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Title: Timon Of Athens (published 1608) Author: William Shakespeare (died 1616)
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Timon of Athens is an apparently wealthy man in his community who freely gives of his abundance to those around him. Eventually, it becomes apparent that he is living on credit, when all of his creditors ask for payment on the same day. Timon asks for his friends to help, but is refused. Angry at mankind's double nature, he leaves the city for the wilderness, and lives in a cave. Despite the efforts of several men to cheer his spirits, he dies full of hatred for humanity.
Enter Poet, Painter, Jeweler, and Merchant, at several doors.
line 0001POETGood day, sir. line 0002PAINTERI am glad you’re well. POET line 0003I have not seen you long. How goes the world? PAINTER line 0004It wears, sir, as it grows. 5line 0005POETAy, that’s well known. line 0006But what particular rarity, what strange, line 0007Which manifold record not matches? See, line 0008Magic of bounty, all these spirits thy power line 0009Hath conjured to attend. I know the merchant. 10line 0010PAINTERI know them both. Th’ other’s a jeweler. MERCHANTto Jeweler line 0011O, ’tis a worthy lord! line 0012JEWELERNay, that’s most fixed. MERCHANT line 0013A most incomparable man, breathed, as it were, line 0014To an untirable and continuate goodness. 15line 0015He passes. line 0016JEWELERI have a jewel here— MERCHANT line 0017O, pray, let’s see ’t. For the Lord Timon, sir? Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 9JEWELER line 0018If he will touch the estimate. But for that— POETto Painter line 0019When we for recompense have praised the vile, 20line 0020It stains the glory in that happy verse line 0021Which aptly sings the good. MERCHANTlooking at the jewel line 0022’Tis a good form. line 0023JEWELERAnd rich. Here is a water, look ye. PAINTERto Poet line 0024You are rapt, sir, in some work, some dedication 25line 0025To the great lord. line 0026POETA thing slipped idly from me. line 0027Our poesy is as a gum which oozes line 0028From whence ’tis nourished. The fire i’ th’ flint line 0029Shows not till it be struck; our gentle flame 30line 0030Provokes itself and, like the current, flies line 0031Each bound it chases. What have you there? PAINTER line 0032A picture, sir. When comes your book forth? POET line 0033Upon the heels of my presentment, sir. line 0034Let’s see your piece. 35line 0035PAINTER’Tis a good piece. POET line 0036So ’tis. This comes off well and excellent. PAINTER line 0037Indifferent. line 0038POETAdmirable! How this grace line 0039Speaks his own standing! What a mental power 40line 0040This eye shoots forth! How big imagination line 0041Moves in this lip! To th’ dumbness of the gesture line 0042One might interpret. PAINTER line 0043It is a pretty mocking of the life. line 0044Here is a touch. Is ’t good? Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 1145line 0045POETI will say of it, line 0046It tutors nature. Artificial strife line 0047Lives in these touches livelier than life.
Enter certain Senators.
line 0048PAINTERHow this lord is followed. POET line 0049The senators of Athens, happy men. 50line 0050PAINTERLook, more. POET line 0051You see this confluence, this great flood of visitors. line 0052Indicating his poem. I have in this rough work line 0053shaped out a man line 0054Whom this beneath world doth embrace and hug 55line 0055With amplest entertainment. My free drift line 0056Halts not particularly but moves itself line 0057In a wide sea of wax. No leveled malice line 0058Infects one comma in the course I hold, line 0059But flies an eagle flight, bold and forth on, 60line 0060Leaving no tract behind. line 0061PAINTERHow shall I understand you? line 0062POETI will unbolt to you. line 0063You see how all conditions, how all minds, line 0064As well of glib and slipp’ry creatures as 65line 0065Of grave and austere quality, tender down line 0066Their services to Lord Timon. His large fortune, line 0067Upon his good and gracious nature hanging, line 0068Subdues and properties to his love and tendance line 0069All sorts of hearts—yea, from the glass-faced flatterer 70line 0070To Apemantus, that few things loves better line 0071Than to abhor himself; even he drops down line 0072The knee before him and returns in peace line 0073Most rich in Timon’s nod. line 0074PAINTERI saw them speak together. POET 75line 0075Sir, I have upon a high and pleasant hill Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 13line 0076Feigned Fortune to be throned. The base o’ th’ mount line 0077Is ranked with all deserts, all kind of natures line 0078That labor on the bosom of this sphere line 0079To propagate their states. Amongst them all 80line 0080Whose eyes are on this sovereign lady fixed, line 0081One do I personate of Lord Timon’s frame, line 0082Whom Fortune with her ivory hand wafts to her, line 0083Whose present grace to present slaves and servants line 0084Translates his rivals. 85line 0085PAINTER’Tis conceived to scope. line 0086This throne, this Fortune, and this hill, methinks, line 0087With one man beckoned from the rest below, line 0088Bowing his head against the steepy mount line 0089To climb his happiness, would be well expressed 90line 0090In our condition. line 0091POETNay, sir, but hear me on. line 0092All those which were his fellows but of late, line 0093Some better than his value, on the moment line 0094Follow his strides, his lobbies fill with tendance, 95line 0095Rain sacrificial whisperings in his ear, line 0096Make sacred even his stirrup, and through him line 0097Drink the free air. line 0098PAINTERAy, marry, what of these? POET line 0099When Fortune in her shift and change of mood 100line 0100Spurns down her late beloved, all his dependants, line 0101Which labored after him to the mountain’s top line 0102Even on their knees and hands, let him slip down, line 0103Not one accompanying his declining foot. line 0104PAINTER’Tis common. 105line 0105A thousand moral paintings I can show line 0106That shall demonstrate these quick blows of line 0107Fortune’s line 0108More pregnantly than words. Yet you do well line 0109To show Lord Timon that mean eyes have seen 110line 0110The foot above the head. Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 15
Trumpets sound. Enter Lord Timon, addressing himself courteously to every suitor. He is accompanied by a Messenger and followed by Lucilius and other Servants.
line 0111TIMONImprisoned is he, say you? MESSENGER line 0112Ay, my good lord. Five talents is his debt, line 0113His means most short, his creditors most strait. line 0114Your honorable letter he desires 115line 0115To those have shut him up, which failing line 0116Periods his comfort. line 0117TIMONNoble Ventidius. Well, line 0118I am not of that feather to shake off line 0119My friend when he must need me. I do know him 120line 0120A gentleman that well deserves a help, line 0121Which he shall have. I’ll pay the debt and free him. line 0122MESSENGERYour Lordship ever binds him. TIMON line 0123Commend me to him. I will send his ransom; line 0124And, being enfranchised, bid him come to me. 125line 0125’Tis not enough to help the feeble up, line 0126But to support him after. Fare you well. line 0127MESSENGERAll happiness to your Honor.He exits.
Enter an old Athenian.
OLD MAN line 0128Lord Timon, hear me speak. line 0129TIMONFreely, good father. OLD MAN 130line 0130Thou hast a servant named Lucilius. line 0131TIMONI have so. What of him? OLD MAN line 0132Most noble Timon, call the man before thee. TIMON line 0133Attends he here or no?—Lucilius! Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 17line 0134LUCILIUSHere, at your Lordship’s service. OLD MAN 135line 0135This fellow here, Lord Timon, this thy creature, line 0136By night frequents my house. I am a man line 0137That from my first have been inclined to thrift, line 0138And my estate deserves an heir more raised line 0139Than one which holds a trencher. 140line 0140TIMONWell. What further? OLD MAN line 0141One only daughter have I, no kin else line 0142On whom I may confer what I have got. line 0143The maid is fair, o’ th’ youngest for a bride, line 0144And I have bred her at my dearest cost 145line 0145In qualities of the best. This man of thine line 0146Attempts her love. I prithee, noble lord, line 0147Join with me to forbid him her resort. line 0148Myself have spoke in vain. line 0149TIMONThe man is honest. 150line 0150OLD MANTherefore he will be, Timon. line 0151His honesty rewards him in itself; line 0152It must not bear my daughter. line 0153TIMONDoes she love him? line 0154OLD MANShe is young and apt. 155line 0155Our own precedent passions do instruct us line 0156What levity’s in youth. line 0157TIMONto LuciliusLove you the maid? LUCILIUS line 0158Ay, my good lord, and she accepts of it. OLD MAN line 0159If in her marriage my consent be missing— 160line 0160I call the gods to witness—I will choose line 0161Mine heir from forth the beggars of the world line 0162And dispossess her all. line 0163TIMONHow shall she be endowed line 0164If she be mated with an equal husband? Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 19OLD MAN 165line 0165Three talents on the present; in future, all. TIMON line 0166This gentleman of mine hath served me long. line 0167To build his fortune, I will strain a little, line 0168For ’tis a bond in men. Give him thy daughter. line 0169What you bestow, in him I’ll counterpoise, 170line 0170And make him weigh with her. line 0171OLD MANMost noble lord, line 0172Pawn me to this your honor, she is his. TIMON line 0173My hand to thee; mine honor on my promise. LUCILIUS line 0174Humbly I thank your Lordship. Never may 175line 0175That state or fortune fall into my keeping line 0176Which is not owed to you.
