TIMON OF ATHENS

	Scene I Athens. A hall in Timon's house
	Scene II A banqueting-room in Timon's house

Act II

	Scene I A Senator's house
	Scene II The same. A hall in Timon's house

Act III

	Scene I A room in Lucullus' house
	Scene II A public place
	Scene III A room in Sempronius' house
	Scene IV The same. A hall in Timon's house
	Scene V The same. The senate-house. The Senate sitting
	Scene VI The same. A banqueting-room in Timon's house

Act IV

	Scene I Without the walls of Athens
	Scene II Athens. A room in Timon's house
	Scene III Woods and cave, near the seashore

Act V

	Scene I The woods. Before Timon's cave
	Scene II Before the walls of Athens
	Scene III The woods. Timon's cave, and a rude tomb seen
	Scene IV Before the walls of Athens

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

TIMON	of Athens
LUCIUS LUCULLUS SEMPRONIUS	) ) flattering lords )
VENTIDIUS	one of Timon's false friends
ALCIBIADES	an Athenian captain
APEMANTUS	a churlish philosopher
FLAVIUS	steward to Timon
	Poet, Painter, Jeweller, and Merchant (Poet:) (Painter:) (Jeweller:) (Merchant:)
	An old Athenian. (Old Athenian:)
FLAMINIUS LUCILIUS SERVILIUS	) ) servants to Timon )
CAPHIS PHILOTUS TITUS LUCIUS HORTENSIUS And others	) ) ) servants to Timon's creditors ) ) )
	A Page (Page:)
	A Fool (Fool:)
	Three Strangers (First Stranger:) (Second Stranger:) (Third Stranger:)
PHRYNIA & TIMANDRA	) mistresses to Alcibiades )
	Cupid and Amazons in the mask (Cupid:)
	Other Lords, Senators, Officers, Soldiers, Banditti and attendants (First Lord:) (Second Lord:) (Third Lord:) (Fourth Lord:) (Senator:) (First Senator:) (Second Senator:) (Third Senator:) (Soldier:) (First Bandit:) (Second Bandit:) (Third Bandit:) (Messenger:) (Servant:) (First Servant:) (Second Servant:) (Third Servant:) (Varro's First Servant:) (Varro's Second Servant:) (Lucilius' Servant:)

