The Winter's Tale

Act One

Archidamus, a courtier from Bohemia, and Camillo, of Sicilia, enter. They are talking about the history of Leontes and Polixenes as childhood friends, and how such a friendship has extended so positively to their people. The men engage in courtly and earnest flattery, and they agree that there is great promise in Prince Mamillius, Leontes’ son and heir to the throne of Sicilia.

At the court, Polixenes, the king of Bohemia, has decided that it is time to leave. Leontes wants him to stay, but Polixenes refuses his friend’s entreaties. Leontes asks Hermione, the queen of Sicilia, to help convince their friend to stay. Hermione is playful and witty, teasing Polixenes to choose between being her prisoner or her guest, Polixenes agrees to stay. However, such a quick change of heart, especially as a result of Hermione’s persuasion, arouses suspicion and jealousy in Leontes. He is suddenly paranoid about Hermione’s faithfulness, wondering if the child she is carrying is legitimate,