POLIXENES
I pray , good Camillo, be no more importunate: a sickness denying anything; a death to grant this.
CAMILLO
It is fifteen years since I saw my country. Though I have for the most part been aired abroad, I desire to lay my bones there. Besides, the penitent king, my master, sent for me; to whose feeling sorrows I might be some allay, or I o’erween to think so,—which is another spur to my departure.
POLIXENES
As lov’st me, Camillo, wipe not out the rest of services by leaving me now: the need I have of , own goodness made; better not to have had than thus to want . , having made me businesses which none without can sufficiently manage, must either stay to execute them thyself, or take away with the very services done, which if I have not enough considered (as too much I cannot) to be more thankful to shall be my study; and my profit therein the heaping friendships. Of that fatal country Sicilia, speak no more; whose very naming punishes me with the remembrance of that penitent, as call’st him, and reconciled king, my brother; whose loss of his most precious queen and children are even now to be afresh lamented. Say to me, when sawest the Prince Florizel, my son? Kings are no less unhappy, their issue not being gracious, than they are in losing them when they have approved their virtues.
CAMILLO
Sir, it is three days since I saw the prince. What his happier affairs may be, are to me unknown, but I have missingly noted he is of late much retired from court, and is less frequent to his princely exercises than formerly he appeared.
POLIXENES
I have considered so much, Camillo, and with some care; so far that I have eyes under my service which look upon his removedness; from whom I have this intelligence, that he is seldom from the house of a most homely shepherd, a man, they say, that from very nothing, and beyond the imagination of his neighbours, is grown into an unspeakable estate.
CAMILLO
I have heard, sir, of such a man, who a daughter of most rare note: the report of her is extended more than can be thought to begin from such a cottage.
POLIXENES
That’s likewise part of my intelligence: but, I fear, the angle that plucks our son . accompany us to the place, where we will, not appearing what we are, have some question with the shepherd; from whose simplicity I think it not uneasy to get the cause of my son’s resort . , be my present partner in this business, and lay aside the thoughts of Sicilia.
CAMILLO
I willingly obey your command.
POLIXENES
My best Camillo! We must disguise ourselves.