Scene

Athens, and the neighbouring woods

Act I

Scene I Athens. A hall in Timon's house

	[Enter Poet, Painter, Jeweller, Merchant, and others, at several doors]
Poet	Good day, sir.
Painter	I am glad you're well.
Poet	I have not seen you long: how goes the world?
Painter	It wears, sir, as it grows.
Poet	Ay, that's well known: But what particular rarity? what strange, Which manifold record not matches? See, Magic of bounty! all these spirits thy power Hath conjured to attend. I know the merchant.
Painter	I know them both; th' other's a jeweller.
Merchant	O, 'tis a worthy lord.
Jeweller	Nay, that's most fix'd.
Merchant	A most incomparable man, breathed, as it were, To an untirable and continuate goodness: He passes.
Jeweller:	I have a jewel here--
Merchant	O, pray, let's see't: for the Lord Timon, sir?
Jeweller:	If he will touch the estimate: but, for that--
Poet	[Reciting to himself] 'When we for recompense have praised the vile, It stains the glory in that happy verse Which aptly sings the good.'
Merchant	'Tis a good form.
	[Looking at the jewel]
Jeweller	And rich: here is a water, look ye.
Painter	You are rapt, sir, in some work, some dedication To the great lord.
Poet	A thing slipp'd idly from me. Our poesy is as a gum, which oozes From whence 'tis nourish'd: the fire i' the flint Shows not till it be struck; our gentle flame Provokes itself and like the current flies Each bound it chafes. What have you there?
Painter	A picture, sir. When comes your book forth?
Poet	Upon the heels of my presentment, sir. Let's see your piece.
Painter	'Tis a good piece.
Poet	So 'tis: this comes off well and excellent.
Painter	Indifferent.
Poet	Admirable: how this grace Speaks his own standing! what a mental power This eye shoots forth! how big imagination Moves in this lip! to the dumbness of the gesture One might interpret.
Painter	It is a pretty mocking of the life. Here is a touch; is't good?
Poet	I will say of it, It tutors nature: artificial strife Lives in these touches, livelier than life.
	[Enter certain Senators, and pass over]
Painter	How this lord is follow'd!
Poet	The senators of Athens: happy man!
Painter	Look, more!
Poet	You see this confluence, this great flood of visitors. I have, in this rough work, shaped out a man, Whom this beneath world doth embrace and hug With amplest entertainment: my free drift Halts not particularly, but moves itself In a wide sea of wax: no levell'd malice Infects one comma in the course I hold; But flies an eagle flight, bold and forth on, Leaving no tract behind.
Painter	How shall I understand you?
Poet	I will unbolt to you. You see how all conditions, how all minds, As well of glib and slippery creatures as Of grave and austere quality, tender down Their services to Lord Timon: his large fortune Upon his good and gracious nature hanging Subdues and properties to his love and tendance All sorts of hearts; yea, from the glass-faced flatterer To Apemantus, that few things loves better Than to abhor himself: even he drops down The knee before him, and returns in peace Most rich in Timon's nod.
Painter	I saw them speak together.
Poet	Sir, I have upon a high and pleasant hill Feign'd Fortune to be throned: the base o' the mount Is rank'd with all deserts, all kind of natures, That labour on the bosom of this sphere To propagate their states: amongst them all, Whose eyes are on this sovereign lady fix'd, One do I personate of Lord Timon's frame, Whom Fortune with her ivory hand wafts to her; Whose present grace to present slaves and servants Translates his rivals.
Painter	'Tis conceived to scope. This throne, this Fortune, and this hill, methinks, With one man beckon'd from the rest below, Bowing his head against the sleepy mount To climb his happiness, would be well express'd In our condition.
Poet	Nay, sir, but hear me on. All those which were his fellows but of late, Some better than his value, on the moment Follow his strides, his lobbies fill with tendance, Rain sacrificial whisperings in his ear, Make sacred even his stirrup, and through him Drink the free air.
Painter	Ay, marry, what of these?
Poet	When Fortune in her shift and change of mood Spurns down her late beloved, all his dependants Which labour'd after him to the mountain's top Even on their knees and hands, let him slip down, Not one accompanying his declining foot.
Painter	'Tis common: A thousand moral paintings I can show That shall demonstrate these quick blows of Fortune's More pregnantly than words. Yet you do well To show Lord Timon that mean eyes have seen The foot above the head.
	[Trumpets sound. Enter TIMON, addressing himself courteously to every suitor; a Messenger from VENTIDIUS talking with him; LUCILIUS and other servants following]
TIMON	Imprison'd is he, say you?
Messenger	Ay, my good lord: five talents is his debt, His means most short, his creditors most strait: Your honourable letter he desires To those have shut him up; which failing, Periods his comfort.
TIMON	Noble Ventidius! Well; I am not of that feather to shake off My friend when he must need me. I do know him A gentleman that well deserves a help: Which he shall have: I'll pay the debt, and free him.
Messenger	Your lordship ever binds him.
TIMON	Commend me to him: I will send his ransom; And being enfranchised, bid him come to me. 'Tis not enough to help the feeble up, But to support him after. Fare you well.
Messenger	All happiness to your honour!
	[Exit]
	[Enter an old Athenian]
Old Athenian	Lord Timon, hear me speak.
TIMON	Freely, good father.
Old Athenian	Thou hast a servant named Lucilius.
TIMON	I have so: what of him?
Old Athenian	Most noble Timon, call the man before thee.
TIMON	Attends he here, or no? Lucilius!
LUCILIUS	Here, at your lordship's service.
Old Athenian	This fellow here, Lord Timon, this thy creature, By night frequents my house. I am a man That from my first have been inclined to thrift; And my estate deserves an heir more raised Than one which holds a trencher.
TIMON	Well; what further?
Old Athenian	One only daughter have I, no kin else, On whom I may confer what I have got: The maid is fair, o' the youngest for a bride, And I have bred her at my dearest cost In qualities of the best. This man of thine Attempts her love: I prithee, noble lord, Join with me to forbid him her resort; Myself have spoke in vain.
TIMON	The man is honest.
Old Athenian	Therefore he will be, Timon: His honesty rewards him in itself; It must not bear my daughter.
TIMON	Does she love him?
Old Athenian	She is young and apt: Our own precedent passions do instruct us What levity's in youth.
