![]() Leontes fumes over every small gesture that the couple makes. Hermione extends her hand to Polixenes, and they walk away from the others. ![]() Leontes responds that it occurred at the end of their courtship when she said, "I am yours forever." Hermione responds that the first time she spoke well earned her a husband the second time, a good friend. Hermione is intrigued and asks when was the other time. Leontes congratulates his wife on her power of speaking convincingly, saying that only once before has she spoken so well. Noticing the liveliness of their conversation, Leontes calls out: "Is he won yet?" Hermione responds that Polixenes will stay. Hermione then asks if their wives made them sinners or if they had sinned with others. When teased about their loss of innocence, Polixenes graciously explains that neither of them had yet met the women whom they would eventually wed. Polixenes recalls that they were both innocent, as alike as lambs. Hermione is curious about Leontes at that age. Polixenes then enters into a reverie of his boyhood with Leontes. Given that choice, Polixenes agrees to stay one more week. When Polixenes continues to resist the invitation to stay, Hermione declares that he will stay, either as her guest or as her prisoner. Hermione reassures Polixenes that all is surely well in Bohemia otherwise, he would have heard by now. Leontes urges Polixenes to stay at least another week, but Polixenes insists that he must leave the following day to tend to his duties, although no one could touch him so emotionally as Leontes can. Polixenes announces that after nine months away from his royal duties, he must return home tomorrow. Leontes, his wife Hermione, Polixenes, Camillo, and a bevy of lords stroll quietly on stage.
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