Page 767 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

A spider steep’d, and one may drink, depart, [40]
And yet partake no venom (for his knowledge
Is not infected); but if one present
Th’ abhorr’d ingredient to his eye, make known

How he hath drunk, he cracks his gorge, his sides,
With violent hefts. I have drunk, and seen the spider. [45]
Camillo was his help in this, his pandar:
There is a plot against my life, my crown;

All’s true that is mistrusted: that false villain,
Whom I employ’d, was pre-employ’d by him:
He has discover’d my design, and I [50]
Remain a pinch’d thing; yea, a very trick

For them to play at will. How came the posterns
So easily open?

A LORD
By his great authority,
Which often hath no less prevail’d than so

On your command.

LEONTES

I know’t too well. [55]
Give me the boy: I am glad you did not nurse him:
Though he does bear some signs of me, yet you
Have too much blood in him.

HERMIONE
What is this? sport?

LEONTES
Bear the boy hence, he shall not come about her,
Away with him, and let her sport herself [60]
With that she’s big with; for ’tis Polixenes
Has made thee swell thus.

(Exit Mamillius, with a lady.)

HERMIONE