A

Forty Minute
Winter s Tale
Abridged by
Bill Tordoff
from
The Winter s Tale
by
William Shakespeare
A Forty-Minute Winter s Tale
Abridged by Bill Tordoff from
The Winter s Tale
by William Shakespeare.
This edition Copyright 2010 by Bill Tordoff
Characters
Leontes, king of Sicilia
Camillo, a lord of Sicilia
Antigonus, a lord of Sicilia
Cleomenes, a lord of Sicilia
Dion, a lord of Sicilia
Polixenes, king of Bohemia
Archidamus, a lord of Bohemia
Florizel (16), prince of Bohemia
Mamillius, child prince of Sicilia
Old Shepherd, reputed father of Perdita
Shepherd s Son
Autolycus, a rogue.
Hermione, queen to Leontes
Paulina, wife to Antigonus
Perdita (16), daughter to Leontes and Hermione
Emilia, lady attending on Hermione
Mopsa and Dorcas, Shepherdesses.
Time, as chorus
A Mariner, a Gaoler and other Lords, Ladies, Gentlemen, Officers, Guards, Attend
ants, Servants, Shepherds and Shepherdesses.

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Published by Lazy Bee Scripts
A Forty-Minute Winter s Tale
Scene 1
(Enter Camillo and Archidamus, both smiling.)
Camillo:
This summer, I think, our King of Sicilia will pay your Bohemia
the visit he owes him.
Archidamus:
Your entertainment shall be of great magnificence.
Camillo:
They were train d together in childhood, when rooted between them
a great affection. Since then, royal necessities have separated them, but they
have interchanged gifts, letters and loving embassies.
Archidamus:
I think nothing could alter their friendship. You have an unspe
akable comfort of your young prince Mamillius.
Camillo:
It is a gallant child: one that makes old hearts fresh. Come.
(Exeunt.)
Scene 2
(Enter Leontes, Polixenes, Hermione, Mamillius, Camillo, and Lady.)
Polixenes:
How many thousand we-thank-you s do we owe you, brother.
Leontes:
Stay your thanks awhile, and pay them when you part.
Polixenes:
Sir, that s tomorrow: I fear what may chance in our absence.
Leontes:
One seven-night longer.
Polixenes:
Press me not, beseech you.
Leontes:
Tongue-tied, our queen? Speak you.
Hermione:
(To Polixenes) Of your royal presence I ll adventure
One more week. You ll stay?
Polixenes:
I may not, verily.
Hermione:
I say verily you shall: will you force me
To keep you as a prisoner, or as my guest?
Polixenes:
(Giving in, smiling) Your guest then, madam.
Hermione:
(Clapping delightedly) Your kind hostess! Come, I ll question yo
u
Of my lord s tricks and yours when you were boys.
Polixenes:
We knew not ill-doing, nor dream d that any did.
Hermione:
But you have tripped since?
Polixenes:
(Smiling) Temptations have since then been born to us,
For in those days was my wife a girl, and
Your precious self had not then crossed his eyes.
Hermione:
Tell me what offences we have made you do,
And swear you slipped not with any but us.
Leontes:
Is he won yet?
Hermione:
(Smiling) He ll stay, my lord.
Leontes:
(Aside) At my request he would not.
Thou never but once spokest to better purpose.
Hermione:
(Laughing) Have I twice said well? My last good deed
Was to entreat his stay; what was my first?
Leontes:
When thou didst utter to me I am yours for ever.
Hermione:
(Happy) Why, I have spoke to the purpose twice: the one
To earn a husband; th other a friend. (Giving her hand to Polixenes)
Leontes:
(Aside) Too hot, too hot! to be paddling palms
And making practised smiles, that I like not.
Mamillius, art thou my boy?
Mamillius:
Ay, my good lord.
Leontes:
What, hast smuch d thy nose? We must be neat,
(Wiping Mamillius nose but watching Polixenes and Hermione)
But cleanly. Still virginalling upon his palm?
Women say we are almost as like as eggs,

But they will say anything. Sweet villain;

Most dear st! (Choking with emotion) Can thy dam? May t be? (Loud, wild) Affection! Thy intention stabs the centre:
Thou dost make possible things not so held!
(All stare at Leontes.)
Polixenes:
How is it with you, brother?
Hermione:
You look distracted.
Leontes:
No, in good earnest. Looking on my boy s face,
How like, methought, I was to him. Hermione,
How thou lovest us, show in our brother s welcome.
Hermione:
If you would seek us, we are yours i the garden.
Leontes:
You ll be found. (Aside) I am angling now.
How she arms herself with the boldness of a wife!
(Exeunt Hermione and Polixenes, smiling and chatting.)
Leontes:
Gone already! Many a man there is,
Holds his wife by th arm and little thinks
His pond has been fished in his absence
By Sir Smile, his neighbour. How now, boy!
Mamillius:
I am like you, they say.
Leontes:
Why, there s some comfort. Camillo!
Camillo:
My lord?
Leontes:
Go play, Mamillius.
(Exeunt Mamillius and Lady.)
Leontes:
Camillo, this great sir will yet stay longer.
Camillo:
(Smiling) To satisfy the entreaties of our mistress.
Leontes:
Camillo, I have been deceived in thy integrity.
Camillo:
(Puzzled) I beseech you, let me know my trespass.
Leontes:
Ha you not seen or heard rumour that my wife
Is slippery, that she s a hobby horse?
Camillo:
(Shocked) I would not hear my mistress clouded so.
Leontes:
(Gesturing off-stage) Is whispering nothing?
Leaning cheek to cheek? Skulking in corners?
Camillo:
My lord, be cured of this diseased opinion.
Leontes:
Canst thou not see that my wife s infected
By he that wears her hanging round his neck?
If I had servants true they would undo him.
(Conspiratorial) Thou, his cupbearer, might give him a lasting wink.
Camillo:
I cannot believe this of my mistress.
Leontes:
Dost thou think that I am so unsettled
To appoint myself in this vexation?
Camillo:
(Thinking, then:) I believe you: if from me he have not
Wholesome beverage, account me not your servant.
Leontes:
(Gripping Camillo.) Do t and thou hast the one half of my heart.
(Exit.)
Camillo:
I will not be the poisoner of good Polixenes.
I ll forsake the court first. Here comes Bohemia.
(Enter Polixenes, puzzled.)
Polixenes:
(Looking off) Even now I met the king with friendly greeting,
But he, averting his eyes, speeds from me.
Beseech you, if you know aught then tell me.
Camillo:
(After hesitating) I dare not know, my lord.
Polixenes:
How! You know and dare not? Be intelligent with me.
Camillo:
I am appointed by the king to murder you.
Polixenes:
(Disbelieving) For what?
Camillo:
He thinks you have touched his queen forbiddenly.
Polixenes:
(Astonished) How should this grow?
Camillo:
I know not, but I am sure tis safer to
Trust my honesty and away tonight.
Polixenes:
(Shaking his hand) I do believe thee. My ships are ready
And my people did expect my departure.

