Page 743 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

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, [5]
Go hence in debt: and therefore, like a cipher
(Yet standing in rich place) I multiply
With one ‘We thank you’ many thousands moe

That go before it.

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

POLIXENES
Sir, that’s to-morrow. [10]
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.

LEONTES

We are tougher, brother, [15]
Than you can put us to ’t.

POLIXENES
No longer stay.

LEONTES
One seve night longer.

POLIXENES
Very sooth, to-morrow.

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