TIMON	[To LUCILIUS] Love you the maid?
LUCILIUS	Ay, my good lord, and she accepts of it.
Old Athenian	If in her marriage my consent be missing, I call the gods to witness, I will choose Mine heir from forth the beggars of the world, And dispossess her all.
TIMON	How shall she be endow'd, if she be mated with an equal husband?
Old Athenian	Three talents on the present; in future, all.
TIMON	This gentleman of mine hath served me long: To build his fortune I will strain a little, For 'tis a bond in men. Give him thy daughter: What you bestow, in him I'll counterpoise, And make him weigh with her.
Old Athenian	Most noble lord, Pawn me to this your honour, she is his.
TIMON	My hand to thee; mine honour on my promise.
LUCILIUS	Humbly I thank your lordship: never may The state or fortune fall into my keeping, Which is not owed to you!
	[Exeunt LUCILIUS and Old Athenian]
Poet	Vouchsafe my labour, and long live your lordship!
TIMON	I thank you; you shall hear from me anon: Go not away. What have you there, my friend?
Painter	A piece of painting, which I do beseech Your lordship to accept.
TIMON	Painting is welcome. The painting is almost the natural man; or since dishonour traffics with man's nature, He is but outside: these pencill'd figures are Even such as they give out. I like your work; And you shall find I like it: wait attendance Till you hear further from me.
Painter	The gods preserve ye!
TIMON	Well fare you, gentleman: give me your hand; We must needs dine together. Sir, your jewel Hath suffer'd under praise.
Jeweller	What, my lord! dispraise?
TIMON	A more satiety of commendations. If I should pay you for't as 'tis extoll'd, It would unclew me quite.
Jeweller	My lord, 'tis rated 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.
TIMON	Well mock'd.
Merchant	No, my good lord; he speaks the common tongue, Which all men speak with him.
TIMON	Look, who comes here: will you be chid?
	[Enter APEMANTUS]
Jeweller	We'll bear, with your lordship.
Merchant	He'll spare none.
TIMON	Good morrow to thee, gentle Apemantus!
APEMANTUS	Till I be gentle, stay thou for thy good morrow; When thou art Timon's dog, and these knaves honest.
TIMON	Why dost thou call them knaves? thou know'st them not.
APEMANTUS	Are they not Athenians?
TIMON	Yes.
APEMANTUS	Then I repent not.
Jeweller	You know me, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS	Thou know'st I do: I call'd thee by thy name.
TIMON	Thou art proud, Apemantus.
APEMANTUS	Of nothing so much as that I am not like Timon.
TIMON	Whither art going?
APEMANTUS	To knock out an honest Athenian's brains.
TIMON	That's a deed thou'lt die for.
APEMANTUS	Right, if doing nothing be death by the law.
TIMON	How likest thou this picture, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS	The best, for the innocence.
TIMON	Wrought he not well that painted it?
APEMANTUS	He wrought better that made the painter; and yet he's but a filthy piece of work.
Painter	You're a dog.
APEMANTUS	Thy mother's of my generation: what's she, if I be a dog?
TIMON	Wilt dine with me, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS	No; I eat not lords.
TIMON	An thou shouldst, thou 'ldst anger ladies.
APEMANTUS	O, they eat lords; so they come by great bellies.
TIMON	That's a lascivious apprehension.
APEMANTUS	So thou apprehendest it: take it for thy labour.
TIMON	How dost thou like this jewel, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS	Not so well as plain-dealing, which will not cost a man a doit.
TIMON	What dost thou think 'tis worth?
APEMANTUS	Not worth my thinking. How now, poet!
Poet	How now, philosopher!
APEMANTUS	Thou liest.
Poet	Art not one?
APEMANTUS	Yes.
Poet	Then I lie not.
APEMANTUS	Art not a poet?
Poet	Yes.
APEMANTUS	Then thou liest: look in thy last work, where thou hast feigned him a worthy fellow.
Poet	That's not feigned; he is so.
APEMANTUS	Yes, he is worthy of thee, and to pay thee for thy labour: he that loves to be flattered is worthy o' the flatterer. Heavens, that I were a lord!
TIMON	What wouldst do then, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS	E'en as Apemantus does now; hate a lord with my heart.
TIMON	What, thyself?
APEMANTUS	Ay.
TIMON	Wherefore?
APEMANTUS	That I had no angry wit to be a lord. Art not thou a merchant?
Merchant	Ay, Apemantus.
APEMANTUS	Traffic confound thee, if the gods will not!
Merchant	If traffic do it, the gods do it.
APEMANTUS	Traffic's thy god; and thy god confound thee!
	[Trumpet sounds. Enter a Messenger]
TIMON	What trumpet's that?
Messenger	'Tis Alcibiades, and some twenty horse, All of companionship.
TIMON	Pray, entertain them; give them guide to us.
	[Exeunt some Attendants]
	You must needs dine with me: go not you hence Till I have thank'd you: when dinner's done, Show me this piece. I am joyful of your sights.
	[Enter ALCIBIADES, with the rest]
	Most welcome, sir!
APEMANTUS	So, so, there! Aches contract and starve your supple joints! That there should be small love 'mongst these sweet knaves, And all this courtesy! The strain of man's bred out Into baboon and monkey.
ALCIBIADES	Sir, you have saved my longing, and I feed Most hungerly on your sight.
TIMON	Right welcome, sir! Ere we depart, we'll share a bounteous time In different pleasures. Pray you, let us in.
	[Exeunt all except APEMANTUS]
	[Enter two Lords]
First Lord	What time o' day is't, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS	Time to be honest.
First Lord	That time serves still.
APEMANTUS	The more accursed thou, that still omitt'st it.
Second Lord	Thou art going to Lord Timon's feast?
APEMANTUS	Ay, to see meat fill knaves and wine heat fools.
Second Lord	Fare thee well, fare thee well.
APEMANTUS	Thou art a fool to bid me farewell twice.
Second Lord	Why, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS	Shouldst have kept one to thyself, for I mean to give thee none.
First Lord	Hang thyself!
APEMANTUS	No, I will do nothing at thy bidding: make thy requests to thy friend.
Second Lord	Away, unpeaceable dog, or I'll spurn thee hence!
APEMANTUS	I will fly, like a dog, the heels o' the ass.
	[Exit]
First Lord	He's opposite to humanity. Come, shall we in, And taste Lord Timon's bounty? he outgoes The very heart of kindness.
Second Lord	He pours it out; Plutus, the god of gold, Is but his steward: no meed, but he repays Sevenfold above itself; no gift to him, But breeds the giver a return exceeding All use of quittance.
First Lord	The noblest mind he carries That ever govern'd man.
Second Lord	Long may he live in fortunes! Shall we in?
First Lord	I'll keep you company.
	[Exeunt]