Fear o ershades me. Come, let us avoid.

(Exeunt.)
Scene 3
(Enter Hermione, visibly pregnant, Mamillius and Ladies.)
Hermione:
Take the boy to you: he troubles me.
Lady: Shall I be your playfellow, my lord?
Mamillius:
No, you ll speak as if I were a baby still.
Lady: Your mother rounds apace: we soon shall see
A fine new prince, and then you ld wanton with us.
Hermione:
Come, sir, now I am for you again.
Pray sit by us and tell s a tale.
Mamillius:
A sad tale s best for winter, one of sprites;
There was a man dwelt by a churchyard
I will tell it softly; they shall not hear it.
Hermione:
Come on then, and give it me in mine ear.
(Enter Leontes, Antigonus, Lords and Guards.)
Leontes:
(Angry) Where was he met? his train? Camillo with him?
Lord: Ay, my lord: I saw them hasten to their ships.
Leontes:
There is a plot against my life, my crown.
The false Camillo was pre-employed by him.
(Taking Mamillius) Give me the boy:- I am glad you did not nurse him.
Hermione:
(Laughing, puzzled) What is this? sport?
Leontes:
Bear the boy hence.
(Exit a Guard with Mamillius.)
Leontes:
Let her sport herself with that she s big with,
For tis Polixenes hath made her swell thus.
Hermione:
But I d swear he had not, and you d believe me.
Leontes:
Look on her, and know that she s an adultress.
Hermione:
(Indignant) You, my lord, do but mistake.
Leontes:
You have mistook, my lady, Polixenes
For Leontes. More, she is a traitor,
And Camillo a conniver with her.
Hermione:
(Highly indignant) No, by my life; I am privy to none of this.
Leontes:
I mistake not. Away with her to prison!
Hermione:
Beseech you that my women may be with me,
For, you see, my plight requires it. Adieu, my lord.
Leontes:
Go, do our bidding: hence!
(Exeunt Hermione and Ladies, with a Guard.)
Antigonus:
Be certain what you do, sir, lest three great ones
Suffer: yourself, your queen, your son.
Leontes:
Hold your peace!
Antigonus:
It is for you I speak.
Leontes:
We need no more advice: the matter is properly ours.
Antigonus:
Then I wish, my liege, that you had in your
Silent judgement tried it.
Leontes:
For confirmation, I have sent to Delphos,
To Apollo s temple, for counsel from the oracle.
Lord: Well done, my lord.
Leontes:
We thought it good that she should be confined,
Lest that treachery be left her to perform. Come.
(Exeunt.)
Scene 4
(A prison. Enter a Gaoler, meeting Paulina.)
Paulina:
Conduct me to the queen.
Gaoler: I have express commandment not to, madam.
Paulina:
Then bring forth one of her women.
(The Gaoler exits and returns with Emilia, looking distressed.)
Paulina:
Emilia, how fares our gracious lady?

Emilia: She is something before her time deliver d.

Paulina:
A boy?
Emilia: A daughter, and a goodly babe.
Paulina:
If the queen dares trust me, I ll show t the king.
He may soften at the sight of the child.
Gaoler: I know not what I shall incur, having no warrant.
Paulina:
The child was prisoner to the womb, and not
A party to the guilt, if any, of the queen. Come.
(Exeunt.)
Scene 5
(Enter Leontes, Antigonus, Lords and Attendants. Leontes paces around while the
others stand together, watching him.)
Leontes:
If part of the cause, she, th adultress, were gone,
My rest might come again. How does the boy?
Attendant 1:
(Advancing) He took good rest tonight, my lord.
Leontes:
He has declined, fixing the shame of his mother s
Dishonour in himself. Go see how he fares. (Exit First Attendant.)
Camillo and Polixenes should not laugh at me,
If I could reach them, nor shall she, being in my power.
(Enter Paulina with a Child.)
Lord: You must not enter.
Paulina:
(Pushing past him) Help, my lords: fear you not for the queen s l
ife?
Attendant 2:
Madam, the king hath not slept tonight;
Commanded none should come at him.
Paulina:
(Scathing) Tis such as you, that creep like shadows by him,
That nourish the cause of his waking: I
Come with words medicinal to aid him.
Leontes:
Antigonus, I charged thee that thy wife
Should not come about me: canst not rule her?
Paulina:
From all dishonesty he can: in this
He cannot. I come from your good queen.
Leontes:
(Scornful) Good queen!
Paulina:
(Forceful) Good queen, my lord; I say good queen!
Leontes:
Force her hence!
(Attendants advance on Paulina.)
Paulina:
No! First I ll do my errand: the queen
Hath brought you forth a daughter. Here it is. (Laying down the child.
)
Leontes:
Hence with her! Will you not push her out!
(To Antigonus) Take up the bastard! A nest of traitors!
Paulina:
(Pointing at Leontes) There s but one traitor here, for he betray
s
His son, his queen, his babe to slander!
Leontes:
(Furious) This brat is the issue of Polixenes:
Hence with it, and the dam. Commit them to the fire!
Paulina:
(Showing the baby to the Lords) Behold the copy of the father:
Eye, nose, cheek, lip, the trick of his frown.
Leontes:
I ll have thee burnt!
Paulina:
I care not:
This will make you scandalous to the world!
Leontes:
On your allegiance, out of the chamber with her!
Paulina:
I ll be gone. Look to the babe, my lord: tis yours. (Exit.)
Leontes:
Take it hence and see it consumed with fire!
Antigonus:
Your highness, I will do anything to save the innocent.
Leontes:
Then carry this bastard to some desert place
And leave it where chance may nurse or end it.
Antigonus:
Come, poor babe. May the kites and ravens be thy nurses. (Exit
.)

