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As those which sell would give: but you well know,

Things of like value, differing in the owners.
Are prized by their masters: believe't, dear lord.
You mend the jewel by the wearing it

Tim. Weil mock'd.

Mer. No, my pood Inrd: he speaks the common Which all men speak with him. [tongue,

Tim. Look, who comes here: will you be chid?

Enter Apemantus. yew. We'll bear, with your lordship. Mer Hell spare none.

Tim. Good morrow to thee, gentle Apemantus 1 Apem. Till I be gentle, stay thou for thy good

morrow; [honest. When thou art Timon's dog, and these knaves Tun. Why dost thoa cail them knaves? thou

know'st them not. Apem. Are they not Athenians t Tim. Yes.

APem, Then I repent not.

Jem. You know me. Apemantus?

Afem. Thou know'st I do; I call'd thee by thy

Tim, Thou art proud, Apemantus. [name

Apem. Of nothing so much, as that I am not tike

Jim. Whither art going? (Timon.

Apem. To knock out an honest Athenian's brains.

Tim. That's a deed thou lt die for. (law.

Apem. Right, if doing nothing be death by the

Tim. How likest thou this picture, Apemantus?

Apem. The best, for the innocence.

Tim. Wrought he not well that painted it?

Apem. He wrought better that made the painter; and yet he's but a filthy piece of work.

Paitt, You re a dog.

Apem. Thy mother "s of my generation: what's she, if I be a dog I

Tim. Wilt dine with me, Apemantus?

Apem. No; I eat not lords.
Tim. An thou shouldst. thou 'dst anger ladies.

Apem. 0, they eat lords; so they come by great

Tim. That's a lascivious apprehension. [bellies.

Apem. So thou apprehendest it: take it for thy labour.

Tim. How dost thou like this jewel, Apemantus?
Apem. Not so well as plain-dealing, which will not
cost a man a doit.
Tim. What dost thou think 'tis worth?
Apem. Not worth my thinking.—How now, poet!
Poet. How now, philosopher?
Apem, Thou liest.
Poet. Art not one?

Apem. Yes. *
Poet. Then, I lie not.
Apem. Art not a poet?
Poet. Yes.

Apem. Then, thou liest :Iook in thylastwork,where thou hast feigned him a worthy fellow.

Poet. That s not feigned, he is so.

Apem- Yes, he is worthy of thee, and to pay thee for thy labour: he that loves to be flattered is worthy o' the fhtterer. Heavens, that I were a lord I

Tim. What wouldst do then, Apemantus?

Apem. Even as Apemantus does now. hate a lord

Tim. What, thyself? [with my heart.

Apem. Ay

Tim. Wherefore?

Apem. That I had no angry wit to be a lord.—Art Dot thou a merchant?

Mer Ay, Apemantus.

Apem. Traffic confound thee, if the gods will not!
Mer. If traffic do it. the gods do it. [thee
Apem. Traffic 's thy god; and thy god confound

Trumpet sounds. Enter a Servant.
Tim. What trumpet's that?
Serv. 'Tis Alcibiades, and some twenty horse.
All of companionship.

Tim. Fray, entertain them; give them guide to
us.— [Exeunt some Attendants.

You must needs dine with me :—go not you hence,
Till 1 have thanked ynu : when dimicr s done.
Show me this piece. —I am joyful of your sights.

Enter Alcibiades, with his company.
Most welcome, sir 1

Apem. So, so, there 1—

Aj'hes contract and starve your supple joints !— That there should be small love 'mongst these sweet knaves.

And all this courtesy 1 The strain of man's bred out

'nto baboon and monkey

AUib, Sir. you have sav'd my longing, and I feed Most hungerly on your sight.

Tim. R ight welcome, sir I

Ere we depart, well share a bounteous time in different pleasures. Pray you. let us in.

\ Exeunt all except Apemantus. Enter tivo Lords.

i Lord. What time o' day is't, Apemantus?

Afiem. Time to be honest.

1 Lard, That time serves still.

Apem. The more accursed thou, that still omitt'st it.

2 Lord. Thou art goin^ to lord Timon s feast? Apem. Ay, to see meat fill knaves, and wine heat a Lord. Fare thee well, fare thee well. [fools. Apem. Thou art a fool to bid me farewell twice.

3 Lord, Why, Apemantus?

Apem. Shouldst have kept one to thyself, for I mean to give thee none.