Scene II A banqueting-room in Timon's house

	[Hautboys playing loud music. A great banquet served in; FLAVIUS and others attending; then enter TIMON, ALCIBIADES, Lords, Senators, and VENTIDIUS. Then comes, dropping, after all, APEMANTUS, discontentedly, like himself]
VENTIDIUS	Most honour'd Timon, It hath pleased the gods to remember my father's age, And call him to long peace. He is gone happy, and has left me rich: Then, as in grateful virtue I am bound To your free heart, I do return those talents, Doubled with thanks and service, from whose help I derived liberty.
TIMON	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 them; faults that are rich are fair.
VENTIDIUS	A noble spirit!
TIMON	Nay, my lords,
	[They all stand ceremoniously looking on TIMON]
	Ceremony was but devised 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 sit]
First Lord	My lord, we always have confess'd it.
APEMANTUS	Ho, ho, confess'd it! hang'd it, have you not?
TIMON	O, Apemantus, you are welcome.
APEMANTUS	No; You shall not make me welcome: I come to have thee thrust me out of doors.
TIMON	Fie, thou'rt a churl; ye've got a humour there Does not become a man: 'tis much to blame. They say, my lords, 'ira furor brevis est;' but yond man is ever angry. Go, let him have a table by himself, for he does neither affect company, nor is he fit for't, indeed.
APEMANTUS	Let me stay at thine apperil, Timon: I come to observe; I give thee warning on't.
TIMON	I take no heed of thee; thou'rt an Athenian, therefore welcome: I myself would have no power; prithee, let my meat make thee silent.
APEMANTUS	I scorn thy meat; 'twould choke me, for I should ne'er flatter thee. O you gods, what a number of men eat Timon, and he sees 'em not! It grieves me to 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: Methinks they should invite them without knives; Good for their meat, and safer for their lives. There's much example for't; the fellow that sits next him now, parts bread with him, pledges the breath of him in a divided draught, is the readiest man to kill him: 't has been proved. If I were a huge man, I should fear to drink at meals; Lest they should spy my windpipe's dangerous notes: Great men should drink with harness on their throats.
TIMON	My lord, in heart; and let the health go round.
Second Lord	Let it flow this way, my good lord.
APEMANTUS	Flow this way! A brave fellow! he keeps his tides well. Those healths will make thee and thy state look ill, Timon. Here's that which is too weak to be a sinner, honest water, which ne'er left man i' the mire: This and my food are equals; there's no odds: Feasts are too proud to give thanks to the gods.
	Apemantus' grace.
	Immortal gods, I crave no pelf; I pray for no man but myself: Grant I may never prove so fond, To trust 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 friends, if I should need 'em. Amen. So fall to't: Rich men sin, and I eat root.
	[Eats and drinks]
	Much good dich thy good heart, Apemantus!
TIMON	Captain Alcibiades, your heart's in the field now.
ALCIBIADES	My heart is ever at your service, my lord.
TIMON	You had rather be at a breakfast of enemies than a dinner of friends.
ALCIBIADES	So the were bleeding-new, my lord, there's no meat like 'em: I could wish my best friend at such a feast.
APEMANTUS	Would all those fatterers were thine enemies then, that then thou mightst kill 'em and bid me to 'em!
First Lord	Might we but have 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.
TIMON	O, no doubt, my good friends, but the gods themselves have provided that I shall have much help from you: how had you been my friends else? why have you 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 need of 'em? they were the most needless creatures living, should we ne'er have use for 'em, 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 can 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 't can be born! Mine eyes cannot hold out water, methinks: to forget their faults, I drink to you.
APEMANTUS	Thou weepest to make them drink, Timon.
Second Lord	Joy had the like conception in our eyes And at that instant like a babe sprung up.
APEMANTUS	Ho, ho! I laugh to think that babe a bastard.
Third Lord	I promise you, my lord, you moved me much.
APEMANTUS	Much!
	[Tucket, within]
TIMON	What means that trump?
	[Enter a Servant]
	How now?
Servant	Please you, my lord, there are certain ladies most desirous of admittance.
TIMON	Ladies! what are their wills?
Servant	There comes with them a forerunner, my lord, which bears that office, to signify their pleasures.
TIMON	I pray, let them be admitted.
	[Enter Cupid]
Cupid	Hail to thee, worthy Timon, and to all That of his bounties taste! The five best senses Acknowledge thee their patron; and come freely To gratulate thy plenteous bosom: th' ear, Taste, touch and smell, pleased from thy tale rise; They only now come but to feast thine eyes.
TIMON	They're welcome all; let 'em have kind admittance: Music, make their welcome!
	[Exit Cupid]
First Lord	You see, my lord, how ample you're beloved.
	[Music. Re-enter Cupid with a mask of Ladies as Amazons, with lutes in their hands, dancing and playing]
APEMANTUS	Hoy-day, what a sweep of vanity comes this way! They dance! they are mad women. Like madness is the glory of this life. As this pomp shows to a little oil and root. We make ourselves fools, to disport ourselves; And spend our flatteries, to drink those men Upon whose age we void it up again, With poisonous spite and envy. Who lives that's not depraved or depraves? Who dies, that bears not one spurn to their graves Of their friends' gift? I should fear those that dance before me now Would one day stamp upon me: 't has been done; Men shut their doors against a setting sun.
	[The Lords rise from table, with much adoring of TIMON; and to show their loves, each singles out an Amazon, and all dance, men with women, a lofty strain or two to the hautboys, and cease]
TIMON	You have done our pleasures much grace, fair ladies, Set a fair fashion on our entertainment, Which was not half so beautiful and kind; You have added worth unto 't and lustre, And entertain'd me with mine own device; I am to thank you for 't.
First Lady	My lord, you take us even at the best.
APEMANTUS	'Faith, for the worst is filthy; and would not hold taking, I doubt me.
TIMON	Ladies, there is an idle banquet attends you: Please you to dispose yourselves.
All Ladies	Most thankfully, my lord.
	[Exeunt Cupid and Ladies]
TIMON	Flavius.
FLAVIUS	My lord?
TIMON	The little casket bring me hither.
FLAVIUS	Yes, my lord. More jewels yet! There is no crossing him in 's humour;
	[Aside]
	Else I should tell him,--well, i' faith I should, When all's spent, he 'ld be cross'd then, an he could. 'Tis pity bounty had not eyes behind, That man might ne'er be wretched for his mind.
	[Exit]
First Lord	Where be our men?
Servant	Here, my lord, in readiness.
Second Lord	Our horses!
	[Re-enter FLAVIUS, with the casket]
TIMON	O my friends, I have one word to say to you: look you, my good lord, I must entreat you, honour me so much As to advance this jewel; accept it and wear it, Kind my lord.
First Lord	I am so far already in your gifts,--
All	So are we all.
	[Enter a Servant]
Servant	My lord, there are certain nobles of the senate Newly alighted, and come to visit you.
TIMON	They are fairly welcome.
FLAVIUS	I beseech your honour, Vouchsafe me a word; it does concern you near.
TIMON	Near! why then, another time I'll hear thee: I prithee, let's be provided to show them entertainment.
FLAVIUS	[Aside] I scarce know how.
	[Enter a Second Servant]
Second Servant	May it please your honour, Lord Lucius, Out of his free love, hath presented to you Four milk-white horses, trapp'd in silver.
TIMON	I shall accept them fairly; let the presents Be worthily entertain'd.
	[Enter a third Servant]
	How now! what news?
Third Servant	Please you, my lord, that honourable gentleman, Lord Lucullus, entreats your company to-morrow to hunt with him, and has sent your honour two brace of greyhounds.
TIMON	I'll hunt with him; and let them be received, Not without fair reward.
FLAVIUS	[Aside] What will this come to? 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 him 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. Well, would I were gently put out of office Before I were forced out! Happier is he that has no friend to feed Than such that do e'en enemies exceed. I bleed inwardly for my lord.
	[Exit]
TIMON	You do yourselves Much wrong, you bate too much of your own merits: Here, my lord, a trifle of our love.
Second Lord	With more than common thanks I will receive it.
Third Lord	O, he's the very soul of bounty!
TIMON	And now I remember, my lord, you gave Good words the other day of a bay courser I rode on: it is yours, because you liked it.
Second Lord	O, I beseech you, pardon me, my lord, in that.
TIMON	You may take my word, my lord; I know, no man Can justly praise but what he does affect: I weigh my friend's affection with mine own; I'll tell you true. I'll call to you.
All Lords	O, none so welcome.
TIMON	I take all and your several visitations So kind to heart, 'tis not enough to give; Methinks, I 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 'mongst the dead, and all the lands thou hast Lie in a pitch'd field.
ALCIBIADES	Ay, defiled land, my lord.
First Lord	We are so virtuously bound--
TIMON	And so Am I to you.
Second Lord	So infinitely endear'd--
TIMON	All to you. Lights, more lights!
First Lord	The best of happiness, Honour and fortunes, keep with you, Lord Timon!
TIMON	Ready for his friends.
	[Exeunt all but APEMANTUS and TIMON]
APEMANTUS	What a coil's here! Serving of becks and jutting-out of bums! I 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.
TIMON	Now, Apemantus, if thou wert not sullen, I would be good to thee.
APEMANTUS	No, I'll nothing: for if I should be bribed too, there would be none left to rail upon thee, and then thou wouldst sin the faster. Thou givest so long, Timon, I fear me thou wilt give away thyself in paper shortly: what need these feasts, pomps and vain-glories?
TIMON	Nay, an you begin to rail on society once, I am sworn not to give regard to you. Farewell; and come with better music.
	[Exit]
APEMANTUS	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!
	[Exit]