Leontes:
No, I ll not rear another s issue.
(Enter First Attendant.)
Attendant 1:
My liege, the posts you sent to th oracle are hasting to the court
.
Leontes:
The great Apollo will make the truth appear.
Summon a session to arraign our disloyal lady.
(Exeunt.)
Scene 6
(Enter Cleomenes and Dion with luggage. They cross the stage.)
Cleomenes:
How Apollo s temple so surpassed the common praise!
Dion: And the sacrifice! How solemn and unearthly!
Cleomenes:
But, above all, the ear-deafening voice o the oracle!
Dion: Pray our journey prove successful to the queen.
Cleomenes:
When the oracle, by Apollo s divine seal d up,
Shall the contents reveal, something rare will appear.
(Exeunt.)
Scene 7
(A court of Justice. Enter Leontes, Lords, an Officer and Others. Three raps s
ound.)
Leontes:
This sessions is now in being. Produce the prisoner.
(A Guard brings in Hermione, attended by Paulina and Ladies.)
Officer:
(Reading) Hermione, queen to Leontes, thou art accused of high
treason, in committing adultery with Polixenes, King of Bohemia, and conspiring
with Camillo to take the life of our sovereign lord.
Hermione:
I confess I loved Polixenes, but with a love
Such as you commanded, which not to have done
Had been disobedience. Now, for conspiracy,
All I know is Camillo was an honest man,
And why he left your court I am ignorant.
Leontes:
You knew of his departure, as you know
What you have underta en to do in his absence.
Hermione:
Sir, you speak a language that I understand not:
My life stands in the level of your dreams.
Leontes:
Your actions are my dreams! You had a bastard
By Polixenes, so look for no less than death.
Hermione:
Sir, spare your threats: I have lost your favour;
From my son, my second joy, I am barred;
My third comfort is haled out to murder.
Now, tell me what blessings I have here alive.
I do refer me to Apollo s oracle.
(Another Officer brings in Cleomenes and Dion with the sealed oracle.)
Officer:
Swear you have brought this oracle from Delphos,
And that you have not dared to break the seal.
Cleomenes:
} (Together)
Dion: } This we swear.
Leontes:
Break the seals and read.
Officer:
(Reading) Hermione is chaste; Polixenes blameless; Camillo a tr
ue subject; Leontes a jealous tyrant; his babe truly begotten; and the king shal
l live without an heir if that which is lost be not found.
Hermione:
Apollo be praised!
(General relief and rejoicing. Three raps sound. Silence.)
Leontes:
(Furious) There is no truth at all i the oracle;
The sessions shall proceed.
(Enter an Attendant, hastily.)
Attendant:
My lord, your son, with fear of his mother s fate, is dead.
Leontes:
Apollo strikes at my injustice.
(Hermione faints)
Leontes:
How now, there!

Paulina:
Look down and see.
Leontes:
Take her hence; she will recover.
(Exeunt Paulina and Ladies with Hermione.)
Leontes:
I ll reconcile me to Polixenes,
New woo my queen, and recall Camillo,
Whom I chose to poison Polixenes.
(Enter Paulina.)
Paulina:
O lords, cry Woe!
for the queen, the sweetest,
Dearest creature, is dead! But, O thou tyrant!
Betake thee now to nothing but despair.
Leontes:
Go on, go on: I have deserved thy bitterness.
Bring me to the bodies of my queen and son;
Upon them shall the causes of their death appear,
And once a day I ll visit where they lie.
Come, lead me to these sorrows.
(Exeunt.)
Scene 8
(Sound of breakers and a high wind. Enter a Mariner and Antigonus with the Chil
d and a large bundle.)
Antigonus:
At last our ship hath touch d upon Bohemia.
Go, get aboard: I ll not be long before I call on thee.
Mariner:
I am glad to be rid of this business; make haste,
For this place is famous for creatures of prey. (Exit.)
Antigonus:
Come, babe. Thy mother appear d to me in a dream
And said Antigonus, leave the babe in Bohemia,
And, for it is counted lost, then call it Perdita .
(Laying down the child and the bundle.)
There lie, blossom, with these. Farewell, poor wretch.
(Thunder and lightning, then noise of horns, young hunters, dogs and bears.)
Antigonus:
Well may I get aboard! I am gone for ever!
(Exit, pursued by a bear.)
(Enter an old Shepherd.)
Shepherd:
Would any but boil d brains hunt this weather? They have scared t
wo of my best sheep. (Seeing the child) Mercy, a barne, a very pretty barne!
(Picking it up and calling) Whoa, ho, hoa! Son, come hither!
(Enter Shepherd s Son, pointing off.)
Son:
I have seen such sights! The sea rages and swallows the ship with yest
and froth! and O, the piteous cry of the poor souls! Then, to see how the bear
tore out his shoulder-bone; how he cried to me for help and said his name was A
ntigonus, a nobleman.
Shepherd:
Name of mercy when was this, boy?
Son:
Now: now: I have not winked since I saw these
sights: the men are not yet cold under water, nor the bear half-dined on the gen
tleman.
Shepherd:
Heavy matters! heavy matters! But look here, boy: Now bless thys
elf: thou mettest with things dying, I with things newborn. Here's a sight for t
hee; look thee, a bearing-cloth for a squire's child! look thee here; take up, t
ake up, boy; open't. So, let's see: it was told me I should be rich by the fairi
es. This is some changeling: open't. What's within, boy?
Son:
(Opening the bundle) Gold! All gold!
Shepherd: This is fairy gold, boy, and 'twill prove so: up with't, keep it close
: home, home, the next way. We are lucky, and to be so still requires nothing bu
t secrecy. Come.
Son: Go you the next way with your findings. I'll go see if the bear be gone fro
m the gentleman and how much he hath eaten: they are never curst but when they a
re hungry: if there be any of him left, I'll bury it.
Shepherd:
That's a good deed. If thou mayest discern by that
which is left of him what he is, fetch me to the