1 Lord. Hang thyself I

Apem. No, Twill do nothing at thy bidding: make ihy requests to thy friend.

2 Lord. Away, unpeaceable dog, or Til spurn thee hence.

Apem. I will fly, like a dog, the heels of an ass.

{Exit.

1 Lord. He's opposite to humanity, Come, shall we Ami taste lord Timon's bounty? he outgoes [in, The very heart of kindness.

2 Lord. He pours it out; Plutus, the god of gold. Is hut his steward : no meed, but he repays Sevenfold above itself; no gift to hiin,

But breeds the giver a return exceeding
All use of quittance.

1 Lord. The noblest mind he carries. That evergovern'd man.

2 Lord. Long may he live in fortunes I Shall we in I i Lord. I'll keep you company. [Exeunt.

SCENE II.—Athens. In Timon's House.

Hautboys playing loud music. A great banquet served in. Flavius and others attending: then enter Timon. Alcibiades, Lords, and Senators, Vemidius and attendants. Then comes, droppitig after all, Apemantus, discontentedly,

Ven. Most honour'd Timon, It hath nleas'd the gods to remember my father's age, And caH him to long peace. He is gone happy, and has left me rich: Then, as in grateful virtue 1 am bound To your free heart. I do return those talents. Doubled with thanks and service, from whose help I deriv'd liberty.

Tim. O, by no means.

Honest Ventidius; you mistake my love:
I gave it freely ever; and there's none
Can truly say he gives, if he receives:
If our betters play at that game, we must not dare
To imitate thein; faults that are rich are fair.

l\n. A noble spirit.

I They all stand ceremoniously looking on Timon.

Tim. Nay, my lords.

Ceremony was but devis'd at first.
To set a gloss on faint deeds, hollow welcomes,
Recanting goodness, sorry ere 'tis shown;
But where there is true friendship, there needs none.
Pray, sit; more welcome are ye to my fortunes.
Than my fortunes to me. [ They fit.

i Lord. My lord, we always have confess'd it,

Apem. Ho, ho, confess'd it I hang'd it have you not?

Tim O. Apemantus,—you are welcome.

Apem. No, you shall not make me welcome: I come to have thee thrust me out of doors.

Tim. Fie, thou 'rt a churl; you have got a humour there

Does not become a man; 'tis much to blame.—

They say, my lords, l«l furor brevis est;

But yond' man is ever angry.

Go, fut him have a table oy himself;

For he does neither affect company,

Nor is he fit for't. indeed.

Apem. Let ine stay at thine apperil, Timon: I conic to observe ; I give thee warning on't.

Tim. I take no heed of thee: thou art an Athenian % therefore, welcome* I myself would have no power; pr'ythee. let ray meat make thee silent.

Apetn. I scorn thy meat, 'twould choke me, forj J should ne'er flatter thee O you gods, what a number of men eat Timon. and lie sees them not It grieves me, lo see so many dip their meat in one man's blood ; and all the madness is, he cheers them up too

I wonder men dare trust themselves with men: Metlunks they should invite them withont knives; Good for their meat, and safer for their lives, There's much example for't ; the fellow, that sits next him how. parts bread with him, and pledges the breath of him in a divided draught, is the readiest man to kUt him: it has been proved. If I were a huge man, I should fear to drink at meals; Lest they should spy my wind pipe's dangerous notes: Great men should drink with harness on their throats. Tim. My lord, in heart; and let the health go round.

3 Lord. Let it flow this way. my good lord.

Apetn. Flow this way 1 A brave fellow J lie keeps his tides well. Those healths will make thee and thy state look ill. Timon.

Honest water, which ne'er left man *i the mire t
Here *s that, which is too weak to he a sinner.
This and my food are equals: there's no odd?!:
Feasts are too proud to give thanks to the gods.
Apemantuss Grace.
Immortal gods, I crave Ho prlf;
t pray for no man but myself:
Grant I may never prove so fond,
Totrrttt man on his oath or bond;
Or a harlot, for her weeping;
Or a dog, that seems a sleeping;
Or a keeper with my freedom;
Or my fiends, if I slwuld Heed 'em.
Amen. So fall to't;
Rich men sin, and I cat root.

| Eats and drinks.
1 heart, Apemantus I
"i, your heart s in the field

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Alcib. My heart is ever at your service, my lord.

