“Undoubtedly,” replied Lathom. “The unfortunate husband typified the worldly man, who, thinking to do one foolish act without offence, falls into a thousand errors, and has, at last, to purge his conscience by a public confession.”
“Let us now pass on to Shakspeare’s plagiarisms,” said Herbert.
“Improvements—new settings of old jewels, which only heighten their lustre—not plagiarisms,” replied Lathom. “King Lear dates back to the Gesta. Theodosius of Rome occupies the place of the British king; his child Theodosia is Shakspeare’s Cordelia.”
THE EMPEROR OF ROME AND HIS THREE DAUGHTERS.
Theodosius was emperor of Rome, mighty in power, and wise in counsel. He had no son, but three daughters, whom he loved exceedingly. Now when they were come of full age, the emperor called unto him the eldest and said: “How much lovest thou me?”
“More than mine ownself,” replied the eldest.
“It is good,” rejoined her father; “thou shalt be rewarded for thy love.”
So he married her unto a neighboring king of great power and wealth. Then he sent for his second daughter, and asked her the same question.
“Even as I do myself,” was the reply.
At this the emperor was well pleased, and he kissed his child, and said: “I will reward thee for this thy love.” So he married her unto one of the greatest nobles of his realm.