ACTISCENEI。AntechamberinLEONTES’palace。EnterCAMILLOandARCHIDAMUSARCHIDAMUSIfyoushallchance，Camillo，tovisitBohemia，onthelikeoccasionwhereonmyservicesarenowonfoot，youshallsee，asIhavesaid，greatdifferencebetwixtourBohemiaandyourSicilia。CAMILLOIthink，thiscomingsummer，theKingofSiciliameanstopayBohemiathevisitationwhichhejustlyoweshim。ARCHIDAMUSWhereinourentertainmentshallshameuswewillbejustifiedinourloves；forindeed——CAMILLOBeseechyou，——ARCHIDAMUSVerily，Ispeakitinthefreedomofmyknowledge：
wecannotwithsuchmagnificence——insorare——I
knownotwhattosay。Wewillgiveyousleepydrinks，thatyoursenses，unintelligentofourinsufficience，may，thoughtheycannotpraiseus，aslittleaccuseus。CAMILLOYoupayagreatdealtoodearforwhat’sgivenfreely。ARCHIDAMUSBelieveme，Ispeakasmyunderstandinginstructsmeandasminehonestyputsittoutterance。CAMILLOSiciliacannotshowhimselfover—kindtoBohemia。
Theyweretrainedtogetherintheirchildhoods；
andthererootedbetwixtthemthensuchanaffection，whichcannotchoosebutbranchnow。Sincetheirmorematuredignitiesandroyalnecessitiesmadeseparationoftheirsociety，theirencounters，thoughnotpersonal，havebeenroyallyattorneyedwithinterchangeofgifts，letters，lovingembassies；thattheyhaveseemedtobetogether，thoughabsent，shookhands，asoveravast，andembraced，asitwere，fromtheendsofopposedwinds。Theheavenscontinuetheirloves!ARCHIDAMUSIthinkthereisnotintheworldeithermaliceormattertoalterit。YouhaveanunspeakablecomfortofyouryoungprinceMamillius：itisagentlemanofthegreatestpromisethatevercameintomynote。CAMILLOIverywellagreewithyouinthehopesofhim：itisagallantchild；onethatindeedphysicsthesubject，makesoldheartsfresh：theythatwentoncrutcheserehewasborndesireyettheirlifetoseehimaman。ARCHIDAMUSWouldtheyelsebecontenttodie？CAMILLOYes；iftherewerenootherexcusewhytheyshoulddesiretolive。ARCHIDAMUSIfthekinghadnoson，theywoulddesiretoliveoncrutchestillhehadone。
ExeuntSCENEII。Aroomofstateinthesame。EnterLEONTES，HERMIONE，MAMILLIUS，POLIXENES，CAMILLO，andAttendantsPOLIXENESNinechangesofthewaterystarhathbeenTheshepherd’snotesincewehaveleftourthroneWithoutaburthen：timeaslongagainWouldbefindup，mybrother，withourthanks；
Andyetweshould，forperpetuity，Gohenceindebt：andtherefore，likeacipher，Yetstandinginrichplace，ImultiplyWithone’Wethankyou’manythousandsmoeThatgobeforeit。LEONTESStayyourthanksawhile；
Andpaythemwhenyoupart。POLIXENESSir，that’sto—morrow。
Iamquestion’dbymyfears，ofwhatmaychanceOrbreeduponourabsence；thatmayblowNosneapingwindsathome，tomakeussay’Thisisputforthtootruly：’besides，Ihavestay’dTotireyourroyalty。LEONTESWearetougher，brother，Thanyoucanputusto’t。POLIXENESNolongerstay。LEONTESOneseven—nightlonger。POLIXENESVerysooth，to—morrow。LEONTESWe’llpartthetimebetween’sthen；andinthatI’llnogainsaying。POLIXENESPressmenot，beseechyou，so。
Thereisnotonguethatmoves，none，nonei’theworld，Sosoonasyourscouldwinme：soitshouldnow，Weretherenecessityinyourrequest，although’TwereneedfulIdeniedit。MyaffairsDoevendragmehomeward：whichtohinderWereinyourloveawhiptome；mystayToyouachargeandtrouble：tosaveboth，Farewell，ourbrother。LEONTESTongue—tied，ourqueen？
speakyou。HERMIONEIhadthought，sir，tohaveheldmypeaceuntilYouhavedrawnoathsfromhimnottostay。You，sir，Chargehimtoocoldly。Tellhim，youaresureAllinBohemia’swell；thissatisfactionTheby—gonedayproclaim’d：saythistohim，He’sbeatfromhisbestward。LEONTESWellsaid，Hermione。HERMIONETotell，helongstoseehisson，werestrong：
Butlethimsaysothen，andlethimgo；
Butlethimswearso，andheshallnotstay，We’llthwackhimhencewithdistaffs。
YetofyourroyalpresenceI’lladventureTheborrowofaweek。WhenatBohemiaYoutakemylord，I’llgivehimmycommissionTolethimthereamonthbehindthegestPrefix’dfor’sparting：yet，gooddeed，Leontes，Ilovetheenotajaro’theclockbehindWhatlady—sheherlord。You’llstay？POLIXENESNo，madam。HERMIONENay，butyouwill？POLIXENESImaynot，verily。HERMIONEVerily!
