William Shakespeare - The Complete Works/William Shakespeare - The Complete Works on CD-ROM.iso/library/text/tim/tim.txt

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   0  <O 213><H Tim><D 1605><K play><A Shakespeare>
   0  <T title>The Life of Timon of Athens
   0  <X 1> <Y 1> <T dsd> {Enter Poet [at one door], Painter carrying a        +
   0  picture [at another door], [followed by] Jeweller, Merchant, and         +
   0  Mercer, at several doors}
   1B <S POET> <T verse> Good day, sir.<S PAINTER> I am glad you're well.
   2  <S POET> I have not seen you long. How goes the world?
   3B <S PAINTER> It wears, sir, as it grows.<S POET> Ay, that's well known.
   4  But what particular rarity, what strange,
   5  Which manifold record not matches?_See,
   6  Magic of bounty, all these spirits thy power
   7B Hath conjured to attend.<T dsd> {[Merchant and Jeweller meet. Mercer     +
   7B passes over the stage, and exits]}<T verse> I know the merchant.
   8  <S PAINTER> I know them both. Th' other's a jeweller.
   9B <S MERCHANT> <T asd> {(to Jeweller)}<T verse> O, 'tis a worthy           +
   9B lord!<S JEWELLER> Nay, that's most fixed.
  10  <S MERCHANT> A most incomparable man, breathed, as it were,
  11  To an untirable and continuate goodness.
  12B He passes.<S JEWELLER> <T asd> {(showing a jewel)}<T verse> I have a     +
  12B jewel here.
  13  <S MERCHANT> O, pray, let's see 't. For the Lord Timon, sir?
  14  <S JEWELLER> If he will touch the estimate. But for that_
  15  <S POET> <T asd> {(to himself )}<T verse> `When we for recompense have   +
  15  praised the vile,
  16  It stains the glory in that happy verse
  17B Which aptly sings the good."<S MERCHANT> <T asd> {(to                    +
  17B Jeweller)}<T verse> 'Tis a good form.
  18  <S JEWELLER> And rich. Here is a water, look ye.
  19  <S PAINTER> <T asd> {(to Poet)}<T verse> You are rapt, sir, in some      +
  19  work, some dedication
  20B To the great lord.<S POET> A thing slipped idly from me.
  21  Our poesy is as a gum which oozes
  22  From whence 'tis nourished. The fire i' th' flint
  23  Shows not till it be struck; our gentle flame
  24  Provokes itself, and like the current flies
  25  Each bound it chafes. What have you there?
  26  <S PAINTER> A picture, sir. When comes your book forth?
  27  <S POET> Upon the heels of my presentment, sir.
  28B Let's see your piece.<S PAINTER> <T asd> {(showing the                   +
  28B picture)}<T verse> 'Tis a good piece.
  29  <S POET> So 'tis. This comes off well and excellent.
  30B <S PAINTER> Indifferent.<S POET> Admirable. How this grace
  31  Speaks his own standing! What a mental power
  32  This eye shoots forth! How big imagination
  33  Moves in this lip! To th' dumbness of the gesture
  34  One might interpret.
  35  <S PAINTER> It is a pretty mocking of the life.
  36B Here is a touch; is 't good?<S POET> I will say of it,
  37  It tutors nature. Artificial strife
  38  Lives in these touches livelier than life.<T dsd> {Enter certain         +
  38  Senators}
  39A <S PAINTER> <T verse> How this lord is followed!
  40  <S POET> The senators of Athens. Happy man!
  41A <S PAINTER> Look, more.<T dsd> {[The Senators pass over the stage, and   +
  41A exeunt]}
  42  <S POET> <T verse> You see this confluence, this great flood of          +
  42  visitors.
  43  I have in this rough work shaped out a man
  44  Whom this beneath world doth embrace and hug
  45  With amplest entertainment. My free drift
  46  Halts not particularly, but moves itself
  47  In a wide sea of tax. No levelled malice
  48  Infects one comma in the course I hold,
  49  But flies an eagle flight, bold and forth on,
  50  Leaving no tract behind.
  51A <S PAINTER> How shall I understand you?
  52A <S POET> I will unbolt to you.
  53  You see how all conditions, how all minds,
  54  As well of glib and slipp'ry creatures as
  55  Of grave and austere quality, tender down
  56  Their service to Lord Timon. His large fortune,
  57  Upon his good and gracious nature hanging,
  58  Subdues and properties to his love and tendance
  59  All sorts of hearts; yea, from the glass-faced flatterer
  60  To Apemantus, that few things loves better
  61  Than to abhor himself; even he drops down
  62  The knee before him, and returns in peace,
  63B Most rich in Timon's nod.<S PAINTER> I saw them speak together.
  64  <S POET> Sir, I have upon a high and pleasant hill
  65  Feigned Fortune to be throned. The base o' th' mount
  66  Is ranked with all deserts, all kind of natures
  67  That labour on the bosom of this sphere
  68  To propagate their states. Amongst them all
  69  Whose eyes are on this sovereign lady fixed
  70  One do I personate of Lord Timon's frame,
  71  Whom Fortune with her ivory hand wafts to her,
  72  Whose present grace to present slaves and servants
  73B Translates his rivals.<S PAINTER> 'Tis conceived to scope.
  74  This throne, this Fortune, and this hill, methinks,
  75  With one man beckoned from the rest below,
  76  Bowing his head against the steepy mount
  77  To climb his happiness, would be well expressed
  78B In our condition.<S POET> Nay, sir, but hear me on.
  79  All those which were his fellows but of late,
  80  Some better than his value, on the moment
  81  Follow his strides, his lobbies fill with tendance,
  82  Rain sacrificial whisperings in his ear,
  83  Make sacred even his stirrup, and through him
  84B Drink the free air.<S PAINTER> Ay, marry, what of these?
  85  <S POET> When Fortune in her shift and change of mood
  86  Spurns down her late belove\d, all his dependants,
  87  Which laboured after him to the mountain's top
  88  Even on their knees and hands, let him fall down,
  89  Not one accompanying his declining foot.
  90A <S PAINTER> 'Tis common.
  91  A thousand moral paintings I can show
  92  That shall demonstrate these quick blows of Fortune's
  93  More pregnantly than words. Yet you do well
  94  To show Lord Timon that mean eyes have seen
  95  The foot above the head.<T dsd> {Trumpets sound. Enter Timon [wearing a  +
  95  rich}
  96A {jewel], with a Messenger from Ventidius; Lucilius [and other Servants]  +
  96A attending. Timon addresses himself courteously to every suitor, then     +
  96A speaks to the Messenger}<S TIMON> <T verse> Imprisoned is he, say you?
  97  <S MESSENGER> Ay, my good lord. Five talents is his debt,
  98  His means most short, his creditors most strait.
  99  Your honourable letter he desires
 100  To those have shut him up, which failing,
 101B Periods his comfort.<S TIMON> Noble Ventidius! Well,
 102  I am not of that feather to shake off
 103  My friend when he must need me. I do know him
 104  A gentleman that well deserves a help,
 105  Which he shall have. I'll pay the debt and free him.
 106A <S MESSENGER> Your lordship ever binds him.
 107  <S TIMON> Commend me to him. I will send his ransom;
 108  And, being enfranchised, bid him come to me.
 109  'Tis not enough to help the feeble up,
 110  But to support him after. Fare you well.
 111A <S MESSENGER> All happiness to your honour.<T esd> {Exit}
 112B <T dsd> {Enter an Old Athenian}<S OLD ATHENIAN> <T verse> Lord Timon,    +
 112B hear me speak.<S TIMON> Freely, good father.
 113  <S OLD ATHENIAN> Thou hast a servant named Lucilius.
 114A <S TIMON> I have so. What of him?
 115  <S OLD ATHENIAN> Most noble Timon, call the man before thee.
 116  <S TIMON> Attends he here or no? Lucilius!
 117A <S LUCILIUS> <T asd> {(coming forward)}<T verse> Here at your            +
 117A lordship's service.
 118  <S OLD ATHENIAN> This fellow here, Lord Timon, this thy creature,
 119  By night frequents my house. I am a man
 120  That from my first have been inclined to thrift,
 121  And my estate deserves an heir more raised
 122B Than one which holds a trencher.<S TIMON> Well, what further?
 123  <S OLD ATHENIAN> One only daughter have I, no kin else
 124  On whom I may confer what I have got.
 125  The maid is fair, o' th' youngest for a bride,
 126  And I have bred her at my dearest cost
 127  In qualities of the best. This man of thine
 128  Attempts her love. I prithee, noble lord,
 129  Join with me to forbid him her resort.
 130  Myself have spoke in vain.
 131A <S TIMON> The man is honest.
 132A <S OLD ATHENIAN> Therefore he will be, Timon.
 133  His honesty rewards him in itself;
 134  It must not bear my daughter.
 135A <S TIMON> Does she love him?
 136A <S OLD ATHENIAN> She is young and apt.
 137  Our own precedent passions do instruct us
 138B What levity's in youth.<S TIMON> <T asd> {(to Lucilius)}<T verse> Love   +
 138B you the maid?
 139  <S LUCILIUS> Ay, my good lord, and she accepts of it.
 140  <S OLD ATHENIAN> If in her marriage my consent be missing,
 141  I call the gods to witness, I will choose
 142  Mine heir from forth the beggars of the world,
 143B And dispossess her all.<S TIMON> How shall she be endowed
 144  If she be mated with an equal husband?
 145  <S OLD ATHENIAN> Three talents on the present; in future, all.
 146  <S TIMON> This gentleman of mine hath served me long.
 147  To build his fortune I will strain a little,
 148  For 'tis a bond in men. Give him thy daughter.
 149  What you bestow in him I'll counterpoise,
 150B And make him weigh with her.<S OLD ATHENIAN> Most noble lord,
 151  Pawn me to this your honour, she is his.
 152  <S TIMON> My hand to thee; mine honour on my promise.
 153  <S LUCILIUS> Humbly I thank your lordship. Never may
 154  That state or fortune fall into my keeping
 155  Which is not owed to you.<T esd> {Exeunt Lucilius and Old Athenian}
 156  <S POET> <T asd> {(presenting a poem to Timon)}<T verse> Vouchsafe my    +
 156  labour, and long live your lordship!
 157  <S TIMON> I thank you. You shall hear from me anon.
 158  Go not away.<T asd> {(To Painter)}<T verse> What have you there, my      +
 158  friend?
 159  <S PAINTER> A piece of painting, which I do beseech
 160B Your lordship to accept.<S TIMON> Painting is welcome.
 161  The painting is almost the natural man;
 162  For since dishonour traffics with man's nature,
 163  He is but outside; these pencilled figures are
 164  Even such as they give out. I like your work,
 165  And you shall find I like it. Wait attendance
 166B Till you hear further from me.<S PAINTER> The gods preserve ye!
 167  <S TIMON> Well fare you, gentleman. Give me your hand.
 168  We must needs dine together.<T asd> {(To Jeweller)}<T verse> Sir, your   +
 168  jewel
 169B Hath suffered under praise.<S JEWELLER> What, my lord, dispraise?
 170  <S TIMON> A mere satiety of commendations.
 171  If I should pay you for 't as 'tis extolled
 172B It would unclew me quite.<S JEWELLER> My lord, 'tis rated
 173  As those which sell would give; but you well know
 174  Things of like value differing in the owners
 175  Are prize\d by their masters. Believe 't, dear lord,
 176  You mend the jewel by the wearing it.
 177A <S TIMON> Well mocked.
 178  <S MERCHANT> No, my good lord, he speaks the common tongue
 179B Which all men speak with him.<T dsd> {Enter Apemantus}<S TIMON>          +
 179B <T verse> Look who comes here.
 180  Will you be chid?
 181A <S JEWELLER> We will bear, with your lordship.
 182A <S MERCHANT> He'll spare none.
 183  <S TIMON> Good morrow to thee, gentle Apemantus.
 184  <S APEMANTUS> Till I be gentle, stay thou for thy good morrow_
 185  When thou art Timon's dog, and these knaves honest.
 186  <S TIMON> Why dost thou call them knaves? Thou know'st them not.
 187A <S APEMANTUS> Are they not Athenians?
 188A <S TIMON> Yes.
 189A <S APEMANTUS> Then I repent not.
 190A <S JEWELLER> You know me, Apemantus?
 191  <S APEMANTUS> Thou know'st I do. I called thee by thy name.
 192A <S TIMON> Thou art proud, Apemantus!
 193  <S APEMANTUS> <T prose> Of nothing so much as that I am not like
 194  Timon.
 195  <S TIMON> Whither art going?
 196  <S APEMANTUS> To knock out an honest Athenian's brains.
 197  <S TIMON> That's a deed thou'lt die for.
 198  <S APEMANTUS> Right, if doing nothing be death by th' law.
 199  <S TIMON> <T verse> How likest thou this picture, Apemantus?
 200  <S APEMANTUS> <T prose> The best for the innocence.
 201  <S TIMON> <T verse> Wrought he not well that painted it?
 202  <S APEMANTUS> <T prose> He wrought better that made the painter, and
 203  yet he's but a filthy piece of work.
 204  <S PAINTER> You're a dog.
 205  <S APEMANTUS> Thy mother's of my generation. What's she,
 206  if I be a dog?
 207  <S TIMON> Wilt dine with me, Apemantus?
 208  <S APEMANTUS> No, I eat not lords.
 209  <S TIMON> An thou shouldst, thou'dst anger ladies.
 210  <S APEMANTUS> O, they eat lords. So they come by great bellies.
 211  <S TIMON> <T verse> That's a lascivious apprehension.
 212  <S APEMANTUS> So thou apprehend'st it; take it for thy labour.
 213  <S TIMON> How dost thou like this jewel, Apemantus?
 214  <S APEMANTUS> <T prose> Not so well as plain dealing, which will not
 215  cost a man a doit.
 216B <S TIMON> <T verse> What dost thou think 'tis worth?<S APEMANTUS> Not    +
 216B worth my thinking.
 217  <T prose> How now, poet?
 218  <S POET> How now, philosopher?
 219  <S APEMANTUS> Thou liest.
 220  <S POET> Art not one?
 221  <S APEMANTUS> Yes.
 222  <S POET> Then I lie not.
 223  <S APEMANTUS> Art not a poet?
 224  <S POET> Yes.
 225  <S APEMANTUS> Then thou liest. Look in thy last work, where
 226  thou hast feigned him a worthy fellow.
 227  <S POET> That's not feigned, he is so.
 228  <S APEMANTUS> Yes, he is worthy of thee, and to pay thee for
 229  thy labour. He that loves to be flattered is worthy o' th'
 230  flatterer. Heavens, that I were a lord!
 231  <S TIMON> What wouldst do then, Apemantus?
 232  <S APEMANTUS> E'en as Apemantus does now: hate a lord
 233  with my heart.
 234  <S TIMON> What, thyself?
 235  <S APEMANTUS> Ay.
 236  <S TIMON> Wherefore?
 237  <S APEMANTUS> That I had no augury but to be a lord._Art
 238  not thou a merchant?
 239  <S MERCHANT> Ay, Apemantus.
 240  <S APEMANTUS> <T verse> Traffic confound thee, if the gods will not!
 241  <S MERCHANT> <T prose> If traffic do it, the gods do it.
 242  <S APEMANTUS> <T verse> Traffic's thy god, and thy god confound          +
 242  thee!<T dsd> {Trumpet sounds. Enter a Messenger}
 243A <S TIMON> <T verse> What trumpet's that?
 244  <S MESSENGER> 'Tis Alcibiades, and some twenty horse
 245  All of companionship.
 246  <S TIMON> <T asd> {(to Servants)}<T verse> Pray entertain them. Give     +
 246  them guide to us.<T esd> {[Exit one or more Servants]}
 247B <T asd> {[To Jeweller]}<T verse> You must needs dine with me.<T asd>     +
 247B {[To Poet]}<T verse> Go not you hence
 248  Till I have thanked you.<T asd> {[To Painter]}<T verse> When dinner's    +
 248  done
 249  Show me this piece.<T asd> {[To all]}<T verse> I am joyful of your       +
 249  sights.<T dsd> {Enter Alcibiades with [his horsemen]}
 250  <T verse> Most welcome, sir!
 251A <S APEMANTUS> <T asd> {[aside]}<T verse> So, so, there.
 252  Aches contract and starve your supple joints!
 253  That there should be small love 'mongst these sweet knaves,
 254  And all this courtesy! The strain of man's bred out
 255  Into baboon and monkey.
 256  <S ALCIBIADES> <T asd> {(to Timon)}<T verse> Sir, you have saved my      +
 256  longing, and I feed
 257B Most hungrily on your sight.<S TIMON> Right welcome, sir!
 258  Ere we depart, we'll share a bounteous time
 259  In different pleasures. Pray you, let us in.<T esd> {Exeunt all but      +
 259  Apemantus}
 260  <T dsd> {Enter two Lords}<S FIRST LORD> <T verse> What time o' day       +
 260  is 't, Apemantus?
 261B <S APEMANTUS> Time to be honest.<S FIRST LORD> That time serves still.
 262  <S APEMANTUS> The most accurse\d thou, that still omitt'st it.
 263  <S SECOND LORD> Thou art going to Lord Timon's feast?
 264  <S APEMANTUS> Ay, to see meat fill knaves, and wine heat fools.
 265  <S SECOND LORD> <T prose> Fare thee well, fare thee well.
 266  <S APEMANTUS> <T verse> Thou art a fool to bid me farewell twice.
 267  <S SECOND LORD> <T prose> Why, Apemantus?
 268  <S APEMANTUS> Shouldst have kept one to thyself, for I mean
 269  to give thee none.
 270  <S FIRST LORD> Hang thyself!
 271  <S APEMANTUS> No, I will do nothing at thy bidding. Make
 272  thy requests to thy friend.
 273  <S SECOND LORD> Away, unpeaceable dog, or I'll spurn thee
 274  hence.
