The Winter’s Tale

Act I

Scene I

Antechamber in Leontes’ palace.

Scene II

A room of state in the same.

Nine changes of the watery star hath been
The shepherd’s note since we have left our throne
Without a burthen: 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 moe
That go before it.