Youputmeoffwithlimbervows；butI，Thoughyouwouldseektounspherethestarswithoaths，Shouldyetsay’Sir，nogoing。’Verily，Youshallnotgo：alady’s’Verily’’sAspotentasalord’s。Willyougoyet？
Forcemetokeepyouasaprisoner，Notlikeaguest；soyoushallpayyourfeesWhenyoudepart，andsaveyourthanks。Howsayyou？
Myprisoner？ormyguest？byyourdread’Verily，’
Oneofthemyoushallbe。POLIXENESYourguest，then，madam：
Tobeyourprisonershouldimportoffending；
WhichisformelesseasytocommitThanyoutopunish。HERMIONENotyourgaoler，then，Butyourkindhostess。Come，I’llquestionyouOfmylord’stricksandyourswhenyouwereboys：
Youwereprettylordingsthen？POLIXENESWewere，fairqueen，TwoladsthatthoughttherewasnomorebehindButsuchadayto—morrowasto—day，Andtobeboyeternal。HERMIONEWasnotmylordTheverierwago’thetwo？POLIXENESWewereastwinn’dlambsthatdidfriski’thesun，Andbleattheoneattheother：whatwechangedWasinnocenceforinnocence；weknewnotThedoctrineofill—doing，nordream’dThatanydid。Hadwepursuedthatlife，Andourweakspiritsne’erbeenhigherrear’dWithstrongerblood，weshouldhaveanswer’dheavenBoldly’notguilty；’theimpositionclear’dHereditaryours。HERMIONEBythiswegatherYouhavetripp’dsince。POLIXENESOmymostsacredlady!
Temptationshavesincethenbeenbornto’s；forInthoseunfledgeddayswasmywifeagirl；
Yourpreciousselfhadthennotcross’dtheeyesOfmyyoungplay—fellow。HERMIONEGracetoboot!
Ofthismakenoconclusion，lestyousayYourqueenandIaredevils：yetgoon；
Theoffenceswehavemadeyoudowe’llanswer，Ifyoufirstsinn’dwithusandthatwithusYoudidcontinuefaultandthatyouslipp’dnotWithanybutwithus。LEONTESIshewonyet？HERMIONEHe’llstaymylord。LEONTESAtmyrequesthewouldnot。
Hermione，mydearest，thouneverspokestTobetterpurpose。HERMIONENever？LEONTESNever，butonce。HERMIONEWhat!haveItwicesaidwell？whenwas’tbefore？
Ipritheetellme；cram’swithpraise，andmake’sAsfatastamethings：onegooddeeddyingtonguelessSlaughtersathousandwaitinguponthat。
Ourpraisesareourwages：youmayride’sWithonesoftkissathousandfurlongsereWithspurwebeatanacre。Buttothegoal：
Mylastgooddeedwastoentreathisstay：
Whatwasmyfirst？ithasaneldersister，OrImistakeyou：O，wouldhernamewereGrace!
ButoncebeforeIspoketothepurpose：when？
Nay，letmehave’t；Ilong。LEONTESWhy，thatwaswhenThreecrabbedmonthshadsour’dthemselvestodeath，EreIcouldmaketheeopenthywhitehandAndclapthyselfmylove：thendidstthouutter’Iamyoursforever。’HERMIONE’Tisgraceindeed。
Why，loyounow，Ihavespoketothepurposetwice：
Theoneforeverearn’daroyalhusband；
Theotherforsomewhileafriend。LEONTES[Aside]Toohot，toohot!
Tominglefriendshipfarisminglingbloods。
Ihavetremorcordisonme：myheartdances；
Butnotforjoy；notjoy。ThisentertainmentMayafreefaceputon，derivealibertyFromheartiness，frombounty，fertilebosom，Andwellbecometheagent；’tmay，Igrant；
Buttobepaddlingpalmsandpinchingfingers，Asnowtheyare，andmakingpractisedsmiles，Asinalooking—glass，andthentosigh，as’twereThemorto’thedeer；O，thatisentertainmentMybosomlikesnot，normybrows!Mamillius，Artthoumyboy？MAMILLIUSAy，mygoodlord。LEONTESI’fecks!
Why，that’smybawcock。What，hastsmutch’dthynose？
Theysayitisacopyoutofmine。Come，captain，Wemustbeneat；notneat，butcleanly，captain：
Andyetthesteer，theheiferandthecalfAreallcall’dneat。——StillvirginallingUponhispalm!——Hownow，youwantoncalf!
Artthoumycalf？MAMILLIUSYes，ifyouwill，mylord。LEONTESThouwant’staroughpashandtheshootsthatIhave，Tobefulllikeme：yettheysayweareAlmostaslikeaseggs；womensayso，ThatwillsayanythingbutweretheyfalseAso’er—dyedblacks，aswind，aswaters，falseAsdicearetobewish’dbyonethatfixesNobourn’twixthisandmine，yetwereittrueTosaythisboywerelikeme。Come，sirpage，Lookonmewithyourwelkineye：sweetvillain!
Mostdear’st!mycollop!Canthydam？——may’tbe？——
Affection!thyintentionstabsthecentre：
Thoudostmakepossiblethingsnotsoheld，Communicatestwithdreams；——howcanthisbe？——
Withwhat’sunrealthoucoactiveart，Andfellow’stnothing：then’tisverycredentThoumaystco—joinwithsomething；andthoudost，Andthatbeyondcommission，andIfindit，AndthattotheinfectionofmybrainsAndhardeningofmybrows。POLIXENESWhatmeansSicilia？HERMIONEHesomethingseemsunsettled。POLIXENESHow，mylord!