 275  <S APEMANTUS> I will fly, like a dog, the heels o' th' ass.<T esd>       +
 275  {Exit}
 276  <A ?Middleton>
 276  <S FIRST LORD> <T verse> He's opposite to humanity. Come, shall we in,
 277  And taste Lord Timon's bounty? He outgoes
 278  The very heart of kindness.
 279  <S SECOND LORD> He pours it out. Plutus the god of gold
 280  Is but his steward; no meed but he repays
 281  Sevenfold above itself; no gift to him
 282  But breeds the giver a return exceeding
 283B All use of quittance.<S FIRST LORD> The noblest mind he carries
 284  That ever governed man.
 285  <S SECOND LORD> Long may he live in fortunes! Shall we in?
 286A <S [FIRST LORD]> I'll keep you company.<T esd> {Exeunt}
   0  <A Middleton>
   0  <Y 2> <T dsd> {Hautboys playing loud music. A great banquet served in,   +
   0  [Flavius and Servants attending]; and then enter Timon, Alcibiades, the  +
   0  Senators, the Athenian Lords, and Ventidius which Timon redeemed from    +
   0  prison. Then comes, dropping after all, Apemantus, discontentedly, like  +
   0  himself}
   1  <S VENTIDIUS> <T verse> Most honoured Timon, it hath pleased the gods    +
   1  to remember
   2  My father's age and call him to long peace.
   3  He is gone happy, and has left me rich.
   4  Then, as in grateful virtue I am bound
   5  To your free heart, I do return those talents,
   6  Doubled with thanks and service, from whose help
   7B I derived liberty.<S TIMON> O, by no means,
   8  Honest Ventidius. You mistake my love.
   9  I gave it freely ever, and there's none
  10  Can truly say he gives if he receives.
  11  If our betters play at that game, we must not dare
  12  To imitate them. Faults that are rich are fair.
  13B <S VENTIDIUS> A noble spirit!<T dsd> {[The Lords stand with              +
  13B ceremony]}<S TIMON> <T verse> Nay, my lords,
  14  Ceremony was but devised at first
  15  To set a gloss on faint deeds, hollow welcomes,
  16  Recanting goodness, sorry ere 'tis shown;
  17  But where there is true friendship, there needs none.
  18  Pray sit. More welcome are ye to my fortunes
  19  Than my fortunes to me.<T dsd> {[They sit]}
  20  <S FIRST LORD> <T verse> My lord, we always have confessed it.
  21  <S APEMANTUS> Ho, ho, confessed it? Hanged it, have you not?
  22B <S TIMON> O, Apemantus! You are welcome.<S APEMANTUS> No,
  23  You shall not make me welcome.
  24  I come to have thee thrust me out of doors.
  25  <S TIMON> Fie, thou'rt a churl. Ye've got a humour there
  26  Does not become a man; 'tis much to blame.
  27  They say, my lords, {Ira furor brevis est},
  28  But yon man is ever angry.
  29  Go, let him have a table by himself,
  30  For he does neither affect company
  31  Nor is he fit for 't, indeed.
  32  <S APEMANTUS> Let me stay at thine apperil, Timon.
  33  I come to observe, I give thee warning on 't.
  34  <S TIMON> I take no heed of thee; thou'rt an Athenian,
  35  Therefore welcome. I myself would have no power:
  36  Prithee, let my meat make thee silent.
  37  <S APEMANTUS> <T prose> I scorn thy meat. 'Twould choke me, for I
  38  should ne'er flatter thee. O you gods, what a number
  39  of men eats Timon, and he sees 'em not! It grieves me
  40  to see so many dip their meat in one man's blood; and
  41  all the madness is, he cheers them up, too.
  42  <T verse> I wonder men dare trust themselves with men.
  43  Methinks they should invite them without knives:
  44  Good for their meat, and safer for their lives.
  45  <T prose> There's much example for 't. The fellow that sits next
  46  him, now parts bread with him, pledges the breath of
  47  him in a divided draught, is the readiest man to kill
  48  him. 'T 'as been proved. If I were a huge man, I should
  49  fear to drink at meals,
  50  <T verse> Lest they should spy my windpipe's dangerous notes.
  51  Great men should drink with harness on their throats.
  52  <S TIMON> <T asd> {(drinking to a Lord)}<T verse> My lord, in heart;     +
  52  and let the health go round.
  53  <S SECOND LORD> Let it flow this way, my good lord.
  54  <S APEMANTUS> <T prose> `Flow this way"? A brave fellow; he keeps his
  55  tides well. Those healths will make thee and thy state
  56  look ill, Timon.
  57  <T verse> Here's that which is too weak to be a sinner:
  58  Honest water, which ne'er left man i' th' mire.
  59  This and my food are equals; there's no odds.
  60  Feasts are too proud to give thanks to the gods.<T dsd> {Apemantus'      +
  60  grace}
  61  <T verse> Immortal gods, I crave no pelf.
  62  I pray for no man but myself.
  63  Grant I may never prove so fond
  64  To trust man on his oath or bond,
  65  Or a harlot for her weeping,
  66  Or a dog that seems a-sleeping,
  67  Or a keeper with my freedom,
  68  Or my friends if I should need 'em.
  69  Amen. So fall to 't.
  70  Rich men sin, and I eat root.<T dsd> {[He eats]}
  71  <T verse> Much good dich thy good heart, Apemantus.
  72  <S TIMON> <T prose> Captain Alcibiades, your heart's in the field now.
  73  <S ALCIBIADES> My heart is ever at your service, my lord.
  74  <S TIMON> You had rather be at a breakfast of enemies than
  75  a dinner of friends.
  76  <S ALCIBIADES> So they were bleeding new, my lord; there's
  77  no meat like 'em. I could wish my best friend at such
  78  a feast.
  79  <S APEMANTUS> <T verse> Would all those flatterers were thine enemies    +
  79  then,
  80  That thou mightst kill 'em and bid me to 'em.
  81  <S FIRST LORD> <T asd> {(to Timon)}<T prose> Might we but have that      +
  81  happiness,
  82  my lord, that you would once use our hearts, whereby
  83  we might express some part of our zeals, we should
  84  think ourselves for ever perfect.
  85  <S TIMON> O, no doubt, my good friends, but the gods
  86  themselves have provided that I shall have much help
  87  from you. How had you been my friends else? Why
  88  have you that charitable title from thousands, did not
  89  you chiefly belong to my heart? I have told more of
  90  you to myself than you can with modesty speak in
  91  your own behalf; and thus far I confirm you. `O you
  92  gods," think I, `what need we have any friends if we
  93  should ne'er have need of 'em? They were the most
  94  needless creatures living, should we ne'er have use for
  95  'em, and would most resemble sweet instruments hung
  96  up in cases, that keeps their sounds to themselves."
  97  Why, I have often wished myself poorer, that I might
  98  come nearer to you. We are born to do benefits; and
  99  what better or properer can we call our own than the
 100  riches of our friends? O, what a precious comfort 'tis
 101  to have so many like brothers commanding one
 102  another's fortunes! O, joy's e'en made away ere 't can
 103  be born: mine eyes cannot hold out water, methinks.
 104  To forget their faults, I drink to you.
 105  <S APEMANTUS> Thou weep'st to make them drink, Timon.
 106  <S SECOND LORD> <T asd> {(to Timon)}<T verse> Joy had the like           +
 106  conception in our eyes,
 107  And at that instant like a babe sprung up.
 108  <S APEMANTUS> Ho, ho, I laugh to think that babe a bastard.
 109  <S THIRD LORD> <T asd> {(to Timon)}<T verse> I promise you, my lord,     +
 109  you moved me much.
 110A <S APEMANTUS> Much!<T dsd> {A tucket sounds within}
 111  <S TIMON> <T prose> What means that trump?<T dsd> {Enter a Servant}
 112  <T prose> How now?
 113  <S SERVANT> Please you, my lord, there are certain ladies
 114  most desirous of admittance.
 115  <S TIMON> Ladies? What are their wills?
 116  <S SERVANT> There comes with them a forerunner, my lord,
 117  which bears that office to signify their pleasures.
 118  <S TIMON> I pray let them be admitted.<T dsd> {Enter one as Cupid}
 119  <S CUPID> <T verse> Hail to thee, worthy Timon, and to all
 120  That of his bounties taste! The five best senses
 121  Acknowledge thee their patron, and come freely
 122  To gratulate thy plenteous bosom. Th' ear,
 123  Taste, touch, smell, all, pleased from thy table rise.
 124  They only now come but to feast thine eyes.
 125  <S TIMON> They're welcome all. Let 'em have kind admittance.
 126  Music make their welcome!<T esd> {Exit Cupid}
 127  <S [FIRST LORD]> <T verse> You see, my lord, how ample you're            +
 127  beloved.<T dsd> {Music. Enter a masque of Ladies as Amazons, with lutes  +
 127  in their hands, dancing and playing}
 128  <S APEMANTUS> <T verse> Hey-day, what a sweep of vanity comes this way!
 129  They dance? They are madwomen.
 130  Like madness is the glory of this life
 131  As this pomp shows to a little oil and root.
 132  We make ourselves fools to disport ourselves,
 133  And spend our flatteries to drink those men
 134  Upon whose age we void it up again
 135  With poisonous spite and envy.
 136  Who lives that's not deprave\d or depraves?
 137  Who dies that bears not one spurn to their graves
 138  Of their friends' gift?
 139  I should fear those that dance before me now
 140  Would one day stamp upon me. 'T 'as been done.
 141  Men shut their doors against a setting sun.<T dsd> {The Lords rise from  +
 141  table with much adoring of Timon; and to show their loves each singles   +
 141  out an Amazon, and all dance, men with women, a lofty strain or two to   +
 141  the hautboys; and cease}
 142  <S TIMON> <T verse> You have done our pleasures much grace, fair         +
 142  ladies,
 143  Set a fair fashion on our entertainment,
 144  Which was not half so beautiful and kind.
 145  You have added worth unto 't and lustre,
 146  And entertained me with mine own device.
 147  I am to thank you for 't.
 148  <S FIRST [LADY]> My lord, you take us even at the best.
 149  <S APEMANTUS> <T prose> Faith; for the worst is filthy, and would not
 150  hold taking, I doubt me.
 151  <S TIMON> <T verse> Ladies, there is an idle banquet 'tends you.
 152  Please you to dispose yourselves.
 153A <S ALL LADIES> Most thankfully, my lord.<T esd> {Exeunt Ladies}
 154A <S TIMON> <T verse> Flavius.
 155A <S FLAVIUS> My lord.
 156A <S TIMON> The little casket bring me hither.
 157A <S FLAVIUS> Yes, my lord.<T asd> {(Aside)}<T verse> More jewels yet?
 158  There is no crossing him in 's humour,
 159  Else I should tell him well, i' faith I should.
 160  When all's spent, he'd be crossed then, an he could.
 161  'Tis pity bounty had not eyes behind,
 162  That man might ne'er be wretched for his mind.<T esd> {Exit}
 163  <S FIRST LORD> <T prose> Where be our men?
 164  <S SERVANT> Here, my lord, in readiness.
 165  <S SECOND LORD> Our horses.<T esd> {[Exit Servant]}
 166  <T dsd> {Enter Flavius with the casket. He gives it to Timon, [and       +
 166  exits]}<S TIMON> <T verse> O my friends, I have one word to say to you.
 167  Look you, my good lord,
 168  I must entreat you honour me so much
 169  As to advance this jewel. Accept and wear it,
 170  Kind my lord.
 171  <S FIRST LORD> I am so far already in your gifts.
 172A <S ALL LORDS> So are we all.<T dsd> {[Timon gives them jewels.]}
 173  {Enter a Servant}<S FIRST SERVANT> <T prose> My lord, there are certain  +
 173  nobles of the
 174  senate newly alighted and come to visit you.
 175  <S TIMON> They are fairly welcome.<T esd> {Exit Servant}
 176  <T dsd> {Enter Flavius}<S FLAVIUS> <T prose> I beseech your honour,      +
 176  vouchsafe me a word; it
 177  does concern you near.
 178  <S TIMON> <T verse> Near? Why then, another time I'll hear thee.
 179  <T prose> I prithee, let's be provided to show them entertainment.
 180  <S FLAVIUS> I scarce know how.<T dsd> {Enter a Second Servant}
 181  <S SECOND SERVANT> <T verse> May it please your honour, Lord Lucius
 182  Out of his free love hath presented to you
 183  Four milk-white horses trapped in silver.
 184  <S TIMON> I shall accept them fairly. Let the presents
 185B Be worthily entertained.<T esd> {Exit Servant}<T dsd> {Enter a Third     +
 185B Servant}<T verse> How now, what news?
 186  <S THIRD SERVANT> <T prose> Please you, my lord, that honourable
 187  gentleman Lord Lucullus entreats your company
 188  tomorrow to hunt with him, and has sent your honour
 189  two brace of greyhounds.
 190  <S TIMON> <T verse> I'll hunt with him, and let them be received
 191B Not without fair reward.<T esd> {Exit Servant}<S FLAVIUS> <T asd>        +
 191B {(aside)}<T verse> What will this come to?
 192  He commands us to provide and give great gifts,
 193  And all out of an empty coffer;
 194  Nor will he know his purse, or yield me this:
 195  To show him what a beggar his heart is,
 196  Being of no power to make his wishes good.
 197  His promises fly so beyond his state
 198  That what he speaks is all in debt, he owes
 199  For every word. He is so kind that he now
 200  Pays interest for 't. His land's put to their books.
 201  Well, would I were gently put out of office
 202  Before I were forced out.
 203  Happier is he that has no friend to feed
 204  Than such that do e'en enemies exceed.
 205B I bleed inwardly for my lord.<T esd> {Exit}<S TIMON> <T asd> {(to the    +
 205B Lords)}<T verse> You do yourselves
 206  Much wrong, you bate too much of your own merits.
 207  <T asd> {(To Second Lord)}<T verse> Here, my lord, a trifle of our       +
 207  love.
 208  <S SECOND LORD> With more than common thanks I will receive it.
 209  <S THIRD LORD> O, he's the very soul of bounty!
 210  <S TIMON> <T asd> {(to First Lord)}<T prose> And now I remember, my      +
 210  lord, you
 211  gave good words the other day of a bay courser I rode
 212  on. 'Tis yours, because you liked it.
 213  <S FIRST LORD> <T verse> O I beseech you pardon me, my lord, in that.
 214  <S TIMON> You may take my word, my lord, I know no man
 215  Can justly praise but what he does affect.
 216  I weigh my friends' affection with mine own.
 217B I'll tell you true, I'll call to you.<S ALL LORDS> O, none so welcome.
 218  <S TIMON> I take all and your several visitations
 219  So kind to heart, 'tis not enough to give.
 220  Methinks I could deal kingdoms to my friends,
 221  And ne'er be weary. Alcibiades,
 222  Thou art a soldier, therefore seldom rich.
 223  <T asd> {[Giving a present]}<T verse> It comes in charity to thee, for   +
 223  all thy living
 224  Is 'mongst the dead, and all the lands thou hast
 225B Lie in a pitched field.<S ALCIBIADES> Ay, defiled land, my lord.
 226A <S FIRST LORD> We are so virtuously bound_
 227A <S TIMON> And so am I to you.
 228A <S SECOND LORD> So infinitely endeared_
 229A <S TIMON> All to you. Lights, more lights!
 230  <S FIRST LORD> The best of happiness, honour, and fortunes
 231  Keep with you, Lord Timon.
 232A <S TIMON> Ready for his friends.<T esd> {Exeunt all but Timon and        +
 232A Apemantus}
 233A <S APEMANTUS> <T verse> What a coil's here,
 234  Serving of becks and jutting-out of bums!
 235  I doubt whether their legs be worth the sums
 236  That are given for 'em. Friendship's full of dregs.
 237  Methinks false hearts should never have sound legs.
 238  Thus honest fools lay out their wealth on curtseys.
 239  <S TIMON> Now, Apemantus, if thou wert not sullen
 240  I would be good to thee.
 241  <S APEMANTUS> <T prose> No, I'll nothing; for if I should be bribed      +
 241  too,
 242  there would be none left to rail upon thee, and then
 243  thou wouldst sin the faster. Thou giv'st so long, Timon,
 244  I fear me thou wilt give away thyself in paper shortly.
 245  What needs these feasts, pomps, and vainglories?
 246  <S TIMON> Nay, an you begin to rail on society once, I am
 247  sworn not to give regard to you.
 248B <T verse> Farewell, and come with better music.<T esd>                   +
 248B {Exit}<S APEMANTUS> <T verse> So.
 249  Thou wilt not hear me now, thou shalt not then.
 250  I'll lock thy heaven from thee. O, that men's ears should be
 251  To counsel deaf, but not to flattery!<T esd> {Exit}
   0  <A Shakespeare>
   0  <X 2> <Y 1> <T dsd> {Enter a Senator [with bonds]}
   1  <S SENATOR> <T verse> And late five thousand. To Varro and to Isidore
   2  He owes nine thousand, besides my former sum,
   3  Which makes it five-and-twenty. Still in motion
   4  Of raging waste! It cannot hold, it will not.
   5  If I want gold, steal but a beggar's dog
   6  And give it Timon, why, the dog coins gold.
   7  If I would sell my horse and buy twenty more
   8  Better than he, why, give my horse to Timon_
   9  Ask nothing, give it him_it foals me straight,
  10  And able horses. No porter at his gate,
  11  But rather one that smiles and still invites
  12  All that pass by. It cannot hold. No reason
  13  Can sound his state in safety. Caphis ho!
  14B Caphis, I say!<T dsd> {Enter Caphis}<S CAPHIS> <T verse> Here, sir.      +
  14B What is your pleasure?
  15  <S SENATOR> Get on your cloak and haste you to Lord Timon.