Act II

Scene I A Senator's house

	[Enter Senator, with papers in his hand]
Senator	And late, five thousand: to Varro and to Isidore He owes nine thousand; besides my former sum, Which makes it five and twenty. 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 he, 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. Caphis, ho! Caphis, I say!
	[Enter CAPHIS]
CAPHIS	Here, sir; what is your pleasure?
Senator	Get on your cloak, and haste you to Lord Timon; Importune him for my moneys; be not ceased With slight denial, nor then silenced when-- 'Commend me to your master'--and the cap Plays in the right hand, thus: but tell him, My uses cry to me, I 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 him, 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, I do fear, When every feather sticks in his own wing, Lord Timon will be left a naked gull, Which flashes now a phoenix. Get you gone.
CAPHIS	I go, sir.
Senator	'I go, sir!'--Take the bonds along with you, And have the dates in contempt.
CAPHIS	I will, sir.
Senator	Go.
	[Exeunt]

Scene II The same. A hall in Timon's house

	[Enter FLAVIUS, with many bills in his hand]
FLAVIUS	No care, no stop! so senseless of expense, That he will neither know how to maintain it, Nor cease his flow 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: I must be round with him, now he comes from hunting. Fie, fie, fie, fie!
	[Enter CAPHIS, and the Servants of Isidore and Varro]
CAPHIS	Good even, Varro: what, You come for money?
Varro's Servant	Is't not your business too?
CAPHIS	It is: and yours too, Isidore?
Isidore's Servant	It is so.
CAPHIS	Would we were all discharged!
Varro's Servant	I fear it.
CAPHIS	Here comes the lord.
	[Enter TIMON, ALCIBIADES, and Lords, &c]
TIMON	So soon as dinner's done, we'll forth again, My Alcibiades. With me? what is your will?
CAPHIS	My lord, here is a note of certain dues.
TIMON	Dues! Whence are you?
CAPHIS	Of Athens here, my lord.
TIMON	Go to my steward.
CAPHIS	Please it your lordship, he hath put me off To the succession of new days this month: My master is awaked by great occasion To call upon his own, and humbly prays you That with your other noble parts you'll suit In giving him his right.
TIMON	Mine honest friend, I prithee, but repair to me next morning.
CAPHIS	Nay, good my lord,--
TIMON	Contain thyself, good friend.
Varro's Servant	One Varro's servant, my good lord,--
Isidore's Servant	From Isidore; He humbly prays your speedy payment.
CAPHIS	If you did know, my lord, my master's wants--
Varro's Servant	'Twas due on forfeiture, my lord, six weeks And past.
Isidore's Servant	Your steward puts me off, my lord; And I am sent expressly to your lordship.
TIMON	Give me breath. I do beseech you, good my lords, keep on; I'll wait upon you instantly.
	[Exeunt ALCIBIADES and Lords]
	[To FLAVIUS]
	Come hither: pray you, How goes the world, that I am thus encounter'd With clamourous demands of date-broke bonds, And the detention of long-since-due debts, Against my honour?
FLAVIUS	Please you, gentlemen, The time is unagreeable to this business: Your importunacy cease till after dinner, That I may make his lordship understand Wherefore you are not paid.
TIMON	Do so, my friends. See them well entertain'd.
	[Exit]
FLAVIUS	Pray, draw near.
	[Exit]
	[Enter APEMANTUS and Fool]
CAPHIS	Stay, stay, here comes the fool with Apemantus: let's ha' some sport with 'em.
Varro's Servant	Hang him, he'll abuse us.
Isidore's Servant	A plague upon him, dog!
Varro's Servant	How dost, fool?
APEMANTUS	Dost dialogue with thy shadow?
Varro's Servant	I speak not to thee.
APEMANTUS	No,'tis to thyself.
	[To the Fool]
	Come away.
Isidore's Servant	There's the fool hangs on your back already.
APEMANTUS	No, thou stand'st single, thou'rt not on him yet.
CAPHIS	Where's the fool now?
APEMANTUS	He last asked the question. Poor rogues, and usurers' men! bawds between gold and want!
All Servants	What are we, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS	Asses.
All Servants	Why?
APEMANTUS	That you ask me what you are, and do not know yourselves. Speak to 'em, fool.
Fool	How do you, gentlemen?
All Servants	Gramercies, good fool: how does your mistress?
Fool	She's e'en setting on water to scald such chickens as you are. Would we could see you at Corinth!
APEMANTUS	Good! gramercy.
	[Enter Page]
Fool	Look you, here comes my mistress' page.
Page	[To the Fool] Why, how now, captain! what do you in this wise company? How dost thou, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS	Would I had a rod in my mouth, that I might answer thee profitably.
Page	Prithee, Apemantus, read me the superscription of these letters: I know not which is which.
APEMANTUS	Canst not read?
Page	No.
APEMANTUS	There will 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't die a bawd.
Page	Thou wast whelped a dog, and thou shalt famish a dog's death. Answer not; I am gone.
	[Exit]
APEMANTUS	E'en so thou outrunnest grace. Fool, I will go with you to Lord Timon's.
Fool	Will you leave me there?
APEMANTUS	If Timon stay at home. You three serve three usurers?
