Page 1894 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

Tell me, Panthino, what sad talk was that
Wherewith my brother held you in the cloister?

PANT HINO

’Twas of his nephew Proteus, your son.

ANT ONIO

Why, what of him?

PANT HINO

He wondered that your lordship
Would suffer him to spend his youth at home, [5]
While other men, of slender reputation,
Put forth their sons to seek preferment out:
Some to the wars to try their fortune there;
Some to discover islands far away;
Some to the studious universities. [10]
For any or for all these exercises
He said that Proteus your son was meet,
And did request me to importune you
To let him spend his time no more at home,
Which would be great impeachment to his age, [15]
In having known no travel in his youth.

ANT ONIO

Nor needest thou much importune me to that
Whereon this month I have been hammering.
I have considered well his loss of time,
And how he cannot be a perfect man, [20]
Not being tried and tutored in the world.
Experience is by industry achieved,
And perfected by the swift course of time.
Then tell me, whither were I best to send him?

PANT HINO

I think your lordship is not ignorant [25]
How his companion, youthful Valentine,
Attends the Emperor in his royal court.

ANT ONIO