User:RHaworth/Shakes/Timon

<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"> Timon of Athens: Entire Play    

ACT I SCENE I. Athens. A hall in Timon's house. Enter Poet, Painter, Jeweller, Merchant, and others, at several doors

Poet Good day, sir.

Painter                  I am glad you're well.

Poet I have not seen you long: how goes the world?</A>

Painter</a> It wears, sir, as it grows.</A>

Poet</a> Ay, that's well known:</A> But what particular rarity? what strange,</A> Which manifold record not matches? See,</A> Magic of bounty! all these spirits thy power</A> Hath conjured to attend. I know the merchant.</A>

Painter</a> I know them both; th' other's a jeweller.</A>

Merchant</a> O, 'tis a worthy lord.</A>

Jeweller</a> Nay, that's most fix'd.</A>

Merchant</a> A most incomparable man, breathed, as it were,</A> <A NAME=1.1.14>To an untirable and continuate goodness:</A> <A NAME=1.1.15>He passes.</A>

<A NAME=speech8>Jeweller</a> <A NAME=1.1.16>I have a jewel here--</A>

<A NAME=speech10>Merchant</a> <A NAME=1.1.17>O, pray, let's see't: for the Lord Timon, sir?</A>

<A NAME=speech8>Jeweller</a> <A NAME=1.1.18>If he will touch the estimate: but, for that--</A>

<A NAME=speech11>Poet</a> <A NAME=1.1.19>[Reciting to himself] 'When we for recompense have</A> <A NAME=1.1.20>praised the vile,</A> <A NAME=1.1.21>It stains the glory in that happy verse</A> <A NAME=1.1.22>Which aptly sings the good.'</A>

<A NAME=speech12>Merchant</a> <A NAME=1.1.23>'Tis a good form.</A> Looking at the jewel

<A NAME=speech13>Jeweller</a> <A NAME=1.1.24>And rich: here is a water, look ye.</A>

<A NAME=speech14>Painter</a> <A NAME=1.1.25>You are rapt, sir, in some work, some dedication</A> <A NAME=1.1.26>To the great lord.</A>

<A NAME=speech15>Poet</a> <A NAME=1.1.27>                 A thing slipp'd idly from me.</A> <A NAME=1.1.28>Our poesy is as a gum, which oozes</A> <A NAME=1.1.29>From whence 'tis nourish'd: the fire i' the flint</A> <A NAME=1.1.30>Shows not till it be struck; our gentle flame</A> <A NAME=1.1.31>Provokes itself and like the current flies</A> <A NAME=1.1.32>Each bound it chafes. What have you there?</A>

<A NAME=speech16>Painter</a> <A NAME=1.1.33>A picture, sir. When comes your book forth?</A>

<A NAME=speech17>Poet</a> <A NAME=1.1.34>Upon the heels of my presentment, sir.</A> <A NAME=1.1.35>Let's see your piece.</A>

<A NAME=speech18>Painter</a> <A NAME=1.1.36>'Tis a good piece.</A>

<A NAME=speech19>Poet</a> <A NAME=1.1.37>So 'tis: this comes off well and excellent.</A>

<A NAME=speech20>Painter</a> <A NAME=1.1.38>Indifferent.</A>

<A NAME=speech21>Poet</a> <A NAME=1.1.39>                 Admirable: how this grace</A> <A NAME=1.1.40>Speaks his own standing! what a mental power</A> <A NAME=1.1.41>This eye shoots forth! how big imagination</A> <A NAME=1.1.42>Moves in this lip! to the dumbness of the gesture</A> <A NAME=1.1.43>One might interpret.</A>

<A NAME=speech22>Painter</a> <A NAME=1.1.44>It is a pretty mocking of the life.</A> <A NAME=1.1.45>Here is a touch; is't good?</A>

<A NAME=speech23>Poet</a> <A NAME=1.1.46>I will say of it,</A> <A NAME=1.1.47>It tutors nature: artificial strife</A> <A NAME=1.1.48>Lives in these touches, livelier than life.</A> Enter certain Senators, and pass over

<A NAME=speech24>Painter</a> <A NAME=1.1.49>How this lord is follow'd!</A>

<A NAME=speech25>Poet</a> <A NAME=1.1.50>The senators of Athens: happy man!</A>

<A NAME=speech26>Painter</a> <A NAME=1.1.51>Look, more!</A>

<A NAME=speech27>Poet</a> <A NAME=1.1.52>You see this confluence, this great flood</A> <A NAME=1.1.53>of visitors.</A> <A NAME=1.1.54>I have, in this rough work, shaped out a man,</A> <A NAME=1.1.55>Whom this beneath world doth embrace and hug</A> <A NAME=1.1.56>With amplest entertainment: my free drift</A> <A NAME=1.1.57>Halts not particularly, but moves itself</A> <A NAME=1.1.58>In a wide sea of wax: no levell'd malice</A> <A NAME=1.1.59>Infects one comma in the course I hold;</A> <A NAME=1.1.60>But flies an eagle flight, bold and forth on,</A> <A NAME=1.1.61>Leaving no tract behind.</A>

<A NAME=speech28>Painter</a> <A NAME=1.1.62>How shall I understand you?</A>

<A NAME=speech29>Poet</a> <A NAME=1.1.63>I will unbolt to you.</A> <A NAME=1.1.64>You see how all conditions, how all minds,</A> <A NAME=1.1.65>As well of glib and slippery creatures as</A> <A NAME=1.1.66>Of grave and austere quality, tender down</A> <A NAME=1.1.67>Their services to Lord Timon: his large fortune</A> <A NAME=1.1.68>Upon his good and gracious nature hanging</A> <A NAME=1.1.69>Subdues and properties to his love and tendance</A> <A NAME=1.1.70>All sorts of hearts; yea, from the glass-faced flatterer</A> <A NAME=1.1.71>To Apemantus, that few things loves better</A> <A NAME=1.1.72>Than to abhor himself: even he drops down</A> <A NAME=1.1.73>The knee before him, and returns in peace</A> <A NAME=1.1.74>Most rich in Timon's nod.</A>

<A NAME=speech30>Painter</a> <A NAME=1.1.75>I saw them speak together.</A>

<A NAME=speech31>Poet</a> <A NAME=1.1.76>Sir, I have upon a high and pleasant hill</A> <A NAME=1.1.77>Feign'd Fortune to be throned: the base o' the mount</A> <A NAME=1.1.78>Is rank'd with all deserts, all kind of natures,</A> <A NAME=1.1.79>That labour on the bosom of this sphere</A> <A NAME=1.1.80>To propagate their states: amongst them all,</A> <A NAME=1.1.81>Whose eyes are on this sovereign lady fix'd,</A> <A NAME=1.1.82>One do I personate of Lord Timon's frame,</A> <A NAME=1.1.83>Whom Fortune with her ivory hand wafts to her;</A> <A NAME=1.1.84>Whose present grace to present slaves and servants</A> <A NAME=1.1.85>Translates his rivals.</A>

<A NAME=speech32>Painter</a> <A NAME=1.1.86>'Tis conceived to scope.</A> <A NAME=1.1.87>This throne, this Fortune, and this hill, methinks,</A> <A NAME=1.1.88>With one man beckon'd from the rest below,</A> <A NAME=1.1.89>Bowing his head against the sleepy mount</A> <A NAME=1.1.90>To climb his happiness, would be well express'd</A> <A NAME=1.1.91>In our condition.</A>

<A NAME=speech33>Poet</a> <A NAME=1.1.92>                 Nay, sir, but hear me on.</A> <A NAME=1.1.93>All those which were his fellows but of late,</A> <A NAME=1.1.94>Some better than his value, on the moment</A> <A NAME=1.1.95>Follow his strides, his lobbies fill with tendance,</A> <A NAME=1.1.96>Rain sacrificial whisperings in his ear,</A> <A NAME=1.1.97>Make sacred even his stirrup, and through him</A> <A NAME=1.1.98>Drink the free air.</A>

<A NAME=speech34>Painter</a> <A NAME=1.1.99>Ay, marry, what of these?</A>

<A NAME=speech35>Poet</a> <A NAME=1.1.100>When Fortune in her shift and change of mood</A> <A NAME=1.1.101>Spurns down her late beloved, all his dependants</A> <A NAME=1.1.102>Which labour'd after him to the mountain's top</A> <A NAME=1.1.103>Even on their knees and hands, let him slip down,</A> <A NAME=1.1.104>Not one accompanying his declining foot.</A>

<A NAME=speech36>Painter</a> <A NAME=1.1.105>'Tis common:</A> <A NAME=1.1.106>A thousand moral paintings I can show</A> <A NAME=1.1.107>That shall demonstrate these quick blows of Fortune's</A> <A NAME=1.1.108>More pregnantly than words. Yet you do well</A> <A NAME=1.1.109>To show Lord Timon that mean eyes have seen</A> <A NAME=1.1.110>The foot above the head.</A> ''Trumpets sound. Enter TIMON, addressing himself courteously to every suitor; a Messenger from  VENTIDIUS talking with him; LUCILIUS and other servants following''

<A NAME=speech37>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.111>Imprison'd is he, say you?</A>

<A NAME=speech38>Messenger</a> <A NAME=1.1.112>Ay, my good lord: five talents is his debt,</A> <A NAME=1.1.113>His means most short, his creditors most strait:</A> <A NAME=1.1.114>Your honourable letter he desires</A> <A NAME=1.1.115>To those have shut him up; which failing,</A> <A NAME=1.1.116>Periods his comfort.</A>

<A NAME=speech39>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.117>Noble Ventidius! Well;</A> <A NAME=1.1.118>I am not of that feather to shake off</A> <A NAME=1.1.119>My friend when he must need me. I do know him</A> <A NAME=1.1.120>A gentleman that well deserves a help:</A> <A NAME=1.1.121>Which he shall have: I'll pay the debt,</A> <A NAME=1.1.122>and free him.</A>

<A NAME=speech40>Messenger</a> <A NAME=1.1.123>Your lordship ever binds him.</A>

<A NAME=speech41>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.124>Commend me to him: I will send his ransom;</A> <A NAME=1.1.125>And being enfranchised, bid him come to me.</A> <A NAME=1.1.126>'Tis not enough to help the feeble up,</A> <A NAME=1.1.127>But to support him after. Fare you well.</A>

<A NAME=speech42>Messenger</a> <A NAME=1.1.128>All happiness to your honour!</A> Exit Enter an old Athenian

<A NAME=speech43>Old Athenian</a> <A NAME=1.1.129>Lord Timon, hear me speak.</A>

<A NAME=speech44>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.130>Freely, good father.</A>

<A NAME=speech45>Old Athenian</a> <A NAME=1.1.131>Thou hast a servant named Lucilius.</A>

<A NAME=speech46>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.132>I have so: what of him?</A>

<A NAME=speech47>Old Athenian</a> <A NAME=1.1.133>Most noble Timon, call the man before thee.</A>

<A NAME=speech48>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.134>Attends he here, or no? Lucilius!</A>

<A NAME=speech49>LUCILIUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.135>Here, at your lordship's service.</A>

<A NAME=speech50>Old Athenian</a> <A NAME=1.1.136>This fellow here, Lord Timon, this thy creature,</A> <A NAME=1.1.137>By night frequents my house. I am a man</A> <A NAME=1.1.138>That from my first have been inclined to thrift;</A> <A NAME=1.1.139>And my estate deserves an heir more raised</A> <A NAME=1.1.140>Than one which holds a trencher.</A>

<A NAME=speech51>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.141>Well; what further?</A>

<A NAME=speech52>Old Athenian</a> <A NAME=1.1.142>One only daughter have I, no kin else,</A> <A NAME=1.1.143>On whom I may confer what I have got:</A> <A NAME=1.1.144>The maid is fair, o' the youngest for a bride,</A> <A NAME=1.1.145>And I have bred her at my dearest cost</A> <A NAME=1.1.146>In qualities of the best. This man of thine</A> <A NAME=1.1.147>Attempts her love: I prithee, noble lord,</A> <A NAME=1.1.148>Join with me to forbid him her resort;</A> <A NAME=1.1.149>Myself have spoke in vain.</A>

<A NAME=speech53>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.150>The man is honest.</A>

<A NAME=speech54>Old Athenian</a> <A NAME=1.1.151>Therefore he will be, Timon:</A> <A NAME=1.1.152>His honesty rewards him in itself;</A> <A NAME=1.1.153>It must not bear my daughter.</A>

<A NAME=speech55>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.154>Does she love him?</A>

<A NAME=speech56>Old Athenian</a> <A NAME=1.1.155>She is young and apt:</A> <A NAME=1.1.156>Our own precedent passions do instruct us</A> <A NAME=1.1.157>What levity's in youth.</A>

<A NAME=speech57>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.158>[To LUCILIUS]          Love you the maid?</A>

<A NAME=speech58>LUCILIUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.159>Ay, my good lord, and she accepts of it.</A>

<A NAME=speech59>Old Athenian</a> <A NAME=1.1.160>If in her marriage my consent be missing,</A> <A NAME=1.1.161>I call the gods to witness, I will choose</A> <A NAME=1.1.162>Mine heir from forth the beggars of the world,</A> <A NAME=1.1.163>And dispossess her all.</A>

<A NAME=speech60>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.164>How shall she be endow'd,</A> <A NAME=1.1.165>if she be mated with an equal husband?</A>

<A NAME=speech61>Old Athenian</a> <A NAME=1.1.166>Three talents on the present; in future, all.</A>

<A NAME=speech62>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.167>This gentleman of mine hath served me long:</A> <A NAME=1.1.168>To build his fortune I will strain a little,</A> <A NAME=1.1.169>For 'tis a bond in men. Give him thy daughter:</A> <A NAME=1.1.170>What you bestow, in him I'll counterpoise,</A> <A NAME=1.1.171>And make him weigh with her.</A>

<A NAME=speech63>Old Athenian</a> <A NAME=1.1.172>Most noble lord,</A> <A NAME=1.1.173>Pawn me to this your honour, she is his.</A>

<A NAME=speech64>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.174>My hand to thee; mine honour on my promise.</A>

<A NAME=speech65>LUCILIUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.175>Humbly I thank your lordship: never may</A> <A NAME=1.1.176>The state or fortune fall into my keeping,</A> <A NAME=1.1.177>Which is not owed to you!</A> Exeunt LUCILIUS and Old Athenian

<A NAME=speech66>Poet</a> <A NAME=1.1.178>Vouchsafe my labour, and long live your lordship!</A>

<A NAME=speech67>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.179>I thank you; you shall hear from me anon:</A> <A NAME=1.1.180>Go not away. What have you there, my friend?</A>

<A NAME=speech68>Painter</a> <A NAME=1.1.181>A piece of painting, which I do beseech</A> <A NAME=1.1.182>Your lordship to accept.</A>

<A NAME=speech69>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.183>Painting is welcome.</A> <A NAME=1.1.184>The painting is almost the natural man;</A> <A NAME=1.1.185>or since dishonour traffics with man's nature,</A> <A NAME=1.1.186>He is but outside: these pencill'd figures are</A> <A NAME=1.1.187>Even such as they give out. I like your work;</A> <A NAME=1.1.188>And you shall find I like it: wait attendance</A> <A NAME=1.1.189>Till you hear further from me.</A>

<A NAME=speech70>Painter</a> <A NAME=1.1.190>The gods preserve ye!</A>

<A NAME=speech71>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.191>Well fare you, gentleman: give me your hand;</A> <A NAME=1.1.192>We must needs dine together. Sir, your jewel</A> <A NAME=1.1.193>Hath suffer'd under praise.</A>

<A NAME=speech72>Jeweller</a> <A NAME=1.1.194>What, my lord! dispraise?</A>

<A NAME=speech73>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.195>A more satiety of commendations.</A> <A NAME=1.1.196>If I should pay you for't as 'tis extoll'd,</A> <A NAME=1.1.197>It would unclew me quite.</A>

<A NAME=speech74>Jeweller</a> <A NAME=1.1.198>My lord, 'tis rated</A> <A NAME=1.1.199>As those which sell would give: but you well know,</A> <A NAME=1.1.200>Things of like value differing in the owners</A> <A NAME=1.1.201>Are prized by their masters: believe't, dear lord,</A> <A NAME=1.1.202>You mend the jewel by the wearing it.</A>

<A NAME=speech75>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.203>Well mock'd.</A>

<A NAME=speech76>Merchant</a> <A NAME=1.1.204>No, my good lord; he speaks the common tongue,</A> <A NAME=1.1.205>Which all men speak with him.</A>

<A NAME=speech77>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.206>Look, who comes here: will you be chid?</A> Enter APEMANTUS <A NAME=1.1.207>Jeweller: We'll bear, with your lordship.</A>

<A NAME=speech78>Merchant</a> <A NAME=1.1.208>He'll spare none.</A>

<A NAME=speech79>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.209>Good morrow to thee, gentle Apemantus!</A>

<A NAME=speech80>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.210>Till I be gentle, stay thou for thy good morrow;</A> <A NAME=1.1.211>When thou art Timon's dog, and these knaves honest.</A>

<A NAME=speech81>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.212>Why dost thou call them knaves? thou know'st them not.</A>

<A NAME=speech82>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.213>Are they not Athenians?</A>

<A NAME=speech83>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.214>Yes.</A>

<A NAME=speech84>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.215>Then I repent not.</A> <A NAME=1.1.216>Jeweller: You know me, Apemantus?</A>

<A NAME=speech85>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.217>Thou know'st I do: I call'd thee by thy name.</A>

<A NAME=speech86>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.218>Thou art proud, Apemantus.</A>

<A NAME=speech87>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.219>Of nothing so much as that I am not like Timon.</A>

<A NAME=speech88>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.220>Whither art going?</A>

<A NAME=speech89>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.221>To knock out an honest Athenian's brains.</A>

<A NAME=speech90>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.222>That's a deed thou'lt die for.</A>

<A NAME=speech91>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.223>Right, if doing nothing be death by the law.</A>

<A NAME=speech92>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.224>How likest thou this picture, Apemantus?</A>

<A NAME=speech93>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.225>The best, for the innocence.</A>

<A NAME=speech94>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.226>Wrought he not well that painted it?</A>

<A NAME=speech95>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.227>He wrought better that made the painter; and yet</A> <A NAME=1.1.228>he's but a filthy piece of work.</A>

<A NAME=speech96>Painter</a> <A NAME=1.1.229>You're a dog.</A>

<A NAME=speech97>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.230>Thy mother's of my generation: what's she, if I be a dog?</A>

<A NAME=speech98>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.231>Wilt dine with me, Apemantus?</A>

<A NAME=speech99>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.232>No; I eat not lords.</A>

<A NAME=speech100>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.233>An thou shouldst, thou 'ldst anger ladies.</A>

<A NAME=speech101>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.234>O, they eat lords; so they come by great bellies.</A>

<A NAME=speech102>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.235>That's a lascivious apprehension.</A>

<A NAME=speech103>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.236>So thou apprehendest it: take it for thy labour.</A>

<A NAME=speech104>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.237>How dost thou like this jewel, Apemantus?</A>

<A NAME=speech105>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.238>Not so well as plain-dealing, which will not cost a</A> <A NAME=1.1.239>man a doit.</A>

<A NAME=speech106>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.240>What dost thou think 'tis worth?</A>

<A NAME=speech107>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.241>Not worth my thinking. How now, poet!</A>

<A NAME=speech108>Poet</a> <A NAME=1.1.242>How now, philosopher!</A>

<A NAME=speech109>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.243>Thou liest.</A>

<A NAME=speech110>Poet</a> <A NAME=1.1.244>Art not one?</A>

<A NAME=speech111>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.245>Yes.</A>

<A NAME=speech112>Poet</a> <A NAME=1.1.246>Then I lie not.</A>

<A NAME=speech113>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.247>Art not a poet?</A>

<A NAME=speech114>Poet</a> <A NAME=1.1.248>Yes.</A>

<A NAME=speech115>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.249>Then thou liest: look in thy last work, where thou</A> <A NAME=1.1.250>hast feigned him a worthy fellow.</A>

<A NAME=speech116>Poet</a> <A NAME=1.1.251>That's not feigned; he is so.</A>

<A NAME=speech117>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.252>Yes, he is worthy of thee, and to pay thee for thy</A> <A NAME=1.1.253>labour: he that loves to be flattered is worthy o'</A> <A NAME=1.1.254>the flatterer. Heavens, that I were a lord!</A>

<A NAME=speech118>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.255>What wouldst do then, Apemantus?</A>

<A NAME=speech119>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.256>E'en as Apemantus does now; hate a lord with my heart.</A>

<A NAME=speech120>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.257>What, thyself?</A>

<A NAME=speech121>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.258>Ay.</A>

<A NAME=speech122>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.259>Wherefore?</A>

<A NAME=speech123>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.260>That I had no angry wit to be a lord.</A> <A NAME=1.1.261>Art not thou a merchant?</A>

<A NAME=speech124>Merchant</a> <A NAME=1.1.262>Ay, Apemantus.</A>

<A NAME=speech125>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.263>Traffic confound thee, if the gods will not!</A>

<A NAME=speech126>Merchant</a> <A NAME=1.1.264>If traffic do it, the gods do it.</A>

<A NAME=speech127>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.265>Traffic's thy god; and thy god confound thee!</A> ''Trumpet sounds. Enter a Messenger''

<A NAME=speech128>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.266>What trumpet's that?</A>

<A NAME=speech129>Messenger</a> <A NAME=1.1.267>'Tis Alcibiades, and some twenty horse,</A> <A NAME=1.1.268>All of companionship.</A>

<A NAME=speech130>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.269>Pray, entertain them; give them guide to us.</A> Exeunt some Attendants <A NAME=1.1.270>You must needs dine with me: go not you hence</A> <A NAME=1.1.271>Till I have thank'd you: when dinner's done,</A> <A NAME=1.1.272>Show me this piece. I am joyful of your sights.</A> Enter ALCIBIADES, with the rest <A NAME=1.1.273>Most welcome, sir!</A>

<A NAME=speech131>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.274>                 So, so, there!</A> <A NAME=1.1.275>Aches contract and starve your supple joints!</A> <A NAME=1.1.276>That there should be small love 'mongst these</A> <A NAME=1.1.277>sweet knaves,</A> <A NAME=1.1.278>And all this courtesy! The strain of man's bred out</A> <A NAME=1.1.279>Into baboon and monkey.</A>

<A NAME=speech132>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=1.1.280>Sir, you have saved my longing, and I feed</A> <A NAME=1.1.281>Most hungerly on your sight.</A>

<A NAME=speech133>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.1.282>Right welcome, sir!</A> <A NAME=1.1.283>Ere we depart, we'll share a bounteous time</A> <A NAME=1.1.284>In different pleasures. Pray you, let us in.</A> Exeunt all except APEMANTUS Enter two Lords

<A NAME=speech134>First Lord</a> <A NAME=1.1.285>What time o' day is't, Apemantus?</A>

<A NAME=speech135>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.286>Time to be honest.</A>

<A NAME=speech136>First Lord</a> <A NAME=1.1.287>That time serves still.</A>

<A NAME=speech137>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.288>The more accursed thou, that still omitt'st it.</A>

<A NAME=speech138>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=1.1.289>Thou art going to Lord Timon's feast?</A>

<A NAME=speech139>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.290>Ay, to see meat fill knaves and wine heat fools.</A>

<A NAME=speech140>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=1.1.291>Fare thee well, fare thee well.</A>

<A NAME=speech141>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.292>Thou art a fool to bid me farewell twice.</A>

<A NAME=speech142>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=1.1.293>Why, Apemantus?</A>

<A NAME=speech143>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.294>Shouldst have kept one to thyself, for I mean to</A> <A NAME=1.1.295>give thee none.</A>

<A NAME=speech144>First Lord</a> <A NAME=1.1.296>Hang thyself!</A>

<A NAME=speech145>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.297>No, I will do nothing at thy bidding: make thy</A> <A NAME=1.1.298>requests to thy friend.</A>

<A NAME=speech146>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=1.1.299>Away, unpeaceable dog, or I'll spurn thee hence!</A>

<A NAME=speech147>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.1.300>I will fly, like a dog, the heels o' the ass.</A> Exit

<A NAME=speech148>First Lord</a> <A NAME=1.1.301>He's opposite to humanity. Come, shall we in,</A> <A NAME=1.1.302>And taste Lord Timon's bounty? he outgoes</A> <A NAME=1.1.303>The very heart of kindness.</A>

<A NAME=speech149>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=1.1.304>He pours it out; Plutus, the god of gold,</A> <A NAME=1.1.305>Is but his steward: no meed, but he repays</A> <A NAME=1.1.306>Sevenfold above itself; no gift to him,</A> <A NAME=1.1.307>But breeds the giver a return exceeding</A> <A NAME=1.1.308>All use of quittance.</A>

<A NAME=speech150>First Lord</a> <A NAME=1.1.309>The noblest mind he carries</A> <A NAME=1.1.310>That ever govern'd man.</A>

