They relate, that the head of a boy, called Servius Tullius, as he lay fast asleep, blazed with fire in the sight of many persons.

That by the very great noise made at so miraculous a phenomenon, the royal family were awakened; and when one of the servants was bringing water to extinguish the flame, that he was kept back by the queen, and after the confusion was over, that she forbade the boy to be disturbed till he should awake of his own accord.
As soon as he awoke the flame disappeared.

Then Tanaquil, taking her husband into a private place, said, "Do you observe this boy whom we bring up in so mean a style?
Be assured that hereafter he will be a light to us in our adversity, and a protector to our palace in distress.
From henceforth let us, with all our care, train up this youth, who is capable of becoming a great ornament publicly and privately." From this time the boy began to be treated as their own son, and instructed in those arts by which men's minds are qualified to maintain high rank.

The matter was easily accomplished, because it was agreeable to the gods.
The young man turned out to be of a disposition truly royal.

Nor, when they looked out for a son-in-law for Tarquin, could any of the Roman youth be compared to him in any accomplishment; therefore the king betrothed his own daughter to him.