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Act 1, Scene 2 — The same. A Room of State in the Palace.
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The argument Hermione charmingly persuades Polixenes to extend his visit, which instantly triggers Leontes's irrational jealousy; he orders Camillo to poison Polixenes, but Camillo warns the king instead and they flee Sicilia together.
Enter Leontes, Polixenes, Hermione, Mamillius, Camillo and Attendants.
First appearance
POLIXENES

Polixenes speaks with elegant rhetorical formality in public and a more vulnerable intimacy in private. His speech about the 'twinned lambs' is unusually personal for him — watch for how rarely he lets his guard down and what it costs him when he does.

POLIXENES ≋ verse

Nine changes of the watery star hath been

The shepherd’s note since we have left our throne

Without a burden. Time as long again

Would be fill’d up, my brother, with our thanks;

And yet we should, for perpetuity,

Go hence in debt: and therefore, like a cipher,

Yet standing in rich place, I multiply

With one “we thank you” many thousands more

That go before it.

Nine changes of the watery star has been The shepherd’s note since we have left our throne Without a burden. Time as long again Would be fill’d up, my brother, with our thanks; And yet we should, for perpetuity, Go hence in debt: and therefore, like a cipher, Yet standing in rich place, I multiply With one “we thank you” many thousands more That go before it.

Nine changes of the watery star has been The shepherd’s note since we have left our throne Without a burden. Time as long again Would be fill’d up, my brother, with our thanks; And yet we should, for perpetuity, Go hence in debt: and therefore, like a cipher, Yet standing in rich place, I multiply With one “we thank you” many thousands more That go before it.

nine changes of the watery star has been time as long again would be fill’d up my brother with our thanks

"like a cipher, Yet standing in rich place, I multiply With one "we thank you" many thousands more" Polixenes is using the mathematical metaphor of a zero (cipher) that multiplies — placing it after a large number. The image reflects his elaborate rhetorical training: even gratitude becomes a formal calculation.
First appearance
LEONTES

Leontes speaks in two registers: elaborate public verse when others can hear him, and explosive, fragmentary syntax when alone with his jealousy. His aside speeches in this scene are among the most syntactically fractured in Shakespeare — short, stabbing, self-interrupting. Watch for how his language breaks down when his mind does.

LEONTES ≋ verse

Stay your thanks a while,

And pay them when you part.

Stay your thanks a while, And pay them when you part.

Stay your thanks a while, And pay them when you part.

stay your thanks a while and pay them when you part

POLIXENES ≋ verse

Sir, that’s tomorrow.

I am question’d by my fears, of what may chance

Or breed upon our absence; that may blow

No sneaping winds at home, to make us say

“This is put forth too truly.” Besides, I have stay’d

To tire your royalty.

Sir, that’s tomorrow. I am question’d by my fears, of what may chance Or breed upon our absence; that may blow No sneaping winds at home, to make us say “This is put forth too truly.” Besides, I have stay’d To tire your royalty.

Sir, that’s tomorrow. I'm question’d by my fears, of what may chance Or breed upon our absence; that may blow No sneaping winds at home, to make us say “This is put forth too truly.” Besides, I have stay’d To tire your royalty.

that’s tomorrow i am question’d by my fears of what may chance or breed upon our absence

LEONTES ≋ verse

We are tougher, brother,

Than you can put us to ’t.

We are tougher, brother, Than you can put us to ’t.

We are tougher, brother, Than you can put us to ’t.

we are tougher brother than you can put us to ’t

POLIXENES

No longer stay.

No longer stay.

No longer stay.

no longer stay

LEONTES

One seve’night longer.

One seve’night longer.

One seve’night longer.

one seve’night longer

POLIXENES

Very sooth, tomorrow.

Very sooth, tomorrow.

Very sooth, tomorrow.

very sooth tomorrow

LEONTES ≋ verse

We’ll part the time between ’s then: and in that

I’ll no gainsaying.

We’ll part the time between ’s then: and in that I’ll no gainsaying.

We’ll part the time between ’s then: and in that I’ll no gainsaying.

we’ll part the time between ’s then and in that i’ll no gainsaying

POLIXENES ≋ verse

Press me not, beseech you, so,

There is no tongue that moves, none, none i’ th’ world,

So soon as yours, could win me: so it should now,

Were there necessity in your request, although

’Twere needful I denied it. My affairs

Do even drag me homeward: which to hinder

Were, in your love a whip to me; my stay

To you a charge and trouble: to save both,

Farewell, our brother.

Press me not, beseech you, so, There is no tongue that moves, none, none i’ th’ world, So soon as yours, could win me: so it should now, Were there necessity in your request, although ’Twere needful I denied it. My affairs Do even drag me homeward: which to hinder Were, in your love a whip to me; my stay To you a charge and trouble: to save both, Farewell, our brother.

Press me not, beseech you, so, There is no tongue that moves, none, none i’ th’ world, So soon as yours, could win me: so it should now, Were there necessity in your request, although ’Twere needful I denied it. My affairs Do even drag me homeward: which to hinder Were, in your love a whip to me; my stay To you a charge and trouble: to save both, Farewell, our brother.

press me not beseech you there is no tongue that moves

LEONTES

Tongue-tied, our queen? Speak you.

Tongue-tied, our queen? Speak you.

Tongue-tied, our queen? Speak you.

tongue-tied our queen? speak you

First appearance
HERMIONE

Hermione is the sharpest wit in Sicilia — she speaks in nimble, logical sentences that turn arguments inside out. She is also warm and direct, never performing warmth but simply having it. Watch for how her language is precise and affectionate at the same time.

HERMIONE ≋ verse

I had thought, sir, to have held my peace until

You had drawn oaths from him not to stay. You, sir,

Charge him too coldly. Tell him you are sure

All in Bohemia’s well: this satisfaction

The by-gone day proclaimed. Say this to him,

He’s beat from his best ward.

I had thought, sir, to have held my peace until You had drawn oaths from him not to stay. You, sir, Charge him too coldly. Tell him you are sure All in Bohemia’s well: this satisfaction The by-gone day proclaimed. Say this to him, He’s beat from his best ward.

I had thought, sir, to have held my peace until You had drawn oaths from him not to stay. You, sir, Charge him too coldly. Tell him you're sure All in Bohemia’s well: this satisfaction The by-gone day proclaimed. Say this to him, He’s beat from his best ward.

i had thought to have held my peace until you had

LEONTES

Well said, Hermione.

Well said, Hermione.

Well said, Hermione.

well said hermione

HERMIONE ≋ verse

To tell he longs to see his son were strong.

But let him say so then, and let him go;

But let him swear so, and he shall not stay,

We’ll thwack him hence with distaffs.

To tell he longs to see his son were strong. But let him say so then, and let him go; But let him swear so, and he shall not stay, We’ll thwack him hence with distaffs.

To tell he longs to see his son were strong. But let him say so then, and let him go; But let him swear so, and he shall not stay, We’ll thwack him hence with distaffs.

to tell he longs to see his son were strong but let him say so then and let him go but let him swear so

[_To Polixenes._] Yet of your royal presence I’ll adventure
The borrow of a week. When at Bohemia
You take my lord, I’ll give him my commission
To let him there a month behind the gest
Prefix’d for’s parting:—yet, good deed, Leontes,
I love thee not a jar of th’ clock behind
What lady she her lord. You’ll stay?
POLIXENES

No, madam.

No, madam.

No, madam.

[scene continues]

HERMIONE

Nay, but you will?

no, but you will?

no, but you will?

but you will?

POLIXENES

I may not, verily.

I may not, truly.

I may not, truly.

i may not

HERMIONE ≋ verse

Verily!

You put me off with limber vows; but I,

Though you would seek t’ unsphere the stars with oaths,

Should yet say “Sir, no going.” Verily,

You shall not go. A lady’s verily is

As potent as a lord’s. Will go yet?

Force me to keep you as a prisoner,

Not like a guest: so you shall pay your fees

When you depart, and save your thanks. How say you?

My prisoner or my guest? By your dread “verily,”

One of them you shall be.

truly! You put me off with limber vows; but I, Though you would seek t’ unsphere the stars with oaths, Should yet say “Sir, no going.” truly, You shall not go. A lady’s truly is As potent as a lord’s. Will go yet? Force me to keep you as a prisoner, Not like a guest: so you shall pay your fees When you depart, and save your thanks. How say you? My prisoner or my guest? By your dread “truly,” One of them you shall be.

truly! You put me off with limber vows; but I, Though you would seek t’ unsphere the stars with oaths, Should yet say “Sir, no going.” truly, You shall not go. A lady’s truly is As potent as a lord’s. Will go yet? Force me to keep you as a prisoner, Not like a guest: so you shall pay your fees When you depart, and save your thanks. How say you? My prisoner or my guest? By your dread “truly,” One of them you shall be.

truly! you put me off with limber vows though you would seek t’ unsphere the stars should yet say “sir

POLIXENES ≋ verse

Your guest, then, madam.

