Polixenes, King of Bohemia, is nearing the end of his nine-month visit to Sicilia, the country of his boyhood friend, King Leontes. When Leontes' pregnant wife, the charming Queen Hermione, convinces Polixenes to extend his stay, Leontes is suddenly overwhelmed by jealousy. Thinking that Hermione has been unfaithful to him with the Bohemian king, Leontes solicits Camillo, a lord, to poison Polixenes. Camillo instead ushers Polixenes to safety in Bohemia.