[Exit First Attendant.]
Fie, fie! no thought of him.
The very thought of my revenges that way
Recoil upon me: in himself too mighty,
And in his parties, his alliance. Let him be,
Until a time may serve. For present vengeance,
Take it on her. Camillo and Polixenes
Laugh at me; make their pastime at my sorrow:
They should not laugh if I could reach them, nor
Shall she, within my power.
Enter Paulina carrying a baby, with Antigonus, lords and servants.
FIRST LORD.
You must not enter.
PAULINA.
Nay, rather, good my lords, be second to me:
Fear you his tyrannous passion more, alas,
Than the queen’s life? a gracious innocent soul,
More free than he is jealous.
ANTIGONUS.
That’s enough.
SERVANT.
Madam, he hath not slept tonight; commanded
None should come at him.
PAULINA.
Not so hot, good sir;
I come to bring him sleep. ’Tis such as you,
That creep like shadows by him, and do sigh
At each his needless heavings,—such as you
Nourish the cause of his awaking. I
Do come with words as med’cinal as true,
Honest as either, to purge him of that humour
That presses him from sleep.
LEONTES.
What noise there, ho?
PAULINA.
No noise, my lord; but needful conference
About some gossips for your highness.