Whatcheer？howis’twithyou，bestbrother？HERMIONEYoulookasifyouheldabrowofmuchdistractionAreyoumoved，mylord？LEONTESNo，ingoodearnest。
Howsometimesnaturewillbetrayitsfolly，Itstenderness，andmakeitselfapastimeToharderbosoms!LookingonthelinesOfmyboy’sface，methoughtsIdidrecoilTwenty—threeyears，andsawmyselfunbreech’d，Inmygreenvelvetcoat，mydaggermuzzled，Lestitshouldbiteitsmaster，andsoprove，Asornamentsoftdo，toodangerous：
Howlike，methought，Ithenwastothiskernel，Thissquash，thisgentleman。Minehonestfriend，Willyoutakeeggsformoney？MAMILLIUSNo，mylord，I’llfight。LEONTESYouwill!why，happymanbe’sdole!Mybrother，AreyousofondofyouryoungprinceasweDoseemtobeofours？POLIXENESIfathome，sir，He’sallmyexercise，mymirth，mymatter，Nowmyswornfriendandthenmineenemy，Myparasite，mysoldier，statesman，all：
HemakesaJuly’sdayshortasDecember，AndwithhisvaryingchildnesscuresinmeThoughtsthatwouldthickmyblood。LEONTESSostandsthissquireOfficedwithme：wetwowillwalk，mylord，Andleaveyoutoyourgraversteps。Hermione，Howthoulovestus，showinourbrother’swelcome；
LetwhatisdearinSicilybecheap：
Nexttothyselfandmyyoungrover，he’sApparenttomyheart。HERMIONEIfyouwouldseekus，Weareyoursi’thegarden：shall’sattendyouthere？LEONTESToyourownbentsdisposeyou：you’llbefound，Beyoubeneaththesky。
AsideIamanglingnow，ThoughyouperceivemenothowIgiveline。
Goto，goto!
Howsheholdsuptheneb，thebilltohim!
AndarmsherwiththeboldnessofawifeToherallowinghusband!
ExeuntPOLIXENES，HERMIONE，andAttendantsGonealready!
Inch—thick，knee—deep，o’erheadandearsafork’done!
Go，play，boy，play：thymotherplays，andI
Playtoo，butsodisgracedapart，whoseissueWillhissmetomygrave：contemptandclamourWillbemyknell。Go，play，boy，play。
Therehavebeen，OrIammuchdeceived，cuckoldserenow；
Andmanyamanthereis，evenatthispresent，NowwhileIspeakthis，holdshiswifebythearm，Thatlittlethinksshehasbeensluicedin’sabsenceAndhispondfish’dbyhisnextneighbour，bySirSmile，hisneighbour：nay，there’scomfortin’tWhilesothermenhavegatesandthosegatesopen’d，Asmine，againsttheirwill。ShouldalldespairThathaverevoltedwives，thetenthofmankindWouldhangthemselves。Physicfor’tthereisnone；
Itisabawdyplanet，thatwillstrikeWhere’tispredominant；and’tispowerful，thinkit，Fromeast，west，northandsouth：beitconcluded，Nobarricadoforabelly；know’t；
ItwillletinandouttheenemyWithbagandbaggage：manythousandon’sHavethedisease，andfeel’tnot。Hownow，boy!MAMILLIUSIamlikeyou，theysay。LEONTESWhythat’ssomecomfort。What，Camillothere？CAMILLOAy，mygoodlord。LEONTESGoplay，Mamillius；thou’rtanhonestman。
ExitMAMILLIUS
Camillo，thisgreatsirwillyetstaylonger。CAMILLOYouhadmuchadotomakehisanchorhold：
Whenyoucastout，itstillcamehome。LEONTESDidstnoteit？CAMILLOHewouldnotstayatyourpetitions：
madeHisbusinessmorematerial。LEONTESDidstperceiveit？
AsideThey’reherewithmealready，whispering，rounding’Siciliaisaso—forth：’’tisfargone，WhenIshallgustitlast。Howcame’t，Camillo，Thathedidstay？CAMILLOAtthegoodqueen’sentreaty。LEONTESAtthequeen’sbe’t：’good’shouldbepertinentBut，soitis，itisnot。WasthistakenByanyunderstandingpatebutthine？
Forthyconceitissoaking，willdrawinMorethanthecommonblocks：notnoted，is’t，Butofthefinernatures？bysomeseveralsOfhead—pieceextraordinary？lowermessesPerchancearetothisbusinesspurblind？say。CAMILLOBusiness，mylord!IthinkmostunderstandBohemiastaysherelonger。LEONTESHa!CAMILLOStaysherelonger。LEONTESAy，butwhy？CAMILLOTosatisfyyourhighnessandtheentreatiesOfourmostgraciousmistress。LEONTESSatisfy!
Theentreatiesofyourmistress!satisfy!
