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his father, takes Perdita’s hand and asks Polixenes to be “witness” to what he is about to say. He makes a public declaration of his love for Perdita. The Shepherd declares that he gives his daughter to Florizel and will “make / Her portion equal to his.” As Florizel urges the Shepherd to make their betrothal formal, Polixenes interrupts, asking if Florizel’s father knows and suggests that Florizel is wrong not to inform him. Polixenes reveals his true identity, furious with Florizel for attempting to contract a marriage with “a sheep-hook.” He accuses the Shepherd of treachery, the punishment for which is execution, and threatens to have Perdita’s beauty “scratched with briers.” He forbids Florizel to have any more to dowith Perdita, under threat of disinheritance. Polixenes leaves. The Shepherd also vents his anger at the couple before storming out.
    Lines 507–667: Florizel guesses Camillo’s true identity. Camillo advises him to avoid Polixenes until he has calmed down. Florizel reassures Perdita and declares that he will marry her, even if it means giving up the succession to the throne. He announces his intention to leave Bohemia. Camillo suggests that they go to Sicilia where Florizel can introduce Perdita as his princess and pretend that he has come in reconciliation from Polixenes. Florizel agrees, and Camillo promises to provide him with clothes and attendants. As they draw aside to discuss matters, Autolycus returns.
    Lines 668–744: Autolycus is congratulating himself on the number of purses that he has stolen at the shearing. Camillo, Perdita, and Florizel see him and ask him to exchange clothes with Florizel, which he does. Camillo advises Perdita to “disliken / The truth of your own seeming,” reminding us that, ironically, her true identity has already been concealed once. Camillo’s aside reveals that he intends to tell Polixenes of the lovers’ destination, forcing the king to sail to Sicilia, taking Camillo with him. He leaves, as Florizel and Perdita head for the coast.
    Lines 745–906: As Autolycus contemplates what he has just witnessed, the Shepherd and the Clown approach. Autolycus stands aside to listen. The Clown urges his father to tell the king that Perdita is “a changeling,” not of his “flesh and blood,” and that therefore he should not be punished for her actions. As they leave for the palace they are stopped by Autolycus, whom they mistake for a “courtier.” Autolycus tells them that Polixenes has boarded a ship and offers to direct them to it. The Shepherd gives him gold in return and they set out, Autolycus revealing aside his intention to do good by his old master, Florizel—and to win some gold for himself by doing so.
ACT 5 SCENE 1
    Lines 1–151: In Sicilia, Cleomenes assures Leontes that he has grieved long enough. Leontes will not forgive himself. He is supportedby Paulina who, outspoken as ever, reminds him that he “killed” a woman of “unparalleled” goodness. Throughout the scene she continues to remind him of his wife and children. The Lords urge Leontes to marry again, concerned that Sicilia should have an heir, but Paulina reminds them that Apollo has decreed that “King Leontes shall not have an heir / Till his lost child be found.” She urges Leontes not to marry again, and he agrees not to without Paulina’s “free leave.” A servant brings the news that Florizel and his princess have asked to see Leontes. Aware of the absence of state formality surrounding the visit, Leontes wonders whether Florizel has come there out of “need and accident.” He sends Cleomenes to fetch them.
    Lines 152–278: Leontes greets Florizel, commenting on his likeness to Polixenes. He praises Perdita’s beauty and reflects sadly on his own lost children. Florizel presents greetings from Polixenes, pretending that