To be your prisoner should import offending;

Which is for me less easy to commit

Than you to punish.

Your guest, then, madam. To be your prisoner should import offending; Which is for me less easy to commit Than you to punish.

Your guest, then, madam. To be your prisoner should import offending; Which is for me less easy to commit Than you to punish.

your guest to be your prisoner should import offending

HERMIONE ≋ verse

Not your gaoler then,

But your kind hostess. Come, I’ll question you

Of my lord’s tricks and yours when you were boys.

You were pretty lordings then.

Not your gaoler then, But your kind hostess. Come, I’ll question you Of my lord’s tricks and yours when you were boys. You were pretty lordings then.

Not your gaoler then, But your kind hostess. Come, I’ll question you Of my lord’s tricks and yours when you were boys. You were pretty lordings then.

not your gaoler then but your kind hostess i’ll question you of my lord’s tricks and

POLIXENES ≋ verse

We were, fair queen,

Two lads that thought there was no more behind

But such a day tomorrow as today,

And to be boy eternal.

We were, fair queen, Two lads that thought there was no more behind But such a day tomorrow as today, And to be boy eternal.

We were, fair queen, Two lads that thought there was no more behind But such a day tomorrow as today, And to be boy eternal.

we were fair queen two lads that thought there was no more and to be boy eternal

HERMIONE ≋ verse

Was not my lord

The verier wag o’ th’ two?

Was not my lord The verier wag o’ th’ two?

Was not my lord The verier wag o’ th’ two?

was not my lord the verier wag o’ th’ two?

POLIXENES ≋ verse

We were as twinn’d lambs that did frisk i’ th’ sun

And bleat the one at th’ other. What we chang’d

Was innocence for innocence; we knew not

The doctrine of ill-doing, nor dream’d

That any did. Had we pursu’d that life,

And our weak spirits ne’er been higher rear’d

With stronger blood, we should have answer’d heaven

Boldly “Not guilty,” the imposition clear’d

Hereditary ours.

We were as twinn’d lambs that did frisk i’ th’ sun And bleat the one at th’ other. What we chang’d Was innocence for innocence; we knew not The doctrine of ill-doing, nor dream’d That any did. Had we pursu’d that life, And our weak spirits ne’er been higher rear’d With stronger blood, we should have answer’d heaven Boldly “Not guilty,” the imposition clear’d Hereditary ours.

We were as twinn’d lambs that did frisk i’ th’ sun And bleat the one at th’ other. What we chang’d Was innocence for innocence; we knew not The doctrine of ill-doing, nor dream’d That any did. Had we pursu’d that life, And our weak spirits ne’er been higher rear’d With stronger blood, we should have answer’d heaven Boldly “Not guilty,” the imposition clear’d Hereditary ours.

we were as twinn’d lambs that did frisk what we chang’d was innocence for innocence we knew not the doctrine of ill-doing nor dream’d that any did

"We were as twinn'd lambs that did frisk i' th' sun" This speech is unusually tender and theologically loaded: Polixenes is describing a pre-lapsarian state, a childhood that resembled Eden. It makes everything that follows feel like a fall from grace — which is exactly what it is.
Why it matters The 'twinned lambs' speech establishes the boys' friendship as a kind of paradise — which makes Leontes's jealousy all the more apocalyptic. He's not just destroying a friendship; he's corrupting what was once Eden.
HERMIONE ≋ verse

By this we gather

You have tripp’d since.

By this we gather You have tripp’d since.

By this we gather You have tripp’d since.

by this we gather you have tripp’d since

POLIXENES ≋ verse

O my most sacred lady,

Temptations have since then been born to ’s! for

In those unfledg’d days was my wife a girl;

Your precious self had then not cross’d the eyes

Of my young play-fellow.

O my most sacred lady, Temptations have since then been born to ’s! for In those unfledg’d days was my wife a girl; Your precious self had then not cross’d the eyes Of my young play-fellow.

O my most sacred lady, Temptations have since then been born to ’s! for In those unfledg’d days was my wife a girl; Your precious self had then not cross’d the eyes Of my young play-fellow.

o my most sacred lady temptations have since then been born to ’s! your precious self had then not cross’d the

🎭 Dramatic irony Polixenes's innocent compliment — that temptation didn't exist for them until Hermione appeared — is exactly what Leontes will interpret as an admission of guilt. The scene's courtly wit is already being heard through a paranoid filter.
HERMIONE ≋ verse

Grace to boot!

Of this make no conclusion, lest you say

Your queen and I are devils. Yet go on;

Th’ offences we have made you do we’ll answer,

If you first sinn’d with us, and that with us

You did continue fault, and that you slipp’d not

With any but with us.

Grace to boot! Of this make no conclusion, lest you say Your queen and I are devils. Yet go on; Th’ offences we have made you do we’ll answer, If you first sinn’d with us, and that with us You did continue fault, and that you slipp’d not With any but with us.

Grace to boot! Of this make no conclusion, lest you say Your queen and I are devils. Yet go on; Th’ offences we have made you do we’ll answer, If you first sinn’d with us, and that with us You did continue fault, and that you slipp’d not With any but with us.

grace to boot! of this make no conclusion lest you say your queen and i are devils yet go on th’ offences we have made you do we’ll answer

LEONTES

Is he won yet?

Is he won yet?

Is he won yet?

is he won yet?

HERMIONE

He’ll stay, my lord.

He’ll stay, my lord.

He’ll stay, my lord.

he’ll stay my lord

LEONTES ≋ verse

At my request he would not.

Hermione, my dearest, thou never spok’st

To better purpose.

At my request he would not. Hermione, my dearest, you never spok’st To better purpose.

At my request he would not. Hermione, my dearest, you never spok’st To better purpose.

at my request he would not hermione my dearest you never spok’st to better purpose

HERMIONE

Never?

Never?

Never?

never? yes never what were you looking for

LEONTES

Never but once.

Never but once.

Never but once.

never but once

HERMIONE ≋ verse

What! have I twice said well? when was’t before?

I prithee tell me. Cram ’s with praise, and make ’s

As fat as tame things: one good deed dying tongueless

Slaughters a thousand waiting upon that.

Our praises are our wages. You may ride ’s

With one soft kiss a thousand furlongs ere

With spur we heat an acre. But to th’ goal:

My last good deed was to entreat his stay.

What was my first? It has an elder sister,

Or I mistake you: O, would her name were Grace!

But once before I spoke to the purpose—when?

Nay, let me have’t; I long.

What! have I twice said well? when was’t before? I please tell me. Cram ’s with praise, and make ’s As fat as tame things: one good deed dying tongueless Slaughters a thousand waiting upon that. Our praises are our wages. You may ride ’s With one soft kiss a thousand furlongs before With spur we heat an acre. But to th’ goal: My last good deed was to entreat his stay. What was my first? It has an elder sister, Or I mistake you: O, would her name were Grace! But once before I spoke to the purpose—when? no, let me have’t; I long.

What! have I twice said well? when was’t before? I please tell me. Cram ’s with praise, and make ’s As fat as tame things: one good deed dying tongueless Slaughters a thousand waiting upon that. Our praises are our wages. You may ride ’s With one soft kiss a thousand furlongs before With spur we heat an acre. But to th’ goal: My last good deed was to entreat his stay. What was my first? It has an elder sister, Or I mistake you: O, would her name were Grace! But once before I spoke to the purpose—when? no, let me have’t; I long.

what! have i twice said well? when was’t cram ’s with praise and make ’s as fat as tame things one good deed dying tongueless slaughters a thousand

LEONTES ≋ verse

Why, that was when

Three crabbed months had sour’d themselves to death,

Ere I could make thee open thy white hand

And clap thyself my love; then didst thou utter

“I am yours for ever.”

Why, that was when Three crabbed months had sour’d themselves to death, before I could make you open your white hand And clap thyself my love; then did you utter “I am yours for ever.”

Why, that was when Three crabbed months had sour’d themselves to death, before I could make you open your white hand And clap thyself my love; then did you utter “I'm yours for ever.”

that was when three crabbed months had sour’d before i could make you open your white then did you utter “i am yours for ever

HERMIONE ≋ verse

’Tis Grace indeed.