sight of him.
Son: Marry, will I; and you shall help to put him i' the ground.
Shepherd:
'Tis a lucky day, boy, and we'll do good deeds on't.
(Exeunt.)
Scene 9
(Enter Time, the Chorus.)
Time: I, Time, now use my wings to slide o er sixteen years.
Leaving Leontes grieving in Sicilia,
Imagine that we are now in Bohemia,
Where we behold a son o the king s, called Florizel,
And Perdita, who is now grown up as a shepherd s daughter:
What follows after is the argument of Time. (Exit.)
Scene 10
(Enter Polixenes and Camillo.)
Camillo:
It is fifteen years since I saw my country, and I desire to lay
my bones there. Besides, the penitent king, my master, hath sent for me.
Polixenes:
Camillo, there are affairs here which none but thee can manage.
Of Sicilia speak no more, nor of the king, whose queen and children are yet lam
ented. When saw st thou Prince Florizel, my son?
Camillo:
Three days since, sir. He is of late much retired from court.
Polixenes:
I learn he is seldom from the house of a homely shepherd who is
grown into an unspeakable estate.
Camillo:
I have heard he hath a daughter of most rare note: more than can
be thought to begin from such a cottage.
Polixenes:
That s part of my intelligence too. You and I shall go disguised
and question the shepherd to get the cause of my son s resort thither. Come.
(Exeunt.)
Scene 11
(Enter Autolycus.)
Autolycus:
I have served Prince Florizel, but now I am out of service. My
father named me Autolycus; who was likewise a snapper-up of unconsidered trifles
, and my revenue is the silly cheat. (Pointing off) A prize!
(Enter the Shepherd s Son.)
Son:
Let me see: what am I to buy for our sheep-shearing feast?
Autolycus:
(Aside) He s mine!
Son:
Three pound of sugar; five pound of currants; rice
what will my sister d
o with rice? But my father hath made her mistress of the feast - saffron, mace,
dates, nutmegs, ginger, four pound of prunes, and as many of raisins.
AUTOLYCUS
O that ever I was born!
Grovelling on the ground
Son: I' the name of me-Autolycus:O, help me, help me! pluck but off these rags; and
then, death, death!
Son:Alack, poor soul! thou hast need of more rags to lay
on thee, rather than have these off.
Autolycus:
O sir, the loathsomeness of them offends me more
than the stripes I have received, which are mighty
ones and millions.
Son:Alas, poor man! a million of beating may come to a
great matter.
Autolycus:
O, help me, sir! I am robb d and beaten, my apparel ta en from me,
and these detestable things put on me.

Son:
I ll help thee; come. (Helping him up)
Autolycus:
Softly, dear sir. I fear my shoulder-blade is out.
Son: How now! canst stand?
Autolycus: [Picking his pocket]
Softly, dear sir; good sir, softly.
(Picking his pocket) You ha done me a charitable office.
Son:
Dost lack any money? (Reaching towards his pocket)
Autolycus:
(Hasty) No, sir, no; I beseech you, sir. Offer me no money.
Son:
What manner of fellow was he that robb d you?
Autolycus:
A fellow, sir, who was once a servant of the prince.
Son:
Out upon him! He haunts wakes, fairs and bear-baitings.
Autolycus:
Very true, sir: he s the rogue that put me into this apparel.
Son:
How do you do now?
Autolycus:
Much better, sir. I will take my leave of you.
Son:
Fare thee well: I must go to buy spices for our sheep-shearing. (Exit.)
Autolycus:
Prosper you, sweet sir! (Showing his purse) I ll be at the sheep
-shearing too; I shall make this cheat bring out another, and the shearers prove
to be sheep. (Exit.)
Scene 12
(Enter Florizel and Perdita as Mistress of the Feast.)
Perdita:
My dear lord, you have obscured your high self,
And me, poor lowly maid, most goddess-like
Prankt up. I should blush to show myself a glass.
Florizel:
I bless the time when my good falcon flew
Across thy father s ground. (Putting an arm round her)
Perdita:
The difference makes me tremble. To think that
Your father might pass this way. What would he say
To see you so vilely bound up? Or how should I
Behold his sternness? He must oppose your resolution,
Then you must change this purpose, or I my life.
Florizel:
I prithee, darken not the mirth o the feast.
Your guests approach: entertain them sprightly.
(Enter Shepherd, his Son, Mopsa, Dorcas, other Shepherds and Shepherdesses, and
lastly Polixenes and Camillo, adjusting their disguises.)
Shepherd: Fie, daughter! when my old wife lived, upon This day she was both pant
ler, butler, cook, Both dame and servant; welcomed all, served all; Would sing h
er song and dance her turn; now here, At upper end o' the table, now i' the midd
le; On his shoulder, and his; her face o' fire With labour and the thing she too
k to quench it, She would to each one sip. You are retired, As if you were a fea
sted one and not The hostess of the meeting: pray you, Bid these unknown friends
welcome.
Perdita:
Sirs, welcome to our sheep-shearing! (Taking flowers from Dorca
s)
Here are flowers for you: hot lavender,
Marjoram, and marigold, that goes to bed wi the sun
And with him rises weeping.
Camillo:
I should leave grazing,
Were I of your flock, and live by gazing.
Perdota:
(To Florizel) I would I had spring flowers for you: daffodils
That come before the swallow dares, and take
The winds of March with beauty; violets dim,
Pale primroses that die ere they behold
Bright Phoebus in his strength.
Florizel:
(Gazing admiringly) Sweet, when you speak or when you sing,
I d have you do it ever, and when you dance,
I wish you a wave o the sea; but come, my Perdita,
So turtle-doves do pair, that never mean to part.
(Florizel and Perdita move away, gazing into each other s eyes.)
Polixenes:
(To Camillo) This is the prettiest low-born lass; everything

She does seems too noble for this place.

Son:
Come, strike up!
(Music: the Shepherds and Shepherdesses dance.)
Polixenes:
Shepherd, who is he that dances with your daughter?
Shepherd:
They call him Doricles; he says he loves
My daughter, and, to be plain, I think
There s not half a kiss to choose who loves best.
Polixenes:
She dances featly.
Shepherd:
So she does anything. (Confidentially) She shall bring Doricle
s
That which he dreams not on.
(A Servant runs in.)
Servant:
Here s a singing pedlar, with ribands of all the colours i the rainb
ow.
Son:
Prithee, bring him in. and let him approach singing.
PERDITA
Forewarn him that he use no scurrilous words in 's tunes.
Exit Servant
Son: You have of these pedlars, that have more in them
than you'ld think, sister.
PERDITA
Ay, good brother, or go about to think.
Enter AUTOLYCUS, singing
Autolycus: (Singing) Lawn as white as driven snow; Cyprus black as e'er was cro
w; Gloves as sweet as damask roses; Masks for faces and for noses; Bugle bracele
t, necklace amber, Perfume for a lady's chamber; Golden quoifs and stomachers, F
or my lads to give their dears: Pins and poking-sticks of steel, What maids lack
from head to heel: Come buy of me, come; come buy, come buy; Buy lads, or else
your lasses cry: Come buy.
Son: If I were not in love with Mopsa, thou shouldst take
no money of me; but being enthralled as I am, it
will also be the bondage of certain ribbons and gloves.
(Enter Autolycus, wearing a false beard and carrying a tray with his wares)
Mopsa: (To Son) Come, you promised me a tawdry-lace and a pair of sweet gloves
.
Dorcas: (Giggling) He hath promised you more than that, or there be liars.
Son:
Have I not told you how I was cozen d by the way, and lost all my money?
Autolycus:
Indeed, sir, there are cozeners abroad; therefore it behoves men
to be wary.
Son:
What hast here? ballads?
Mopsa: Buy some: I love a ballad in print, for then we are sure they are true.
Autolycus:
This is a merry one: it goes to the tune of Two maids wooing a ma
n .
Mopsa: We can both sing it: if thou lt bear a part, thou shalt hear; tis in three
parts.
Dorcas: We had the tune on t a month ago.
Autolycus:
I can bear my part: have at it with you!
(Song)
Autolycus:
Get you hence, for I must go;
Where, it fits not you to know.
Dorcas: Whither?
Mopsa: O, whither?
Dorcas: Whither?
Mopsa: It becomes thy oath full well,
Thou to me thy secrets tell:
Dorcas: Me too, let me go thither.
Mopsa: Or thou go st to the grange or mill:
Dorcas: If to either, thou dost ill.

