The Life of Henry the Eighth

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 remov'd.]

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, usher'd by the Lord Chamberlain. They pass directly before the Cardinal, and gracefully salute him.]

A noble company! What are their pleasures?

CHAMBERLAIN

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,
Crave leave to view these ladies and entreat
An hour of revels with 'em.

WOLSEY

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 ladies for the dance. The King chooses Anne Bullen.]

KING

The fairest hand I ever touch'd! O beauty,
Till now I never knew thee!

[Music. Dance.]

WOLSEY

My lord!

CHAMBERLAIN

Your Grace?

WOLSEY

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.

CHAMBERLAIN

I will, my lord.

[Whispers the Masquers.]

WOLSEY

What say they?

CHAMBERLAIN

Such a one, they all confess,
There is indeed; which they would have your Grace
Find out, and he will take it.

WOLSEY

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

KING

Ye have found him, Cardinal. [Unmasking.]
You hold a fair assembly; you do well, lord.
You are a churchman, or, I'll tell you, Cardinal,
I should judge now unhappily.

WOLSEY

I am glad
Your Grace is grown so pleasant.

KING

My Lord Chamberlain,
Prithee come hither. What fair lady's that?

CHAMBERLAIN

An't please your Grace, Sir Thomas Bullen's daughter, —
The Viscount Rochford, – one of her Highness' women.