|
2
I come no more to make you laugh: things now,
3
That bear a weighty and a serious brow,
4
Sad, high, and working, full of state and woe,
5
Such noble scenes as draw the eye to flow,
6
We now present. Those that can pity, here
7
May, if they think it well, let fall a tear;
8
The subject will deserve it. Such as give
9
Their money out of hope they may believe,
10
May here find truth too. Those that come to see
11
Only a show or two, and so agree
12
The play may pass, if they be still and willing,
13
I'll undertake may see away their shilling
14
Richly in two short hours. Only they
15
That come to hear a merry bawdy play,
16
A noise of targets, or to see a fellow
17
In a long motley coat guarded with yellow,
18
Will be deceived; for, gentle hearers, know,
19
To rank our chosen truth with such a show
20
As fool and fight is, beside forfeiting
21
Our own brains, and the opinion that we bring,
22
To make that only true we now intend,
23
Will leave us never an understanding friend.
24
Therefore, for goodness' sake, and as you are known
25
The first and happiest hearers of the town,
26
Be sad, as we would make ye: think ye see
27
The very persons of our noble story
28
As they were living; think you see them great,
29
And follow'd with the general throng and sweat
30
Of thousand friends; then in a moment, see
31
How soon this mightiness meets misery:
32
And, if you can be merry then, I'll say
33
A man may weep upon his wedding-day.
1
London. An ante-chamber in the palace.
2
[Enter NORFOLK at one door; at the other, BUCKINGHAM] [p]and ABERGAVENNY]
4
Good morrow, and well met. How have ye done
5
Since last we saw in France?
8
Healthful; and ever since a fresh admirer
12
Stay'd me a prisoner in my chamber when
13
Those suns of glory, those two lights of men,
14
Met in the vale of Andren.
16
'Twixt Guynes and Arde:
17
I was then present, saw them salute on horseback;
18
Beheld them, when they lighted, how they clung
19
In their embracement, as they grew together;
20
Which had they, what four throned ones could have weigh'd
21
Such a compounded one?
24
I was my chamber's prisoner.
27
The view of earthly glory: men might say,
28
Till this time pomp was single, but now married
29
To one above itself. Each following day
30
Became the next day's master, till the last
31
Made former wonders its. To-day the French,
32
All clinquant, all in gold, like heathen gods,
33
Shone down the English; and, to-morrow, they
34
Made Britain India: every man that stood
35
Show'd like a mine. Their dwarfish pages were
36
As cherubins, all guilt: the madams too,
37
Not used to toil, did almost sweat to bear
38
The pride upon them, that their very labour
39
Was to them as a painting: now this masque
40
Was cried incomparable; and the ensuing night
41
Made it a fool and beggar. The two kings,
42
Equal in lustre, were now best, now worst,
43
As presence did present them; him in eye,
44
Still him in praise: and, being present both
45
'Twas said they saw but one; and no discerner
46
Durst wag his tongue in censure. When these suns—
47
For so they phrase 'em—by their heralds challenged
48
The noble spirits to arms, they did perform
49
Beyond thought's compass; that former fabulous story,
50
Being now seen possible enough, got credit,
51
That Bevis was believed.
55
As I belong to worship and affect
56
In honour honesty, the tract of every thing
57
Would by a good discourser lose some life,
58
Which action's self was tongue to. All was royal;
59
To the disposing of it nought rebell'd.
60
Order gave each thing view; the office did
61
Distinctly his full function.
64
I mean, who set the body and the limbs
65
Of this great sport together, as you guess?
67
One, certes, that promises no element
70
I pray you, who, my lord?
72
All this was order'd by the good discretion
73
Of the right reverend Cardinal of York.
75
The devil speed him! no man's pie is freed
76
From his ambitious finger. What had he
77
To do in these fierce vanities? I wonder
78
That such a keech can with his very bulk
79
Take up the rays o' the beneficial sun
80
And keep it from the earth.
83
There's in him stuff that puts him to these ends;
84
For, being not propp'd by ancestry, whose grace
85
Chalks successors their way, nor call'd upon
86
For high feats done to the crown; neither allied
87
For eminent assistants; but, spider-like,
88
Out of his self-drawing web, he gives us note,
89
The force of his own merit makes his way
90
A gift that heaven gives for him, which buys
91
A place next to the king.