Why, lo you now, I have spoke to th’ purpose twice.

The one for ever earn’d a royal husband;

Th’ other for some while a friend.

’Tis Grace indeed. Why, lo you now, I have spoke to th’ purpose twice. The one for ever earn’d a royal husband; Th’ other for some while a friend.

’Tis Grace indeed. Why, lo you now, I have spoke to th’ purpose twice. The one for ever earn’d a royal husband; Th’ other for some while a friend.

’tis grace indeed lo you now i have spoke to th’ purpose twice

🎭 Dramatic irony Hermione's joke — 'the first earned me a husband forever; the second earned me a friend for a while' — is heartbreaking in retrospect. She is about to lose both: Polixenes forced to flee, and her 'forever' husband about to imprison her.
[_Giving her hand to Polixenes._]
[_Aside._] Too hot, too hot!
LEONTES ≋ verse

To mingle friendship far is mingling bloods.

I have _tremor cordis_ on me. My heart dances,

But not for joy,—not joy. This entertainment

May a free face put on, derive a liberty

From heartiness, from bounty, fertile bosom,

And well become the agent: ’t may, I grant:

But to be paddling palms and pinching fingers,

As now they are, and making practis’d smiles

As in a looking-glass; and then to sigh, as ’twere

The mort o’ th’ deer. O, that is entertainment

My bosom likes not, nor my brows. Mamillius,

Art thou my boy?

To mingle friendship far is mingling bloods. I have _tremor cordis_ on me. My heart dances, But not for joy,—not joy. This entertainment May a free face put on, derive a liberty From heartiness, from bounty, fertile bosom, And well become the agent: ’t may, I grant: But to be paddling palms and pinching fingers, As now they are, and making practis’d smiles As in a looking-glass; and then to sigh, as ’twere The mort o’ th’ deer. O, that is entertainment My bosom likes not, nor my brows. Mamillius, Art you my boy?

To mingle friendship far is mingling bloods. I have _tremor cordis_ on me. My heart dances, But not for joy,—not joy. This entertainment May a free face put on, derive a liberty From heartiness, from bounty, fertile bosom, And well become the agent: ’t may, I grant: But to be paddling palms and pinching fingers, As now they are, and making practis’d smiles As in a looking-glass; and then to sigh, as ’twere The mort o’ th’ deer. O, that's entertainment My bosom likes not, nor my brows. Mamillius, Art you my boy?

to mingle friendship far is mingling bloods i have _tremor cordis_ on me my heart dances but not for joy

"To mingle friendship far is mingling bloods" This is the first crack — and it's terrifying because there's nothing to trigger it. Leontes watches Hermione do exactly what he asked her to do, and concludes she must be sleeping with Polixenes. The jump is entirely internal.
"paddling palms and pinching fingers" In Elizabethan discourse, touching palms was associated with erotic intention — Iago uses the same image to destroy Othello. Leontes is reading ordinary hostess behavior as sexual contact.
Why it matters This is where the play breaks. Leontes's jealousy is born in this speech — not from evidence, but from within. The monologue is extraordinary in its fractured syntax: he cannot speak in complete sentences because his mind cannot complete a thought before another darker one breaks in.
MAMILLIUS

Ay, my good lord.

Ay, my good lord.

Ay, my good lord.

my good lord

LEONTES ≋ verse

I’ fecks!

Why, that’s my bawcock. What! hast smutch’d thy nose?

They say it is a copy out of mine. Come, captain,

We must be neat; not neat, but cleanly, captain:

And yet the steer, the heifer, and the calf

Are all call’d neat.—Still virginalling

Upon his palm?—How now, you wanton calf!

Art thou my calf?

I’ fecks! Why, that’s my bawcock. What! have smutch’d your nose? They say it is a copy out of mine. Come, captain, We must be neat; not neat, but cleanly, captain: And yet the steer, the heifer, and the calf Are all call’d neat.—Still virginalling Upon his palm?—How now, you wanton calf! Art you my calf?

I’ fecks! Why, that’s my bawcock. What! have smutch’d your nose? They say it's a copy out of mine. Come, captain, We must be neat; not neat, but cleanly, captain: And yet the steer, the heifer, and the calf Are all call’d neat.—Still virginalling Upon his palm?—How now, you wanton calf! Art you my calf?

i’ fecks! why that’s my bawcock what! have smutch’d your nose? they say it

"Still virginalling Upon his palm" A savage pun: 'virginalling' means playing a virginal (a keyboard instrument), but Leontes uses it to describe Hermione's fingers moving on Polixenes's palm — an erotic image dressed up as music.
MAMILLIUS

Yes, if you will, my lord.

Yes, if you will, my lord.

Yes, if you will, my lord.

if you will my lord

LEONTES ≋ verse

Thou want’st a rough pash and the shoots that I have

To be full like me:—yet they say we are

Almost as like as eggs; women say so,

That will say anything. But were they false

As o’er-dy’d blacks, as wind, as waters, false

As dice are to be wish’d by one that fixes

No bourn ’twixt his and mine, yet were it true

To say this boy were like me. Come, sir page,

Look on me with your welkin eye: sweet villain!

Most dear’st! my collop! Can thy dam?—may’t be?

Affection! thy intention stabs the centre:

Thou dost make possible things not so held,

Communicat’st with dreams;—how can this be?—

With what’s unreal thou coactive art,

And fellow’st nothing: then ’tis very credent

Thou may’st co-join with something; and thou dost,

And that beyond commission, and I find it,

And that to the infection of my brains

And hardening of my brows.

you want’st a rough pash and the shoots that I have To be full like me:—yet they say we are Almost as like as eggs; women say so, That will say anything. But were they false As o’er-dy’d blacks, as wind, as waters, false As dice are to be wish’d by one that fixes No bourn ’twixt his and mine, yet were it true To say this boy were like me. Come, sir page, Look on me with your welkin eye: sweet villain! Most dear’st! my collop! Can your dam?—may’t be? Affection! your intention stabs the centre: you dost make possible things not so held, Communicat’st with dreams;—how can this be?— With what’s unreal you coactive art, And fellow’st nothing: then ’tis very credent you may’st co-join with something; and you dost, And that beyond commission, and I find it, And that to the infection of my brains And hardening of my brows.

you want’st a rough pash and the shoots that I have To be full like me:—yet they say we are Almost as like as eggs; women say so, That will say anything. But were they false As o’er-dy’d blacks, as wind, as waters, false As dice are to be wish’d by one that fixes No bourn ’twixt his and mine, yet were it true To say this boy were like me. Come, sir page, Look on me with your welkin eye: sweet villain! Most dear’st! my collop! Can your dam?—may’t be? Affection! your intention stabs the centre: you dost make possible things not so held, Communicat’st with dreams;—how can this be?— With what’s unreal you coactive art, And fellow’st nothing: then ’tis very credent you may’st co-join with something; and you dost, And that beyond commission, and I find it, And that to the infection of my brains And hardening of my brows.

you want’st a rough pash and the shoots —yet they say we are almost as like as eggs women say so that will say anything

"Affection! thy intention stabs the centre" One of Shakespeare's most famously difficult speeches. Leontes seems to be arguing that because jealousy (affection/obsession) can make unreal things feel real, it can also make real things that are real feel even more so — a circular, self-validating logic that is the engine of paranoia.
POLIXENES

What means Sicilia?

What means Sicilia?

What means Sicilia?

what means sicilia?

HERMIONE

He something seems unsettled.

He something seems unsettled.

He something seems unsettled.

he something seems unsettled

POLIXENES ≋ verse

How, my lord?

What cheer? How is’t with you, best brother?

How, my lord? What cheer? How is’t with you, best brother?

How, my lord? What cheer? How is’t with you, best brother?

my lord? what cheer? how is’t with you best brother?

HERMIONE ≋ verse

You look

As if you held a brow of much distraction:

Are you mov’d, my lord?

You look As if you held a brow of much distraction: Are you mov’d, my lord?

You look As if you held a brow of much distraction: Are you mov’d, my lord?

you look as if you held a brow of much distraction are you mov’d my lord?

LEONTES ≋ verse

No, in good earnest.

How sometimes nature will betray its folly,

Its tenderness, and make itself a pastime

To harder bosoms! Looking on the lines

Of my boy’s face, methoughts I did recoil

Twenty-three years, and saw myself unbreech’d,

In my green velvet coat; my dagger muzzled

Lest it should bite its master, and so prove,

As ornaments oft do, too dangerous.

