Page:The Works of Ben Jonson - Gifford - Volume 8.djvu/150

 .] The King (as was observed before) was so well pleased with the Entertainment at Welbeck, that he sent the earl of Newcastle word, the Queen was resolved to make a progress with him into the north, and he therefore desired him to prepare the same amusement for her which had given him such satisfaction in the preceding year. "Which, (says her Grace,) my lord accordingly did, and endeavoured for it with all possible care and industry, sparing nothing that might add splendour to that feast, which both their Majesties were pleased to honour with their presence. Ben Jonson he employed in fitting such scenes and speeches as he could best devise, and sent for all the gentry of the country to come and wait on their Majesties. This entertainment he made at Bolsover castle, in Derbyshire, some five miles distant from Welbeck, and resigned Welbeck for their Majesties lodging. It cost him in all between fourteen and fifteen thousand pounds." Life of the Duke of Newcastle, p. 184.

It is probable that the course at the Quintain was repeated; what we have here, was exhibited, not at the dinner, but at the banquet, a kind of desert, which was usually served up in an open room. This little piece is wretchedly given in the folio.