MORE. Why, this is cheerful news: friends go and come: Reverend Erasmus, who delicious words Express the very soul and life of wit, Newly took sad leave of me, and with tears Troubled the silver channel of the Thames, Which, glad of such a burden, proudly swelled And on her bosom bore him toward the sea: He’s gone to Rotterdam; peace go with him! He left me heavy when he went from hence; But this recomforts me; the kind Lord Mayor, His brethren aldermen, with their fair wives, Will feast this night with us: why, so it should be; More’s merry heart lives by good company.— Good gentlemen, be careful; give great charge Our diet be made dainty for the taste; For, of all people that the earth affords, The Londoners fare richest at their boards. [Exeunt.] ACT IV. SCENE I. Chelsea. A Room in More’s House. [Enter Sir Thomas More, Master Roper, and Servingmen setting stools.] MORE. Come, my good fellows, stir, be diligent; Sloth is an idle fellow, leave him now; The time requires your expeditious service. Place me here stools, to set the ladies on.— Son Roper, you have given order for the banquet? ROPER. I have, my lord, and every thing is ready. [Enter his Lady.] MORE. Oh, welcome, wife! give you direction How women should be placed; you know it best. For my Lord Mayor, his brethren, and the rest, Let me alone; men best can order men. LADY. I warrant ye, my lord, all shall be well. There’s one without that stays to speak with ye, And bade me tell ye that he is a player. MORE. A player, wife!—One of ye bid him come in. [Exit one.] Nay, stir there, fellows; fie, ye are too slow! See that your lights be in a readiness: The banquet shall be here.—Gods me, madame, Leave my Lady Mayoress! both of us from the board! And my son Roper too! what may our guests think? LADY. My lord, they are risen, and sitting by the fire. MORE. Why, yet go you and keep them company; It is not meet we should be absent both. [Exit Lady.] [Enter Player.] Welcome, good friend; what is you will with me? PLAYER. My lord, my fellows and myself Are come to tender ye our willing service, So please you to command us. MORE. What, for a play, you mean? Whom do ye serve? PLAYER. My Lord Cardinal’s grace. MORE. My Lord Cardinal’s players! now, trust me, welcome; You happen hither in a lucky time, To pleasure me, and benefit yourselves. The Mayor of London and some aldermen, His lady and their wives, are my kind guests This night at supper: now, to have a play Before the banquet, will be excellent.— How think you, son Roper? ROPER. ’Twill do well, my lord, And be right pleasing pastime to your guests. MORE. I prithee, tell me, what plays have ye? PLAYER. Diverse, my lord: The Cradle of Security, His nail o’ the head, Impatient Poverty, The play of Four Peas, Dives and Lazarus, Lusty Juventus, and The Marriage of Wit and Wisdom.