  16  Importune him for my moneys. Be not ceased
  17  With slight denial, nor then silenced when
  18  `Commend me to your master", and the cap
  19  Plays in the right hand, thus; but tell him
  20  My uses cry to me, I must serve my turn
  21  Out of mine own, his days and times are past,
  22  And my reliances on his fracted dates
  23  Have smit my credit. I love and honour him,
  24  But must not break my back to heal his finger.
  25  Immediate are my needs, and my relief
  26  Must not be tossed and turned to me in words,
  27  But find supply immediate. Get you gone.
  28  Put on a most importunate aspect,
  29  A visage of demand, for I do fear
  30  When every feather sticks in his own wing
  31  Lord Timon will be left a naked gull,
  32  Which flashes now a phoenix. Get you gone.
  33B <S CAPHIS> I go, sir.<S SENATOR> <T asd> {[giving him bonds]}<T verse>   +
  33B Take the bonds along with you,
  34B And have the dates in count.<S CAPHIS> I will, sir.<S SENATOR>           +
  34B Go.<T esd> {Exeunt [severally]}
   0  <A ?Middleton>
   0  <Y 2> <T dsd> {Enter Flavius, with many bills in his hand}
   1  <S FLAVIUS> <T verse> No care, no stop; so senseless of expense
   2  That he will neither know how to maintain it
   3  Nor cease his flow of riot, takes no account
   4  How things go from him, nor resumes no care
   5  Of what is to continue. Never mind
   6  Was to be so unwise to be so kind.
   7  What shall be done? He will not hear till feel.<T dsd> {[A sound of      +
   7  horns within]}
   8  <T verse> I must be round with him, now he comes from hunting.
   9  Fie, fie, fie, fie!<T dsd> {Enter Caphis [at one door] and Servants of   +
   9  Isidore and Varro [at another door]}
  10  <S CAPHIS> <T verse> Good even, Varro. What, you come for money?
  11A <S VARRO'S SERVANT> Is 't not your business too?
  12B <S CAPHIS> It is; and yours too, Isidore?<S ISIDORE'S SERVANT> It is     +
  12B so.
  13B <S CAPHIS> Would we were all discharged.<S VARRO'S SERVANT> I fear       +
  13B it.<S CAPHIS> Here comes the lord.<T dsd> {Enter Timon and his train,    +
  13B amongst them Alcibiades, [as from hunting]}
  14  <S TIMON> <T verse> So soon as dinner's done we'll forth again,
  15B My Alcibiades.<T dsd> {Caphis meets Timon}<T verse> With me? What is     +
  15B your will?
  16  <S CAPHIS> My lord, here is a note of certain dues.
  17A <S TIMON> Dues? Whence are you?
  18A <S CAPHIS> Of Athens here, my lord.
  19A <S TIMON> Go to my steward.
  20  <S CAPHIS> Please it your lordship, he hath put me off,
  21  To the succession of new days, this month.
  22  My master is awaked by great occasion
  23  To call upon his own, and humbly prays you
  24  That with your other noble parts you'll suit
  25B In giving him his right.<S TIMON> Mine honest friend,
  26  I prithee but repair to me next morning.
  27B <S CAPHIS> Nay, good my lord.<S TIMON> Contain thyself, good friend.
  28  <S VARRO'S SERVANT> One Varro's servant, my good lord.
  29  <S ISIDORE'S SERVANT> <T asd> {(to Timon)}<T verse> From Isidore. He     +
  29  humbly prays your speedy payment.
  30  <S CAPHIS> <T asd> {(to Timon)}<T verse> If you did know, my lord, my    +
  30  master's wants_
  31  <S VARRO'S SERVANT> <T asd> {(to Timon)}<T verse> 'Twas due on           +
  31  forfeiture, my lord, six weeks and past.
  32  <S ISIDORE'S SERVANT> <T asd> {(to Timon)}<T verse> Your steward puts    +
  32  me off, my lord, and I
  33B Am sent expressly to your lordship.<S TIMON> Give me breath._
  34  I do beseech you, good my lords, keep on.
  35B I'll wait upon you instantly.<T esd> {Exeunt Alcibiades and Timon's      +
  35B train}<T asd> {(To Flavius)}<T verse> Come hither. Pray you,
  36  How goes the world, that I am thus encountered
  37  With clamorous demands of broken bonds
  38  And the detention of long-since-due debts,
  39B Against my honour?<S FLAVIUS> <T asd> {(to Servants)}<T verse> Please    +
  39B you, gentlemen,
  40  The time is unagreeable to this business;
  41  Your importunacy cease till after dinner,
  42  That I may make his lordship understand
  43B Wherefore you are not paid.<S TIMON> <T asd> {(to Servants)}<T verse>    +
  43B Do so, my friends.
  44B <T asd> {(To Flavius)}<T verse> See them well entertained.<T esd>        +
  44B {Exit}<S FLAVIUS> <T verse> Pray draw near.<T esd> {Exit}
  45  <A Shakespeare>
  45  <T dsd> {Enter Apemantus and Fool}<S CAPHIS> <T verse> Stay, stay, here  +
  45  comes the fool with Apemantus.
  46  Let's ha' some sport with 'em.
  47A <S VARRO'S SERVANT> Hang him, he'll abuse us.
  48A <S ISIDORE'S SERVANT> A plague upon him, dog!
  49A <S VARRO'S SERVANT> How dost, fool?
  50A <S APEMANTUS> Dost dialogue with thy shadow?
  51A <S VARRO'S SERVANT> I speak not to thee.
  52A <S APEMANTUS> No, 'tis to thyself.<T asd> {(To Fool)}<T verse> Come      +
  52A away.
  53  <S ISIDORE'S SERVANT> <T asd> {(to Varro's Servant)}<T prose> There's    +
  53  the fool
  54  hangs on your back already.
  55  <S APEMANTUS> No, thou stand'st single: thou'rt not on him
  56  yet.
  57  <S CAPHIS> <T asd> {(to Isidore's Servant)}<T prose> Where's the fool    +
  57  now?
  58  <S APEMANTUS> He last asked the question. Poor rogues' and
  59  usurers' men, bawds between gold and want.
  60A <S ALL SERVANTS> <T verse> What are we, Apemantus?
  61A <S APEMANTUS> Asses.
  62A <S ALL SERVANTS> Why?
  63  <S APEMANTUS> <T prose> That you ask me what you are, and do not
  64  know yourselves. Speak to 'em, fool.
  65  <S FOOL> How do you, gentlemen?
  66  <S ALL SERVANTS> Gramercies, good fool. How does your
  67  mistress?
  68  <S FOOL> She's e'en setting on water to scald such chickens
  69  as you are. Would we could see you at Corinth.
  70  <S APEMANTUS> Good; gramercy.<T dsd> {Enter Page with two letters}
  71  <S FOOL> <T prose> Look you, here comes my mistress' page.
  72  <S PAGE> Why, how now, captain? What do you in this wise
  73  company? How dost thou, Apemantus?
  74  <S APEMANTUS> Would I had a rod in my mouth, that I might
  75  answer thee profitably.
  76  <S PAGE> Prithee, Apemantus, read me the superscription of
  77  these letters. I know not which is which.
  78  <S APEMANTUS> Canst not read?
  79  <S PAGE> No.
  80  <S APEMANTUS> There will little learning die then that day
  81  thou art hanged. This is to Lord Timon, this to
  82  Alcibiades. Go, thou wast born a bastard, and thou'lt
  83  die a bawd.
  84  <S PAGE> Thou wast whelped a dog, and thou shalt famish a
  85  dog's death. Answer not; I am gone.<T esd> {Exit}
  86  <S APEMANTUS> <T prose> E'en so thou outrunn'st grace. Fool, I will go
  87  with you to Lord Timon's.
  88  <S FOOL> Will you leave me there?
  89  <S APEMANTUS> If Timon stay at home.<T asd> {(To Servants)}<T prose>     +
  89  You
  90  three serve three usurers?
  91A <S ALL SERVANTS> <T verse> Ay. Would they served us.
  92  <S APEMANTUS> <T prose> So would I: as good a trick as ever hangman
  93  served thief.
  94  <S FOOL> Are you three usurers' men?
  95  <S ALL SERVANTS> Ay, fool.
  96  <S FOOL> I think no usurer but has a fool to his servant. My
  97  mistress is one, and I am her fool. When men come to
  98  borrow of your masters they approach sadly and go
  99  away merry, but they enter my mistress's house merrily
 100  and go away sadly. The reason of this?
 101  <S VARRO'S SERVANT> I could render one.
 102  <S APEMANTUS> Do it then, that we may account thee a
 103  whoremaster and a knave, which notwithstanding thou
 104  shalt be no less esteemed.
 105  <S VARRO'S SERVANT> What is a whoremaster, fool?
 106  <S FOOL> A fool in good clothes, and something like thee. 'Tis
 107  a spirit; sometime 't appears like a lord, sometime like
 108  a lawyer, sometime like a philosopher with two stones
 109  more than 's artificial one. He is very often like a knight;
 110  and generally in all shapes that man goes up and down
 111  in from fourscore to thirteen, this spirit walks in.
 112  <S VARRO'S SERVANT> Thou art not altogether a fool.
 113  <S FOOL> Nor thou altogether a wise man. As much foolery
 114  as I have, so much wit thou lack'st.
 115  <A ?mixed>
 115  <S APEMANTUS> That answer might have become Apemantus.<T dsd> {Enter     +
 115  Timon and Flavius}
 116  <S ALL SERVANTS> <T prose> Aside, aside, here comes Lord Timon.
 117A <S APEMANTUS> <T verse> Come with me, fool, come.
 118  <S FOOL> <T prose> I do not always follow lover, elder brother, and
 119  woman: sometime the philosopher.<T esd> {Exeunt Apemantus and Fool}
 120  <S FLAVIUS> <T asd> {(to Servants)}<T verse> Pray you, walk near. I'll   +
 120  speak with you anon.<T esd> {Exeunt Servants}
 121  <S TIMON> <T verse> You make me marvel wherefore ere this time
 122  Had you not fully laid my state before me,
 123  That I might so have rated my expense
 124B As I had leave of means.<S FLAVIUS> You would not hear me.
 125B At many leisures I proposed_<S TIMON> Go to.
 126  Perchance some single vantages you took,
 127  When my indisposition put you back,
 128  And that unaptness made your minister
 129B Thus to excuse yourself.<S FLAVIUS> O my good lord,
 130  At many times I brought in my accounts,
 131  Laid them before you; you would throw them off
 132  And say you summed them in mine honesty.
 133  When for some trifling present you have bid me
 134  Return so much, I have shook my head and wept,
 135  Yea, 'gainst th' authority of manners prayed you
 136  To hold your hand more close. I did endure
 137  Not seldom nor no slight checks when I have
 138  Prompted you in the ebb of your estate
 139  And your great flow of debts. My love\d lord_
 140  Though you hear now too late, yet now's a time_
 141  The greatest of your having lacks a half
 142B To pay your present debts.<S TIMON> Let all my land be sold.
 143  <S FLAVIUS> 'Tis all engaged, some forfeited and gone,
 144  And what remains will hardly stop the mouth
 145  Of present dues. The future comes apace.
 146  What shall defend the interim, and at length
 147  How goes our reck'ning?
 148  <S TIMON> To Lacedaemon did my land extend.
 149  <S FLAVIUS> O my good lord, the world is but a word.
 150  Were it all yours to give it in a breath,
 151B How quickly were it gone.<S TIMON> You tell me true.
 152  <S FLAVIUS> If you suspect my husbandry or falsehood,
 153  Call me before th' exactest auditors
 154  And set me on the proof. So the gods bless me,
 155  When all our offices have been oppressed
 156  With riotous feeders, when our vaults have wept
 157  With drunken spilth of wine, when every room
 158  Hath blazed with lights and brayed with minstrelsy,
 159  I have retired me to a wasteful cock,
 160B And set mine eyes at flow.<S TIMON> Prithee, no more.
 161  <S FLAVIUS> `Heavens," have I said, `the bounty of this lord!
 162  How many prodigal bits have slaves and peasants
 163  This night englutted! Who is not Timon's?
 164  What heart, head, sword, force, means, but is Lord Timon's?
 165  Great Timon, noble, worthy, royal Timon!
 166  Ah, when the means are gone that buy this praise,
 167  The breath is gone whereof this praise is made.
 168  Feast won, fast lost; one cloud of winter show'rs,
 169B These flies are couched."<S TIMON> Come, sermon me no further.
 170  No villainous bounty yet hath passed my heart.
 171  Unwisely, not ignobly, have I given.
 172  Why dost thou weep? Canst thou the conscience lack
 173  To think I shall lack friends? Secure thy heart.
 174  If I would broach the vessels of my love
 175  And try the argument of hearts by borrowing,
 176  Men and men's fortunes could I frankly use
 177B As I can bid thee speak.<S FLAVIUS> Assurance bless your thoughts!
 178  <S TIMON> And in some sort these wants of mine are crowned
 179  That I account them blessings, for by these
 180  Shall I try friends. You shall perceive how you
 181  Mistake my fortunes. I am wealthy in my friends._
 182  Within there, Flaminius, Servilius!<T dsd> {Enter Flaminius, Servilius,  +
 182  and a Third Servant}
 183B <S ALL SERVANTS> <T verse> My lord, my lord.<S TIMON> I will dispatch    +
 183B you severally,
 184B <T asd> {(To Servilius)}<T verse> You to Lord Lucius,<T asd> {(To        +
 184B Flaminius)}<T verse> to Lord Lucullus you_
 185  I hunted with his honour today_
 186  <T asd> {(To Third Servant)}<T verse> You to Sempronius. Commend me to   +
 186  their loves,
 187  And I am proud, say, that my occasions have
 188  Found time to use 'em toward a supply of money.
 189  Let the request be fifty talents.
 190A <S FLAMINIUS> As you have said, my lord.<T esd> {Exeunt Servants}
 191  <S FLAVIUS> <T verse> Lord Lucius and Lucullus? Hmh!
 192  <S TIMON> Go you, sir, to the senators,
 193  Of whom, even to the state's best health, I have
 194  Deserved this hearing. Bid 'em send o' th' instant
 195B A thousand talents to me.<S FLAVIUS> I have been bold,
 196  For that I knew it the most general way,
 197  To them, to use your signet and your name;
 198  But they do shake their heads, and I am here
 199B No richer in return.<S TIMON> Is 't true? Can 't be?
 200  <S FLAVIUS> They answer in a joint and corporate voice
 201  That now they are at fall, want treasure, cannot
 202  Do what they would, are sorry, you are honourable,
 203  But yet they could have wished_they know not_
 204  Something hath been amiss_a noble nature
 205  May catch a wrench_would all were well_'tis pity;
 206  And so, intending other serious matters,
 207  After distasteful looks and these hard fractions,
 208  With certain half-caps and cold moving nods
 209B They froze me into silence.<S TIMON> You gods reward them!
 210  Prithee, man, look cheerly. These old fellows
 211  Have their ingratitude in them hereditary.
 212  Their blood is caked, 'tis cold, it seldom flows.
 213  'Tis lack of kindly warmth they are not kind;
 214  And nature as it grows again toward earth
 215  Is fashioned for the journey dull and heavy.
 216  Go to Ventidius. Prithee, be not sad.
 217  Thou art true and honest_ingenuously I speak_
 218  No blame belongs to thee. Ventidius lately
 219  Buried his father, by whose death he's stepped
 220  Into a great estate. When he was poor,
 221  Imprisoned, and in scarcity of friends,
 222  I cleared him with five talents. Greet him from me.
 223  Bid him suppose some good necessity
 224  Touches his friend, which craves to be remembered
 225  With those five talents. That had, give 't these fellows
 226  To whom 'tis instant due. Ne'er speak or think
 227  That Timon's fortunes 'mong his friends can sink.
 228  <S FLAVIUS> I would I could not think it. That thought is bounty's foe:
 229  Being free itself, it thinks all others so.<T esd> {Exeunt [severally]}
   0  <A Middleton>
   0  <X 3> <Y 1> <T dsd> {Enter Flaminius, with a box under his cloak,        +
   0  waiting to speak with Lucullus. From his master, enters a Servant to     +
   0  him}
   1  <S LUCULLUS' SERVANT> <T prose> I have told my lord of you. He is
   2  coming down to you.
   3  <S FLAMINIUS> I thank you, sir.<T dsd> {Enter Lucullus}
   4  <S LUCULLUS' SERVANT> <T prose> Here's my lord.
   5  <S LUCULLUS> <T asd> {(aside)}<T prose> One of Lord Timon's men? A       +
   5  gift, I
   6  warrant. Why, this hits right; I dreamt of a silver basin
   7  and ewer tonight._Flaminius, honest Flaminius, you
   8  are very respectively welcome, sir.<T asd> {(To his Servant)}<T prose>   +
   8  Fill
   9  me some wine.<T esd> {Exit Servant}
  10  <T prose> And how does that honourable, complete, free-hearted
  11  gentleman of Athens, thy very bountiful good lord and
  12  master?
  13  <S FLAMINIUS> His health is well, sir.
  14  <S LUCULLUS> I am right glad that his health is well, sir. And
  15  what hast thou there under thy cloak, pretty Flaminius?
  16  <S FLAMINIUS> Faith, nothing but an empty box, sir, which
  17  in my lord's behalf I come to entreat your honour to
  18  supply, who, having great and instant occasion to use
  19  fifty talents, hath sent to your lordship to furnish him,
  20  nothing doubting your present assistance therein.
  21  <S LUCULLUS> La, la, la, la, `nothing doubting" says he? Alas,
  22  good lord! A noble gentleman 'tis, if he would not keep
  23  so good a house. Many a time and often I ha' dined
  24  with him and told him on 't, and come again to supper
  25  to him of purpose to have him spend less; and yet he
  26  would embrace no counsel, take no warning by my
  27  coming. Every man has his fault, and honesty is his. I
  28  ha' told him on 't, but I could ne'er get him from 't.<T dsd> {Enter     +
  28  Servant, with wine}
  29  <S SERVANT> <T prose> Please your lordship, here is the wine.
  30  <S LUCULLUS> Flaminius, I have noted thee always wise.
  31  <T asd> {(Drinking)}<T prose> Here's to thee!
  32  <S FLAMINIUS> Your lordship speaks your pleasure.