He exits with the old Athenian.
POETpresenting his poem to Timon line 0177Vouchsafe my labor, and long live your Lordship. TIMON line 0178I thank you. You shall hear from me anon. line 0179Go not away.—What have you there, my friend? PAINTER 180line 0180A piece of painting which I do beseech line 0181Your Lordship to accept. line 0182TIMONPainting is welcome. line 0183The painting is almost the natural man, line 0184For, since dishonor traffics with man’s nature, 185line 0185He is but outside; these penciled figures are line 0186Even such as they give out. I like your work, line 0187And you shall find I like it. Wait attendance line 0188Till you hear further from me. line 0189PAINTERThe gods preserve you. TIMON 190line 0190Well fare you, gentleman. Give me your hand. Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 21line 0191We must needs dine together.—Sir, your jewel line 0192Hath suffered under praise. line 0193JEWELERWhat, my lord? Dispraise? TIMON line 0194A mere satiety of commendations. 195line 0195If I should pay you for ’t as ’tis extolled, line 0196It would unclew me quite. line 0197JEWELERMy lord, ’tis rated line 0198As those which sell would give. But you well know line 0199Things of like value, differing in the owners, 200line 0200Are prizèd by their masters. Believe ’t, dear lord, line 0201You mend the jewel by the wearing it. line 0202TIMONWell mocked. MERCHANT line 0203No, my good lord. He speaks the common tongue, line 0204Which all men speak with him.
Enter Apemantus.
205line 0205TIMONLook who comes here. Will you be chid? line 0206JEWELERWe’ll bear, with your Lordship. line 0207MERCHANTHe’ll spare none. TIMON line 0208Good morrow to thee, gentle Apemantus. APEMANTUS line 0209Till I be gentle, stay thou for thy good morrow— 210line 0210When thou art Timon’s dog, and these knaves honest. TIMON line 0211Why dost thou call them knaves? Thou know’st line 0212them not. line 0213APEMANTUSAre they not Athenians? line 0214TIMONYes. 215line 0215APEMANTUSThen I repent not. line 0216JEWELERYou know me, Apemantus? line 0217APEMANTUSThou know’st I do. I called thee by thy line 0218name. line 0219TIMONThou art proud, Apemantus. Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 23220line 0220APEMANTUSOf nothing so much as that I am not like line 0221Timon. line 0222TIMONWhither art going? line 0223APEMANTUSTo knock out an honest Athenian’s brains. line 0224TIMONThat’s a deed thou ’lt die for. 225line 0225APEMANTUSRight, if doing nothing be death by th’ law. line 0226TIMONHow lik’st thou this picture, Apemantus? line 0227APEMANTUSThe best, for the innocence. line 0228TIMONWrought he not well that painted it? line 0229APEMANTUSHe wrought better that made the painter, 230line 0230and yet he’s but a filthy piece of work. line 0231PAINTERYou’re a dog. line 0232APEMANTUSThy mother’s of my generation. What’s line 0233she, if I be a dog? line 0234TIMONWilt dine with me, Apemantus? 235line 0235APEMANTUSNo. I eat not lords. line 0236TIMONAn thou shouldst, thou ’dst anger ladies. line 0237APEMANTUSO, they eat lords. So they come by great line 0238bellies. line 0239TIMONThat’s a lascivious apprehension. 240line 0240APEMANTUSSo thou apprehend’st it. Take it for thy line 0241labor. line 0242TIMONHow dost thou like this jewel, Apemantus? line 0243APEMANTUSNot so well as plain-dealing, which will line 0244not cost a man a doit. 245line 0245TIMONWhat dost thou think ’tis worth? line 0246APEMANTUSNot worth my thinking.—How now, poet? line 0247POETHow now, philosopher? line 0248APEMANTUSThou liest. line 0249POETArt not one? 250line 0250APEMANTUSYes. line 0251POETThen I lie not. line 0252APEMANTUSArt not a poet? line 0253POETYes. line 0254APEMANTUSThen thou liest. Look in thy last work, 255line 0255where thou hast feigned him a worthy fellow. Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 25line 0256POETThat’s not feigned. He is so. line 0257APEMANTUSYes, he is worthy of thee, and to pay thee line 0258for thy labor. He that loves to be flattered is worthy line 0259o’ th’ flatterer. Heavens, that I were a lord! 260line 0260TIMONWhat wouldst do then, Apemantus? line 0261APEMANTUSE’en as Apemantus does now—hate a lord line 0262with my heart. line 0263TIMONWhat? Thyself? line 0264APEMANTUSAy. 265line 0265TIMONWherefore? line 0266APEMANTUSThat I had no angry wit to be a lord.—Art line 0267not thou a merchant? line 0268MERCHANTAy, Apemantus. line 0269APEMANTUSTraffic confound thee, if the gods will not. 270line 0270MERCHANTIf traffic do it, the gods do it. line 0271APEMANTUSTraffic’s thy god, and thy god confound line 0272thee!
Trumpet sounds. Enter a Messenger.
line 0273TIMONWhat trumpet’s that? MESSENGER line 0274’Tis Alcibiades and some twenty horse, 275line 0275All of companionship. TIMON line 0276Pray, entertain them. Give them guide to us.
Some Servants exit with Messenger.
line 0277You must needs dine with me. Go not you hence line 0278Till I have thanked you.—When dinner’s done line 0279Show me this piece.—I am joyful of your sights.
Enter Alcibiades with the rest.
280line 0280Most welcome, sir.They bow to each other. line 0281APEMANTUSapartSo, so, there! line 0282Aches contract and starve your supple joints! line 0283That there should be small love amongst these sweet line 0284knaves, Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 27285line 0285And all this courtesy! The strain of man’s bred out line 0286Into baboon and monkey. ALCIBIADESto Timon line 0287Sir, you have saved my longing, and I feed line 0288Most hungerly on your sight. line 0289TIMONRight welcome, sir. 290line 0290Ere we depart, we’ll share a bounteous time line 0291In different pleasures. Pray you, let us in.
All but Apemantus exit.
Enter two Lords.
line 0292FIRST LORDWhat time o’ day is ’t, Apemantus? line 0293APEMANTUSTime to be honest. line 0294FIRST LORDThat time serves still. APEMANTUS 295line 0295The most accursèd thou, that still omit’st it. line 0296SECOND LORDThou art going to Lord Timon’s feast? APEMANTUS line 0297Ay, to see meat fill knaves, and wine heat fools. line 0298SECOND LORDFare thee well, fare thee well. APEMANTUS line 0299Thou art a fool to bid me farewell twice. 300line 0300SECOND LORDWhy, Apemantus? APEMANTUS line 0301Shouldst have kept one to thyself, for I mean to give line 0302thee none. line 0303FIRST LORDHang thyself. APEMANTUS line 0304No, I will do nothing at thy bidding. 305line 0305Make thy requests to thy friend. SECOND LORD line 0306Away, unpeaceable dog, or I’ll spurn thee hence. line 0307APEMANTUSI will fly, like a dog, the heels o’ th’ ass.
He exits.
FIRST LORD line 0308He’s opposite to humanity. Come, shall we in Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 29line 0309And taste Lord Timon’s bounty? He outgoes 310line 0310The very heart of kindness. SECOND LORD line 0311He pours it out. Plutus, the god of gold, line 0312Is but his steward. No meed but he repays line 0313Sevenfold above itself. No gift to him line 0314But breeds the giver a return exceeding 315line 0315All use of quittance. line 0316FIRST LORDThe noblest mind he carries line 0317That ever governed man. SECOND LORD line 0318Long may he live in fortunes. Shall we in? line 0319I’ll keep you company.
They exit.
