Act 1
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A room of state in the same.
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A formal receiving room in Leontes’s palace.
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Enter LEONTES, HERMIONE, MAMILLIUS, POLIXENES, CAMILLO, and Attendants
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LEONTES, HERMIONE, MAMILLIUS, POLIXENES, CAMILLO, and several attendants enter.
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POLIXENES Nine changes of the watery star hath been
The shepherd’s note since we have left our throne
Without a burthen: time as long again
Would be filled up, my brother, with our thanks;
5And 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.
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POLIXENES It has been nine months since I left my throne. I could happily spend another nine months away, but I must leave now, forever in your debt. So, like a zero, which means “nothing” but
adds value when placed beside a numberFor instance, placing a zero next to 1 makes it 10. adds value when placed beside a number , my one “thank you” will multiply the thousand more I’ve already said. |
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LEONTES
10Stay your thanks a while;
And pay them when you part.
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LEONTES Don’t thank me yet. Wait until you leave.
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POLIXENES Sir, that’s to-morrow.
I am question’d by my fears, of what may chance
Or breed upon our absence; that may blow
15No sneaping winds at home, to make us say
‘This is put forth too truly:’ besides, I have stay’d
To tire your royalty.
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POLIXENES Sir, I leave tomorrow. I’m fearful of what might happen by chance, or what plot may develop, because of my absence, and I worry my fears will be confirmed. Besides, I’ve worn you out with my company.
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LEONTES We are tougher, brother,
Than you can put us to’t.
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LEONTES You couldn’t wear me out if you tried.
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POLIXENES
20No longer stay.
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POLIXENES I can’t stay any longer.
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LEONTES One seven-night longer.
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LEONTES Just one more week.
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