William Shakespeare on Childhood

“Oh, 'tis a parlous boy; Bold, quick, ingenious, forward, capable; He's all the mother's from the top to toe.”

“Fathers that wear rags Do make their children blind; But fathers that bear bags Shall see their children kind.”

“O lord! my boy, my Arthur, my fair son! My life, my joy, my food, my all the world! My widow-comfort, and my sorrow's cure!”

“We have no such daughter, nor shall ever see That face of her again. Therefore begone Without our grace, our love, our benizon.”

“Behold, my lords, Although the print be little, the whole matter And copy of the father, eye, nose, lip, The trick of's frown, his forehead, nay, the valley, The pretty dimples of his chin and cheek; his smiles; The very mould and frame of hand, nail, finger.”