All Servants	Ay; would they served us!
APEMANTUS	So would I,--as good a trick as ever hangman served thief.
Fool	Are you three usurers' men?
All Servants	Ay, fool.
Fool	I think no usurer but has a fool to his servant: my mistress is one, and I am her fool. When men come 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?
Varro's Servant	I could render one.
APEMANTUS	Do it then, that we may account thee a whoremaster and a knave; which not-withstanding, thou shalt be no less esteemed.
Varro's Servant	What is a whoremaster, fool?
Fool	A fool in good clothes, and something like thee. 'Tis a spirit: sometime't appears like a lord; sometime like a lawyer; sometime like a philosopher, with two stones moe than's artificial one: he is very often like a knight; and, generally, in all shapes that man goes up and down in from fourscore to thirteen, this spirit walks in.
Varro's Servant	Thou art not altogether a fool.
Fool	Nor thou altogether a wise man: as much foolery as I have, so much wit thou lackest.
APEMANTUS	That answer might have become Apemantus.
All Servants	Aside, aside; here comes Lord Timon.
	[Re-enter TIMON and FLAVIUS]
APEMANTUS	Come with me, fool, come.
Fool	I do not always follow lover, elder brother and woman; sometime the philosopher.
	[Exeunt APEMANTUS and Fool]
FLAVIUS	Pray you, walk near: I'll speak with you anon.
	[Exeunt Servants]
TIMON	You make me marvel: wherefore ere this time Had you not fully laid my state before me, That I might so have rated my expense, As I had leave of means?
FLAVIUS	You would not hear me, At many leisures I proposed.
TIMON	Go to: Perchance some single vantages you took. When my indisposition put you back: And that unaptness made your minister, Thus to excuse yourself.
FLAVIUS	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 cheques, 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--yet now's a time-- The greatest of your having lacks a half To pay your present debts.
TIMON	Let all my land be sold.
FLAVIUS	'Tis all engaged, 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?
TIMON	To Lacedaemon did my land extend.
FLAVIUS	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!
TIMON	You tell me true.
FLAVIUS	If you suspect my husbandry or falsehood, Call me before the exactest auditors And set me on the proof. So the gods bless me, When all our offices have been oppress'd With riotous feeders, when our vaults have wept With drunken spilth of wine, when every room Hath blazed with lights and bray'd with minstrelsy, I have retired me to a wasteful cock, And set mine eyes at flow.
TIMON	Prithee, no more.
FLAVIUS	Heavens, have I said, the bounty of this lord! How many prodigal bits have slaves 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! 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.
TIMON	Come, sermon me no further: No villanous 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 men's fortunes could I frankly use As I can bid thee speak.
FLAVIUS	Assurance bless your thoughts!
TIMON	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! Flaminius! Servilius!
	[Enter FLAMINIUS, SERVILIUS, and other Servants]
Servants	My lord? my lord?
TIMON	I will dispatch you severally; you to Lord Lucius; to Lord Lucullus you: I hunted with his honour to-day: you, to Sempronius: commend me to their loves, and, I am proud, say, that my occasions have found time to use 'em toward a supply of money: let the request be fifty talents.
FLAMINIUS	As you have said, my lord.
FLAVIUS	[Aside] Lord Lucius and Lucullus? hum!
TIMON	Go you, sir, to the senators-- Of whom, even to the state's best health, I have Deserved this hearing--bid 'em send o' the instant A thousand talents to me.
FLAVIUS	I have been bold-- For that I knew it the most general way-- To them to use your signet and your name; But they do shake their heads, and I am here No richer in return.
TIMON	Is't true? can't be?
FLAVIUS	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 honourable,-- But yet they could have wish'd--they know not-- Something 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.
TIMON	You gods, reward them! Prithee, man, look cheerly. These old fellows Have their ingratitude in them hereditary: Their blood is caked, '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.
	[To a Servant]
	Go to Ventidius.
	[To FLAVIUS]
	Prithee, be not sad, Thou art true and honest; ingeniously I speak. No blame belongs to thee.
	[To Servant]
	Ventidius lately Buried his father; by whose death he's stepp'd Into a great estate: when he was poor, Imprison'd and in scarcity of friends, I clear'd him with five talents: greet him from me; Bid him suppose some good necessity Touches his friend, which craves to be remember'd With those five talents.
	[Exit Servant]
	[To FLAVIUS]
	That had, give't these fellows To whom 'tis instant due. Ne'er speak, or think, That Timon's fortunes 'mong his friends can sink.
FLAVIUS	I would I could not think it: that thought is bounty's foe; Being free itself, it thinks all others so.
	[Exeunt]

