Alongside the Medici, Leonardo is not just having Martin Luther in tow, but he is also accompanied by his new flame, who, very much to the dismay of the King's female guests, immediately grabs Henry's utmost attention. And as a matter of course the inevitable happens: A catfight in the House of Tudor!
So as not to lose the plot, and even more as to keep hold of his own head the Harlequin quickly takes over the stage direction. To be able to defuse what has become a sheer volatile situation he announces a 'cook-off', which should resolve who justifiably claims the lead in European cuisine and culinary arts.
To top it all off, on their first encounter, Elizabeth and Mary have nothing else in mind but to have a loud row about a basket of those mysterious, orange-coloured fruits they don't want to share.
Weary of the whole situation Shakespeare rather woos for Leonardo's new flame; as do most of the attending gentlemen. Accordingly he does so with one of his sonnets he always has available for such an occasion.
Eager to get the chaotic situation back on track, the Harlequin puts all his trust into the magical powers of sugar, remembering its subtle influence to the Royal Society during those times, and to everybody's delight immediately instructs the court chef, who goes by the name of Francois Couteau, to serve dessert.