Tim. You had rather be at a breakfast of enemies, than a dinner of friends.

Alcib. So they were bleeding-new, my lord, there "s no meat like 'era: I could wish my best friend at such a feast.

Apem. 'Would all those flatterers were thine enemies then, that then, thou mightst kill 'em, and bid me to 'em.'

r Lord. Might we but hare that happiness, my lord, that you would once use our hearts, whereby we might express some part of our zeals, we should think ourselves for ever perfect.

Tim. 0, no doubt, my good friends?'but the gods themselves have provided that I shall have much help from yon: how had you been my friends else? why have yon that charitable title from thousands, did not you chiefly belong to my heart? I have told more of you to myself, than you can with modesty speak in your own behalf; and thus far I confirm you. O you Gods, think I, what need we have any friends, if we should ne'er have nead of them? they were the most needless creatures living, should we Deer have use for them; and would most resemble sweet instruments hung up in cases, that keep their sounds to themselves. Why, I have often wished myself poorer, that I might come nearer to you. We are born to do benefits: and what better or properer can we call our own, than the riches of our friends'; O, what a precious comfort 'tis, to have so many, like brothers, commanding one another's fortunes! O Joy. e en made away ere it can be born! Mine eyes cannot hold out water, inethinks: to forget then faults, I drink to you Apem. Thou weepest to make them drink, Timon.

2 Lord. Joy had the like conception in our eyes, And, at that instant, like a babe sprung up, Itard.

Apem. Ho, ho I 1 laugh to think that babe a has

3 Lord. I promise, you, my lord, yon mov'd ine

much.

APem. Much! [Tucketsounded.

Tim. What means that trump?—
Enter a Servant.

How now I

Serv. Please you. my lord, there are certain ladies most desirous of admittance.

Tim, Ladies? What are their wills?

Serv. There comes with them a forerunner, my lord, which bears that office, to signify their pleasure*

Tim. I pray, let them be admitted.

Enter Cupid.

Cup. Hail to thee, worthy Timon j—and to alt That of his bounties taste 1—The five best senses Acknowledge thee their patron ; and come freely To gratulate thy plenteous bosom: the ear. Taste, touch, smell, pleas'd from thy table rise; They only now come hut to feast thine eyes.

Tim. They are welcome all! let them have kind admittance:—Music, make their welcome.

[Exit Cupid.

'i Lard. You see, my lord, how ample you're belov'd.

Music. Re-enter Cupid, with a mask of ladies as
Amazons, -with lutes in their hands, dancing
and playing.
Apem, Hey day I what a sweep of vanity c<
They dance! they are mad women. [this"

Like madness is the glory of this life.
As this pomp shows to a little oil and root.
We make ourselves, fools to disport ottrsc1
And spend our flatteries, to drink those u
Upon whose age we void it up a.,
With poisonous spite and envy.
Who fives, that's not depraved or depraves?
Who dies, that l>ears not one spurn to their graves
Of their friend's gift?

I should fear, those that dance before me now.
Would one day stamp upon me: it has been done;
Men shut their doors against a setting sun.
The Lords rise from tabic, with nutch adoring of
Timon ; and, to show their loves, each singles out
an A mazon, and all dance, men taith tvotuen, a
lofty strain or two to the Hautboys, and cease.
Tim, You have done our pleasures much grace, fair
Set a fair, fashion on our entertainment, {ladies.
Which was not half so Iwautiful and kind;
You have added worth unto't, and lustre.
And cntertain'd me with mine own device;
'am to thank you for it,
i Lady My lord, you take us even at the best.
Apem. 'Faith, for the worst is filthy; and would

not hold taking, I doubt me.
Tim. Ladies, there is an idle banquet
Attends you: please you to dispose yourselves.
All Lad. Most thankfully, my lord.

[Exeunt Cupid and ladies.

Tim. Flavius. Flav, My lord?

Tim. The little casket bring me hither.

Flav. Yes, my lord. [Aside.] More jewels yet I
There is no crossing him in his humour;
Else I should tell him well, i'faith, 1 should:
When all s spent, hed be cross d then, an he could.
Tis pity bounty had not eyes behind.
That man might ne'er be wretched for bis mind.

[Exit.

1 Lord. Where be our men?

Serv. Here, my lord, in readiness. I

2 Lord. Our horses.

Tim. 0. my friends,

1 have one word to say to you:—look you, my good t must entreat you, Itonour me so much, (lord. As to advance this jewel; accept it and wear it. Kind my lord.

i Lord I am so far already in your gifts,—

All. So are we all.

'Enter a Servant.

Serv. My lord, there are certain nobles of the senate newly alighted, and conic to visit you.

Tim. They are fairly welcome

Flav I beseech your honour,

Vouchsafe ine a word; it does concern you near

Tim. Near! why, then, another time I'll hear thee: I pr'ythee, let *s be provided to show them entertain

Flav. [AszdeA i scarce know now. {meat.
Enter a second Servant.

3 Serv, May it please your honour, lord Lucius, Out of his free love, hath presented to you

l-'our milk-white horses, trapn'd in silver.

Ttm 1 shall accept t lie to fairly: let the presents Be worthily eutertaill'd.

Enter a third Servant

How now I what news?

3 Serv. Please you, my lord, that honourable gentleman, lord Lacullus, entreats your company to-inorrow to hunt with him; and nascent your honour two brace of greyhounds.

Tim. I'll hunt with him; and let them be receivd, Not without fair reward.

Flav. {Aside. ] What will this come to 1

He commands us to provide, and give great gifts.
And all out of an empty coffer.
Nor will he know his purse; or yield me this.
To show hiin what a beggar his heart is.
Being of no power to make his wishes good;
His promises fly so beyond his state.
That what he speaks is all in debt, he owes
For every word : he is so kind, that he now
Pays interest for t; his land's put to their books.
Weil, would I were gently put out of ouice.
Before 1 were fore'd out!
Happier he that has no friend to feed.
Than such as do e'en enemies exceed.
1 bleed inwardly for my lord. \Exit.

Tim. Vou do yourselves

Much wrong, you bate too much of your own merits: Here, my lord, a trifle of ourlove.

s Lord With more than common thanks I will receive it.

$Lord. O, he's the very soul of bounty I Tim. And now I remember, my ford, you gave Good words the other day of a bay courser 1 rode on: it is yours, because you lik'd it. Lord. O, I beseech you, pardon me. iny lord, in that Tim, You may take my word, my lord; 1 know, no man

Can justly praise, but what he does affect:
1 weigh my friend's affection with
111 tell you true. I'll call to you.

I weigh my friend's affection with
U tell you true. I'll call to you.
All Lords. None so welcome.

Tim. I take all, and your several visitations,
So kind to heart, lis not enough to give;
Methinks, 1 could deal kingdoms to my friends.
And ne'er be weary. Alcibiades,
Thou art a soldier, therefore seldom rich;
It comes in charity to thee: for all thy living
Is inongst the dead; and all the lands thou hast
Lie in a pitch'd held.
Ahib. Ay, defil'd land, my lord,

i Lord. We are so virtuously bounoV»-
Tim. And so

Am I to you.
a Lord. So infinitely endear'd,—
Tim. All to you.—Lights, more lights 1
x Lord. The best of happiness,

Honour, and fortunes, keep with you, lord Timon I
Tim. Ready for his friends.

[Exeintt Alcibiades, Lords, err. Apem. What a coil's here I

Serving of becks, and jutting out of bums!
1 doubt whether their legs be worth the sums
That are given for 'em. Friendship's full of dregs:
Methinks faLse hearts should never have sound legs
Thus honest fools lay out their wealth on court'sies.

Tint. Now. Apeinantus, if thou wert not sullen,
I would be good to thee.

Apem. No, 111 nothing: for if 1 should be brib'd too, there would be none left to rail upon thee; and then thou wouldst sin the faster. Thou gtv'st so long, Timon, I fear me. thou wilt give away thyself in paper shortly: what need these feasts, pomps, and vain glories t

Tim. Nay, an you begin to rail on society once, 1 am sworn not to give regard to you. Farewell; and come with better music [Exit

Apem So ;—thou wilt not hear me now,— Thou shalt not then, I'll lock thy heaven from thee. O, that men's ears should be

To counsel deaf, but not to flattery I {Exit

ACT M.

SCENE I.—Athens. A Room a Senator's House
Enter a Senator, with papers in hts hand.
Sen. And late, five thousand: to Varro and to Isidore
He owes nine thousand; besides my former sum,
Which makes it five-and-twuntv —Still in motion
Of raging waste! It cannot hold; it will not.

If I want gold, steal but a beggar's dog.
And give it Timon, why, the dog coins gold:
If I would sell my horse, and buy twenty more
Better than lie, why, give my horse to Timon,
Ask nothing, give it him. it foals me. straight.
And able horses: no porter at his gate;
But rather one that smiles, and still invites
All that pass by. It cannot hold: no reason
Can found his state in safety. Capitis, ho I
Caphis, I say 1

Enter Caphis.
Caph. Here, sir. what is your pleasure?

Sen. Get on your cloak, and haste you to lord
Timon;

Importune him for my moneys, be not ceas'd
With slight denial; nor then sitene'd, when—
"Commend me to your master '—and the cap
Plays in the right hand, thus:—but tell him.
My uses cry to ine, 1 must serve my turn
Out of mine own; his days and times are past.
And my reliances on his fracted dates
Have smit my credit: I love and honour htm;
But must not break my back to heal his finger:
Immediate are my needs; and my relief
Must not be toss'd and turn'd to me in words,
But find supply immediate. Get you gone:
Put on a most importunate aspect,
A visage of demand; for. 1 do fear,
When every feather sticks in his own wing.
Lord Timon will t>e left a naked gull.
Which flashes now a phueiux. Get you gone.
Caph I go, sir.

Sen. Take the bonds along with you,
And have the dates in compt,

Caph. I wilL sir.

Sen. Go, [Exeunt,

SCENE II —Athens. A Hallin Timon s House. Enter Flavins, with many bills in his hand.

Flav, No care, no stop 1 so senseless of expense, That he will neither know how to maintain it. Nor cease his How of riot: takes no account How things go from him ; nor resumes no care Of what is to continue: never mind Was to be so unwise, to be so kind. What shall be done ¥ He will not hear, till feel: 1 must be round with him, now he comes from hunting. Fie, fie, fie, fie I

Enter Caphis, end the Servants <jr"lsidore a«rfVarro.

Caph. Good even, Varro : what.

You come for money f

Var. Serv. Is't not your business toot

Caph. It is: and yours too, Isidore?

Jsid. Serv. It is so.

Caph. Would we were all dtscharg'd 1

Var. Serv. I fear It,

Caph. Here comes the lord 1

Enter Timon, Alcibiades, and Lords, err.

Tim. So soon as dinner's done well forth again. My Alcibiades. With me r what is your will?

Caph. My lord, here is a note of certain dues.

Tim. Dues* Whence are you?

Caph, Of Athens here, my lord.

Tim, Go to my steward.

Caph. Please it your lordship, he hath put me off To the succession of new days this month: My master is awak'd by great occasion To call upon his own; and humbly prays you. That with your other noble parts you'll suit. Ingiving him his right.

Tim. Mine honest friend,

[ pr'ythee, but repairto me next morning.

Caph. Nay, good my lord.—

Tim. Contain thyself, good friend.

Var. Serv. One Varro's servant, my good lord.—

Isid. Serv. From Isidore;

He humbly pravs your speedy payment.

Caph. Ifyou didknow, my lord, my master's wants.—

Var. Serv. Twas due on forfeiture, my lord, six And past,— [weeks,

Jsid. Sen: Your steward puts me off, my lord; And I am sent expressly to your lordship

Tim. Give me breath. I do beseech you, good my lords, keep on; 111 wait upon you instantly.

[Exeunt Alcibiades and Lords, {To Flavtus.] Come hither: pray you,

How goes the world, that I am thus encounter'd

With clamorous demands of date-broke bonds.
And the detention of long-since-due debts.
Against my honour r

Flav. Please you, gentlemen,

•The time is unagreeable to this business:
Your iinportunacy cease till after dinner)
That I may make his lordship understand
Wherefore you are not paid.

Tim. Do so, my friends.

See them well entertain'd. [Exit.

Flav Pray, draw near, [Exit.

Enter Apemantus and Fool.

Caph. Stay, stay, here comes the fool with Ape•mantus: let's have some sport with 'em.

Var. Serv. Hang him, he'll abuse us.

Isid. SerV. A plague upon him, dog I

Var. Serv. How dost, fool?

Apem. Dost dialogue with thy shadow I

Var. Serv. I speak not to thee.

Apem. No, tis to thyself. [ To the Fool.] Come away.

Istd. Serv. [ To Var. Serv. J There's the fool hangs on your back already.