94
What heaven hath given him,—let some graver eye
95
Pierce into that; but I can see his pride
96
Peep through each part of him: whence has he that,
97
If not from hell? the devil is a niggard,
98
Or has given all before, and he begins
99
A new hell in himself.
102
Upon this French going out, took he upon him,
103
Without the privity o' the king, to appoint
104
Who should attend on him? He makes up the file
105
Of all the gentry; for the most part such
106
To whom as great a charge as little honour
107
He meant to lay upon: and his own letter,
108
The honourable board of council out,
109
Must fetch him in the papers.
112
Kinsmen of mine, three at the least, that have
113
By this so sickened their estates, that never
114
They shall abound as formerly.
117
Have broke their backs with laying manors on 'em
118
For this great journey. What did this vanity
119
But minister communication of
123
The peace between the French and us not values
124
The cost that did conclude it.
127
After the hideous storm that follow'd, was
128
A thing inspired; and, not consulting, broke
129
Into a general prophecy; That this tempest,
130
Dashing the garment of this peace, aboded
131
The sudden breach on't.
134
For France hath flaw'd the league, and hath attach'd
135
Our merchants' goods at Bourdeaux.
138
The ambassador is silenced?
142
A proper title of a peace; and purchased
143
At a superfluous rate!
145
Why, all this business
146
Our reverend cardinal carried.
149
The state takes notice of the private difference
150
Betwixt you and the cardinal. I advise you—
151
And take it from a heart that wishes towards you
152
Honour and plenteous safety—that you read
153
The cardinal's malice and his potency
154
Together; to consider further that
155
What his high hatred would effect wants not
156
A minister in his power. You know his nature,
157
That he's revengeful, and I know his sword
158
Hath a sharp edge: it's long and, 't may be said,
159
It reaches far, and where 'twill not extend,
160
Thither he darts it. Bosom up my counsel,
161
You'll find it wholesome. Lo, where comes that rock
162
That I advise your shunning.
163
[Enter CARDINAL WOLSEY, the purse borne before him,]
164
certain of the Guard, and two Secretaries with
165
papers. CARDINAL WOLSEY in his passage fixeth his
166
eye on BUCKINGHAM, and BUCKINGHAM on him, both full
169
The Duke of Buckingham's surveyor, ha?
170
Where's his examination?
174
Is he in person ready?
176
Ay, please your grace.
178
Well, we shall then know more; and Buckingham
179
Shall lessen this big look.
180
[Exeunt CARDINAL WOLSEY and his Train]
182
This butcher's cur is venom-mouth'd, and I
183
Have not the power to muzzle him; therefore best
184
Not wake him in his slumber. A beggar's book
185
Outworths a noble's blood.
187
What, are you chafed?
188
Ask God for temperance; that's the appliance only
189
Which your disease requires.
192
Matter against me; and his eye reviled
193
Me, as his abject object: at this instant
194
He bores me with some trick: he's gone to the king;
195
I'll follow and outstare him.
198
And let your reason with your choler question
199
What 'tis you go about: to climb steep hills
200
Requires slow pace at first: anger is like
201
A full-hot horse, who being allow'd his way,
202
Self-mettle tires him. Not a man in England
203
Can advise me like you: be to yourself
204
As you would to your friend.
207
And from a mouth of honour quite cry down
208
This Ipswich fellow's insolence; or proclaim
209
There's difference in no persons.
212
Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot
213
That it do singe yourself: we may outrun,
214
By violent swiftness, that which we run at,
215
And lose by over-running. Know you not,
216
The fire that mounts the liquor til run o'er,
217
In seeming to augment it wastes it? Be advised:
218
I say again, there is no English soul
219
More stronger to direct you than yourself,
220
If with the sap of reason you would quench,
221
Or but allay, the fire of passion.
224
I am thankful to you; and I'll go along
225
By your prescription: but this top-proud fellow,
226
Whom from the flow of gall I name not but
227
From sincere motions, by intelligence,
228
And proofs as clear as founts in July when
229
We see each grain of gravel, I do know
230
To be corrupt and treasonous.
232
Say not 'treasonous.'
