The Winter's Tale
Vocabulary

1 use

Besides, the penitent king, my master, hath 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.†

allay = reduce the intensity of or calm

1 use

O lady Fortune, stand you auspicious!

auspicious = favorable

2 uses

...and The justice of your hearts will thereto add, "Tis pity she's not honest, honourable': Praise her but for this her without-door form,— Which, on my faith, deserves high speech,—and straight The shrug, the hum or ha,—these petty brands That calumny doth use:—O, I am out, That mercy does; for calumny will sear Virtue itself:—these shrugs, these hum's, and ha's, When you have said 'she's goodly,' come between, Ere you can say 'she's honest': but be it known, From him that has most...†

calumny = false accusation against a person

1 use

In my just censure, in my true opinion!

censure = criticism

4 uses

Sir, my gracious lord, To chide at your extremes it not becomes me,— O, pardon that I name them!†

chide = scold or criticize

1 use

I am robb'd, sir, and beaten; my money and apparel ta'en from me, and these detestable things put upon me.†

detestable = deserving intense dislike

1 use

If thou mayest discern by that which is left of him what he is, fetch me to the sight of him.

discern = to see something that is not obvious

2 uses

—Weep I cannot, But my heart bleeds: and most accurs'd am I To be by oath enjoin'd to this.†

enjoin'd = to command someone to do (or not do) something

22 uses

[Exeunt QUEEN and Ladies, with Guards.]

exeunt = stage direction:  characters exit from stage

1 use

Now, good Camillo, I am so fraught with curious business that I leave out ceremony.†

fraught = full of negative things

1 use

Master, there is three carters, three shepherds, three neat-herds, three swine-herds, that have made themselves all men of hair; they call themselves saltiers: and they have dance which the wenches say is a gallimaufry of gambols, because they are not in't; but they themselves are o' the mind (if it be not too rough for some that know little but bowling) it will please plentifully.†

gambols = frolics (skips, leaps, and/or runs around in a happy, playful manner)

1 use

It is an heretic that makes the fire,

heretic = someone with opinions or actions most people consider immoral

1 use

The prince himself is about a piece of iniquity,—stealing away from his father with his clog at his heels: if I thought it were a piece of honesty to acquaint the king withal, I would not do't: I hold it the more knavery to conceal it; and therein am I constant to my profession.†

iniquity = immorality; or an immoral act

1 use

Why, what need we Commune with you of this, but rather follow Our forceful instigation?†

instigation = the act or process of starting  something or causing it to happen

1 use

in this time of lethargy, I picked and cut most of their festival purses;

lethargy = a state with a lack of energy

7 uses

Let no man mock me,

mock = make fun of

1 use

This you may know, And so deliver,—I am put to sea With her, whom here I cannot hold on shore; And, most opportune to her need, I have A vessel rides fast by, but not prepar'd For this design.†

opportune = favorable circumstances for a particular purpose — especially the circumstance of good timing

1 use

his piety

piety = highly moral belief or behavior

5 uses

Nay, rather, good my lords, be second to me: Fear you his tyrannous passion more, alas, Than the queen's life? a gracious innocent soul, More free than he is jealous.†

tyrannous = to control others harshly and unfairly; or a form of government with such control

1 use

This is a creature,
Would she begin a sect, might quench the zeal
Of all professors else; make proselytes
Of who she but bid follow.

zeal = active interest and enthusiasm