Scene 2
Hautboys playing loud music. A great banquet served in, and then enter Lord Timon, the States, the Athenian Lords (including Lucius), Alcibiades, and Ventidius (which Timon redeemed from prison). Flavius and others are in attendance. Then comes dropping after all Apemantus discontentedly like himself.
line 0320VENTIDIUSMost honored Timon, line 0321It hath pleased the gods to remember my father’s age line 0322And call him to long peace. line 0323He is gone happy and has left me rich. 5line 0324Then, as in grateful virtue I am bound line 0325To your free heart, I do return those talents, line 0326Doubled with thanks and service, from whose help line 0327I derived liberty.He offers a purse. line 0328TIMONO, by no means, 10line 0329Honest Ventidius. You mistake my love. line 0330I gave it freely ever, and there’s none line 0331Can truly say he gives if he receives. Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 31line 0332If our betters play at that game, we must not dare line 0333To imitate them. Faults that are rich are fair. 15line 0334VENTIDIUSA noble spirit! TIMON line 0335Nay, my lords, ceremony was but devised at first line 0336To set a gloss on faint deeds, hollow welcomes, line 0337Recanting goodness, sorry ere ’tis shown; line 0338But where there is true friendship, there needs none. 20line 0339Pray, sit. More welcome are you to my fortunes line 0340Than my fortunes to me.They sit. line 0341FIRST LORDMy lord, we always have confessed it. APEMANTUS line 0342Ho, ho, “confessed it”? Hanged it, have you not? line 0343TIMONO Apemantus, you are welcome. 25line 0344APEMANTUSNo, you shall not make me welcome. line 0345I come to have thee thrust me out of doors. TIMON line 0346Fie, thou ’rt a churl. You’ve got a humor there line 0347Does not become a man. ’Tis much to blame.— line 0348They say, my lords, Ira furor brevis est, but yond 30line 0349man is ever angry. Go, let him have a table by line 0350himself, for he does neither affect company, nor is line 0351he fit for ’t indeed. line 0352APEMANTUSLet me stay at thine apperil, Timon. I line 0353come to observe; I give thee warning on ’t. 35line 0354TIMONI take no heed of thee. Thou ’rt an Athenian, line 0355therefore welcome. I myself would have no power; line 0356prithee, let my meat make thee silent. line 0357APEMANTUSI scorn thy meat. ’Twould choke me, for I line 0358should ne’er flatter thee. Apart. O you gods, 40line 0359what a number of men eats Timon, and he sees ’em line 0360not! It grieves me to see so many dip their meat in line 0361one man’s blood; and all the madness is, he cheers line 0362them up too. line 0363I wonder men dare trust themselves with men. 45line 0364Methinks they should invite them without knives. Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 33line 0365Good for their meat, and safer for their lives. line 0366There’s much example for ’t. The fellow that sits line 0367next him, now parts bread with him, pledges the line 0368breath of him in a divided draft, is the readiest 50line 0369man to kill him. ’T ’as been proved. If I were a huge line 0370man, I should fear to drink at meals, line 0371Lest they should spy my wind-pipe’s dangerous line 0372notes. line 0373Great men should drink with harness on their 55line 0374throats. TIMONresponding to a toast line 0375My lord, in heart! And let the health go round. line 0376SECOND LORDLet it flow this way, my good lord. line 0377APEMANTUSapart“Flow this way”? A brave fellow. line 0378He keeps his tides well. Those healths will make 60line 0379thee and thy state look ill, Timon. line 0380Here’s that which is too weak to be a sinner, line 0381Honest water, which ne’er left man i’ th’ mire. line 0382This and my food are equals. There’s no odds. line 0383Feasts are too proud to give thanks to the gods.
Apemantus’ grace.
65line 0384Immortal gods, I crave no pelf. line 0385I pray for no man but myself. line 0386Grant I may never prove so fond line 0387To trust man on his oath or bond, line 0388Or a harlot for her weeping, 70line 0389Or a dog that seems a-sleeping, line 0390Or a keeper with my freedom, line 0391Or my friends if I should need ’em. line 0392Amen. So fall to ’t. line 0393Rich men sin, and I eat root.
He eats and drinks.
75line 0394Much good dich thy good heart, Apemantus! line 0395TIMONCaptain Alcibiades, your heart’s in the field now. line 0396ALCIBIADESMy heart is ever at your service, my lord. Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 35line 0397TIMONYou had rather be at a breakfast of enemies line 0398than a dinner of friends. 80line 0399ALCIBIADESSo they were bleeding new, my lord, line 0400there’s no meat like ’em. I could wish my best line 0401friend at such a feast. line 0402APEMANTUSapartWould all those flatterers were line 0403thine enemies, then, that then thou mightst kill 85line 0404’em and bid me to ’em. line 0405FIRST LORDMight we but have that happiness, my line 0406lord, that you would once use our hearts, whereby line 0407we might express some part of our zeals, we line 0408should think ourselves forever perfect. 90line 0409TIMONO, no doubt, my good friends, but the gods line 0410themselves have provided that I shall have much line 0411help from you. How had you been my friends else? line 0412Why have you that charitable title from thousands, line 0413did not you chiefly belong to my heart? I have told 95line 0414more of you to myself than you can with modesty line 0415speak in your own behalf. And thus far I confirm line 0416you. O you gods, think I, what need we have any line 0417friends if we should ne’er have need of ’em? They line 0418were the most needless creatures living, should we 100line 0419ne’er have use for ’em, and would most resemble line 0420sweet instruments hung up in cases, that keeps line 0421their sounds to themselves. Why, I have often line 0422wished myself poorer that I might come nearer to line 0423you. We are born to do benefits. And what better or 105line 0424properer can we call our own than the riches of line 0425our friends? O, what a precious comfort ’tis to line 0426have so many, like brothers, commanding one line 0427another’s fortunes. O, joy’s e’en made away ere ’t line 0428can be born! Mine eyes cannot hold out water, 110line 0429methinks. To forget their faults, I drink to you. line 0430APEMANTUSapartThou weep’st to make them drink, line 0431Timon. Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 37SECOND LORD line 0432Joy had the like conception in our eyes line 0433And, at that instant, like a babe sprung up. APEMANTUSapart 115line 0434Ho, ho! I laugh to think that babe a bastard. THIRD LORD line 0435I promise you, my lord, you moved me much. line 0436APEMANTUSapartMuch!Sound tucket. line 0437TIMONWhat means that trump?
Enter Servant.
line 0438How now? 120line 0439SERVANTPlease you, my lord, there are certain ladies line 0440most desirous of admittance. line 0441TIMONLadies? What are their wills? line 0442SERVANTThere comes with them a forerunner, my lord, line 0443which bears that office to signify their pleasures. 125line 0444TIMONI pray, let them be admitted.Servant exits.
Enter “Cupid.”
CUPID line 0445Hail to thee, worthy Timon, and to all line 0446That of his bounties taste! The five best senses line 0447Acknowledge thee their patron, and come freely line 0448To gratulate thy plenteous bosom. There 130line 0449Taste, touch, all, pleased from thy table rise; line 0450They only now come but to feast thine eyes. TIMON line 0451They’re welcome all. Let ’em have kind admittance. line 0452Music, make their welcome! LUCIUS line 0453You see, my lord, how ample you’re beloved.
Music. Enter the masque of Ladies as Amazons, with lutes in their hands, dancing and playing.
135line 0454APEMANTUSapartHoy-day! Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 39line 0455What a sweep of vanity comes this way. line 0456They dance? They are madwomen. line 0457Like madness is the glory of this life line 0458As this pomp shows to a little oil and root. 140line 0459We make ourselves fools to disport ourselves line 0460And spend our flatteries to drink those men line 0461Upon whose age we void it up again line 0462With poisonous spite and envy. line 0463Who lives that’s not depravèd or depraves? 145line 0464Who dies that bears not one spurn to their graves line 0465Of their friends’ gift? line 0466I should fear those that dance before me now line 0467Would one day stamp upon me. ’T ’as been done. line 0468Men shut their doors against a setting sun.
The Lords rise from table, with much adoring of Timon, and to show their loves each single out an Amazon, and all dance, men with women, a lofty strain or two to the hautboys, and cease.
TIMON 150line 0469You have done our pleasures much grace, fair ladies, line 0470Set a fair fashion on our entertainment, line 0471Which was not half so beautiful and kind. line 0472You have added worth unto ’t and luster, line 0473And entertained me with mine own device. 155line 0474I am to thank you for ’t. FIRST LADY line 0475My lord, you take us even at the best. line 0476APEMANTUSapartFaith, for the worst is filthy and line 0477would not hold taking, I doubt me. TIMON line 0478Ladies, there is an idle banquet attends you. 160line 0479Please you to dispose yourselves. line 0480ALL LADIESMost thankfully, my lord.
Cupid and Ladies exit.
line 0481TIMONFlavius. Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 41FLAVIUS line 0482My lord? line 0483TIMONThe little casket bring me hither. 165line 0484FLAVIUSYes, my lord. Aside. More jewels yet? line 0485There is no crossing him in ’s humor; line 0486Else I should tell him well, i’ faith I should. line 0487When all’s spent, he’d be crossed then, an he could. line 0488’Tis pity bounty had not eyes behind, 170line 0489That man might ne’er be wretched for his mind.
He exits.
line 0490FIRST LORDWhere be our men? line 0491SERVANTHere, my lord, in readiness. SECOND LORD line 0492Our horses.
Enter Flavius, with the casket.
line 0493TIMONO my friends, I have one word 175line 0494To say to you. Look you, my good lord, line 0495I must entreat you, honor me so much line 0496As to advance this jewel. Accept it and wear it, line 0497Kind my lord. FIRST LORD line 0498I am so far already in your gifts— 180line 0499ALLSo are we all.
