William Shakespeare - King Henry the Eighth

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 fameOf this so noble and so fair assemblyThis night to meet here, they could do no lessOut of the great respect they bear to beauty,But leave their flocks; and, under your fair conduct,Crave leave to view these ladies and entreatAn hour of revels with 'em.

CARDINAL WOLSEY

Say, lord chamberlain,

They have done my poor house grace; for which I pay 'emA thousand thanks, and pray 'em take their pleasures.

They choose Ladies for the dance. KING HENRY VIII chooses ANNE

KING HENRY VIII

The fairest hand I ever touch'd! O beauty,

Till now I never knew thee!

Music. Dance

CARDINAL WOLSEY

My lord!

Chamberlain

Your grace?

CARDINAL 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 dutyI would surrender it.

Chamberlain

I will, my lord.

Whispers the Masquers

CARDINAL WOLSEY

What say they?

Chamberlain

Such a one, they all confess,

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

CARDINAL WOLSEY

Let me see, then.

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

KING HENRY VIII

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.

CARDINAL WOLSEY

I am glad

Your grace is grown so pleasant.

KING HENRY VIII

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.

KING HENRY VIII

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.

CARDINAL WOLSEY

Sir Thomas Lovell, is the banquet ready

I' the privy chamber?

LOVELL

Yes, my lord.

CARDINAL WOLSEY

Your grace,

I fear, with dancing is a little heated.

KING HENRY VIII

I fear, too much.

CARDINAL WOLSEY

There's fresher air, my lord,

In the next chamber.

KING HENRY VIII

Lead in your ladies, every one: sweet partner,

I must not yet forsake you: let's be merry:Good my lord cardinal, I have half a dozen healthsTo drink to these fair ladies, and a measureTo lead 'em once again; and then let's dreamWho's best in favour. Let the music knock it.

Exeunt with trumpets

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