<A NAME=speech151>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=1.1.311>Long may he live in fortunes! Shall we in?</A>

<A NAME=speech152>First Lord</a> <A NAME=1.1.312>I'll keep you company.</A> Exeunt SCENE II. A banqueting-room in Timon's house. ''Hautboys playing loud music. A great banquet served in; FLAVIUS and others attending; then enter  TIMON, ALCIBIADES, Lords, Senators, and VENTIDIUS. Then comes, dropping, after all, APEMANTUS, discontentedly, like himself''

<A NAME=speech1>VENTIDIUS</a> <A NAME=1.2.1>Most honour'd Timon,</A> <A NAME=1.2.2>It hath pleased the gods to remember my father's age,</A> <A NAME=1.2.3>And call him to long peace.</A> <A NAME=1.2.4>He is gone happy, and has left me rich:</A> <A NAME=1.2.5>Then, as in grateful virtue I am bound</A> <A NAME=1.2.6>To your free heart, I do return those talents,</A> <A NAME=1.2.7>Doubled with thanks and service, from whose help</A> <A NAME=1.2.8>I derived liberty.</A>

<A NAME=speech2>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.9>                 O, by no means,</A> <A NAME=1.2.10>Honest Ventidius; you mistake my love:</A> <A NAME=1.2.11>I gave it freely ever; and there's none</A> <A NAME=1.2.12>Can truly say he gives, if he receives:</A> <A NAME=1.2.13>If our betters play at that game, we must not dare</A> <A NAME=1.2.14>To imitate them; faults that are rich are fair.</A>

<A NAME=speech3>VENTIDIUS</a> <A NAME=1.2.15>A noble spirit!</A>

<A NAME=speech4>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.16>                 Nay, my lords,</A> They all stand ceremoniously looking on TIMON <A NAME=1.2.17>Ceremony was but devised at first</A> <A NAME=1.2.18>To set a gloss on faint deeds, hollow welcomes,</A> <A NAME=1.2.19>Recanting goodness, sorry ere 'tis shown;</A> <A NAME=1.2.20>But where there is true friendship, there needs none.</A> <A NAME=1.2.21>Pray, sit; more welcome are ye to my fortunes</A> <A NAME=1.2.22>Than my fortunes to me.</A> They sit

<A NAME=speech5>First Lord</a> <A NAME=1.2.23>My lord, we always have confess'd it.</A>

<A NAME=speech6>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.2.24>Ho, ho, confess'd it! hang'd it, have you not?</A>

<A NAME=speech7>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.25>O, Apemantus, you are welcome.</A>

<A NAME=speech8>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.2.26>No;</A> <A NAME=1.2.27>You shall not make me welcome:</A> <A NAME=1.2.28>I come to have thee thrust me out of doors.</A>

<A NAME=speech9>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.29>Fie, thou'rt a churl; ye've got a humour there</A> <A NAME=1.2.30>Does not become a man: 'tis much to blame.</A> <A NAME=1.2.31>They say, my lords, 'ira furor brevis est;' but yond</A> <A NAME=1.2.32>man is ever angry. Go, let him have a table by</A> <A NAME=1.2.33>himself, for he does neither affect company, nor is</A> <A NAME=1.2.34>he fit for't, indeed.</A>

<A NAME=speech10>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.2.35>Let me stay at thine apperil, Timon: I come to</A> <A NAME=1.2.36>observe; I give thee warning on't.</A>

<A NAME=speech11>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.37>I take no heed of thee; thou'rt an Athenian,</A> <A NAME=1.2.38>therefore welcome: I myself would have no power;</A> <A NAME=1.2.39>prithee, let my meat make thee silent.</A>

<A NAME=speech12>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.2.40>I scorn thy meat; 'twould choke me, for I should</A> <A NAME=1.2.41>ne'er flatter thee. O you gods, what a number of</A> <A NAME=1.2.42>men eat Timon, and he sees 'em not! It grieves me</A> <A NAME=1.2.43>to see so many dip their meat in one man's blood;</A> <A NAME=1.2.44>and all the madness is, he cheers them up too.</A> <A NAME=1.2.45>I wonder men dare trust themselves with men:</A> <A NAME=1.2.46>Methinks they should invite them without knives;</A> <A NAME=1.2.47>Good for their meat, and safer for their lives.</A> <A NAME=1.2.48>There's much example for't; the fellow that sits</A> <A NAME=1.2.49>next him now, parts bread with him, pledges the</A> <A NAME=1.2.50>breath of him in a divided draught, is the readiest</A> <A NAME=1.2.51>man to kill him: 't has been proved. If I were a</A> <A NAME=1.2.52>huge man, I should fear to drink at meals;</A> <A NAME=1.2.53>Lest they should spy my windpipe's dangerous notes:</A> <A NAME=1.2.54>Great men should drink with harness on their throats.</A>

<A NAME=speech13>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.55>My lord, in heart; and let the health go round.</A>

<A NAME=speech14>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=1.2.56>Let it flow this way, my good lord.</A>

<A NAME=speech15>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.2.57>Flow this way! A brave fellow! he keeps his tides</A> <A NAME=1.2.58>well. Those healths will make thee and thy state</A> <A NAME=1.2.59>look ill, Timon. Here's that which is too weak to</A> <A NAME=1.2.60>be a sinner, honest water, which ne'er left man i' the mire:</A> <A NAME=1.2.61>This and my food are equals; there's no odds:</A> <A NAME=1.2.62>Feasts are too proud to give thanks to the gods.</A> <A NAME=1.2.63>Apemantus' grace.</A> <A NAME=1.2.64>Immortal gods, I crave no pelf;</A> <A NAME=1.2.65>I pray for no man but myself:</A> <A NAME=1.2.66>Grant I may never prove so fond,</A> <A NAME=1.2.67>To trust man on his oath or bond;</A> <A NAME=1.2.68>Or a harlot, for her weeping;</A> <A NAME=1.2.69>Or a dog, that seems a-sleeping:</A> <A NAME=1.2.70>Or a keeper with my freedom;</A> <A NAME=1.2.71>Or my friends, if I should need 'em.</A> <A NAME=1.2.72>Amen. So fall to't:</A> <A NAME=1.2.73>Rich men sin, and I eat root.</A> Eats and drinks <A NAME=1.2.74>Much good dich thy good heart, Apemantus!</A>

<A NAME=speech16>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.75>Captain Alcibiades, your heart's in the field now.</A>

<A NAME=speech17>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=1.2.76>My heart is ever at your service, my lord.</A>

<A NAME=speech18>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.77>You had rather be at a breakfast of enemies than a</A> <A NAME=1.2.78>dinner of friends.</A>

<A NAME=speech19>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=1.2.79>So the were bleeding-new, my lord, there's no meat</A> <A NAME=1.2.80>like 'em: I could wish my best friend at such a feast.</A>

<A NAME=speech20>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.2.81>Would all those fatterers were thine enemies then,</A> <A NAME=1.2.82>that then thou mightst kill 'em and bid me to 'em!</A>

<A NAME=speech21>First Lord</a> <A NAME=1.2.83>Might we but have that happiness, my lord, that you</A> <A NAME=1.2.84>would once use our hearts, whereby we might express</A> <A NAME=1.2.85>some part of our zeals, we should think ourselves</A> <A NAME=1.2.86>for ever perfect.</A>

<A NAME=speech22>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.87>O, no doubt, my good friends, but the gods</A> <A NAME=1.2.88>themselves have provided that I shall have much help</A> <A NAME=1.2.89>from you: how had you been my friends else? why</A> <A NAME=1.2.90>have you that charitable title from thousands, did</A> <A NAME=1.2.91>not you chiefly belong to my heart? I have told</A> <A NAME=1.2.92>more of you to myself than you can with modesty</A> <A NAME=1.2.93>speak in your own behalf; and thus far I confirm</A> <A NAME=1.2.94>you. O you gods, think I, what need we have any</A> <A NAME=1.2.95>friends, if we should ne'er have need of 'em? they</A> <A NAME=1.2.96>were the most needless creatures living, should we</A> <A NAME=1.2.97>ne'er have use for 'em, and would most resemble</A> <A NAME=1.2.98>sweet instruments hung up in cases that keep their</A> <A NAME=1.2.99>sounds to themselves. Why, I have often wished</A> <A NAME=1.2.100>myself poorer, that I might come nearer to you. We</A> <A NAME=1.2.101>are born to do benefits: and what better or</A> <A NAME=1.2.102>properer can we can our own than the riches of our</A> <A NAME=1.2.103>friends? O, what a precious comfort 'tis, to have</A> <A NAME=1.2.104>so many, like brothers, commanding one another's</A> <A NAME=1.2.105>fortunes! O joy, e'en made away ere 't can be born!</A> <A NAME=1.2.106>Mine eyes cannot hold out water, methinks: to</A> <A NAME=1.2.107>forget their faults, I drink to you.</A>

<A NAME=speech23>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.2.108>Thou weepest to make them drink, Timon.</A>

<A NAME=speech24>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=1.2.109>Joy had the like conception in our eyes</A> <A NAME=1.2.110>And at that instant like a babe sprung up.</A>

<A NAME=speech25>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.2.111>Ho, ho! I laugh to think that babe a bastard.</A>

<A NAME=speech26>Third Lord</a> <A NAME=1.2.112>I promise you, my lord, you moved me much.</A>

<A NAME=speech27>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.2.113>Much!</A> Tucket, within

<A NAME=speech28>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.114>What means that trump?</A> Enter a Servant <A NAME=1.2.115>How now?</A>

<A NAME=speech29>Servant</a> <A NAME=1.2.116>Please you, my lord, there are certain</A> <A NAME=1.2.117>ladies most desirous of admittance.</A>

<A NAME=speech30>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.118>Ladies! what are their wills?</A>

<A NAME=speech31>Servant</a> <A NAME=1.2.119>There comes with them a forerunner, my lord, which</A> <A NAME=1.2.120>bears that office, to signify their pleasures.</A>

<A NAME=speech32>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.121>I pray, let them be admitted.</A> Enter Cupid

<A NAME=speech33>Cupid</a> <A NAME=1.2.122>Hail to thee, worthy Timon, and to all</A> <A NAME=1.2.123>That of his bounties taste! The five best senses</A> <A NAME=1.2.124>Acknowledge thee their patron; and come freely</A> <A NAME=1.2.125>To gratulate thy plenteous bosom: th' ear,</A> <A NAME=1.2.126>Taste, touch and smell, pleased from thy tale rise;</A> <A NAME=1.2.127>They only now come but to feast thine eyes.</A>

<A NAME=speech34>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.128>They're welcome all; let 'em have kind admittance:</A> <A NAME=1.2.129>Music, make their welcome!</A> Exit Cupid

<A NAME=speech35>First Lord</a> <A NAME=1.2.130>You see, my lord, how ample you're beloved.</A> ''Music. Re-enter Cupid with a mask of Ladies as Amazons, with lutes in their hands, dancing and playing''

<A NAME=speech36>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.2.131>Hoy-day, what a sweep of vanity comes this way!</A> <A NAME=1.2.132>They dance! they are mad women.</A> <A NAME=1.2.133>Like madness is the glory of this life.</A> <A NAME=1.2.134>As this pomp shows to a little oil and root.</A> <A NAME=1.2.135>We make ourselves fools, to disport ourselves;</A> <A NAME=1.2.136>And spend our flatteries, to drink those men</A> <A NAME=1.2.137>Upon whose age we void it up again,</A> <A NAME=1.2.138>With poisonous spite and envy.</A> <A NAME=1.2.139>Who lives that's not depraved or depraves?</A> <A NAME=1.2.140>Who dies, that bears not one spurn to their graves</A> <A NAME=1.2.141>Of their friends' gift?</A> <A NAME=1.2.142>I should fear those that dance before me now</A> <A NAME=1.2.143>Would one day stamp upon me: 't has been done;</A> <A NAME=1.2.144>Men shut their doors against a setting sun.</A> The Lords rise from table, with much adoring of TIMON; and to show their loves, each singles out an  Amazon, and all dance, men with women, a lofty strain or two to the hautboys, and cease

<A NAME=speech37>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.145>You have done our pleasures much grace, fair ladies,</A> <A NAME=1.2.146>Set a fair fashion on our entertainment,</A> <A NAME=1.2.147>Which was not half so beautiful and kind;</A> <A NAME=1.2.148>You have added worth unto 't and lustre,</A> <A NAME=1.2.149>And entertain'd me with mine own device;</A> <A NAME=1.2.150>I am to thank you for 't.</A>

<A NAME=speech38>First Lady</a> <A NAME=1.2.151>My lord, you take us even at the best.</A>

<A NAME=speech39>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.2.152>'Faith, for the worst is filthy; and would not hold</A> <A NAME=1.2.153>taking, I doubt me.</A>

<A NAME=speech40>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.154>Ladies, there is an idle banquet attends you:</A> <A NAME=1.2.155>Please you to dispose yourselves.</A>

<A NAME=speech41>All Ladies</a> <A NAME=1.2.156>Most thankfully, my lord.</A> Exeunt Cupid and Ladies

<A NAME=speech42>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.157>Flavius.</A>

<A NAME=speech43>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=1.2.158>My lord?</A>

<A NAME=speech44>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.159>      The little casket bring me hither.</A>

<A NAME=speech45>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=1.2.160>Yes, my lord. More jewels yet!</A> <A NAME=1.2.161>There is no crossing him in 's humour;</A> Aside <A NAME=1.2.162>Else I should tell him,--well, i' faith I should,</A> <A NAME=1.2.163>When all's spent, he 'ld be cross'd then, an he could.</A> <A NAME=1.2.164>'Tis pity bounty had not eyes behind,</A> <A NAME=1.2.165>That man might ne'er be wretched for his mind.</A> Exit

<A NAME=speech46>First Lord</a> <A NAME=1.2.166>Where be our men?</A>

<A NAME=speech47>Servant</a> <A NAME=1.2.167>Here, my lord, in readiness.</A>

<A NAME=speech48>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=1.2.168>Our horses!</A> Re-enter FLAVIUS, with the casket

<A NAME=speech49>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.169>         O my friends,</A> <A NAME=1.2.170>I have one word to say to you: look you, my good lord,</A> <A NAME=1.2.171>I must entreat you, honour me so much</A> <A NAME=1.2.172>As to advance this jewel; accept it and wear it,</A> <A NAME=1.2.173>Kind my lord.</A>

<A NAME=speech50>First Lord</a> <A NAME=1.2.174>I am so far already in your gifts,--</A>

<A NAME=speech51>All</a> <A NAME=1.2.175>So are we all.</A> Enter a Servant

<A NAME=speech52>Servant</a> <A NAME=1.2.176>My lord, there are certain nobles of the senate</A> <A NAME=1.2.177>Newly alighted, and come to visit you.</A>

<A NAME=speech53>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.178>They are fairly welcome.</A>

<A NAME=speech54>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=1.2.179>I beseech your honour,</A> <A NAME=1.2.180>Vouchsafe me a word; it does concern you near.</A>

<A NAME=speech55>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.181>Near! why then, another time I'll hear thee:</A> <A NAME=1.2.182>I prithee, let's be provided to show them</A> <A NAME=1.2.183>entertainment.</A>

<A NAME=speech56>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=1.2.184>[Aside] I scarce know how.</A> Enter a Second Servant

<A NAME=speech57>Second Servant</a> <A NAME=1.2.185>May it please your honour, Lord Lucius,</A> <A NAME=1.2.186>Out of his free love, hath presented to you</A> <A NAME=1.2.187>Four milk-white horses, trapp'd in silver.</A>

<A NAME=speech58>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.188>I shall accept them fairly; let the presents</A> <A NAME=1.2.189>Be worthily entertain'd.</A> Enter a third Servant <A NAME=1.2.190>How now! what news?</A>

<A NAME=speech59>Third Servant</a> <A NAME=1.2.191>Please you, my lord, that honourable</A> <A NAME=1.2.192>gentleman, Lord Lucullus, entreats your company</A> <A NAME=1.2.193>to-morrow to hunt with him, and has sent your honour</A> <A NAME=1.2.194>two brace of greyhounds.</A>

<A NAME=speech60>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.195>I'll hunt with him; and let them be received,</A> <A NAME=1.2.196>Not without fair reward.</A>

<A NAME=speech61>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=1.2.197>[Aside]               What will this come to?</A> <A NAME=1.2.198>He commands us to provide, and give great gifts,</A> <A NAME=1.2.199>And all out of an empty coffer:</A> <A NAME=1.2.200>Nor will he know his purse, or yield me this,</A> <A NAME=1.2.201>To show him what a beggar his heart is,</A> <A NAME=1.2.202>Being of no power to make his wishes good:</A> <A NAME=1.2.203>His promises fly so beyond his state</A> <A NAME=1.2.204>That what he speaks is all in debt; he owes</A> <A NAME=1.2.205>For every word: he is so kind that he now</A> <A NAME=1.2.206>Pays interest for 't; his land's put to their books.</A> <A NAME=1.2.207>Well, would I were gently put out of office</A> <A NAME=1.2.208>Before I were forced out!</A> <A NAME=1.2.209>Happier is he that has no friend to feed</A> <A NAME=1.2.210>Than such that do e'en enemies exceed.</A> <A NAME=1.2.211>I bleed inwardly for my lord.</A> Exit

<A NAME=speech62>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.212>You do yourselves</A> <A NAME=1.2.213>Much wrong, you bate too much of your own merits:</A> <A NAME=1.2.214>Here, my lord, a trifle of our love.</A>

<A NAME=speech63>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=1.2.215>With more than common thanks I will receive it.</A>

<A NAME=speech64>Third Lord</a> <A NAME=1.2.216>O, he's the very soul of bounty!</A>

<A NAME=speech65>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.217>And now I remember, my lord, you gave</A> <A NAME=1.2.218>Good words the other day of a bay courser</A> <A NAME=1.2.219>I rode on: it is yours, because you liked it.</A>

<A NAME=speech66>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=1.2.220>O, I beseech you, pardon me, my lord, in that.</A>

<A NAME=speech67>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.221>You may take my word, my lord; I know, no man</A> <A NAME=1.2.222>Can justly praise but what he does affect:</A> <A NAME=1.2.223>I weigh my friend's affection with mine own;</A> <A NAME=1.2.224>I'll tell you true. I'll call to you.</A>

<A NAME=speech68>All Lords</a> <A NAME=1.2.225>O, none so welcome.</A>

<A NAME=speech69>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.226>I take all and your several visitations</A> <A NAME=1.2.227>So kind to heart, 'tis not enough to give;</A> <A NAME=1.2.228>Methinks, I could deal kingdoms to my friends,</A> <A NAME=1.2.229>And ne'er be weary. Alcibiades,</A> <A NAME=1.2.230>Thou art a soldier, therefore seldom rich;</A> <A NAME=1.2.231>It comes in charity to thee: for all thy living</A> <A NAME=1.2.232>Is 'mongst the dead, and all the lands thou hast</A> <A NAME=1.2.233>Lie in a pitch'd field.</A>

<A NAME=speech70>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=1.2.234>Ay, defiled land, my lord.</A>

<A NAME=speech71>First Lord</a> <A NAME=1.2.235>We are so virtuously bound--</A>

<A NAME=speech72>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.236>And so</A> <A NAME=1.2.237>Am I to you.</A>

<A NAME=speech73>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=1.2.238>So infinitely endear'd--</A>

<A NAME=speech74>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.239>All to you. Lights, more lights!</A>

<A NAME=speech75>First Lord</a> <A NAME=1.2.240>The best of happiness,</A> <A NAME=1.2.241>Honour and fortunes, keep with you, Lord Timon!</A>

<A NAME=speech76>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.242>Ready for his friends.</A> Exeunt all but APEMANTUS and TIMON

<A NAME=speech77>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.2.243>What a coil's here!</A> <A NAME=1.2.244>Serving of becks and jutting-out of bums!</A> <A NAME=1.2.245>I doubt whether their legs be worth the sums</A> <A NAME=1.2.246>That are given for 'em. Friendship's full of dregs:</A> <A NAME=1.2.247>Methinks, false hearts should never have sound legs,</A> <A NAME=1.2.248>Thus honest fools lay out their wealth on court'sies.</A>

<A NAME=speech78>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.249>Now, Apemantus, if thou wert not sullen, I would be</A> <A NAME=1.2.250>good to thee.</A>

<A NAME=speech79>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.2.251>No, I'll nothing: for if I should be bribed too,</A> <A NAME=1.2.252>there would be none left to rail upon thee, and then</A> <A NAME=1.2.253>thou wouldst sin the faster. Thou givest so long,</A> <A NAME=1.2.254>Timon, I fear me thou wilt give away thyself in</A> <A NAME=1.2.255>paper shortly: what need these feasts, pomps and</A> <A NAME=1.2.256>vain-glories?</A>

<A NAME=speech80>TIMON</a> <A NAME=1.2.257>Nay, an you begin to rail on society once, I am</A> <A NAME=1.2.258>sworn not to give regard to you. Farewell; and come</A> <A NAME=1.2.259>with better music.</A> Exit

<A NAME=speech81>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=1.2.260>So:</A> <A NAME=1.2.261>Thou wilt not hear me now; thou shalt not then:</A> <A NAME=1.2.262>I'll lock thy heaven from thee.</A> <A NAME=1.2.263>O, that men's ears should be</A> <A NAME=1.2.264>To counsel deaf, but not to flattery!</A> Exit <H3>ACT II SCENE I. A Senator's house. Enter Senator, with papers in his hand

<A NAME=speech1>Senator</a> <A NAME=2.1.1>And late, five thousand: to Varro and to Isidore</A> <A NAME=2.1.2>He owes nine thousand; besides my former sum,</A> <A NAME=2.1.3>Which makes it five and twenty. Still in motion</A> <A NAME=2.1.4>Of raging waste? It cannot hold; it will not.</A> <A NAME=2.1.5>If I want gold, steal but a beggar's dog,</A> <A NAME=2.1.6>And give it Timon, why, the dog coins gold.</A> <A NAME=2.1.7>If I would sell my horse, and buy twenty more</A> <A NAME=2.1.8>Better than he, why, give my horse to Timon,</A> <A NAME=2.1.9>Ask nothing, give it him, it foals me, straight,</A> <A NAME=2.1.10>And able horses. No porter at his gate,</A> <A NAME=2.1.11>But rather one that smiles and still invites</A> <A NAME=2.1.12>All that pass by. It cannot hold: no reason</A> <A NAME=2.1.13>Can found his state in safety. Caphis, ho!</A> <A NAME=2.1.14>Caphis, I say!</A> Enter CAPHIS

<A NAME=speech2>CAPHIS</a> <A NAME=2.1.15>Here, sir; what is your pleasure?</A>

<A NAME=speech3>Senator</a> <A NAME=2.1.16>Get on your cloak, and haste you to Lord Timon;</A> <A NAME=2.1.17>Importune him for my moneys; be not ceased</A> <A NAME=2.1.18>With slight denial, nor then silenced when--</A> <A NAME=2.1.19>'Commend me to your master'--and the cap</A> <A NAME=2.1.20>Plays in the right hand, thus: but tell him,</A> <A NAME=2.1.21>My uses cry to me, I must serve my turn</A> <A NAME=2.1.22>Out of mine own; his days and times are past</A> <A NAME=2.1.23>And my reliances on his fracted dates</A> <A NAME=2.1.24>Have smit my credit: I love and honour him,</A> <A NAME=2.1.25>But must not break my back to heal his finger;</A> <A NAME=2.1.26>Immediate are my needs, and my relief</A> <A NAME=2.1.27>Must not be toss'd and turn'd to me in words,</A> <A NAME=2.1.28>But find supply immediate. Get you gone:</A> <A NAME=2.1.29>Put on a most importunate aspect,</A> <A NAME=2.1.30>A visage of demand; for, I do fear,</A> <A NAME=2.1.31>When every feather sticks in his own wing,</A> <A NAME=2.1.32>Lord Timon will be left a naked gull,</A> <A NAME=2.1.33>Which flashes now a phoenix. Get you gone.</A>

<A NAME=speech4>CAPHIS</a> <A NAME=2.1.34>I go, sir.</A>

<A NAME=speech5>Senator</a> <A NAME=2.1.35>'I go, sir!'--Take the bonds along with you,</A> <A NAME=2.1.36>And have the dates in contempt.</A>

<A NAME=speech6>CAPHIS</a> <A NAME=2.1.37>I will, sir.</A>

<A NAME=speech7>Senator</a> <A NAME=2.1.38>Go.</A> Exeunt SCENE II. The same. A hall in Timon's house. Enter FLAVIUS, with many bills in his hand

<A NAME=speech1>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.1>No care, no stop! so senseless of expense,</A> <A NAME=2.2.2>That he will neither know how to maintain it,</A> <A NAME=2.2.3>Nor cease his flow of riot: takes no account</A> <A NAME=2.2.4>How things go from him, nor resumes no care</A> <A NAME=2.2.5>Of what is to continue: never mind</A> <A NAME=2.2.6>Was to be so unwise, to be so kind.</A> <A NAME=2.2.7>What shall be done? he will not hear, till feel:</A> <A NAME=2.2.8>I must be round with him, now he comes from hunting.</A> <A NAME=2.2.9>Fie, fie, fie, fie!</A> Enter CAPHIS, and the Servants of Isidore and Varro

