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In Act I of The Winter's Tale, Leontes, King of Sicilia, erupts in furious rage and tells us that his queen is but “a hobby-horse” “and rank as any flax-wench” (I.ii.276).1 Leontes pronounces himself a “cuckold,” and cries out that he has been “disgrac'd” and “much deceiv'd” (I.ii. 191). Despite all of the protests on Hermione's behalf, Leontes' beliefs remain unalterable. Many argue with him that his opinions are “diseas'd,” “dangerous” and false, but he will not be persuaded. Believing his jealousy to be completely groundless, they are at a loss to find a satisfactory explanation for what strikes them as such a “sudden” and drastic change. Leontes himself gives voice to the question:
Dost think I am so muddy, so unsettled, To appoint myself in this vexation; sully The purity and whiteness of my sheets, Which to preserve is sleep; which being spotted Is goads, thorns, nettles, tails of wasps?
Without ripe moving to't? Would I do this?
Leontes charges us with a disturbing and extremely complicated question and one over which there remains considerable disagreement. Would Leontes behave as he does without a “ripe” cause; and if Hermione is guiltless of adultery then why would he “appoint [himself] in this vexation?” It is far too tempting not to follow his injunction, despite the invective: