The Winter's Tale

Enter LEONTES, POLIXENES, HERMIONE, MAMILLIUS, CAMILLO and Attendants.POLIXENES.Nine changes of the watery star hath beenThe shepherd's note since we have left our throneWithout a burden.

Time as long againWould 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 multiplyWith one "we thank you" many thousands moreThat 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 chanceOr breed upon our absence; that may blowNo sneaping winds at home, to make us say"This is put forth too truly." Besides, I have stay'dTo 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 thatI'll no gainsaying.