<A NAME=speech2>CAPHIS</a> <A NAME=2.2.10>Good even, Varro: what,</A> <A NAME=2.2.11>You come for money?</A>

<A NAME=2.2.12>Varro's Servant</a> <A NAME=x>Is't not your business too?</A>

<A NAME=speech3>CAPHIS</a> <A NAME=2.2.13>It is: and yours too, Isidore?</A>

<A NAME=2.2.14>Isidore's Servant</a> <A NAME=x>It is so.</A>

<A NAME=speech4>CAPHIS</a> <A NAME=2.2.15>Would we were all discharged!</A>

<A NAME=2.2.16>Varro's Servant</a> <A NAME=x>I fear it.</A>

<A NAME=speech5>CAPHIS</a> <A NAME=2.2.17>Here comes the lord.</A> Enter TIMON, ALCIBIADES, and Lords, & c

<A NAME=speech6>TIMON</a> <A NAME=2.2.18>So soon as dinner's done, we'll forth again,</A> <A NAME=2.2.19>My Alcibiades. With me? what is your will?</A>

<A NAME=speech7>CAPHIS</a> <A NAME=2.2.20>My lord, here is a note of certain dues.</A>

<A NAME=speech8>TIMON</a> <A NAME=2.2.21>Dues! Whence are you?</A>

<A NAME=speech9>CAPHIS</a> <A NAME=2.2.22>Of Athens here, my lord.</A>

<A NAME=speech10>TIMON</a> <A NAME=2.2.23>Go to my steward.</A>

<A NAME=speech11>CAPHIS</a> <A NAME=2.2.24>Please it your lordship, he hath put me off</A> <A NAME=2.2.25>To the succession of new days this month:</A> <A NAME=2.2.26>My master is awaked by great occasion</A> <A NAME=2.2.27>To call upon his own, and humbly prays you</A> <A NAME=2.2.28>That with your other noble parts you'll suit</A> <A NAME=2.2.29>In giving him his right.</A>

<A NAME=speech12>TIMON</a> <A NAME=2.2.30>Mine honest friend,</A> <A NAME=2.2.31>I prithee, but repair to me next morning.</A>

<A NAME=speech13>CAPHIS</a> <A NAME=2.2.32>Nay, good my lord,--</A>

<A NAME=speech14>TIMON</a> <A NAME=2.2.33>Contain thyself, good friend.</A>

<A NAME=2.2.34>Varro's Servant</a> <A NAME=x>One Varro's servant, my good lord,--</A>

<A NAME=2.2.35>Isidore's Servant</a> <A NAME=x>From Isidore;</A> <A NAME=2.2.36>He humbly prays your speedy payment.</A>

<A NAME=speech15>CAPHIS</a> <A NAME=2.2.37>If you did know, my lord, my master's wants--</A>

<A NAME=2.2.38>Varro's Servant</a> <A NAME=x>'Twas due on forfeiture, my lord, six weeks And past.</A>

<A NAME=2.2.39>Isidore's Servant</a> <A NAME=x>Your steward puts me off, my lord;</A> <A NAME=2.2.40>And I am sent expressly to your lordship.</A>

<A NAME=speech16>TIMON</a> <A NAME=2.2.41>Give me breath.</A> <A NAME=2.2.42>I do beseech you, good my lords, keep on;</A> <A NAME=2.2.43>I'll wait upon you instantly.</A> Exeunt ALCIBIADES and Lords To FLAVIUS <A NAME=2.2.44>Come hither: pray you,</A> <A NAME=2.2.45>How goes the world, that I am thus encounter'd</A> <A NAME=2.2.46>With clamourous demands of date-broke bonds,</A> <A NAME=2.2.47>And the detention of long-since-due debts,</A> <A NAME=2.2.48>Against my honour?</A>

<A NAME=speech17>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.49>                 Please you, gentlemen,</A> <A NAME=2.2.50>The time is unagreeable to this business:</A> <A NAME=2.2.51>Your importunacy cease till after dinner,</A> <A NAME=2.2.52>That I may make his lordship understand</A> <A NAME=2.2.53>Wherefore you are not paid.</A>

<A NAME=speech18>TIMON</a> <A NAME=2.2.54>Do so, my friends. See them well entertain'd.</A> Exit

<A NAME=speech19>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.55>Pray, draw near.</A> Exit Enter APEMANTUS and Fool

<A NAME=speech20>CAPHIS</a> <A NAME=2.2.56>Stay, stay, here comes the fool with Apemantus:</A> <A NAME=2.2.57>let's ha' some sport with 'em.</A>

<A NAME=2.2.58>Varro's Servant</a> <A NAME=x>Hang him, he'll abuse us.</A>

<A NAME=2.2.59>Isidore's Servant</a> <A NAME=x>A plague upon him, dog!</A>

<A NAME=2.2.60>Varro's Servant</a> <A NAME=x>How dost, fool?</A>

<A NAME=speech21>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.61>Dost dialogue with thy shadow?</A>

<A NAME=2.2.62>Varro's Servant</a> <A NAME=x>I speak not to thee.</A>

<A NAME=speech22>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.63>No,'tis to thyself.</A> To the Fool <A NAME=2.2.64>Come away.</A>

<A NAME=2.2.65>Isidore's Servant</a> <A NAME=x>There's the fool hangs on your back already.</A>

<A NAME=speech23>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.66>No, thou stand'st single, thou'rt not on him yet.</A>

<A NAME=speech24>CAPHIS</a> <A NAME=2.2.67>Where's the fool now?</A>

<A NAME=speech25>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.68>He last asked the question. Poor rogues, and</A> <A NAME=2.2.69>usurers' men! bawds between gold and want!</A>

<A NAME=speech26>All Servants</a> <A NAME=2.2.70>What are we, Apemantus?</A>

<A NAME=speech27>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.71>Asses.</A>

<A NAME=speech28>All Servants</a> <A NAME=2.2.72>Why?</A>

<A NAME=speech29>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.73>That you ask me what you are, and do not know</A> <A NAME=2.2.74>yourselves. Speak to 'em, fool.</A>

<A NAME=speech30>Fool</a> <A NAME=2.2.75>How do you, gentlemen?</A>

<A NAME=speech31>All Servants</a> <A NAME=2.2.76>Gramercies, good fool: how does your mistress?</A>

<A NAME=speech32>Fool</a> <A NAME=2.2.77>She's e'en setting on water to scald such chickens</A> <A NAME=2.2.78>as you are. Would we could see you at Corinth!</A>

<A NAME=speech33>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.79>Good! gramercy.</A> Enter Page

<A NAME=speech34>Fool</a> <A NAME=2.2.80>Look you, here comes my mistress' page.</A>

<A NAME=speech35>Page</a> <A NAME=2.2.81>[To the Fool] Why, how now, captain! what do you</A> <A NAME=2.2.82>in this wise company? How dost thou, Apemantus?</A>

<A NAME=speech36>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.83>Would I had a rod in my mouth, that I might answer</A> <A NAME=2.2.84>thee profitably.</A>

<A NAME=speech37>Page</a> <A NAME=2.2.85>Prithee, Apemantus, read me the superscription of</A> <A NAME=2.2.86>these letters: I know not which is which.</A>

<A NAME=speech38>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.87>Canst not read?</A>

<A NAME=speech39>Page</a> <A NAME=2.2.88>No.</A>

<A NAME=speech40>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.89>There will little learning die then, that day thou</A> <A NAME=2.2.90>art hanged. This is to Lord Timon; this to</A> <A NAME=2.2.91>Alcibiades. Go; thou wast born a bastard, and thou't</A> <A NAME=2.2.92>die a bawd.</A>

<A NAME=speech41>Page</a> <A NAME=2.2.93>Thou wast whelped a dog, and thou shalt famish a</A> <A NAME=2.2.94>dog's death. Answer not; I am gone.</A> Exit

<A NAME=speech42>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.95>E'en so thou outrunnest grace. Fool, I will go with</A> <A NAME=2.2.96>you to Lord Timon's.</A>

<A NAME=speech43>Fool</a> <A NAME=2.2.97>Will you leave me there?</A>

<A NAME=speech44>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.98>If Timon stay at home. You three serve three usurers?</A>

<A NAME=speech45>All Servants</a> <A NAME=2.2.99>Ay; would they served us!</A>

<A NAME=speech46>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.100>So would I,--as good a trick as ever hangman served thief.</A>

<A NAME=speech47>Fool</a> <A NAME=2.2.101>Are you three usurers' men?</A>

<A NAME=speech48>All Servants</a> <A NAME=2.2.102>Ay, fool.</A>

<A NAME=speech49>Fool</a> <A NAME=2.2.103>I think no usurer but has a fool to his servant: my</A> <A NAME=2.2.104>mistress is one, and I am her fool. When men come</A> <A NAME=2.2.105>to borrow of your masters, they approach sadly, and</A> <A NAME=2.2.106>go away merry; but they enter my mistress' house</A> <A NAME=2.2.107>merrily, and go away sadly: the reason of this?</A>

<A NAME=2.2.108>Varro's Servant</a> <A NAME=x>I could render one.</A>

<A NAME=speech50>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.109>Do it then, that we may account thee a whoremaster</A> <A NAME=2.2.110>and a knave; which not-withstanding, thou shalt be</A> <A NAME=2.2.111>no less esteemed.</A>

<A NAME=2.2.112>Varro's Servant</a> <A NAME=x>What is a whoremaster, fool?</A>

<A NAME=speech51>Fool</a> <A NAME=2.2.113>A fool in good clothes, and something like thee.</A> <A NAME=2.2.114>'Tis a spirit: sometime't appears like a lord;</A> <A NAME=2.2.115>sometime like a lawyer; sometime like a philosopher,</A> <A NAME=2.2.116>with two stones moe than's artificial one: he is</A> <A NAME=2.2.117>very often like a knight; and, generally, in all</A> <A NAME=2.2.118>shapes that man goes up and down in from fourscore</A> <A NAME=2.2.119>to thirteen, this spirit walks in.</A>

<A NAME=2.2.120>Varro's Servant</a> <A NAME=x>Thou art not altogether a fool.</A>

<A NAME=speech52>Fool</a> <A NAME=2.2.121>Nor thou altogether a wise man: as much foolery as</A> <A NAME=2.2.122>I have, so much wit thou lackest.</A>

<A NAME=speech53>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.123>That answer might have become Apemantus.</A>

<A NAME=speech54>All Servants</a> <A NAME=2.2.124>Aside, aside; here comes Lord Timon.</A> Re-enter TIMON and FLAVIUS

<A NAME=speech55>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.125>Come with me, fool, come.</A>

<A NAME=speech56>Fool</a> <A NAME=2.2.126>I do not always follow lover, elder brother and</A> <A NAME=2.2.127>woman; sometime the philosopher.</A> Exeunt APEMANTUS and Fool

<A NAME=speech57>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.128>Pray you, walk near: I'll speak with you anon.</A> Exeunt Servants

<A NAME=speech58>TIMON</a> <A NAME=2.2.129>You make me marvel: wherefore ere this time</A> <A NAME=2.2.130>Had you not fully laid my state before me,</A> <A NAME=2.2.131>That I might so have rated my expense,</A> <A NAME=2.2.132>As I had leave of means?</A>

<A NAME=speech59>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.133>You would not hear me,</A> <A NAME=2.2.134>At many leisures I proposed.</A>

<A NAME=speech60>TIMON</a> <A NAME=2.2.135>Go to:</A> <A NAME=2.2.136>Perchance some single vantages you took.</A> <A NAME=2.2.137>When my indispos ition put you back:</A> <A NAME=2.2.138>And that unaptness made your minister,</A> <A NAME=2.2.139>Thus to excuse yourself.</A>

<A NAME=speech61>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.140>O my good lord,</A> <A NAME=2.2.141>At many times I brought in my accounts,</A> <A NAME=2.2.142>Laid them before you; you would throw them off,</A> <A NAME=2.2.143>And say, you found them in mine honesty.</A> <A NAME=2.2.144>When, for some trifling present, you have bid me</A> <A NAME=2.2.145>Return so much, I have shook my head and wept;</A> <A NAME=2.2.146>Yea, 'gainst the authority of manners, pray'd you</A> <A NAME=2.2.147>To hold your hand more close: I did endure</A> <A NAME=2.2.148>Not seldom, nor no slight cheques, when I have</A> <A NAME=2.2.149>Prompted you in the ebb of your estate</A> <A NAME=2.2.150>And your great flow of debts. My loved lord,</A> <A NAME=2.2.151>Though you hear now, too late--yet now's a time--</A> <A NAME=2.2.152>The greatest of your having lacks a half</A> <A NAME=2.2.153>To pay your present debts.</A>

<A NAME=speech62>TIMON</a> <A NAME=2.2.154>Let all my land be sold.</A>

<A NAME=speech63>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.155>'Tis all engaged, some forfeited and gone;</A> <A NAME=2.2.156>And what remains will hardly stop the mouth</A> <A NAME=2.2.157>Of present dues: the future comes apace:</A> <A NAME=2.2.158>What shall defend the interim? and at length</A> <A NAME=2.2.159>How goes our reckoning?</A>

<A NAME=speech64>TIMON</a> <A NAME=2.2.160>To Lacedaemon did my land extend.</A>

<A NAME=speech65>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.161>O my good lord, the world is but a word:</A> <A NAME=2.2.162>Were it all yours to give it in a breath,</A> <A NAME=2.2.163>How quickly were it gone!</A>

<A NAME=speech66>TIMON</a> <A NAME=2.2.164>You tell me true.</A>

<A NAME=speech67>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.165>If you suspect my husbandry or falsehood,</A> <A NAME=2.2.166>Call me before the exactest auditors</A> <A NAME=2.2.167>And set me on the proof. So the gods bless me,</A> <A NAME=2.2.168>When all our offices have been oppress'd</A> <A NAME=2.2.169>With riotous feeders, when our vaults have wept</A> <A NAME=2.2.170>With drunken spilth of wine, when every room</A> <A NAME=2.2.171>Hath blazed with lights and bray'd with minstrelsy,</A> <A NAME=2.2.172>I have retired me to a wasteful cock,</A> <A NAME=2.2.173>And set mine eyes at flow.</A>

<A NAME=speech68>TIMON</a> <A NAME=2.2.174>Prithee, no more.</A>

<A NAME=speech69>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.175>Heavens, have I said, the bounty of this lord!</A> <A NAME=2.2.176>How many prodigal bits have slaves and peasants</A> <A NAME=2.2.177>This night englutted! Who is not Timon's?</A> <A NAME=2.2.178>What heart, head, sword, force, means, but is</A> <A NAME=2.2.179>Lord Timon's?</A> <A NAME=2.2.180>Great Timon, noble, worthy, royal Timon!</A> <A NAME=2.2.181>Ah, when the means are gone that buy this praise,</A> <A NAME=2.2.182>The breath is gone whereof this praise is made:</A> <A NAME=2.2.183>Feast-won, fast-lost; one cloud of winter showers,</A> <A NAME=2.2.184>These flies are couch'd.</A>

<A NAME=speech70>TIMON</a> <A NAME=2.2.185>Come, sermon me no further:</A> <A NAME=2.2.186>No villanous bounty yet hath pass'd my heart;</A> <A NAME=2.2.187>Unwisely, not ignobly, have I given.</A> <A NAME=2.2.188>Why dost thou weep? Canst thou the conscience lack,</A> <A NAME=2.2.189>To think I shall lack friends? Secure thy heart;</A> <A NAME=2.2.190>If I would broach the vessels of my love,</A> <A NAME=2.2.191>And try the argument of hearts by borrowing,</A> <A NAME=2.2.192>Men and men's fortunes could I frankly use</A> <A NAME=2.2.193>As I can bid thee speak.</A>

<A NAME=speech71>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.194>Assurance bless your thoughts!</A>

<A NAME=speech72>TIMON</a> <A NAME=2.2.195>And, in some sort, these wants of mine are crown'd,</A> <A NAME=2.2.196>That I account them blessings; for by these</A> <A NAME=2.2.197>Shall I try friends: you shall perceive how you</A> <A NAME=2.2.198>Mistake my fortunes; I am wealthy in my friends.</A> <A NAME=2.2.199>Within there! Flaminius! Servilius!</A> Enter FLAMINIUS, SERVILIUS, and other Servants

<A NAME=speech73>Servants</a> <A NAME=2.2.200>My lord? my lord?</A>

<A NAME=speech74>TIMON</a> <A NAME=2.2.201>I will dispatch you severally; you to Lord Lucius;</A> <A NAME=2.2.202>to Lord Lucullus you: I hunted with his honour</A> <A NAME=2.2.203>to-day: you, to Sempronius: commend me to their</A> <A NAME=2.2.204>loves, and, I am proud, say, that my occasions have</A> <A NAME=2.2.205>found time to use 'em toward a supply of money: let</A> <A NAME=2.2.206>the request be fifty talents.</A>

<A NAME=speech75>FLAMINIUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.207>As you have said, my lord.</A>

<A NAME=speech76>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.208>[Aside] Lord Lucius and Lucullus? hum!</A>

<A NAME=speech77>TIMON</a> <A NAME=2.2.209>Go you, sir, to the senators--</A> <A NAME=2.2.210>Of whom, even to the state's best health, I have</A> <A NAME=2.2.211>Deserved this hearing--bid 'em send o' the instant</A> <A NAME=2.2.212>A thousand talents to me.</A>

<A NAME=speech78>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.213>I have been bold--</A> <A NAME=2.2.214>For that I knew it the most general way--</A> <A NAME=2.2.215>To them to use your signet and your name;</A> <A NAME=2.2.216>But they do shake their heads, and I am here</A> <A NAME=2.2.217>No richer in return.</A>

<A NAME=speech79>TIMON</a> <A NAME=2.2.218>Is't true? can't be?</A>

<A NAME=speech80>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.219>They answer, in a joint and corporate voice,</A> <A NAME=2.2.220>That now they are at fall, want treasure, cannot</A> <A NAME=2.2.221>Do what they would; are sorry--you are honourable,--</A> <A NAME=2.2.222>But yet they could have wish'd--they know not--</A> <A NAME=2.2.223>Something hath been amiss--a noble nature</A> <A NAME=2.2.224>May catch a wrench--would all were well--'tis pity;--</A> <A NAME=2.2.225>And so, intending other serious matters,</A> <A NAME=2.2.226>After distasteful looks and these hard fractions,</A> <A NAME=2.2.227>With certain half-caps and cold-moving nods</A> <A NAME=2.2.228>They froze me into silence.</A>

<A NAME=speech81>TIMON</a> <A NAME=2.2.229>You gods, reward them!</A> <A NAME=2.2.230>Prithee, man, look cheerly. These old fellows</A> <A NAME=2.2.231>Have their ingratitude in them hereditary:</A> <A NAME=2.2.232>Their blood is caked, 'tis cold, it seldom flows;</A> <A NAME=2.2.233>'Tis lack of kindly warmth they are not kind;</A> <A NAME=2.2.234>And nature, as it grows again toward earth,</A> <A NAME=2.2.235>Is fashion'd for the journey, dull and heavy.</A> To a Servant <A NAME=2.2.236>Go to Ventidius.</A> To FLAVIUS <A NAME=2.2.237>Prithee, be not sad,</A> <A NAME=2.2.238>Thou art true and honest; ingeniously I speak.</A> <A NAME=2.2.239>No blame belongs to thee.</A> To Servant <A NAME=2.2.240>Ventidius lately</A> <A NAME=2.2.241>Buried his father; by whose death he's stepp'd</A> <A NAME=2.2.242>Into a great estate: when he was poor,</A> <A NAME=2.2.243>Imprison'd and in scarcity of friends,</A> <A NAME=2.2.244>I clear'd him with five talents: greet him from me;</A> <A NAME=2.2.245>Bid him suppose some good necessity</A> <A NAME=2.2.246>Touches his friend, which craves to be remember'd</A> <A NAME=2.2.247>With those five talents.</A> Exit Servant To FLAVIUS <A NAME=2.2.248>That had, give't these fellows</A> <A NAME=2.2.249>To whom 'tis instant due. Ne'er speak, or think,</A> <A NAME=2.2.250>That Timon's fortunes 'mong his friends can sink.</A>

<A NAME=speech82>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=2.2.251>I would I could not think it: that thought is</A> <A NAME=2.2.252>bounty's foe;</A> <A NAME=2.2.253>Being free itself, it thinks all others so.</A> Exeunt <H3>ACT III SCENE I. A room in Lucullus' house. ''FLAMINIUS waiting. Enter a Servant to him''

<A NAME=speech1>Servant</a> <A NAME=3.1.1>I have told my lord of you; he is coming down to you.</A>

<A NAME=speech2>FLAMINIUS</a> <A NAME=3.1.2>I thank you, sir.</A> Enter LUCULLUS

<A NAME=speech3>Servant</a> <A NAME=3.1.3>Here's my lord.</A>

<A NAME=speech4>LUCULLUS</a> <A NAME=3.1.4>[Aside] One of Lord Timon's men? a gift, I</A> <A NAME=3.1.5>warrant. Why, this hits right; I dreamt of a silver</A> <A NAME=3.1.6>basin and ewer to-night. Flaminius, honest</A> <A NAME=3.1.7>Flaminius; you are very respectively welcome, sir.</A> <A NAME=3.1.8>Fill me some wine.</A> Exit Servants <A NAME=3.1.9>And how does that honourable, complete, free-hearted</A> <A NAME=3.1.10>gentleman of Athens, thy very bountiful good lord</A> <A NAME=3.1.11>and master?</A>

<A NAME=speech5>FLAMINIUS</a> <A NAME=3.1.12>His health is well sir.</A>

<A NAME=speech6>LUCULLUS</a> <A NAME=3.1.13>I am right glad that his health is well, sir: and</A> <A NAME=3.1.14>what hast thou there under thy cloak, pretty Flaminius?</A>

<A NAME=speech7>FLAMINIUS</a> <A NAME=3.1.15>'Faith, nothing but an empty box, sir; which, in my</A> <A NAME=3.1.16>lord's behalf, I come to entreat your honour to</A> <A NAME=3.1.17>supply; who, having great and instant occasion to</A> <A NAME=3.1.18>use fifty talents, hath sent to your lordship to</A> <A NAME=3.1.19>furnish him, nothing doubting your present</A> <A NAME=3.1.20>assistance therein.</A>

<A NAME=speech8>LUCULLUS</a> <A NAME=3.1.21>La, la, la, la! 'nothing doubting,' says he? Alas,</A> <A NAME=3.1.22>good lord! a noble gentleman 'tis, if he would not</A> <A NAME=3.1.23>keep so good a house. Many a time and often I ha'</A> <A NAME=3.1.24>dined with him, and told him on't, and come again to</A> <A NAME=3.1.25>supper to him, of purpose to have him spend less,</A> <A NAME=3.1.26>and yet he would embrace no counsel, take no warning</A> <A NAME=3.1.27>by my coming. Every man has his fault, and honesty</A> <A NAME=3.1.28>is his: I ha' told him on't, but I could ne'er get</A> <A NAME=3.1.29>him from't.</A> Re-enter Servant, with wine

<A NAME=speech9>Servant</a> <A NAME=3.1.30>Please your lordship, here is the wine.</A>

<A NAME=speech10>LUCULLUS</a> <A NAME=3.1.31>Flaminius, I have noted thee always wise. Here's to thee.</A>

<A NAME=speech11>FLAMINIUS</a> <A NAME=3.1.32>Your lordship speaks your pleasure.</A>

<A NAME=speech12>LUCULLUS</a> <A NAME=3.1.33>I have observed thee always for a towardly prompt</A> <A NAME=3.1.34>spirit--give thee thy due--and one that knows what</A> <A NAME=3.1.35>belongs to reason; and canst use the time well, if</A> <A NAME=3.1.36>the time use thee well: good parts in thee.</A> To Servant <A NAME=3.1.37>Get you gone, sirrah.</A> Exit Servant <A NAME=3.1.38>Draw nearer, honest Flaminius. Thy lord's a</A> <A NAME=3.1.39>bountiful gentleman: but thou art wise; and thou</A> <A NAME=3.1.40>knowest well enough, although thou comest to me,</A> <A NAME=3.1.41>that this is no time to lend money, especially upon</A> <A NAME=3.1.42>bare friendship, without security. Here's three</A> <A NAME=3.1.43>solidares for thee: good boy, wink at me, and say</A> <A NAME=3.1.44>thou sawest me not. Fare thee well.</A>

<A NAME=speech13>FLAMINIUS</a> <A NAME=3.1.45>Is't possible the world should so much differ,</A> <A NAME=3.1.46>And we alive that lived? Fly, damned baseness,</A> <A NAME=3.1.47>To him that worships thee!</A> Throwing the money back

