Page 440 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

As he was born. The king he takes the babe [40]
To his protection, calls him Posthumus Leonatus,
Breeds him, and makes him of his bed-chamber,
Puts to him all the learnings that his time

Could make him the receiver of, which he took,
As we do air, fast as ’twas minister’d, [45]
And in’s spring became a harvest: liv’d in court
(Which rare it is to do) most prais’d, most lov’d;

A sample to the youngest, to th’ more mature
A glass that feated them, and to the graver
A child that guided dotards. To his mistress, [50]
(For whom he now is banish’d) her own price

Proclaims how she esteem’d him; and his virtue
By her election may be truly read
What kind of man he is.

SECOND GENTLEMAN
I honour him,

Even out of your report. But pray you tell me, [55]
Is she sole child to th’ king?

FIRST GENTLEMAN
His only child.
He had two sons (if this be worth your hearing,
Mark it) the eldest of them at three years old,

I’ th’ swathing-clothes the other, from their nursery
Were stol’n; and to this hour no guess in knowledge [60]
Which way they went.

SECOND GENTLEMAN
How long is this ago?

FIRST GENTLEMAN
Some twenty years.

SECOND GENTLEMAN

That a king’s children should be so convey’d,