a O, my good lord! At many times I brought in my accounts, Tim. To Lacedæmon did my land extend. Tim. You tell me true. Tim. Come, sermon me no farther. Flav. That I account them blessings; for by these a "So much," i. e., a certain sum.-b" Offices," i. e., the apartments allotted to culinary offices.- Spilth is any thing spilt or wasted.-d "The argument," i. e., the contents: the argument of a book was a brief sum of all it contained.-"Crown'd," i, e., dignified; made respectable. 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 honor to-day :-you, to Sempronius. Commend me to their loves; and, I am proud, say, that my occa sions have found time to use them toward a supply of money: let the request be fifty talents. Flam. As you have said, my lord. Flav. Lord Lucius, and Lucullus? humph! Tim. Go you, sir, [To another Serv.] to the senators, (Of whom, even to the state's best health, I have Deserv'd this hearing) bid 'em send o' the instant A thousand talents to me. (For that I knew it the most general way) Tim. Is't true? can't be? Flav. They answer, in a joint and corporate voice, That now they are at 'fall, want treasure, cannot Do what they would; are sorry-you are honorable,— But yet they could have wish'd-they know notSomething hath been amiss-a noble nature May catch a wrench-would all were well-'tis pity.➡ And so, intending other serious matters, After distasteful looks, and these hard ↳ fractions, With certain half-caps, and cold-moving nods, They froze me into silence. Tim. You gods, reward them!Pr'ythee, 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 grows again toward earth, Is fashion'd for the journey, dull, and heavy.Go to Ventidius,-[To a Serv.] 'Pr'ythee, [To FLAVIUS,] be not sad; Thou art true, and honest: ingeniously I speak, No blame belongs to thee.-[To Serv.] Ventidius lately Buried his father; by whose death, he's stepp'd I clear'd him with five talents: greet him from me; To whom 'tis instant due. Ne'er speak, or think, Being 'free itself, it thinks all others so. [Exeunt. Enter LUCULLUS. Serv. Here's my lord. a Lucul. [Aside.] One of lord Timon's men? a gift, I warrant. Why, this hits right; I dreamt of a silver bason and ewer to-night.-Flaminius, honest Flaminius, you are very respectively welcome, sir.-Fill me some wine.-[Exit Servant.] And how does that honorable, complete, free-hearted gentleman of Athens, thy very bountiful good lord and master? 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 Flaminius? Flam. 'Faith, nothing but an empty box, sir, which, in my lord's behalf, I come to entreat your honor 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 I have dined with him, 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 I could ne'er get him from it. Re-enter Servant with Wine. Serv. Please your lordship, here is the wine. Lucul. Flaminius, I have noted thee always wise. Here's to thee. Flam. Your lordship speaks your pleasure. Lucul. I 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. Get you gone, sirrah.-[To the Servant, who exit.]-Draw nearer, honest Flaminius. Thy lord's a bountiful gentleman; but thou art wise, and thou knowest well enough, although thou comest to me, that this is no 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. [Giving money. Flam. Is't possible, the world should so much differ, And we alive that liv'd? Fly, damned baseness, [ture, O! may diseases only work upon't, Respectfully. - Honesty here means liberality. "Alive that liv'd," i. e., alive now that lived then."Passion," i. e. suffering; grief.-"His hour," i. e., his hour of suffering. SCENE II.-The Same. A Public Place. Enter LUCIUS, with three Strangers. Luc. Who? the lord Timon? he is my very good friend, and an honorable 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 rumors: 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 showed what necessity belonged to't, and yet was denied. Luc. How? 2 Stran. I tell you, denied, my lord. Luc. What a strange case was that! now, before the gods, I am ashamed on't. Denied that honorable man? there was very little honor 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, I should ne'er have denied his occasion so many talents. Enter SERVILIUS. Ser. See, by good hap, yonder's my lord; I have sweat to see his honor.-My honored lord,— [To LUCIUS. Luc. Servilius! you are kindly met, sir. Fare thee well: commend me to thy honorable-virtuous lord, my very exquisite friend. Ser. May it please your honor, my lord hath sent Luc. Ha! what has he sent? I am so much endeared to that lord, he's ever sending: how shall I thank him, thinkest thou? And what has he sent now? Ser. He has only sent his present occasion now, my lord; requesting your lordship to supply his instant use with 3 five hundred talents. Luc. I know, his lordship is but merry with me: He cannot want five hundred talents. Ser. But in the meantime he wants less, my lord. If his occasion were not virtuous, I should not urge it half so faithfully. Luc. Dost thou speak seriously, Servilius? Luc. What a wicked beast was I, to disfurnish myself against such a good time, when I might have shown myself honorable! how unluckily it happened, that I should purchase the day before for a little part, and undo a great deal of honor!