<A NAME=speech14>LUCULLUS</a> <A NAME=3.1.48>Ha! now I see thou art a fool, and fit for thy master.</A> Exit

<A NAME=speech15>FLAMINIUS</a> <A NAME=3.1.49>May these add to the number that may scald thee!</A> <A NAME=3.1.50>Let moulten coin be thy damnation,</A> <A NAME=3.1.51>Thou disease of a friend, and not himself!</A> <A NAME=3.1.52>Has friendship such a faint and milky heart,</A> <A NAME=3.1.53>It turns in less than two nights? O you gods,</A> <A NAME=3.1.54>I feel master's passion! this slave,</A> <A NAME=3.1.55>Unto his honour, has my lord's meat in him:</A> <A NAME=3.1.56>Why should it thrive and turn to nutriment,</A> <A NAME=3.1.57>When he is turn'd to poison?</A> <A NAME=3.1.58>O, may diseases only work upon't!</A> <A NAME=3.1.59>And, when he's sick to death, let not that part of nature</A> <A NAME=3.1.60>Which my lord paid for, be of any power</A> <A NAME=3.1.61>To expel sickness, but prolong his hour!</A> Exit SCENE II. A public place. Enter LUCIUS, with three Strangers

<A NAME=speech1>LUCIUS</a> <A NAME=3.2.1>Who, the Lord Timon? he is my very good friend, and</A> <A NAME=3.2.2>an honourable gentleman.</A>

<A NAME=speech2>First Stranger</a> <A NAME=3.2.3>We know him for no less, though we are but strangers</A> <A NAME=3.2.4>to him. But I can tell you one thing, my lord, and</A> <A NAME=3.2.5>which I hear from common rumours: now Lord Timon's</A> <A NAME=3.2.6>happy hours are done and past, and his estate</A> <A NAME=3.2.7>shrinks from him.</A>

<A NAME=speech3>LUCIUS</a> <A NAME=3.2.8>Fie, no, do not believe it; he cannot want for money.</A>

<A NAME=speech4>Second Stranger</a> <A NAME=3.2.9>But believe you this, my lord, that, not long ago,</A> <A NAME=3.2.10>one of his men was with the Lord Lucullus to borrow</A> <A NAME=3.2.11>so many talents, nay, urged extremely for't and</A> <A NAME=3.2.12>showed what necessity belonged to't, and yet was denied.</A>

<A NAME=speech5>LUCIUS</a> <A NAME=3.2.13>How!</A>

<A NAME=speech6>Second Stranger</a> <A NAME=3.2.14>I tell you, denied, my lord.</A>

<A NAME=speech7>LUCIUS</a> <A NAME=3.2.15>What a strange case was that! now, before the gods,</A> <A NAME=3.2.16>I am ashamed on't. Denied that honourable man!</A> <A NAME=3.2.17>there was very little honour showed in't. For my own</A> <A NAME=3.2.18>part, I must needs confess, I have received some</A> <A NAME=3.2.19>small kindnesses from him, as money, plate, jewels</A> <A NAME=3.2.20>and such-like trifles, nothing comparing to his;</A> <A NAME=3.2.21>yet, had he mistook him and sent to me, I should</A> <A NAME=3.2.22>ne'er have denied his occasion so many talents.</A> Enter SERVILIUS

<A NAME=speech8>SERVILIUS</a> <A NAME=3.2.23>See, by good hap, yonder's my lord;</A> <A NAME=3.2.24>I have sweat to see his honour. My honoured lord,--</A> To LUCIUS

<A NAME=speech9>LUCIUS</a> <A NAME=3.2.25>Servilius! you are kindly met, sir. Fare thee well:</A> <A NAME=3.2.26>commend me to thy honourable virtuous lord, my very</A> <A NAME=3.2.27>exquisite friend.</A>

<A NAME=speech10>SERVILIUS</a> <A NAME=3.2.28>May it please your honour, my lord hath sent--</A>

<A NAME=speech11>LUCIUS</a> <A NAME=3.2.29>Ha! what has he sent? I am so much endeared to</A> <A NAME=3.2.30>that lord; he's ever sending: how shall I thank</A> <A NAME=3.2.31>him, thinkest thou? And what has he sent now?</A>

<A NAME=speech12>SERVILIUS</a> <A NAME=3.2.32>Has only sent his present occasion now, my lord;</A> <A NAME=3.2.33>requesting your lordship to supply his instant use</A> <A NAME=3.2.34>with so many talents.</A>

<A NAME=speech13>LUCIUS</a> <A NAME=3.2.35>I know his lordship is but merry with me;</A> <A NAME=3.2.36>He cannot want fifty five hundred talents.</A>

<A NAME=speech14>SERVILIUS</a> <A NAME=3.2.37>But in the mean time he wants less, my lord.</A> <A NAME=3.2.38>If his occasion were not virtuous,</A> <A NAME=3.2.39>I should not urge it half so faithfully.</A>

<A NAME=speech15>LUCIUS</a> <A NAME=3.2.40>Dost thou speak seriously, Servilius?</A>

<A NAME=speech16>SERVILIUS</a> <A NAME=3.2.41>Upon my soul,'tis true, sir.</A>

<A NAME=speech17>LUCIUS</a> <A NAME=3.2.42>What a wicked beast was I to disfurnish myself</A> <A NAME=3.2.43>against such a good time, when I might ha' shown</A> <A NAME=3.2.44>myself honourable! how unluckily it happened, that I</A> <A NAME=3.2.45>should purchase the day before for a little part,</A> <A NAME=3.2.46>and undo a great deal of honoured! Servilius, now,</A> <A NAME=3.2.47>before the gods, I am not able to do,--the more</A> <A NAME=3.2.48>beast, I say:--I was sending to use Lord Timon</A> <A NAME=3.2.49>myself, these gentlemen can witness! but I would</A> <A NAME=3.2.50>not, for the wealth of Athens, I had done't now.</A> <A NAME=3.2.51>Commend me bountifully to his good lordship; and I</A> <A NAME=3.2.52>hope his honour will conceive the fairest of me,</A> <A NAME=3.2.53>because I have no power to be kind: and tell him</A> <A NAME=3.2.54>this from me, I count it one of my greatest</A> <A NAME=3.2.55>afflictions, say, that I cannot pleasure such an</A> <A NAME=3.2.56>honourable gentleman. Good Servilius, will you</A> <A NAME=3.2.57>befriend me so far, as to use mine own words to him?</A>

<A NAME=speech18>SERVILIUS</a> <A NAME=3.2.58>Yes, sir, I shall.</A>

<A NAME=speech19>LUCIUS</a> <A NAME=3.2.59>I'll look you out a good turn, Servilius.</A> Exit SERVILIUS <A NAME=3.2.60>True as you said, Timon is shrunk indeed;</A> <A NAME=3.2.61>And he that's once denied will hardly speed.</A> Exit

<A NAME=speech20>First Stranger</a> <A NAME=3.2.62>Do you observe this, Hostilius?</A>

<A NAME=speech21>Second Stranger</a> <A NAME=3.2.63>Ay, too well.</A>

<A NAME=speech22>First Stranger</a> <A NAME=3.2.64>Why, this is the world's soul; and just of the</A> <A NAME=3.2.65>same piece</A> <A NAME=3.2.66>Is every flatterer's spirit. Who can call him</A> <A NAME=3.2.67>His friend that dips in the same dish? for, in</A> <A NAME=3.2.68>My knowing, Timon has been this lord's father,</A> <A NAME=3.2.69>And kept his credit with his purse,</A> <A NAME=3.2.70>Supported his estate; nay, Timon's money</A> <A NAME=3.2.71>Has paid his men their wages: he ne'er drinks,</A> <A NAME=3.2.72>But Timon's silver treads upon his lip;</A> <A NAME=3.2.73>And yet--O, see the monstrousness of man</A> <A NAME=3.2.74>When he looks out in an ungrateful shape!--</A> <A NAME=3.2.75>He does deny him, in respect of his,</A> <A NAME=3.2.76>What charitable men afford to beggars.</A>

<A NAME=speech23>Third Stranger</a> <A NAME=3.2.77>Religion groans at it.</A>

<A NAME=speech24>First Stranger</a> <A NAME=3.2.78>For mine own part,</A> <A NAME=3.2.79>I never tasted Timon in my life,</A> <A NAME=3.2.80>Nor came any of his bounties over me,</A> <A NAME=3.2.81>To mark me for his friend; yet, I protest,</A> <A NAME=3.2.82>For his right noble mind, illustrious virtue</A> <A NAME=3.2.83>And honourable carriage,</A> <A NAME=3.2.84>Had his necessity made use of me,</A> <A NAME=3.2.85>I would have put my wealth into donation,</A> <A NAME=3.2.86>And the best half should have return'd to him,</A> <A NAME=3.2.87>So much I love his heart: but, I perceive,</A> <A NAME=3.2.88>Men must learn now with pity to dispense;</A> <A NAME=3.2.89>For policy sits above conscience.</A> Exeunt SCENE III. A room in Sempronius' house. Enter SEMPRONIUS, and a Servant of TIMON's

<A NAME=speech1>SEMPRONIUS</a> <A NAME=3.3.1>Must he needs trouble me in 't,--hum!--'bove</A> <A NAME=3.3.2>all others?</A> <A NAME=3.3.3>He might have tried Lord Lucius or Lucullus;</A> <A NAME=3.3.4>And now Ventidius is wealthy too,</A> <A NAME=3.3.5>Whom he redeem'd from prison: all these</A> <A NAME=3.3.6>Owe their estates unto him.</A>

<A NAME=speech2>Servant</a> <A NAME=3.3.7>My lord,</A> <A NAME=3.3.8>They have all been touch'd and found base metal, for</A> <A NAME=3.3.9>They have au denied him.</A>

<A NAME=speech3>SEMPRONIUS</a> <A NAME=3.3.10>How! have they denied him?</A> <A NAME=3.3.11>Has Ventidius and Lucullus denied him?</A> <A NAME=3.3.12>And does he send to me? Three? hum!</A> <A NAME=3.3.13>It shows but little love or judgment in him:</A> <A NAME=3.3.14>Must I be his last refuge! His friends, like</A> <A NAME=3.3.15>physicians,</A> <A NAME=3.3.16>Thrive, give him over: must I take the cure upon me?</A> <A NAME=3.3.17>Has much disgraced me in't; I'm angry at him,</A> <A NAME=3.3.18>That might have known my place: I see no sense for't,</A> <A NAME=3.3.19>But his occasion might have woo'd me first;</A> <A NAME=3.3.20>For, in my conscience, I was the first man</A> <A NAME=3.3.21>That e'er received gift from him:</A> <A NAME=3.3.22>And does he think so backwardly of me now,</A> <A NAME=3.3.23>That I'll requite its last? No:</A> <A NAME=3.3.24>So it may prove an argument of laughter</A> <A NAME=3.3.25>To the rest, and 'mongst lords I be thought a fool.</A> <A NAME=3.3.26>I'ld rather than the worth of thrice the sum,</A> <A NAME=3.3.27>Had sent to me first, but for my mind's sake;</A> <A NAME=3.3.28>I'd such a courage to do him good. But now return,</A> <A NAME=3.3.29>And with their faint reply this answer join;</A> <A NAME=3.3.30>Who bates mine honour shall not know my coin.</A> Exit

<A NAME=speech4>Servant</a> <A NAME=3.3.31>Excellent! Your lordship's a goodly villain. The</A> <A NAME=3.3.32>devil knew not what he did when he made man</A> <A NAME=3.3.33>politic; he crossed himself by 't: and I cannot</A> <A NAME=3.3.34>think but, in the end, the villainies of man will</A> <A NAME=3.3.35>set him clear. How fairly this lord strives to</A> <A NAME=3.3.36>appear foul! takes virtuous copies to be wicked,</A> <A NAME=3.3.37>like those that under hot ardent zeal would set</A> <A NAME=3.3.38>whole realms on fire: Of such a nature is his</A> <A NAME=3.3.39>politic love.</A> <A NAME=3.3.40>This was my lord's best hope; now all are fled,</A> <A NAME=3.3.41>Save only the gods: now his friends are dead,</A> <A NAME=3.3.42>Doors, that were ne'er acquainted with their wards</A> <A NAME=3.3.43>Many a bounteous year must be employ'd</A> <A NAME=3.3.44>Now to guard sure their master.</A> <A NAME=3.3.45>And this is all a liberal course allows;</A> <A NAME=3.3.46>Who cannot keep his wealth must keep his house.</A> Exit SCENE IV. The same. A hall in Timon's house. Enter two Servants of Varro, and the Servant of LUCIUS, meeting TITUS, HORTENSIUS, and other Servants of TIMON's creditors, waiting his coming out

<A NAME=speech1>Varro's First Servant</a> <A NAME=3.4.2>Well met; good morrow, Titus and Hortensius.</A>

<A NAME=speech2>TITUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.3>The like to you kind Varro.</A>

<A NAME=speech3>HORTENSIUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.4>Lucius!</A> <A NAME=3.4.5>What, do we meet together?</A>

<A NAME=3.4.6>Lucius' Servant</a> <A NAME=x>Ay, and I think</A> <A NAME=3.4.7>One business does command us all; for mine Is money.</A>

<A NAME=speech4>TITUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.8>So is theirs and ours.</A> Enter PHILOTUS

<A NAME=3.4.9>Lucius' Servant</a> <A NAME=x>And Sir Philotus too!</A>

<A NAME=speech5>PHILOTUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.10>Good day at once.</A>

<A NAME=3.4.11>Lucius' Servant</a> <A NAME=x>Welcome, good brother.</A> <A NAME=3.4.12>What do you think the hour?</A>

<A NAME=speech6>PHILOTUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.13>Labouring for nine.</A>

<A NAME=3.4.14>Lucius' Servant</a> <A NAME=x>So much?</A>

<A NAME=speech7>PHILOTUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.15>Is not my lord seen yet?</A>

<A NAME=3.4.16>Lucius' Servant</a> <A NAME=x>Not yet.</A>

<A NAME=speech8>PHILOTUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.17>I wonder on't; he was wont to shine at seven.</A>

<A NAME=3.4.18>Lucius' Servant</a> <A NAME=x>Ay, but the days are wax'd shorter with him:</A> <A NAME=3.4.19>You must consider that a prodigal course</A> <A NAME=3.4.20>Is like the sun's; but not, like his, recoverable.</A> <A NAME=3.4.21>I fear 'tis deepest winter in Lord Timon's purse;</A> <A NAME=3.4.22>That is one may reach deep enough, and yet</A> <A NAME=3.4.23>Find little.</A>

<A NAME=speech9>PHILOTUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.24>I am of your fear for that.</A>

<A NAME=speech10>TITUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.25>I'll show you how to observe a strange event.</A> <A NAME=3.4.26>Your lord sends now for money.</A>

<A NAME=speech11>HORTENSIUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.27>Most true, he does.</A>

<A NAME=speech12>TITUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.28>And he wears jewels now of Timon's gift,</A> <A NAME=3.4.29>For which I wait for money.</A>

<A NAME=speech13>HORTENSIUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.30>It is against my heart.</A>

<A NAME=3.4.31>Lucius' Servant</a> <A NAME=x>Mark, how strange it shows,</A> <A NAME=3.4.32>Timon in this should pay more than he owes:</A> <A NAME=3.4.33>And e'en as if your lord should wear rich jewels,</A> <A NAME=3.4.34>And send for money for 'em.</A>

<A NAME=speech14>HORTENSIUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.35>I'm weary of this charge, the gods can witness:</A> <A NAME=3.4.36>I know my lord hath spent of Timon's wealth,</A> <A NAME=3.4.37>And now ingratitude makes it worse than stealth.</A>

<A NAME=speech15>Varro's First Servant</a> <A NAME=3.4.39>Yes, mine's three thousand crowns: what's yours?</A>

<A NAME=3.4.40>Lucius' Servant</a> <A NAME=x>Five thousand mine.</A>

<A NAME=speech16>Varro's First Servant</a> <A NAME=3.4.42>'Tis much deep: and it should seem by the sun,</A> <A NAME=3.4.43>Your master's confidence was above mine;</A> <A NAME=3.4.44>Else, surely, his had equall'd.</A> <A NAME=3.4.45>Enter FLAMINIUS.</A>

<A NAME=speech17>TITUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.46>One of Lord Timon's men.</A>

<A NAME=3.4.47>Lucius' Servant</a> <A NAME=x>Flaminius! Sir, a word: pray, is my lord ready to</A> <A NAME=3.4.48>come forth?</A>

<A NAME=speech18>FLAMINIUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.49>No, indeed, he is not.</A>

<A NAME=speech19>TITUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.50>We attend his lordship; pray, signify so much.</A>

<A NAME=speech20>FLAMINIUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.51>I need not tell him that; he knows you are too diligent.</A> Exit Enter FLAVIUS in a cloak, muffled

<A NAME=3.4.52>Lucius' Servant</a> <A NAME=x>Ha! is not that his steward muffled so?</A> <A NAME=3.4.53>He goes away in a cloud: call him, call him.</A>

<A NAME=speech21>TITUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.54>Do you hear, sir?</A>

<A NAME=speech22>Varro's Second Servant</a> <A NAME=3.4.56>By your leave, sir,--</A>

<A NAME=speech23>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.57>What do ye ask of me, my friend?</A>

<A NAME=speech24>TITUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.58>We wait for certain money here, sir.</A>

<A NAME=speech25>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.59>Ay,</A> <A NAME=3.4.60>If money were as certain as your waiting,</A> <A NAME=3.4.61>'Twere sure enough.</A> <A NAME=3.4.62>Why then preferr'd you not your sums and bills,</A> <A NAME=3.4.63>When your false masters eat of my lord's meat?</A> <A NAME=3.4.64>Then they could smile and fawn upon his debts</A> <A NAME=3.4.65>And take down the interest into their</A> <A NAME=3.4.66>gluttonous maws.</A> <A NAME=3.4.67>You do yourselves but wrong to stir me up;</A> <A NAME=3.4.68>Let me pass quietly:</A> <A NAME=3.4.69>Believe 't, my lord and I have made an end;</A> <A NAME=3.4.70>I have no more to reckon, he to spend.</A>

<A NAME=3.4.71>Lucius' Servant</a> <A NAME=x>Ay, but this answer will not serve.</A>

<A NAME=speech26>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.72>If 'twill not serve,'tis not so base as you;</A> <A NAME=3.4.73>For you serve knaves.</A> Exit

<A NAME=speech27>Varro's First Servant</a> <A NAME=3.4.75>How! what does his cashiered worship mutter?</A>

<A NAME=speech28>Varro's Second Servant</a> <A NAME=3.4.77>No matter what; he's poor, and that's revenge</A> <A NAME=3.4.78>enough. Who can speak broader than he that has no</A> <A NAME=3.4.79>house to put his head in? such may rail against</A> <A NAME=3.4.80>great buildings.</A> Enter SERVILIUS

<A NAME=speech29>TITUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.81>O, here's Servilius; now we shall know some answer.</A>

<A NAME=speech30>SERVILIUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.82>If I might beseech you, gentlemen, to repair some</A> <A NAME=3.4.83>other hour, I should derive much from't; for,</A> <A NAME=3.4.84>take't of my soul, my lord leans wondrously to</A> <A NAME=3.4.85>discontent: his comfortable temper has forsook him;</A> <A NAME=3.4.86>he's much out of health, and keeps his chamber.</A>

<A NAME=3.4.87>Lucius' Servant</a> <A NAME=x>Many do keep their chambers are not sick:</A> <A NAME=3.4.88>And, if it be so far beyond his health,</A> <A NAME=3.4.89>Methinks he should the sooner pay his debts,</A> <A NAME=3.4.90>And make a clear way to the gods.</A>

<A NAME=speech31>SERVILIUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.91>Good gods!</A>

<A NAME=speech32>TITUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.92>We cannot take this for answer, sir.</A>

<A NAME=speech33>FLAMINIUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.93>[Within] Servilius, help! My lord! my lord!</A> Enter TIMON, in a rage, FLAMINIUS following

<A NAME=speech34>TIMON</a> <A NAME=3.4.94>What, are my doors opposed against my passage?</A> <A NAME=3.4.95>Have I been ever free, and must my house</A> <A NAME=3.4.96>Be my retentive enemy, my gaol?</A> <A NAME=3.4.97>The place which I have feasted, does it now,</A> <A NAME=3.4.98>Like all mankind, show me an iron heart?</A>

<A NAME=3.4.99>Lucius' Servant</a> <A NAME=x>Put in now, Titus.</A>

<A NAME=speech35>TITUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.100>My lord, here is my bill.</A>

<A NAME=3.4.101>Lucius' Servant</a> <A NAME=x>Here's mine.</A>

<A NAME=speech36>HORTENSIUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.102>And mine, my lord.</A>

<A NAME=3.4.104>Varro's Servants</a> <A NAME=x>And ours, my lord.</A>

<A NAME=speech37>PHILOTUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.105>All our bills.</A>

<A NAME=speech38>TIMON</a> <A NAME=3.4.106>Knock me down with 'em: cleave me to the girdle.</A>

<A NAME=3.4.107>Lucius' Servant</a> Alas, my lord,-

<A NAME=speech39>TIMON</a> <A NAME=3.4.108>Cut my heart in sums.</A>

<A NAME=speech40>TITUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.109>Mine, fifty talents.</A>

<A NAME=speech41>TIMON</a> <A NAME=3.4.110>Tell out my blood.</A>

<A NAME=3.4.111>Lucius' Servant</a> <A NAME=x>Five thousand crowns, my lord.</A>

<A NAME=speech42>TIMON</a> <A NAME=3.4.112>Five thousand drops pays that.</A> <A NAME=3.4.113>What yours?--and yours?</A>

<A NAME=speech43>Varro's First Servant</a> <A NAME=3.4.115>My lord,--</A>

<A NAME=speech44>Varro's Second Servant</a> <A NAME=3.4.117>My lord,--</A>

<A NAME=speech45>TIMON</a> <A NAME=3.4.118>Tear me, take me, and the gods fall upon you!</A> Exit

<A NAME=speech46>HORTENSIUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.119>'Faith, I perceive our masters may throw their caps</A> <A NAME=3.4.120>at their money: these debts may well be called</A> <A NAME=3.4.121>desperate ones, for a madman owes 'em.</A> Exeunt Re-enter TIMON and FLAVIUS

<A NAME=speech47>TIMON</a> <A NAME=3.4.122>They have e'en put my breath from me, the slaves.</A> <A NAME=3.4.123>Creditors? devils!</A>

<A NAME=speech48>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.124>My dear lord,--</A>

<A NAME=speech49>TIMON</a> <A NAME=3.4.125>What if it should be so?</A>

<A NAME=speech50>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.126>My lord,--</A>

<A NAME=speech51>TIMON</a> <A NAME=3.4.127>I'll have it so. My steward!</A>

<A NAME=speech52>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.128>Here, my lord.</A>

<A NAME=speech53>TIMON</a> <A NAME=3.4.129>So fitly? Go, bid all my friends again,</A> <A NAME=3.4.130>Lucius, Lucullus, and Sempronius:</A> <A NAME=3.4.131>All, sirrah, all:</A> <A NAME=3.4.132>I'll once more feast the rascals.</A>

<A NAME=speech54>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=3.4.133>O my lord,</A> <A NAME=3.4.134>You only speak from your distracted soul;</A> <A NAME=3.4.135>There is not so much left, to furnish out</A> <A NAME=3.4.136>A moderate table.</A>

<A NAME=speech55>TIMON</a> <A NAME=3.4.137>                 Be't not in thy care; go,</A> <A NAME=3.4.138>I charge thee, invite them all: let in the tide</A> <A NAME=3.4.139>Of knaves once more; my cook and I'll provide.</A> Exeunt SCENE V. The same. The senate-house. The Senate sitting.