234
To the king I'll say't; and make my vouch as strong
235
As shore of rock. Attend. This holy fox,
236
Or wolf, or both,—for he is equal ravenous
237
As he is subtle, and as prone to mischief
238
As able to perform't; his mind and place
239
Infecting one another, yea, reciprocally—
240
Only to show his pomp as well in France
241
As here at home, suggests the king our master
242
To this last costly treaty, the interview,
243
That swallow'd so much treasure, and like a glass
244
Did break i' the rinsing.
246
Faith, and so it did.
248
Pray, give me favour, sir. This cunning cardinal
249
The articles o' the combination drew
250
As himself pleased; and they were ratified
251
As he cried 'Thus let be': to as much end
252
As give a crutch to the dead: but our count-cardinal
253
Has done this, and 'tis well; for worthy Wolsey,
254
Who cannot err, he did it. Now this follows,—
255
Which, as I take it, is a kind of puppy
256
To the old dam, treason,—Charles the emperor,
257
Under pretence to see the queen his aunt—
258
For 'twas indeed his colour, but he came
259
To whisper Wolsey,—here makes visitation:
260
His fears were, that the interview betwixt
261
England and France might, through their amity,
262
Breed him some prejudice; for from this league
263
Peep'd harms that menaced him: he privily
264
Deals with our cardinal; and, as I trow,—
265
Which I do well; for I am sure the emperor
266
Paid ere he promised; whereby his suit was granted
267
Ere it was ask'd; but when the way was made,
268
And paved with gold, the emperor thus desired,
269
That he would please to alter the king's course,
270
And break the foresaid peace. Let the king know,
271
As soon he shall by me, that thus the cardinal
272
Does buy and sell his honour as he pleases,
273
And for his own advantage.
276
To hear this of him; and could wish he were
277
Something mistaken in't.
280
I do pronounce him in that very shape
281
He shall appear in proof.
282
[Enter BRANDON, a Sergeant-at-arms before him, and]
283
two or three of the Guard]
285
Your office, sergeant; execute it.
288
My lord the Duke of Buckingham, and Earl
289
Of Hereford, Stafford, and Northampton, I
290
Arrest thee of high treason, in the name
291
Of our most sovereign king.
294
The net has fall'n upon me! I shall perish
295
Under device and practise.
298
To see you ta'en from liberty, to look on
299
The business present: 'tis his highness' pleasure
300
You shall to the Tower.
302
It will help me nothing
303
To plead mine innocence; for that dye is on me
304
Which makes my whitest part black. The will of heaven
305
Be done in this and all things! I obey.
306
O my Lord Abergavenny, fare you well!
308
Nay, he must bear you company. The king
310
Is pleased you shall to the Tower, till you know
311
How he determines further.
314
The will of heaven be done, and the king's pleasure
317
Here is a warrant from
318
The king to attach Lord Montacute; and the bodies
319
Of the duke's confessor, John de la Car,
320
One Gilbert Peck, his chancellor—
323
These are the limbs o' the plot: no more, I hope.
325
A monk o' the Chartreux.
331
My surveyor is false; the o'er-great cardinal
332
Hath show'd him gold; my life is spann'd already:
333
I am the shadow of poor Buckingham,
334
Whose figure even this instant cloud puts on,
335
By darkening my clear sun. My lord, farewell.
1
The same. The council-chamber.
2
[Cornets. Enter KING HENRY VIII, leaning on] [p]CARDINAL WOLSEY's shoulder, the Nobles, and LOVELL; [p]CARDINAL WOLSEY places himself under KING HENRY [p]VIII's feet on his right side]
4
My life itself, and the best heart of it,
5
Thanks you for this great care: I stood i' the level
6
Of a full-charged confederacy, and give thanks
7
To you that choked it. Let be call'd before us
8
That gentleman of Buckingham's; in person
9
I'll hear him his confessions justify;
10
And point by point the treasons of his master
11
He shall again relate.
12
[A noise within, crying 'Room for the Queen!' Enter]
13
QUEEN KATHARINE, ushered by NORFOLK, and SUFFOLK:
14
she kneels. KING HENRY VIII riseth from his state,
15
takes her up, kisses and placeth her by him]
17
Nay, we must longer kneel: I am a suitor.
19
Arise, and take place by us: half your suit
20
Never name to us; you have half our power:
21
The other moiety, ere you ask, is given;
22
Repeat your will and take it.
