In characters known only to myself
And to the king, in which I us'd to clothe
Secret despatches when I writ to him
From foreign states, and within the circle
I grav'd the king's less seal, which then I kept.
Some gold besides and jewels there I left,
That, whosoe'er should find him might with that
Defray the charge of his education;
Howe'er, next day I purposed to return
With speed, and carry it to some abode.
Cle. But did the queen know this?
Eub. She did not,
Till my return next day: then, when I told her,
The child was thence remov'd where I had left him.
Cle. Belike those thieves had carried him away.
Eub. 'Tis probable.
Cle. How could the queen take this
So sad a story?
Eub. With such impatience
That, being weak before, she shortly died.
Cle. But yet, sir, with your favour, might you not
Have made inquiry after him?
Eub. I durst not,
For fear of being discover'd. On your life,
Take heed how you reveal this.
Cle. I am charm'd.