<A NAME=speech1>First Senator</a> <A NAME=3.5.1>My lord, you have my voice to it; the fault's</A> <A NAME=3.5.2>Bloody; 'tis necessary he should die:</A> <A NAME=3.5.3>Nothing emboldens sin so much as mercy.</A>

<A NAME=speech2>Second Senator</a> <A NAME=3.5.4>Most true; the law shall bruise him.</A> Enter ALCIBIADES, with Attendants

<A NAME=speech3>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=3.5.5>Honour, health, and compassion to the senate!</A>

<A NAME=speech4>First Senator</a> <A NAME=3.5.6>Now, captain?</A>

<A NAME=speech5>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=3.5.7>I am an humble suitor to your virtues;</A> <A NAME=3.5.8>For pity is the virtue of the law,</A> <A NAME=3.5.9>And none but tyrants use it cruelly.</A> <A NAME=3.5.10>It pleases time and fortune to lie heavy</A> <A NAME=3.5.11>Upon a friend of mine, who, in hot blood,</A> <A NAME=3.5.12>Hath stepp'd into the law, which is past depth</A> <A NAME=3.5.13>To those that, without heed, do plunge into 't.</A> <A NAME=3.5.14>He is a man, setting his fate aside,</A> <A NAME=3.5.15>Of comely virtues:</A> <A NAME=3.5.16>Nor did he soil the fact with cowardice--</A> <A NAME=3.5.17>An honour in him which buys out his fault--</A> <A NAME=3.5.18>But with a noble fury and fair spirit,</A> <A NAME=3.5.19>Seeing his reputation touch'd to death,</A> <A NAME=3.5.20>He did oppose his foe:</A> <A NAME=3.5.21>And with such sober and unnoted passion</A> <A NAME=3.5.22>He did behave his anger, ere 'twas spent,</A> <A NAME=3.5.23>As if he had but proved an argument.</A>

<A NAME=speech6>First Senator</a> <A NAME=3.5.24>You undergo too strict a paradox,</A> <A NAME=3.5.25>Striving to make an ugly deed look fair:</A> <A NAME=3.5.26>Your words have took such pains as if they labour'd</A> <A NAME=3.5.27>To bring manslaughter into form and set quarrelling</A> <A NAME=3.5.28>Upon the head of valour; which indeed</A> <A NAME=3.5.29>Is valour misbegot and came into the world</A> <A NAME=3.5.30>When sects and factions were newly born:</A> <A NAME=3.5.31>He's truly valiant that can wisely suffer</A> <A NAME=3.5.32>The worst that man can breathe, and make his wrongs</A> <A NAME=3.5.33>His outsides, to wear them like his raiment,</A> <A NAME=3.5.34>carelessly,</A> <A NAME=3.5.35>And ne'er prefer his injuries to his heart,</A> <A NAME=3.5.36>To bring it into danger.</A> <A NAME=3.5.37>If wrongs be evils and enforce us kill,</A> <A NAME=3.5.38>What folly 'tis to hazard life for ill!</A>

<A NAME=speech7>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=3.5.39>My lord,--</A>

<A NAME=speech8>First Senator</a> <A NAME=3.5.40>      You cannot make gross sins look clear:</A> <A NAME=3.5.41>To revenge is no valour, but to bear.</A>

<A NAME=speech9>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=3.5.42>My lords, then, under favour, pardon me,</A> <A NAME=3.5.43>If I speak like a captain.</A> <A NAME=3.5.44>Why do fond men expose themselves to battle,</A> <A NAME=3.5.45>And not endure all threats? sleep upon't,</A> <A NAME=3.5.46>And let the foes quietly cut their throats,</A> <A NAME=3.5.47>Without repugnancy? If there be</A> <A NAME=3.5.48>Such valour in the bearing, what make we</A> <A NAME=3.5.49>Abroad? why then, women are more valiant</A> <A NAME=3.5.50>That stay at home, if bearing carry it,</A> <A NAME=3.5.51>And the ass more captain than the lion, the felon</A> <A NAME=3.5.52>Loaden with irons wiser than the judge,</A> <A NAME=3.5.53>If wisdom be in suffering. O my lords,</A> <A NAME=3.5.54>As you are great, be pitifully good:</A> <A NAME=3.5.55>Who cannot condemn rashness in cold blood?</A> <A NAME=3.5.56>To kill, I grant, is sin's extremest gust;</A> <A NAME=3.5.57>But, in defence, by mercy, 'tis most just.</A> <A NAME=3.5.58>To be in anger is impiety;</A> <A NAME=3.5.59>But who is man that is not angry?</A> <A NAME=3.5.60>Weigh but the crime with this.</A>

<A NAME=speech10>Second Senator</a> <A NAME=3.5.61>You breathe in vain.</A>

<A NAME=speech11>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=3.5.62>In vain! his service done</A> <A NAME=3.5.63>At Lacedaemon and Byzantium</A> <A NAME=3.5.64>Were a sufficient briber for his life.</A>

<A NAME=speech12>First Senator</a> <A NAME=3.5.65>What's that?</A>

<A NAME=speech13>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=3.5.66>I say, my lords, he has done fair service,</A> <A NAME=3.5.67>And slain in fight many of your enemies:</A> <A NAME=3.5.68>How full of valour did he bear himself</A> <A NAME=3.5.69>In the last conflict, and made plenteous wounds!</A>

<A NAME=speech14>Second Senator</a> <A NAME=3.5.70>He has made too much plenty with 'em;</A> <A NAME=3.5.71>He's a sworn rioter: he has a sin that often</A> <A NAME=3.5.72>Drowns him, and takes his valour prisoner:</A> <A NAME=3.5.73>If there were no foes, that were enough</A> <A NAME=3.5.74>To overcome him: in that beastly fury</A> <A NAME=3.5.75>He has been known to commit outrages,</A> <A NAME=3.5.76>And cherish factions: 'tis inferr'd to us,</A> <A NAME=3.5.77>His days are foul and his drink dangerous.</A>

<A NAME=speech15>First Senator</a> <A NAME=3.5.78>He dies.</A>

<A NAME=speech16>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=3.5.79>Hard fate! he might have died in war.</A> <A NAME=3.5.80>My lords, if not for any parts in him--</A> <A NAME=3.5.81>Though his right arm might purchase his own time</A> <A NAME=3.5.82>And be in debt to none--yet, more to move you,</A> <A NAME=3.5.83>Take my deserts to his, and join 'em both:</A> <A NAME=3.5.84>And, for I know your reverend ages love</A> <A NAME=3.5.85>Security, I'll pawn my victories, all</A> <A NAME=3.5.86>My honours to you, upon his good returns.</A> <A NAME=3.5.87>If by this crime he owes the law his life,</A> <A NAME=3.5.88>Why, let the war receive 't in valiant gore</A> <A NAME=3.5.89>For law is strict, and war is nothing more.</A>

<A NAME=speech17>First Senator</a> <A NAME=3.5.90>We are for law: he dies; urge it no more,</A> <A NAME=3.5.91>On height of our displeasure: friend or brother,</A> <A NAME=3.5.92>He forfeits his own blood that spills another.</A>

<A NAME=speech18>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=3.5.93>Must it be so? it must not be. My lords,</A> <A NAME=3.5.94>I do beseech you, know me.</A>

<A NAME=speech19>Second Senator</a> <A NAME=3.5.95>How!</A>

<A NAME=speech20>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=3.5.96>Call me to your remembrances.</A>

<A NAME=speech21>Third Senator</a> <A NAME=3.5.97>What!</A>

<A NAME=speech22>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=3.5.98>I cannot think but your age has forgot me;</A> <A NAME=3.5.99>It could not else be, I should prove so base,</A> <A NAME=3.5.100>To sue, and be denied such common grace:</A> <A NAME=3.5.101>My wounds ache at you.</A>

<A NAME=speech23>First Senator</a> <A NAME=3.5.102>Do you dare our anger?</A> <A NAME=3.5.103>'Tis in few words, but spacious in effect;</A> <A NAME=3.5.104>We banish thee for ever.</A>

<A NAME=speech24>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=3.5.105>Banish me!</A> <A NAME=3.5.106>Banish your dotage; banish usury,</A> <A NAME=3.5.107>That makes the senate ugly.</A>

<A NAME=speech25>First Senator</a> <A NAME=3.5.108>If, after two days' shine, Athens contain thee,</A> <A NAME=3.5.109>Attend our weightier judgment. And, not to swell</A> <A NAME=3.5.110>our spirit,</A> <A NAME=3.5.111>He shall be executed presently.</A> Exeunt Senators

<A NAME=speech26>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=3.5.112>Now the gods keep you old enough; that you may live</A> <A NAME=3.5.113>Only in bone, that none may look on you!</A> <A NAME=3.5.114>I'm worse than mad: I have kept back their foes,</A> <A NAME=3.5.115>While they have told their money and let out</A> <A NAME=3.5.116>Their coin upon large interest, I myself</A> <A NAME=3.5.117>Rich only in large hurts. All those for this?</A> <A NAME=3.5.118>Is this the balsam that the usuring senate</A> <A NAME=3.5.119>Pours into captains' wounds? Banishment!</A> <A NAME=3.5.120>It comes not ill; I hate not to be banish'd;</A> <A NAME=3.5.121>It is a cause worthy my spleen and fury,</A> <A NAME=3.5.122>That I may strike at Athens. I'll cheer up</A> <A NAME=3.5.123>My discontented troops, and lay for hearts.</A> <A NAME=3.5.124>'Tis honour with most lands to be at odds;</A> <A NAME=3.5.125>Soldiers should brook as little wrongs as gods.</A> Exit SCENE VI. The same. A banqueting-room in Timon's house. ''Music. Tables set out: Servants attending. Enter divers Lords, Senators and others, at several doors''

<A NAME=speech1>First Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.1>The good time of day to you, sir.</A>

<A NAME=speech2>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.2>I also wish it to you. I think this honourable lord</A> <A NAME=3.6.3>did but try us this other day.</A>

<A NAME=speech3>First Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.4>Upon that were my thoughts tiring, when we</A> <A NAME=3.6.5>encountered: I hope it is not so low with him as</A> <A NAME=3.6.6>he made it seem in the trial of his several friends.</A>

<A NAME=speech4>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.7>It should not be, by the persuasion of his new feasting.</A>

<A NAME=speech5>First Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.8>I should think so: he hath sent me an earnest</A> <A NAME=3.6.9>inviting, which many my near occasions did urge me</A> <A NAME=3.6.10>to put off; but he hath conjured me beyond them, and</A> <A NAME=3.6.11>I must needs appear.</A>

<A NAME=speech6>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.12>In like manner was I in debt to my importunate</A> <A NAME=3.6.13>business, but he would not hear my excuse. I am</A> <A NAME=3.6.14>sorry, when he sent to borrow of me, that my</A> <A NAME=3.6.15>provision was out.</A>

<A NAME=speech7>First Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.16>I am sick of that grief too, as I understand how all</A> <A NAME=3.6.17>things go.</A>

<A NAME=speech8>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.18>Every man here's so. What would he have borrowed of</A> <A NAME=3.6.19>you?</A>

<A NAME=speech9>First Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.20>A thousand pieces.</A>

<A NAME=speech10>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.21>A thousand pieces!</A>

<A NAME=speech11>First Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.22>What of you?</A>

<A NAME=speech12>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.23>He sent to me, sir,--Here he comes.</A> Enter TIMON and Attendants

<A NAME=speech13>TIMON</a> <A NAME=3.6.24>With all my heart, gentlemen both; and how fare you?</A>

<A NAME=speech14>First Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.25>Ever at the best, hearing well of your lordship.</A>

<A NAME=speech15>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.26>The swallow follows not summer more willing than we</A> <A NAME=3.6.27>your lordship.</A>

<A NAME=speech16>TIMON</a> <A NAME=3.6.28>[Aside] Nor more willingly leaves winter; such</A> <A NAME=3.6.29>summer-birds are men. Gentlemen, our dinner will not</A> <A NAME=3.6.30>recompense this long stay: feast your ears with the</A> <A NAME=3.6.31>music awhile, if they will fare so harshly o' the</A> <A NAME=3.6.32>trumpet's sound; we shall to 't presently.</A>

<A NAME=speech17>First Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.33>I hope it remains not unkindly with your lordship</A> <A NAME=3.6.34>that I returned you an empty messenger.</A>

<A NAME=speech18>TIMON</a> <A NAME=3.6.35>O, sir, let it not trouble you.</A>

<A NAME=speech19>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.36>My noble lord,--</A>

<A NAME=speech20>TIMON</a> <A NAME=3.6.37>Ah, my good friend, what cheer?</A>

<A NAME=speech21>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.38>My most honourable lord, I am e'en sick of shame,</A> <A NAME=3.6.39>that, when your lordship this other day sent to me,</A> <A NAME=3.6.40>I was so unfortunate a beggar.</A>

<A NAME=speech22>TIMON</a> <A NAME=3.6.41>Think not on 't, sir.</A>

<A NAME=speech23>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.42>If you had sent but two hours before,--</A>

<A NAME=speech24>TIMON</a> <A NAME=3.6.43>Let it not cumber your better remembrance.</A> The banquet brought in <A NAME=3.6.44>Come, bring in all together.</A>

<A NAME=speech25>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.45>All covered dishes!</A>

<A NAME=speech26>First Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.46>Royal cheer, I warrant you.</A>

<A NAME=speech27>Third Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.47>Doubt not that, if money and the season can yield</A> <A NAME=3.6.48>it.</A>

<A NAME=speech28>First Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.49>How do you? What's the news?</A>

<A NAME=speech29>Third Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.50>Alcibiades is banished: hear you of it?</A>

<A NAME=speech30>First Lord</a>

<A NAME=speech31>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.51>Alcibiades banished!</A>

<A NAME=speech32>Third Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.52>'Tis so, be sure of it.</A>

<A NAME=speech33>First Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.53>How! how!</A>

<A NAME=speech34>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.54>I pray you, upon what?</A>

<A NAME=speech35>TIMON</a> <A NAME=3.6.55>My worthy friends, will you draw near?</A>

<A NAME=speech36>Third Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.56>I'll tell you more anon. Here's a noble feast toward.</A>

<A NAME=speech37>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.57>This is the old man still.</A>

<A NAME=speech38>Third Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.58>Will 't hold? will 't hold?</A>

<A NAME=speech39>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.59>It does: but time will--and so--</A>

<A NAME=speech40>Third Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.60>I do conceive.</A>

<A NAME=speech41>TIMON</a> <A NAME=3.6.61>Each man to his stool, with that spur as he would to</A> <A NAME=3.6.62>the lip of his mistress: your diet shall be in all</A> <A NAME=3.6.63>places alike. Make not a city feast of it, to let</A> <A NAME=3.6.64>the meat cool ere we can agree upon the first place:</A> <A NAME=3.6.65>sit, sit. The gods require our thanks.</A> <A NAME=3.6.66>You great benefactors, sprinkle our society with</A> <A NAME=3.6.67>thankfulness. For your own gifts, make yourselves</A> <A NAME=3.6.68>praised: but reserve still to give, lest your</A> <A NAME=3.6.69>deities be despised. Lend to each man enough, that</A> <A NAME=3.6.70>one need not lend to another; for, were your</A> <A NAME=3.6.71>godheads to borrow of men, men would forsake the</A> <A NAME=3.6.72>gods. Make the meat be beloved more than the man</A> <A NAME=3.6.73>that gives it. Let no assembly of twenty be without</A> <A NAME=3.6.74>a score of villains: if there sit twelve women at</A> <A NAME=3.6.75>the table, let a dozen of them be--as they are. The</A> <A NAME=3.6.76>rest of your fees, O gods--the senators of Athens,</A> <A NAME=3.6.77>together with the common lag of people--what is</A> <A NAME=3.6.78>amiss in them, you gods, make suitable for</A> <A NAME=3.6.79>destruction. For these my present friends, as they</A> <A NAME=3.6.80>are to me nothing, so in nothing bless them, and to</A> <A NAME=3.6.81>nothing are they welcome.</A> <A NAME=3.6.82>Uncover, dogs, and lap.</A> The dishes are uncovered and seen to be full of warm water

<A NAME=speech42>Some Speak</a> <A NAME=3.6.83>What does his lordship mean?</A>

<A NAME=speech43>Some Others</a> <A NAME=3.6.84>I know not.</A>

<A NAME=speech44>TIMON</a> <A NAME=3.6.85>May you a better feast never behold,</A> <A NAME=3.6.86>You knot of mouth-friends I smoke and lukewarm water</A> <A NAME=3.6.87>Is your perfection. This is Timon's last;</A> <A NAME=3.6.88>Who, stuck and spangled with your flatteries,</A> <A NAME=3.6.89>Washes it off, and sprinkles in your faces</A> <A NAME=3.6.90>Your reeking villany.</A> Throwing the water in their faces <A NAME=3.6.91>Live loathed and long,</A> <A NAME=3.6.92>Most smiling, smooth, detested parasites,</A> <A NAME=3.6.93>Courteous destroyers, affable wolves, meek bears,</A> <A NAME=3.6.94>You fools of fortune, trencher-friends, time's flies,</A> <A NAME=3.6.95>Cap and knee slaves, vapours, and minute-jacks!</A> <A NAME=3.6.96>Of man and beast the infinite malady</A> <A NAME=3.6.97>Crust you quite o'er! What, dost thou go?</A> <A NAME=3.6.98>Soft! take thy physic first--thou too--and thou;--</A> <A NAME=3.6.99>Stay, I will lend thee money, borrow none.</A> Throws the dishes at them, and drives them out <A NAME=3.6.100>What, all in motion? Henceforth be no feast,</A> <A NAME=3.6.101>Whereat a villain's not a welcome guest.</A> <A NAME=3.6.102>Burn, house! sink, Athens! henceforth hated be</A> <A NAME=3.6.103>Of Timon man and all humanity!</A> Exit Re-enter the Lords, Senators, & c

<A NAME=speech45>First Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.104>How now, my lords!</A>

<A NAME=speech46>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.105>Know you the quality of Lord Timon's fury?</A>

<A NAME=speech47>Third Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.106>Push! did you see my cap?</A>

<A NAME=speech48>Fourth Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.107>I have lost my gown.</A>

<A NAME=speech49>First Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.108>He's but a mad lord, and nought but humour sways him.</A> <A NAME=3.6.109>He gave me a jewel th' other day, and now he has</A> <A NAME=3.6.110>beat it out of my hat: did you see my jewel?</A>

<A NAME=speech50>Third Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.111>Did you see my cap?</A>

<A NAME=speech51>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.112>Here 'tis.</A>

<A NAME=speech52>Fourth Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.113>Here lies my gown.</A>

<A NAME=speech53>First Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.114>Let's make no stay.</A>

<A NAME=speech54>Second Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.115>Lord Timon's mad.</A>

<A NAME=speech55>Third Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.116>I feel 't upon my bones.</A>

<A NAME=speech56>Fourth Lord</a> <A NAME=3.6.117>One day he gives us diamonds, next day stones.</A> Exeunt <H3>ACT IV SCENE I. Without the walls of Athens. Enter TIMON

<A NAME=speech1>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.1.1>Let me look back upon thee. O thou wall,</A> <A NAME=4.1.2>That girdlest in those wolves, dive in the earth,</A> <A NAME=4.1.3>And fence not Athens! Matrons, turn incontinent!</A> <A NAME=4.1.4>Obedience fail in children! slaves and fools,</A> <A NAME=4.1.5>Pluck the grave wrinkled senate from the bench,</A> <A NAME=4.1.6>And minister in their steads! to general filths</A> <A NAME=4.1.7>Convert o' the instant, green virginity,</A> <A NAME=4.1.8>Do 't in your parents' eyes! bankrupts, hold fast;</A> <A NAME=4.1.9>Rather than render back, out with your knives,</A> <A NAME=4.1.10>And cut your trusters' throats! bound servants, steal!</A> <A NAME=4.1.11>Large-handed robbers your grave masters are,</A> <A NAME=4.1.12>And pill by law. Maid, to thy master's bed;</A> <A NAME=4.1.13>Thy mistress is o' the brothel! Son of sixteen,</A> <A NAME=4.1.14>pluck the lined crutch from thy old limping sire,</A> <A NAME=4.1.15>With it beat out his brains! Piety, and fear,</A> <A NAME=4.1.16>Religion to the gods, peace, justice, truth,</A> <A NAME=4.1.17>Domestic awe, night-rest, and neighbourhood,</A> <A NAME=4.1.18>Instruction, manners, mysteries, and trades,</A> <A NAME=4.1.19>Degrees, observances, customs, and laws,</A> <A NAME=4.1.20>Decline to your confounding contraries,</A> <A NAME=4.1.21>And let confusion live! Plagues, incident to men,</A> <A NAME=4.1.22>Your potent and infectious fevers heap</A> <A NAME=4.1.23>On Athens, ripe for stroke! Thou cold sciatica,</A> <A NAME=4.1.24>Cripple our senators, that their limbs may halt</A> <A NAME=4.1.25>As lamely as their manners. Lust and liberty</A> <A NAME=4.1.26>Creep in the minds and marrows of our youth,</A> <A NAME=4.1.27>That 'gainst the stream of virtue they may strive,</A> <A NAME=4.1.28>And drown themselves in riot! Itches, blains,</A> <A NAME=4.1.29>Sow all the Athenian bosoms; and their crop</A> <A NAME=4.1.30>Be general leprosy! Breath infect breath,</A> <A NAME=4.1.31>at their society, as their friendship, may</A> <A NAME=4.1.32>merely poison! Nothing I'll bear from thee,</A> <A NAME=4.1.33>But nakedness, thou detestable town!</A> <A NAME=4.1.34>Take thou that too, with multiplying bans!</A> <A NAME=4.1.35>Timon will to the woods; where he shall find</A> <A NAME=4.1.36>The unkindest beast more kinder than mankind.</A> <A NAME=4.1.37>The gods confound--hear me, you good gods all--</A> <A NAME=4.1.38>The Athenians both within and out that wall!</A> <A NAME=4.1.39>And grant, as Timon grows, his hate may grow</A> <A NAME=4.1.40>To the whole race of mankind, high and low! Amen.</A> Exit SCENE II. Athens. A room in Timon's house. Enter FLAVIUS, with two or three Servants

<A NAME=speech1>First Servant</a> <A NAME=4.2.1>Hear you, master steward, where's our master?</A> <A NAME=4.2.2>Are we undone? cast off? nothing remaining?</A>

<A NAME=speech2>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=4.2.3>Alack, my fellows, what should I say to you?</A> <A NAME=4.2.4>Let me be recorded by the righteous gods,</A> <A NAME=4.2.5>I am as poor as you.</A>

<A NAME=speech3>First Servant</a> <A NAME=4.2.6>Such a house broke!</A> <A NAME=4.2.7>So noble a master fall'n! All gone! and not</A> <A NAME=4.2.8>One friend to take his fortune by the arm,</A> <A NAME=4.2.9>And go along with him!</A>

<A NAME=speech4>Second Servant</a> <A NAME=4.2.10>As we do turn our backs</A> <A NAME=4.2.11>From our companion thrown into his grave,</A> <A NAME=4.2.12>So his familiars to his buried fortunes</A> <A NAME=4.2.13>Slink all away, leave their false vows with him,</A> <A NAME=4.2.14>Like empty purses pick'd; and his poor self,</A> <A NAME=4.2.15>A dedicated beggar to the air,</A> <A NAME=4.2.16>With his disease of all-shunn'd poverty,</A> <A NAME=4.2.17>Walks, like contempt, alone. More of our fellows.</A> Enter other Servants

<A NAME=speech5>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=4.2.18>All broken implements of a ruin'd house.</A>

<A NAME=speech6>Third Servant</a> <A NAME=4.2.19>Yet do our hearts wear Timon's livery;</A> <A NAME=4.2.20>That see I by our faces; we are fellows still,</A> <A NAME=4.2.21>Serving alike in sorrow: leak'd is our bark,</A> <A NAME=4.2.22>And we, poor mates, stand on the dying deck,</A> <A NAME=4.2.23>Hearing the surges threat: we must all part</A> <A NAME=4.2.24>Into this sea of air.</A>

