At my request he would not. Hermione, my dearest, though never spok’st to better purpose.
-- Leontes (Act I, Scene II paragraph 29)

Importance: Leontes is initially thanking Hermione for convincing Polixenes to remain another week. A short time later, Leontes comes to believe Polixenes accepts Hermione’s offer because they are lovers.

A sad tale’s best for winter.
-- Mamillius (Act II, Scene I paragraph 2)

Importance: Mamillius has been called on to tell a story to provide entertainment. This is a reference to the play’s title; and, it could be a reference to the fact that the tales traditionally told during the winter months were not true. The reader should remember that the people of this time have little entertainment and storytelling is something of an art.

I have said, she’s an adulteress; I have said with whom: More, she’s a traitor and Camillo is a federary with her.
-- Leontes (Act II, Scene I paragraph 30)

Importance: Leontes is making the accusation publicly for the first time. He sent...