Act III

Scene I A room in Lucullus' house

	[FLAMINIUS waiting. Enter a Servant to him]
Servant	I have told my lord of you; he is coming down to you.
FLAMINIUS	I thank you, sir.
	[Enter LUCULLUS]
Servant	Here's my lord.
LUCULLUS	[Aside] One of Lord Timon's men? a gift, I warrant. Why, this hits right; I dreamt of a silver basin and ewer to-night. Flaminius, honest Flaminius; you are very respectively welcome, sir. Fill me some wine.
	[Exit Servants]
	And how does that honourable, complete, free-hearted gentleman of Athens, thy very bountiful good lord and master?
FLAMINIUS	His health is well sir.
LUCULLUS	I am right glad that his health is well, sir: and what hast thou there under thy cloak, pretty Flaminius?
FLAMINIUS	'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.
LUCULLUS	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 ha' 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 ha' told him on't, but I could ne'er get him from't.
	[Re-enter Servant, with wine]
Servant	Please your lordship, here is the wine.
LUCULLUS	Flaminius, I have noted thee always wise. Here's to thee.
FLAMINIUS	Your lordship speaks your pleasure.
LUCULLUS	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.
	[To Servant]
	Get you gone, sirrah.
	[Exit Servant]
	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 sawest me not. Fare thee well.
FLAMINIUS	Is't possible the world should so much differ, And we alive that lived? Fly, damned baseness, To him that worships thee!
	[Throwing the money back]
LUCULLUS	Ha! now I see thou art a fool, and fit for thy master.
	[Exit]
FLAMINIUS	May these add to the number that may scald thee! Let moulten coin be thy damnation, 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 feel 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'd to poison? O, may diseases only work upon't! And, when he's sick to death, let not that part of nature Which my lord paid for, be of any power To expel sickness, but prolong his hour!
	[Exit]

Scene II A public place

	[Enter LUCILIUS, with three Strangers]
LUCILIUS	Who, the Lord Timon? he is my very good friend, and an honourable gentleman.
First Stranger	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.
LUCILIUS	Fie, no, do not believe it; he cannot want for money.
Second Stranger	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.
LUCILIUS	How!
Second Stranger	I tell you, denied, my lord.
LUCILIUS	What a strange case was that! now, before the gods, I am ashamed on't. Denied that honourable man! 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, I should ne'er have denied his occasion so many talents.
	[Enter SERVILIUS]
SERVILIUS	See, by good hap, yonder's my lord; I have sweat to see his honour. My honoured lord,--
	[To LUCIUS]
LUCILIUS	Servilius! you are kindly met, sir. Fare thee well: commend me to thy honourable virtuous lord, my very exquisite friend.
SERVILIUS	May it please your honour, my lord hath sent--
LUCILIUS	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?
SERVILIUS	Has only sent his present occasion now, my lord; requesting your lordship to supply his instant use with so many talents.
LUCILIUS	I know his lordship is but merry with me; He cannot want fifty five hundred talents.
SERVILIUS	But in the mean time he wants less, my lord. If his occasion were not virtuous, I should not urge it half so faithfully.
LUCILIUS	Dost thou speak seriously, Servilius?
SERVILIUS	Upon my soul,'tis true, sir.
LUCILIUS	What a wicked beast was I to disfurnish myself against such a good time, when I might ha' shown myself honourable! how unluckily it happened, that I should purchase the day before for a little part, and undo a great deal of honoured! Servilius, now, before the gods, I am not able to do,--the more beast, 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't now. Commend me bountifully to his good lordship; and I hope his honour 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 honourable gentleman. Good Servilius, will you befriend me so far, as to use mine own words to him?
SERVILIUS	Yes, sir, I shall.
LUCILIUS	I'll look you out a good turn, Servilius.
	[Exit SERVILIUS]
	True as you said, Timon is shrunk indeed; And he that's once denied will hardly speed.
	[Exit]
First Stranger	Do you observe this, Hostilius?
Second Stranger	Ay, too well.
First Stranger	Why, this is the world's soul; and just of the same piece Is every flatterer's spirit. Who can call him His friend that dips in the same dish? for, in My knowing, Timon has been this lord's father, And kept his credit with his purse, Supported his estate; nay, Timon's money Has paid his men their wages: he ne'er drinks, But Timon's silver treads upon his lip; And yet--O, see the monstrousness of man When he looks out in an ungrateful shape!-- He does deny him, in respect of his, What charitable men afford to beggars.
Third Stranger	Religion groans at it.
First Stranger	For mine own part, I never tasted Timon in my life, Nor came any of his bounties over me, To mark me for his friend; yet, I protest, For his right noble mind, illustrious virtue And honourable carriage, Had his necessity made use of me, I would have put my wealth into donation, And the best half should have return'd to him, So much I love his heart: but, I perceive, Men must learn now with pity to dispense; For policy sits above conscience.
	[Exeunt]