-Servilius, now before the gods, I am not able to do; the more beast I, I say.-I was sending to use lord Timon myself, these gentlemen can witness; but I would not, for the wealth of Athens, I had done it now. Commend me bountifully to his good lordship; and I hope, his honor will conceive the fairest of me, because I have no power to be kind:-and tell him this from me, I count it one of my greatest afflictions, say, that I cannot pleasure such an honorable gentleman. Good Servilius, will you befriend me so far, as to use mine own words to him? Ser. Yes, sir, I shall. use. Luc. I'll look you out a good turn, Servilius.[Exit SERVILIUS. Acknowledge.- That is, 'If he did not want it for a good True, as you said, Timon is shrunk indeed; And he that's once denied will hardly speed. [Exit LUCIUS. 1 Stran. Do you observe this, Hostilius? Is the world's soul; and just of the same piece For mine own part, Had his necessity made use of me, I would have put my wealth into donation, [Exeunt. e My lord, Serv. They have all been touch'd, and found base metal; For they have all denied him. Sem. And does he think so backwardly of me now, And amongst lords I be thought a fool. I had rather than the worth of thrice the sum, d He had sent to me first, but for my mind's sake; [Exit. Serv. Excellent! Your lordship's a goodly villain. The devil knew not what he did, when he made man politic: he crossed himself by't; and I "Port," i. e, behavior; bearing." In respect of his," i e., in respect of his fortune. Alluding to the trial of metals by the touchstone. Such a courage," i. e., such ardor; such an eager desire.-"Politic," i. e., crafty; full of cunning shifts. 'cannot think, but, in the end, the villainies of man will set him clear. How fairly this lord strives to appear foul? takes virtuous copies to be wicked; like those that, under hot ardent zeal, would set whole realms on fire. Of such a nature is his politic love. This was my lord's best hope; now all are fled, SCENE IV.-The Same. A Hall in TIMON'S Enter two Servants of VARRO, and the Servant of LUCIUS, meeting TITUS, HORTENSIUS, and other Servants to TIMON's Creditors, waiting his coming Luc. Serv. Philotus too! Phi. Luc. Serv. So is theirs, and ours. What do you think the hour? Phi. Luc. Serv. So much? Phi. Luc. Serv. Laboring for nine. Is not my lord seen yet? Phi. I wonder on't: he was wont to shine at seven. Luc. Serv. Ay, but the days are waxed shorter with him: You must consider, that a prodigal course Phi. I am of your fear for that. Hor. It is against my heart. Mark, how strange it shows, Hor. I'm weary of this charge, the gods can witI know, my lord hath spent of Timon's wealth, And now ingratitude makes it worse than stealth. 1 Var. Serv. Yes, mine's three thousand crowns; Luc. Serv. Five thousand mine. [what's yours? 1 Var. Serv. 'Tis much deep: and it should seem by the sum, Your master's confidence was above mine; Else, surely, his had equall'd. Enter FLAMINIUS. "Keep his house," i. e., keep within doors for fear of duns. This charge," i. e., this office or employment. Luc. Serv. Flaminius! Sir, a word. Pray, is my What yours?-and yours?lord ready to come forth? Flam. No, indeed, he is not. Tit. We attend his lordship: pray, signify so much. Flam. I need not tell him that; he knows, you are too diligent. [Exit FLAMINIUS. Enter FLAVIUS in a Cloak, muffled. Luc. Serv. Ha! is not that his Steward muffled so? He goes away in a cloud: call him, call him. Tit. Do you hear, sir? 1 Var. Serv. By your leave, sir,— Ay, [wrong, If money were as certain as your waiting, "Twere sure enough. Why then preferr'd you not Your sums and bills, when your false masters ate Of my lord's meat? Then, they could smile, and Upon his debts, and take down the interest [fawn Into their gluttonous maws. You do yourselves but To stir me up; let me pass quietly: Believe't, my lord and I have made an end: I have no more to reckon, he to spend. Luc. Serv. Ay, but this answer will not serve. Flav. If 'twill not serve, 'Tis not so base as you; for you serve knaves. [Exit. 1 Var. Serv. How! what does his cashier'd worship mutter? 2 Var. Serv. No matter what: he's poor, and that's revenge enough. Who can speak broader than he that has no house to put his head in? such may rail against great buildings. Enter SERVILIUS. Tit. O here's Servilius; now we shall know some answer. Ser. If I might beseech you, gentlemen, to repair some other hour, I should derive much from't; for, take't of my soul, my lord leans wondrously to discontent. His comfortable temper has forsook him: he's much out of health, and keeps his chamber. Luc. Serv. Many do keep their chambers, are not And if he be so far beyond his health, [sick: Methinks, he should the sooner pay his debts, And make a clear way to the gods. Serv. Good gods! Tit. We cannot take this for an answer, sir. Flam. [Within.] Servilius, help!