Afem. No, thou siand'st single, thou'rt not on him yet.

Caph. Where's the fool now? Apem. He last asked the question.—Poor rogues, and usurers' men ] bawds between gold and want I All Serv. What are we, Apemantus? Apem. Asses. A It Serv. Why?

Apem. That you ask me what you are, and do not know yourselves, - Speak to 'em, fool. Fool. How do you, gentlemen?

All Serv. Gramercies, good fool: how does your mistress?

Fool. She's e'en setting on water to seal chickens as you are. Would we could see you at Cortnth I ,

Apem. Good I gramercy.

Enter Page.

Fool. Look you. here comes my mistress* page.

Page. [To the Fool.] Why, how now, captain 1 What do you in this wise company? How dost thou, Apemantus?

Apem. Would I had a rod in my mouth, that I might answer thee profitably.

Page. Pr'ythee, Apemantus, read me the superscription of these letters: I know not which is which.

Apem Canst not read?

Page. No.

Apem. There;wiU little learning die, then, that day thou art hanged. This is to lord Timon; this to Alcibiades. Go; thou wast born a bastard, and thou'It die a bawd.

Page, thou wast whelped a dog. and thou shalt famish,—a dog's death. Answer not. I am gone.

Apem. Even so thou out-runn'st grace.—[Exit Page ] Fool, 1 will go with you to lord Tmion's.

Pool Will you leave me there?

Apem. If Timon stay at home. You three serve three usurers?

All Serv. Ay ; would they served us 1

Apem. So would I,—as good a trick as ever hangman served thief.

Fool. Are you three usurers* men?

All Serv. Ay, fool.

Fool I thitik no usurer but has a fool to his servant: tny mistress is one, and I am her fool. When men coine to borrow of your masters, they approach sadly, and go away merry; but they enter my mistress' house merrily, and go away sadly : the reason of this?

Var. Serv. I could render one.

Apem. Do it, then, that we may account thee a whoremaster, and a knave; which, notwithstanding, thou shalt be no less esteemed.

Var. Set v. What is a whoremaster, fool?

Fool. A fool in good clothes, and something like thee. 'Tis a spirit: sometime it appears like a lord; sometime like a lawyer; sometime like a philosopher, with two stones more than his artificial one: he is very often liko a knight; and generally, in all shapes that man goes up and down in from fourscore to thirteen, this spirit walks in.

Var. Serv. Thou art not altogether a fooL

Fool. Nor thou altogether a wise man: as much foolery as I have, so much wit thou lackest.

Apem. That answer might have become Apemantus.

All Serv. Aside, aside; here comes lord Timon

Re-enter Timon and Flavius. Apem. Came with me, fool, come. Fvol. I do not always follow lover, elder brother, and woman; sometime the philosopher.

[Exeunt Apemantus «wrfFool. Flav. Pray you, walk near; I'll speak with you anon. [Exeunt Servants.

Tim. You make me marvel; wherefore, ere this Had you not fully laid my state before me; [time. That I might so nave rated my expense, As I had leave of means?

Flav. You would not hear me,

At many leisures I proposed.

Tim. Go to:

Perchance some single vantages you took.
When my indisposition put you back;
And that unaptness made your minister.
Thus to excuse yourself.

Flav. O my good lord,

At many times I brought in my accounts,
Laid them before you ; you would throw them off.
And say. you found them in mine honesty.
When, for some trifling present, you have bid me
Return so much, I have shook my head, and wept;'
Yea. 'gainst the authority of manners, pray'd you
To hold your hand more close: I did endure
Not seldom, nor no slight checks, when I have
Prompted you, in the ebb of your estate.
And your great flow of debts. My loved lord.
Though you hear now, (too late I) yet now's a time.
The greatest of your having lacks a half
Topay your present debts.

Tim. Let all my land be sold.

Flav. 'Tis all engag'd, some forfeited and gone;
And what remains will hardly stop the mouth
Of present dues: the future comes apace:
What shall defend the interim? and at length
How goes our reckoning?

Tim. To Lacedatmon did my land extend,
Flav. O my good lord, the world is but a word:
Were it all yours to give it in a breath.
How quickly were it gone?
Tim, You tell me true.