Letthatsuffice。Ihavetrustedthee，Camillo，Withallthenearestthingstomyheart，aswellMychamber—councils，wherein，priest—like，thouHastcleansedmybosom，IfromtheedepartedThypenitentreform’d：butwehavebeenDeceivedinthyintegrity，deceivedInthatwhichseemsso。CAMILLOBeitforbid，mylord!LEONTESTobideupon’t，thouartnothonest，or，Ifthouinclinestthatway，thouartacoward，Whichhoxeshonestybehind，restrainingFromcourserequired；orelsethoumustbecountedAservantgraftedinmyserioustrustAndthereinnegligent；orelseafoolThatseestagameplay’dhome，therichstakedrawn，Andtakestitallforjest。CAMILLOMygraciouslord，Imaybenegligent，foolishandfearful；
Ineveryoneofthesenomanisfree，Butthathisnegligence，hisfolly，fear，Amongtheinfinitedoingsoftheworld，Sometimeputsforth。Inyouraffairs，mylord，IfeverIwerewilful—negligent，Itwasmyfolly；ifindustriouslyIplay’dthefool，itwasmynegligence，Notweighingwelltheend；ifeverfearfulTodoathing，whereItheissuedoubted，WhereoftheexecutiondidcryoutAgainstthenon—performance，’twasafearWhichoftinfectsthewisest：these，mylord，Aresuchallow’dinfirmitiesthathonestyIsneverfreeof。But，beseechyourgrace，Beplainerwithme；letmeknowmytrespassByitsownvisage：ifIthendenyit，’Tisnoneofmine。LEONTESHa’notyouseen，Camillo，——
Butthat’spastdoubt，youhave，oryoureye—glassIsthickerthanacuckold’shorn，——orheard，——
FortoavisionsoapparentrumourCannotbemute，——orthought，——forcogitationResidesnotinthatmanthatdoesnotthink，——
Mywifeisslippery？Ifthouwiltconfess，Orelsebeimpudentlynegative，Tohavenoreyesnorearsnorthought，thensayMywife’sahobby—horse，deservesanameAsrankasanyflax—wenchthatputstoBeforehertroth—plight：say’tandjustify’t。CAMILLOIwouldnotbeastander—bytohearMysovereignmistresscloudedso，withoutMypresentvengeancetaken：’shrewmyheart，YouneverspokewhatdidbecomeyoulessThanthis；whichtoreiterateweresinAsdeepasthat，thoughtrue。LEONTESIswhisperingnothing？
Isleaningcheektocheek？ismeetingnoses？
Kissingwithinsidelip？stoppingthecareerOflaughingwithasigh？——anoteinfallibleOfbreakinghonesty——horsingfootonfoot？
Skulkingincorners？wishingclocksmoreswift？
Hours，minutes？noon，midnight？andalleyesBlindwiththepinandwebbuttheirs，theirsonly，Thatwouldunseenbewicked？isthisnothing？
Why，thentheworldandallthat’sin’tisnothing；
Thecoveringskyisnothing；Bohemianothing；
Mywifeisnothing；nornothinghavethesenothings，Ifthisbenothing。CAMILLOGoodmylord，becuredOfthisdiseasedopinion，andbetimes；
For’tismostdangerous。LEONTESSayitbe，’tistrue。CAMILLONo，no，mylord。LEONTESItis；youlie，youlie：
Isaythouliest，Camillo，andIhatethee，Pronouncetheeagrosslout，amindlessslave，Orelseahoveringtemporizer，thatCanstwiththineeyesatonceseegoodandevil，Incliningtothemboth：weremywife’sliverInfectedasherlife，shewouldnotliveTherunningofoneglass。CAMILLOWhodoesinfecther？LEONTESWhy，hethatwearsherlikeamedal，hangingAbouthisneck，Bohemia：who，ifI
Hadservantstrueaboutme，thatbareeyesToseealikeminehonourastheirprofits，Theirownparticularthrifts，theywoulddothatWhichshouldundomoredoing：ay，andthou，Hiscupbearer，——whomIfrommeanerformHavebenchedandrearedtoworship，whomaystseePlainlyasheavenseesearthandearthseesheaven，HowIamgalled，——mightstbespiceacup，Togivemineenemyalastingwink；
Whichdraughttomewerecordial。CAMILLOSir，mylord，Icoulddothis，andthatwithnorashpotion，ButwithalingeringdramthatshouldnotworkMaliciouslylikepoison：butIcannotBelievethiscracktobeinmydreadmistress，Sosovereignlybeinghonourable。
Ihavelovedthee，——LEONTESMakethatthyquestion，andgorot!
DostthinkIamsomuddy，sounsettled，Toappointmyselfinthisvexation，sullyThepurityandwhitenessofmysheets，Whichtopreserveissleep，whichbeingspottedIsgoads，thorns，nettles，tailsofwasps，Givescandaltothebloodo’theprincemyson，WhoIdothinkismineandloveasmine，Withoutripemovingto’t？WouldIdothis？
Couldmansoblench？CAMILLOImustbelieveyou，sir：
Ido；andwillfetchoffBohemiafor’t；
Providedthat，whenhe’sremoved，yourhighnessWilltakeagainyourqueenasyoursatfirst，Evenforyourson’ssake；andtherebyforsealingTheinjuryoftonguesincourtsandkingdomsKnownandalliedtoyours。LEONTESThoudostadvisemeEvensoasImineowncoursehavesetdown：
I’llgivenoblemishtoherhonour，none。CAMILLOMylord，Gothen；andwithacountenanceasclearAsfriendshipwearsatfeasts，keepwithBohemiaAndwithyourqueen。Iamhiscupbearer：
Iffrommehehavewholesomebeverage，Accountmenotyourservant。LEONTESThisisall：
Do’tandthouhasttheonehalfofmyheart；
Do’tnot，thousplit’stthineown。CAMILLOI’lldo’t，mylord。LEONTESIwillseemfriendly，asthouhastadvisedme。
ExitCAMILLOOmiserablelady!But，forme，WhatcasestandIin？ImustbethepoisonerOfgoodPolixenes；andmygroundtodo’tIstheobediencetoamaster，oneWhoinrebellionwithhimselfwillhaveAllthatarehissotoo。Todothisdeed，Promotionfollows。IfIcouldfindexampleOfthousandsthathadstruckanointedkingsAndflourish’dafter，I’ldnotdo’t；butsinceNorbrassnorstonenorparchmentbearsnotone，Letvillanyitselfforswear’t。ImustForsakethecourt：todo’t，orno，iscertainTomeabreak—neck。Happystar，reignnow!
HerecomesBohemia。
Re—enterPOLIXENESPOLIXENESThisisstrange：methinksMyfavourherebeginstowarp。Notspeak？
Goodday，Camillo。CAMILLOHail，mostroyalsir!POLIXENESWhatisthenewsi’thecourt？CAMILLONonerare，mylord。POLIXENESThekinghathonhimsuchacountenanceAshehadlostsomeprovinceandaregionLovedasheloveshimself：evennowImethimWithcustomarycompliment；whenhe，WaftinghiseyestothecontraryandfallingAlipofmuchcontempt，speedsfrommeandSoleavesmetoconsiderwhatisbreedingThatchangeththushismanners。CAMILLOIdarenotknow，mylord。POLIXENESHow!darenot!donot。Doyouknow，anddarenot？
Beintelligenttome：’tisthereabouts；
For，toyourself，whatyoudoknow，youmust。
Andcannotsay，youdarenot。GoodCamillo，YourchangedcomplexionsaretomeamirrorWhichshowsmeminechangedtoo；forImustbeApartyinthisalteration，findingMyselfthusalter’dwith’t。CAMILLOThereisasicknessWhichputssomeofusindistemper，butIcannotnamethedisease；anditiscaughtOfyouthatyetarewell。POLIXENESHow!caughtofme!
