wol. My lord!

Cham.

Wol.

Your grace?

[Music. Dance.

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.

Cham.

I will, my lord. [Whispers the Masquers.

Wol. What say they?

Cham.

Wol.

Such a one, they all confess,

There is indeed; which they would have your grace
Find out, and he will take it.

King.

Wol.

King.

Let me see then.

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

[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.

Your grace is grown so pleasant.

I am glad

My lord chamberlain, 90

Prithee, 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.