Autolycus:
Neither.
Dorcas: What, neither?
Autolycus:
Neither.
Dorcas: Thou hast sworn my love to be;
Mopsa: Thou hast sworn it more to me:
Then whither go st? Say, whither?
(Applause.)
Son:
Bring away thy pack. Follow me, girls: I ll buy for you both.
(Exeunt All except Polixenes, Camillo, Florizel, Perdita and Shepherd.)
Polixenes:
(To Florizel) How now, shepherd. When I was young
I ransacked the pedlar s wares for my mistress,
But you have let him go unmarted.
Florizel:
Sir, the gifts she looks from me are lock d in my heart.
Polixenes:
Let me hear what you profess.
Florizel:
Were I crown d the most imperial monarch,
With force and knowledge more than any man s,
I would not prize them without her love.
Perdita:
I cannot speak so well, but by the pattern of
Mine own thoughts I cut out the purity of his.
Shepherd:
And, friends unknown, you shall bear witness that
I give my daughter to him with an equal portion.
Florizel:
Come, contract us before these witnesses.
Shepherd:
Come, your hand; and daughter, yours. (Joining their hands.)
Polixenes:
Soft, swain, beseech you; have you a father?
Florizel:
I have, but what of that?
Polixenes:
Methinks a father
Is, at the nuptial of his son, a guest
That best becomes the table. Can he speak?
Hear? Is he grown incapable with age?
Florizel:
No, good sir, he has his health and strength.
Polixenes:
Then you wrong him. My son might choose a wife,
But the father should be counsel d in the business.
Florizel:
I cannot acquaint my father of this business.
Shepherd:
Let him, son: he shall not grieve at thy choice.
Florizel:
Come, come, he must not.- Mark our contract.
Polixenes:
(Revealing himself) Mark your divorce, young sir,
Whom son I dare not call; thou art too base
To be acknowledged. (To Shepherd) Thou old traitor,
I am sorry that I cannot hang thee!
(To Perdita) And thou, fresh piece of witchcraft, I ll have
Thy beauty scratched with briars. For thee, unless thou swear st
To see her no more, we ll bar thee from succession. Follow us! (Exit.)
Perdita:
Please, sir, be gone: I told you what would come of this. I ll qu
een it no further, but milk my ewes and weep.
Shepherd:
(To Florizel) You have undone an old man who thought to die in
peace;
Now some hangman will lay me where no priest treads.
(To Perdita) O cursed wretch, you knew this was the prince. (Exit.)
Florizel:
Why look you so? I am sorry, but not afeard:
Nothing alter d: what I was, I am.
Perdita:
How often have I told you twould be thus!
Florizel:
Lift up thy looks: Let my father wipe me
From my succession: I am heir to my affection.
Camillo:
(Who has unmasked during the above) Gracious my lord, be advise
d.
Florizel:
I am - and by my love. Not for Bohemia
Will I break my oath to my beloved;
Tell father we have put to sea; I have a boat
Fast by; what course I steer concerns thee not.
Hark, Perdita. (Taking her aside.)

Camillo:
I would be happy if I could save him
And purchase the sight again of Sicilia.
Florizel:
Now, good Camillo; my father hath often spoke
Of your noble deeds done in his service.
Camillo:
Well, my lord, if you will embrace my direction,
I ll point you where you may both marry your mistress
And bring your discontented father up to liking.
Have you thought on a place whereto you ll go?
Florizel:
Not any yet.
Camillo:
Then list to me.
Make for Sicilia, and there present yourself
And your fair princess before Leontes.
Florizel:
What reason for my visitation shall I present?
Camillo:
Sent by your father to greet and comfort him.
What you, as from your father, shall deliver,
I ll write you down and speak his very heart.
Florizel:
I am bound to you: there is some sap in this.
Camillo:
A course more promising than a wild
Dedication of yourselves to unpath d waters.
Florizel:
(Gesturing to their clothing) We are not furnish d like Bohemia s s
ons.
Camillo:
I shall have you royally appointed,
And my letters, being there before you, shall clear all doubts.
Florizel:
And those that you ll procure from King Leontes Camillo:
(Smiling) Shall satisfy your father.
Perdita:
Happy be you! All that you speak shows fair.
(Enter Autolycus.)
Camillo:
Who have we here? How now, good fellow!
Autolycus:
(Nervous) I am a poor fellow, sir.
Camillo:
Why, be so still. We must make an exchange; therefore change ga
rments with this gentleman. There s some boot. (Giving money.)
Autolycus:
Are you in earnest, sir?
Florizel:
(Half undressed) Dispatch, I prithee.
Camillo:
Unbuckle, unbuckle. (Florizel and Autolycus exchange garments.)
Camillo:
Mistress, retire yourself into some covert;
Take your sweetheart s hat, muffle your face;
Dismantle you and disliken your seeming
That you may get undescried on shipboard.
Perdita:
I see the play so lies that I must play a part. (Retiring)
Camillo:
No remedy. Have you done there?
Florizel:
Should I now meet my father, he d not call me son.
Camillo:
Nay, you shall have no hat. Come, lady!
(Perdita re-enters in a plain dress. Camillo gives her Florizel s hat.)
Camillo:
Farewell, my friend.
Autolycus:
Adieu, sir. (Retiring.)
Florizel:
O Perdita, what have we twain forgot!
(They converse apart.)
Camillo:
(Aside) I shall tell the king whither they are bound;
My hope is I shall force him after them,
And with him I shall see Sicilia again.
Florizel:
Let us set on, Camillo, to the seaside. Come.
(Exeunt Florizel, Perdita and Camillo.)
Autolycus:
I understand the business, I hear it: to have an open ear, a quick eye, and a ni
mble hand, is necessary for a cut-purse; a good nose is requisite also, to smell
out work for the other senses. I see this is the time that the unjust man doth
thrive. What an exchange had this been without boot! What a boot is here with th
is exchange! Sure the gods do this year connive at us, and we may do any thing e
xtempore. The prince himself is about a piece of iniquity, stealing away from hi