25
That you would love yourself, and in that love
26
Not unconsider'd leave your honour, nor
27
The dignity of your office, is the point
32
I am solicited, not by a few,
33
And those of true condition, that your subjects
34
Are in great grievance: there have been commissions
35
Sent down among 'em, which hath flaw'd the heart
36
Of all their loyalties: wherein, although,
37
My good lord cardinal, they vent reproaches
38
Most bitterly on you, as putter on
39
Of these exactions, yet the king our master—
40
Whose honour heaven shield from soil!—even he
42
Language unmannerly, yea, such which breaks
43
The sides of loyalty, and almost appears
47
It doth appear; for, upon these taxations,
48
The clothiers all, not able to maintain
49
The many to them longing, have put off
50
The spinsters, carders, fullers, weavers, who,
51
Unfit for other life, compell'd by hunger
52
And lack of other means, in desperate manner
53
Daring the event to the teeth, are all in uproar,
54
And danger serves among then!
57
Wherein? and what taxation? My lord cardinal,
58
You that are blamed for it alike with us,
59
Know you of this taxation?
62
I know but of a single part, in aught
63
Pertains to the state; and front but in that file
64
Where others tell steps with me.
67
You know no more than others; but you frame
68
Things that are known alike; which are not wholesome
69
To those which would not know them, and yet must
70
Perforce be their acquaintance. These exactions,
71
Whereof my sovereign would have note, they are
72
Most pestilent to the bearing; and, to bear 'em,
73
The back is sacrifice to the load. They say
74
They are devised by you; or else you suffer
75
Too hard an exclamation.
78
The nature of it? in what kind, let's know,
81
I am much too venturous
82
In tempting of your patience; but am bolden'd
83
Under your promised pardon. The subjects' grief
84
Comes through commissions, which compel from each
85
The sixth part of his substance, to be levied
86
Without delay; and the pretence for this
87
Is named, your wars in France: this makes bold mouths:
88
Tongues spit their duties out, and cold hearts freeze
89
Allegiance in them; their curses now
90
Live where their prayers did: and it's come to pass,
91
This tractable obedience is a slave
92
To each incensed will. I would your highness
93
Would give it quick consideration, for
94
There is no primer business.
97
This is against our pleasure.
100
I have no further gone in this than by
101
A single voice; and that not pass'd me but
102
By learned approbation of the judges. If I am
103
Traduced by ignorant tongues, which neither know
104
My faculties nor person, yet will be
105
The chronicles of my doing, let me say
106
'Tis but the fate of place, and the rough brake
107
That virtue must go through. We must not stint
108
Our necessary actions, in the fear
109
To cope malicious censurers; which ever,
110
As ravenous fishes, do a vessel follow
111
That is new-trimm'd, but benefit no further
112
Than vainly longing. What we oft do best,
113
By sick interpreters, once weak ones, is
114
Not ours, or not allow'd; what worst, as oft,
115
Hitting a grosser quality, is cried up
116
For our best act. If we shall stand still,
117
In fear our motion will be mock'd or carp'd at,
118
We should take root here where we sit, or sit
122
And with a care, exempt themselves from fear;
123
Things done without example, in their issue
124
Are to be fear'd. Have you a precedent
125
Of this commission? I believe, not any.
126
We must not rend our subjects from our laws,
127
And stick them in our will. Sixth part of each?
128
A trembling contribution! Why, we take
129
From every tree lop, bark, and part o' the timber;
130
And, though we leave it with a root, thus hack'd,
131
The air will drink the sap. To every county
132
Where this is question'd send our letters, with
133
Free pardon to each man that has denied
134
The force of this commission: pray, look to't;
135
I put it to your care.
139
Let there be letters writ to every shire,
140
Of the king's grace and pardon. The grieved commons
141
Hardly conceive of me; let it be noised
142
That through our intercession this revokement
143
And pardon comes: I shall anon advise you
144
Further in the proceeding.
148
I am sorry that the Duke of Buckingham
149
Is run in your displeasure.
152
The gentleman is learn'd, and a most rare speaker;
153
To nature none more bound; his training such,
154
That he may furnish and instruct great teachers,
155
And never seek for aid out of himself. Yet see,
156
When these so noble benefits shall prove
157
Not well disposed, the mind growing once corrupt,
158
They turn to vicious forms, ten times more ugly
159
Than ever they were fair. This man so complete,
160
Who was enroll'd 'mongst wonders, and when we,
161
Almost with ravish'd listening, could not find
162
His hour of speech a minute; he, my lady,
163
Hath into monstrous habits put the graces
164
That once were his, and is become as black
165
As if besmear'd in hell. Sit by us; you shall hear—
166
This was his gentleman in trust—of him
167
Things to strike honour sad. Bid him recount
168
The fore-recited practises; whereof
169
We cannot feel too little, hear too much.
