Winter's Tale

LEONTES,King of Sicily,and his queen,the beautiful and virtuous Hermione,

once lived in the greatest harmony together.

So happy was Leontes in the love of this excellent lady that he had no wish ungratified,

except that he sometimes desired to see again and to present to his queen his old companion and schoolfellow,Polixenes,King of Bohemia.

Leontes and Polixenes were brought up together from their infancy,but being,

by the death of their fathers,called to reign over their respective kingdoms,they had not met for many years,

though they frequently interchanged gifts,letters,and loving embassies.

At length,after repeated invitations,Polixenes came from Bohemia to the Sicilian court,

to make his friend Leontes a visit.