He looks around at his guests. All are prepared. A Latin grace; English would be his choice, but he will suit his company. Who cross themselves ostentatiously, in papist style. Who look at him, expectant. He shouts for the waiters. The doors burst open. Sweating men heave the platters to the table. It seems the meat is fresh, in fact not slaughtered yet. It is just a minor breach of etiquette. The company must sit and salivate. The Boleyns are laid at his hand to be carved.
The scene depicts a host surveying his guests, who are ready for a meal accompanied by a Latin grace. Although he preferred English, he accommodates his company’s customs, observing their ritualistic gestures. The atmosphere is charged with expectation as he calls for the waiters to serve the food.
The arrival of the waiters with platters brings a surprising twist: the meat appears to be fresh, hinting it hasn’t been slaughtered yet. This minor breach of etiquette creates tension as the guests are left to wait in anticipation, all eyes on the Boleyns laid out for him to carve, underscoring the drama of the moment.