Enter a Servant.
SERVANT line 0500My lord, there are certain nobles of the Senate line 0501Newly alighted and come to visit you. TIMON line 0502They are fairly welcome.Servant exits. line 0503FLAVIUSI beseech your Honor, 185line 0504Vouchsafe me a word. It does concern you near. TIMON line 0505Near? Why, then, another time I’ll hear thee. Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 43line 0506I prithee, let’s be provided to show them line 0507entertainment. line 0508FLAVIUSasideI scarce know how.
Enter another Servant.
SECOND SERVANT 190line 0509May it please your Honor, Lord Lucius, line 0510Out of his free love, hath presented to you line 0511Four milk-white horses trapped in silver. TIMON line 0512I shall accept them fairly. Let the presents line 0513Be worthily entertained.Servant exits.
Enter a third Servant.
195line 0514How now? What news? line 0515THIRD SERVANTPlease you, my lord, that honorable line 0516gentleman Lord Lucullus entreats your company line 0517tomorrow to hunt with him and has sent your line 0518Honor two brace of greyhounds. TIMON 200line 0519I’ll hunt with him; and let them be received, line 0520Not without fair reward.Servant exits. line 0521FLAVIUSasideWhat will this come to? line 0522He commands us to provide, and give great gifts, line 0523And all out of an empty coffer. 205line 0524Nor will he know his purse or yield me this— line 0525To show him what a beggar his heart is, line 0526Being of no power to make his wishes good. line 0527His promises fly so beyond his state line 0528That what he speaks is all in debt; he owes 210line 0529For ev’ry word. He is so kind that he line 0530Now pays interest for ’t. His land’s put to their books. line 0531Well, would I were gently put out of office line 0532Before I were forced out. line 0533Happier is he that has no friend to feed Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 45215line 0534Than such that do e’en enemies exceed. line 0535I bleed inwardly for my lord.He exits. line 0536TIMONto LordsYou do yourselves much wrong. line 0537You bate too much of your own merits. line 0538Offering a gift. Here, my lord, a trifle of our love. SECOND LORD 220line 0539With more than common thanks I will receive it. line 0540THIRD LORDO, he’s the very soul of bounty! line 0541TIMONAnd now I remember, my lord, you gave good line 0542words the other day of a bay courser I rode on. ’Tis line 0543yours because you liked it. FIRST LORD 225line 0544O, I beseech you, pardon me, my lord, in that. TIMON line 0545You may take my word, my lord. I know no man line 0546Can justly praise but what he does affect. line 0547I weigh my friends’ affection with mine own. line 0548I’ll tell you true, I’ll call to you. 230line 0549ALL LORDSO, none so welcome. TIMON line 0550I take all and your several visitations line 0551So kind to heart, ’tis not enough to give. line 0552Methinks I could deal kingdoms to my friends line 0553And ne’er be weary.—Alcibiades, 235line 0554Thou art a soldier, therefore seldom rich. line 0555It comes in charity to thee, for all thy living line 0556Is ’mongst the dead, and all the lands thou hast line 0557Lie in a pitched field. line 0558ALCIBIADESAy, defiled land, my lord. 240line 0559FIRST LORDWe are so virtuously bound— line 0560TIMONAnd so am I to you. line 0561SECOND LORDSo infinitely endeared— line 0562TIMONAll to you.—Lights, more lights. FIRST LORD line 0563The best of happiness, honor, and fortunes 245line 0564Keep with you, Lord Timon. Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 47line 0565TIMONReady for his friends.
All but Timon and Apemantus exit.
line 0566APEMANTUSWhat a coil’s here, line 0567Serving of becks and jutting-out of bums! line 0568I doubt whether their legs be worth the sums 250line 0569That are given for ’em. Friendship’s full of dregs. line 0570Methinks false hearts should never have sound legs. line 0571Thus honest fools lay out their wealth on court’sies. TIMON line 0572Now, Apemantus, if thou wert not sullen, line 0573I would be good to thee. 255line 0574APEMANTUSNo, I’ll nothing, for if I should be bribed line 0575too, there would be none left to rail upon thee, and line 0576then thou wouldst sin the faster. Thou giv’st so line 0577long, Timon, I fear me thou wilt give away thyself line 0578in paper shortly. What needs these feasts, pomps, 260line 0579and vainglories? line 0580TIMONNay, an you begin to rail on society once, I am line 0581sworn not to give regard to you. Farewell, and line 0582come with better music.He exits. line 0583APEMANTUSSo. Thou wilt not hear me now, thou shalt 265line 0584not then. I’ll lock thy heaven from thee. line 0585O, that men’s ears should be line 0586To counsel deaf, but not to flattery!
He exits.
ACT 2
Scene 1
Enter a Senator, with papers.
SENATOR line 0587And late five thousand. To Varro and to Isidore line 0588He owes nine thousand, besides my former sum, line 0589Which makes it five-and-twenty. Still in motion line 0590Of raging waste! It cannot hold; it will not. 5line 0591If I want gold, steal but a beggar’s dog line 0592And give it Timon, why, the dog coins gold. line 0593If I would sell my horse and buy twenty more line 0594Better than he, why, give my horse to Timon— line 0595Ask nothing; give it him—it foals me straight, 10line 0596And able horses. No porter at his gate line 0597But rather one that smiles and still invites line 0598All that pass by. It cannot hold. No reason line 0599Can sound his state in safety.—Caphis, ho! line 0600Caphis, I say!
Enter Caphis.
15line 0601CAPHISHere, sir. What is your pleasure? SENATOR line 0602Get on your cloak and haste you to Lord Timon. line 0603Importune him for my moneys. Be not ceased line 0604With slight denial, nor then silenced when line 0605“Commend me to your master” and the cap 20line 0606Plays in the right hand thus; but tell him line 0607My uses cry to me. I must serve my turn Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 53line 0608Out of mine own. His days and times are past, line 0609And my reliances on his fracted dates line 0610Have smit my credit. I love and honor him 25line 0611But must not break my back to heal his finger. line 0612Immediate are my needs, and my relief line 0613Must not be tossed and turned to me in words line 0614But find supply immediate. Get you gone. line 0615Put on a most importunate aspect, 30line 0616A visage of demand, for I do fear line 0617When every feather sticks in his own wing line 0618Lord Timon will be left a naked gull, line 0619Which flashes now a phoenix. Get you gone. line 0620CAPHISI go, sir. SENATOR 35line 0621“I go, sir”? Take the bonds along with you line 0622And have the dates in. Come.
He hands Caphis papers.
line 0623CAPHISI will, sir. line 0624SENATORGo.
They exit.
Scene 2
Enter Steward Flavius, with many bills in his hand.
FLAVIUS line 0625No care, no stop, so senseless of expense line 0626That he will neither know how to maintain it line 0627Nor cease his flow of riot. Takes no account line 0628How things go from him nor resumes no care 5line 0629Of what is to continue. Never mind line 0630Was to be so unwise to be so kind. line 0631What shall be done? He will not hear till feel. line 0632I must be round with him, now he comes from line 0633hunting. 10line 0634Fie, fie, fie, fie! Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 55
Enter Caphis, and the Men of Isidore and Varro.
CAPHIS line 0635Good even, Varro. What, you come for money? line 0636VARRO’S MANIs ’t not your business too? line 0637CAPHISIt is. And yours too, Isidore? line 0638ISIDORE’S MANIt is so. 15line 0639CAPHISWould we were all discharged! line 0640VARRO’S MANI fear it. line 0641CAPHISHere comes the lord.
Enter Timon, and his train, with Alcibiades.
TIMON line 0642So soon as dinner’s done we’ll forth again, line 0643My Alcibiades. To Caphis. With me? What is your 20line 0644will? CAPHISoffering Timon a paper line 0645My lord, here is a note of certain dues. line 0646TIMONDues? Whence are you? line 0647CAPHISOf Athens here, my lord. line 0648TIMONGo to my steward. CAPHIS 25line 0649Please it your Lordship, he hath put me off line 0650To the succession of new days this month. line 0651My master is awaked by great occasion line 0652To call upon his own and humbly prays you line 0653That with your other noble parts you’ll suit 30line 0654In giving him his right. line 0655TIMONMine honest friend, line 0656I prithee but repair to me next morning. CAPHIS line 0657Nay, good my lord— line 0658TIMONContain thyself, good friend. 35line 0659VARRO’S MANoffering a paperOne Varro’s servant, line 0660my good lord— Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 57ISIDORE’S MANoffering a paper line 0661From Isidore. He humbly prays your speedy line 0662payment. CAPHIS line 0663If you did know, my lord, my master’s wants— VARRO’S MAN 40line 0664’Twas due on forfeiture, my lord, six weeks and past. ISIDORE’S MAN line 0665Your steward puts me off, my lord, and I line 0666Am sent expressly to your Lordship. line 0667TIMONGive me breath.— line 0668I do beseech you, good my lords, keep on. 45line 0669I’ll wait upon you instantly.