Makemenotsightedlikethebasilisk：
Ihavelook’donthousands，whohavespedthebetterBymyregard，butkill’dnoneso。Camillo，——
Asyouarecertainlyagentleman，theretoClerk—likeexperienced，whichnolessadornsOurgentrythanourparents’noblenames，Inwhosesuccesswearegentle，——Ibeseechyou，IfyouknowaughtwhichdoesbehovemyknowledgeThereoftobeinform’d，imprison’tnotInignorantconcealment。CAMILLOImaynotanswer。POLIXENESAsicknesscaughtofme，andyetIwell!
Imustbeanswer’d。Dostthouhear，Camillo，Iconjurethee，byallthepartsofmanWhichhonourdoesacknowledge，whereoftheleastIsnotthissuitofmine，thatthoudeclareWhatincidencythoudostguessofharmIscreepingtowardme；howfaroff，hownear；
Whichwaytobeprevented，iftobe；
Ifnot，howbesttobearit。CAMILLOSir，Iwilltellyou；
SinceIamchargedinhonourandbyhimThatIthinkhonourable：thereforemarkmycounsel，Whichmustbeevenasswiftlyfollow’dasImeantoutterit，orbothyourselfandmeCrylost，andsogoodnight!POLIXENESOn，goodCamillo。CAMILLOIamappointedhimtomurderyou。POLIXENESBywhom，Camillo？CAMILLOBytheking。POLIXENESForwhat？CAMILLOHethinks，nay，withallconfidenceheswears，Ashehadseen’torbeenaninstrumentToviceyouto’t，thatyouhavetouch’dhisqueenForbiddenly。POLIXENESO，thenmybestbloodturnToaninfectedjellyandmynameBeyokedwithhisthatdidbetraytheBest!
TurnthenmyfreshestreputationtoAsavourthatmaystrikethedullestnostrilWhereIarrive，andmyapproachbeshunn’d，Nay，hatedtoo，worsethanthegreat’stinfectionThate’erwasheardorread!CAMILLOSwearhisthoughtoverByeachparticularstarinheavenandByalltheirinfluences，youmayaswellForbidtheseafortoobeythemoonAsorbyoathremoveorcounselshakeThefabricofhisfolly，whosefoundationIspileduponhisfaithandwillcontinueThestandingofhisbody。POLIXENESHowshouldthisgrow？CAMILLOIknownot：butIamsure’tissafertoAvoidwhat’sgrownthanquestionhow’tisborn。
Ifthereforeyoudaretrustmyhonesty，ThatliesenclosedinthistrunkwhichyouShallbearalongimpawn’d，awayto—night!
YourfollowersIwillwhispertothebusiness，AndwillbytwosandthreesatseveralposternsClearthemo’thecity。Formyself，I’llputMyfortunestoyourservice，whicharehereBythisdiscoverylost。Benotuncertain；
For，bythehonourofmyparents，I
Haveutter’dtruth：whichifyouseektoprove，Idarenotstandby；norshallyoubesaferThanonecondemn’dbytheking’sownmouth，thereonHisexecutionsworn。POLIXENESIdobelievethee：
Isawhisheartin’sface。Givemethyhand：
BepilottomeandthyplacesshallStillneighbourmine。MyshipsarereadyandMypeopledidexpectmyhencedepartureTwodaysago。ThisjealousyIsforapreciouscreature：asshe’srare，Mustitbegreat，andashisperson’smighty，Mustitbeviolent，andashedoesconceiveHeisdishonour’dbyamanwhicheverProfess’dtohim，why，hisrevengesmustInthatbemademorebitter。Fearo’ershadesme：
Goodexpeditionbemyfriend，andcomfortThegraciousqueen，partofhistheme，butnothingOfhisill—ta’ensuspicion!Come，Camillo；
IwillrespecttheeasafatherifThoubear’stmylifeoffhence：letusavoid。CAMILLOItisinmineauthoritytocommandThekeysofalltheposterns：pleaseyourhighnessTotaketheurgenthour。Come，sir，away。
ExeuntACTIISCENEI。AroominLEONTES’palace。EnterHERMIONE，MAMILLIUS，andLadiesHERMIONETaketheboytoyou：hesotroublesme，’Tispastenduring。FirstLadyCome，mygraciouslord，ShallIbeyourplayfellow？MAMILLIUSNo，I’llnoneofyou。FirstLadyWhy，mysweetlord？MAMILLIUSYou’llkissmehardandspeaktomeasifIwereababystill。Iloveyoubetter。SecondLadyAndwhyso，mylord？MAMILLIUSNotforbecauseYourbrowsareblacker；yetblackbrows，theysay，Becomesomewomenbest，sothattherebenotToomuchhairthere，butinasemicircleOrahalf—moonmadewithapen。SecondLadyWhotaughtyouthis？MAMILLIUSIlearntitoutofwomen’sfaces。PraynowWhatcolourareyoureyebrows？FirstLadyBlue，mylord。MAMILLIUSNay，that’samock：Ihaveseenalady’snoseThathasbeenblue，butnothereyebrows。FirstLadyHarkye；
Thequeenyourmotherroundsapace：weshallPresentourservicestoafinenewprinceOneofthesedays；andthenyou’ldwantonwithus，Ifwewouldhaveyou。SecondLadySheisspreadoflateIntoagoodlybulk：goodtimeencounterher!HERMIONEWhatwisdomstirsamongstyou？Come，sir，nowIamforyouagain：prayyou，sitbyus，Andtell’satale。MAMILLIUSMerryorsadshall’tbe？HERMIONEAsmerryasyouwill。MAMILLIUSAsadtale’sbestforwinter：IhaveoneOfspritesandgoblins。HERMIONELet’shavethat，goodsir。
Comeon，sitdown：comeon，anddoyourbestTofrightmewithyoursprites；you’repowerfulatit。MAMILLIUSTherewasaman——HERMIONENay，come，sitdown；thenon。MAMILLIUSDweltbyachurchyard：Iwilltellitsoftly；
Yondcricketsshallnothearit。HERMIONEComeon，then，Andgive’tmeinmineear。
EnterLEONTES，withANTIGONUS，LordsandothersLEONTESWashemetthere？histrain？Camillowithhim？FirstLordBehindthetuftofpinesImetthem；neverSawImenscoursoontheirway：IeyedthemEventotheirships。LEONTESHowblestamI
Inmyjustcensure，inmytrueopinion!
