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  • William Shakespeare: Henry VIII, Act I, Scene IV

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Scene IVA Hall in York PlaceHautboys. A small table under a state for Cardinal Wolsey, a longer table for the guests. Then enter Anne and divers other Ladies and Gentlemen as guests, at one door; at another door, enter GuildfordGuildfordLadies, 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. O, my lord, you’re tardy:Enter Chamberlain, Sands, and LovellThe very thought of this fair company Clapp’d wings to me.ChamberlainYou are young, Sir Harry Guildford.SandsSir 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.LovellO, that your lordship were but now confessor To one or two of these!SandsI would I were; They should find easy penance.LovellFaith, how easy?SandsAs easy as a down-bed would afford it.ChamberlainSweet 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 ’em waking; Pray, sit between these ladies.SandsBy my faith, And thank your lordship. By your leave, sweet ladies: If I chance to talk a little wild, forgive me; I had it from my father.AnneWas he mad, sir?SandsO, very mad, exceeding mad, in love too: But he would bite none; just as I do now, He would kiss you twenty with a breath.Kisses herChamberlainWell said, my lord. So, now you’re fairly seated. Gentlemen, The penance lies on you, if these fair ladies Pass away frowning.SandsFor my little cure, Let me alone.Hautboys. Enter Cardinal Wolsey, and takes his stateCardinal WolseyYou’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.DrinksSandsYour grace is noble: Let me have such a bowl may hold my thanks, And save me so much talking.Cardinal WolseyMy Lord Sands, I am beholding to you: cheer your neighbours. Ladies, you are not merry: gentlemen, Whose fault is this?SandsThe red wine first must rise In their fair cheeks, my lord; then we shall have ’em Talk us to silence.AnneYou are a merry gamester, My Lord Sands.SandsYes, if I make my play. Here’s to your ladyship: and pledge it, madam, For ’tis to such a thing,—AnneYou cannot show me.SandsI told your grace they would talk anon.Drum and trumpet, chambers dischargedCardinal WolseyWhat’s that?ChamberlainLook out there, some of ye.Exit ServantCardinal WolseyWhat warlike voice, And to what end is this? Nay, ladies, fear not; By all the laws of war you’re privileged.Re-enter ServantChamberlainHow now! what is’t?ServantA noble troop of strangers; For so they seem: they’ve left their barge and landed; And hither make, as great ambassadors From foreign princes.Cardinal WolseyGood 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.Exit Chamberlain, attended. All rise, and tables removedYou 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 King Henry VIII and others, as masquers, habited like shepherds, ushered by the Chamberlain. They pass directly before Cardinal Wolsey, and gracefully salute himA noble company! what are their pleasures?ChamberlainBecause 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.Cardinal WolseySay, 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. King Henry VIII chooses AnneKing Henry VIIIThe fairest hand I ever touch’d! O beauty, Till now I never knew thee!Music. DanceCardinal WolseyMy lord!ChamberlainYour grace?Cardinal WolseyPray, 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.ChamberlainI will, my lord.Whispers the MasquersCardinal WolseyWhat say they?ChamberlainSuch a one, they all confess, There is indeed; which they would have your grace Find out, and he will take it.Cardinal WolseyLet me see, then. By all your good leaves, gentlemen; here I’ll make My royal choice.King Henry VIIIYe have found him, cardinal:UnmaskingYou hold a fair assembly; you do well, lord: You are a churchman, or, I’ll tell you, cardinal, I should judge now unhappily.Cardinal WolseyI am glad Your grace is grown so pleasant.King Henry VIIIMy lord chamberlain, Prithee, come hither: what fair lady’s that?ChamberlainAn’t please your grace, Sir Thomas Bullen’s daughter— The Viscount Rochford,—one of her highness’ women.King Henry VIIIBy 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 WolseySir Thomas Lovell, is the banquet ready I’ the privy chamber?LovellYes, my lord.Cardinal WolseyYour grace, I fear, with dancing is a little heated.King Henry VIIII fear, too much.Cardinal WolseyThere’s fresher air, my lord, In the next chamber.King Henry VIIILead 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 healths To drink to these fair ladies, and a measure To lead ’em once again; and then let’s dream Who’s best in favour. Let the music knock it.Exeunt with trumpets

William Shakespeare: Henry VIII, Act I

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William Shakespeare: Henry VIII, Act II, Scene II

  • William Shakespeare: Henry VIII, Act II, Scene II

TrendingHere are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about.

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TrendingHere are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about.

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  • Did Birds Evolve from Dinosaurs?
  • The Twelve Dancing Princesses
  • Current Events This Week: January 2023
  • African Americans by the Numbers
  • Andersen’s Fairy Tales: Contents
  • The Celtic Twilight: A Teller of Tales