POLIXENES.
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,
Go hence in debt: and therefore, like a cipher,
Yet standing in rich place, I multiply
With one “we thank you” many thousands more
That go before it.
LEONTES.
Stay your thanks a while,
And pay them when you part.
POLIXENES.
Sir, that’s tomorrow.
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,
Than you can put us to ’t.
POLIXENES.
No longer stay.
LEONTES.
One seve’night longer.
POLIXENES.
Very sooth, tomorrow.
LEONTES.
We’ll part the time between ’s then: and in that
I’ll no gainsaying.
POLIXENES.
Press me not, beseech you, so,
There is no tongue that moves, none, none i’ th’ world,
So soon as yours, could win me: so it should now,
Were there necessity in your request, although
’Twere needful I denied it. My affairs
Do even drag me homeward: which to hinder
Were, in your love a whip to me; my stay
To you a charge and trouble: to save both,
Farewell, our brother.
LEONTES.
Tongue-tied, our queen? Speak you.