The Entertainment of the Kings of Great Britain and Denmark

The Entertainment of the Two Kings of Great Britain and Denmark or The Hours was written by Ben Jonson and performed at Theobalds House on 24 July 1606 .

[9] A description printed in The King of Denmarkes Welcome explains there was an artificial tree at the entrance gates with green silk leaves.

[11] A letter of John Harington to a Secretary Barlow describing a masque at Theobalds for the two kings is frequently quoted.

Harington says a lady acting the part of the Queen of Sheba tripped on the steps of the royal dais, throwing her casket of gifts, apparently a tray of desserts, at Christian IV.

James was put in bed, but his clothes were still covered with "wine, cream, jelly, beverage, cakes, spices and other good matters".

[12] Historians are sceptical about this account, not only for its exaggeration for comic effect, but the differences between the action described and other court masques, and the prominent speaking parts given to female courtiers.

[16] In 1607 Robert Cecil gave ownership of Theobalds to Anne of Denmark in a property exchange with King James for the manor and Palace of Hatfield.

[18] Ben Jonson wrote another masque, known by the title of a published version, An Entertainment of the King James and Queen Anne at Theobalds (1616), for Friday 22 May 1607.

[22] The Fates or Parcae assure the Genius that Cecil is delighted to give the house to Anne of Denmark, "Bel-Anna".

[23] In praise of Anne of Denmark, the fate Atropos told the Genius: There is a contemporary version of the dialogue in French verse, presumably for the benefit of the Prince of Joinville.

[25] In 1591 Queen Elizabeth had been entertained by the Hermit's Welcome at Theobalds in which the gardener discovers a jewel casket bearing a prophecy.