s father with his clog at his heels: if I thought it were a piece of honesty to
acquaint the king withal, I would not do't: I hold it the more knavery to concea
l it; and therein am I constant to my profession.
(Enter Shepherd and Son with a bundle and a box.)
Autolycus:
Here is more matter for a hot brain..
Shepherd Nay, but hear me.
Son: Nay, but hear me.
Shepherd Go to, then.
Son: She being none of your flesh and blood, your fleshand blood has not offende
d the king; and so your flesh and blood is not to be punished by him. Show those
things you found about her, those secret things, all but what she has with her:
this being done, let the law go whistle: I warrant you.
Shepherd:
Well, let us take them to the king. I will tell him his son s pra
nks too.
Autolycus:
(Speaking with authority) How now, rustics! Whither are you bo
und?
Shepherd:
Are you a courtier, sir?
Autolycus:
I am a courtier, whereupon I command thee to discover what s i the f
ardel. And wherefore that box?
Shepherd:
Sir, there lies such secrets in them which none shall know but t
he king.
Autolycus:
(Feigning distress) The king is not at the palace: he is gone a
board a ship to purge melancholy, for thou must know he is full of grief.
Shepherd:
So tis said, sir - about his son, that should have married a sheph
erd s daughter.
Autolycus:
(Dramatic) Let that shepherd fly! The curses he shall have, th
e tortures he shall feel!
Son:
(Terrified) Has the old man a son, sir?
Autolycus:
(Ominous) He has a son, who shall be flayed alive; then 'nointe
d over with honey, set on the head of a wasp's nest; then stand till he be three
quarters and a dram dead; then recovered again with aqua-vitae or some other ho
t infusion; then, raw as he is, and in the hottest day prognostication proclaims
, shall be be set against a brick-wall, the sun looking with a southward eye upo
n him, where he is to behold him with flies blown to death (Suddenly cheerful)
But what talk we of these traitorly rascals? Tell me - for you seem to be hone
st plain men - what you have for the king: I ll tender your persons to his presenc
e and whisper him in your behalfs.
Son:
(Aside to Shepherd) He seems to be of great authority: give him gold.
Remember, flay d alive!
Shepherd:
An t please you, sir, to undertake the business for us, here is go
ld.
Autolycus:
Well, give it me. Are you a party in this business?
Shepherd:
In some sort, sir: I hope I shall not be flay d out of it.
Autolycus:
O, that s the case of the shepherd s son.
Son:
(Aside to Shepherd) Comfort! We must to the king and show our strange
sights; he must know she is not your daughter nor my sister. Sir, I will give y
ou as much as this old man does, when the business is perform d.
Autolycus:
I will trust you. Walk toward the sea-side and I will follow.
Shepherd:
(Aside to Son) Let s before, as he bids us: he was provided to do
us good.
(Exeunt Shepherd and Son.)
Autolycus:
I rejoice in a double occasion: gold, and a means to do the prin
ce good. I will bring these two moles aboard and present them: there may be mat
ter in it. (Exit.)
Scene 13
(Enter Leontes, Cleomenes, Dion and Paulina.)
Leontes:
Whilst I remember her virtues, I cannot
Forget my blemishes in them, and so
Still think of the wrong I did myself, which

Hath made my kingdom heirless and destroy d

The sweetest wife man ever saw.
Paulina:
True, my lord: she you kill d was unparallel d.
Cleomenes:
Lady, you might have spoken a thousand things
That would have graced your kindness better.
Paulina:
You are one of those would have him wed again.
Dion: For the king s present comfort and future good,
What better than to bless his bed again
With a sweet fellow to it?
Paulina:
Has not the divine Apollo said he shall
Not have an heir till his lost child be found?
(To Leontes) Care not for issue: the crown will find an heir.
Leontes:
Thou speakest truth: I ll have no wife, Paulina.
Paulina:
Yet, if you will marry, let me choose you a queen.
Leontes:
(Smiling) Paulina, we shall not marry till thou bid st us.
(Enter a Gentleman in haste.)
Gentleman:
One that gives himself out Prince Florizel,
Son of Polixenes, with his princess, desires access.
Leontes:
What train comes with him?
Gentleman:
But few, and those but mean.
Leontes:
Which tells us tis not a visitation fram d,
But forced by need and accident. And his princess too?
Bring them to our embracement.
(Exeunt Cleomenes and Gentleman.)
Leontes:
Tis strange he thus should steal upon us.
Paulina:
Had our prince lived, he had pair d well with this lord:
There was not a month between their births.
Leontes:
Prithee, no more: thou know st he dies again
To me when talk d of. They are come.
(Enter Cleomenes, Gentleman, Florizel and Perdita.)
Leontes:
(To Florizel) Were I but twenty-one, your father s image
Is so hit in you that I should call you brother.
Most dearly welcome! And your fair princess!
I lost a couple that might have stood as you do;
And then I lost the amity of your father,
Whom I desire my life once more to look on.
Florizel:
From him I bring you all greetings that a king
Can send his brother and - but infirmity
Hath something seized him- had himself journey d
To look upon you, So he bade me say.
Leontes:
Welcome hither, as is the spring to the earth.
And hath he too exposed this paragon
To the fearful usage of the dreadful seas?
Florizel:
My lord, she came from Libya, from whence
We came to execute my father s charge.
I have to Bohemia dismiss d my best train,
To signify my arrival and my wife s.
Leontes:
Your father is a graceful gentleman,
Against whom I have sinn d, for which the heavens
Have left me issueless. What might I have been,
To look on a son and daughter such as you.
(Enter a Lord in haste.)
Lord: Great sir, Bohemia greets you and desires
That you attach his son, who has fled him
With a shepherd s daughter.
Leontes:
Where is Bohemia? Speak.
Lord: Here in your city. While he was hastening
To your court -in chase, it seems, of this fair couple He met the father of this seeming lady
And her brother, who had fled with the prince.