How like, methought, I then was to this kernel,

This squash, this gentleman. Mine honest friend,

Will you take eggs for money?

No, in good earnest. How sometimes nature will betray its folly, Its tenderness, and make itself a pastime To harder bosoms! Looking on the lines Of my boy’s face, methoughts I did recoil Twenty-three years, and saw myself unbreech’d, In my green velvet coat; my dagger muzzled Lest it should bite its master, and so prove, As ornaments oft do, too dangerous. How like, methought, I then was to this kernel, This squash, this gentleman. Mine honest friend, Will you take eggs for money?

No, in good earnest. How sometimes nature will betray its folly, Its tenderness, and make itself a pastime To harder bosoms! Looking on the lines Of my boy’s face, methoughts I did recoil Twenty-three years, and saw myself unbreech’d, In my green velvet coat; my dagger muzzled Lest it should bite its master, and so prove, As ornaments oft do, too dangerous. How like, methought, I then was to this kernel, This squash, this gentleman. Mine honest friend, Will you take eggs for money?

in good earnest how sometimes nature will betray its folly its tenderness

MAMILLIUS

No, my lord, I’ll fight.

No, my lord, I’ll fight.

No, my lord, I’ll fight.

my lord i’ll fight

LEONTES ≋ verse

You will? Why, happy man be ’s dole! My brother,

Are you so fond of your young prince as we

Do seem to be of ours?

You will? Why, happy man be ’s dole! My brother, Are you so fond of your young prince as we Do seem to be of ours?

You will? Why, happy man be ’s dole! My brother, Are you so fond of your young prince as we Do seem to be of ours?

you will? why happy man be ’s dole! my brother are you so fond of your young prince

POLIXENES ≋ verse

If at home, sir,

He’s all my exercise, my mirth, my matter:

Now my sworn friend, and then mine enemy;

My parasite, my soldier, statesman, all.

He makes a July’s day short as December;

And with his varying childness cures in me

Thoughts that would thick my blood.

If at home, sir, He’s all my exercise, my mirth, my matter: Now my sworn friend, and then mine enemy; My parasite, my soldier, statesman, all. He makes a July’s day short as December; And with his varying childness cures in me Thoughts that would thick my blood.

If at home, sir, He’s all my exercise, my mirth, my matter: Now my sworn friend, and then mine enemy; My parasite, my soldier, statesman, all. He makes a July’s day short as December; And with his varying childness cures in me Thoughts that would thick my blood.

if at home he’s all my exercise my mirth

LEONTES ≋ verse

So stands this squire

Offic’d with me. We two will walk, my lord,

And leave you to your graver steps. Hermione,

How thou lov’st us show in our brother’s welcome;

Let what is dear in Sicily be cheap:

Next to thyself and my young rover, he’s

Apparent to my heart.

So stands this squire Offic’d with me. We two will walk, my lord, And leave you to your graver steps. Hermione, How you lov’st us show in our brother’s welcome; Let what is dear in Sicily be cheap: Next to thyself and my young rover, he’s Apparent to my heart.

So stands this squire Offic’d with me. We two will walk, my lord, And leave you to your graver steps. Hermione, How you lov’st us show in our brother’s welcome; Let what is dear in Sicily be cheap: Next to thyself and my young rover, he’s Apparent to my heart.

so stands this squire offic’d with me we two will walk my lord and leave you to your graver steps

HERMIONE ≋ verse

If you would seek us,

We are yours i’ the garden. Shall ’s attend you there?

If you would seek us, We are yours i’ the garden. Shall ’s attend you there?

If you would seek us, We are yours i’ the garden. Shall ’s attend you there?

if you would seek us we are yours i’ the garden shall ’s attend you there?

LEONTES ≋ verse

To your own bents dispose you: you’ll be found,

Be you beneath the sky. [_Aside._] I am angling now,

Though you perceive me not how I give line.

Go to, go to!

How she holds up the neb, the bill to him!

And arms her with the boldness of a wife

To her allowing husband!

To your own bents dispose you: you’ll be found, Be you beneath the sky. I am angling now, Though you perceive me not how I give line. Go to, go to! How she holds up the neb, the bill to him! And arms her with the boldness of a wife To her allowing husband!

To your own bents dispose you: you’ll be found, Be you beneath the sky. I'm angling now, Though you perceive me not how I give line. Go to, go to! How she holds up the neb, the bill to him! And arms her with the boldness of a wife To her allowing husband!

to your own bents dispose you you’ll be found be you beneath the sky i am angling now

"I am angling now, Though you perceive me not how I give line" A fishing metaphor: Leontes thinks of himself as a patient angler, letting out line (giving Hermione and Polixenes freedom to behave suspiciously) so he can gather more evidence. The metaphor is chilling — he's watching his wife the way a hunter watches prey.
[_Exeunt Polixenes, Hermione and Attendants._]
Gone already!
Inch-thick, knee-deep, o’er head and ears a fork’d one!—
Go, play, boy, play. Thy mother plays, and I
Play too; but so disgrac’d a part, whose issue
Will hiss me to my grave: contempt and clamour
Will be my knell. Go, play, boy, play. There have been,
Or I am much deceiv’d, cuckolds ere now;
And many a man there is, even at this present,
Now while I speak this, holds his wife by th’ arm,
That little thinks she has been sluic’d in ’s absence,
And his pond fish’d by his next neighbour, by
Sir Smile, his neighbour. Nay, there’s comfort in ’t,
Whiles other men have gates, and those gates open’d,
As mine, against their will. Should all despair
That hath revolted wives, the tenth of mankind
Would hang themselves. Physic for’t there’s none;
It is a bawdy planet, that will strike
Where ’tis predominant; and ’tis powerful, think it,
From east, west, north, and south. Be it concluded,
No barricado for a belly. Know’t;
It will let in and out the enemy
With bag and baggage. Many thousand of us
Have the disease, and feel’t not.—How now, boy!
MAMILLIUS

I am like you, they say.

I am like you, they say.

I'm like you, they say.

i am like you they say

LEONTES ≋ verse

Why, that’s some comfort.

What! Camillo there?

Why, that’s some comfort. What! Camillo there?

Why, that’s some comfort. What! Camillo there?

that’s some comfort what! camillo there?

CAMILLO

Ay, my good lord.

Ay, my good lord.

Ay, my good lord.

my good lord

LEONTES

Go play, Mamillius; thou’rt an honest man.

Go play, Mamillius; you’rt an honest man.

Go play, Mamillius; you’rt an honest man.

go play mamillius you’rt an honest man

[_Exit Mamillius._]
Camillo, this great sir will yet stay longer.
CAMILLO ≋ verse

You had much ado to make his anchor hold:

When you cast out, it still came home.

You had much ado to make his anchor hold: When you cast out, it still came home.

You had much ado to make his anchor hold: When you cast out, it still came home.

you had much ado to make his anchor hold when you cast out it still came home

LEONTES

Didst note it?

did note it?

didn'te it?

did note it?

CAMILLO ≋ verse

He would not stay at your petitions; made

His business more material.

He would not stay at your petitions; made His business more material.

He would not stay at your petitions; made His business more material.

he would not stay at your petitions made his business more material

LEONTES

Didst perceive it?

did perceive it?

did perceive it?

did perceive it?

[_Aside._] They’re here with me already; whisp’ring, rounding,
“Sicilia is a so-forth.” ’Tis far gone
When I shall gust it last.—How came’t, Camillo,
That he did stay?
CAMILLO

At the good queen’s entreaty.

At the good queen’s entreaty.

At the good queen’s entreaty.

at the good queen’s entreaty

LEONTES ≋ verse

At the queen’s be’t: “good” should be pertinent,

But so it is, it is not. Was this taken

By any understanding pate but thine?

For thy conceit is soaking, will draw in

More than the common blocks. Not noted, is’t,

But of the finer natures? by some severals

Of head-piece extraordinary? lower messes

Perchance are to this business purblind? say.

At the queen’s be’t: “good” should be pertinent, But so it is, it is not. Was this taken By any understanding pate but yours? For your conceit is soaking, will draw in More than the common blocks. Not noted, is’t, But of the finer natures? by some severals Of head-piece extraordinary? lower messes Perchance are to this business purblind? say.

At the queen’s be’t: “good” should be pertinent, But so it's, it's not. Was this taken By any understanding pate but yours? For your conceit's soaking, will draw in More than the common blocks. Not noted, is’t, But of the finer natures? by some severals Of head-piece extraordinary? lower messes Perchance are to this business purblind? say.

at the queen’s be’t “good” should be pertinent but so it is it is not

CAMILLO ≋ verse

Business, my lord? I think most understand

Bohemia stays here longer.