  33  <S LUCULLUS> I have observed thee always for a towardly
  34  prompt spirit, give thee thy due, and one that knows
  35  what belongs to reason; and canst use the time well if
  36  the time use thee well.<T asd> {(Drinking)}<T prose> Good parts in       +
  36  thee!
  37  <T asd> {(To his Servant)}<T prose> Get you gone, sirrah.<T esd> {Exit   +
  37  Servant}
  38  <T prose> Draw nearer, honest Flaminius. Thy lord's a bountiful
  39  gentleman; but thou art wise, and thou know'st well
  40  enough, although thou com'st to me, that this is no
  41  time to lend money, especially upon bare friendship
  42  without security.<T asd> {(Giving coins)}<T prose> Here's three          +
  42  solidares
  43  for thee. Good boy, wink at me, and say thou saw'st
  44  me not. Fare thee well.
  45  <S FLAMINIUS> <T verse> Is 't possible the world should so much differ,
  46B And we alive that lived?<T dsd> {He throws the coins at                  +
  46B Lucullus}<T verse> Fly, damne\d baseness,
  47  To him that worships thee.
  48  <S LUCULLUS> <T prose> Ha! Now I see thou art a fool, and fit for thy
  49  master.<T esd> {Exit}
  50  <S FLAMINIUS> <T verse> May these add to the number that may scald       +
  50  thee.
  51  Let molten coin be thy damnation,
  52  Thou disease of a friend, and not himself.
  53  Has friendship such a faint and milky heart
  54  It turns in less than two nights? O you gods,
  55  I feel my master's passion! This slave
  56  Unto this hour has my lord's meat in him.
  57  Why should it thrive and turn to nutriment,
  58  When he is turned to poison?
  59  O, may diseases only work upon 't;
  60  And when he's sick to death, let not that part of nature
  61  Which my lord paid for be of any power
  62  To expel sickness, but prolong his hour.<T esd> {Exit}
   0  <Y 2> <T dsd> {Enter Lucius, with three Strangers}
   1  <S LUCIUS> <T prose> Who, the Lord Timon? He is my very good friend,
   2  and an honourable gentleman.
   3  <S FIRST STRANGER> We know him for no less, though we are
   4  but strangers to him. But I can tell you one thing, my
   5  lord, and which I hear from common rumours: now
   6  Lord Timon's happy hours are done and past, and his
   7  estate shrinks from him.
   8  <S LUCIUS> Fie, no, do not believe it. He cannot want for
   9  money.
  10  <S SECOND STRANGER> But believe you this, my lord, that not
  11  long ago one of his men was with the Lord Lucullus
  12  to borrow so many talents_nay, urged extremely for 't,
  13  and showed what necessity belonged to 't, and yet was
  14  denied.
  15  <S LUCIUS> How?
  16  <S SECOND STRANGER> I tell you, denied, my lord.
  17  <S LUCIUS> What a strange case was that! Now before the
  18  gods, I am ashamed on 't. Denied that honourable man?
  19  There was very little honour showed in 't. For my own
  20  part, I must needs confess I have received some small
  21  kindnesses from him, as money, plate, jewels, and
  22  suchlike trifles_nothing comparing to his; yet had he
  23  not mistook him and sent to me, I should ne'er have
  24  denied his occasion so many talents.<T dsd> {Enter Servilius}
  25  <S SERVILIUS> <T asd> {(aside)}<T prose> See, by good hap yonder's my    +
  25  lord. I
  26  have sweat to see his honour.<T asd> {(To Lucius)}<T prose> My honoured
  27  lord!
  28  <S [LUCIUS]> Servilius! You are kindly met, sir. Fare thee well.
  29  Commend me to thy honourable virtuous lord, my very
  30  exquisite friend.
  31  <S SERVILIUS> May it please your honour, my lord hath sent_
  32  <S LUCIUS> Ha! What has he sent? I am so much endeared
  33  to that lord, he's ever sending. How shall I thank him,
  34  think'st thou? And what has he sent now?
  35  <S SERVILIUS> He's only sent his present occasion now, my
  36  lord, requesting your lordship to supply his instant use
  37  with so many talents.
  38  <S [LUCIUS]> <T verse> I know his lordship is but merry with me.
  39  He cannot want fifty-five hundred talents.
  40  <S SERVILIUS> But in the mean time he wants less, my lord.
  41  If his occasion were not virtuous
  42  I should not urge it half so faithfully.
  43  <S LUCIUS> Dost thou speak seriously, Servilius?
  44A <S SERVILIUS> Upon my soul, 'tis true, sir.
  45  <S LUCIUS> <T prose> What a wicked beast was I to disfurnish myself
  46  against such a good time when I might ha' shown
  47  myself honourable! How unluckily it happened that I
  48  should purchase the day before a little part, and undo
  49  a great deal of honour! Servilius, now before the gods
  50  I am not able to do, the more beast I, I say. I was
  51  sending to use Lord Timon myself_these gentlemen
  52  can witness_but I would not for the wealth of Athens
  53  I had done 't now. Commend me bountifully to his good
  54  lordship; and I hope his honour will conceive the fairest
  55  of me because I have no power to be kind. And tell
  56  him this from me: I count it one of my greatest
  57  afflictions, say, that I cannot pleasure such an
  58  honourable gentleman. Good Servilius, will you befriend
  59  me so far as to use mine own words to him?
  60  <S SERVILIUS> Yes, sir, I shall.
  61  <S [LUCIUS]> <T verse> I'll look you out a good turn, Servilius.<T esd>  +
  61  {Exit Servilius}
  62  <T verse> True as you said: Timon is shrunk indeed;
  63  And he that's once denied will hardly speed.<T esd> {Exit}
  64B <S FIRST STRANGER> <T verse> Do you observe this, Hostilius?             +
  64B <S SECOND STRANGER> Ay, too well.
  65  <S FIRST STRANGER> Why, this is the world's soul, and just of the same   +
  65  piece
  66  Is every flatterer's spirit. Who can call him his friend
  67  That dips in the same dish? For, in my knowing,
  68  Timon has been this lord's father
  69  And kept his credit with his purse,
  70  Supported his estate; nay, Timon's money
  71  Has paid his men their wages. He ne'er drinks,
  72  But Timon's silver treads upon his lip;
  73  And yet_O see the monstrousness of man
  74  When he looks out in an ungrateful shape!_
  75  He does deny him, in respect of his,
  76  What charitable men afford to beggars.
  77B <S THIRD STRANGER> Religion groans at it.<S FIRST STRANGER> For mine     +
  77B own part,
  78  I never tasted Timon in my life,
  79  Nor came any of his bounties over me
  80  To mark me for his friend; yet I protest,
  81  For his right noble mind, illustrious virtue,
  82  And honourable carriage,
  83  Had his necessity made use of me
  84  I would have put my wealth into donation
  85  And the best half should have returned to him,
  86  So much I love his heart. But I perceive
  87  Men must learn now with pity to dispense,
  88  For policy sits above conscience.<T esd> {Exeunt}
   0  <Y 3> <T dsd> {Enter Timon's Third Servant, with Sempronius, another of  +
   0  Timon's friends}
   1  <S SEMPRONIUS> <T verse> Must he needs trouble me in 't? Hmh! 'Bove all  +
   1  others?
   2  He might have tried Lord Lucius or Lucullus;
   3  And now Ventidius is wealthy too,
   4  Whom he redeemed from prison. All these
   5B Owes their estates unto him.<S SERVANT> My lord,
   6  They have all been touched and found base metal,
   7B For they have all denied him.<S SEMPRONIUS> How, have they denied him?
   8  Has Ventidius and Lucullus denied him,
   9  And does he send to me? Three? Hmh!
  10  It shows but little love or judgement in him.
  11  Must I be his last refuge? His friends, like physicians,
  12  Thrive, give him over; must I take th' cure upon me?
  13  He's much disgraced me in 't. I'm angry at him,
  14  That might have known my place. I see no sense for 't
  15  But his occasions might have wooed me first,
  16  For, in my conscience, I was the first man
  17  That e'er receive\d gift from him.
  18  And does he think so backwardly of me now
  19  That I'll requite it last? No.
  20  So it may prove an argument of laughter
  21  To th' rest, and I 'mongst lords be thought a fool.
  22  I'd rather than the worth of thrice the sum
  23  He'd sent to me first, but for my mind's sake.
  24  I'd such a courage to do him good. But now return,
  25  And with their faint reply this answer join:
  26  Who bates mine honour shall not know my coin.<T esd> {Exit}
  27  <S SERVANT> <T prose> Excellent. Your lordship's a goodly villain. The
  28  devil knew not what he did when he made man
  29  politic_he crossed himself by 't, and I cannot think but
  30  in the end the villainies of man will set him clear. How
  31  fairly this lord strives to appear foul! Takes virtuous
  32  copies to be wicked, like those that under hot ardent
  33  zeal would set whole realms on fire; of such a nature
  34  is his politic love.
  35  <T verse> This was my lord's best hope. Now all are fled
  36  Save only the gods. Now his friends are dead.
  37  Doors that were ne'er acquainted with their wards
  38  Many a bounteous year must be employed
  39  Now to guard sure their master;
  40  And this is all a liberal course allows:
  41  Who cannot keep his wealth must keep his house.<T esd> {Exit}
   0  <Y 4> <T dsd> {Enter Varro's two Servants, meeting others, all Servants  +
   0  of Timon's creditors, to wait for his coming out. Then enter [Servants   +
   0  of ] Lucius, Titus, and Hortensius}
   1  <S VARRO'S [FIRST] SERVANT> <T verse> Well met; good morrow, Titus and   +
   1  Hortensius.
   2A <S TITUS' SERVANT> The like to you, kind Varro.
   3  <S HORTENSIUS' SERVANT> Lucius, what, do we meet together?
   4  <S LUCIUS' SERVANT> Ay, and I think one business does command us all,
   5B For mine is money.<S TITUS' SERVANT> So is theirs and ours.<T dsd>       +
   5B {Enter [a Servant of ] Philotus}
   6B <S LUCIUS' SERVANT> <T verse> And Sir Philotus too!<S PHILOTUS' SERVANT>+
   6B  Good day at once.
   7  <S LUCIUS' SERVANT> Welcome, good brother. What do you think the hour?
   8A <S PHILOTUS' SERVANT> Labouring for nine.
   9A <S LUCIUS' SERVANT> So much?
  10A <S PHILOTUS' SERVANT> Is not my lord seen yet?
  11A <S LUCIUS' SERVANT> Not yet.
  12  <S PHILOTUS' SERVANT> I wonder on 't; he was wont to shine at seven.
  13  <S LUCIUS' SERVANT> Ay, but the days are waxed shorter with him.
  14  You must consider that a prodigal course
  15  Is like the sun's,
  16  But not, like his, recoverable. I fear
  17  'Tis deepest winter in Lord Timon's purse; that is,
  18  One may reach deep enough, and yet find little.
  19A <S PHILOTUS' SERVANT> I am of your fear for that.
  20  <S TITUS' SERVANT> I'll show you how t' observe a strange event.
  21B Your lord sends now for money?<S HORTENSIUS' SERVANT> Most true, he      +
  21B does.
  22  <S TITUS' SERVANT> And he wears jewels now of Timon's gift,
  23  For which I wait for money.
  24A <S HORTENSIUS' SERVANT> It is against my heart.
  25A <S LUCIUS' SERVANT> Mark how strange it shows.
  26  Timon in this should pay more than he owes,
  27  And e'en as if your lord should wear rich jewels
  28  And send for money for 'em.
  29  <S HORTENSIUS' SERVANT> I'm weary of this charge, the gods can witness.
  30  I know my lord hath spent of Timon's wealth,
  31  And now ingratitude makes it worse than stealth.
  32B <S VARRO'S FIRST SERVANT> Yes; mine's three thousand crowns. What's      +
  32B yours?<S LUCIUS' SERVANT> Five thousand, mine.
  33  <S VARRO'S FIRST SERVANT> 'Tis much deep, and it should seem by th' sum
  34  Your master's confidence was above mine,
  35B Else surely his had equalled.<T dsd> {Enter Flaminius}<S TITUS' SERVANT>+
  35B  <T verse> One of Lord Timon's men.
  36  <S LUCIUS' SERVANT> Flaminius! Sir, a word. Pray, is my lord
  37  Ready to come forth?
  38A <S FLAMINIUS> No, indeed he is not.
  39A <S TITUS' SERVANT> We attend his lordship.
  40B Pray signify so much.<S FLAMINIUS> I need not tell
  41  Him that; he knows you are too diligent.<T dsd> {Enter Flavius, muffled  +
  41  in a cloak}
  42  <S LUCIUS' SERVANT> <T verse> Ha, is not that his steward muffled so?
  43  He goes away in a cloud. Call him, call him.
  44A <S TITUS' SERVANT> <T asd> {(to Flavius)}<T verse> Do you hear, sir?
  45A <S VARRO'S SECOND SERVANT> <T asd> {(to Flavius)}<T verse> By your       +
  45A leave, sir.
  46A <S FLAVIUS> What do ye ask of me, my friend?
  47B <S TITUS' SERVANT> We wait for certain money here, sir.<S FLAVIUS> Ay,
  48  If money were as certain as your waiting,
  49  'Twere sure enough.
  50  Why then preferred you not your sums and bills
  51  When your false masters ate of my lord's meat?
  52  Then they could smile and fawn upon his debts,
  53  And take down th' int'rest into their glutt'nous maws.
  54  You do yourselves but wrong to stir me up.
  55  Let me pass quietly.
  56  Believe 't, my lord and I have made an end.
  57  I have no more to reckon, he to spend.
  58  <S LUCIUS' SERVANT> Ay, but this answer will not serve.
  59  <S FLAVIUS> If 'twill not serve 'tis not so base as you,
  60  For you serve knaves.<T esd> {Exit}
  61  <S VARRO'S FIRST SERVANT> <T prose> How? What does his cashiered
  62  worship mutter?
  63  <S VARRO'S SECOND SERVANT> No matter what; he's poor, and
  64  that's revenge enough. Who can speak broader than
  65  he that has no house to put his head in? Such may
  66  rail against great buildings.<T dsd> {Enter Servilius}
  67  <S TITUS' SERVANT> <T prose> O, here's Servilius. Now we shall know
  68  some answer.
  69  <S SERVILIUS> If I might beseech you, gentlemen, to repair
  70  some other hour, I should derive much from 't; for,
  71  take 't of my soul, my lord leans wondrously to
  72  discontent. His comfortable temper has forsook him.
  73  He's much out of health, and keeps his chamber.
  74  <S LUCIUS' SERVANT> <T verse> Many do keep their chambers are not sick,
  75  And if it be so far beyond his health
  76  Methinks he should the sooner pay his debts
  77B And make a clear way to the gods.<S SERVILIUS> Good gods!
  78  <S TITUS' SERVANT> We cannot take this for an answer, sir.
  79  <S FLAMINIUS> <T asd> {(within)}<T verse> Servilius, help! My lord, my   +
  79  lord!<T dsd> {Enter Timon in a rage}
  80  <S TIMON> <T verse> What, are my doors opposed against my passage?
  81  Have I been ever free, and must my house
  82  Be my retentive enemy, my jail?
  83  The place which I have feasted, does it now,
  84  Like all mankind, show me an iron heart?
  85B <S LUCIUS' SERVANT> Put in now, Titus.<S TITUS' SERVANT> My lord, here   +
  85B is my bill.
  86B <S LUCIUS' SERVANT> Here's mine.<S [HORTENSIUS' SERVANT]> And mine, my   +
  86B lord.<S VARRO'S [FIRST {AND}] SECOND SERVANTS> And ours, my lord.
  87A <S PHILOTUS' SERVANT> All our bills.
  88  <S TIMON> Knock me down with 'em, cleave me to the girdle.
  89A <S LUCIUS' SERVANT> Alas, my lord.
  90A <S TIMON> Cut my heart in sums.
  91A <S TITUS' SERVANT> Mine fifty talents.
  92B <S TIMON> Tell out my blood.<S LUCIUS' SERVANT> Five thousand crowns,    +
  92B my lord.
  93  <S TIMON> Five thousand drops pays that. What yours? And yours?
  94A <S VARRO'S FIRST SERVANT> My lord_
  95A <S VARRO'S SECOND SERVANT> My lord_
  96  <S TIMON> Tear me, take me, and the gods fall upon you.<T esd> {Exit}
  97  <S HORTENSIUS' SERVANT> <T prose> Faith, I perceive our masters may
  98  throw their caps at their money. These debts may well
  99  be called desperate ones, for a madman owes 'em.<T esd> {Exeunt}
   0  <Y 5> <T dsd> {Enter Timon and Flavius}
   1  <S TIMON> <T verse> They have e'en put my breath from me, the slaves.
   2  Creditors? Devils!
   3A <S FLAVIUS> My dear lord_
   4A <S TIMON> What if it should be so?
   5A <S FLAVIUS> My lord_
   6B <S TIMON> I'll have it so. My steward!<S FLAVIUS> Here, my lord.
   7  <S TIMON> So fitly? Go bid all my friends again:
   8  Lucius, Lucullus, and Sempronius_all luxors, all.
   9B I'll once more feast the rascals.<S FLAVIUS> O my lord,
  10  You only speak from your distracted soul.
  11  There is not so much left to furnish out
  12B A moderate table.<S TIMON> Be it not in thy care.
  13  Go, I charge thee, invite them all. Let in the tide
  14  Of knaves once more. My cook and I'll provide.<T esd> {Exeunt            +
  14  [severally]}
   0  <Y 6> <T dsd> {Enter three Senators at one door}
   1  <S FIRST SENATOR> <T verse> My lords, you have my voice to 't. The       +
   1  fault's bloody.
   2  'Tis necessary he should die.
   3  Nothing emboldens sin so much as mercy.
   4A <S SECOND SENATOR> Most true; the law shall bruise 'im.<T dsd> {[Enter   +
   4A Alcibiades at another door, with attendants]}
   5  <S ALCIBIADES> <T verse> Honour, health, and compassion to the senate!
   6A <S FIRST SENATOR> Now, captain.