Alack，forlesserknowledge!howaccursedInbeingsoblest!TheremaybeinthecupAspidersteep’d，andonemaydrink，depart，Andyetpartakenovenom，forhisknowledgeIsnotinfected：butifonepresentTheabhorr’dingredienttohiseye，makeknownHowhehathdrunk，hecrackshisgorge，hissides，Withviolenthefts。Ihavedrunk，andseenthespider。
Camillowashishelpinthis，hispander：
Thereisaplotagainstmylife，mycrown；
All’struethatismistrusted：thatfalsevillainWhomIemploy’dwaspre—employ’dbyhim：
Hehasdiscover’dmydesign，andI
Remainapinch’dthing；yea，averytrickForthemtoplayatwill。HowcametheposternsSoeasilyopen？FirstLordByhisgreatauthority；
Whichoftenhathnolessprevail’dthansoOnyourcommand。LEONTESIknow’ttoowell。
Givemetheboy：Iamgladyoudidnotnursehim：
Thoughhedoesbearsomesignsofme，yetyouHavetoomuchbloodinhim。HERMIONEWhatisthis？sport？LEONTESBeartheboyhence；heshallnotcomeabouther；
Awaywithhim!andlethersportherselfWiththatshe’sbigwith；for’tisPolixenesHasmadetheeswellthus。HERMIONEButI’ldsayhehadnot，AndI’llbeswornyouwouldbelievemysaying，Howe’eryouleantothenayward。LEONTESYou，mylords，Lookonher，markherwell；bebutaboutTosay’sheisagoodlylady，’andThejusticeofyourbeartswilltheretoadd’Tispityshe’snothonest，honourable：’
Praiseherbutforthisherwithout—doorform，Whichonmyfaithdeserveshighspeech，andstraightTheshrug，thehumorha，thesepettybrandsThatcalumnydothuse——O，Iamout——
Thatmercydoes，forcalumnywillsearVirtueitself：theseshrugs，thesehumsandha’s，Whenyouhavesaid’she’sgoodly，’comebetweenEreyoucansay’she’shonest：’butbe’tknown，Fromhimthathasmostcausetogrieveitshouldbe，She’sanadulteress。HERMIONEShouldavillainsayso，Themostreplenish’dvillainintheworld，Hewereasmuchmorevillain：you，mylord，Dobutmistake。LEONTESYouhavemistook，mylady，PolixenesforLeontes：Othouthing!
WhichI’llnotcallacreatureofthyplace，Lestbarbarism，makingmetheprecedent，ShouldalikelanguageusetoalldegreesAndmannerlydistinguishmentleaveoutBetwixttheprinceandbeggar：IhavesaidShe’sanadulteress；Ihavesaidwithwhom：
More，she’satraitorandCamilloisAfederarywithher，andonethatknowsWhatsheshouldshametoknowherselfButwithhermostvileprincipal，thatshe’sAbed—swerver，evenasbadasthoseThatvulgarsgivebold’sttitles，ay，andprivyTothistheirlateescape。HERMIONENo，bymylife。
Privytononeofthis。Howwillthisgrieveyou，Whenyoushallcometoclearerknowledge，thatYouthushavepublish’dme!Gentlemylord，YouscarcecanrightmethroughlythentosayYoudidmistake。LEONTESNo；ifImistakeInthosefoundationswhichIbuildupon，ThecentreisnotbigenoughtobearAschool—boy’stop。Awaywithher!toprison!
HewhoshallspeakforherisafaroffguiltyButthathespeaks。HERMIONEThere’ssomeillplanetreigns：
ImustbepatienttilltheheavenslookWithanaspectmorefavourable。Goodmylords，Iamnotpronetoweeping，asoursexCommonlyare；thewantofwhichvaindewPerchanceshalldryyourpities：butIhaveThathonourablegrieflodgedherewhichburnsWorsethantearsdrown：beseechyouall，mylords，WiththoughtssoqualifiedasyourcharitiesShallbestinstructyou，measureme；andsoTheking’swillbeperform’d!LEONTESShallIbeheard？HERMIONEWhois’tthatgoeswithme？Beseechyourhighness，Mywomenmaybewithme；foryouseeMyplightrequiresit。Donotweep，goodfools；
Thereisnocause：whenyoushallknowyourmistressHasdeservedprison，thenaboundintearsAsIcomeout：thisactionInowgoonIsformybettergrace。Adieu，mylord：
Ineverwish’dtoseeyousorry；nowItrustIshall。Mywomen，come；youhaveleave。LEONTESGo，doourbidding；hence!