Scene III A room in Sempronius' house

	[Enter SEMPRONIUS, and a Servant of TIMON's]
SEMPRONIUS	Must he needs trouble me in 't,--hum!--'bove all others? He might have tried Lord Lucius or Lucullus; And now Ventidius is wealthy too, Whom he redeem'd from prison: all these Owe their estates unto him.
Servant	My lord, They have all been touch'd and found base metal, for They have au denied him.
SEMPRONIUS	How! have they denied him? Has Ventidius and Lucullus denied him? And does he send to me? Three? hum! It shows but little love or judgment in him: Must I be his last refuge! His friends, like physicians, Thrive, give him over: must I take the cure upon me? Has much disgraced me in't; I'm angry at him, That might have known my place: I see no sense for't, But his occasion might have woo'd me first; For, in my conscience, I was the first man That e'er received gift from him: And does he think so backwardly of me now, That I'll requite its last? No: So it may prove an argument of laughter To the rest, and 'mongst lords I be thought a fool. I'ld rather than the worth of thrice the sum, Had sent to me first, but for my mind's sake; I'd such a courage to do him good. But now return, And with their faint reply this answer join; Who bates mine honour shall not know my coin.
	[Exit]
Servant	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 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, Save only the gods: now his friends are dead, Doors, that were ne'er acquainted with their wards Many a bounteous year must be employ'd Now to guard sure their master. And this is all a liberal course allows; Who cannot keep his wealth must keep his house.
	[Exit]

Scene IV The same. A hall in Timon's house

	[Enter two Servants of Varro, and the Servant of LUCIUS, meeting TITUS, HORTENSIUS, and other Servants of TIMON's creditors, waiting his coming out]
Varro's First Servant	Well met; good morrow, Titus and Hortensius.
TITUS	The like to you kind Varro.
HORTENSIUS	Lucius! What, do we meet together?
Lucilius' Servant	Ay, and I think One business does command us all; for mine Is money.
TITUS	So is theirs and ours.
	[Enter PHILOTUS]
Lucilius' Servant	And Sir Philotus too!
PHILOTUS	Good day at once.
Lucilius' Servant	Welcome, good brother. What do you think the hour?
PHILOTUS	Labouring for nine.
Lucilius' Servant	So much?
PHILOTUS	Is not my lord seen yet?
Lucilius' Servant	Not yet.
PHILOTUS	I wonder on't; he was wont to shine at seven.
Lucilius' Servant	Ay, but the days are wax'd shorter with him: You must consider that a prodigal course Is like the sun's; but not, like his, recoverable. I fear 'tis deepest winter in Lord Timon's purse; That is one may reach deep enough, and yet Find little.
PHILOTUS	I am of your fear for that.
TITUS	I'll show you how to observe a strange event. Your lord sends now for money.
HORTENSIUS	Most true, he does.
TITUS	And he wears jewels now of Timon's gift, For which I wait for money.
HORTENSIUS	It is against my heart.
Lucilius' Servant	Mark, how strange it shows, Timon in this should pay more than he owes: And e'en as if your lord should wear rich jewels, And send for money for 'em.
HORTENSIUS	I'm weary of this charge, the gods can witness: I know my lord hath spent of Timon's wealth, And now ingratitude makes it worse than stealth.
Varro's First Servant	Yes, mine's three thousand crowns: what's yours?
Lucilius' Servant	Five thousand mine.
Varro's First Servant	'Tis much deep: and it should seem by the sun, Your master's confidence was above mine; Else, surely, his had equall'd.
	Enter FLAMINIUS.
TITUS	One of Lord Timon's men.
Lucilius' Servant	Flaminius! Sir, a word: pray, is my lord ready to come forth?
FLAMINIUS	No, indeed, he is not.
TITUS	We attend his lordship; pray, signify so much.
FLAMINIUS	I need not tell him that; he knows you are too diligent.
	[Exit]
	[Enter FLAVIUS in a cloak, muffled]
Lucilius' Servant	Ha! is not that his steward muffled so? He goes away in a cloud: call him, call him.
TITUS	Do you hear, sir?
Varro's Second Servant	By your leave, sir,--
FLAVIUS	What do ye ask of me, my friend?
TITUS	We wait for certain money here, sir.
FLAVIUS	Ay, 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 eat of my lord's meat? Then they could smile and fawn upon his debts And take down the interest into their gluttonous maws. You do yourselves but wrong 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.
Lucilius' Servant	Ay, but this answer will not serve.
FLAVIUS	If 'twill not serve,'tis not so base as you; For you serve knaves.
	[Exit]
Varro's First Servant	How! what does his cashiered worship mutter?
Varro's Second Servant	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]
TITUS	O, here's Servilius; now we shall know some answer.
SERVILIUS	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.
Lucilius' Servant	Many do keep their chambers are not sick: And, if it be so far beyond his health, Methinks he should the sooner pay his debts, And make a clear way to the gods.
SERVILIUS	Good gods!
TITUS	We cannot take this for answer, sir.
FLAMINIUS	[Within] Servilius, help! My lord! my lord!
	[Enter TIMON, in a rage, FLAMINIUS following]
TIMON	What, are my doors opposed against my passage? Have I been ever free, and must my house Be my retentive enemy, my gaol? The place which I have feasted, does it now, Like all mankind, show me an iron heart?
Lucilius' Servant	Put in now, Titus.
TITUS	My lord, here is my bill.
Lucilius' Servant	Here's mine.
HORTENSIUS	And mine, my lord.
Both Varro's Servants	And ours, my lord.
PHILOTUS	All our bills.
TIMON	Knock me down with 'em: cleave me to the girdle.
Lucilius' Servant	Alas, my lord,-
TIMON	Cut my heart in sums.
TITUS	Mine, fifty talents.
TIMON	Tell out my blood.
Lucilius' Servant	Five thousand crowns, my lord.
TIMON	Five thousand drops pays that. What yours?--and yours?
Varro's First Servant	My lord,--
Varro's Second Servant	My lord,--

TIMON OF ATHENS

Contents