   7  <S ALCIBIADES> I am an humble suitor to your virtues;
   8  For pity is the virtue of the law,
   9  And none but tyrants use it cruelly.
  10  It pleases time and fortune to lie heavy
  11  Upon a friend of mine, who in hot blood
  12  Hath stepped into the law, which is past depth
  13  To those that without heed do plunge into 't.
  14  He is a man, setting his feat aside,
  15  Of comely virtues;
  16  Nor did he soil the fact with cowardice_
  17  An honour in him which buys out his fault_
  18  But with a noble fury and fair spirit,
  19  Seeing his reputation touched to death,
  20  He did oppose his foe;
  21  And with such sober and unnoted passion
  22  He did behave his anger, ere 'twas spent,
  23  As if he had but proved an argument.
  24  <S FIRST SENATOR> You undergo too strict a paradox,
  25  Striving to make an ugly deed look fair.
  26  Your words have took such pains as if they laboured
  27  To bring manslaughter into form, and set quarrelling
  28  Upon the head of valour_which indeed
  29  Is valour misbegot, and came into the world
  30  When sects and factions were newly born.
  31  He's truly valiant that can wisely suffer
  32  The worst that man can breathe, and make his wrongs his outsides
  33  To wear them like his raiment carelessly,
  34  And ne'er prefer his injuries to his heart
  35  To bring it into danger.
  36  If wrongs be evils and enforce us kill,
  37  What folly 'tis to hazard life for ill!
  38B <S ALCIBIADES> My lord_<S FIRST SENATOR> You cannot make gross sins      +
  38B look clear.
  39  To revenge is no valour, but to bear.
  40  <S ALCIBIADES> My lords, then, under favour, pardon me
  41  If I speak like a captain.
  42  Why do fond men expose themselves to battle,
  43  And not endure all threats, sleep upon 't,
  44  And let the foes quietly cut their throats
  45  Without repugnancy? If there be
  46  Such valour in the bearing, what make we
  47  Abroad? Why then, women are more valiant
  48  That stay at home if bearing carry it,
  49  And the ass more captain than the lion, the felon
  50  Loaden with irons wiser than the judge,
  51  If wisdom be in suffering. O my lords,
  52  As you are great, be pitifully good.
  53  Who cannot condemn rashness in cold blood?
  54  To kill, I grant, is sin's extremest gust,
  55  But in defence, by mercy, 'tis most just.
  56  To be in anger is impiety,
  57  But who is man that is not angry?
  58B Weigh but the crime with this.<S SECOND SENATOR> You breathe in          +
  58B vain.<S ALCIBIADES> In vain?
  59  His service done at Lacedaemon and Byzantium
  60  Were a sufficient briber for his life.
  61B <S FIRST SENATOR> What's that?<S ALCIBIADES> Why, I say, my lords, he's  +
  61B done fair service,
  62  And slain in fight many of your enemies.
  63  How full of valour did he bear himself
  64  In the last conflict, and made plenteous wounds!
  65  <S SECOND SENATOR> He has made too much plenty with 'em.
  66  He's a sworn rioter; he has a sin
  67  That often drowns him and takes his valour prisoner.
  68  If there were no foes, that were enough
  69  To overcome him. In that beastly fury
  70  He has been known to commit outrages
  71  And cherish factions. 'Tis inferred to us
  72  His days are foul and his drink dangerous.
  73B <S FIRST SENATOR> He dies.<S ALCIBIADES> Hard fate! He might have died   +
  73B in war.
  74  My lords, if not for any parts in him_
  75  Though his right arm might purchase his own time
  76  And be in debt to none_yet more to move you,
  77  Take my deserts to his and join 'em both.
  78  And for I know
  79  Your reverend ages love security,
  80  I'll pawn my victories, all my honour to you
  81  Upon his good returns.
  82  If by this crime he owes the law his life,
  83  Why, let the war receive 't in valiant gore,
  84  For law is strict, and war is nothing more.
  85  <S FIRST SENATOR> We are for law; he dies. Urge it no more,
  86  On height of our displeasure. Friend or brother,
  87  He forfeits his own blood that spills another.
  88  <S ALCIBIADES> Must it be so? It must not be.
  89B My lords, I do beseech you know me.<S SECOND SENATOR> How?
  90B <S ALCIBIADES> Call me to your remembrances.<S THIRD SENATOR> What?
  91  <S ALCIBIADES> I cannot think but your age has forgot me.
  92  It could not else be I should prove so base
  93  To sue and be denied such common grace.
  94B My wounds ache at you.<S FIRST SENATOR> Do you dare our anger?
  95  'Tis in few words, but spacious in effect:
  96B We banish thee for ever.<S ALCIBIADES> Banish me?
  97  Banish your dotage, banish usury
  98B That makes the senate ugly.<S FIRST SENATOR> If after two days' shine
  99  Athens contain thee, attend our weightier judgement;
 100  And, not to swell your spirit, he shall be
 101  Executed presently.<T esd> {Exeunt Senators [and attendants]}
 102  <S ALCIBIADES> <T verse> Now the gods keep you old enough that you may   +
 102  live
 103  Only in bone, that none may look on you!
 104  I'm worse than mad. I have kept back their foes
 105  While they have told their money and let out
 106  Their coin upon large interest_I myself,
 107  Rich only in large hurts. All those for this?
 108  Is this the balsam that the usuring senate
 109  Pours into captains' wounds? Banishment!
 110  It comes not ill; I hate not to be banished.
 111  It is a cause worthy my spleen and fury,
 112  That I may strike at Athens. I'll cheer up
 113  My discontented troops, and lay for hearts.
 114  'Tis honour with most lands to be at odds.
 115  Soldiers should brook as little wrongs as gods.<T esd> {Exit}
   0  <A ?Middleton>
   0  <Y 7> <T dsd> {Enter divers of Timon's friends, [amongst them Lucullus,  +
   0  Lucius, Sempronius, and other Lords and Senators,] at several doors}
   1  <S FIRST LORD> <T prose> The good time of day to you, sir.
   2  <S SECOND LORD> I also wish it to you. I think this honourable
   3  lord did but try us this other day.
   4  <S FIRST LORD> Upon that were my thoughts tiring when we
   5  encountered. I hope it is not so low with him as he
   6  made it seem in the trial of his several friends.
   7  <S SECOND LORD> It should not be, by the persuasion of his
   8  new feasting.
   9  <S FIRST LORD> I should think so. He hath sent me an earnest
  10  inviting, which many my near occasions did urge me
  11  to put off, but he hath conjured me beyond them, and
  12  I must needs appear.
  13  <S SECOND LORD> In like manner was I in debt to my
  14  importunate business, but he would not hear my
  15  excuse. I am sorry when he sent to borrow of me that
  16  my provision was out.
  17  <S FIRST LORD> I am sick of that grief too, as I understand
  18  how all things go.
  19  <S SECOND LORD> Every man hears so. What would he have
  20  borrowed of you?
  21  <S FIRST LORD> A thousand pieces.
  22  <S SECOND LORD> A thousand pieces?
  23  <S FIRST LORD> What of you?
  24  <S SECOND LORD> He sent to me, sir_<T dsd> {[Loud music.] Enter Timon    +
  24  and attendants}
  25  <T prose> Here he comes.
  26  <S TIMON> With all my heart, gentlemen both; and how fare
  27  you?
  28  <S FIRST LORD> Ever at the best, hearing well of your lordship.
  29  <S SECOND LORD> The swallow follows not summer more
  30  willing than we your lordship.
  31  <S TIMON> <T asd> {(aside)}<T prose> Nor more willingly leaves winter,   +
  31  such
  32  summer birds are men._Gentlemen, our dinner will
  33  not recompense this long stay. Feast your ears with
  34  the music a while, if they will fare so harshly o' th'
  35  trumpets' sound; we shall to 't presently.
  36  <A Shakespeare>
  36  <S FIRST LORD> I hope it remains not unkindly with your
  37  lordship that I returned you an empty messenger.
  38  <S TIMON> O sir, let it not trouble you.
  39  <S SECOND LORD> My noble lord_
  40  <S TIMON> Ah, my good friend, what cheer?<T dsd> {[A table and stools    +
  40  are] brought in}
  41  <S SECOND LORD> <T prose> My most honourable lord, I am e'en sick of
  42  shame that when your lordship this other day sent to
  43  me I was so unfortunate a beggar.
  44  <S TIMON> Think not on 't, sir.
  45  <S SECOND LORD> If you had sent but two hours before_
  46  <S TIMON> Let it not cumber your better remembrance._
  47  Come, bring in all together.<T dsd> {[Enter Servants with covered        +
  47  dishes]}
  48  <S SECOND LORD> <T prose> All covered dishes.
  49  <S FIRST LORD> Royal cheer, I warrant you.
  50  <S THIRD LORD> Doubt not that, if money and the season can
  51  yield it.
  52  <S FIRST LORD> How do you? What's the news?
  53  <S THIRD LORD> Alcibiades is banished. Hear you of it?
  54  <S FIRST {AND} SECOND LORDS> Alcibiades banished?
  55  <S THIRD LORD> 'Tis so, be sure of it.
  56  <S FIRST LORD> How, how?
  57  <S SECOND LORD> I pray you, upon what?
  58  <S TIMON> My worthy friends, will you draw near?
  59  <S THIRD LORD> I'll tell you more anon. Here's a noble feast
  60  toward.
  61  <S SECOND LORD> This is the old man still.
  62  <S THIRD LORD> Will 't hold, will 't hold?
  63  <S SECOND LORD> It does; but time will_and so_
  64  <S THIRD LORD> I do conceive.
  65  <S TIMON> Each man to his stool with that spur as he would
  66  to the lip of his mistress. Your diet shall be in all places
  67  alike. Make not a city feast of it, to let the meat cool
  68  ere we can agree upon the first place. Sit, sit. The gods
  69  require our thanks.<T dsd> {They sit}
  70  <T prose> You great benefactors, sprinkle our society with
  71  thankfulness. For your own gifts make yourselves
  72  praised; but reserve still to give, lest your deities be
  73  despised. Lend to each man enough that one need not
  74  lend to another; for were your godheads to borrow of
  75  men, men would forsake the gods. Make the meat be
  76  beloved more than the man that gives it. Let no
  77  assembly of twenty be without a score of villains. If
  78  there sit twelve women at the table, let a dozen of them
  79  be as they are. The rest of your foes, O gods_the
  80  senators of Athens, together with the common tag of
  81  people_what is amiss in them, you gods, make suitable
  82  for destruction. For these my present friends, as they
  83  are to me nothing, so in nothing bless them; and to
  84  nothing are they welcome._Uncover, dogs, and lap.<T dsd> {The dishes     +
  84  are uncovered, and seen to be full of steaming water [and stones]}
  85A <S SOME LORDS> <T verse> What does his lordship mean?
  86A <S OTHER LORDS> I know not.
  87  <S TIMON> May you a better feast never behold,
  88  You knot of mouth-friends. Smoke and lukewarm water
  89  Is your perfection. This is Timon's last,
  90  Who, stuck and spangled with your flattery,
  91  Washes it off, and sprinkles in your faces
  92B Your reeking villainy.<T dsd> {[He throws water in their                 +
  92B faces]}<T verse> Live loathed and long,
  93  Most smiling, smooth, detested parasites,
  94  Courteous destroyers, affable wolves, meek bears,
  95  You fools of fortune, trencher-friends, time's flies,
  96  Cap-and-knee slaves, vapours, and minute-jacks!
  97  Of man and beast the infinite malady
  98B Crust you quite o'er.<T dsd> {[A Lord is going]}<T verse> What, dost     +
  98B thou go?
  99  Soft, take thy physic first. Thou too, and thou.<T dsd> {[He beats       +
  99  them]}
 100  <T verse> Stay, I will lend thee money, borrow none.<T esd> {Exeunt      +
 100  Lords, leaving caps and gowns}
 101  <T verse> What, all in motion? Henceforth be no feast
 102  Whereat a villain's not a welcome guest.
 103  Burn house! Sink Athens! Henceforth hated be
 104  Of Timon man and all humanity!<T esd> {Exit}
 105A <A Middleton>
 105A <T dsd> {Enter the Senators and other Lords}<S FIRST LORD> <T verse>     +
 105A How now, my lords?
 106  <S SECOND LORD> Know you the quality of Lord Timon's fury?
 107B <S THIRD LORD> Push! Did you see my cap?<S FOURTH LORD> I have lost my   +
 107B gown.
 108  <S FIRST LORD> <T prose> He's but a mad lord, and naught but humours
 109  sways him. He gave me a jewel th' other day, and now
 110  he has beat it out of my hat.
 111B <T verse> Did you see my jewel?<S [THIRD] LORD> Did you see my cap?
 112B <S [SECOND] LORD> Here 'tis.<S FOURTH LORD> Here lies my gown.           +
 112B <S FIRST LORD> Let's make no stay.
 113B <S SECOND LORD> Lord Timon's mad.<S THIRD LORD> I feel 't upon my bones.
 114  <S FOURTH LORD> One day he gives us diamonds, next day stones.<T esd>    +
 114  {Exeunt}
   0  <A Shakespeare>
   0  <X 4> <Y 1> <T dsd> {Enter Timon}
   1  <S TIMON> <T verse> Let me look back upon thee. O thou wall
   2  That girdles in those wolves, dive in the earth,
   3  And fence not Athens! Matrons, turn incontinent!
   4  Obedience fail in children! Slaves and fools,
   5  Pluck the grave wrinkled senate from the bench
   6  And minister in their steads! To general filths
   7  Convert o' th' instant, green virginity!
   8  Do 't in your parents' eyes. Bankrupts, hold fast!
   9  Rather than render back, out with your knives,
  10  And cut your trusters' throats. Bound servants, steal!
  11  Large-handed robbers your grave masters are,
  12  And pill by law. Maid, to thy master's bed!
  13  Thy mistress is o' th' brothel. Son of sixteen,
  14  Pluck the lined crutch from thy old limping sire;
  15  With it beat out his brains! Piety and fear,
  16  Religion to the gods, peace, justice, truth,
  17  Domestic awe, night rest, and neighbourhood,
  18  Instruction, manners, mysteries, and trades,
  19  Degrees, observances, customs, and laws,
  20  Decline to your confounding contraries,
  21  And let confusion live! Plagues incident to men,
  22  Your potent and infectious fevers heap
  23  On Athens, ripe for stroke! Thou cold sciatica,
  24  Cripple our senators, that their limbs may halt
  25  As lamely as their manners! Lust and liberty,
  26  Creep in the minds and marrows of our youth,
  27  That 'gainst the stream of virtue they may strive
  28  And drown themselves in riot! Itches, blains,
  29  Sow all th' Athenian bosoms, and their crop
  30  Be general leprosy! Breath infect breath,
  31  That their society, as their friendship, may
  32B Be merely poison!<T dsd> {[He tears off his clothes]}<T verse> Nothing   +
  32B I'll bear from thee
  33  But nakedness, thou detestable town;
  34  Take thou that too, with multiplying bans.
  35  Timon will to the woods, where he shall find
  36  Th' unkindest beast more kinder than mankind.
  37  The gods confound_hear me you good gods all_
  38  Th' Athenians, both within and out that wall;
  39  And grant, as Timon grows, his hate may grow
  40  To the whole race of mankind, high and low.
  41  Amen.<T esd> {Exit}
   0  <A ?Middleton>
   0  <Y 2> <T dsd> {Enter Flavius, with two or three Servants}
   1  <S FIRST SERVANT> <T verse> Hear you, master steward, where's our        +
   1  master?
   2  Are we undone, cast off, nothing remaining?
   3  <S FLAVIUS> Alack, my fellows, what should I say to you?
   4  Let me be recorded: by the righteous gods,
   5B I am as poor as you.<S FIRST SERVANT> Such a house broke,
   6  So noble a master fall'n? All gone, and not
   7  One friend to take his fortune by the arm
   8B And go along with him?<S SECOND SERVANT> As we do turn our backs
   9  From our companion thrown into his grave,
  10  So his familiars to his buried fortunes
  11  Slink all away, leave their false vows with him
  12  Like empty purses picked; and his poor self,
  13  A dedicated beggar to the air,
  14  With his disease of all-shunned poverty,
  15B Walks like contempt alone.<T dsd> {Enter other Servants}<T verse> More   +
  15B of our fellows.
  16  <S FLAVIUS> All broken implements of a ruined house.
  17  <S THIRD SERVANT> Yet do our hearts wear Timon's livery.
  18  That see I by our faces. We are fellows still,
  19  Serving alike in sorrow. Leaked is our barque,
  20  And we, poor mates, stand on the dying deck
  21  Hearing the surges' threat. We must all part
  22B Into this sea of air.<S FLAVIUS> Good fellows all,
  23  The latest of my wealth I'll share amongst you.
  24  Wherever we shall meet, for Timon's sake
  25  Let's yet be fellows. Let's shake our heads and say,
  26  As 'twere a knell unto our master's fortunes,
  27B `We have seen better days."<T dsd> {He gives them money}<T verse> Let    +
  27B each take some.
  28  Nay, put out all your hands. Not one word more.
  29  Thus part we rich in sorrow, parting poor.<T dsd> {They embrace, and     +
  29  the Servants part several ways}
  30  <A Middleton>
  30  <T verse> O, the fierce wretchedness that glory brings us!
