1 GENTLEMAN

Y Ou do not meet a man but Frowns. Our bloods no more obey the Heavens Then our Courtiers: Still seem, as do's the Kings. He that hath lost her too: so is the Queen, That most desired the Match. But not a Courtier, Although they wear their faces to the bent Of the Kings looks, hath a heart that is not Glad at the thing they scowl at. He that hath missed the Princess, is a thing Too bade, for bade report: and he that hath her, (I mean, that married her, alack good man, And therefore banished) is a Creature, such, As to seek through the Regions of the Earth For one, his Like; there would be something failing In him, that should compare. I do not think, So fair and Outward, and such stuff Within Endows a man, but he. I do extend him (Sir) within himself, Crush him together, rather then unfold His measure duly. I cannot delve him to the root: His Father Was called Sicillius, who did join his Honour Against the Romans, with Cassibulan, But had his Titles by Tenantius, whom He served with Glory, and admired Success: So gained the Sur-addition, Leonatus. And had (beside this Gentleman in question) Two other Sons, who in the Wars of the time Died with their Swords in hand. For which, their Father Then old, and found of issue, took such sorrow That he quit Being; and his gentle Lady Big of this Gentleman (our Theme) deceased As he was born. The King he takes the Babe To his protection, calls him Posthumus Leonatus, Breeds him, and makes him of his Bedchamber, Puts to him all the Learning's that his time Could make him the receiver of, which he took As we do air, fast as 'twas ministered, 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 Mature, A glass that feated them: and to the graver, A Child that guided Dotards. To his Mistress, (For whom he now is banished) her own price Proclaims how she esteemed him; and his Virtue By her electio ̄ may be truly read, what kind of man he is. His only child: He had two Sons (if this be worth your hearing, Mark it) the eldest of them, at three years old In the swathing clothes, the other from their Nursery Were stolen, and to this hour, no guess in knowledge Which way they went. Some twenty years. Howsoever, it's strange, Or that the negligence may well be laughed at: Yet is it true Sir. We must forbear. Here comes the Gentleman, The Queen, and Princess. Hurt him: His body's a passable Carcase if he be not hurt. It is a thoroughfare for Steel if it be not hurt. Stand you? you have Land enough of your own: But he added to your having, gave you some ground. Sir, as I told you always: her Beauty & her Brain go not together. She's a good sign, but I have seen small reflection of her wit. I'll attend your Lordship. Day, my Lord. Great Jupiter be praised, Lucius is taken, It's thought the old man, and his sons, were Angels. So it's reported: But none of they can be found. Stand, who's there?