Page 742 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

puts it to utterance. [20]

CAMILLO
Sicilia cannot show himself over-kind to Bohemia. They were trained together
in their childhoods, and there rooted betwixt them then such an affection
which cannot choose but branch now. Since their more mature dignities and
royal necessities made separation of [25] their society, their encounters,

though not personal, have been royally attorneyed with interchange of gifts,
letters, loving embassies, that they have seemed to be together, though
absent; shook hands, as over a vast; and embraced, as it were, from the

ends of opposed winds. [30] The heavens continue their loves!

ARCHIDAMUS

I think there is not in the world either malice or matter to alter it. You have
an unspeakable comfort of your young prince Mamillius: it is a gentleman of
the greatest promise that ever came into my note. [35]

CAMILLO
I very well agree with you in the hopes of him: it is a gallant child; one that,
indeed, physics the subject, makes old hearts fresh: they that went on

crutches ere he was born desire yet their life to see him a man.

ARCHIDAMUS
Would they else be content to die? [40]

CAMILLO
Yes; if there were no other excuse why they should desire to live.

ARCHIDAMUS
If the king had no son, they would desire to live on crutches till he had one.
Exeunt.

Scene II IT

Enter Leontes, Hermione, Mamillius, Polixenes, Camillo (and Attendants).

POLIXENES