  31  Who would not wish to be from wealth exempt,
  32  Since riches point to misery and contempt?
  33  Who would be so mocked with glory, or to live
  34  But in a dream of friendship,
  35  To have his pomp and all what state compounds
  36  But only painted like his varnished friends?
  37  Poor honest lord, brought low by his own heart,
  38  Undone by goodness! Strange, unusual blood
  39  When man's worst sin is he does too much good!
  40  Who then dares to be half so kind again?
  41  For bounty, that makes gods, does still mar men.
  42  My dearest lord, blessed to be most accursed,
  43  Rich only to be wretched, thy great fortunes
  44  Are made thy chief afflictions. Alas, kind lord!
  45  He's flung in rage from this ingrateful seat
  46  Of monstrous friends;
  47  Nor has he with him to supply his life,
  48  Or that which can command it.
  49  I'll follow and enquire him out.
  50  I'll ever serve his mind with my best will.
  51  Whilst I have gold I'll be his steward still.<T esd> {Exit}
   0  <A Shakespeare>
   0  <Y 3> <T dsd> {Enter Timon [from his cave] in the woods, [half naked,    +
   0  and with a spade]}
   1  <S TIMON> <T verse> O blesse\d breeding sun, draw from the earth
   2  Rotten humidity; below thy sister's orb
   3  Infect the air. Twinned brothers of one womb,
   4  Whose procreation, residence, and birth
   5  Scarce is dividant, touch them with several fortunes,
   6  The greater scorns the lesser. Not nature,
   7  To whom all sores lay siege, can bear great fortune
   8  But by contempt of nature.
   9  It is the pasture lards the brother's sides,
  10  The want that makes him lean.
  11  Raise me this beggar and demit that lord,
  12  The senator shall bear contempt hereditary,
  13  The beggar native honour. Who dares, who dares
  14  In purity of manhood stand upright
  15  And say `This man's a flatterer"? If one be,
  16  So are they all, for every grece of fortune
  17  Is smoothed by that below. The learne\d pate
  18  Ducks to the golden fool. All's obliquy;
  19  There's nothing level in our curse\d natures
  20  But direct villainy. Therefore be abhorred
  21  All feasts, societies, and throngs of men.
  22  His semblable, yea, himself, Timon disdains.
  23  Destruction fang mankind. Earth, yield me roots.<T dsd> {He digs}
  24  <T verse> Who seeks for better of thee, sauce his palate
  25B With thy most operant poison.<T dsd> {He finds gold}<T verse> What is    +
  25B here?
  26  Gold? Yellow, glittering, precious gold?
  27  No, gods, I am no idle votarist:
  28  Roots, you clear heavens. Thus much of this will make
  29  Black white, foul fair, wrong right,
  30  Base noble, old young, coward valiant.
  31  Ha, you gods! Why this, what, this, you gods? Why, this
  32  Will lug your priests and servants from your sides,
  33  Pluck stout men's pillows from below their heads.
  34  This yellow slave
  35  Will knit and break religions, bless th' accursed,
  36  Make the hoar leprosy adored, place thieves,
  37  And give them title, knee, and approbation
  38  With senators on the bench. This is it
  39  That makes the wappered widow wed again.
  40  She whom the spittle house and ulcerous sores
  41  Would cast the gorge at, this embalms and spices
  42  To th' April day again. Come, damne\d earth,
  43  Thou common whore of mankind, that puts odds
  44  Among the rout of nations; I will make thee
  45B Do thy right nature.<T dsd> {March afar off}<T verse> Ha, a drum!        +
  45B Thou'rt quick;
  46B But yet I'll bury thee.<T dsd> {He buries gold}<T verse> Thou'lt go,     +
  46B strong thief,
  47  When gouty keepers of thee cannot stand.<T dsd> {He keeps some gold}
  48B <T verse> Nay, stay thou out for earnest.<T dsd> {Enter Alcibiades,      +
  48B with soldiers playing drum and fife, in warlike manner; and Phrynia and  +
  48B Timandra}<S ALCIBIADES> <T verse> What art thou there? Speak.
  49  <S TIMON> A beast, as thou art. The canker gnaw thy heart
  50  For showing me again the eyes of man.
  51  <S ALCIBIADES> What is thy name? Is man so hateful to thee
  52  That art thyself a man?
  53  <S TIMON> I am Misanthropos, and hate mankind.
  54  For thy part, I do wish thou wert a dog,
  55B That I might love thee something.<S ALCIBIADES> I know thee well,
  56  But in thy fortunes am unlearned and strange.
  57  <S TIMON> I know thee too, and more than that I know thee
  58  I not desire to know. Follow thy drum.
  59  With man's blood paint the ground gules, gules.
  60  Religious canons, civil laws, are cruel;
  61  Then what should war be? This fell whore of thine
  62  Hath in her more destruction than thy sword,
  63B For all her cherubin look.<S PHRYNIA> Thy lips rot off!
  64  <S TIMON> I will not kiss thee; then the rot returns
  65  To thine own lips again.
  66  <S ALCIBIADES> How came the noble Timon to this change?
  67  <S TIMON> As the moon does, by wanting light to give.
  68  But then renew I could not like the moon;
  69  There were no suns to borrow of.
  70  <S ALCIBIADES> Noble Timon, what friendship may I do thee?
  71  <S TIMON> None but to maintain my opinion.
  72A <S ALCIBIADES> What is it, Timon?
  73  <S TIMON> <T prose> Promise me friendship, but perform none. If thou
  74  wilt promise, the gods plague thee, for thou art a man. If
  75  thou dost not perform, confound thee, for thou art a
  76  man.
  77  <S ALCIBIADES> <T verse> I have heard in some sort of thy miseries.
  78  <S TIMON> Thou saw'st them when I had prosperity.
  79  <S ALCIBIADES> I see them now; then was a blesse\d time.
  80  <S TIMON> As thine is now, held with a brace of harlots.
  81  <S TIMANDRA> Is this th' Athenian minion, whom the world
  82B Voiced so regardfully?<S TIMON> Art thou Timandra?
  83A <S TIMANDRA> Yes.
  84  <S TIMON> Be a whore still. They love thee not that use thee.
  85  Give them diseases, leaving with thee their lust.
  86  Make use of thy salt hours: season the slaves
  87  For tubs and baths, bring down rose-cheeked youth
  88B To the tub-fast and the diet.<S TIMANDRA> Hang thee, monster!
  89  <S ALCIBIADES> Pardon him, sweet Timandra, for his wits
  90  Are drowned and lost in his calamities.
  91  I have but little gold of late, brave Timon,
  92  The want whereof doth daily make revolt
  93  In my penurious band. I have heard and grieved
  94  How curse\d Athens, mindless of thy worth,
  95  Forgetting thy great deeds, when neighbour states
  96  But for thy sword and fortune trod upon them_
  97  <S TIMON> I prithee, beat thy drum and get thee gone.
  98  <S ALCIBIADES> I am thy friend, and pity thee, dear Timon.
  99  <S TIMON> How dost thou pity him whom thou dost trouble?
 100B I had rather be alone.<S ALCIBIADES> Why, fare thee well.
 101B Here is some gold for thee.<S TIMON> Keep it. I cannot eat it.
 102  <S ALCIBIADES> When I have laid proud Athens on a heap_
 103B <S TIMON> Warr'st thou 'gainst Athens?<S ALCIBIADES> Ay, Timon, and      +
 103B have cause.
 104  <S TIMON> The gods confound them all in thy conquest,
 105  And thee after, when thou hast conquere\d.
 106B <S ALCIBIADES> Why me, Timon?<S TIMON> That by killing of villains
 107  Thou wast born to conquer my country.
 108B Put up thy gold.<T dsd> {He gives Alcibiades gold}<T verse> Go on;       +
 108B here's gold; go on.
 109  Be as a planetary plague when Jove
 110  Will o'er some high-viced city hang his poison
 111  In the sick air. Let not thy sword skip one.
 112  Pity not honoured age for his white beard;
 113  He is an usurer. Strike me the counterfeit matron;
 114  It is her habit only that is honest,
 115  Herself's a bawd. Let not the virgin's cheek
 116  Make soft thy trenchant sword; for those milk paps
 117  That through the window-bars bore at men's eyes
 118  Are not within the leaf of pity writ;
 119  But set them down horrible traitors. Spare not the babe
 120  Whose dimpled smiles from fools exhaust their mercy.
 121  Think it a bastard whom the oracle
 122  Hath doubtfully pronounced thy throat shall cut,
 123  And mince it sans remorse. Swear against objects.
 124  Put armour on thine ears and on thine eyes
 125  Whose proof nor yells of mothers, maids, nor babes,
 126  Nor sight of priests in holy vestments bleeding,
 127  Shall pierce a jot. There's gold to pay thy soldiers.
 128  Make large confusion, and, thy fury spent,
 129  Confounded be thyself. Speak not. Be gone.
 130  <S ALCIBIADES> Hast thou gold yet? I'll take the gold thou giv'st me,
 131  Not all thy counsel.
 132  <S TIMON> Dost thou or dost thou not, heaven's curse upon thee!
 133  <S PHRYNIA {AND} TIMANDRA> Give us some gold, good Timon. Hast thou      +
 133  more?
 134  <S TIMON> Enough to make a whore forswear her trade,
 135  And to make wholesomeness a bawd. Hold up, you sluts,
 136B Your aprons mountant.<T dsd> {[He throws gold into their                 +
 136B aprons]}<T verse> You are not oathable,
 137  Although I know you'll swear, terribly swear,
 138  Into strong shudders and to heavenly agues
 139  Th' immortal gods that hear you. Spare your oaths;
 140  I'll trust to your conditions. Be whores still,
 141  And he whose pious breath seeks to convert you,
 142  Be strong in whore, allure him, burn him up.
 143  Let your close fire predominate his smoke;
 144  And be no turncoats. Yet may your pain-sick months
 145  Be quite contrary, and thatch your poor thin roofs
 146  With burdens of the dead_some that were hanged,
 147  No matter. Wear them, betray with them; whore still;
 148  Paint till a horse may mire upon your face.
 149B A pox of wrinkles!<S PHRYNIA {AND} TIMANDRA> Well, more gold; what       +
 149B then?
 150  Believe 't that we'll do anything for gold.
 151A <S TIMON> Consumptions sow
 152  In hollow bones of man, strike their sharp shins,
 153  And mar men's spurring. Crack the lawyer's voice,
 154  That he may never more false title plead
 155  Nor sound his quillets shrilly. Hoar the flamen
 156  That scolds against the quality of flesh
 157  And not believes himself. Down with the nose,
 158  Down with it flat; take the bridge quite away
 159  Of him that his particular to foresee
 160  Smells from the general weal. Make curled-pate ruffians bald,
 161  And let the unscarred braggarts of the war
 162  Derive some pain from you. Plague all,
 163  That your activity may defeat and quell
 164  The source of all erection. There's more gold.
 165  Do you damn others, and let this damn you;
 166  And ditches grave you all!
 167  <S PHRYNIA {AND} TIMANDRA> More counsel with more money, bounteous       +
 167  Timon.
 168  <S TIMON> More whore, more mischief first; I have given you earnest.
 169  <S ALCIBIADES> Strike up the drum towards Athens. Farewell, Timon.
 170  If I thrive well, I'll visit thee again.
 171  <S TIMON> If I hope well, I'll never see thee more.
 172A <S ALCIBIADES> I never did thee harm.
 173A <S TIMON> Yes, thou spok'st well of me.
 174A <S ALCIBIADES> Call'st thou that harm?
 175  <S TIMON> Men daily find it. Get thee away,
 176B And take thy beagles with thee.<S ALCIBIADES> We but offend him.         +
 176B Strike!<T esd> {Exeunt [to drum and fife] all but Timon}
 177  <S TIMON> <T verse> That nature, being sick of man's unkindness,
 178B Should yet be hungry!<T dsd> {He digs the earth}<T verse> Common         +
 178B mother_thou
 179  Whose womb unmeasurable and infinite breast
 180  Teems and feeds all, whose selfsame mettle
 181  Whereof thy proud child, arrogant man, is puffed
 182  Engenders the black toad and adder blue,
 183  The gilded newt and eyeless venomed worm,
 184  With all th' abhorre\d births below crisp heaven
 185  Whereon Hyperion's quick'ning fire doth shine_
 186  Yield him who all thy human sons do hate
 187  From forth thy plenteous bosom, one poor root.
 188  Ensear thy fertile and conceptious womb;
 189  Let it no more bring out ingrateful man.
 190  Go great with tigers, dragons, wolves, and bears;
 191  Teem with new monsters whom thy upward face
 192  Hath to the marbled mansion all above
 193B Never presented.<T dsd> {He finds a root}<T verse> O, a root! Dear       +
 193B thanks.
 194  Dry up thy marrows, vines, and plough-torn leas,
 195  Whereof ingrateful man with liquorish draughts
 196  And morsels unctuous greases his pure mind,
 197  That from it all consideration slips!_<T dsd> {Enter Apemantus}
 198  <T verse> More man? Plague, plague!
 199  <S APEMANTUS> I was directed hither. Men report
 200  Thou dost affect my manners, and dost use them.
 201  <S TIMON> 'Tis then because thou dost not keep a dog
 202  Whom I would imitate. Consumption catch thee!
 203  <S APEMANTUS> This is in thee a nature but infected,
 204  A poor unmanly melancholy, sprung
 205  From change of fortune. Why this spade, this place,
 206  This slave-like habit, and these looks of care?
 207  Thy flatterers yet wear silk, drink wine, lie soft,
 208  Hug their diseased perfumes, and have forgot
 209  That ever Timon was. Shame not these woods
 210  By putting on the cunning of a carper.
 211  Be thou a flatterer now, and seek to thrive
 212  By that which has undone thee. Hinge thy knee,
 213  And let his very breath whom thou'lt observe
 214  Blow off thy cap. Praise his most vicious strain,
 215  And call it excellent. Thou wast told thus.
 216  Thou gav'st thine ears like tapsters that bade welcome
 217  To knaves and all approachers. 'Tis most just
 218  That thou turn rascal. Hadst thou wealth again,
 219  Rascals should have 't. Do not assume my likeness.
 220  <S TIMON> Were I like thee, I'd throw away myself.
 221  <S APEMANTUS> Thou hast cast away thyself being like thyself_
 222  A madman so long, now a fool. What, think'st
 223  That the bleak air, thy boisterous chamberlain,
 224  Will put thy shirt on warm? Will these mossed trees
 225  That have outlived the eagle page thy heels
 226  And skip when thou point'st out? Will the cold brook,
 227  Candied with ice, caudle thy morning taste
 228  To cure thy o'ernight's surfeit? Call the creatures
 229  Whose naked natures live in all the spite
 230  Of wreakful heaven, whose bare unhouse\d trunks
 231  To the conflicting elements exposed
 232  Answer mere nature; bid them flatter thee.
 233B O, thou shalt find_<S TIMON> A fool of thee! Depart.
 234  <S APEMANTUS> I love thee better now than e'er I did.
 235B <S TIMON> I hate thee worse.<S APEMANTUS> Why?<S TIMON> Thou flatter'st  +
 235B misery.
 236  <S APEMANTUS> I flatter not, but say thou art a caitiff.
 237B <S TIMON> Why dost thou seek me out?<S APEMANTUS> To vex thee.
 238  <S TIMON> Always a villain's office, or a fool's.
 239B Dost please thyself in 't?<S APEMANTUS> Ay.<S TIMON> What, a knave too?
 240  <S APEMANTUS> If thou didst put this sour cold habit on
 241  To castigate thy pride, 'twere well; but thou
 242  Dost it enforce\dly. Thou'dst courtier be again
 243  Wert thou not beggar. Willing misery
 244  Outlives incertain pomp, is crowned before.
 245  The one is filling still, never complete;
 246  The other at high wish. Best state, contentless,
 247  Hath a distracted and most wretched being,
 248  Worse than the worst, content.
 249  Thou shouldst desire to die, being miserable.
 250  <S TIMON> Not by his breath that is more miserable.
 251  Thou art a slave whom fortune's tender arm
 252  With favour never clasped, but bred a dog.
 253  Hadst thou like us from our first swathe proceeded
 254  The sweet degrees that this brief world affords
 255  To such as may the passive drudges of it
 256  Freely command, thou wouldst have plunged thyself
 257  In general riot, melted down thy youth
 258  In different beds of lust, and never learned
 259  The icy precepts of respect, but followed
 260  The sugared game before thee. But myself,
 261  Who had the world as my confectionary,
 262  The mouths, the tongues, the eyes and hearts of men
 263  At duty, more than I could frame employment,
 264  That numberless upon me stuck, as leaves
 265  Do on the oak, have with one winter's brush
 266  Fell from their boughs, and left me open, bare
 267  For every storm that blows_I to bear this,
 268  That never knew but better, is some burden.
 269  Thy nature did commence in sufferance, time
 270  Hath made thee hard in 't. Why shouldst thou hate men?
 271  They never flattered thee. What hast thou given?
 272  If thou wilt curse, thy father, that poor rag,
 273  Must be thy subject, who in spite put stuff
 274  To some she-beggar and compounded thee
 275  Poor rogue hereditary. Hence, be gone.
 276  If thou hadst not been born the worst of men
 277  Thou hadst been a knave and flatterer.
 278A <S APEMANTUS> Art thou proud yet?
 279A <S TIMON> Ay, that I am not thee.
 280A <S APEMANTUS> I that I was
 281B No prodigal.<S TIMON> I that I am one now.
 282  Were all the wealth I have shut up in thee
 283  I'd give thee leave to hang it. Get thee gone.
 284  That the whole life of Athens were in this!
 285B Thus would I eat it.<T dsd> {He bites the root}<S APEMANTUS> <T asd>     +
 285B {[offering food]}<T verse> Here, I will mend thy feast.
 286  <S TIMON> First mend my company: take away thyself.
 287  <S APEMANTUS> So I shall mend mine own by th' lack of thine.
 288  <S TIMON> 'Tis not well mended so, it is but botched;
 289B If not, I would it were.<S APEMANTUS> What wouldst thou have to Athens?
 290  <S TIMON> Thee thither in a whirlwind. If thou wilt,
 291  Tell them there I have gold. Look, so I have.
 292B <S APEMANTUS> Here is no use for gold.<S TIMON> The best and truest,
 293  For here it sleeps and does no hire\d harm.
 294  <S APEMANTUS> <T prose> Where liest a-nights, Timon?
 295  <S TIMON> Under that's above me. Where feed'st thou a-days,
 296  Apemantus?
 297  <S APEMANTUS> Where my stomach finds meat; or rather,
 298  where I eat it.
 299  <S TIMON> Would poison were obedient, and knew my mind!