Business, my lord? I think most understand Bohemia stays here longer.

Business, my lord? I think most understand Bohemia stays here longer.

business my lord? i think most understand bohemia stays

LEONTES

Ha?

Ha?

Ha?

ha? what did you say wait what

CAMILLO

Stays here longer.

Stays here longer.

Stays here longer.

stays here longer

LEONTES

Ay, but why?

Ay, but why?

Ay, but why?

but why?

CAMILLO ≋ verse

To satisfy your highness, and the entreaties

Of our most gracious mistress.

To satisfy your highness, and the entreaties Of our most gracious mistress.

To satisfy your highness, and the entreaties Of our most gracious mistress.

to satisfy your highness and the entreaties of our most gracious mistress

LEONTES ≋ verse

Satisfy?

Th’ entreaties of your mistress? Satisfy?

Let that suffice. I have trusted thee, Camillo,

With all the nearest things to my heart, as well

My chamber-counsels, wherein, priest-like, thou

Hast cleans’d my bosom; I from thee departed

Thy penitent reform’d. But we have been

Deceiv’d in thy integrity, deceiv’d

In that which seems so.

Satisfy? Th’ entreaties of your mistress? Satisfy? Let that suffice. I have trusted you, Camillo, With all the nearest things to my heart, as well My chamber-counsels, wherein, priest-like, you have cleans’d my bosom; I from you departed your penitent reform’d. But we have been Deceiv’d in your integrity, deceiv’d In that which seems so.

Satisfy? Th’ entreaties of your mistress? Satisfy? Let that suffice. I have trusted you, Camillo, With all the nearest things to my heart, as well My chamber-counsels, wherein, priest-like, you have cleans’d my bosom; I from you departed your penitent reform’d. But we have been Deceiv’d in your integrity, deceiv’d In that which seems so.

satisfy? th’ entreaties of your mistress? satisfy? let i have trusted you camillo with all the nearest things to my heart

"Satisfy? Th' entreaties of your mistress? Satisfy?" Leontes's repetition of 'satisfy' is charged: the word had sexual connotations. He cannot let an innocent word lie — he reloads every word with his obsession.
CAMILLO

Be it forbid, my lord!

Be it forbid, my lord!

Be it forbid, my lord!

be it forbid my lord!

LEONTES ≋ verse

To bide upon’t: thou art not honest; or,

If thou inclin’st that way, thou art a coward,

Which hoxes honesty behind, restraining

From course requir’d; or else thou must be counted

A servant grafted in my serious trust,

And therein negligent; or else a fool

That seest a game play’d home, the rich stake drawn,

And tak’st it all for jest.

To bide upon’t: you art not honest; or, If you inclin’st that way, you art a coward, Which hoxes honesty behind, restraining From course requir’d; or else you must be counted A servant grafted in my serious trust, And therein negligent; or else a fool That seest a game play’d home, the rich stake drawn, And tak’st it all for jest.

To bide upon’t: you art not honest; or, If you inclin’st that way, you art a coward, Which hoxes honesty behind, restraining From course requir’d; or else you must be counted A servant grafted in my serious trust, And therein negligent; or else a fool That seest a game play’d home, the rich stake drawn, And tak’st it all for jest.

to bide upon’t you art not honest if you inclin’st that way

CAMILLO ≋ verse

My gracious lord,

I may be negligent, foolish, and fearful;

In every one of these no man is free,

But that his negligence, his folly, fear,

Among the infinite doings of the world,

Sometime puts forth. In your affairs, my lord,

If ever I were wilful-negligent,

It was my folly; if industriously

I play’d the fool, it was my negligence,

Not weighing well the end; if ever fearful

To do a thing, where I the issue doubted,

Whereof the execution did cry out

Against the non-performance, ’twas a fear

Which oft affects the wisest: these, my lord,

Are such allow’d infirmities that honesty

Is never free of. But, beseech your Grace,

Be plainer with me; let me know my trespass

By its own visage: if I then deny it,

’Tis none of mine.

My gracious lord, I may be negligent, foolish, and fearful; In every one of these no man is free, But that his negligence, his folly, fear, Among the infinite doings of the world, Sometime puts forth. In your affairs, my lord, If ever I were wilful-negligent, It was my folly; if industriously I play’d the fool, it was my negligence, Not weighing well the end; if ever fearful To do a thing, where I the issue doubted, Whereof the execution did cry out Against the non-performance, ’twas a fear Which oft affects the wisest: these, my lord, Are such allow’d infirmities that honesty Is never free of. But, beseech your Grace, Be plainer with me; let me know my trespass By its own visage: if I then deny it, ’Tis none of mine.

My gracious lord, I may be negligent, foolish, and fearful; In every one of these no man is free, But that his negligence, his folly, fear, Among the infinite doings of the world, Sometime puts forth. In your affairs, my lord, If ever I were wilful-negligent, It was my folly; if industriously I play’d the fool, it was my negligence, Not weighing well the end; if ever fearful To do a thing, where I the issue doubted, Whereof the execution did cry out Against the non-performance, ’twas a fear Which oft affects the wisest: these, my lord, Are such allow’d infirmities that honesty Is never free of. But, beseech your Grace, Be plainer with me; let me know my trespass By its own visage: if I then deny it, ’Tis none of mine.

my gracious lord i may be negligent foolish and fearful

LEONTES ≋ verse

Ha’ not you seen, Camillo?

(But that’s past doubt: you have, or your eye-glass

Is thicker than a cuckold’s horn) or heard?

(For, to a vision so apparent, rumour

Cannot be mute) or thought? (for cogitation

Resides not in that man that does not think)

My wife is slippery? If thou wilt confess,

Or else be impudently negative,

To have nor eyes nor ears nor thought, then say

My wife’s a hobby-horse, deserves a name

As rank as any flax-wench that puts to

Before her troth-plight: say’t and justify’t.

Ha’ not you seen, Camillo? (But that’s past doubt: you have, or your eye-glass Is thicker than a cuckold’s horn) or heard? (For, to a vision so apparent, rumour Cannot be mute) or thought? (for cogitation Resides not in that man that does not think) My wife is slippery? If you wilt confess, Or else be impudently negative, To have nor eyes nor ears nor thought, then say My wife’s a hobby-horse, deserves a name As rank as any flax-wench that puts to Before her troth-plight: say’t and justify’t.

Ha’ not you seen, Camillo? (But that’s past doubt: you have, or your eye-glass Is thicker than a cuckold’s horn) or heard? (For, to a vision so apparent, rumour Cannot be mute) or thought? (for cogitation Resides not in that man that does not think) My wife is slippery? If you wilt confess, Or else be impudently negative, To have nor eyes nor ears nor thought, then say My wife’s a hobby-horse, deserves a name As rank as any flax-wench that puts to Before her troth-plight: say’t and justify’t.

ha’ not you seen camillo? (but that’s past doubt you have or your eye-glass is thicker than a cuckold’s

CAMILLO ≋ verse

I would not be a stander-by to hear

My sovereign mistress clouded so, without

My present vengeance taken: ’shrew my heart,

You never spoke what did become you less

Than this; which to reiterate were sin

As deep as that, though true.

I would not be a stander-by to hear My sovereign mistress clouded so, without My present vengeance taken: ’shrew my heart, You never spoke what did become you less Than this; which to reiterate were sin As deep as that, though true.

I would not be a stander-by to hear My sovereign mistress clouded so, without My present vengeance taken: ’shrew my heart, You never spoke what did become you less Than this; which to reiterate were sin As deep as that, though true.

i would not be a stander-by to hear without my present vengeance taken ’shrew my heart you never spoke what did become you less than this

LEONTES ≋ verse

Is whispering nothing?

Is leaning cheek to cheek? is meeting noses?

Kissing with inside lip? Stopping the career

Of laughter with a sigh?—a note infallible

Of breaking honesty?—horsing foot on foot?

Skulking in corners? Wishing clocks more swift?

Hours, minutes? Noon, midnight? and all eyes

Blind with the pin and web but theirs, theirs only,

That would unseen be wicked? Is this nothing?

Why, then the world and all that’s in’t is nothing,

The covering sky is nothing, Bohemia nothing,

My wife is nothing, nor nothing have these nothings,

If this be nothing.