Flav. If you suspect my husbandry, or falsehood.
Call me before the exactest auditors,
And set me on the protf. So the gods bless me.
When aH our offices have been oppressed
With riotous feeders; when our vaults have wept
With drunken spilth of wine; when every room
Hath blaz'd with lights, and bray'd with minstrelsy;

I have retir'd me to a wasteful cock. »

And set mine eyes at flow.

Tim. Pr'ythee, no more.

Flav. Heavens, have I said, the bounty of this lord I
How many prodigal bits have staves, and peasants,
This night englutted! Who is not Timon s?
What heart, head, sword, force, means, but is lord
Timon's?

Great Timon, noble, worthy, royal Timon I
Ah, when the means are gone that buy this praise.
The breath is gone whereof this praise is made:
Feast-won, fast lost; one cloud of winter showers,
These flies are couch'd.

Tim Come, sermon me no further:

No villainous bounty yet hath pass'd my heart:
Unwisely, not ignobly, have I given.
Why dost thou weep? Canst thou the conscience
lack,

To think I shall lack friends? Secure thy heart [
If I would broach the vessels of my love.
And try the argument of hearts by borrowing,
Men, and mens fortunes, could I frankly use,
As I can bid thee speak.
Flav. Assurance bless your thoughts I

Tim. And, in some sort, these wants of mine are crown'd.

That I account them blessings; for by these
Shall I try friends: you shall perceive how you
Mistake my fortunes; I am wealthy in my friends.
Within there I Flaminius I Servihus I

Enter Flaminius, Servilius, and other Servants.
Serv. My lord, my lord,—

Tim. I will despatch you severally : you, to lord Lucius; to lord Lucullus you; I hunted with his 1 honour to-day ; you, to Sempronius: commend me to

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their lores t and, I am proud, say. that my occasions have fouad time to use them toward a supply of money i let the request be fifty talents

Flam. As you have said, my lord.

Ftaz:\Asiae \ Lord Lucius, and Luculhis ? h'm I

Tim. (Jo you, sir, to the senators,
(Of whom, even to the state's best health, I have
Deserv'd this hearing.) hid them send o the instant
A thousand talents to inc.

Flav. I have been Isold,

(Fcr that lknew it the most general way,)
To them to use your signet, and your name:
But they do shake their heads, and ! am here
No richer in return.

Tim. Is "t true? can't be?

Flav. They answer, in a joint and corporate voice,
That now they are at tali, want treasure, cannot
Do what they would ; are sorry—yon are honourable,—
But yet they could have wish d—they know not—
Something hath been amiss—a noble nature
May catch a wrench

And so, intending other serious matters,
After distasteful looks, and these hard fractions,
Witu certain half-caps, and cold-moving nods.
They froze me into silence.

Tim. You pods, reward them I

Pr'vthee man, look cheerly. These old fellows
Have their ingratitude in them hereditary:
Their blood is cak'd, 'tis cold, it seldom flows;
Tis lack of kindly warmth they are not kind.
And nature, as it throws again toward earth.
Is fashion'd for the journey, dull and heavy.—
[Ton Serv.] Goto V'entidius.—[ To Flavius- J* IVythee.
be not sad.

Thou art true and honest: ingeniously I speak,

No blame belongs to thee.—[ 7Serv ] Ventidiuslately

Buried his father ; by whose death, he's stepped

Into a great estate: when he was poor,

Imprison'd. and in scarcity of friends,

1 clear'd him with five talents: greet him from me;

Biti him suppose some good necessity

Touches his friend, which craves to be remember'd

With those five talents.—[ To Flav. ] That had, give

it these fellows To whom 'tis instant due. Ne'er speak, or think, That Tirtion s fortunes "niong his friends can sink. Flav. I would 1 could not think it: that thought is bounty'!; foe;

i it thinks all others so. [Exeunt.

ACT III.

SCENE I.—Athens. A Room in Lucullus* House. Flaminius waiting. Enter a Servant to him.

Serf. I have told my lord of you; he is coming down to you

Flam. I thank you. sir.

Enter Lucullus.

Serv. Here's my lord

Lucul. [stride ] One of lord Timon's men? a gift, I warrant. Why, this hits right; 1 dreamt of a silver bason and ewer to night. Flaminius, honest Flaminius, you are very respectively w elcome, sir. Fill me some wine. [Exit Servant.} And how does that honourable, complete, free-hearted gentleman of] Athens, thy very bountiful good lord and master? 1

Flam. His health is well. sir.