 300  <S APEMANTUS> Where wouldst thou send it?
 301  <S TIMON> To sauce thy dishes.
 302  <S APEMANTUS> The middle of humanity thou never knewest,
 303  but the extremity of both ends. When thou wast in thy
 304  gilt and thy perfume, they mocked thee for too much
 305  curiosity; in thy rags thou know'st none, but art
 306  despised for the contrary. There's a medlar for thee;
 307  eat it.
 308  <S TIMON> On what I hate I feed not.
 309  <S APEMANTUS> Dost hate a medlar?
 310  <S TIMON> Ay, though it look like thee.
 311  <S APEMANTUS> An thou'dst hated meddlers sooner, thou
 312  shouldst have loved thyself better now. What man didst
 313  thou ever know unthrift that was beloved after his
 314  means?
 315  <S TIMON> Who, without those means thou talk'st of, didst
 316  thou ever know beloved?
 317  <S APEMANTUS> Myself.
 318  <S TIMON> I understand thee: thou hadst some means to keep
 319  a dog.
 320  <S APEMANTUS> What things in the world canst thou nearest
 321  compare to thy flatterers?
 322  <S TIMON> Women nearest; but men, men are the things
 323  themselves. What wouldst thou do with the world,
 324  Apemantus, if it lay in thy power?
 325  <S APEMANTUS> Give it the beasts, to be rid of the men.
 326  <S TIMON> Wouldst thou have thyself fall in the confusion of
 327  men, and remain a beast with the beasts?
 328  <S APEMANTUS> Ay, Timon.
 329  <S TIMON> A beastly ambition, which the gods grant thee
 330  t' attain to. If thou wert the lion, the fox would beguile
 331  thee. If thou wert the lamb, the fox would eat thee. If
 332  thou wert the fox, the lion would suspect thee when
 333  peradventure thou wert accused by the ass. If thou
 334  wert the ass, thy dullness would torment thee, and still
 335  thou lived'st but as a breakfast to the wolf. If thou wert
 336  the wolf, thy greediness would afflict thee, and oft thou
 337  shouldst hazard thy life for thy dinner. Wert thou the
 338  unicorn, pride and wrath would confound thee, and
 339  make thine own self the conquest of thy fury. Wert
 340  thou a bear, thou wouldst be killed by the horse. Wert
 341  thou a horse, thou wouldst be seized by the leopard.
 342  Wert thou a leopard, thou wert german to the lion,
 343  and the spots of thy kindred were jurors on thy life;
 344  all thy safety were remotion, and thy defence absence.
 345  What beast couldst thou be that were not subject to a
 346  beast? And what a beast art thou already, that seest
 347  not thy loss in transformation!
 348  <S APEMANTUS> If thou couldst please me with speaking to
 349  me, thou mightst have hit upon it here. The commonwealth
 350  of Athens is become a forest of beasts.
 351  <S TIMON> How, has the ass broke the wall, that thou art out
 352  of the city?
 353  <S APEMANTUS> Yonder comes a poet and a painter. The
 354  plague of company light upon thee! I will fear to catch
 355  it, and give way. When I know not what else to do,
 356  I'll see thee again.
 357  <S TIMON> When there is nothing living but thee, thou shalt
 358  be welcome. I had rather be a beggar's dog than
 359  Apemantus.
 360  <S APEMANTUS> <T verse> Thou art the cap of all the fools alive.
 361  <S TIMON> Would thou wert clean enough to spit upon.
 362  <S APEMANTUS> A plague on thee! Thou art too bad to curse.
 363  <S TIMON> All villains that do stand by thee are pure.
 364  <S APEMANTUS> There is no leprosy but what thou speak'st.
 365A <S TIMON> If I name thee.
 366  I'd beat thee, but I should infect my hands.
 367  <S APEMANTUS> I would my tongue could rot them off.
 368  <S TIMON> Away, thou issue of a mangy dog!
 369  Choler does kill me that thou art alive.
 370  I swoon to see thee.
 371A <S APEMANTUS> Would thou wouldst burst!
 372A <S TIMON> Away, thou tedious rogue!<T dsd> {[He throws a stone at        +
 372A Apemantus]}
 373  <T verse> I am sorry I shall lose a stone by thee.
 374A <S APEMANTUS> Beast!
 375A <S TIMON> Slave!
 376A <S APEMANTUS> Toad!
 377A <S TIMON> Rogue, rogue, rogue!
 378  I am sick of this false world, and will love naught
 379  But even the mere necessities upon 't.
 380  Then, Timon, presently prepare thy grave.
 381  Lie where the light foam of the sea may beat
 382  Thy gravestone daily. Make thine epitaph,
 383  That death in me at others' lives may laugh.<T dsd> {He looks on the     +
 383  gold}
 384  <T verse> O, thou sweet king-killer, and dear divorce
 385  'Twixt natural son and sire; thou bright defiler
 386  Of Hymen's purest bed; thou valiant Mars;
 387  Thou ever young, fresh, loved, and delicate wooer,
 388  Whose blush doth thaw the consecrated snow
 389  That lies on Dian's lap; thou visible god,
 390  That sold'rest close impossibilities
 391  And mak'st them kiss, that speak'st with every tongue
 392  To every purpose; O thou touch of hearts:
 393  Think thy slave man rebels, and by thy virtue
 394  Set them into confounding odds, that beasts
 395B May have the world in empire.<S APEMANTUS> Would 'twere so,
 396  But not till I am dead. I'll say thou'st gold.
 397B Thou wilt be thronged to shortly.<S TIMON> Thronged to?<S APEMANTUS>     +
 397B Ay.
 398B <S TIMON> Thy back, I prithee.<S APEMANTUS> Live, and love thy misery.
 399  <S TIMON> Long live so, and so die. I am quit.<T dsd> {Enter the         +
 399  Banditti, thieves}
 400  <S APEMANTUS> <T verse> More things like men. Eat, Timon, and abhor      +
 400  them.<T esd> {Exit}
 401  <S FIRST THIEF> <T prose> Where should he have this gold? It is some
 402  poor fragment, some slender ort of his remainder. The
 403  mere want of gold and the falling-from of his friends
 404  drove him into this melancholy.
 405  <S SECOND THIEF> It is noised he hath a mass of treasure.
 406  <S THIRD THIEF> Let us make the assay upon him. If he care
 407  not for 't, he will supply us easily. If he covetously
 408  reserve it, how shall 's get it?
 409  <S SECOND THIEF> True, for he bears it not about him; 'tis hid.
 410  <S FIRST THIEF> Is not this he?
 411  <S OTHER THIEVES> Where?
 412  <S SECOND THIEF> 'Tis his description.
 413  <S THIRD THIEF> He, I know him.
 414  <S ALL THIEVES> <T asd> {(coming forward)}<T prose> Save thee, Timon.
 415  <S TIMON> Now, thieves.
 416B <S ALL THIEVES> <T verse> Soldiers, not thieves.<S TIMON> Both, too,     +
 416B and women's sons.
 417  <S ALL THIEVES> We are not thieves, but men that much do want.
 418  <S TIMON> Your greatest want is, you want much of meat.
 419  Why should you want? Behold, the earth hath roots.
 420  Within this mile break forth a hundred springs.
 421  The oaks bear mast, the briars scarlet hips.
 422  The bounteous housewife nature on each bush
 423  Lays her full mess before you. Want? Why want?
 424  <S FIRST THIEF> We cannot live on grass, on berries, water,
 425  As beasts and birds and fishes.
 426  <S TIMON> Nor on the beasts themselves, the birds and fishes;
 427  You must eat men. Yet thanks I must you con
 428  That you are thieves professed, that you work not
 429  In holier shapes; for there is boundless theft
 430  In limited professions.<T asd> {(Giving gold)}<T verse> Rascal thieves,
 431  Here's gold. Go suck the subtle blood o' th' grape
 432  Till the high fever seethe your blood to froth,
 433  And so scape hanging. Trust not the physician;
 434  His antidotes are poison, and he slays
 435  More than you rob. Take wealth and lives together.
 436  Do villainy; do, since you protest to do 't,
 437  Like workmen. I'll example you with thievery.
 438  The sun's a thief, and with his great attraction
 439  Robs the vast sea. The moon's an arrant thief,
 440  And her pale fire she snatches from the sun.
 441  The sea's a thief, whose liquid surge resolves
 442  The moon into salt tears. The earth's a thief,
 443  That feeds and breeds by a composture stol'n
 444  From gen'ral excrement. Each thing's a thief.
 445  The laws, your curb and whip, in their rough power
 446  Has unchecked theft. Love not yourselves. Away,
 447  Rob one another. There's more gold. Cut throats;
 448  All that you meet are thieves. To Athens go,
 449  Break open shops; nothing can you steal
 450  But thieves do lose it. Steal no less for this I give you,
 451  And gold confound you howsoe'er. Amen.
 452  <S THIRD THIEF> <T prose> He's almost charmed me from my profession
 453  by persuading me to it.
 454  <S FIRST THIEF> 'Tis in the malice of mankind that he thus
 455  advises us, not to have us thrive in our mystery.
 456  <S SECOND THIEF> I'll believe him as an enemy, and give over
 457  my trade.
 458  <S FIRST THIEF> Let us first see peace in Athens. There is no
 459  time so miserable but a man may be true.<T esd> {Exeunt Thieves}
 460A <A Middleton>
 460A <T dsd> {Enter Flavius to Timon}<S FLAVIUS> <T verse> O you gods!
 461  Is yon despised and ruinous man my lord,
 462  Full of decay and failing? O monument
 463  And wonder of good deeds evilly bestowed!
 464  What an alteration of honour has desp'rate want made!
 465  What viler thing upon the earth than friends,
 466  Who can bring noblest minds to basest ends!
 467  How rarely does it meet with this time's guise,
 468  When man was wished to love his enemies!
 469  Grant I may ever love and rather woo
 470  Those that would mischief me than those that do!<T dsd> {Timon sees      +
 470  him}
 471  <T verse> He's caught me in his eye. I will present
 472  My honest grief unto him, and as my lord
 473  Still serve him with my life._My dearest master.
 474B <S TIMON> Away! What art thou?<S FLAVIUS> Have you forgot me, sir?
 475  <S TIMON> Why dost ask that? I have forgot all men;
 476  Then if thou grant'st thou'rt man, I have forgot thee.
 477  <S FLAVIUS> <T prose> An honest poor servant of yours.
 478  <S TIMON> <T verse> Then I know thee not. I never had
 479  Honest man about me; ay, all I kept were knaves,
 480B To serve in meat to villains.<S FLAVIUS> The gods are witness,
 481  Ne'er did poor steward wear a truer grief
 482  For his undone lord than mine eyes for you.
 483  <S TIMON> What, dost thou weep? Come nearer then; I love thee
 484  Because thou art a woman, and disclaim'st
 485  Flinty mankind whose eyes do never give
 486  But thorough lust and laughter. Pity's sleeping.
 487  Strange times, that weep with laughing, not with weeping!
 488  <S FLAVIUS> I beg of you to know me, good my lord,
 489B T' accept my grief,<T dsd> {[He offers his money]}<T verse> and whilst   +
 489B this poor wealth lasts
 490  To entertain me as your steward still.
 491A <S TIMON> Had I a steward
 492  So true, so just, and now so comfortable?
 493  It almost turns my dangerous nature mild.
 494  Let me behold thy face. Surely this man
 495  Was born of woman.
 496  Forgive my general and exceptless rashness,
 497  You perpetual sober gods! I do proclaim
 498  One honest man_mistake me not, but one,
 499  No more, I pray_and he's a steward.
 500  How fain would I have hated all mankind,
 501  And thou redeem'st thyself! But all save thee
 502  I fell with curses.
 503  Methinks thou art more honest now than wise,
 504  For by oppressing and betraying me
 505  Thou mightst have sooner got another service;
 506  For many so arrive at second masters
 507  Upon their first lord's neck. But tell me true_
 508  For I must ever doubt, though ne'er so sure_
 509  Is not thy kindness subtle, covetous,
 510  A usuring kindness, and, as rich men deal gifts,
 511  Expecting in return twenty for one?
 512  <S FLAVIUS> No, my most worthy master, in whose breast
 513  Doubt and suspect, alas, are placed too late.
 514  You should have feared false times when you did feast.
 515  Suspect still comes where an estate is least.
 516  That which I show, heaven knows, is merely love,
 517  Duty and zeal to your unmatche\d mind,
 518  Care of your food and living; and, believe it,
 519  My most honoured lord,
 520  For any benefit that points to me,
 521  Either in hope or present, I'd exchange
 522  For this one wish: that you had power and wealth
 523  To requite me by making rich yourself.
 524  <S TIMON> Look thee, 'tis so. Thou singly honest man,<T dsd> {[He gives  +
 524  Flavius gold]}
 525  <T verse> Here, take. The gods, out of my misery,
 526  Has sent thee treasure. Go, live rich and happy,
 527  But thus conditioned: thou shalt build from men,
 528  Hate all, curse all, show charity to none,
 529  But let the famished flesh slide from the bone
 530  Ere thou relieve the beggar. Give to dogs
 531  What thou deniest to men. Let prisons swallow 'em,
 532  Debts wither 'em to nothing; be men like blasted woods,
 533  And may diseases lick up their false bloods.
 534B And so farewell, and thrive.<S FLAVIUS> O, let me stay
 535B And comfort you, my master.<S TIMON> If thou hat'st curses,
 536  Stay not. Fly whilst thou art blest and free.
 537  Ne'er see thou man, and let me ne'er see thee.<T esd> {Exeunt [Timon     +
 537  into his cave, Flavius another way]}
   0  <A Shakespeare>
   0  <X 5> <Y 1> <T dsd> {Enter Poet and Painter}
   1  <S PAINTER> <T prose> As I took note of the place, it cannot be far      +
   1  where
   2  he abides.
   3  <S POET> What's to be thought of him? Does the rumour hold
   4  for true that he's so full of gold?
   5  <S PAINTER> Certain. Alcibiades reports it. Phrynia and
   6  Timandra had gold of him. He likewise enriched poor
   7  straggling soldiers with great quantity. 'Tis said he gave
   8  unto his steward a mighty sum.
   9  <S POET> Then this breaking of his has been but a try for his
  10  friends?
  11  <S PAINTER> Nothing else. You shall see him a palm in Athens
  12  again, and flourish with the highest. Therefore 'tis not
  13  amiss we tender our loves to him in this supposed distress
  14  of his. It will show honestly in us, and is very likely to
  15  load our purposes with what they travail for, if it be a
  16  just and true report that goes of his having.
  17  <S POET> What have you now to present unto him?
  18  <S PAINTER> Nothing at this time, but my visitation; only I
  19  will promise him an excellent piece.
  20  <S POET> I must serve him so too, tell him of an intent that's
  21  coming toward him.
  22  <S PAINTER> Good as the best.<T dsd> {[Enter Timon from his cave,        +
  22  unobserved]}
  23  <T prose> Promising is the very air o' th' time; it opens the eyes of
  24  expectation. Performance is ever the duller for his act,
  25  and but in the plainer and simpler kind of people the
  26  deed of saying is quite out of use. To promise is most
  27  courtly and fashionable. Performance is a kind of will or
  28  testament which argues a great sickness in his judgement
  29  that makes it.
  30  <S TIMON> <T asd> {(aside)}<T prose> Excellent workman, thou canst not   +
  30  paint a
  31  man so bad as is thyself.
  32  <S POET> <T asd> {(to Painter)}<T prose> I am thinking what I shall say  +
  32  I have
  33  provided for him. It must be a personating of himself, a
  34  satire against the softness of prosperity, with a discovery
  35  of the infinite flatteries that follow youth and opulency.
  36  <S TIMON> <T asd> {(aside)}<T prose> Must thou needs stand for a         +
  36  villain in thine
  37  own work? Wilt thou whip thine own faults in other
  38  men? Do so; I have gold for thee.
  39A <S POET> <T asd> {(to Painter)}<T verse> Nay, let's seek him.
  40  Then do we sin against our own estate
  41  When we may profit meet and come too late.
  42A <S PAINTER> True.
  43  When the day serves, before black-cornered night,
  44  Find what thou want'st by free and offered light.
  45  Come.
  46  <S TIMON> <T asd> {(aside)}<T verse> I'll meet you at the turn. What a   +
  46  god's gold,
  47  That he is worshipped in a baser temple
  48  Than where swine feed!
  49  'Tis thou that rigg'st the barque and plough'st the foam,
  50  Settlest admire\d reverence in a slave.
  51  To thee be worship, and thy saints for aye
  52  Be crowned with plagues, that thee alone obey.
  53  Fit I meet them.<T dsd> {He comes forward to them}
  54B <S POET> <T verse> Hail, worthy Timon!<S PAINTER> Our late noble         +
  54B master!
  55  <S TIMON> Have I once lived to see two honest men?
  56  <S POET> Sir, having often of your open bounty tasted,
  57  Hearing you were retired, your friends fall'n off,
  58  Whose thankless natures, O abhorre\d spirits,
  59  Not all the whips of heaven are large enough_
  60  What, to you,
  61  Whose star-like nobleness gave life and influence
  62  To their whole being! I am rapt, and cannot cover
  63  The monstrous bulk of this ingratitude
  64  With any size of words.
  65  <S TIMON> Let it go naked; men may see 't the better.
  66  You that are honest, by being what you are
  67B Make them best seen and known.<S PAINTER> He and myself
  68  Have travelled in the great show'r of your gifts,
  69B And sweetly felt it.<S TIMON> Ay, you are honest men.
  70  <S PAINTER> We are hither come to offer you our service.
  71  <S TIMON> Most honest men. Why, how shall I requite you?
  72  Can you eat roots and drink cold water? No.
  73  <S POET {AND} PAINTER> What we can do we'll do to do you service.
  74  <S TIMON> You're honest men. You've heard that I have gold,
  75  I am sure you have. Speak truth; you're honest men.
  76  <S PAINTER> So it is said, my noble lord, but therefor
  77  Came not my friend nor I.
  78  <S TIMON> Good honest men.<T asd> {(To Painter)}<T verse> Thou draw'st   +
  78  a counterfeit
  79  Best in all Athens; thou'rt indeed the best;
  80B Thou counterfeit'st most lively.<S PAINTER> So so, my lord.