ExitHERMIONE，guarded；withLadiesFirstLordBeseechyourhighness，callthequeenagain。ANTIGONUSBecertainwhatyoudo，sir，lestyourjusticeProveviolence；inthewhichthreegreatonessuffer，Yourself，yourqueen，yourson。FirstLordForher，mylord，Idaremylifelaydownandwilldo’t，sir，Pleaseyoutoacceptit，thatthequeenisspotlessI’theeyesofheavenandtoyou；Imean，Inthiswhichyouaccuseher。ANTIGONUSIfitproveShe’sotherwise，I’llkeepmystableswhereIlodgemywife；I’llgoincoupleswithher；
ThanwhenIfeelandseehernofarthertrusther；
Foreveryinchofwomanintheworld，Ay，everydramofwoman’sfleshisfalse，Ifshebe。LEONTESHoldyourpeaces。FirstLordGoodmylord，——ANTIGONUSItisforyouwespeak，notforourselves：
Youareabusedandbysomeputter—onThatwillbedamn’dfor’t；wouldIknewthevillain，Iwouldland—damnhim。Beshehonour—flaw’d，Ihavethreedaughters；theeldestiselevenThesecondandthethird，nine，andsomefive；
Ifthisprovetrue，they’llpayfor’t：
byminehonour，I’llgeld’emall；fourteentheyshallnotsee，Tobringfalsegenerations：theyareco—heirs；
AndIhadratherglibmyselfthantheyShouldnotproducefairissue。LEONTESCease；nomore。
YousmellthisbusinesswithasenseascoldAsisadeadman’snose：butIdosee’tandfeel’tAsyoufeeldoingthus；andseewithalTheinstrumentsthatfeel。ANTIGONUSIfitbeso，Weneednogravetoburyhonesty：
There’snotagrainofitthefacetosweetenOfthewholedungyearth。LEONTESWhat!lackIcredit？FirstLordIhadratheryoudidlackthanI，mylord，Uponthisground；andmoreitwouldcontentmeTohaveherhonourtruethanyoursuspicion，Beblamedfor’thowyoumight。LEONTESWhy，whatneedweCommunewithyouofthis，butratherfollowOurforcefulinstigation？OurprerogativeCallsnotyourcounsels，butournaturalgoodnessImpartsthis；whichifyou，orstupefiedOrseemingsoinskill，cannotorwillnotRelishatruthlikeus，informyourselvesWeneednomoreofyouradvice：thematter，Theloss，thegain，theorderingon’t，isallProperlyours。ANTIGONUSAndIwish，myliege，Youhadonlyinyoursilentjudgmenttriedit，Withoutmoreoverture。LEONTESHowcouldthatbe？
Eitherthouartmostignorantbyage，Orthouwertbornafool。Camillo’sflight，Addedtotheirfamiliarity，Whichwasasgrossasevertouch’dconjecture，Thatlack’dsightonly，noughtforapprobationButonlyseeing，allothercircumstancesMadeuptothedeed，dothpushonthisproceeding：
Yet，foragreaterconfirmation，Forinanactofthisimportance’twereMostpiteoustobewild，Ihavedispatch’dinpostTosacredDelphos，toApollo’stemple，CleomenesandDion，whomyouknowOfstuff’dsufficiency：nowfromtheoracleTheywillbringall；whosespiritualcounselhad，Shallstoporspurme。HaveIdonewell？FirstLordWelldone，mylord。LEONTESThoughIamsatisfiedandneednomoreThanwhatIknow，yetshalltheoracleGiveresttothemindsofothers，suchasheWhoseignorantcredulitywillnotComeuptothetruth。SohavewethoughtitgoodFromourfreepersonsheshouldbeconfined，LestthatthetreacheryofthetwofledhenceBelefthertoperform。Come，followus；
Wearetospeakinpublic；forthisbusinessWillraiseusall。ANTIGONUS[Aside]
Tolaughter，asItakeit，Ifthegoodtruthwereknown。
ExeuntSCENEII。Aprison。EnterPAULINA，aGentleman，andAttendantsPAULINAThekeeperoftheprison，calltohim；
lethimhaveknowledgewhoIam。
ExitGentlemanGoodlady，NocourtinEuropeistoogoodforthee；
Whatdostthoutheninprison？
Re—enterGentleman，withtheGaolerNow，goodsir，Youknowme，doyounot？GaolerForaworthyladyAndonewhommuchIhonour。PAULINAPrayyouthen，Conductmetothequeen。GaolerImaynot，madam：
TothecontraryIhaveexpresscommandment。PAULINAHere’sado，TolockuphonestyandhonourfromTheaccessofgentlevisitors!
Is’tlawful，prayyou，Toseeherwomen？anyofthem？Emilia？GaolerSopleaseyou，madam，Toputaparttheseyourattendants，I
ShallbringEmiliaforth。PAULINAIpraynow，callher。
Withdrawyourselves。
ExeuntGentlemanandAttendantsGaolerAnd，madam，Imustbepresentatyourconference。PAULINAWell，be’tso，prithee。
ExitGaolerHere’ssuchadotomakenostainastainAspassescolouring。
Re—enterGaoler，withEMILIA
Deargentlewoman，Howfaresourgraciouslady？EMILIAAswellasonesogreatandsoforlornMayholdtogether：onherfrightsandgriefs，Whichnevertenderladyhathborngreater，Sheissomethingbeforehertimedeliver’d。PAULINAAboy？EMILIAAdaughter，andagoodlybabe，Lustyandliketolive：thequeenreceivesMuchcomfortin’t；says’Mypoorprisoner，Iaminnocentasyou。’PAULINAIdarebeswornThesedangerousunsafelunesi’theking，beshrewthem!