Alcibiades and Timon’s train exit.
line 0670To Flavius.Come hither. Pray you, line 0671How goes the world that I am thus encountered line 0672With clamorous demands of debt, broken bonds, line 0673And the detention of long-since-due debts 50line 0674Against my honor? line 0675FLAVIUSto the creditors’ MenPlease you, gentlemen, line 0676The time is unagreeable to this business. line 0677Your importunacy cease till after dinner, line 0678That I may make his Lordship understand 55line 0679Wherefore you are not paid. line 0680TIMONDo so, my friends.— line 0681See them well entertained. line 0682FLAVIUSPray, draw near.
Timon and Flavius exit.
Enter Apemantus and Fool.
line 0683CAPHISStay, stay, here comes the Fool with Apemantus. 60line 0684Let’s ha’ some sport with ’em. line 0685VARRO’S MANHang him! He’ll abuse us. line 0686ISIDORE’S MANA plague upon him, dog! line 0687VARRO’S MANHow dost, Fool? line 0688APEMANTUSDost dialogue with thy shadow? 65line 0689VARRO’S MANI speak not to thee. Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 59line 0690APEMANTUSNo, ’tis to thyself. To the Fool. Come line 0691away. line 0692ISIDORE’S MANto Varro’s ManThere’s the fool hangs line 0693on your back already. 70line 0694APEMANTUSNo, thou stand’st single; thou ’rt not on line 0695him yet. line 0696CAPHISto Isidore’s ManWhere’s the fool now? line 0697APEMANTUSHe last asked the question. Poor rogues line 0698and usurers’ men, bawds between gold and want. 75line 0699ALL THE MENWhat are we, Apemantus? line 0700APEMANTUSAsses. line 0701ALL THE MENWhy? line 0702APEMANTUSThat you ask me what you are, and do not line 0703know yourselves.—Speak to ’em, Fool. 80line 0704FOOLHow do you, gentlemen? line 0705ALL THE MENGramercies, good Fool. How does your line 0706mistress? line 0707FOOLShe’s e’en setting on water to scald such chickens line 0708as you are. Would we could see you at Corinth! 85line 0709APEMANTUSGood. Gramercy.
Enter Page.
line 0710FOOLLook you, here comes my master’s page. line 0711PAGEto FoolWhy, how now, captain? What do you in line 0712this wise company?—How dost thou, Apemantus? line 0713APEMANTUSWould I had a rod in my mouth that I 90line 0714might answer thee profitably. line 0715PAGEPrithee, Apemantus, read me the superscription line 0716of these letters. I know not which is which.
He shows some papers.
line 0717APEMANTUSCanst not read? line 0718PAGENo. 95line 0719APEMANTUSThere will little learning die, then, that line 0720day thou art hanged. This is to Lord Timon, this to line 0721Alcibiades. Go. Thou wast born a bastard, and line 0722thou ’lt die a bawd. Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 61line 0723PAGEThou wast whelped a dog, and thou shalt famish 100line 0724a dog’s death. Answer not. I am gone.He exits. line 0725APEMANTUSE’en so thou outrunn’st grace.—Fool, I line 0726will go with you to Lord Timon’s. line 0727FOOLWill you leave me there? line 0728APEMANTUSIf Timon stay at home.—You three serve 105line 0729three usurers? line 0730ALL THE MENAy. Would they served us! line 0731APEMANTUSSo would I—as good a trick as ever hangman line 0732served thief. line 0733FOOLAre you three usurers’ men? 110line 0734ALL THE MENAy, fool. line 0735FOOLI think no usurer but has a fool to his servant. line 0736My mistress is one, and I am her Fool. When men line 0737come to borrow of your masters, they approach line 0738sadly and go away merry, but they enter my master’s 115line 0739house merrily and go away sadly. The reason line 0740of this? line 0741VARRO’S MANI could render one. line 0742APEMANTUSDo it then, that we may account thee a line 0743whoremaster and a knave, which notwithstanding, 120line 0744thou shalt be no less esteemed. line 0745VARRO’S MANWhat is a whoremaster, fool? line 0746FOOLA fool in good clothes, and something like thee. line 0747’Tis a spirit; sometime ’t appears like a lord, sometime line 0748like a lawyer, sometime like a philosopher, 125line 0749with two stones more than ’s artificial one. He is line 0750very often like a knight, and generally in all shapes line 0751that man goes up and down in from fourscore to line 0752thirteen, this spirit walks in. line 0753VARRO’S MANThou art not altogether a Fool. 130line 0754FOOLNor thou altogether a wise man. As much foolery line 0755as I have, so much wit thou lack’st. line 0756APEMANTUSThat answer might have become Apemantus. line 0757ALL THE MENAside, aside! Here comes Lord Timon. Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 63
Enter Timon and Steward Flavius.
line 0758APEMANTUSCome with me, fool, come. 135line 0759FOOLI do not always follow lover, elder brother, and line 0760woman; sometime the philosopher.
Apemantus and the Fool exit.
FLAVIUSto the creditors’ Men line 0761Pray you, walk near. I’ll speak with you anon.
The Men exit.
TIMON line 0762You make me marvel wherefore ere this time line 0763Had you not fully laid my state before me, 140line 0764That I might so have rated my expense line 0765As I had leave of means. line 0766FLAVIUSYou would not hear me. line 0767At many leisures I proposed— line 0768TIMONGo to. 145line 0769Perchance some single vantages you took line 0770When my indisposition put you back, line 0771And that unaptness made your minister line 0772Thus to excuse yourself. line 0773FLAVIUSO, my good lord, 150line 0774At many times I brought in my accounts, line 0775Laid them before you. You would throw them off line 0776And say you found them in mine honesty. line 0777When for some trifling present you have bid me line 0778Return so much, I have shook my head and wept— 155line 0779Yea, ’gainst th’ authority of manners prayed you line 0780To hold your hand more close. I did endure line 0781Not seldom nor no slight checks when I have line 0782Prompted you in the ebb of your estate line 0783And your great flow of debts. My lovèd lord, 160line 0784Though you hear now too late, yet now’s a time. line 0785The greatest of your having lacks a half line 0786To pay your present debts. line 0787TIMONLet all my land be sold. Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 65FLAVIUS line 0788’Tis all engaged, some forfeited and gone, 165line 0789And what remains will hardly stop the mouth line 0790Of present dues. The future comes apace. line 0791What shall defend the interim? And at length line 0792How goes our reck’ning? TIMON line 0793To Lacedaemon did my land extend. FLAVIUS 170line 0794O my good lord, the world is but a word. line 0795Were it all yours to give it in a breath, line 0796How quickly were it gone! line 0797TIMONYou tell me true. FLAVIUS line 0798If you suspect my husbandry of falsehood, 175line 0799Call me before th’ exactest auditors, line 0800And set me on the proof. So the gods bless me, line 0801When all our offices have been oppressed line 0802With riotous feeders, when our vaults have wept line 0803With drunken spilth of wine, when every room 180line 0804Hath blazed with lights and brayed with minstrelsy, line 0805I have retired me to a wasteful cock line 0806And set mine eyes at flow. line 0807TIMONPrithee, no more. FLAVIUS line 0808Heavens, have I said, the bounty of this lord! 185line 0809How many prodigal bits have slaves and peasants line 0810This night englutted. Who is not Timon’s? line 0811What heart, head, sword, force, means, but is Lord line 0812Timon’s? line 0813Great Timon, noble, worthy, royal Timon! 190line 0814Ah, when the means are gone that buy this praise, line 0815The breath is gone whereof this praise is made. line 0816Feast-won, fast-lost. One cloud of winter showers, line 0817These flies are couched. line 0818TIMONCome, sermon me no further. Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 67195line 0819No villainous bounty yet hath passed my heart; line 0820Unwisely, not ignobly, have I given. line 0821Why dost thou weep? Canst thou the conscience lack line 0822To think I shall lack friends? Secure thy heart. line 0823If I would broach the vessels of my love 200line 0824And try the argument of hearts by borrowing, line 0825Men and men’s fortunes could I frankly use line 0826As I can bid thee speak. line 0827FLAVIUSAssurance bless your thoughts! TIMON line 0828And in some sort these wants of mine are crowned, 205line 0829That I account them blessings. For by these line 0830Shall I try friends. You shall perceive how you line 0831Mistake my fortunes. I am wealthy in my friends.— line 0832Within there! Flaminius!—Servilius!