Lucul. I am right glad that his health is well, sir: and what hast thou there under thy cloak, pretty Flamtfnus?

Flam. 'Faith, nothing but an empty box, sir; which, in my lord's behalf, I come to entreat your honour to supply ; who, having great and instant occasion to use fifty talents, hath sent to your lordship to furnish him, nothing doubting your present assistance therein.

Lucul La, la, la, la, nothing doubting, says he! alas, good lord! a noble gentleman 'tis, if he would not keep so good a house. Many a time and often 1 have dined with htm, and told him on't; and come again to supper to him, of purpose to have him spend less; and yet he would embrace no counsel, take no warning by my coming. Every man has his fault, and honesty is his: I have told him on't, but 1 could ne'er get him from it.

Re-enter Servant with wine, Serv. Please your lordship, here is the wine.

Lueul. Flaminius, I have noted thee always wise.

Here s to thee.

Flam. Your lordship speaks your pleasure

Lucul. 1 have observed thee always for a towardly, prompt spirit, give thee thy due, and one that knows what belongs to reason; and canst use the time well, if the time use thee well: good parts in thee.—{Tothe Servant. J Get you gone, sirrah.—{Exit Serv. J Draw nea-er, honest Flaminius. Thy lord 'sa bountiful gentleman: but thou art wise; and thou knowest well enough, although thou contest to me, that this is i time to lend money; especially upon bare friendship, without security. Here 's three solidares for thee: good boy, wink at me, and say, thou saw'st me not, Fare thee welL

Flam. Is't possible the world should so much differ, And we alive that iiv'd? Fly, damned baseness. To him that worships thee. I Throws back the money.

Lucul. Ha I now I see thou art a fool, and fit for thy master. [Exit.

Flam. Maythese add to the number that may scald. Let molten coin be thy damnation, [thee I

Thou disease of a friend, and not himself!
Has friendship such a faint and milky heart.
It turns in less than two nights? O you gods I
I feel my master's passion. This slave
Unto his honour has my lord's meat in him:
Why should it thrive, and turn to nutriment.
When he is turn il to poison?
O, may diseases only work upon "t 1
And, when he 'ssick to death, let not that part of nature
Which my lord paid for, be of any power
To expel sickness, but prolong his hour 1 [Exit.

SCENE II.—Athens. A public Place.
Enter Lucius, with three Strangers.
Luc. Who, the lord Timon? he is my very good
friend, and an honourable gentleman.

1 Stran. We know him for no less, though we are but strangers to him. But I can tell you one thing, my lord, and which I hear from common rumours: now lord Timon's happy hours are done and past, and his estate shrinks from him.

Luc. Fie, no. do not believe it; he cannot want for money.

2 Stran. But believe you this, my lord, that, not long ago, one of his men was with the lord Lucullus, to borrow so many talents; nay, urged extremely for't, and show'd what necessity belong'd to *t, and yet was

Luc. Howl

3 Stran, I tell you. denied, my lord.

Luc. What a strange case was that I now, beforethe gods, I am ashamed on't. Denied that honourable man 1 there was very little honour showed in "t. For my own part, I must needs confess, I have received some small kindnesses from him, as money, plate, jewels, and such like trifles, nothing comparing to his: yet, had he mistook him, and sent to me. 1 should ne'er have denied his occasion so many talents.

Enter Servilius. Servil. See.mygood hap, yonder's my lord ; Ihave sweat to see his honour. My honoured lord,—

[)7i> Lucin.

Luc. Servilius! you are kindly met, sir. Fare th- \ well: commend me to thy honourable virtuous lord, my very exquisite friend.

Servil. May it please your honour, my lord hath, sent—

Luc. Ha 1 what has he sent? I am so much endeared to that lord, he 'sever sending: how shall I thank him, thinkest thou? And what has he sent now?

Servil. He has only sent his present occasion now, my lord; requesting your lordship to supply his instant use with so many talents.

Luc. I know his lordship is but merry with me; He cannot want fifty-five hundred talents.

Servil. But in the mean time he wants less, my lord. Tf his occasion were not virtuous, I should not urge it half so faithfully.

Luc. Dost thou speak seriously, Servilius?

Servil. Upon my soul, 'tis true, sir.

Luc. What a wicked beast was I, to disftimish myself against such a good time, when I might have shown myself honourable! how unluckily it happened, that I should purchase the day before for a little part

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