I cannot delve him to the root: his fatherWas call'd Sicilius, who did join his honourAgainst the Romans with Cassibelan,But had his titles by Tenantius whomHe served with glory and admired success,So gain'd the sur-addition Leonatus;And had, besides this gentleman in question,Two other sons, who in the wars o' the timeDied with their swords in hand; for whichtheir father,Then old and fond of issue, took such sorrowThat he quit being, and his gentle lady,Big of this gentleman our theme, deceasedAs he was born. The king he takes the babeTo his protection, calls him Posthumus Leonatus,Breeds him and makes him of his bed-chamber,Puts to him all the learnings that his timeCould make him the receiver of; which he took,As we do air, fast as 'twas minister'd,And in's spring became a harvest, lived in court--Which rare it is to do--most praised, most loved,A sample to the youngest, to the more matureA glass that feated them, and to the graverA child that guided dotards; to his mistress,For whom he now is banish'd, her own priceProclaims how she esteem'd him and his virtue;By her election may be truly readWhat kind of man he is.