171
Stand forth, and with bold spirit relate what you,
172
Most like a careful subject, have collected
173
Out of the Duke of Buckingham.
177
First, it was usual with him, every day
178
It would infect his speech, that if the king
179
Should without issue die, he'll carry it so
180
To make the sceptre his: these very words
181
I've heard him utter to his son-in-law,
182
Lord Abergavenny; to whom by oath he menaced
183
Revenge upon the cardinal.
185
Please your highness, note
186
This dangerous conception in this point.
187
Not friended by by his wish, to your high person
188
His will is most malignant; and it stretches
189
Beyond you, to your friends.
191
My learn'd lord cardinal,
192
Deliver all with charity.
195
How grounded he his title to the crown,
196
Upon our fail? to this point hast thou heard him
197
At any time speak aught?
199
He was brought to this
200
By a vain prophecy of Nicholas Hopkins.
202
What was that Hopkins?
204
Sir, a Chartreux friar,
205
His confessor, who fed him every minute
206
With words of sovereignty.
208
How know'st thou this?
210
Not long before your highness sped to France,
211
The duke being at the Rose, within the parish
212
Saint Lawrence Poultney, did of me demand
213
What was the speech among the Londoners
214
Concerning the French journey: I replied,
215
Men fear'd the French would prove perfidious,
216
To the king's danger. Presently the duke
217
Said, 'twas the fear, indeed; and that he doubted
218
'Twould prove the verity of certain words
219
Spoke by a holy monk; 'that oft,' says he,
220
'Hath sent to me, wishing me to permit
221
John de la Car, my chaplain, a choice hour
222
To hear from him a matter of some moment:
223
Whom after under the confession's seal
224
He solemnly had sworn, that what he spoke
225
My chaplain to no creature living, but
226
To me, should utter, with demure confidence
227
This pausingly ensued: neither the king nor's heirs,
228
Tell you the duke, shall prosper: bid him strive
229
To gain the love o' the commonalty: the duke
230
Shall govern England.'
233
You were the duke's surveyor, and lost your office
234
On the complaint o' the tenants: take good heed
235
You charge not in your spleen a noble person
236
And spoil your nobler soul: I say, take heed;
237
Yes, heartily beseech you.
242
On my soul, I'll speak but truth.
243
I told my lord the duke, by the devil's illusions
244
The monk might be deceived; and that 'twas dangerous for him
245
To ruminate on this so far, until
246
It forged him some design, which, being believed,
247
It was much like to do: he answer'd, 'Tush,
248
It can do me no damage;' adding further,
249
That, had the king in his last sickness fail'd,
250
The cardinal's and Sir Thomas Lovell's heads
251
Should have gone off.
253
Ha! what, so rank? Ah ha!
254
There's mischief in this man: canst thou say further?
261
After your highness had reproved the duke
262
About Sir William Blomer,—
265
Of such a time: being my sworn servant,
266
The duke retain'd him his. But on; what hence?
268
'If,' quoth he, 'I for this had been committed,
269
As, to the Tower, I thought, I would have play'd
270
The part my father meant to act upon
271
The usurper Richard; who, being at Salisbury,
272
Made suit to come in's presence; which if granted,
273
As he made semblance of his duty, would
274
Have put his knife to him.'
278
Now, madam, may his highness live in freedom,
279
and this man out of prison?
283
There's something more would out of thee; what say'st?
285
After 'the duke his father,' with 'the knife,'
286
He stretch'd him, and, with one hand on his dagger,
287
Another spread on's breast, mounting his eyes
288
He did discharge a horrible oath; whose tenor
289
Was,—were he evil used, he would outgo
290
His father by as much as a performance
291
Does an irresolute purpose.
294
To sheathe his knife in us. He is attach'd;
295
Call him to present trial: if he may
296
Find mercy in the law, 'tis his: if none,
297
Let him not seek 't of us: by day and night,
298
He's traitor to the height.
1
An ante-chamber in the palace.