Is whispering nothing? Is leaning cheek to cheek? is meeting noses? Kissing with inside lip? Stopping the career Of laughter with a sigh?—a note infallible Of breaking honesty?—horsing foot on foot? Skulking in corners? Wishing clocks more swift? Hours, minutes? Noon, midnight? and all eyes Blind with the pin and web but theirs, theirs only, That would unseen be wicked? Is this nothing? Why, then the world and all that’s in’t is nothing, The covering sky is nothing, Bohemia nothing, My wife is nothing, nor nothing have these nothings, If this be nothing.

Is whispering nothing? Is leaning cheek to cheek? is meeting noses? Kissing with inside lip? Stopping the career Of laughter with a sigh?—a note infallible Of breaking honesty?—horsing foot on foot? Skulking in corners? Wishing clocks more swift? Hours, minutes? Noon, midnight? and all eyes Blind with the pin and web but theirs, theirs only, That would unseen be wicked? Is this nothing? Why, then the world and all that’s in’t is nothing, The covering sky is nothing, Bohemia nothing, My wife is nothing, nor nothing have these nothings, If this be nothing.

is whispering nothing? is leaning cheek to cheek? minutes? noon midnight? and all eyes blind with the pin theirs only

Why it matters The great jealousy speech — a catalogue of imagined crimes that reveals how completely Leontes's mind has broken. Every gesture of normal hospitality is transfigured into evidence of guilt.
CAMILLO ≋ verse

Good my lord, be cur’d

Of this diseas’d opinion, and betimes,

For ’tis most dangerous.

Good my lord, be cur’d Of this diseas’d opinion, and betimes, For ’tis most dangerous.

Good my lord, be cur’d Of this diseas’d opinion, and betimes, For ’tis most dangerous.

good my lord be cur’d of this diseas’d opinion and betimes for ’tis most dangerous

LEONTES

Say it be, ’tis true.

Say it be, ’tis true.

Say it be, ’tis true.

say it be ’tis true

CAMILLO

No, no, my lord.

No, no, my lord.

No, no, my lord.

my lord

LEONTES ≋ verse

It is; you lie, you lie:

I say thou liest, Camillo, and I hate thee,

Pronounce thee a gross lout, a mindless slave,

Or else a hovering temporizer that

Canst with thine eyes at once see good and evil,

Inclining to them both. Were my wife’s liver

Infected as her life, she would not live

The running of one glass.

It is; you lie, you lie: I say you liest, Camillo, and I hate you, Pronounce you a gross lout, a mindless slave, Or else a hovering temporizer that Canst with yours eyes at once see good and evil, Inclining to them both. Were my wife’s liver Infected as her life, she would not live The running of one glass.

It is; you lie, you lie: I say you liest, Camillo, and I hate you, Pronounce you a gross lout, a mindless slave, Or else a hovering temporizer that Canst with yours eyes at once see good and evil, Inclining to them both. Were my wife’s liver Infected as her life, she would not live The running of one glass.

you lie you lie i say you liest

CAMILLO

Who does infect her?

Who does infect her?

Who does infect her?

who does infect her?

LEONTES ≋ verse

Why, he that wears her like her medal, hanging

About his neck, Bohemia: who, if I

Had servants true about me, that bare eyes

To see alike mine honour as their profits,

Their own particular thrifts, they would do that

Which should undo more doing: ay, and thou,

His cupbearer,—whom I from meaner form

Have bench’d and rear’d to worship, who mayst see

Plainly as heaven sees earth and earth sees heaven,

How I am galled,—mightst bespice a cup,

To give mine enemy a lasting wink;

Which draught to me were cordial.

Why, he that wears her like her medal, hanging About his neck, Bohemia: who, if I Had servants true about me, that bare eyes To see alike mine honour as their profits, Their own particular thrifts, they would do that Which should undo more doing: ay, and you, His cupbearer,—whom I from meaner form Have bench’d and rear’d to worship, who mayst see Plainly as heaven sees earth and earth sees heaven, How I am galled,—mightst bespice a cup, To give mine enemy a lasting wink; Which draught to me were cordial.

Why, he that wears her like her medal, hanging About his neck, Bohemia: who, if I Had servants true about me, that bare eyes To see alike mine honour as their profits, Their own particular thrifts, they would do that Which should undo more doing: ay, and you, His cupbearer,—whom I from meaner form Have bench’d and rear’d to worship, who mayst see Plainly as heaven sees earth and earth sees heaven, How I'm galled,—mightst bespice a cup, To give mine enemy a lasting wink; Which draught to me were cordial.

he that wears her like her medal hanging about his neck bohemia

CAMILLO ≋ verse

Sir, my lord,

I could do this, and that with no rash potion,

But with a ling’ring dram, that should not work

Maliciously like poison. But I cannot

Believe this crack to be in my dread mistress,

So sovereignly being honourable.

I have lov’d thee,—

Sir, my lord, I could do this, and that with no rash potion, But with a ling’ring dram, that should not work Maliciously like poison. But I cannot Believe this crack to be in my dread mistress, So sovereignly being honourable. I have lov’d you,—

Sir, my lord, I could do this, and that with no rash potion, But with a ling’ring dram, that should not work Maliciously like poison. But I can't Believe this crack to be in my dread mistress, So sovereignly being honourable. I have lov’d you,—

my lord i could do this and that with no rash potion

LEONTES ≋ verse

Make that thy question, and go rot!

Dost think I am so muddy, so unsettled,

To appoint myself in this vexation; sully

The purity and whiteness of my sheets,

(Which to preserve is sleep, which being spotted

Is goads, thorns, nettles, tails of wasps)

Give scandal to the blood o’ th’ prince, my son,

(Who I do think is mine, and love as mine)

Without ripe moving to’t? Would I do this?

Could man so blench?

Make that your question, and go rot! Dost think I am so muddy, so unsettled, To appoint myself in this vexation; sully The purity and whiteness of my sheets, (Which to preserve is sleep, which being spotted Is goads, thorns, nettles, tails of wasps) Give scandal to the blood o’ th’ prince, my son, (Who I do think is mine, and love as mine) Without ripe moving to’t? Would I do this? Could man so blench?

Make that your question, and go rot! Dost think I'm so muddy, so unsettled, To appoint myself in this vexation; sully The purity and whiteness of my sheets, (Which to preserve is sleep, which being spotted Is goads, thorns, nettles, tails of wasps) Give scandal to the blood o’ th’ prince, my son, (Who I do think is mine, and love as mine) Without ripe moving to’t? Would I do this? Could man so blench?

make that your question and go rot! dost think i am so muddy so unsettled to appoint myself in this vexation

CAMILLO ≋ verse

I must believe you, sir:

I do; and will fetch off Bohemia for’t;

Provided that, when he’s remov’d, your highness

Will take again your queen as yours at first,

Even for your son’s sake, and thereby for sealing

The injury of tongues in courts and kingdoms

Known and allied to yours.

I must believe you, sir: I do; and will fetch off Bohemia for’t; Provided that, when he’s remov’d, your highness Will take again your queen as yours at first, Even for your son’s sake, and thereby for sealing The injury of tongues in courts and kingdoms Known and allied to yours.

I must believe you, sir: I do; and will fetch off Bohemia for’t; Provided that, when he’s remov’d, your highness Will take again your queen as yours at first, Even for your son’s sake, and thereby for sealing The injury of tongues in courts and kingdoms Known and allied to yours.

i must believe you and will fetch off bohemia for’t

LEONTES ≋ verse

Thou dost advise me

Even so as I mine own course have set down:

I’ll give no blemish to her honour, none.

you dost advise me Even so as I mine own course have set down: I’ll give no blemish to her honour, none.

you dost advise me Even so as I mine own course have set down: I’ll give no blemish to her honour, none.

you dost advise me even so as i i’ll give no blemish to her honour

CAMILLO ≋ verse

My lord,

Go then; and with a countenance as clear

As friendship wears at feasts, keep with Bohemia

And with your queen. I am his cupbearer.

If from me he have wholesome beverage,

Account me not your servant.

My lord, Go then; and with a countenance as clear As friendship wears at feasts, keep with Bohemia And with your queen. I am his cupbearer. If from me he have wholesome beverage, Account me not your servant.

My lord, Go then; and with a countenance as clear As friendship wears at feasts, keep with Bohemia And with your queen. I'm his cupbearer. If from me he have wholesome beverage, Account me not your servant.

my lord go then and with a countenance as clear as friendship keep with bohemia and with your queen

LEONTES ≋ verse

This is all:

Do’t, and thou hast the one half of my heart;

Do’t not, thou splitt’st thine own.

This is all: Do’t, and you have the one half of my heart; Do’t not, you splitt’st yours own.