<A NAME=speech7>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=4.2.25>Good fellows all,</A> <A NAME=4.2.26>The latest of my wealth I'll share amongst you.</A> <A NAME=4.2.27>Wherever we shall meet, for Timon's sake,</A> <A NAME=4.2.28>Let's yet be fellows; let's shake our heads, and say,</A> <A NAME=4.2.29>As 'twere a knell unto our master's fortunes,</A> <A NAME=4.2.30>'We have seen better days.' Let each take some;</A> <A NAME=4.2.31>Nay, put out all your hands. Not one word more:</A> <A NAME=4.2.32>Thus part we rich in sorrow, parting poor.</A> Servants embrace, and part several ways <A NAME=4.2.33>O, the fierce wretchedness that glory brings us!</A> <A NAME=4.2.34>Who would not wish to be from wealth exempt,</A> <A NAME=4.2.35>Since riches point to misery and contempt?</A> <A NAME=4.2.36>Who would be so mock'd with glory? or to live</A> <A NAME=4.2.37>But in a dream of friendship?</A> <A NAME=4.2.38>To have his pomp and all what state compounds</A> <A NAME=4.2.39>But only painted, like his varnish'd friends?</A> <A NAME=4.2.40>Poor honest lord, brought low by his own heart,</A> <A NAME=4.2.41>Undone by goodness! Strange, unusual blood,</A> <A NAME=4.2.42>When man's worst sin is, he does too much good!</A> <A NAME=4.2.43>Who, then, dares to be half so kind again?</A> <A NAME=4.2.44>For bounty, that makes gods, does still mar men.</A> <A NAME=4.2.45>My dearest lord, bless'd, to be most accursed,</A> <A NAME=4.2.46>Rich, only to be wretched, thy great fortunes</A> <A NAME=4.2.47>Are made thy chief afflictions. Alas, kind lord!</A> <A NAME=4.2.48>He's flung in rage from this ingrateful seat</A> <A NAME=4.2.49>Of monstrous friends, nor has he with him to</A> <A NAME=4.2.50>Supply his life, or that which can command it.</A> <A NAME=4.2.51>I'll follow and inquire him out:</A> <A NAME=4.2.52>I'll ever serve his mind with my best will;</A> <A NAME=4.2.53>Whilst I have gold, I'll be his steward still.</A> Exit SCENE III. Woods and cave, near the seashore. Enter TIMON, from the cave <A NAME=speech0>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.1>O blessed breeding sun, draw from the earth</A> <A NAME=4.3.2>Rotten humidity; below thy sister's orb</A> <A NAME=4.3.3>Infect the air! Twinn'd brothers of one womb,</A> <A NAME=4.3.4>Whose procreation, residence, and birth,</A> <A NAME=4.3.5>Scarce is dividant, touch them with several fortunes;</A> <A NAME=4.3.6>The greater scorns the lesser: not nature,</A> <A NAME=4.3.7>To whom all sores lay siege, can bear great fortune,</A> <A NAME=4.3.8>But by contempt of nature.</A> <A NAME=4.3.9>Raise me this beggar, and deny 't that lord;</A> <A NAME=4.3.10>The senator shall bear contempt hereditary,</A> <A NAME=4.3.11>The beggar native honour.</A> <A NAME=4.3.12>It is the pasture lards the rother's sides,</A> <A NAME=4.3.13>The want that makes him lean. Who dares, who dares,</A> <A NAME=4.3.14>In purity of manhood stand upright,</A> <A NAME=4.3.15>And say 'This man's a flatterer?' if one be,</A> <A NAME=4.3.16>So are they all; for every grise of fortune</A> <A NAME=4.3.17>Is smooth'd by that below: the learned pate</A> <A NAME=4.3.18>Ducks to the golden fool: all is oblique;</A> <A NAME=4.3.19>There's nothing level in our cursed natures,</A> <A NAME=4.3.20>But direct villany. Therefore, be abhorr'd</A> <A NAME=4.3.21>All feasts, societies, and throngs of men!</A> <A NAME=4.3.22>His semblable, yea, himself, Timon disdains:</A> <A NAME=4.3.23>Destruction fang mankind! Earth, yield me roots!</A> Digging <A NAME=4.3.24>Who seeks for better of thee, sauce his palate</A> <A NAME=4.3.25>With thy most operant poison! What is here?</A> <A NAME=4.3.26>Gold? yellow, glittering, precious gold? No, gods,</A> <A NAME=4.3.27>I am no idle votarist: roots, you clear heavens!</A> <A NAME=4.3.28>Thus much of this will make black white, foul fair,</A> <A NAME=4.3.29>Wrong right, base noble, old young, coward valiant.</A> <A NAME=4.3.30>Ha, you gods! why this? what this, you gods? Why, this</A> <A NAME=4.3.31>Will lug your priests and servants from your sides,</A> <A NAME=4.3.32>Pluck stout men's pillows from below their heads:</A> <A NAME=4.3.33>This yellow slave</A> <A NAME=4.3.34>Will knit and break religions, bless the accursed,</A> <A NAME=4.3.35>Make the hoar leprosy adored, place thieves</A> <A NAME=4.3.36>And give them title, knee and approbation</A> <A NAME=4.3.37>With senators on the bench: this is it</A> <A NAME=4.3.38>That makes the wappen'd widow wed again;</A> <A NAME=4.3.39>She, whom the spital-house and ulcerous sores</A> <A NAME=4.3.40>Would cast the gorge at, this embalms and spices</A> <A NAME=4.3.41>To the April day again. Come, damned earth,</A> <A NAME=4.3.42>Thou common whore of mankind, that put'st odds</A> <A NAME=4.3.43>Among the route of nations, I will make thee</A> <A NAME=4.3.44>Do thy right nature.</A> March afar off <A NAME=4.3.45>Ha! a drum ? Thou'rt quick,</A> <A NAME=4.3.46>But yet I'll bury thee: thou'lt go, strong thief,</A> <A NAME=4.3.47>When gouty keepers of thee cannot stand.</A> <A NAME=4.3.48>Nay, stay thou out for earnest.</A> Keeping some gold Enter ALCIBIADES, with drum and fife, in warlike manner; PHRYNIA and TIMANDRA

<A NAME=speech1>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=4.3.49>What art thou there? speak.</A>

<A NAME=speech2>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.50>A beast, as thou art. The canker gnaw thy heart,</A> <A NAME=4.3.51>For showing me again the eyes of man!</A>

<A NAME=speech3>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=4.3.52>What is thy name? Is man so hateful to thee,</A> <A NAME=4.3.53>That art thyself a man?</A>

<A NAME=speech4>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.54>I am Misanthropos, and hate mankind.</A> <A NAME=4.3.55>For thy part, I do wish thou wert a dog,</A> <A NAME=4.3.56>That I might love thee something.</A>

<A NAME=speech5>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=4.3.57>I know thee well;</A> <A NAME=4.3.58>But in thy fortunes am unlearn'd and strange.</A>

<A NAME=speech6>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.59>I know thee too; and more than that I know thee,</A> <A NAME=4.3.60>I not desire to know. Follow thy drum;</A> <A NAME=4.3.61>With man's blood paint the ground, gules, gules:</A> <A NAME=4.3.62>Religious canons, civil laws are cruel;</A> <A NAME=4.3.63>Then what should war be? This fell whore of thine</A> <A NAME=4.3.64>Hath in her more destruction than thy sword,</A> <A NAME=4.3.65>For all her cherubim look.</A>

<A NAME=speech7>PHRYNIA</a> <A NAME=4.3.66>Thy lips rot off!</A>

<A NAME=speech8>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.67>I will not kiss thee; then the rot returns</A> <A NAME=4.3.68>To thine own lips again.</A>

<A NAME=speech9>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=4.3.69>How came the noble Timon to this change?</A>

<A NAME=speech10>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.70>As the moon does, by wanting light to give:</A> <A NAME=4.3.71>But then renew I could not, like the moon;</A> <A NAME=4.3.72>There were no suns to borrow of.</A>

<A NAME=speech11>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=4.3.73>Noble Timon,</A> <A NAME=4.3.74>What friendship may I do thee?</A>

<A NAME=speech12>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.75>None, but to</A> <A NAME=4.3.76>Maintain my opinion.</A>

<A NAME=speech13>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=4.3.77>What is it, Timon?</A>

<A NAME=speech14>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.78>Promise me friendship, but perform none: if thou</A> <A NAME=4.3.79>wilt not promise, the gods plague thee, for thou art</A> <A NAME=4.3.80>a man! if thou dost perform, confound thee, for</A> <A NAME=4.3.81>thou art a man!</A>

<A NAME=speech15>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=4.3.82>I have heard in some sort of thy miseries.</A>

<A NAME=speech16>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.83>Thou saw'st them, when I had prosperity.</A>

<A NAME=speech17>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=4.3.84>I see them now; then was a blessed time.</A>

<A NAME=speech18>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.85>As thine is now, held with a brace of harlots.</A>

<A NAME=speech19>TIMANDRA</a> <A NAME=4.3.86>Is this the Athenian minion, whom the world</A> <A NAME=4.3.87>Voiced so regardfully?</A>

<A NAME=speech20>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.88>Art thou Timandra?</A>

<A NAME=speech21>TIMANDRA</a> <A NAME=4.3.89>Yes.</A>

<A NAME=speech22>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.90>Be a whore still: they love thee not that use thee;</A> <A NAME=4.3.91>Give them diseases, leaving with thee their lust.</A> <A NAME=4.3.92>Make use of thy salt hours: season the slaves</A> <A NAME=4.3.93>For tubs and baths; bring down rose-cheeked youth</A> <A NAME=4.3.94>To the tub-fast and the diet.</A>

<A NAME=speech23>TIMANDRA</a> <A NAME=4.3.95>Hang thee, monster!</A>

<A NAME=speech24>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=4.3.96>Pardon him, sweet Timandra; for his wits</A> <A NAME=4.3.97>Are drown'd and lost in his calamities.</A> <A NAME=4.3.98>I have but little gold of late, brave Timon,</A> <A NAME=4.3.99>The want whereof doth daily make revolt</A> <A NAME=4.3.100>In my penurious band: I have heard, and grieved,</A> <A NAME=4.3.101>How cursed Athens, mindless of thy worth,</A> <A NAME=4.3.102>Forgetting thy great deeds, when neighbour states,</A> <A NAME=4.3.103>But for thy sword and fortune, trod upon them,--</A>

<A NAME=speech25>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.104>I prithee, beat thy drum, and get thee gone.</A>

<A NAME=speech26>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=4.3.105>I am thy friend, and pity thee, dear Timon.</A>

<A NAME=speech27>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.106>How dost thou pity him whom thou dost trouble?</A> <A NAME=4.3.107>I had rather be alone.</A>

<A NAME=speech28>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=4.3.108>Why, fare thee well:</A> <A NAME=4.3.109>Here is some gold for thee.</A>

<A NAME=speech29>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.110>Keep it, I cannot eat it.</A>

<A NAME=speech30>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=4.3.111>When I have laid proud Athens on a heap,--</A>

<A NAME=speech31>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.112>Warr'st thou 'gainst Athens?</A>

<A NAME=speech32>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=4.3.113>Ay, Timon, and have cause.</A>

<A NAME=speech33>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.114>The gods confound them all in thy conquest;</A> <A NAME=4.3.115>And thee after, when thou hast conquer'd!</A>

<A NAME=speech34>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=4.3.116>Why me, Timon?</A>

<A NAME=speech35>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.117>                 That, by killing of villains,</A> <A NAME=4.3.118>Thou wast born to conquer my country.</A> <A NAME=4.3.119>Put up thy gold: go on,--here's gold,--go on;</A> <A NAME=4.3.120>Be as a planetary plague, when Jove</A> <A NAME=4.3.121>Will o'er some high-viced city hang his poison</A> <A NAME=4.3.122>In the sick air: let not thy sword skip one:</A> <A NAME=4.3.123>Pity not honour'd age for his white beard;</A> <A NAME=4.3.124>He is an usurer: strike me the counterfeit matron;</A> <A NAME=4.3.125>It is her habit only that is honest,</A> <A NAME=4.3.126>Herself's a bawd: let not the virgin's cheek</A> <A NAME=4.3.127>Make soft thy trenchant sword; for those milk-paps,</A> <A NAME=4.3.128>That through the window-bars bore at men's eyes,</A> <A NAME=4.3.129>Are not within the leaf of pity writ,</A> <A NAME=4.3.130>But set them down horrible traitors: spare not the babe,</A> <A NAME=4.3.131>Whose dimpled smiles from fools exhaust their mercy;</A> <A NAME=4.3.132>Think it a bastard, whom the oracle</A> <A NAME=4.3.133>Hath doubtfully pronounced thy throat shall cut,</A> <A NAME=4.3.134>And mince it sans remorse: swear against objects;</A> <A NAME=4.3.135>Put armour on thine ears and on thine eyes;</A> <A NAME=4.3.136>Whose proof, nor yells of mothers, maids, nor babes,</A> <A NAME=4.3.137>Nor sight of priests in holy vestments bleeding,</A> <A NAME=4.3.138>Shall pierce a jot. There's gold to pay soldiers:</A> <A NAME=4.3.139>Make large confusion; and, thy fury spent,</A> <A NAME=4.3.140>Confounded be thyself! Speak not, be gone.</A>

<A NAME=speech36>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=4.3.141>Hast thou gold yet? I'll take the gold thou</A> <A NAME=4.3.142>givest me,</A> <A NAME=4.3.143>Not all thy counsel.</A>

<A NAME=speech37>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.144>Dost thou, or dost thou not, heaven's curse</A> <A NAME=4.3.145>upon thee!</A>

<A NAME=speech38>PHRYNIA</a>

<A NAME=speech39>TIMANDRA</a> <A NAME=4.3.146>Give us some gold, good Timon: hast thou more?</A>

<A NAME=speech40>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.147>Enough to make a whore forswear her trade,</A> <A NAME=4.3.148>And to make whores, a bawd. Hold up, you sluts,</A> <A NAME=4.3.149>Your aprons mountant: you are not oathable,</A> <A NAME=4.3.150>Although, I know, you 'll swear, terribly swear</A> <A NAME=4.3.151>Into strong shudders and to heavenly agues</A> <A NAME=4.3.152>The immortal gods that hear you,--spare your oaths,</A> <A NAME=4.3.153>I'll trust to your conditions: be whores still;</A> <A NAME=4.3.154>And he whose pious breath seeks to convert you,</A> <A NAME=4.3.155>Be strong in whore, allure him, burn him up;</A> <A NAME=4.3.156>Let your close fire predominate his smoke,</A> <A NAME=4.3.157>And be no turncoats: yet may your pains, six months,</A> <A NAME=4.3.158>Be quite contrary: and thatch your poor thin roofs</A> <A NAME=4.3.159>With burthens of the dead;--some that were hang'd,</A> <A NAME=4.3.160>No matter:--wear them, betray with them: whore still;</A> <A NAME=4.3.161>Paint till a horse may mire upon your face,</A> <A NAME=4.3.162>A pox of wrinkles!</A>

<A NAME=speech41>PHRYNIA</a>

<A NAME=speech42>TIMANDRA</a> <A NAME=4.3.163>Well, more gold: what then?</A> <A NAME=4.3.164>Believe't, that we'll do any thing for gold.</A>

<A NAME=speech43>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.165>Consumptions sow</A> <A NAME=4.3.166>In hollow bones of man; strike their sharp shins,</A> <A NAME=4.3.167>And mar men's spurring. Crack the lawyer's voice,</A> <A NAME=4.3.168>That he may never more false title plead,</A> <A NAME=4.3.169>Nor sound his quillets shrilly: hoar the flamen,</A> <A NAME=4.3.170>That scolds against the quality of flesh,</A> <A NAME=4.3.171>And not believes himself: down with the nose,</A> <A NAME=4.3.172>Down with it flat; take the bridge quite away</A> <A NAME=4.3.173>Of him that, his particular to foresee,</A> <A NAME=4.3.174>Smells from the general weal: make curl'd-pate</A> <A NAME=4.3.175>ruffians bald;</A> <A NAME=4.3.176>And let the unscarr'd braggarts of the war</A> <A NAME=4.3.177>Derive some pain from you: plague all;</A> <A NAME=4.3.178>That your activity may defeat and quell</A> <A NAME=4.3.179>The source of all erection. There's more gold:</A> <A NAME=4.3.180>Do you damn others, and let this damn you,</A> <A NAME=4.3.181>And ditches grave you all!</A>

<A NAME=speech44>PHRYNIA</a>

<A NAME=speech45>TIMANDRA</a> <A NAME=4.3.182>More counsel with more money, bounteous Timon.</A>

<A NAME=speech46>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.183>More whore, more mischief first; I have given you earnest.</A>

<A NAME=speech47>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=4.3.184>Strike up the drum towards Athens! Farewell, Timon:</A> <A NAME=4.3.185>If I thrive well, I'll visit thee again.</A>

<A NAME=speech48>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.186>If I hope well, I'll never see thee more.</A>

<A NAME=speech49>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=4.3.187>I never did thee harm.</A>

<A NAME=speech50>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.188>Yes, thou spokest well of me.</A>

<A NAME=speech51>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=4.3.189>Call'st thou that harm?</A>

<A NAME=speech52>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.190>Men daily find it. Get thee away, and take</A> <A NAME=4.3.191>Thy beagles with thee.</A>

<A NAME=speech53>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=4.3.192>We but offend him. Strike!</A> ''Drum beats. Exeunt ALCIBIADES, PHRYNIA, and TIMANDRA''

<A NAME=speech54>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.193>That nature, being sick of man's unkindness,</A> <A NAME=4.3.194>Should yet be hungry! Common mother, thou,</A> Digging <A NAME=4.3.195>Whose womb unmeasurable, and infinite breast,</A> <A NAME=4.3.196>Teems, and feeds all; whose self-same mettle,</A> <A NAME=4.3.197>Whereof thy proud child, arrogant man, is puff'd,</A> <A NAME=4.3.198>Engenders the black toad and adder blue,</A> <A NAME=4.3.199>The gilded newt and eyeless venom'd worm,</A> <A NAME=4.3.200>With all the abhorred births below crisp heaven</A> <A NAME=4.3.201>Whereon Hyperion's quickening fire doth shine;</A> <A NAME=4.3.202>Yield him, who all thy human sons doth hate,</A> <A NAME=4.3.203>From forth thy plenteous bosom, one poor root!</A> <A NAME=4.3.204>Ensear thy fertile and conceptious womb,</A> <A NAME=4.3.205>Let it no more bring out ingrateful man!</A> <A NAME=4.3.206>Go great with tigers, dragons, wolves, and bears;</A> <A NAME=4.3.207>Teem with new monsters, whom thy upward face</A> <A NAME=4.3.208>Hath to the marbled mansion all above</A> <A NAME=4.3.209>Never presented!--O, a root,--dear thanks!--</A> <A NAME=4.3.210>Dry up thy marrows, vines, and plough-torn leas;</A> <A NAME=4.3.211>Whereof ungrateful man, with liquorish draughts</A> <A NAME=4.3.212>And morsels unctuous, greases his pure mind,</A> <A NAME=4.3.213>That from it all consideration slips!</A> Enter APEMANTUS <A NAME=4.3.214>More man? plague, plague!</A>

<A NAME=speech55>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.215>I was directed hither: men report</A> <A NAME=4.3.216>Thou dost affect my manners, and dost use them.</A>

<A NAME=speech56>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.217>'Tis, then, because thou dost not keep a dog,</A> <A NAME=4.3.218>Whom I would imitate: consumption catch thee!</A>

<A NAME=speech57>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.219>This is in thee a nature but infected;</A> <A NAME=4.3.220>A poor unmanly melancholy sprung</A> <A NAME=4.3.221>From change of fortune. Why this spade? this place?</A> <A NAME=4.3.222>This slave-like habit? and these looks of care?</A> <A NAME=4.3.223>Thy flatterers yet wear silk, drink wine, lie soft;</A> <A NAME=4.3.224>Hug their diseased perfumes, and have forgot</A> <A NAME=4.3.225>That ever Timon was. Shame not these woods,</A> <A NAME=4.3.226>By putting on the cunning of a carper.</A> <A NAME=4.3.227>Be thou a flatterer now, and seek to thrive</A> <A NAME=4.3.228>By that which has undone thee: hinge thy knee,</A> <A NAME=4.3.229>And let his very breath, whom thou'lt observe,</A> <A NAME=4.3.230>Blow off thy cap; praise his most vicious strain,</A> <A NAME=4.3.231>And call it excellent: thou wast told thus;</A> <A NAME=4.3.232>Thou gavest thine ears like tapsters that bid welcome</A> <A NAME=4.3.233>To knaves and all approachers: 'tis most just</A> <A NAME=4.3.234>That thou turn rascal; hadst thou wealth again,</A> <A NAME=4.3.235>Rascals should have 't. Do not assume my likeness.</A>

<A NAME=speech58>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.236>Were I like thee, I'ld throw away myself.</A>

<A NAME=speech59>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.237>Thou hast cast away thyself, being like thyself;</A> <A NAME=4.3.238>A madman so long, now a fool. What, think'st</A> <A NAME=4.3.239>That the bleak air, thy boisterous chamberlain,</A> <A NAME=4.3.240>Will put thy shirt on warm? will these moss'd trees,</A> <A NAME=4.3.241>That have outlived the eagle, page thy heels,</A> <A NAME=4.3.242>And skip where thou point'st out? will the</A> <A NAME=4.3.243>cold brook,</A> <A NAME=4.3.244>Candied with ice, caudle thy morning taste,</A> <A NAME=4.3.245>To cure thy o'er-night's surfeit? Call the creatures</A> <A NAME=4.3.246>Whose naked natures live in an the spite</A> <A NAME=4.3.247>Of wreakful heaven, whose bare unhoused trunks,</A> <A NAME=4.3.248>To the conflicting elements exposed,</A> <A NAME=4.3.249>Answer mere nature; bid them flatter thee;</A> <A NAME=4.3.250>O, thou shalt find--</A>

<A NAME=speech60>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.251>A fool of thee: depart.</A>

<A NAME=speech61>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.252>I love thee better now than e'er I did.</A>

<A NAME=speech62>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.253>I hate thee worse.</A>

<A NAME=speech63>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.254>                 Why?</A>

<A NAME=speech64>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.255>Thou flatter'st misery.</A>

<A NAME=speech65>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.256>I flatter not; but say thou art a caitiff.</A>

<A NAME=speech66>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.257>Why dost thou seek me out?</A>

<A NAME=speech67>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.258>To vex thee.</A>

<A NAME=speech68>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.259>Always a villain's office or a fool's.</A> <A NAME=4.3.260>Dost please thyself in't?</A>

<A NAME=speech69>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.261>Ay.</A>

<A NAME=speech70>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.262>What! a knave too?</A>

<A NAME=speech71>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.263>If thou didst put this sour-cold habit on</A> <A NAME=4.3.264>To castigate thy pride, 'twere well: but thou</A> <A NAME=4.3.265>Dost it enforcedly; thou'ldst courtier be again,</A> <A NAME=4.3.266>Wert thou not beggar. Willing misery</A> <A NAME=4.3.267>Outlives encertain pomp, is crown'd before:</A> <A NAME=4.3.268>The one is filling still, never complete;</A> <A NAME=4.3.269>The other, at high wish: best state, contentless,</A> <A NAME=4.3.270>Hath a distracted and most wretched being,</A> <A NAME=4.3.271>Worse than the worst, content.</A> <A NAME=4.3.272>Thou shouldst desire to die, being miserable.</A>

<A NAME=speech72>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.273>Not by his breath that is more miserable.</A> <A NAME=4.3.274>Thou art a slave, whom Fortune's tender arm</A> <A NAME=4.3.275>With favour never clasp'd; but bred a dog.</A> <A NAME=4.3.276>Hadst thou, like us from our first swath, proceeded</A> <A NAME=4.3.277>The sweet degrees that this brief world affords</A> <A NAME=4.3.278>To such as may the passive drugs of it</A> <A NAME=4.3.279>Freely command, thou wouldst have plunged thyself</A> <A NAME=4.3.280>In general riot; melted down thy youth</A> <A NAME=4.3.281>In different beds of lust; and never learn'd</A> <A NAME=4.3.282>The icy precepts of respect, but follow'd</A> <A NAME=4.3.283>The sugar'd game before thee. But myself,</A> <A NAME=4.3.284>Who had the world as my confectionary,</A> <A NAME=4.3.285>The mouths, the tongues, the eyes and hearts of men</A> <A NAME=4.3.286>At duty, more than I could frame employment,</A> <A NAME=4.3.287>That numberless upon me stuck as leaves</A> <A NAME=4.3.288>Do on the oak, hive with one winter's brush</A> <A NAME=4.3.289>Fell from their boughs and left me open, bare</A> <A NAME=4.3.290>For every storm that blows: I, to bear this,</A> <A NAME=4.3.291>That never knew but better, is some burden:</A> <A NAME=4.3.292>Thy nature did commence in sufferance, time</A> <A NAME=4.3.293>Hath made thee hard in't. Why shouldst thou hate men?</A> <A NAME=4.3.294>They never flatter'd thee: what hast thou given?</A> <A NAME=4.3.295>If thou wilt curse, thy father, that poor rag,</A> <A NAME=4.3.296>Must be thy subject, who in spite put stuff</A> <A NAME=4.3.297>To some she beggar and compounded thee</A> <A NAME=4.3.298>Poor rogue hereditary. Hence, be gone!</A> <A NAME=4.3.299>If thou hadst not been born the worst of men,</A> <A NAME=4.3.300>Thou hadst been a knave and flatterer.</A>

<A NAME=speech73>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.301>Art thou proud yet?</A>

<A NAME=speech74>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.302>Ay, that I am not thee.</A>

<A NAME=speech75>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.303>I, that I was</A> <A NAME=4.3.304>No prodigal.</A>

<A NAME=speech76>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.305>                 I, that I am one now:</A> <A NAME=4.3.306>Were all the wealth I have shut up in thee,</A> <A NAME=4.3.307>I'ld give thee leave to hang it. Get thee gone.</A> <A NAME=4.3.308>That the whole life of Athens were in this!</A> <A NAME=4.3.309>Thus would I eat it.</A> Eating a root

<A NAME=speech77>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.310>Here; I will mend thy feast.</A> Offering him a root

<A NAME=speech78>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.311>First mend my company, take away thyself.</A>

<A NAME=speech79>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.312>So I shall mend mine own, by the lack of thine.</A>

<A NAME=speech80>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.313>'Tis not well mended so, it is but botch'd;</A> <A NAME=4.3.314>if not, I would it were.</A>

<A NAME=speech81>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.315>What wouldst thou have to Athens?</A>

<A NAME=speech82>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.316>Thee thither in a whirlwind. If thou wilt,</A> <A NAME=4.3.317>Tell them there I have gold; look, so I have.</A>

<A NAME=speech83>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.318>Here is no use for gold.</A>