Enter three Servants, Flaminius, Servilius, and another.
line 0833SERVANTSMy lord, my lord. 210line 0834TIMONI will dispatch you severally. To Servilius line 0835You to Lord Lucius, to Flaminius to Lord line 0836Lucullus you—I hunted with his Honor today; line 0837to the third Servant you to Sempronius. Commend line 0838me to their loves, and I am proud, say, that my 215line 0839occasions have found time to use ’em toward a line 0840supply of money. Let the request be fifty talents. line 0841FLAMINIUSAs you have said, my lord.Servants exit. line 0842FLAVIUSasideLord Lucius and Lucullus? Humh! line 0843TIMONGo you, sir, to the Senators, 220line 0844Of whom, even to the state’s best health, I have line 0845Deserved this hearing. Bid ’em send o’ th’ instant line 0846A thousand talents to me. line 0847FLAVIUSI have been bold— line 0848For that I knew it the most general way— 225line 0849To them to use your signet and your name, line 0850But they do shake their heads, and I am here line 0851No richer in return. Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 69line 0852TIMONIs ’t true? Can ’t be? FLAVIUS line 0853They answer in a joint and corporate voice 230line 0854That now they are at fall, want treasure, cannot line 0855Do what they would, are sorry. You are honorable, line 0856But yet they could have wished—they know not— line 0857Something hath been amiss—a noble nature line 0858May catch a wrench—would all were well—’tis pity. 235line 0859And so, intending other serious matters, line 0860After distasteful looks and these hard fractions, line 0861With certain half-caps and cold-moving nods line 0862They froze me into silence. line 0863TIMONYou gods, reward them! 240line 0864Prithee, man, look cheerly. These old fellows line 0865Have their ingratitude in them hereditary. line 0866Their blood is caked, ’tis cold, it seldom flows; line 0867’Tis lack of kindly warmth they are not kind; line 0868And nature, as it grows again toward earth, 245line 0869Is fashioned for the journey, dull and heavy. line 0870Go to Ventidius. Prithee, be not sad. line 0871Thou art true and honest—ingeniously I speak— line 0872No blame belongs to thee. Ventidius lately line 0873Buried his father, by whose death he’s stepped 250line 0874Into a great estate. When he was poor, line 0875Imprisoned, and in scarcity of friends, line 0876I cleared him with five talents. Greet him from me. line 0877Bid him suppose some good necessity line 0878Touches his friend, which craves to be remembered 255line 0879With those five talents. That had, give ’t these fellows line 0880To whom ’tis instant due. Ne’er speak or think line 0881That Timon’s fortunes ’mong his friends can sink.
He exits.
line 0882FLAVIUSI would I could not think it. line 0883That thought is bounty’s foe; 260line 0884Being free itself, it thinks all others so.
He exits.
ACT 3
Scene 1
Enter Flaminius waiting to speak with Lucullus, from his master.
Enter a Servant to him.
line 0885SERVANTI have told my lord of you. He is coming line 0886down to you. line 0887FLAMINIUSI thank you, sir.
Enter Lucullus.
line 0888SERVANTHere’s my lord. 5line 0889LUCULLUSasideOne of Lord Timon’s men? A gift, I line 0890warrant. Why, this hits right. I dreamt of a silver line 0891basin and ewer tonight.—Flaminius, honest line 0892Flaminius, you are very respectively welcome, sir. line 0893To Servant. Fill me some wine.Servant exits. 10line 0894And how does that honorable, complete, free-hearted line 0895gentleman of Athens, thy very bountiful line 0896good lord and master? line 0897FLAMINIUSHis health is well, sir. line 0898LUCULLUSI am right glad that his health is well, sir. 15line 0899And what hast thou there under thy cloak, pretty line 0900Flaminius? line 0901FLAMINIUSFaith, nothing but an empty box, sir, which line 0902in my lord’s behalf I come to entreat your Honor line 0903to supply; who, having great and instant occasion Act 3 Scene 1 - Pg 7520line 0904to use fifty talents, hath sent to your Lordship to line 0905furnish him, nothing doubting your present assistance line 0906therein. line 0907LUCULLUSLa, la, la, la. “Nothing doubting” says he? line 0908Alas, good lord! A noble gentleman ’tis, if he would 25line 0909not keep so good a house. Many a time and often I line 0910ha’ dined with him and told him on ’t, and come line 0911again to supper to him of purpose to have him line 0912spend less, and yet he would embrace no counsel, line 0913take no warning by my coming. Every man has his 30line 0914fault, and honesty is his. I ha’ told him on ’t, but I line 0915could ne’er get him from ’t.
Enter Servant with wine.
line 0916SERVANTPlease your Lordship, here is the wine. line 0917LUCULLUSFlaminius, I have noted thee always wise. line 0918Here’s to thee.He drinks. 35line 0919FLAMINIUSYour Lordship speaks your pleasure. line 0920LUCULLUSI have observed thee always for a towardly line 0921prompt spirit—give thee thy due—and one that line 0922knows what belongs to reason and canst use the line 0923time well, if the time use thee well. Good parts in 40line 0924thee.—Get you gone, sirrah.Servant exits. line 0925Draw nearer, honest Flaminius. Thy lord’s a bountiful line 0926gentleman, but thou art wise and thou line 0927know’st well enough, although thou com’st to me, line 0928that this is no time to lend money, especially upon 45line 0929bare friendship, without security. Here’s three solidares line 0930for thee. Gives him money. Good boy, line 0931wink at me, and say thou saw’st me not. Fare thee line 0932well. FLAMINIUS line 0933Is ’t possible the world should so much differ, 50line 0934And we alive that lived? Fly, damnèd baseness, line 0935To him that worships thee!
He throws the money back at Lucullus.
Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 77line 0936LUCULLUSHa! Now I see thou art a fool and fit for thy line 0937master.Lucullus exits. FLAMINIUS line 0938May these add to the number that may scald thee! 55line 0939Let molten coin be thy damnation, line 0940Thou disease of a friend and not himself! line 0941Has friendship such a faint and milky heart line 0942It turns in less than two nights? O you gods, line 0943I feel my master’s passion. This slave 60line 0944Unto his honor has my lord’s meat in him. line 0945Why should it thrive and turn to nutriment line 0946When he is turned to poison? line 0947O, may diseases only work upon ’t, line 0948And when he’s sick to death, let not that part of 65line 0949nature line 0950Which my lord paid for be of any power line 0951To expel sickness, but prolong his hour.
He exits.
Scene 2
Enter Lucius, with three Strangers.
line 0952LUCIUSWho, the Lord Timon? He is my very good line 0953friend and an honorable gentleman. line 0954FIRST STRANGERWe know him for no less, though we line 0955are but strangers to him. But I can tell you one 5line 0956thing, my lord, and which I hear from common line 0957rumors: now Lord Timon’s happy hours are done line 0958and past, and his estate shrinks from him. line 0959LUCIUSFie, no, do not believe it. He cannot want for line 0960money. 10line 0961SECOND STRANGERBut believe you this, my lord, that line 0962not long ago one of his men was with the Lord line 0963Lucullus to borrow fifty talents, nay, urged line 0964extremely for ’t, and showed what necessity line 0965belonged to ’t, and yet was denied. Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 7915line 0966LUCIUSHow? line 0967SECOND STRANGERI tell you, denied, my lord. line 0968LUCIUSWhat a strange case was that! Now, before the line 0969gods, I am ashamed on ’t. Denied that honorable line 0970man? There was very little honor showed in ’t. For 20line 0971my own part, I must needs confess I have received line 0972some small kindnesses from him, as money, plate, line 0973jewels, and suchlike trifles, nothing comparing to line 0974his; yet had he mistook him and sent to me, I line 0975should ne’er have denied his occasion fifty talents.
Enter Servilius.
25line 0976SERVILIUSasideSee, by good hap, yonder’s my lord. line 0977I have sweat to see his Honor. To Lucius. My line 0978honored lord. line 0979LUCIUSServilius. You are kindly met, sir. Fare thee line 0980well. Commend me to thy honorable virtuous lord, 30line 0981my very exquisite friend.He turns to exit. line 0982SERVILIUSMay it please your Honor, my lord hath line 0983sent— line 0984LUCIUSHa! What has he sent? I am so much endeared line 0985to that lord; he’s ever sending. How shall I thank 35line 0986him, think’st thou? And what has he sent now? line 0987SERVILIUSHas only sent his present occasion now, my line 0988lord, requesting your Lordship to supply his line 0989instant use with fifty talents. LUCIUS line 0990I know his Lordship is but merry with me. 40line 0991He cannot want fifty-five hundred talents. SERVILIUS line 0992But in the meantime he wants less, my lord. line 0993If his occasion were not virtuous, line 0994I should not urge it half so faithfully. LUCIUS line 0995Dost thou speak seriously, Servilius? 45line 0996SERVILIUSUpon my soul, ’tis true, sir. Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 81line 0997LUCIUSWhat a wicked beast was I to disfurnish line 0998myself against such a good time, when I might ha’ line 0999shown myself honorable! How unluckily it happened line 1000that I should purchase the day before for a 50line 1001little part, and undo a great deal of honor! Servilius, line 1002now before the gods, I am not able to do—the line 1003more beast, I say!—I was sending to use Lord line 1004Timon myself, these gentlemen can witness; but I line 1005would not for the wealth of Athens I had done ’t 55line 1006now. Commend me bountifully to his good Lordship, line 1007and I hope his Honor will conceive the fairest line 1008of me, because I have no power to be kind. And tell line 1009him this from me: I count it one of my greatest line 1010afflictions, say, that I cannot pleasure such an honorable 60line 1011gentleman. Good Servilius, will you line 1012befriend me so far as to use mine own words to line 1013him? line 1014SERVILIUSYes, sir, I shall. line 1015LUCIUSI’ll look you out a good turn, Servilius.