This is all: Do’t, and you have the one half of my heart; Do’t not, you splitt’st yours own.

this is all and you have the one half of my heart do’t not

CAMILLO

I’ll do’t, my lord.

I’ll do’t, my lord.

I’ll do’t, my lord.

i’ll do’t my lord

LEONTES

I will seem friendly, as thou hast advis’d me.

I will seem friendly, as you have advis’d me.

I will seem friendly, as you have advis’d me.

i will seem friendly as you have advis’d me

[_Exit._]
CAMILLO ≋ verse

O miserable lady! But, for me,

What case stand I in? I must be the poisoner

Of good Polixenes, and my ground to do’t

Is the obedience to a master; one

Who, in rebellion with himself, will have

All that are his so too. To do this deed,

Promotion follows. If I could find example

Of thousands that had struck anointed kings

And flourish’d after, I’d not do’t. But since

Nor brass, nor stone, nor parchment, bears not one,

Let villainy itself forswear’t. I must

Forsake the court: to do’t, or no, is certain

To me a break-neck. Happy star reign now!

Here comes Bohemia.

O miserable lady! But, for me, What case stand I in? I must be the poisoner Of good Polixenes, and my ground to do’t Is the obedience to a master; one Who, in rebellion with himself, will have All that are his so too. To do this deed, Promotion follows. If I could find example Of thousands that had struck anointed kings And flourish’d after, I’d not do’t. But since Nor brass, nor stone, nor parchment, bears not one, Let villainy itself forswear’t. I must Forsake the court: to do’t, or no, is certain To me a break-neck. Happy star reign now! Here comes Bohemia.

O miserable lady! But, for me, What case stand I in? I must be the poisoner Of good Polixenes, and my ground to do’t Is the obedience to a master; one Who, in rebellion with himself, will have All that are his so too. To do this deed, Promotion follows. If I could find example Of thousands that had struck anointed kings And flourish’d after, I’d not do’t. But since Nor brass, nor stone, nor parchment, bears not one, Let villainy itself forswear’t. I must Forsake the court: to do’t, or no, is certain To me a break-neck. Happy star reign now! Here comes Bohemia.

o miserable lady! but for me what case stand i in? i must be and my ground to do’t is the obedience to a master

Enter Polixenes.
POLIXENES ≋ verse

This is strange. Methinks

My favour here begins to warp. Not speak?

Good day, Camillo.

This is strange. I think My favour here begins to warp. Not speak? Good day, Camillo.

This is strange. I think My favour here begins to warp. Not speak? Good day, Camillo.

this is strange i think my favour here begins to warp not speak? good day camillo

CAMILLO

Hail, most royal sir!

Hail, most royal sir!

Hail, most royal sir!

most royal sir!

POLIXENES

What is the news i’ th’ court?

What is the news i’ th’ court?

What is the news i’ th’ court?

what is the news i’ th’ court?

CAMILLO

None rare, my lord.

None rare, my lord.

None rare, my lord.

none rare my lord

POLIXENES ≋ verse

The king hath on him such a countenance

As he had lost some province, and a region

Lov’d as he loves himself. Even now I met him

With customary compliment, when he,

Wafting his eyes to the contrary, and falling

A lip of much contempt, speeds from me, and

So leaves me to consider what is breeding

That changes thus his manners.

The king has on him such a countenance As he had lost some province, and a region Lov’d as he loves himself. Even now I met him With customary compliment, when he, Wafting his eyes to the contrary, and falling A lip of much contempt, speeds from me, and So leaves me to consider what is breeding That changes thus his manners.

The king has on him such a countenance As he had lost some province, and a region Lov’d as he loves himself. Even now I met him With customary compliment, when he, Wafting his eyes to the contrary, and falling A lip of much contempt, speeds from me, and So leaves me to consider what is breeding That changes thus his manners.

the king has on him such a countenance and a region lov’d as he loves himself even now i met him with customary compliment when he

CAMILLO

I dare not know, my lord.

I dare not know, my lord.

I dare not know, my lord.

i dare not know my lord

POLIXENES ≋ verse

How, dare not? Do not? Do you know, and dare not?

Be intelligent to me? ’Tis thereabouts;

For, to yourself, what you do know, you must,

And cannot say you dare not. Good Camillo,

Your chang’d complexions are to me a mirror

Which shows me mine chang’d too; for I must be

A party in this alteration, finding

Myself thus alter’d with’t.

How, dare not? Do not? Do you know, and dare not? Be intelligent to me? ’Tis thereabouts; For, to yourself, what you do know, you must, And cannot say you dare not. Good Camillo, Your chang’d complexions are to me a mirror Which shows me mine chang’d too; for I must be A party in this alteration, finding Myself thus alter’d with’t.

How, dare not? Do not? Do you know, and dare not? Be intelligent to me? ’Tis thereabouts; For, to yourself, what you do know, you must, And can't say you dare not. Good Camillo, Your chang’d complexions are to me a mirror Which shows me mine chang’d too; for I must be A party in this alteration, finding Myself thus alter’d with’t.

dare not? do not? do you know and dare not? be intelligent to me? ’tis

CAMILLO ≋ verse

There is a sickness

Which puts some of us in distemper, but

I cannot name the disease, and it is caught

Of you that yet are well.

There is a sickness Which puts some of us in distemper, but I cannot name the disease, and it is caught Of you that yet are well.

There is a sickness Which puts some of us in distemper, but I can't name the disease, and it's caught Of you that yet are well.

there is a sickness which puts some of but i cannot name the disease and it is caught of you that yet are well

POLIXENES ≋ verse

How caught of me?

Make me not sighted like the basilisk.

I have look’d on thousands who have sped the better

By my regard, but kill’d none so. Camillo,—

As you are certainly a gentleman, thereto

Clerk-like, experienc’d, which no less adorns

Our gentry than our parents’ noble names,

In whose success we are gentle,—I beseech you,

If you know aught which does behove my knowledge

Thereof to be inform’d, imprison’t not

In ignorant concealment.

How caught of me? Make me not sighted like the basilisk. I have look’d on thousands who have sped the better By my regard, but kill’d none so. Camillo,— As you are certainly a gentleman, thereto Clerk-like, experienc’d, which no less adorns Our gentry than our parents’ noble names, In whose success we are gentle,—I beseech you, If you know aught which does behove my knowledge Thereof to be inform’d, imprison’t not In ignorant concealment.

How caught of me? Make me not sighted like the basilisk. I have look’d on thousands who have sped the better By my regard, but kill’d none so. Camillo,— As you're certainly a gentleman, thereto Clerk-like, experienc’d, which no less adorns Our gentry than our parents’ noble names, In whose success we are gentle,—I beseech you, If you know aught which does behove my knowledge Thereof to be inform’d, imprison’t not In ignorant concealment.

how caught of me? make me not sighted i have look’d on thousands who have sped but kill’d none so camillo

CAMILLO

I may not answer.

I may not answer.

I may not answer.

i may not answer

POLIXENES ≋ verse

A sickness caught of me, and yet I well?

I must be answer’d. Dost thou hear, Camillo,

I conjure thee, by all the parts of man

Which honour does acknowledge, whereof the least

Is not this suit of mine, that thou declare

What incidency thou dost guess of harm

Is creeping toward me; how far off, how near;

Which way to be prevented, if to be;

If not, how best to bear it.

A sickness caught of me, and yet I well? I must be answer’d. Dost you hear, Camillo, I conjure you, by all the parts of man Which honour does acknowledge, whereof the least Is not this suit of mine, that you declare What incidency you dost guess of harm Is creeping toward me; how far off, how near; Which way to be prevented, if to be; If not, how best to bear it.

A sickness caught of me, and yet I well? I must be answer’d. Dost you hear, Camillo, I conjure you, by all the parts of man Which honour does acknowledge, whereof the least Is not this suit of mine, that you declare What incidency you dost guess of harm Is creeping toward me; how far off, how near; Which way to be prevented, if to be; If not, how best to bear it.

a sickness caught of me and yet i well? i must be answer’d dost you hear camillo

CAMILLO ≋ verse

Sir, I will tell you;

Since I am charg’d in honour, and by him

That I think honourable. Therefore mark my counsel,

Which must be ev’n as swiftly follow’d as

I mean to utter it, or both yourself and me

Cry lost, and so goodnight!

Sir, I will tell you; Since I am charg’d in honour, and by him That I think honourable. Therefore mark my counsel, Which must be ev’n as swiftly follow’d as I mean to utter it, or both yourself and me Cry lost, and so goodnight!