  81  <S TIMON> E'en so, sir, as I say.<T asd> {(To Poet)}<T verse> And for    +
  81  thy fiction,
  82  Why, thy verse swells with stuff so fine and smooth
  83  That thou art even natural in thine art.
  84  But for all this, my honest-natured friends,
  85  I must needs say you have a little fault.
  86  Marry, 'tis not monstrous in you, neither wish I
  87B You take much pains to mend.<S POET {AND} PAINTER> Beseech your honour
  88B To make it known to us.<S TIMON> You'll take it ill.
  89A <S POET {AND} PAINTER> Most thankfully, my lord.
  90A <S TIMON> Will you indeed?
  91A <S POET {AND} PAINTER> Doubt it not, worthy lord.
  92  <S TIMON> There's never a one of you but trusts a knave
  93B That mightily deceives you.<S POET {AND} PAINTER> Do we, my lord?
  94  <S TIMON> Ay, and you hear him cog, see him dissemble,
  95  Know his gross patchery, love him, feed him,
  96  Keep in your bosom; yet remain assured
  97  That he's a made-up villain.
  98A <S PAINTER> I know none such, my lord.
  99A <S POET> Nor I.
 100  <S TIMON> Look you, I love you well. I'll give you gold,
 101  Rid me these villains from your companies.
 102  Hang them or stab them, drown them in a draught,
 103  Confound them by some course, and come to me,
 104B I'll give you gold enough.<S POET {AND} PAINTER> Name them, my lord,     +
 104B let's know them.
 105  <S TIMON> You that way and you this_but two in company_
 106  Each man apart, all single and alone,
 107  Yet an arch-villain keeps him company.
 108  <T asd> {[To Painter]}<T verse> If where thou art two villains shall     +
 108  not be,
 109  Come not near him.<T asd> {[To Poet]}<T verse> If thou wouldst not       +
 109  reside
 110  But where one villain is, then him abandon.
 111  Hence; pack!<T asd> {[Striking him]}<T verse> There's gold. You came     +
 111  for gold, ye slaves.
 112  <T asd> {[Striking Painter]}<T verse> You have work for me; there's      +
 112  payment. Hence!
 113  <T asd> {[Striking Poet]}<T verse> You are an alchemist; make gold of    +
 113  that.
 114  Out, rascal dogs!<T esd> {Exeunt [Poet and Painter one way,}
   0  {Timon into his cave]}<Y 2> <T dsd> {Enter Flavius and two Senators}
   1  <S FLAVIUS> <T verse> It is in vain that you would speak with Timon,
   2  For he is set so only to himself
   3  That nothing but himself which looks like man
   4B Is friendly with him.<S FIRST SENATOR> Bring us to his cave.
   5  It is our part and promise to th' Athenians
   6B To speak with Timon.<S SECOND SENATOR> At all times alike
   7  Men are not still the same. 'Twas time and griefs
   8  That framed him thus. Time with his fairer hand
   9  Offering the fortunes of his former days,
  10  The former man may make him. Bring us to him,
  11B And chance it as it may.<S FLAVIUS> Here is his cave.
  12  <T asd> {(Calling)}<T verse> Peace and content be here! Lord Timon,      +
  12  Timon,
  13  Look out and speak to friends. Th' Athenians
  14  By two of their most reverend senate greet thee.
  15  Speak to them, noble Timon.<T dsd> {Enter Timon out of his cave}
  16  <S TIMON> <T verse> Thou sun that comforts, burn! Speak and be hanged.
  17  For each true word a blister, and each false
  18  Be as a cantherizing to the root o' th' tongue,
  19B Consuming it with speaking.<S FIRST SENATOR> Worthy Timon_
  20  <S TIMON> Of none but such as you, and you of Timon.
  21  <S FIRST SENATOR> The senators of Athens greet thee, Timon.
  22  <S TIMON> I thank them, and would send them back the plague
  23B Could I but catch it for them.<S FIRST SENATOR> O, forget
  24  What we are sorry for, ourselves in thee.
  25  The senators with one consent of love
  26  Entreat thee back to Athens, who have thought
  27  On special dignities which vacant lie
  28B For thy best use and wearing.<S SECOND SENATOR> They confess
  29  Toward thee forgetfulness too general-gross,
  30  Which now the public body, which doth seldom
  31  Play the recanter, feeling in itself
  32  A lack of Timon's aid, hath sense withal
  33  Of it own fail, restraining aid to Timon;
  34  And send forth us to make their sorrowed render,
  35  Together with a recompense more fruitful
  36  Than their offence can weigh down by the dram;
  37  Ay, even such heaps and sums of love and wealth
  38  As shall to thee blot out what wrongs were theirs,
  39  And write in thee the figures of their love,
  40B Ever to read them thine.<S TIMON> You witch me in it,
  41  Surprise me to the very brink of tears.
  42  Lend me a fool's heart and a woman's eyes,
  43  And I'll beweep these comforts, worthy senators.
  44  <S FIRST SENATOR> Therefore so please thee to return with us,
  45  And of our Athens, thine and ours, to take
  46  The captainship, thou shalt be met with thanks,
  47  Allowed with absolute power, and thy good name
  48  Live with authority. So soon we shall drive back
  49  Of Alcibiades th' approaches wild,
  50  Who, like a boar too savage, doth root up
  51B His country's peace.<S SECOND SENATOR> And shakes his threat'ning sword
  52B Against the walls of Athens.<S FIRST SENATOR> Therefore, Timon_
  53  <S TIMON> Well, sir, I will; therefore I will, sir, thus.
  54  If Alcibiades kill my countrymen,
  55  Let Alcibiades know this of Timon:
  56  That Timon cares not. But if he sack fair Athens,
  57  And take our goodly age\d men by th' beards,
  58  Giving our holy virgins to the stain
  59  Of contumelious, beastly, mad-brained war,
  60  Then let him know, and tell him Timon speaks it
  61  In pity of our age\d and our youth,
  62  I cannot choose but tell him that I care not;
  63  And_let him take 't at worst_for their knives care not
  64  While you have throats to answer. For myself,
  65  There's not a whittle in th' unruly camp
  66  But I do prize it at my love before
  67  The reverend'st throat in Athens. So I leave you
  68  To the protection of the prosperous gods,
  69B As thieves to keepers.<S FLAVIUS> <T asd> {(to Senators)}<T verse> Stay  +
  69B not; all's in vain.
  70  <S TIMON> Why, I was writing of my epitaph.
  71  It will be seen tomorrow. My long sickness
  72  Of health and living now begins to mend,
  73  And nothing brings me all things. Go; live still.
  74  Be Alcibiades your plague, you his,
  75B And last so long enough.<S FIRST SENATOR> We speak in vain.
  76  <S TIMON> But yet I love my country, and am not
  77  One that rejoices in the common wrack
  78B As common bruit doth put it.<S FIRST SENATOR> That's well spoke.
  79  <S TIMON> Commend me to my loving countrymen_
  80  <S FIRST SENATOR> These words become your lips as they pass through      +
  80  them.
  81  <S SECOND SENATOR> And enter in our ears like great triumphers
  82B In their applauding gates.<S TIMON> Commend me to them,
  83  And tell them that to ease them of their griefs,
  84  Their fears of hostile strokes, their aches, losses,
  85  Their pangs of love, with other incident throes
  86  That nature's fragile vessel doth sustain
  87  In life's uncertain voyage, I will some kindness do them.
  88  I'll teach them to prevent wild Alcibiades' wrath.
  89  <S FIRST SENATOR> <T asd> {(aside)}<T verse> I like this well; he will   +
  89  return again.
  90  <S TIMON> I have a tree which grows here in my close
  91  That mine own use invites me to cut down,
  92  And shortly must I fell it. Tell my friends,
  93  Tell Athens, in the sequence of degree
  94  From high to low throughout, that whoso please
  95  To stop affliction, let him take his haste,
  96  Come hither ere my tree hath felt the axe,
  97  And hang himself. I pray you do my greeting.
  98  <S FLAVIUS> <T asd> {(to Senators)}<T verse> Trouble him no further.     +
  98  Thus you still shall find him.
  99  <S TIMON> Come not to me again, but say to Athens,
 100  Timon hath made his everlasting mansion
 101  Upon the beache\d verge of the salt flood,
 102  Who once a day with his embosse\d froth
 103  The turbulent surge shall cover. Thither come,
 104  And let my gravestone be your oracle.
 105  Lips, let four words go by, and language end.
 106  What is amiss, plague and infection mend.
 107  Graves only be men's works, and death their gain.
 108  Sun, hide thy beams. Timon hath done his reign.<T esd> {Exit [into his   +
 108  cave]}
 109  <S FIRST SENATOR> <T verse> His discontents are unremovably
 110  Coupled to nature.
 111  <S SECOND SENATOR> Our hope in him is dead. Let us return,
 112  And strain what other means is left unto us
 113B In our dear peril.<S FIRST SENATOR> It requires swift foot.<T esd>       +
 113B {Exeunt}
   0  <Y 3> <T dsd> {Enter two other Senators, with a Messenger}
   1  <S [THIRD] SENATOR> <T verse> Thou hast painfully discovered. Are his    +
   1  files
   2B As full as thy report?<S MESSENGER> I have spoke the least.
   3  Besides, his expedition promises
   4  Present approach.
   5  <S [FOURTH] SENATOR> We stand much hazard if they bring not Timon.
   6  <S MESSENGER> I met a courier, one mine ancient friend,
   7  Whom, though in general part we were opposed,
   8  Yet our old love made a particular force
   9  And made us speak like friends. This man was riding
  10  From Alcibiades to Timon's cave
  11  With letters of entreaty which imported
  12  His fellowship i' th' cause against your city,
  13B In part for his sake moved.<T dsd> {Enter the other Senators}            +
  13B <S [THIRD] SENATOR> <T verse> Here come our brothers.
  14  <S [FIRST] SENATOR> No talk of Timon; nothing of him expect.
  15  The enemy's drum is heard, and fearful scouring
  16  Doth choke the air with dust. In, and prepare.
  17  Ours is the fall, I fear, our foe's the snare.<T esd> {Exeunt}
   0  <Y 4> <T dsd> {Enter a Soldier, in the woods, seeking Timon}
   1  <S SOLDIER> <T verse> By all description, this should be the place.
   2B Who's here? Speak, ho! No answer?<T dsd> {[He discovers a                +
   2B gravestone]}<T verse> What is this?
   3  Dead, sure, and this his grave. What's on this tomb
   4  I cannot read. The character I'll take with wax.
   5  Our captain hath in every figure skill,
   6  An aged interpreter, though young in days.
   7  Before proud Athens he's set down by this,
   8  Whose fall the mark of his ambition is.<T esd> {Exit}
   0  <Y 5> <T dsd> {Trumpets sound. Enter Alcibiades with his powers, before  +
   0  Athens}
   1  <S ALCIBIADES> <T verse> Sound to this coward and lascivious town
   2  Our terrible approach.<T dsd> {A parley sounds. The Senators appear      +
   2  upon the walls}
   3  <T verse> Till now you have gone on and filled the time
   4  With all licentious measure, making your wills
   5  The scope of justice. Till now myself and such
   6  As slept within the shadow of your power
   7  Have wandered with our traversed arms, and breathed
   8  Our sufferance vainly. Now the time is flush
   9  When crouching marrow, in the bearer strong,
  10  Cries of itself `No more"; now breathless wrong
  11  Shall sit and pant in your great chairs of ease,
  12  And pursy insolence shall break his wind
  13B With fear and horrid flight.<S FIRST SENATOR> Noble and young,
  14  When thy first griefs were but a mere conceit,
  15  Ere thou hadst power or we had cause of fear,
  16  We sent to thee to give thy rages balm,
  17  To wipe out our ingratitude with loves
  18B Above their quantity.<S SECOND SENATOR> So did we woo
  19  Transforme\d Timon to our city's love
  20  By humble message and by promised means.
  21  We were not all unkind, nor all deserve
  22B The common stroke of war.<S FIRST SENATOR> These walls of ours
  23  Were not erected by their hands from whom
  24  You have received your grief; nor are they such
  25  That these great tow'rs, trophies, and schools should fall
  26B For private faults in them.<S SECOND SENATOR> Nor are they living
  27  Who were the motives that you first went out.
  28  Shame that they wanted cunning, in excess,
  29  Hath broke their hearts. March, noble lord,
  30  Into our city with thy banners spread.
  31  By decimation and a tithe\d death,
  32  If thy revenges hunger for that food
  33  Which nature loathes, take thou the destined tenth,
  34  And by the hazard of the spotted die
  35B Let die the spotted.<S FIRST SENATOR> All have not offended.
  36  For those that were, it is not square to take,
  37  On those that are, revenges. Crimes like lands
  38  Are not inherited. Then, dear countryman,
  39  Bring in thy ranks, but leave without thy rage.
  40  Spare thy Athenian cradle and those kin
  41  Which, in the bluster of thy wrath, must fall
  42  With those that have offended. Like a shepherd
  43  Approach the fold and cull th' infected forth,
  44B But kill not all together.<S SECOND SENATOR> What thou wilt,
  45  Thou rather shalt enforce it with thy smile
  46B Than hew to 't with thy sword.<S FIRST SENATOR> Set but thy foot
  47  Against our rampired gates and they shall ope,
  48  So thou wilt send thy gentle heart before
  49B To say thou'lt enter friendly.<S SECOND SENATOR> Throw thy glove,
  50  Or any token of thine honour else,
  51  That thou wilt use the wars as thy redress,
  52  And not as our confusion. All thy powers
  53  Shall make their harbour in our town till we
  54B Have sealed thy full desire.<S ALCIBIADES> <T asd> {[throwing up a       +
  54B glove]}<T verse> Then there's my glove.
  55  Descend, and open your uncharge\d ports.
  56  Those enemies of Timon's and mine own
  57  Whom you yourselves shall set out for reproof
  58  Fall, and no more; and to atone your fears
  59  With my more noble meaning, not a man
  60  Shall pass his quarter or offend the stream
  61  Of regular justice in your city's bounds
  62  But shall be remedied to your public laws
  63  At heaviest answer.
  64A <S BOTH SENATORS> 'Tis most nobly spoken.
  65A <S ALCIBIADES> Descend, and keep your words.<T dsd> {[Trumpets sound.    +
  65A Exeunt Senators from the walls.]}
  66  {Enter Soldier, with a tablet of wax}<S SOLDIER> <T verse> My noble      +
  66  general, Timon is dead,
  67  Entombed upon the very hem o' th' sea;
  68  And on his gravestone this insculpture, which
  69  With wax I brought away, whose soft impression
  70  Interprets for my poor ignorance.<T dsd> {Alcibiades reads the epitaph}
  71  <S ALCIBIADES> <T verse> `Here lies a wretched corpse,
  72  Of wretched soul bereft.
  73  Seek not my name. A plague consume
  74  You wicked caitiffs left!
  75  Here lie I, Timon, who alive
  76  All living men did hate.
  77  Pass by and curse thy fill, but pass
  78  And stay not here thy gait."
  79  These well express in thee thy latter spirits.
  80  Though thou abhorred'st in us our human griefs,
  81  Scorned'st our brains' flow and those our droplets which
  82  From niggard nature fall, yet rich conceit
  83  Taught thee to make vast Neptune weep for aye
  84  On thy low grave, on faults forgiven. Dead
  85  Is noble Timon, of whose memory
  86B Hereafter more.<T dsd> {[Enter Senators through the gates]}<T verse>     +
  86B Bring me into your city,
  87  And I will use the olive with my sword,
  88  Make war breed peace, make peace stint war, make each
  89  Prescribe to other as each other's leech.
  90  Let our drums strike.<T esd> {[Drums.] Exeunt [through the gates]}
      <T characters><X ><Y ><S ><A >
      ALCIBIADES
      ALL LADIES
      ALL LORDS
      ALL SERVANTS
      ALL THIEVES
      APEMANTUS
      BOTH SENATORS
      CAPHIS
      CUPID
      FIRST LORD
      FIRST SENATOR
      FIRST SERVANT
      FIRST STRANGER
      FIRST THIEF
      FIRST [LADY]
      FIRST {AND} SECOND LORDS
      FLAMINIUS
      FLAVIUS
      FOOL
      FOURTH LORD
      HORTENSIUS' SERVANT
      ISIDORE'S SERVANT
      JEWELLER
      LUCILIUS
      LUCIUS
      LUCIUS' SERVANT
      LUCULLUS
      LUCULLIUS' SERVANT
      MERCHANT
      MESSENGER
      OLD ATHENIAN
      OTHER LORDS
      OTHER THIEVES
      PAGE
      PAINTER
      PHILOTUS' SERVANT
      PHRYNIA
      PHRYNIA {AND} TIMANDRA
      POET
      POET {AND} PAINTER
      SECOND LORD
      SECOND SENATOR
      SECOND SERVANT
      SECOND STRANGER
      SECOND THIEF
      SEMPRONIUS
      SENATOR
      SERVANT
      SERVILIUS
      SOLDIER
      SOME LORDS
      THIRD LORD
      THIRD SENATOR
      THIRD SERVANT
      THIRD STRANGER
      THIRD THIEF
      TIMANDRA
      TIMON
      TITUS' SERVANT
      VARRO'S FIRST SERVANT
      VARRO'S SECOND SERVANT
      VARRO'S SERVANT
      VARRO'S [FIRST {AND}] SECOND SERVANTS
      VARRO'S [FIRST] SERVANT
      VENTIDIUS
      [FIRST LORD]
      [FIRST] SENATOR
      [FOURTH] SENATOR
      [HORTENSIUS' SERVANT]
      [LUCIUS]
      [SECOND] LORD
      [THIRD] LORD
      [THIRD] SENATOR
      <A ><D ><H ><K ><O ><S ><T ><X ><Y >