Servilius exits.
65line 1016True, as you said, Timon is shrunk indeed, line 1017And he that’s once denied will hardly speed.
He exits.
line 1018FIRST STRANGERDo you observe this, Hostilius? line 1019SECOND STRANGERAy, too well. FIRST STRANGER line 1020Why, this is the world’s soul, and just of the same 70line 1021piece line 1022Is every flatterer’s sport. Who can call him his friend line 1023That dips in the same dish? For, in my knowing, line 1024Timon has been this lord’s father line 1025And kept his credit with his purse, 75line 1026Supported his estate, nay, Timon’s money line 1027Has paid his men their wages. He ne’er drinks line 1028But Timon’s silver treads upon his lip. line 1029And yet—O, see the monstrousness of man Act 3 Scene 3 - Pg 83line 1030When he looks out in an ungrateful shape!— 80line 1031He does deny him, in respect of his, line 1032What charitable men afford to beggars. THIRD STRANGER line 1033Religion groans at it. line 1034FIRST STRANGERFor mine own part, line 1035I never tasted Timon in my life, 85line 1036Nor came any of his bounties over me line 1037To mark me for his friend. Yet I protest, line 1038For his right noble mind, illustrious virtue, line 1039And honorable carriage, line 1040Had his necessity made use of me, 90line 1041I would have put my wealth into donation, line 1042And the best half should have returned to him, line 1043So much I love his heart. But I perceive line 1044Men must learn now with pity to dispense, line 1045For policy sits above conscience.
They exit.
Scene 3
Enter a Third Servant of Timon’s with Sempronius, another of Timon’s friends.
SEMPRONIUS line 1046Must he needs trouble me in ’t? Hum! ’Bove all others? line 1047He might have tried Lord Lucius or Lucullus; line 1048And now Ventidius is wealthy too, line 1049Whom he redeemed from prison. All these 5line 1050Owes their estates unto him. line 1051SERVANTMy lord, line 1052They have all been touched and found base metal, line 1053For they have all denied him. line 1054SEMPRONIUSHow? Have they denied him? 10line 1055Has Ventidius and Lucullus denied him, line 1056And does he send to me? Three? Humh! Act 3 Scene 3 - Pg 85line 1057It shows but little love or judgment in him. line 1058Must I be his last refuge? His friends, like physicians, line 1059Thrive, give him over. Must I take th’ cure upon me? 15line 1060Has much disgraced me in ’t. I’m angry at him line 1061That might have known my place. I see no sense for ’t line 1062But his occasions might have wooed me first; line 1063For, in my conscience, I was the first man line 1064That e’er received gift from him. 20line 1065And does he think so backwardly of me now line 1066That I’ll requite it last? No. line 1067So it may prove an argument of laughter line 1068To th’ rest, and I ’mongst lords be thought a fool. line 1069I’d rather than the worth of thrice the sum 25line 1070Had sent to me first, but for my mind’s sake; line 1071I’d such a courage to do him good. But now return, line 1072And with their faint reply this answer join: line 1073Who bates mine honor shall not know my coin.
He exits.
line 1074SERVANTExcellent! Your Lordship’s a goodly villain. 30line 1075The devil knew not what he did when he made line 1076man politic. He crossed himself by ’t, and I cannot line 1077think but, in the end, the villainies of man will set line 1078him clear. How fairly this lord strives to appear line 1079foul! Takes virtuous copies to be wicked, like those 35line 1080that under hot ardent zeal would set whole realms line 1081on fire. line 1082Of such a nature is his politic love. line 1083This was my lord’s best hope. Now all are fled, line 1084Save only the gods. Now his friends are dead, 40line 1085Doors that were ne’er acquainted with their wards line 1086Many a bounteous year must be employed line 1087Now to guard sure their master. line 1088And this is all a liberal course allows: line 1089Who cannot keep his wealth must keep his house.
He exits.
Act 3 Scene 4 - Pg 87
Scene 4
Enter Varro’s two Men, meeting Titus and others, all being Men of Timon’s creditors to wait for his coming out. Then enter Lucius’ Man and Hortensius.
VARRO’S FIRST MAN line 1090Well met. Good morrow, Titus and Hortensius. TITUS line 1091The like to you, kind Varro. line 1092HORTENSIUSLucius! line 1093What, do we meet together? 5line 1094LUCIUS’ MANAy, and I think line 1095One business does command us all, line 1096For mine is money. line 1097TITUSSo is theirs and ours.
Enter Philotus.
LUCIUS’ MAN line 1098And, sir, Philotus’ too. 10line 1099PHILOTUSGood day at once. line 1100LUCIUS’ MANWelcome, good brother. line 1101What do you think the hour? line 1102PHILOTUSLaboring for nine. LUCIUS’ MAN line 1103So much? 15line 1104PHILOTUSIs not my lord seen yet? line 1105LUCIUS’ MANNot yet. PHILOTUS line 1106I wonder on ’t. He was wont to shine at seven. LUCIUS’ MAN line 1107Ay, but the days are waxed shorter with him. line 1108You must consider that a prodigal course 20line 1109Is like the sun’s, line 1110But not, like his, recoverable. I fear line 1111’Tis deepest winter in Lord Timon’s purse: Act 3 Scene 4 - Pg 89line 1112That is, one may reach deep enough and yet line 1113Find little. 25line 1114PHILOTUSI am of your fear for that. TITUS line 1115I’ll show you how t’ observe a strange event. line 1116Your lord sends now for money? line 1117HORTENSIUSMost true, he does. TITUS line 1118And he wears jewels now of Timon’s gift, 30line 1119For which I wait for money. line 1120HORTENSIUSIt is against my heart. line 1121LUCIUS’ MANMark how strange it shows: line 1122Timon in this should pay more than he owes, line 1123And e’en as if your lord should wear rich jewels 35line 1124And send for money for ’em. HORTENSIUS line 1125I’m weary of this charge, the gods can witness. line 1126I know my lord hath spent of Timon’s wealth, line 1127And now ingratitude makes it worse than stealth. VARRO’S FIRST MAN line 1128Yes, mine’s three thousand crowns. What’s yours? 40line 1129LUCIUS’ MANFive thousand mine. VARRO’S FIRST MAN line 1130’Tis much deep, and it should seem by th’ sum line 1131Your master’s confidence was above mine, line 1132Else surely his had equaled.
Enter Flaminius.
line 1133TITUSOne of Lord Timon’s men. 45line 1134LUCIUS’ MANFlaminius? Sir, a word. Pray, is my lord line 1135ready to come forth? line 1136FLAMINIUSNo, indeed he is not. line 1137TITUSWe attend his Lordship. Pray, signify so much. line 1138FLAMINIUSI need not tell him that. He knows you are 50line 1139too diligent.He exits.
Enter Flavius, the Steward in a cloak, muffled.
Act 3 Scene 4 - Pg 91LUCIUS’ MAN line 1140Ha! Is not that his steward muffled so? line 1141He goes away in a cloud. Call him, call him. line 1142TITUSDo you hear, sir? line 1143VARRO’S SECOND MANBy your leave, sir. 55line 1144FLAVIUSWhat do you ask of me, my friend? TITUS line 1145We wait for certain money here, sir. line 1146FLAVIUSAy, line 1147If money were as certain as your waiting, line 1148’Twere sure enough. 60line 1149Why then preferred you not your sums and bills line 1150When your false masters eat of my lord’s meat? line 1151Then they could smile and fawn upon his debts line 1152And take down th’ int’rest into their glutt’nous maws. line 1153You do yourselves but wrong to stir me up. 65line 1154Let me pass quietly. line 1155Believe ’t, my lord and I have made an end. line 1156I have no more to reckon, he to spend. line 1157LUCIUS’ MANAy, but this answer will not serve. FLAVIUS line 1158If ’twill not serve, ’tis not so base as you, 70line 1159For you serve knaves.He exits. line 1160VARRO’S FIRST MANHow? What does his cashiered line 1161Worship mutter? line 1162VARRO’S SECOND MANNo matter what. He’s poor, and line 1163that’s revenge enough. Who can speak broader 75line 1164than he that has no house to put his head in? Such line 1165may rail against great buildings.