Sir, I will tell you; Since I'm charg’d in honour, and by him That I think honourable. Therefore mark my counsel, Which must be ev’n as swiftly follow’d as I mean to utter it, or both yourself and me Cry lost, and so goodnight!

i will tell you since i am charg’d in honour and by him that i think honourable

POLIXENES

On, good Camillo.

On, good Camillo.

On, good Camillo.

good camillo

CAMILLO

I am appointed him to murder you.

I am appointed him to murder you.

I'm appointed him to murder you.

i am appointed him to murder you

POLIXENES

By whom, Camillo?

By whom, Camillo?

By whom, Camillo?

by whom camillo?

CAMILLO

By the king.

By the king.

By the king.

by the king

POLIXENES

For what?

For what?

For what?

for what

CAMILLO ≋ verse

He thinks, nay, with all confidence he swears,

As he had seen’t or been an instrument

To vice you to’t, that you have touch’d his queen

Forbiddenly.

He thinks, no, with all confidence he swears, As he had seen’t or been an instrument To vice you to’t, that you have touch’d his queen Forbiddenly.

He thinks, no, with all confidence he swears, As he had seen’t or been an instrument To vice you to’t, that you have touch’d his queen Forbiddenly.

he thinks with all confidence he swears as he had seen’t or been an instrument

POLIXENES ≋ verse

O, then my best blood turn

To an infected jelly, and my name

Be yok’d with his that did betray the Best!

Turn then my freshest reputation to

A savour that may strike the dullest nostril

Where I arrive, and my approach be shunn’d,

Nay, hated too, worse than the great’st infection

That e’er was heard or read!

O, then my best blood turn To an infected jelly, and my name Be yok’d with his that did betray the Best! Turn then my freshest reputation to A savour that may strike the dullest nostril Where I arrive, and my approach be shunn’d, no, hated too, worse than the great’st infection That e’er was heard or read!

O, then my best blood turn To an infected jelly, and my name Be yok’d with his that did betray the Best! Turn then my freshest reputation to A savour that may strike the dullest nostril Where I arrive, and my approach be shunn’d, no, hated too, worse than the great’st infection That e’er was heard or read!

then my best blood turn to an infected jelly and my name be yok’d with his that and my approach be shunn’d

CAMILLO ≋ verse

Swear his thought over

By each particular star in heaven and

By all their influences, you may as well

Forbid the sea for to obey the moon

As or by oath remove or counsel shake

The fabric of his folly, whose foundation

Is pil’d upon his faith, and will continue

The standing of his body.

Swear his thought over By each particular star in heaven and By all their influences, you may as well Forbid the sea for to obey the moon As or by oath remove or counsel shake The fabric of his folly, whose foundation Is pil’d upon his faith, and will continue The standing of his body.

Swear his thought over By each particular star in heaven and By all their influences, you may as well Forbid the sea for to obey the moon As or by oath remove or counsel shake The fabric of his folly, whose foundation Is pil’d upon his faith, and will continue The standing of his body.

swear his thought over by each particular star you may as well forbid the sea for whose foundation is pil’d upon his faith and will continue the stand

POLIXENES

How should this grow?

How should this grow?

How should this grow?

how should this grow?

CAMILLO ≋ verse

I know not: but I am sure ’tis safer to

Avoid what’s grown than question how ’tis born.

If therefore you dare trust my honesty,

That lies enclosed in this trunk, which you

Shall bear along impawn’d, away tonight.

Your followers I will whisper to the business,

And will by twos and threes, at several posterns,

Clear them o’ th’ city. For myself, I’ll put

My fortunes to your service, which are here

By this discovery lost. Be not uncertain,

For, by the honour of my parents, I

Have utter’d truth: which if you seek to prove,

I dare not stand by; nor shall you be safer

Than one condemned by the king’s own mouth,

Thereon his execution sworn.

I know not: but I am sure ’tis safer to Avoid what’s grown than question how ’tis born. If therefore you dare trust my honesty, That lies enclosed in this trunk, which you Shall bear along impawn’d, away tonight. Your followers I will whisper to the business, And will by twos and threes, at several posterns, Clear them o’ th’ city. For myself, I’ll put My fortunes to your service, which are here By this discovery lost. Be not uncertain, For, by the honour of my parents, I Have utter’d truth: which if you seek to prove, I dare not stand by; nor shall you be safer Than one condemned by the king’s own mouth, Thereon his execution sworn.

I know not: but I'm sure ’tis safer to Avoid what’s grown than question how ’tis born. If therefore you dare trust my honesty, That lies enclosed in this trunk, which you Shall bear along impawn’d, away tonight. Your followers I will whisper to the business, And will by twos and threes, at several posterns, Clear them o’ th’ city. For myself, I’ll put My fortunes to your service, which are here By this discovery lost. Be not uncertain, For, by the honour of my parents, I Have utter’d truth: which if you seek to prove, I dare not stand by; nor shall you be safer Than one condemned by the king’s own mouth, Thereon his execution sworn.

i know not but i am sure ’tis safer to avoid if therefore you dare trust my honesty that lies enclosed in this trunk

POLIXENES ≋ verse

I do believe thee.

I saw his heart in ’s face. Give me thy hand,

Be pilot to me, and thy places shall

Still neighbour mine. My ships are ready, and

My people did expect my hence departure

Two days ago. This jealousy

Is for a precious creature: as she’s rare,

Must it be great; and, as his person’s mighty,

Must it be violent; and as he does conceive

He is dishonour’d by a man which ever

Profess’d to him, why, his revenges must

In that be made more bitter. Fear o’ershades me.

Good expedition be my friend, and comfort

The gracious queen, part of his theme, but nothing

Of his ill-ta’en suspicion! Come, Camillo,

I will respect thee as a father if

Thou bear’st my life off hence. Let us avoid.

I do believe you. I saw his heart in ’s face. Give me your hand, Be pilot to me, and your places shall Still neighbour mine. My ships are ready, and My people did expect my hence departure Two days ago. This jealousy Is for a precious creature: as she’s rare, Must it be great; and, as his person’s mighty, Must it be violent; and as he does conceive He is dishonour’d by a man which ever Profess’d to him, why, his revenges must In that be made more bitter. Fear o’ershades me. Good expedition be my friend, and comfort The gracious queen, part of his theme, but nothing Of his ill-ta’en suspicion! Come, Camillo, I will respect you as a father if you bear’st my life off hence. Let us avoid.

I do believe you. I saw his heart in ’s face. Give me your hand, Be pilot to me, and your places shall Still neighbour mine. My ships are ready, and My people did expect my hence departure Two days ago. This jealousy Is for a precious creature: as she’s rare, Must it be great; and, as his person’s mighty, Must it be violent; and as he does conceive He is dishonour’d by a man which ever Profess’d to him, why, his revenges must In that be made more bitter. Fear o’ershades me. Good expedition be my friend, and comfort The gracious queen, part of his theme, but nothing Of his ill-ta’en suspicion! Come, Camillo, I will respect you as a father if you bear’st my life off hence. Let us avoid.

i do believe you i saw his heart in ’s face give me your hand be pilot to me

CAMILLO ≋ verse

It is in mine authority to command

The keys of all the posterns: please your highness

To take the urgent hour. Come, sir, away.

It is in mine authority to command The keys of all the posterns: please your highness To take the urgent hour. Come, sir, away.

It is in mine authority to command The keys of all the posterns: please your highness To take the urgent hour. Come, sir, away.

it is in mine authority to command the please your highness to take the urgent hour

[_Exeunt._]

The Reckoning

This is one of Shakespeare's most shocking dramatic pivots. In the first hundred lines, Hermione is delightful, Polixenes is charming, Leontes seems contentedly domestic. Then, in the space of a single aside — 'Too hot, too hot!' — the entire play's architecture shifts. Leontes's jealousy has no visible trigger: it erupts from within, wholly self-generated, and it is absolute. By the scene's end, Camillo has been commanded to commit murder and has chosen instead to save his own conscience and Polixenes's life. The audience is left reeling: how did we get here? The answer is: nowhere. The jealousy was already there.

If this happened today…

Picture a dinner party where a husband asks his wife to convince his best friend to stay another week. She does it brilliantly — jokes, charm, a little flirtatious wit. The husband watches from across the room. And something breaks in him. Not because of anything that happened, but because he suddenly sees everything she does as evidence of what he's already decided is true. He corners his estate manager later: 'You've seen how she is with him.' The manager tries to say nothing's happening. The husband tells him to slip something in the friend's drink. The manager, appalled, goes straight to the friend and they both leave that night. The husband is now alone with his certainty.

Continue to 2.1 →