exposed in some strange country to perish: he being irritated against his queen through an impulse of unfounded jealousy.

Leontes, previous to the death of his father, had visited the court of Russia, where he became enamoured of and married Hermione, daughter of the emperor; a lady of great beauty and accomplishment. They had lived together in the most perfect happiness for some years, and their union had been blessed by one son, Mamillius, a boy of rare qualifications, who possessing a shrewdness of sentiment, and an acute sensibility uncommon at his years, was justly beloved by his parents and by the whole court.

Leontes had, in his boyish days, a friend and companion whom he highly loved and esteemed, Polixenes, son of the King of Bohemia. They had been educated together; and when Polixenes, on the death of his father, went to take possession of the throne, it was a painful separation to the youthful friends. Leontes soon afterwards succeeded his father in Sicilia. Several years had elapsed, since they had met, and when Bohemia, at the long and frequent intercession of Leontes, paid a visit to the court of Sicilia, he had been received with every demonstration of joy. Hermione, in her earnest desire to please her husband, paid the most pointed attention to Polixenes; and Polixenes, valuing her as the exclusive property of his dearly loved friend and brother, considered her as a sister, and treated her with affection and kindness. For a long time Leontes considered this as it really was-a tribute of respect to himself; but by degress a feeling of jealousy took possession of his mind, and when Polixenes, at the earnest request of Hermione, agreed to extend his visitation some short time, a request which he had positively refused to Leontes, it was a confirmation of his jealous feelings: yet he suppressed his irritation; and while Hermione with artless good

humour was conversing with Polixenes, Leontes, inder pretence of playing with his young son the Prince Mamillius, seized the opportunity of anxiously watching the countenances, and listening to the conversation of his suspected wife and friend.

Hermione, happy in the idea of having obliged her beloved Leontes, was more than usually gay, and looked more than usually beautiful; little supposing that she was furnishing arms against herself, and feeding the demon of jealousy in the breast of her husband. Leontes, who was by nature petulant, and whose love towards Hermione was so ardent, that his resentment rose in proportion, being now confirmed in his suspicion, his rage exceeded all bounds; he shut his mind against conviction; and when his Lords ventured to speak in defence of the Queen, he violently repulsed them, accusing them of disloyalty and treason: so unjustly confident was he, that Camillo declared to Polixenes that should he

Swear his thought over

By each particular star in Heaven, and
By all their influences, it were as well
Forbid the sea for to obey the moon,
As or, by oath, remove, or counsel, shake
The fabric of his folly. ***

Camillo, the most favoured Lord of his court, was commissioned by Leontes to put poison in the cup, out of which Polixenes should drink; and Camillo having obtained from the King a promise, that, on condition of Polixenes' removal, he would again take his Queen into favour, undertook the disgraceful office, without however, any intention of putting it into execution. He sought an interview with the King of Bohemia, of whose innocence he felt well. assured, and whose life he was determined to preserve; then freely imparted the jealousy of Leontes and his order given for Polixenes' death, and coun+ selled him for his own sake and for the sake of the injured Hermione immediately to quit Sicilia ; hoping that when he was once fairly removed, Leontes' jealousy would cease, and the Queen be restored to his affections. Camillo, by this counsel, proved himself a virtuous man, rather than a favoured courtier. He loved Leontes; but he loved justice more. He well knew that if he performed the bidding of his sovereign master, promotion, honours, and distinctions would follow; that if he refused, he must for ever be an exile from his native land; or, if remaining in it, that his life would pay the forfeit of his obstinacy :-yet Camillo hesitated not in his determination; he would not, for the hope of reward, disturb the slumbers of a quiet conscience nor awaken his mind to bitter reflections (he exclaimed) never, never!"

If I could find example

"No

Of thousands, that had struck anointed Kings,
And flourish'd after, I'd not do't; but since
Nor brass, nor stone, nor parchment, bears not one,
Let villany forswear't. * * *

By the office which he held, Camillo had the power to unclose the several posterns which surrounded the city; and at midnight, under his pro

tection, Polixenes and his followers made their escape; and, getting on board a vessel, set sail before the dawn of morning for Bohemia.

When Leontes heard of the departure of Polixenes and the apostacy of Camillo, his former rage amounted almost to insanity; and far from restoring Hermione to favour as Camillo had hoped, it more confirmed his anger. He publicly accused her of infidelity to his bed, and of aiding and abetting Polixenes and Camillo in their secret escape. Her assertions of innocence were vain; the impetuous Leontes, without mercy towards her situation, being far advanced in pregnancy, unfeelingly ordered her to prison, and forbade any one to speak in her behalf.

Hermione was equally astonished and afflicted, at an accusation so unexpected and so unmerited; yet the pride of majesty sustained her she shed no tears, but raised her eyes to heaven, with a mournful hope of consolation in Leontes' speedy conviction of her innocence. Yet, though she evinced no powerful outward signs of sorrow, her heart was heavily charged, and her voice faltered as she softly and sweetly addressed the gentlemen who waited to conduct her to prison.

There's some ill planet reigns:
I must be patient, till the heavens look
With an aspect more favourable.-Good my lord
I am not prone to weeping, as our sex

Commonly are; the want of which vain dew
Perchance shall dry your pities: but I have
That honourable grief lodged here, which burns
Worse than tears drown. ***

She was conducted to prison, and forbidden all communication except with the ladies who were permitted to attend her; even the young prince's visits were not allowed. This cruel mandate of the King was a heavy affliction to Hermione; and the sweet boy, who could not endure the thoughts of

his mother's affliction and disgrace, sunk into a state of melancholy which put his life in danger.

Meantime Leontes, for the satisfaction of the Lords of his court, all of whom appeared to cherish an idea of Hermione's innocence, dispatched two of his nobles, Cleomenes and Dion, to Delphos, to consult the oracle of Apollo. The intervening time was spent in anxiety. The poor imprisoned Hermione was delivered of a daughter, whose helpless infancy would, she hoped, be an advocate with her incensed husband; but who should dare present it to him? It was an office few would venture to undertake ; and her busy fancy could hardly fix on one, to whom she could apply with any prospect of success.

While she was deliberating, and consulting with her faithful attendants on this important subject, Paulina, the wife of Lord Antigonus, came to the prison but the gaoler dared not admit her to the presence of the Queen; so rigid were his orders. Mercy on us, (cried the indignant Paulina) here's ado-"

To lock up honesty and honour from

The access of gentle visitors !-Is it lawful
Pray you, to see her women? any of them,
Emilia ?"***

The gaoler's orders not extending towards the Queen's women, he willingly conducted the Lady Emilia to her presence. From her she learnt the news of the Queen's delivery; and then entreated that she might be intrusted with the infant to present to the King. Emilia, overjoyed, informed the Lady Paulina, that her Majesty languished for such a kind messenger, and prayed heaven to speed her in her pious errand. The innocent babe was given to her care; and, boldly entering the presence of Leontes, she laid the Princess at his feet, imploring him to look with an eye of tenderness, on the infant