2
[Enter Chamberlain and SANDS]
4
Is't possible the spells of France should juggle
5
Men into such strange mysteries?
8
Though they be never so ridiculous,
9
Nay, let 'em be unmanly, yet are follow'd.
11
As far as I see, all the good our English
12
Have got by the late voyage is but merely
13
A fit or two o' the face; but they are shrewd ones;
14
For when they hold 'em, you would swear directly
15
Their very noses had been counsellors
16
To Pepin or Clotharius, they keep state so.
18
They have all new legs, and lame ones: one would take it,
19
That never saw 'em pace before, the spavin
20
Or springhalt reign'd among 'em.
23
Their clothes are after such a pagan cut too,
24
That, sure, they've worn out Christendom.
27
What news, Sir Thomas Lovell?
30
I hear of none, but the new proclamation
31
That's clapp'd upon the court-gate.
35
The reformation of our travell'd gallants,
36
That fill the court with quarrels, talk, and tailors.
38
I'm glad 'tis there: now I would pray our monsieurs
39
To think an English courtier may be wise,
40
And never see the Louvre.
43
For so run the conditions, leave those remnants
44
Of fool and feather that they got in France,
45
With all their honourable point of ignorance
46
Pertaining thereunto, as fights and fireworks,
47
Abusing better men than they can be,
48
Out of a foreign wisdom, renouncing clean
49
The faith they have in tennis, and tall stockings,
50
Short blister'd breeches, and those types of travel,
51
And understand again like honest men;
52
Or pack to their old playfellows: there, I take it,
53
They may, 'cum privilegio,' wear away
54
The lag end of their lewdness and be laugh'd at.
56
'Tis time to give 'em physic, their diseases
57
Are grown so catching.
59
What a loss our ladies
60
Will have of these trim vanities!
63
There will be woe indeed, lords: the sly whoresons
64
Have got a speeding trick to lay down ladies;
65
A French song and a fiddle has no fellow.
67
The devil fiddle 'em! I am glad they are going,
68
For, sure, there's no converting of 'em: now
69
An honest country lord, as I am, beaten
70
A long time out of play, may bring his plainsong
71
And have an hour of hearing; and, by'r lady,
72
Held current music too.
74
Well said, Lord Sands;
75
Your colt's tooth is not cast yet.
78
Nor shall not, while I have a stump.
81
Whither were you a-going?
84
Your lordship is a guest too.
87
This night he makes a supper, and a great one,
88
To many lords and ladies; there will be
89
The beauty of this kingdom, I'll assure you.
91
That churchman bears a bounteous mind indeed,
92
A hand as fruitful as the land that feeds us;
93
His dews fall every where.
96
He had a black mouth that said other of him.
98
He may, my lord; has wherewithal: in him
99
Sparing would show a worse sin than ill doctrine:
100
Men of his way should be most liberal;
101
They are set here for examples.
104
But few now give so great ones. My barge stays;
105
Your lordship shall along. Come, good Sir Thomas,
106
We shall be late else; which I would not be,
107
For I was spoke to, with Sir Henry Guildford
108
This night to be comptrollers.
110
I am your lordship's.
2
[Hautboys. A small table under a state for CARDINAL] [p]WOLSEY, a longer table for the guests. Then enter [p]ANNE and divers other Ladies and Gentlemen as [p]guests, at one door; at another door, enter GUILDFORD]
4
Ladies, a general welcome from his grace
5
Salutes ye all; this night he dedicates
6
To fair content and you: none here, he hopes,
7
In all this noble bevy, has brought with her
8
One care abroad; he would have all as merry
9
As, first, good company, good wine, good welcome,
10
Can make good people. O, my lord, you're tardy:
11
[Enter Chamberlain, SANDS, and LOVELL]
12
The very thought of this fair company
15
You are young, Sir Harry Guildford.
17
Sir Thomas Lovell, had the cardinal
18
But half my lay thoughts in him, some of these
19
Should find a running banquet ere they rested,
20
I think would better please 'em: by my life,
21
They are a sweet society of fair ones.
23
O, that your lordship were but now confessor
24
To one or two of these!
27
They should find easy penance.
31
As easy as a down-bed would afford it.
33
Sweet ladies, will it please you sit? Sir Harry,
34
Place you that side; I'll take the charge of this:
35
His grace is entering. Nay, you must not freeze;
36
Two women placed together makes cold weather:
37
My Lord Sands, you are one will keep 'em waking;
38
Pray, sit between these ladies.