<A NAME=speech84>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.319>The best and truest;</A> <A NAME=4.3.320>For here it sleeps, and does no hired harm.</A>

<A NAME=speech85>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.321>Where liest o' nights, Timon?</A>

<A NAME=speech86>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.322>Under that's above me.</A> <A NAME=4.3.323>Where feed'st thou o' days, Apemantus?</A>

<A NAME=speech87>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.324>Where my stomach finds meat; or, rather, where I eat</A> <A NAME=4.3.325>it.</A>

<A NAME=speech88>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.326>Would poison were obedient and knew my mind!</A>

<A NAME=speech89>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.327>Where wouldst thou send it?</A>

<A NAME=speech90>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.328>To sauce thy dishes.</A>

<A NAME=speech91>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.329>The middle of humanity thou never knewest, but the</A> <A NAME=4.3.330>extremity of both ends: when thou wast in thy gilt</A> <A NAME=4.3.331>and thy perfume, they mocked thee for too much</A> <A NAME=4.3.332>curiosity; in thy rags thou knowest none, but art</A> <A NAME=4.3.333>despised for the contrary. There's a medlar for</A> <A NAME=4.3.334>thee, eat it.</A>

<A NAME=speech92>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.335>On what I hate I feed not.</A>

<A NAME=speech93>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.336>Dost hate a medlar?</A>

<A NAME=speech94>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.337>Ay, though it look like thee.</A>

<A NAME=speech95>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.338>An thou hadst hated meddlers sooner, thou shouldst</A> <A NAME=4.3.339>have loved thyself better now. What man didst thou</A> <A NAME=4.3.340>ever know unthrift that was beloved after his means?</A>

<A NAME=speech96>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.341>Who, without those means thou talkest of, didst thou</A> <A NAME=4.3.342>ever know beloved?</A>

<A NAME=speech97>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.343>Myself.</A>

<A NAME=speech98>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.344>I understand thee; thou hadst some means to keep a</A> <A NAME=4.3.345>dog.</A>

<A NAME=speech99>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.346>What things in the world canst thou nearest compare</A> <A NAME=4.3.347>to thy flatterers?</A>

<A NAME=speech100>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.348>Women nearest; but men, men are the things</A> <A NAME=4.3.349>themselves. What wouldst thou do with the world,</A> <A NAME=4.3.350>Apemantus, if it lay in thy power?</A>

<A NAME=speech101>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.351>Give it the beasts, to be rid of the men.</A>

<A NAME=speech102>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.352>Wouldst thou have thyself fall in the confusion of</A> <A NAME=4.3.353>men, and remain a beast with the beasts?</A>

<A NAME=speech103>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.354>Ay, Timon.</A>

<A NAME=speech104>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.355>A beastly ambition, which the gods grant thee t'</A> <A NAME=4.3.356>attain to! If thou wert the lion, the fox would</A> <A NAME=4.3.357>beguile thee; if thou wert the lamb, the fox would</A> <A NAME=4.3.358>eat three: if thou wert the fox, the lion would</A> <A NAME=4.3.359>suspect thee, when peradventure thou wert accused by</A> <A NAME=4.3.360>the ass: if thou wert the ass, thy dulness would</A> <A NAME=4.3.361>torment thee, and still thou livedst but as a</A> <A NAME=4.3.362>breakfast to the wolf: if thou wert the wolf, thy</A> <A NAME=4.3.363>greediness would afflict thee, and oft thou shouldst</A> <A NAME=4.3.364>hazard thy life for thy dinner: wert thou the</A> <A NAME=4.3.365>unicorn, pride and wrath would confound thee and</A> <A NAME=4.3.366>make thine own self the conquest of thy fury: wert</A> <A NAME=4.3.367>thou a bear, thou wouldst be killed by the horse:</A> <A NAME=4.3.368>wert thou a horse, thou wouldst be seized by the</A> <A NAME=4.3.369>leopard: wert thou a leopard, thou wert german to</A> <A NAME=4.3.370>the lion and the spots of thy kindred were jurors on</A> <A NAME=4.3.371>thy life: all thy safety were remotion and thy</A> <A NAME=4.3.372>defence absence. What beast couldst thou be, that</A> <A NAME=4.3.373>were not subject to a beast? and what a beast art</A> <A NAME=4.3.374>thou already, that seest not thy loss in</A> <A NAME=4.3.375>transformation!</A>

<A NAME=speech105>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.376>If thou couldst please me with speaking to me, thou</A> <A NAME=4.3.377>mightst have hit upon it here: the commonwealth of</A> <A NAME=4.3.378>Athens is become a forest of beasts.</A>

<A NAME=speech106>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.379>How has the ass broke the wall, that thou art out of the city?</A>

<A NAME=speech107>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.380>Yonder comes a poet and a painter: the plague of</A> <A NAME=4.3.381>company light upon thee! I will fear to catch it</A> <A NAME=4.3.382>and give way: when I know not what else to do, I'll</A> <A NAME=4.3.383>see thee again.</A>

<A NAME=speech108>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.384>When there is nothing living but thee, thou shalt be</A> <A NAME=4.3.385>welcome. I had rather be a beggar's dog than Apemantus.</A>

<A NAME=speech109>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.386>Thou art the cap of all the fools alive.</A>

<A NAME=speech110>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.387>Would thou wert clean enough to spit upon!</A>

<A NAME=speech111>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.388>A plague on thee! thou art too bad to curse.</A>

<A NAME=speech112>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.389>All villains that do stand by thee are pure.</A>

<A NAME=speech113>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.390>There is no leprosy but what thou speak'st.</A>

<A NAME=speech114>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.391>If I name thee.</A> <A NAME=4.3.392>I'll beat thee, but I should infect my hands.</A>

<A NAME=speech115>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.393>I would my tongue could rot them off!</A>

<A NAME=speech116>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.394>Away, thou issue of a mangy dog!</A> <A NAME=4.3.395>Choler does kill me that thou art alive;</A> <A NAME=4.3.396>I swound to see thee.</A>

<A NAME=speech117>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.397>Would thou wouldst burst!</A>

<A NAME=speech118>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.398>Away,</A> <A NAME=4.3.399>Thou tedious rogue! I am sorry I shall lose</A> <A NAME=4.3.400>A stone by thee.</A> Throws a stone at him

<A NAME=speech119>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.401>                 Beast!</A>

<A NAME=speech120>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.402>Slave!</A>

<A NAME=speech121>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.403>Toad!</A>

<A NAME=speech122>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.404>Rogue, rogue, rogue!</A> <A NAME=4.3.405>I am sick of this false world, and will love nought</A> <A NAME=4.3.406>But even the mere necessities upon 't.</A> <A NAME=4.3.407>Then, Timon, presently prepare thy grave;</A> <A NAME=4.3.408>Lie where the light foam the sea may beat</A> <A NAME=4.3.409>Thy grave-stone daily: make thine epitaph,</A> <A NAME=4.3.410>That death in me at others' lives may laugh.</A> To the gold <A NAME=4.3.411>O thou sweet king-killer, and dear divorce</A> <A NAME=4.3.412>'Twixt natural son and sire! thou bright defiler</A> <A NAME=4.3.413>Of Hymen's purest bed! thou valiant Mars!</A> <A NAME=4.3.414>Thou ever young, fresh, loved and delicate wooer,</A> <A NAME=4.3.415>Whose blush doth thaw the consecrated snow</A> <A NAME=4.3.416>That lies on Dian's lap! thou visible god,</A> <A NAME=4.3.417>That solder'st close impossibilities,</A> <A NAME=4.3.418>And makest them kiss! that speak'st with</A> <A NAME=4.3.419>every tongue,</A> <A NAME=4.3.420>To every purpose! O thou touch of hearts!</A> <A NAME=4.3.421>Think, thy slave man rebels, and by thy virtue</A> <A NAME=4.3.422>Set them into confounding odds, that beasts</A> <A NAME=4.3.423>May have the world in empire!</A>

<A NAME=speech123>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.424>Would 'twere so!</A> <A NAME=4.3.425>But not till I am dead. I'll say thou'st gold:</A> <A NAME=4.3.426>Thou wilt be throng'd to shortly.</A>

<A NAME=speech124>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.427>Throng'd to!</A>

<A NAME=speech125>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.428>Ay.</A>

<A NAME=speech126>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.429>Thy back, I prithee.</A>

<A NAME=speech127>APEMANTUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.430>Live, and love thy misery.</A>

<A NAME=speech128>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.431>Long live so, and so die.</A> Exit APEMANTUS <A NAME=4.3.432>I am quit.</A> <A NAME=4.3.433>Moe things like men! Eat, Timon, and abhor them.</A> Enter Banditti

<A NAME=speech129>First Bandit</a> <A NAME=4.3.434>Where should he have this gold? It is some poor</A> <A NAME=4.3.435>fragment, some slender sort of his remainder: the</A> <A NAME=4.3.436>mere want of gold, and the falling-from of his</A> <A NAME=4.3.437>friends, drove him into this melancholy.</A>

<A NAME=speech130>Second Bandit</a> <A NAME=4.3.438>It is noised he hath a mass of treasure.</A>

<A NAME=speech131>Third Bandit</a> <A NAME=4.3.439>Let us make the assay upon him: if he care not</A> <A NAME=4.3.440>for't, he will supply us easily; if he covetously</A> <A NAME=4.3.441>reserve it, how shall's get it?</A>

<A NAME=speech132>Second Bandit</a> <A NAME=4.3.442>True; for he bears it not about him, 'tis hid.</A>

<A NAME=speech133>First Bandit</a> <A NAME=4.3.443>Is not this he?</A>

<A NAME=speech134>Banditti</a> <A NAME=4.3.444>Where?</A>

<A NAME=speech135>Second Bandit</a> <A NAME=4.3.445>'Tis his description.</A>

<A NAME=speech136>Third Bandit</a> <A NAME=4.3.446>He; I know him.</A>

<A NAME=speech137>Banditti</a> <A NAME=4.3.447>Save thee, Timon.</A>

<A NAME=speech138>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.448>Now, thieves?</A>

<A NAME=speech139>Banditti</a> <A NAME=4.3.449>Soldiers, not thieves.</A>

<A NAME=speech140>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.450>Both too; and women's sons.</A>

<A NAME=speech141>Banditti</a> <A NAME=4.3.451>We are not thieves, but men that much do want.</A>

<A NAME=speech142>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.452>Your greatest want is, you want much of meat.</A> <A NAME=4.3.453>Why should you want? Behold, the earth hath roots;</A> <A NAME=4.3.454>Within this mile break forth a hundred springs;</A> <A NAME=4.3.455>The oaks bear mast, the briers scarlet hips;</A> <A NAME=4.3.456>The bounteous housewife, nature, on each bush</A> <A NAME=4.3.457>Lays her full mess before you. Want! why want?</A>

<A NAME=speech143>First Bandit</a> <A NAME=4.3.458>We cannot live on grass, on berries, water,</A> <A NAME=4.3.459>As beasts and birds and fishes.</A>

<A NAME=speech144>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.460>Nor on the beasts themselves, the birds, and fishes;</A> <A NAME=4.3.461>You must eat men. Yet thanks I must you con</A> <A NAME=4.3.462>That you are thieves profess'd, that you work not</A> <A NAME=4.3.463>In holier shapes: for there is boundless theft</A> <A NAME=4.3.464>In limited professions. Rascal thieves,</A> <A NAME=4.3.465>Here's gold. Go, suck the subtle blood o' the grape,</A> <A NAME=4.3.466>Till the high fever seethe your blood to froth,</A> <A NAME=4.3.467>And so 'scape hanging: trust not the physician;</A> <A NAME=4.3.468>His antidotes are poison, and he slays</A> <A NAME=4.3.469>Moe than you rob: take wealth and lives together;</A> <A NAME=4.3.470>Do villany, do, since you protest to do't,</A> <A NAME=4.3.471>Like workmen. I'll example you with thievery.</A> <A NAME=4.3.472>The sun's a thief, and with his great attraction</A> <A NAME=4.3.473>Robs the vast sea: the moon's an arrant thief,</A> <A NAME=4.3.474>And her pale fire she snatches from the sun:</A> <A NAME=4.3.475>The sea's a thief, whose liquid surge resolves</A> <A NAME=4.3.476>The moon into salt tears: the earth's a thief,</A> <A NAME=4.3.477>That feeds and breeds by a composture stolen</A> <A NAME=4.3.478>From general excrement: each thing's a thief:</A> <A NAME=4.3.479>The laws, your curb and whip, in their rough power</A> <A NAME=4.3.480>Have uncheque'd theft. Love not yourselves: away,</A> <A NAME=4.3.481>Rob one another. There's more gold. Cut throats:</A> <A NAME=4.3.482>All that you meet are thieves: to Athens go,</A> <A NAME=4.3.483>Break open shops; nothing can you steal,</A> <A NAME=4.3.484>But thieves do lose it: steal no less for this</A> <A NAME=4.3.485>I give you; and gold confound you howsoe'er! Amen.</A>

<A NAME=speech145>Third Bandit</a> <A NAME=4.3.486>Has almost charmed me from my profession, by</A> <A NAME=4.3.487>persuading me to it.</A>

<A NAME=speech146>First Bandit</a> <A NAME=4.3.488>'Tis in the malice of mankind that he thus advises</A> <A NAME=4.3.489>us; not to have us thrive in our mystery.</A>

<A NAME=speech147>Second Bandit</a> <A NAME=4.3.490>I'll believe him as an enemy, and give over my trade.</A>

<A NAME=speech148>First Bandit</a> <A NAME=4.3.491>Let us first see peace in Athens: there is no time</A> <A NAME=4.3.492>so miserable but a man may be true.</A> Exeunt Banditti Enter FLAVIUS

<A NAME=speech149>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.493>O you gods!</A> <A NAME=4.3.494>Is yond despised and ruinous man my lord?</A> <A NAME=4.3.495>Full of decay and failing? O monument</A> <A NAME=4.3.496>And wonder of good deeds evilly bestow'd!</A> <A NAME=4.3.497>What an alteration of honour</A> <A NAME=4.3.498>Has desperate want made!</A> <A NAME=4.3.499>What viler thing upon the earth than friends</A> <A NAME=4.3.500>Who can bring noblest minds to basest ends!</A> <A NAME=4.3.501>How rarely does it meet with this time's guise,</A> <A NAME=4.3.502>When man was wish'd to love his enemies!</A> <A NAME=4.3.503>Grant I may ever love, and rather woo</A> <A NAME=4.3.504>Those that would mischief me than those that do!</A> <A NAME=4.3.505>Has caught me in his eye: I will present</A> <A NAME=4.3.506>My honest grief unto him; and, as my lord,</A> <A NAME=4.3.507>Still serve him with my life. My dearest master!</A>

<A NAME=speech150>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.508>Away! what art thou?</A>

<A NAME=speech151>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.509>Have you forgot me, sir?</A>

<A NAME=speech152>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.510>Why dost ask that? I have forgot all men;</A> <A NAME=4.3.511>Then, if thou grant'st thou'rt a man, I have forgot thee.</A>

<A NAME=speech153>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.512>An honest poor servant of yours.</A>

<A NAME=speech154>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.513>Then I know thee not:</A> <A NAME=4.3.514>I never had honest man about me, I; all</A> <A NAME=4.3.515>I kept were knaves, to serve in meat to villains.</A>

<A NAME=speech155>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.516>The gods are witness,</A> <A NAME=4.3.517>Ne'er did poor steward wear a truer grief</A> <A NAME=4.3.518>For his undone lord than mine eyes for you.</A>

<A NAME=speech156>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.519>What, dost thou weep? Come nearer. Then I</A> <A NAME=4.3.520>love thee,</A> <A NAME=4.3.521>Because thou art a woman, and disclaim'st</A> <A NAME=4.3.522>Flinty mankind; whose eyes do never give</A> <A NAME=4.3.523>But thorough lust and laughter. Pity's sleeping:</A> <A NAME=4.3.524>Strange times, that weep with laughing, not with weeping!</A>

<A NAME=speech157>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.525>I beg of you to know me, good my lord,</A> <A NAME=4.3.526>To accept my grief and whilst this poor wealth lasts</A> <A NAME=4.3.527>To entertain me as your steward still.</A>

<A NAME=speech158>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.528>Had I a steward</A> <A NAME=4.3.529>So true, so just, and now so comfortable?</A> <A NAME=4.3.530>It almost turns my dangerous nature mild.</A> <A NAME=4.3.531>Let me behold thy face. Surely, this man</A> <A NAME=4.3.532>Was born of woman.</A> <A NAME=4.3.533>Forgive my general and exceptless rashness,</A> <A NAME=4.3.534>You perpetual-sober gods! I do proclaim</A> <A NAME=4.3.535>One honest man--mistake me not--but one;</A> <A NAME=4.3.536>No more, I pray,--and he's a steward.</A> <A NAME=4.3.537>How fain would I have hated all mankind!</A> <A NAME=4.3.538>And thou redeem'st thyself: but all, save thee,</A> <A NAME=4.3.539>I fell with curses.</A> <A NAME=4.3.540>Methinks thou art more honest now than wise;</A> <A NAME=4.3.541>For, by oppressing and betraying me,</A> <A NAME=4.3.542>Thou mightst have sooner got another service:</A> <A NAME=4.3.543>For many so arrive at second masters,</A> <A NAME=4.3.544>Upon their first lord's neck. But tell me true--</A> <A NAME=4.3.545>For I must ever doubt, though ne'er so sure--</A> <A NAME=4.3.546>Is not thy kindness subtle, covetous,</A> <A NAME=4.3.547>If not a usuring kindness, and, as rich men deal gifts,</A> <A NAME=4.3.548>Expecting in return twenty for one?</A>

<A NAME=speech159>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.549>No, my most worthy master; in whose breast</A> <A NAME=4.3.550>Doubt and suspect, alas, are placed too late:</A> <A NAME=4.3.551>You should have fear'd false times when you did feast:</A> <A NAME=4.3.552>Suspect still comes where an estate is least.</A> <A NAME=4.3.553>That which I show, heaven knows, is merely love,</A> <A NAME=4.3.554>Duty and zeal to your unmatched mind,</A> <A NAME=4.3.555>Care of your food and living; and, believe it,</A> <A NAME=4.3.556>My most honour'd lord,</A> <A NAME=4.3.557>For any benefit that points to me,</A> <A NAME=4.3.558>Either in hope or present, I'ld exchange</A> <A NAME=4.3.559>For this one wish, that you had power and wealth</A> <A NAME=4.3.560>To requite me, by making rich yourself.</A>

<A NAME=speech160>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.561>Look thee, 'tis so! Thou singly honest man,</A> <A NAME=4.3.562>Here, take: the gods out of my misery</A> <A NAME=4.3.563>Have sent thee treasure. Go, live rich and happy;</A> <A NAME=4.3.564>But thus condition'd: thou shalt build from men;</A> <A NAME=4.3.565>Hate all, curse all, show charity to none,</A> <A NAME=4.3.566>But let the famish'd flesh slide from the bone,</A> <A NAME=4.3.567>Ere thou relieve the beggar; give to dogs</A> <A NAME=4.3.568>What thou deny'st to men; let prisons swallow 'em,</A> <A NAME=4.3.569>Debts wither 'em to nothing; be men like</A> <A NAME=4.3.570>blasted woods,</A> <A NAME=4.3.571>And may diseases lick up their false bloods!</A> <A NAME=4.3.572>And so farewell and thrive.</A>

<A NAME=speech161>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=4.3.573>O, let me stay,</A> <A NAME=4.3.574>And comfort you, my master.</A>

<A NAME=speech162>TIMON</a> <A NAME=4.3.575>If thou hatest curses,</A> <A NAME=4.3.576>Stay not; fly, whilst thou art blest and free:</A> <A NAME=4.3.577>Ne'er see thou man, and let me ne'er see thee.</A> ''Exit FLAVIUS. TIMON retires to his cave'' <H3>ACT V SCENE I. The woods. Before Timon's cave. Enter Poet and Painter; TIMON watching them from his cave

<A NAME=speech1>Painter</a> <A NAME=5.1.1>As I took note of the place, it cannot be far where</A> <A NAME=5.1.2>he abides.</A>

<A NAME=speech2>Poet</a> <A NAME=5.1.3>What's to be thought of him? does the rumour hold</A> <A NAME=5.1.4>for true, that he's so full of gold?</A>

<A NAME=speech3>Painter</a> <A NAME=5.1.5>Certain: Alcibiades reports it; Phrynia and</A> <A NAME=5.1.6>Timandra had gold of him: he likewise enriched poor</A> <A NAME=5.1.7>straggling soldiers with great quantity: 'tis said</A> <A NAME=5.1.8>he gave unto his steward a mighty sum.</A>

<A NAME=speech4>Poet</a> <A NAME=5.1.9>Then this breaking of his has been but a try for his friends.</A>

<A NAME=speech5>Painter</a> <A NAME=5.1.10>Nothing else: you shall see him a palm in Athens</A> <A NAME=5.1.11>again, and flourish with the highest. Therefore</A> <A NAME=5.1.12>'tis not amiss we tender our loves to him, in this</A> <A NAME=5.1.13>supposed distress of his: it will show honestly in</A> <A NAME=5.1.14>us; and is very likely to load our purposes with</A> <A NAME=5.1.15>what they travail for, if it be a just true report</A> <A NAME=5.1.16>that goes of his having.</A>

<A NAME=speech6>Poet</a> <A NAME=5.1.17>What have you now to present unto him?</A>

<A NAME=speech7>Painter</a> <A NAME=5.1.18>Nothing at this time but my visitation: only I will</A> <A NAME=5.1.19>promise him an excellent piece.</A>

<A NAME=speech8>Poet</a> <A NAME=5.1.20>I must serve him so too, tell him of an intent</A> <A NAME=5.1.21>that's coming toward him.</A>

<A NAME=speech9>Painter</a> <A NAME=5.1.22>Good as the best. Promising is the very air o' the</A> <A NAME=5.1.23>time: it opens the eyes of expectation:</A> <A NAME=5.1.24>performance is ever the duller for his act; and,</A> <A NAME=5.1.25>but in the plainer and simpler kind of people, the</A> <A NAME=5.1.26>deed of saying is quite out of use. To promise is</A> <A NAME=5.1.27>most courtly and fashionable: performance is a kind</A> <A NAME=5.1.28>of will or testament which argues a great sickness</A> <A NAME=5.1.29>in his judgment that makes it.</A> TIMON comes from his cave, behind

<A NAME=speech10>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.30>[Aside] Excellent workman! thou canst not paint a</A> <A NAME=5.1.31>man so bad as is thyself.</A>

<A NAME=speech11>Poet</a> <A NAME=5.1.32>I am thinking what I shall say I have provided for</A> <A NAME=5.1.33>him: it must be a personating of himself; a satire</A> <A NAME=5.1.34>against the softness of prosperity, with a discovery</A> <A NAME=5.1.35>of the infinite flatteries that follow youth and opulency.</A>

<A NAME=speech12>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.36>[Aside] Must thou needs stand for a villain in</A> <A NAME=5.1.37>thine own work? wilt thou whip thine own faults in</A> <A NAME=5.1.38>other men? Do so, I have gold for thee.</A>

<A NAME=speech13>Poet</a> <A NAME=5.1.39>Nay, let's seek him:</A> <A NAME=5.1.40>Then do we sin against our own estate,</A> <A NAME=5.1.41>When we may profit meet, and come too late.</A>

<A NAME=speech14>Painter</a> <A NAME=5.1.42>True;</A> <A NAME=5.1.43>When the day serves, before black-corner'd night,</A> <A NAME=5.1.44>Find what thou want'st by free and offer'd light. Come.</A>

<A NAME=speech15>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.45>[Aside] I'll meet you at the turn. What a</A> <A NAME=5.1.46>god's gold,</A> <A NAME=5.1.47>That he is worshipp'd in a baser temple</A> <A NAME=5.1.48>Than where swine feed!</A> <A NAME=5.1.49>'Tis thou that rigg'st the bark and plough'st the foam,</A> <A NAME=5.1.50>Settlest admired reverence in a slave:</A> <A NAME=5.1.51>To thee be worship! and thy saints for aye</A> <A NAME=5.1.52>Be crown'd with plagues that thee alone obey!</A> <A NAME=5.1.53>Fit I meet them.</A> Coming forward

<A NAME=speech16>Poet</a> <A NAME=5.1.54>Hail, worthy Timon!</A>

<A NAME=speech17>Painter</a> <A NAME=5.1.55>Our late noble master!</A>

<A NAME=speech18>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.56>Have I once lived to see two honest men?</A>

<A NAME=speech19>Poet</a> <A NAME=5.1.57>Sir,</A> <A NAME=5.1.58>Having often of your open bounty tasted,</A> <A NAME=5.1.59>Hearing you were retired, your friends fall'n off,</A> <A NAME=5.1.60>Whose thankless natures--O abhorred spirits!--</A> <A NAME=5.1.61>Not all the whips of heaven are large enough:</A> <A NAME=5.1.62>What! to you,</A> <A NAME=5.1.63>Whose star-like nobleness gave life and influence</A> <A NAME=5.1.64>To their whole being! I am rapt and cannot cover</A> <A NAME=5.1.65>The monstrous bulk of this ingratitude</A> <A NAME=5.1.66>With any size of words.</A>