Florizel:
Camillo hath betray d me.
Lord: Then lay it to his charge: he s with your father,
Who threatens these poor men with divers deaths.
Perdita:
O, my poor father! Heaven will not have
Our contract celebrated.
Leontes:
You are married?
Florizel:
We are not, sir, nor are like to be.
Leontes:
My lord, is this the daughter of a king?
Florizel:
She is, when once she is my wife.
Leontes:
That once will come very slowly. I am sorry
You have broken the ties of duty, and as sorry
Your choice is not so rich in worth as beauty.
Florizel:
Beseech you, sir, be my advocate; at your request
My father will grant precious things as trifles.
Leontes:
(Smiling) I will to your father; I am friend to you
And your desires, upon which errand I now go;
Therefore follow me. Come, good my lord.
(Exeunt.)
Scene 14
(Enter Autolycus and a Gentleman.)
Autolycus:
Beseech you, sir, were you present at this relation?
Gentleman 1:
I was by at the opening of the fardel, heard the old shepherd te
ll how he found it, and methought I heard him say he found the child.
Autolycus:
I would most gladly know the issue of it.
(Enter a Second Gentleman.)
Gentleman 1:
The news, Rogero?
Gentleman 2:
The oracle is fulfilled, for many evidences - the mantle of Quee
n Hermione s, the letters of Antigonus and her resemblance to her mother- proclaim
the princess with all certainty to be the king s daughter. Our king cries O, thy
mother! then asks Bohemia forgiveness, then thanks the old shepherd, then embrac
es his son-in-law.
Gentleman 1:
What became of Antigonus, that carried hence the child?
Gentleman 2:
Like an old tale still, for the shepherd s son vouches that he was
torn to pieces with a bear, and his bark and his followers wrecked.
Gentleman 1:
Are the royal party returned to the court?
Gentleman 2:
No: the princess, hearing of her mother s statue, which is in the
keeping of Paulina - a piece many years in the doing and now newly performed by
a rare Italian master - they are gone thither.
Gentleman 1:
I thought Paulina had some great matter in hand, for she hath tw
ice a day, ever since the death of Hermione, visited that removed house. Let s al
ong.
(Exeunt Gentlemen.)
Autolycus:
I brought the old man and his son aboard the prince and told him
I heard them talk of a fardel, and I know what not, but he at that time was so
overfond of the shepherd s daughter that this mystery remain d undiscover d. Here com
e those I have done good to against my will.
(Enter Shepherd and Son in courtly garments.)
Shepherd:
Come, boy; thy sons and daughters will all be gentlemen born.
Son:
(To Autolycus) You are well met, sir. You denied me the other day beca
use I was no gentleman born. (Proudly) See you these clothes?
Autolycus:
(Gravely) I know you now sir, a gentleman born.
Son:
Ay, and I have been so these four hours.
Shepherd:
And so have I.
Son:
And so you have, - but I was a gentleman born before my father, for the
king s son took me by the hand, and call d me brother; and then the two kings call d m
y father brother; and then the prince my brother and the princess my sister call d
my father father.
Autolycus:
I humbly beseech you, sir, to pardon me all the faults I have co
mmitted to your worship, and to give me your good report to the prince my master

.
Shepherd:
Prithee, son, do; for we must be gentle, now we are gentlemen.
(Trumpets sound.)
Son:
Hark! the kings and the princes, our kindred, are going to see the quee
n s picture. Come.
(Exeunt.)
Scene 15
(A chapel in Paulina s house. Enter Leontes, Polixenes, Florizel, Perdita, Camill
o, Paulina, Lords and Attendants.)
Leontes:
Paulina, your gallery we have passed through,
But we saw not that which my daughter came
To look upon: the statue of her mother.
Paulina:
Her likeness excels all you yet look d upon,
Therefore I keep it apart. But here it is:
Prepare to see life lively mock d: behold!
(Paulina draws back a curtain and reveals Hermione standing as a statue.)
Paulina:
I like your silence, - it shows your wonder.
Leontes:
Her natural posture! Chide me, dear stone,
But I may say indeed thou art Hermione.
But yet, Hermione was not so aged as this.
Polixenes:
O, not by much.
Paulina:
So much the more our carver s excellence,
Which makes her as she lived now.
Leontes:
As now she might have done, as it is
Now piercing to my soul. O, thus she stood, Warm life, as now it coldly stands - when first
I woo d her. There s magic in the majesty,
Which has from thy admiring daughter took the spirits,
Standing like stone with thee. I am asham d. (Turning away, distressed.)
Perdita:
(Kneeling) Dear queen, that ended when I but began,
Give me thy hand to kiss. (Reaching out.)
Paulina:
(Preventing her) O, patience! The statue is but newly fixed:
The colour s not yet dry.
Polixenes:
(Comforting Leontes) Dear my brother,
Let him that was the cause of this have power
To take off so much grief from you.
Paulina:
If I had thought the sight of my poor image
Would thus have wrought you, I d not have shown it. (Reaching to draw the
curtain.)
Leontes:
Do not draw the curtain.
Paulina:
No longer shall you gaze,
Lest your fancy may think anon it moves.
Leontes:
Let it be, let it be. See, would you not dream
It breath d? and that those veins did bear blood?
Polixenes:
The very life seems warm upon her lip.
Paulina:
I ll draw the curtain: my lord s so transported
That he ll think anon it lives.
Leontes:
Let it alone, for this affliction hath a taste
As sweet as any cordial. Still, methinks
There is an air comes from her: what fine chisel
Could ever yet cut air? I will kiss her.
Paulina:
Good my lord, forbear: the ruddiness upon
Her lip is wet; if you kiss it you ll
Stain your own. Shall I draw the curtain?
Leontes:
(Transfixed) No, not these twenty years.
Perdita:
So long could I stand by, a looker-on.
Paulina:
Then resolve you, for I can make the statue
Descend and take you by the hand.
But it is required that all stand still.