41
And thank your lordship. By your leave, sweet ladies:
42
If I chance to talk a little wild, forgive me;
43
I had it from my father.
47
O, very mad, exceeding mad, in love too:
48
But he would bite none; just as I do now,
49
He would kiss you twenty with a breath.
53
So, now you're fairly seated. Gentlemen,
54
The penance lies on you, if these fair ladies
59
[Hautboys. Enter CARDINAL WOLSEY, and takes his state]
61
You're welcome, my fair guests: that noble lady,
62
Or gentleman, that is not freely merry,
63
Is not my friend: this, to confirm my welcome;
64
And to you all, good health.
68
Let me have such a bowl may hold my thanks,
69
And save me so much talking.
72
I am beholding to you: cheer your neighbours.
73
Ladies, you are not merry: gentlemen,
76
The red wine first must rise
77
In their fair cheeks, my lord; then we shall have 'em
80
You are a merry gamester,
83
Yes, if I make my play.
84
Here's to your ladyship: and pledge it, madam,
85
For 'tis to such a thing,—
89
I told your grace they would talk anon.
90
[Drum and trumpet, chambers discharged]
94
Look out there, some of ye.
98
And to what end is this? Nay, ladies, fear not;
99
By all the laws of war you're privileged.
103
Servant. A noble troop of strangers;
104
For so they seem: they've left their barge and landed;
105
And hither make, as great ambassadors
106
From foreign princes.
108
Good lord chamberlain,
109
Go, give 'em welcome; you can speak the French tongue;
110
And, pray, receive 'em nobly, and conduct 'em
111
Into our presence, where this heaven of beauty
112
Shall shine at full upon them. Some attend him.
113
[Exit Chamberlain, attended. All rise, and tables removed]
114
You have now a broken banquet; but we'll mend it.
115
A good digestion to you all: and once more
116
I shower a welcome on ye; welcome all.
117
[Hautboys. Enter KING HENRY VIII and others, as]
118
masquers, habited like shepherds, ushered by the
119
Chamberlain. They pass directly before CARDINAL
120
WOLSEY, and gracefully salute him]
121
A noble company! what are their pleasures?
123
Because they speak no English, thus they pray'd
124
To tell your grace, that, having heard by fame
125
Of this so noble and so fair assembly
126
This night to meet here, they could do no less
127
Out of the great respect they bear to beauty,
128
But leave their flocks; and, under your fair conduct,
129
Crave leave to view these ladies and entreat
130
An hour of revels with 'em.
132
Say, lord chamberlain,
133
They have done my poor house grace; for which I pay 'em
134
A thousand thanks, and pray 'em take their pleasures.
135
[They choose Ladies for the dance. KING HENRY VIII]
138
The fairest hand I ever touch'd! O beauty,
139
Till now I never knew thee!
146
Pray, tell 'em thus much from me:
147
There should be one amongst 'em, by his person,
148
More worthy this place than myself; to whom,
149
If I but knew him, with my love and duty
150
I would surrender it.
153
[Whispers the Masquers]
157
Such a one, they all confess,
158
There is indeed; which they would have your grace
159
Find out, and he will take it.
162
By all your good leaves, gentlemen; here I'll make
165
Ye have found him, cardinal:
167
You hold a fair assembly; you do well, lord:
168
You are a churchman, or, I'll tell you, cardinal,
169
I should judge now unhappily.
172
Your grace is grown so pleasant.
175
Prithee, come hither: what fair lady's that?
177
An't please your grace, Sir Thomas Bullen's daughter—
178
The Viscount Rochford,—one of her highness' women.
180
By heaven, she is a dainty one. Sweetheart,
181
I were unmannerly, to take you out,
182
And not to kiss you. A health, gentlemen!
185
Sir Thomas Lovell, is the banquet ready
186
I' the privy chamber?
191
I fear, with dancing is a little heated.
195
There's fresher air, my lord,
198
Lead in your ladies, every one: sweet partner,
199
I must not yet forsake you: let's be merry:
200
Good my lord cardinal, I have half a dozen healths
201
To drink to these fair ladies, and a measure
202
To lead 'em once again; and then let's dream
203
Who's best in favour. Let the music knock it.
204
[Exeunt with trumpets]
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