<A NAME=speech20>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.67>Let it go naked, men may see't the better:</A> <A NAME=5.1.68>You that are honest, by being what you are,</A> <A NAME=5.1.69>Make them best seen and known.</A>

<A NAME=speech21>Painter</a> <A NAME=5.1.70>He and myself</A> <A NAME=5.1.71>Have travail'd in the great shower of your gifts,</A> <A NAME=5.1.72>And sweetly felt it.</A>

<A NAME=speech22>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.73>Ay, you are honest men.</A>

<A NAME=speech23>Painter</a> <A NAME=5.1.74>We are hither come to offer you our service.</A>

<A NAME=speech24>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.75>Most honest men! Why, how shall I requite you?</A> <A NAME=5.1.76>Can you eat roots, and drink cold water? no.</A>

<A NAME=speech25>Both</a> <A NAME=5.1.77>What we can do, we'll do, to do you service.</A>

<A NAME=speech26>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.78>Ye're honest men: ye've heard that I have gold;</A> <A NAME=5.1.79>I am sure you have: speak truth; ye're honest men.</A>

<A NAME=speech27>Painter</a> <A NAME=5.1.80>So it is said, my noble lord; but therefore</A> <A NAME=5.1.81>Came not my friend nor I.</A>

<A NAME=speech28>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.82>Good honest men! Thou draw'st a counterfeit</A> <A NAME=5.1.83>Best in all Athens: thou'rt, indeed, the best;</A> <A NAME=5.1.84>Thou counterfeit'st most lively.</A>

<A NAME=speech29>Painter</a> <A NAME=5.1.85>So, so, my lord.</A>

<A NAME=speech30>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.86>E'en so, sir, as I say. And, for thy fiction,</A> <A NAME=5.1.87>Why, thy verse swells with stuff so fine and smooth</A> <A NAME=5.1.88>That thou art even natural in thine art.</A> <A NAME=5.1.89>But, for all this, my honest-natured friends,</A> <A NAME=5.1.90>I must needs say you have a little fault:</A> <A NAME=5.1.91>Marry, 'tis not monstrous in you, neither wish I</A> <A NAME=5.1.92>You take much pains to mend.</A>

<A NAME=speech31>Both</a> <A NAME=5.1.93>Beseech your honour</A> <A NAME=5.1.94>To make it known to us.</A>

<A NAME=speech32>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.95>You'll take it ill.</A>

<A NAME=speech33>Both</a> <A NAME=5.1.96>Most thankfully, my lord.</A>

<A NAME=speech34>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.97>Will you, indeed?</A>

<A NAME=speech35>Both</a> <A NAME=5.1.98>Doubt it not, worthy lord.</A>

<A NAME=speech36>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.99>There's never a one of you but trusts a knave,</A> <A NAME=5.1.100>That mightily deceives you.</A>

<A NAME=speech37>Both</a> <A NAME=5.1.101>Do we, my lord?</A>

<A NAME=speech38>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.102>Ay, and you hear him cog, see him dissemble,</A> <A NAME=5.1.103>Know his gross patchery, love him, feed him,</A> <A NAME=5.1.104>Keep in your bosom: yet remain assured</A> <A NAME=5.1.105>That he's a made-up villain.</A>

<A NAME=speech39>Painter</a> <A NAME=5.1.106>I know none such, my lord.</A>

<A NAME=speech40>Poet</a> <A NAME=5.1.107>Nor I.</A>

<A NAME=speech41>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.108>Look you, I love you well; I'll give you gold,</A> <A NAME=5.1.109>Rid me these villains from your companies:</A> <A NAME=5.1.110>Hang them or stab them, drown them in a draught,</A> <A NAME=5.1.111>Confound them by some course, and come to me,</A> <A NAME=5.1.112>I'll give you gold enough.</A>

<A NAME=speech42>Both</a> <A NAME=5.1.113>Name them, my lord, let's know them.</A>

<A NAME=speech43>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.114>You that way and you this, but two in company;</A> <A NAME=5.1.115>Each man apart, all single and alone,</A> <A NAME=5.1.116>Yet an arch-villain keeps him company.</A> <A NAME=5.1.117>If where thou art two villains shall not be,</A> <A NAME=5.1.118>Come not near him. If thou wouldst not reside</A> <A NAME=5.1.119>But where one villain is, then him abandon.</A> <A NAME=5.1.120>Hence, pack! there's gold; you came for gold, ye slaves:</A> To Painter <A NAME=5.1.121>You have work'd for me; there's payment for you: hence!</A> To Poet <A NAME=5.1.122>You are an alchemist; make gold of that.</A> <A NAME=5.1.123>Out, rascal dogs!</A> Beats them out, and then retires to his cave Enter FLAVIUS and two Senators

<A NAME=speech44>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=5.1.124>It is in vain that you would speak with Timon;</A> <A NAME=5.1.125>For he is set so only to himself</A> <A NAME=5.1.126>That nothing but himself which looks like man</A> <A NAME=5.1.127>Is friendly with him.</A>

<A NAME=speech45>First Senator</a> <A NAME=5.1.128>Bring us to his cave:</A> <A NAME=5.1.129>It is our part and promise to the Athenians</A> <A NAME=5.1.130>To speak with Timon.</A>

<A NAME=speech46>Second Senator</a> <A NAME=5.1.131>At all times alike</A> <A NAME=5.1.132>Men are not still the same: 'twas time and griefs</A> <A NAME=5.1.133>That framed him thus: time, with his fairer hand,</A> <A NAME=5.1.134>Offering the fortunes of his former days,</A> <A NAME=5.1.135>The former man may make him. Bring us to him,</A> <A NAME=5.1.136>And chance it as it may.</A>

<A NAME=speech47>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=5.1.137>Here is his cave.</A> <A NAME=5.1.138>Peace and content be here! Lord Timon! Timon!</A> <A NAME=5.1.139>Look out, and speak to friends: the Athenians,</A> <A NAME=5.1.140>By two of their most reverend senate, greet thee:</A> <A NAME=5.1.141>Speak to them, noble Timon.</A> TIMON comes from his cave

<A NAME=speech48>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.142>Thou sun, that comfort'st, burn! Speak, and</A> <A NAME=5.1.143>be hang'd:</A> <A NAME=5.1.144>For each true word, a blister! and each false</A> <A NAME=5.1.145>Be as cauterizing to the root o' the tongue,</A> <A NAME=5.1.146>Consuming it with speaking!</A>

<A NAME=speech49>First Senator</a> <A NAME=5.1.147>Worthy Timon,--</A>

<A NAME=speech50>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.148>Of none but such as you, and you of Timon.</A>

<A NAME=speech51>First Senator</a> <A NAME=5.1.149>The senators of Athens greet thee, Timon.</A>

<A NAME=speech52>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.150>I thank them; and would send them back the plague,</A> <A NAME=5.1.151>Could I but catch it for them.</A>

<A NAME=speech53>First Senator</a> <A NAME=5.1.152>O, forget</A> <A NAME=5.1.153>What we are sorry for ourselves in thee.</A> <A NAME=5.1.154>The senators with one consent of love</A> <A NAME=5.1.155>Entreat thee back to Athens; who have thought</A> <A NAME=5.1.156>On special dignities, which vacant lie</A> <A NAME=5.1.157>For thy best use and wearing.</A>

<A NAME=speech54>Second Senator</a> <A NAME=5.1.158>They confess</A> <A NAME=5.1.159>Toward thee forgetfulness too general, gross:</A> <A NAME=5.1.160>Which now the public body, which doth seldom</A> <A NAME=5.1.161>Play the recanter, feeling in itself</A> <A NAME=5.1.162>A lack of Timon's aid, hath sense withal</A> <A NAME=5.1.163>Of its own fail, restraining aid to Timon;</A> <A NAME=5.1.164>And send forth us, to make their sorrow'd render,</A> <A NAME=5.1.165>Together with a recompense more fruitful</A> <A NAME=5.1.166>Than their offence can weigh down by the dram;</A> <A NAME=5.1.167>Ay, even such heaps and sums of love and wealth</A> <A NAME=5.1.168>As shall to thee blot out what wrongs were theirs</A> <A NAME=5.1.169>And write in thee the figures of their love,</A> <A NAME=5.1.170>Ever to read them thine.</A>

<A NAME=speech55>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.171>You witch me in it;</A> <A NAME=5.1.172>Surprise me to the very brink of tears:</A> <A NAME=5.1.173>Lend me a fool's heart and a woman's eyes,</A> <A NAME=5.1.174>And I'll beweep these comforts, worthy senators.</A>

<A NAME=speech56>First Senator</a> <A NAME=5.1.175>Therefore, so please thee to return with us</A> <A NAME=5.1.176>And of our Athens, thine and ours, to take</A> <A NAME=5.1.177>The captainship, thou shalt be met with thanks,</A> <A NAME=5.1.178>Allow'd with absolute power and thy good name</A> <A NAME=5.1.179>Live with authority: so soon we shall drive back</A> <A NAME=5.1.180>Of Alcibiades the approaches wild,</A> <A NAME=5.1.181>Who, like a boar too savage, doth root up</A> <A NAME=5.1.182>His country's peace.</A>

<A NAME=speech57>Second Senator</a> <A NAME=5.1.183>And shakes his threatening sword</A> <A NAME=5.1.184>Against the walls of Athens.</A>

<A NAME=speech58>First Senator</a> <A NAME=5.1.185>Therefore, Timon,--</A>

<A NAME=speech59>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.186>Well, sir, I will; therefore, I will, sir; thus:</A> <A NAME=5.1.187>If Alcibiades kill my countrymen,</A> <A NAME=5.1.188>Let Alcibiades know this of Timon,</A> <A NAME=5.1.189>That Timon cares not. But if be sack fair Athens,</A> <A NAME=5.1.190>And take our goodly aged men by the beards,</A> <A NAME=5.1.191>Giving our holy virgins to the stain</A> <A NAME=5.1.192>Of contumelious, beastly, mad-brain'd war,</A> <A NAME=5.1.193>Then let him know, and tell him Timon speaks it,</A> <A NAME=5.1.194>In pity of our aged and our youth,</A> <A NAME=5.1.195>I cannot choose but tell him, that I care not,</A> <A NAME=5.1.196>And let him take't at worst; for their knives care not,</A> <A NAME=5.1.197>While you have throats to answer: for myself,</A> <A NAME=5.1.198>There's not a whittle in the unruly camp</A> <A NAME=5.1.199>But I do prize it at my love before</A> <A NAME=5.1.200>The reverend'st throat in Athens. So I leave you</A> <A NAME=5.1.201>To the protection of the prosperous gods,</A> <A NAME=5.1.202>As thieves to keepers.</A>

<A NAME=speech60>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=5.1.203>Stay not, all's in vain.</A>

<A NAME=speech61>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.204>Why, I was writing of my epitaph;</A> <A NAME=5.1.205>it will be seen to-morrow: my long sickness</A> <A NAME=5.1.206>Of health and living now begins to mend,</A> <A NAME=5.1.207>And nothing brings me all things. Go, live still;</A> <A NAME=5.1.208>Be Alcibiades your plague, you his,</A> <A NAME=5.1.209>And last so long enough!</A>

<A NAME=speech62>First Senator</a> <A NAME=5.1.210>We speak in vain.</A>

<A NAME=speech63>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.211>But yet I love my country, and am not</A> <A NAME=5.1.212>One that rejoices in the common wreck,</A> <A NAME=5.1.213>As common bruit doth put it.</A>

<A NAME=speech64>First Senator</a> <A NAME=5.1.214>That's well spoke.</A>

<A NAME=speech65>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.215>Commend me to my loving countrymen,--</A>

<A NAME=speech66>First Senator</a> <A NAME=5.1.216>These words become your lips as they pass</A> <A NAME=5.1.217>thorough them.</A>

<A NAME=speech67>Second Senator</a> <A NAME=5.1.218>And enter in our ears like great triumphers</A> <A NAME=5.1.219>In their applauding gates.</A>

<A NAME=speech68>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.220>Commend me to them,</A> <A NAME=5.1.221>And tell them that, to ease them of their griefs,</A> <A NAME=5.1.222>Their fears of hostile strokes, their aches, losses,</A> <A NAME=5.1.223>Their pangs of love, with other incident throes</A> <A NAME=5.1.224>That nature's fragile vessel doth sustain</A> <A NAME=5.1.225>In life's uncertain voyage, I will some kindness do them:</A> <A NAME=5.1.226>I'll teach them to prevent wild Alcibiades' wrath.</A>

<A NAME=speech69>First Senator</a> <A NAME=5.1.227>I like this well; he will return again.</A>

<A NAME=speech70>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.228>I have a tree, which grows here in my close,</A> <A NAME=5.1.229>That mine own use invites me to cut down,</A> <A NAME=5.1.230>And shortly must I fell it: tell my friends,</A> <A NAME=5.1.231>Tell Athens, in the sequence of degree</A> <A NAME=5.1.232>From high to low throughout, that whoso please</A> <A NAME=5.1.233>To stop affliction, let him take his haste,</A> <A NAME=5.1.234>Come hither, ere my tree hath felt the axe,</A> <A NAME=5.1.235>And hang himself. I pray you, do my greeting.</A>

<A NAME=speech71>FLAVIUS</a> <A NAME=5.1.236>Trouble him no further; thus you still shall find him.</A>

<A NAME=speech72>TIMON</a> <A NAME=5.1.237>Come not to me again: but say to Athens,</A> <A NAME=5.1.238>Timon hath made his everlasting mansion</A> <A NAME=5.1.239>Upon the beached verge of the salt flood;</A> <A NAME=5.1.240>Who once a day with his embossed froth</A> <A NAME=5.1.241>The turbulent surge shall cover: thither come,</A> <A NAME=5.1.242>And let my grave-stone be your oracle.</A> <A NAME=5.1.243>Lips, let sour words go by and language end:</A> <A NAME=5.1.244>What is amiss plague and infection mend!</A> <A NAME=5.1.245>Graves only be men's works and death their gain!</A> <A NAME=5.1.246>Sun, hide thy beams! Timon hath done his reign.</A> Retires to his cave

<A NAME=speech73>First Senator</a> <A NAME=5.1.247>His discontents are unremoveably</A> <A NAME=5.1.248>Coupled to nature.</A>

<A NAME=speech74>Second Senator</a> <A NAME=5.1.249>Our hope in him is dead: let us return,</A> <A NAME=5.1.250>And strain what other means is left unto us</A> <A NAME=5.1.251>In our dear peril.</A>

<A NAME=speech75>First Senator</a> <A NAME=5.1.252>                 It requires swift foot.</A> Exeunt SCENE II. Before the walls of Athens. Enter two Senators and a Messenger

<A NAME=speech1>First Senator</a> <A NAME=5.2.1>Thou hast painfully discover'd: are his files</A> <A NAME=5.2.2>As full as thy report?</A>

<A NAME=speech2>Messenger</a> <A NAME=5.2.3>have spoke the least:</A> <A NAME=5.2.4>Besides, his expedition promises</A> <A NAME=5.2.5>Present approach.</A>

<A NAME=speech3>Second Senator</a> <A NAME=5.2.6>We stand much hazard, if they bring not Timon.</A>

<A NAME=speech4>Messenger</a> <A NAME=5.2.7>I met a courier, one mine ancient friend;</A> <A NAME=5.2.8>Whom, though in general part we were opposed,</A> <A NAME=5.2.9>Yet our old love made a particular force,</A> <A NAME=5.2.10>And made us speak like friends: this man was riding</A> <A NAME=5.2.11>From Alcibiades to Timon's cave,</A> <A NAME=5.2.12>With letters of entreaty, which imported</A> <A NAME=5.2.13>His fellowship i' the cause against your city,</A> <A NAME=5.2.14>In part for his sake moved.</A>

<A NAME=speech5>First Senator</a> <A NAME=5.2.15>Here come our brothers.</A> Enter the Senators from TIMON

<A NAME=speech6>Third Senator</a> <A NAME=5.2.16>No talk of Timon, nothing of him expect.</A> <A NAME=5.2.17>The enemies' drum is heard, and fearful scouring</A> <A NAME=5.2.18>Doth choke the air with dust: in, and prepare:</A> <A NAME=5.2.19>Ours is the fall, I fear; our foes the snare.</A> Exeunt SCENE III. The woods. Timon's cave, and a rude tomb seen. Enter a Soldier, seeking TIMON

<A NAME=speech1>Soldier</a> <A NAME=5.3.1>By all description this should be the place.</A> <A NAME=5.3.2>Who's here? speak, ho! No answer! What is this?</A> <A NAME=5.3.3>Timon is dead, who hath outstretch'd his span:</A> <A NAME=5.3.4>Some beast rear'd this; there does not live a man.</A> <A NAME=5.3.5>Dead, sure; and this his grave. What's on this tomb</A> <A NAME=5.3.6>I cannot read; the character I'll take with wax:</A> <A NAME=5.3.7>Our captain hath in every figure skill,</A> <A NAME=5.3.8>An aged interpreter, though young in days:</A> <A NAME=5.3.9>Before proud Athens he's set down by this,</A> <A NAME=5.3.10>Whose fall the mark of his ambition is.</A> Exit SCENE IV. Before the walls of Athens. ''Trumpets sound. Enter ALCIBIADES with his powers''

<A NAME=speech1>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=5.4.1>Sound to this coward and lascivious town</A> <A NAME=5.4.2>Our terrible approach.</A> A parley sounded Enter Senators on the walls <A NAME=5.4.3>Till now you have gone on and fill'd the time</A> <A NAME=5.4.4>With all licentious measure, making your wills</A> <A NAME=5.4.5>The scope of justice; till now myself and such</A> <A NAME=5.4.6>As slept within the shadow of your power</A> <A NAME=5.4.7>Hav e wander'd with our traversed arms and breathed</A> <A NAME=5.4.8>Our sufferance vainly: now the time is flush,</A> <A NAME=5.4.9>When crouching marrow in the bearer strong</A> <A NAME=5.4.10>Cries of itself 'No more:' now breathless wrong</A> <A NAME=5.4.11>Shall sit and pant in your great chairs of ease,</A> <A NAME=5.4.12>And pursy insolence shall break his wind</A> <A NAME=5.4.13>With fear and horrid flight.</A>

<A NAME=speech2>First Senator</a> <A NAME=5.4.14>Noble and young,</A> <A NAME=5.4.15>When thy first griefs were but a mere conceit,</A> <A NAME=5.4.16>Ere thou hadst power or we had cause of fear,</A> <A NAME=5.4.17>We sent to thee, to give thy rages balm,</A> <A NAME=5.4.18>To wipe out our ingratitude with loves</A> <A NAME=5.4.19>Above their quantity.</A>

<A NAME=speech3>Second Senator</a> <A NAME=5.4.20>So did we woo</A> <A NAME=5.4.21>Transformed Timon to our city's love</A> <A NAME=5.4.22>By humble message and by promised means:</A> <A NAME=5.4.23>We were not all unkind, nor all deserve</A> <A NAME=5.4.24>The common stroke of war.</A>

<A NAME=speech4>First Senator</a> <A NAME=5.4.25>These walls of ours</A> <A NAME=5.4.26>Were not erected by their hands from whom</A> <A NAME=5.4.27>You have received your griefs; nor are they such</A> <A NAME=5.4.28>That these great towers, trophies and schools</A> <A NAME=5.4.29>should fall</A> <A NAME=5.4.30>For private faults in them.</A>

<A NAME=speech5>Second Senator</a> <A NAME=5.4.31>Nor are they living</A> <A NAME=5.4.32>Who were the motives that you first went out;</A> <A NAME=5.4.33>Shame that they wanted cunning, in excess</A> <A NAME=5.4.34>Hath broke their hearts. March, noble lord,</A> <A NAME=5.4.35>Into our city with thy banners spread:</A> <A NAME=5.4.36>By decimation, and a tithed death--</A> <A NAME=5.4.37>If thy revenges hunger for that food</A> <A NAME=5.4.38>Which nature loathes--take thou the destined tenth,</A> <A NAME=5.4.39>And by the hazard of the spotted die</A> <A NAME=5.4.40>Let die the spotted.</A>

<A NAME=speech6>First Senator</a> <A NAME=5.4.41>All have not offended;</A> <A NAME=5.4.42>For those that were, it is not square to take</A> <A NAME=5.4.43>On those that are, revenges: crimes, like lands,</A> <A NAME=5.4.44>Are not inherited. Then, dear countryman,</A> <A NAME=5.4.45>Bring in thy ranks, but leave without thy rage:</A> <A NAME=5.4.46>Spare thy Athenian cradle and those kin</A> <A NAME=5.4.47>Which in the bluster of thy wrath must fall</A> <A NAME=5.4.48>With those that have offended: like a shepherd,</A> <A NAME=5.4.49>Approach the fold and cull the infected forth,</A> <A NAME=5.4.50>But kill not all together.</A>

<A NAME=speech7>Second Senator</a> <A NAME=5.4.51>What thou wilt,</A> <A NAME=5.4.52>Thou rather shalt enforce it with thy smile</A> <A NAME=5.4.53>Than hew to't with thy sword.</A>

<A NAME=speech8>First Senator </a> <A NAME=5.4.54>Set but thy foot</A> <A NAME=5.4.55>Against our rampired gates, and they shall ope;</A> <A NAME=5.4.56>So thou wilt send thy gentle heart before,</A> <A NAME=5.4.57>To say thou'lt enter friendly.</A>

<A NAME=speech9>Second Senator</a> <A NAME=5.4.58>Throw thy glove,</A> <A NAME=5.4.59>Or any token of thine honour else,</A> <A NAME=5.4.60>That thou wilt use the wars as thy redress</A> <A NAME=5.4.61>And not as our confusion, all thy powers</A> <A NAME=5.4.62>Shall make their harbour in our town, till we</A> <A NAME=5.4.63>Have seal'd thy full desire.</A>

<A NAME=speech10>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=5.4.64>Then there's my glove;</A> <A NAME=5.4.65>Descend, and open your uncharged ports:</A> <A NAME=5.4.66>Those enemies of Timon's and mine own</A> <A NAME=5.4.67>Whom you yourselves shall set out for reproof</A> <A NAME=5.4.68>Fall and no more: and, to atone your fears</A> <A NAME=5.4.69>With my more noble meaning, not a man</A> <A NAME=5.4.70>Shall pass his quarter, or offend the stream</A> <A NAME=5.4.71>Of regular justice in your city's bounds,</A> <A NAME=5.4.72>But shall be render'd to your public laws</A> <A NAME=5.4.73>At heaviest answer.</A>

<A NAME=speech11>Both</a> <A NAME=5.4.74>'Tis most nobly spoken.</A>

<A NAME=speech12>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=5.4.75>Descend, and keep your words.</A> The Senators descend, and open the gates Enter Soldier

<A NAME=speech13>Soldier</a> <A NAME=5.4.76>My noble general, Timon is dead;</A> <A NAME=5.4.77>Entomb'd upon the very hem o' the sea;</A> <A NAME=5.4.78>And on his grave-stone this insculpture, which</A> <A NAME=5.4.79>With wax I brought away, whose soft impression</A> <A NAME=5.4.80>Interprets for my poor ignorance.</A>

<A NAME=speech14>ALCIBIADES</a> <A NAME=5.4.81>[Reads the epitaph] 'Here lies a</A> <A NAME=5.4.82>wretched corse, of wretched soul bereft:</A> <A NAME=5.4.83>Seek not my name: a plague consume you wicked</A> <A NAME=5.4.84>caitiffs left!</A> <A NAME=5.4.85>Here lie I, Timon; who, alive, all living men did hate:</A> <A NAME=5.4.86>Pass by and curse thy fill, but pass and stay</A> <A NAME=5.4.87>not here thy gait.'</A> <A NAME=5.4.88>These well express in thee thy latter spirits:</A> <A NAME=5.4.89>Though thou abhorr'dst in us our human griefs,</A> <A NAME=5.4.90>Scorn'dst our brain's flow and those our</A> <A NAME=5.4.91>droplets which</A> <A NAME=5.4.92>From niggard nature fall, yet rich conceit</A> <A NAME=5.4.93>Taught thee to make vast Neptune weep for aye</A> <A NAME=5.4.94>On thy low grave, on faults forgiven. Dead</A> <A NAME=5.4.95>Is noble Timon: of whose memory</A> <A NAME=5.4.96>Hereafter more. Bring me into your city,</A> <A NAME=5.4.97>And I will use the olive with my sword,</A> <A NAME=5.4.98>Make war breed peace, make peace stint war, make each</A> <A NAME=5.4.99>Prescribe to other as each other's leech.</A> <A NAME=5.4.100>Let our drums strike.</A> Exeunt