Page:Stories from Old English Poetry-1899.djvu/183

Rh he knew not but the anger of Leontes might fall on him to such an extent as to strip him of his possessions, his title, or even take his life. But the hesitation of Camillo was brief, and he hastened to Polixenes to warn him of the king’s intention against him.

The king of Bohemia was horrified that Leontes could suspect him of such baseness as to endeavor to win the affections of his wife, and wounded to the heart when he heard how Camillo had been instructed by his friend to have him foully poisoned. Flight seemed to him the only possible escape from the anger of the king, who he knew was unreasonable in his passions. Besides, in his absence he thought the wrath of Leontes would cool, and he would soon be convinced of the folly of his suspicions. The good Camillo offered to go back with him to Bohemia, since he did not care to stay and breast the king’s wrath; and Polixenes, in gratitude, gladly accepted his attendance, and promised to reward him for his fidelity.

They set out immediately as secretly as possible. Polixenes had almost as much influence in the city as the king himself, and all the gates were opened for him without any demur, so that he got out with all his attendants, embarked in his ships, and was out at sea before Leontes discovered it. When he did hear of his friend’s