Come to Kenilworth, if you list; there will be store of fools there besides, and so you will be fitted." "Nay, an there be fools, my lord," replied Laneham, with much glee, "I warrant I will make sport among them, for no greyhound loves to cote a hare as I to turn and course a fool.

But I have another singular favour to beseech of your honour." "Speak it, and let me go," said the Earl; "I think the Queen comes forth instantly." "My very good lord, I would fain bring a bed-fellow with me." "How, you irreverent rascal!" said Leicester.
"Nay, my lord, my meaning is within the canons," answered his unblushing, or rather his ever-blushing petitioner.

"I have a wife as curious as her grandmother who ate the apple.

Now, take her with me I may not, her Highness's orders being so strict against the officers bringing with them their wives in a progress, and so lumbering the court with womankind.

But what I would crave of your lordship is to find room for her in some mummery, or pretty pageant, in disguise, as it were; so that, not being known for my wife, there may be no offence." "The foul fiend seize ye both!" said Leicester, stung into uncontrollable passion by the recollections which this speech excited--"why stop you me with such follies ?" The terrified clerk of the chamber-door, astonished at the burst of resentment he had so unconsciously produced, dropped his staff of office from his hand, and gazed on the incensed Earl with a foolish face of wonder and terror, which instantly recalled Leicester to himself.
"I meant but to try if thou hadst the audacity which befits thine office," said he hastily.