Hemustbetoldon’t，andheshall：theofficeBecomesawomanbest；I’lltake’tuponme：
IfIprovehoney—mouth’dletmytongueblisterAndnevertomyred—look’dangerbeThetrumpetanymore。Prayyou，Emilia，Commendmybestobediencetothequeen：
Ifshedarestrustmewithherlittlebabe，I’llshow’tthekingandundertaketobeHeradvocatetotheloud’st。WedonotknowHowhemaysoftenatthesighto’thechild：
ThesilenceoftenofpureinnocencePersuadeswhenspeakingfails。EMILIAMostworthymadam，YourhonourandyourgoodnessissoevidentThatyourfreeundertakingcannotmissAthrivingissue：thereisnoladylivingSomeetforthisgreaterrand。PleaseyourladyshipTovisitthenextroom，I’llpresentlyAcquaintthequeenofyourmostnobleoffer；
Whobutto—dayhammer’dofthisdesign，Butdurstnottemptaministerofhonour，Lestsheshouldbedenied。PAULINATellher，Emilia。
I’llusethattongueIhave：ifwitflowfrom’tAsboldnessfrommybosom，let’tnotbedoubtedIshalldogood。EMILIANowbeyoublestforit!
I’lltothequeen：pleaseyou，comesomethingnearer。GaolerMadam，if’tpleasethequeentosendthebabe，IknownotwhatIshallincurtopassit，Havingnowarrant。PAULINAYouneednotfearit，sir：
ThischildwasprisonertothewombandisBylawandprocessofgreatnaturethenceFreedandenfranchised，notapartytoTheangerofthekingnorguiltyof，Ifanybe，thetrespassofthequeen。GaolerIdobelieveit。PAULINADonotyoufear：uponminehonour，Iwillstandbetwixtyouanddanger。
ExeuntSCENEIII。AroominLEONTES’palace。EnterLEONTES，ANTIGONUS，Lords，andServantsLEONTESNornightnordaynorest：itisbutweaknessTobearthematterthus；mereweakness。IfThecausewerenotinbeing，——parto’thecause，Shetheadulteress；fortheharlotkingIsquitebeyondminearm，outoftheblankAndlevelofmybrain，plot—proof；butsheIcanhooktome：saythatsheweregone，Giventothefire，amoietyofmyrestMightcometomeagain。Who’sthere？FirstServantMylord？LEONTESHowdoestheboy？FirstServantHetookgoodrestto—night；
’Tishopedhissicknessisdischarged。LEONTESToseehisnobleness!
Conceivingthedishonourofhismother，Hestraightdeclined，droop’d，tookitdeeply，Fasten’dandfix’dtheshameon’tinhimself，Threwoffhisspirit，hisappetite，hissleep，Anddownrightlanguish’d。Leavemesolely：go，Seehowhefares。
ExitServantFie，fie!nothoughtofhim：
ThethoughtofmyrevengesthatwayRecoiluponme：inhimselftoomighty，Andinhisparties，hisalliance；lethimbeUntilatimemayserve：forpresentvengeance，Takeitonher。CamilloandPolixenesLaughatme，maketheirpastimeatmysorrow：
TheyshouldnotlaughifIcouldreachthem，norShallshewithinmypower。
EnterPAULINA，withachildFirstLordYoumustnotenter。PAULINANay，rather，goodmylords，besecondtome：
Fearyouhistyrannouspassionmore，alas，Thanthequeen’slife？agraciousinnocentsoul，Morefreethanheisjealous。ANTIGONUSThat’senough。SecondServantMadam，hehathnotslepttonight；commandedNoneshouldcomeathim。PAULINANotsohot，goodsir：
Icometobringhimsleep。’Tissuchasyou，ThatcreeplikeshadowsbyhimanddosighAteachhisneedlessheavings，suchasyouNourishthecauseofhisawaking：I
Docomewithwordsasmedicinalastrue，Honestaseither，topurgehimofthathumourThatpresseshimfromsleep。LEONTESWhatnoisethere，ho？PAULINANonoise，mylord；butneedfulconferenceAboutsomegossipsforyourhighness。LEONTESHow!
Awaywiththataudaciouslady!Antigonus，Ichargedtheethatsheshouldnotcomeaboutme：
Iknewshewould。ANTIGONUSItoldherso，mylord，Onyourdispleasure’sperilandonmine，Sheshouldnotvisityou。LEONTESWhat，canstnotruleher？PAULINAFromalldishonestyhecan：inthis，Unlesshetakethecoursethatyouhavedone，Commitmeforcommittinghonour，trustit，Heshallnotruleme。ANTIGONUSLayounow，youhear：
WhenshewilltakethereinIletherrun；
Butshe’llnotstumble。PAULINAGoodmyliege，Icome；
And，Ibeseechyou，hearme，whoprofessMyselfyourloyalservant，yourphysician，Yourmostobedientcounsellor，yetthatdareLessappearsoincomfortingyourevils，Thansuchasmostseemyours：Isay，IcomeFromyourgoodqueen。LEONTESGoodqueen!PAULINAGoodqueen，mylord，Goodqueen；Isaygoodqueen；
Andwouldbycombatmakehergood，sowereI
Aman，theworstaboutyou。LEONTESForceherhence。PAULINALethimthatmakesbuttriflesofhiseyesFirsthandme：onmineownaccordI’lloff；
ButfirstI’lldomyerrand。Thegoodqueen，Forsheisgood，hathbroughtyouforthadaughter；
Here’tis；commendsittoyourblessing。
LayingdownthechildLEONTESOut!
Amankindwitch!Hencewithher，outo’door：
Amostintelligencingbawd!PAULINANotso：
IamasignorantinthatasyouInsoentitlingme，andnolesshonestThanyouaremad；whichisenough，I’llwarrant，Asthisworldgoes，topassforhonest。LEONTESTraitors!
Willyounotpushherout？Giveherthebastard。