Leontes:
Proceed: no foot shall stir.
Paulina:
Music awake her; strike!
(Soft music.)
Paulina:
Tis time; descend; be stone no more; approach.
(Hermione remains motionless.)
Paulina:
Nay, come away, bequeath to death your numbness;
Dear life redeems you - You perceive she stirs.
(Hermione slowly comes down from the pedestal.)
Paulina:
(To Leontes) Present your hand. When she was young,
You woo d her; now, in age is she become the suitor.
Leontes:
(Embracing her) O, she s warm!
(General amazement.)
Polixenes:
She embraces him!
Camillo:
She hangs about his neck! If she pertain to life,
Let her speak too!
Polixenes:
Ay, and tell s where she has lived!
Paulina:
Mark a little while. (To Perdita) Please you to interpose,
Fair madam; kneel and pray your mother s blessing.
Turn, good lady; our Perdita is found.
(Presenting Perdita, who kneels before Hermione.)
Hermione:
Gods, pour your graces on my daughter s head! (Raising her)
Tell me, mine own, where hast thou been preserved?
Knowing the oracle gave hope thou wast in being
I have preserved myself to see the issue.
Paulina:
There s time enough for that. Go together,
You precious winners all, while I lament
My old mate, that s ne er to be found again.
Leontes:
O, peace, Paulina! Since thou hast found mine,
Thou shalt a new mate take by my consent.
Come, Camillo, and take her hand, whose worth
Is justified by us, a pair of kings.
Lead us from hence; where we may leisurely
Each one demand, and answer to his part
Perform d in this wide gap of time, since first
We were discover d: hastily lead away.
(Fanfare. Exeunt, smiling and talking.)
(Curtain.)
Production Notes
Setting
Although the play is set in several different places, it can be played on a perm
anent bare set with very little in the way of scenery. A raised area upstage wi
ll be useful, and if one side is curtained it can be used in the final scene whe
re Hermione stands as a statue. This area can also be used in the trial scene (
Scene 7) , where a desk can be set for Leontes, as judge. It could also be used
by Perdita to change behind (Scene 12) and for Autolycus to retire behind imme
diately afterwards.
It is always a mistake, especially in a version like this with many brief scenes
, to interrupt the flow of the action with scene changes, whereas lighting and s
ound effects can be used to change a scene instantly: e.g. to suggest the sea-sh
ore in a storm (Scene 8), and a gobo can be used to project prison bars in Scene
4.
Costume
The Kings, Leontes and Polixenes, wear richer clothes and more impressiv
e jewellery than their Lords - Camillo, Antigonus, Cleomenes, Dion and Archidamu
s - who are richly but less colourfully dressed. Camillo wears a heavy chain as
badge of office.
Polixenes and Camillo can disguise themselves for the sheep-shearing by
wearing festive half-masks. Autolycus song mentions selling masks for faces and f

or noses , which suggests that others at the sheep-shearing are also wearing them.
Florizel, on his first appearance in the sheep-shearing scene, wears clo
thes which reveal that he is a gentleman but which are plain enough to disguise
the fact that he is a prince. (When Autolycus wears them he is taken for a cour
tier) To add to his disguise Florizel also wears a large-brimmed peasant s hat.
He then changes clothes with Autolycus, but when he reappears in Scene 13 he is
wearing rich clothes appropriate to a young prince.
When Autolycus first enters he wears ragged clothes including a hat. In
the sheep-shearing scene he wears a false beard, which he discards before chang
ing with Florizel into the clothes which he keeps for the rest of the play. (Th
is change is so quick that the two will probably have to keep the same plain hos
e/trousers and just change their tops.)
When Perdita first appears in the sheep-shearing scene she is dressed as
Mistress of the Feast, with a floral crown and possibly a white Grecian robe (S
he describes herself as Most goddess-like prankt up ) , or a bridal dress with a ve
lcro back-fastening. She then has to do a very quick change into her plain ever
yday dress, which she wears under the white dress. She also adds to her disguis
e by wearing Florizel s hat, which she pulls down over her face. When she reappea
rs in Scene 13 she has become a beautiful princess. Hermione wears the same wel
l-cut but simple dress throughout, possibly light blue, with little jewellery.
At first the Shepherd and his Son wear rough working clothes, probably i
ncluding a smock, to which they later add something festive for the sheep-sheari
ng such as flowers round their hat-brims. When they appear in Scene 14 they hav
e become Gentlemen born and are comically over-dressed in unsuitable courtiers clot
hes.
Mopsa, Dorcas and the other Shepherds and Shepherdesses at the sheep-she
aring all wear clean everyday clothes with new aprons/smocks and floral addition
s.
Emilia and the other Ladies are high-class servants, well- but plainly d
ressed with no jewellery.
Most of the Lords, Officers, etc will be playing more than one part and should h
ave a plain basic costume so that they can change quickly by adding a different
top.
The Gaoler has a leather waistcoat, a thick belt and a bunch of large ke
ys. The Mariner wears long boots, a heavy jacket and a sou-wester hat.
Time usually carries a scythe and an hour-glass, which could instead be
represented on a large tabard.
The Bear. If the bear is not represented simply by sound and/or a proje
cted image, a giant bear costume is required.
Props
Scene 2
Handkerchief (Mamillius)
Scene 5
Swaddled baby (Paulina)
Scene 6
Luggage (Cleomenes and Dion)
Scene 7
Gavel (Set on desk for Leontes)
Sealed Document (Cleomenes)
Scene 8
Swaddled Baby (Antigonus)
Large Bundle, wrapped in an embroidered cloth (Antigonus)
Scene 11
Purse (Son, later stolen by Autolycus)
Scene 12
Flowers - Lavender, marjoram, marigold (Dorcas)
Tray - With ribbons, lace, gloves, song-sheets etc (Autolycus)
Bundle & Box (Shepherd) (Bundle with cloth as before; box small but rich)
Bag of gold (Shepherd)

Sound Effects
Sc7. Three loud raps.* Visual Cue: When the court are assembled.
Sc7. Three loud raps.* Cue: Apollo be praised.
Sc8. High wind and breakers. Cue: Come, lead me to these sorrows.
Sc8. Thunder, then horns, young hunters*, dogs and bears. Cue: Farewell, poor w
retch.
Sc12. Music for rural dance* Cue: Come, strike up!
Sc14. Trumpets sound. Cue: We must be gentle, now we are gentlemen.
Sc15. Soft music. Cue: Music awake her; strike!
Sc15. Fade music out. Cue: O, she s warm!
Sc15. Fanfare. Cue: Hastily lead away.
*These effects can be provided by Leontes on stage (Scene 7) ; voices off-stage
(Scene 8) and by musicians on- or off-stage (Scene 12)
Lighting
Most of the play can be performed in full lighting, except for Scene 8 and part
of Scene 15. Suggested lighting effects:
1) Sc4. Underlit except for acting area and projected prison bars. Cue: Lest t
hat treachery be left her to perform. Come.
2) Sc4. Full lighting. Cue: The guilt, if any, of the queen. Come.
3) Sc.8. Dim lighting except for central acting area. Cue: Lead me to these so
rrows.
4) Sc8. Lightning flash. Cue: Farewell, poor wretch
5) Sc8. Projected image of giant bear. Cue: Well may I get aboard.
6) Sc9. Blackout except for spot on Time. Cue: Nothing but secrecy. Come.
7) Sc10. Full lighting. Cue: What follows after is the argument of Time.
8) Sc15. Underlit except for the main acting area. Cue: Going to see the queen s
picture. Come.
9) Sc15. Hermione lit softly from the side. Cue: Life lively mock d: Behold!
10) Sc15. Bring all lighting up to full in 20 seconds. Visual cue: Hermione m
oving and descending from the pedestal.
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2010 by Bill Tordoff Page 1 www.lazybeescripts.co.uk