-my lord! my lord! Enter TIMON, in a rage; FLAMINIUS, following. Tim. What! are my doors oppos'd against my pasHave I been ever free, and must my house [sage? Be my retentive enemy, my jail? The place which I have feasted, does it now, 1 Var. Serv. My lord,2 Var. Serv. My lord, T'im. Tear me, take me; and the gods fall upon you! [Exit. Hor. Faith, I perceive our masters may throw their caps at their money: these debts may well be called desperate ones, for a madman owes 'em. Re-enter TIMON and FLAVIUS. [Exeunt. SCENE V.-The Same. The Senate-house. The Senate sitting. Enter ALCIBIADES, attended. 1 Sen. My lord, you have my voice to't: the fault's bloody; 'tis necessary he should die. Nothing emboldens sin so much as mercy. 2 Sen. Most true; the law shall bruise him. Alcib. I am an humble suitor to your virtues; Of comely virtues : Nor did he soil the fact with cowardice; 1 Sen. You undergo too strict a paradox, Is valor misbegot, and came into the world If wrongs be evils, and enforce us kill, Undertake.—* "Too strict,” L. e., too hard. Utter. 1 Sen. You cannot make gross sins look clear: | Attend our weightier judgment. And, not to swell To revenge is no valor, but to bear. Alcib. My lords, then, under favor, pardon me, If I speak like a captain. Why do fond men expose themselves to battle, And the ass more captain than the lion; the fellow, Who cannot condemn rashness in cold blood? But who is man, that is not angry? 2 Sen. You breathe in vain. In vain his service done At Lacedæmon, and Byzantium, Were a sufficient briber for his life. 1 Sen. What's that? 1 [vice, Alcib. Why, say, my lords, he has done fair ser And slain in fight many of your enemies. How full of valor did he bear himself In the last conflict, and made plenteous wounds? 2 Sen. He has made too much plenty with 'em, He's a sworn rioter: he has a sin, that often Drowns him, and takes his valor prisoner. 2 Were there no foes, that were itself enough To overcome him: in that beastly fury He has been known to commit outrages, And cherish factions. 'Tis inferr'd to us, His days are foul, and his drink dangerous. 1 Sen. He dies. Alcib. Hard fate! he might have died in war. Though his right arm might purchase his own time, 1 Sen. We are for law: he dies; urge it no more, 2 Sen. How! Banish your dotage, banish usury, That makes the senate ugly. our spirit, He shall be executed presently. [Exeunt Senators. Alcib. Now the gods keep you old enough; that you may live Only in bone, that none may look on you. I am worse than mad: I have kept back their foes, [Exit. SCENE VI-A Banquet-hall in TIMON's House. Music. Tables set out: Servants attending. Enter divers Lords, at several Doors. 1 Lord. The good time of day to you, sir. 2 Lord. I also wish it to you. I think, this honorable lord did but try us this other day. 1 Lord. Upon that were my thoughts tiring, when we encountered. I hope, it is not so low with him, as he made it seem in the trial of his several friends. 2 Lord. It should not be, by the persuasion of his new feasting. 1 Lord. I should think so. He hath sent me an earnest inviting, which many my near occasions did urge me to put off; but he hath conjured me be yond them, and I must needs appear. 2 Lord. In like manner was I in debt to my importunate business, but he would not hear my excuse. I am sorry, when he sent to borrow of me, that my provision was out. 1 Lord. I am sick of that grief too, as I under stand how all things go. 2 Lord. Every man here's so. What would be have borrowed of you? 1 Lord. A thousand pieces. 2 Lord. A thousand pieces! 1 Lord. What of you? 3 Lord. He sent to me, sir,-Here he comes. Enter TIMON, and Attendants. Tim. With all my heart, gentlemen both :-And how fare you? 1 Lord. Ever at the best, hearing well of your lordship. 2 Lord. The swallow follows not summer more 3 willingly, than we your lordship. Tim. [Aside.] Nor more willingly leaves winter; such summer-birds are men. [To them.] Gentle men, our dinner will not recompense this long stay! fare so harshly o' the trumpet's sound; we shall to't feast your ears with the music awhile, if they will presently. 1 Lord. I hope, it remains not unkindly with your lordship, that I returned you an empty messenger. Tim. O! sir, let it not trouble you. 2 Lord. My noble lord, Tim. Ah! my good friend, what cheer? [The Banquet brought in. 2 Lord. My most honorable lord, I am e'en sick 1 Sen. If, after two days' shine Athens contain thee, of shame that, when your lordship this other day sent to me, I was so unfortunate a beggar. |