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.
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
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.
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
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
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
No longer stay.
No longer stay.
No longer stay.
no longer stay
One seve’night longer.
One seve’night longer.
One seve’night longer.
one seve’night longer
Very sooth, tomorrow.
Very sooth, tomorrow.
Very sooth, tomorrow.
very sooth tomorrow
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
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
Tongue-tied, our queen? Speak you.
Tongue-tied, our queen? Speak you.
Tongue-tied, our queen? Speak you.
tongue-tied our queen? speak you
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.
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
Well said, Hermione.
Well said, Hermione.
Well said, Hermione.
well said hermione
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
No, madam.
No, madam.
No, madam.
[scene continues]
Nay, but you will?
no, but you will?
no, but you will?
but you will?
I may not, verily.
I may not, truly.
I may not, truly.
i may not
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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
Is he won yet?
Is he won yet?
Is he won yet?
is he won yet?
He’ll stay, my lord.
He’ll stay, my lord.
He’ll stay, my lord.
he’ll stay my lord
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
Never?
Never?
Never?
never? yes never what were you looking for
Never but once.
Never but once.
Never but once.
never but once
In Shakespeare's source, Robert Greene's Pandosto (1588), the jealousy builds gradually over months. Shakespeare compresses it into a single afternoon, and more importantly removes the gradual accumulation of 'evidence.' Leontes's jealousy erupts in a single aside — 'Too hot, too hot!' — from watching his wife do exactly what he asked her to do. This is the play's most radical decision. The jealousy has no trigger because jealousy doesn't need one; it is its own genesis. The critical debate about whether there's something suspicious in Hermione's behavior misses the point. There isn't. The play is about what happens when a mind turns the world into a mirror for its own worst fears. Othello's jealousy requires Iago; Leontes's requires nothing.
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
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
’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
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
Ay, my good lord.
Ay, my good lord.
Ay, my good lord.
my good lord
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
Yes, if you will, my lord.
Yes, if you will, my lord.
Yes, if you will, my lord.
if you will my lord
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
What means Sicilia?
What means Sicilia?
What means Sicilia?
what means sicilia?
He something seems unsettled.
He something seems unsettled.
He something seems unsettled.
he something seems unsettled
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?
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?
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
No, my lord, I’ll fight.
No, my lord, I’ll fight.
No, my lord, I’ll fight.
my lord i’ll fight
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
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
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
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?
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
Camillo is one of Shakespeare's most interesting minor characters precisely because of how clearly he understands his impossible situation. He has just been ordered to commit regicide by his king — an act that, as he points out, no historical example suggests anyone has survived with their soul or reputation intact. His choice to warn Polixenes instead is ethically clear but practically catastrophic: he is now a traitor to Sicilia, an exile, dependent on a foreign king's goodwill. What's remarkable is how quickly he makes the calculation, how completely he sees his situation. He speaks his soliloquy not as a man agonizing but as a man who has already decided and is simply working out the logistics. The moral courage here is quiet and absolute.
I am like you, they say.
I am like you, they say.
I'm like you, they say.
i am like you they say
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?
Ay, my good lord.
Ay, my good lord.
Ay, my good lord.
my good lord
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
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
Didst note it?
did note it?
didn'te it?
did note it?
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
Didst perceive it?
did perceive it?
did perceive it?
did perceive it?
At the good queen’s entreaty.
At the good queen’s entreaty.
At the good queen’s entreaty.
at the good queen’s entreaty
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
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
Ha?
Ha?
Ha?
ha? what did you say wait what
Stays here longer.
Stays here longer.
Stays here longer.
stays here longer
Ay, but why?
Ay, but why?
Ay, but why?
but why?
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
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
Be it forbid, my lord!
Be it forbid, my lord!
Be it forbid, my lord!
be it forbid my lord!
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
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
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
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
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
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
Say it be, ’tis true.
Say it be, ’tis true.
Say it be, ’tis true.
say it be ’tis true
No, no, my lord.
No, no, my lord.
No, no, my lord.
my lord
Polixenes's speech about childhood innocence — 'We were as twinned lambs that did frisk i' th' sun' — is unusually personal for a king in a formal court setting. He is describing, in theological terms, a pre-sexual innocence: they didn't know sin existed, couldn't imagine it. The speech places Hermione in the position of the temptress who introduced them to adulthood — not maliciously, but structurally. 'Temptations have since then been born to us' — she and his wife arrived and the Eden of boyhood ended. Leontes, already beginning to crack, is watching this speech. It is entirely possible to read the subsequent jealousy as, in part, a response to hearing his best friend describe his wife as a fallen-world temptation. Not that this justifies anything — but it explains something.
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
Who does infect her?
Who does infect her?
Who does infect her?
who does infect her?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
I’ll do’t, my lord.
I’ll do’t, my lord.
I’ll do’t, my lord.
i’ll do’t my lord
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
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
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
Hail, most royal sir!
Hail, most royal sir!
Hail, most royal sir!
most royal sir!
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?
None rare, my lord.
None rare, my lord.
None rare, my lord.
none rare my lord
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
I dare not know, my lord.
I dare not know, my lord.
I dare not know, my lord.
i dare not know my lord
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
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
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
I may not answer.
I may not answer.
I may not answer.
i may not answer
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
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
On, good Camillo.
On, good Camillo.
On, good Camillo.
good 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
By whom, Camillo?
By whom, Camillo?
By whom, Camillo?
by whom camillo?
By the king.
By the king.
By the king.
by the king
For what?
For what?
For what?
for what
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
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
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
How should this grow?
How should this grow?
How should this grow?
how should this grow?
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
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
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
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.