Enter Servilius.
line 1166TITUSO, here’s Servilius. Now we shall know some line 1167answer. line 1168SERVILIUSIf I might beseech you, gentlemen, to repair 80line 1169some other hour, I should derive much from ’t. For line 1170take ’t of my soul, my lord leans wondrously to discontent. Act 3 Scene 4 - Pg 93line 1171His comfortable temper has forsook him. line 1172He’s much out of health and keeps his chamber. LUCIUS’ MAN line 1173Many do keep their chambers are not sick; 85line 1174And if it be so far beyond his health, line 1175Methinks he should the sooner pay his debts line 1176And make a clear way to the gods. line 1177SERVILIUSGood gods! line 1178TITUSWe cannot take this for answer, sir. 90line 1179FLAMINIUSwithinServilius, help! My lord, my lord!
Enter Timon in a rage.
TIMON line 1180What, are my doors opposed against my passage? line 1181Have I been ever free, and must my house line 1182Be my retentive enemy, my jail? line 1183The place which I have feasted, does it now, 95line 1184Like all mankind, show me an iron heart? line 1185LUCIUS’ MANPut in now, Titus. line 1186TITUSMy lord, here is my bill. line 1187LUCIUS’ MANHere’s mine. line 1188HORTENSIUSAnd mine, my lord. 100line 1189VARRO’S SECOND MANAnd ours, my lord. line 1190PHILOTUSAll our bills. TIMON line 1191Knock me down with ’em! Cleave me to the girdle. line 1192LUCIUS’ MANAlas, my lord— line 1193TIMONCut my heart in sums! 105line 1194TITUSMine, fifty talents. line 1195TIMONTell out my blood. line 1196LUCIUS’ MANFive thousand crowns, my lord. TIMON line 1197Five thousand drops pays that.—What yours?—And line 1198yours? 110line 1199VARRO’S FIRST MANMy lord— line 1200VARRO’S SECOND MANMy lord— Act 3 Scene 4 - Pg 95TIMON line 1201Tear me, take me, and the gods fall upon you!
Timon exits.
line 1202HORTENSIUSFaith, I perceive our masters may throw line 1203their caps at their money. These debts may well be 115line 1204called desperate ones, for a madman owes ’em.
They exit.
Enter Timon and Flavius.
TIMON line 1205They have e’en put my breath from me, the slaves! line 1206Creditors? Devils! line 1207FLAVIUSMy dear lord— line 1208TIMONWhat if it should be so? 120line 1209FLAVIUSMy lord— TIMON line 1210I’ll have it so.—My steward! line 1211FLAVIUSHere, my lord. TIMON line 1212So fitly? Go, bid all my friends again, line 1213Lucius, Lucullus, and Sempronius, all. 125line 1214I’ll once more feast the rascals. line 1215FLAVIUSO my lord, line 1216You only speak from your distracted soul. line 1217There’s not so much left to furnish out line 1218A moderate table. 130line 1219TIMONBe it not in thy care. Go, line 1220I charge thee, invite them all. Let in the tide line 1221Of knaves once more. My cook and I’ll provide.
They exit.
Act 3 Scene 5 - Pg 97
Scene 5
Enter three Senators at one door, Alcibiades meeting them, with Attendants.
FIRST SENATORto the Second Senator line 1222My lord, you have my voice to ’t. The fault’s line 1223Bloody. ’Tis necessary he should die. line 1224Nothing emboldens sin so much as mercy. line 1225SECOND SENATORMost true. The law shall bruise ’em. ALCIBIADES 5line 1226Honor, health, and compassion to the Senate! line 1227FIRST SENATORNow, captain? ALCIBIADES line 1228I am an humble suitor to your virtues, line 1229For pity is the virtue of the law, line 1230And none but tyrants use it cruelly. 10line 1231It pleases time and fortune to lie heavy line 1232Upon a friend of mine, who in hot blood line 1233Hath stepped into the law, which is past depth line 1234To those that without heed do plunge into ’t. line 1235He is a man—setting his fate aside— 15line 1236Of comely virtues. line 1237Nor did he soil the fact with cowardice— line 1238An honor in him which buys out his fault— line 1239But with a noble fury and fair spirit, line 1240Seeing his reputation touched to death, 20line 1241He did oppose his foe; line 1242And with such sober and unnoted passion line 1243He did behave his anger, ere ’twas spent, line 1244As if he had but proved an argument. FIRST SENATOR line 1245You undergo too strict a paradox, 25line 1246Striving to make an ugly deed look fair. line 1247Your words have took such pains as if they labored line 1248To bring manslaughter into form and set quarreling line 1249Upon the head of valor—which indeed Act 3 Scene 5 - Pg 99line 1250Is valor misbegot, and came into the world 30line 1251When sects and factions were newly born. line 1252He’s truly valiant that can wisely suffer line 1253The worst that man can breathe line 1254And make his wrongs his outsides, line 1255To wear them like his raiment, carelessly, 35line 1256And ne’er prefer his injuries to his heart line 1257To bring it into danger. line 1258If wrongs be evils and enforce us kill, line 1259What folly ’tis to hazard life for ill! ALCIBIADES line 1260My lord— 40line 1261FIRST SENATORYou cannot make gross sins look clear. line 1262To revenge is no valor, but to bear. ALCIBIADES line 1263My lords, then, under favor, pardon me line 1264If I speak like a captain. line 1265Why do fond men expose themselves to battle 45line 1266And not endure all threats? Sleep upon ’t, line 1267And let the foes quietly cut their throats line 1268Without repugnancy? If there be line 1269Such valor in the bearing, what make we line 1270Abroad? Why, then, women are more valiant 50line 1271That stay at home, if bearing carry it, line 1272And the ass more captain than the lion, the felon line 1273Loaden with irons wiser than the judge, line 1274If wisdom be in suffering. O my lords, line 1275As you are great, be pitifully good. 55line 1276Who cannot condemn rashness in cold blood? line 1277To kill, I grant, is sin’s extremest gust, line 1278But in defense, by mercy, ’tis most just. line 1279To be in anger is impiety, line 1280But who is man that is not angry? 60line 1281Weigh but the crime with this. line 1282SECOND SENATORYou breathe in vain. line 1283ALCIBIADESIn vain? His service done Act 3 Scene 5 - Pg 101line 1284At Lacedaemon and Byzantium line 1285Were a sufficient briber for his life. 65line 1286FIRST SENATORWhat’s that? ALCIBIADES line 1287Why, I say, my lords, has done fair service line 1288And slain in fight many of your enemies. line 1289How full of valor did he bear himself line 1290In the last conflict, and made plenteous wounds! SECOND SENATOR 70line 1291He has made too much plenty with ’em. line 1292He’s a sworn rioter. He has a sin line 1293That often drowns him and takes his valor prisoner. line 1294If there were no foes, that were enough line 1295To overcome him. In that beastly fury, 75line 1296He has been known to commit outrages line 1297And cherish factions. ’Tis inferred to us line 1298His days are foul and his drink dangerous. FIRST SENATOR line 1299He dies. line 1300ALCIBIADESHard fate! He might have died in war. 80line 1301My lords, if not for any parts in him— line 1302Though his right arm might purchase his own time line 1303And be in debt to none—yet, more to move you, line 1304Take my deserts to his and join ’em both. line 1305And, for I know your reverend ages love 85line 1306Security, I’ll pawn my victories, all line 1307My honor, to you, upon his good returns. line 1308If by this crime he owes the law his life, line 1309Why, let the war receive ’t in valiant gore, line 1310For law is strict, and war is nothing more. FIRST SENATOR 90line 1311We are for law. He dies. Urge it no more, line 1312On height of our displeasure. Friend or brother, line 1313He forfeits his own blood that spills another. line 1314ALCIBIADESMust it be so? It must not be. line 1315My lords, I do beseech you, know me. Act 3 Scene 5 - Pg 10395line 1316SECOND SENATORHow? line 1317ALCIBIADESCall me to your remembrances. line 1318THIRD SENATORWhat? ALCIBIADES line 1319I cannot think but your age has forgot me. line 1320It could not else be I should prove so base 100line 1321To sue and be denied such common grace. line 1322My wounds ache at you. line 1323FIRST SENATORDo you dare our anger? line 1324’Tis in few words, but spacious in effect: line 1325We banish thee forever. 105line 1326ALCIBIADESBanish me? line 1327Banish your dotage, banish usury, line 1328That makes the Senate ugly! FIRST SENATOR line 1329If after two days’ shine Athens contain thee, line 1330Attend our weightier judgment. 110line 1331And, not to swell our spirit, line 1332He shall be executed presently.Senators exit. ALCIBIADES line 1333Now the gods keep you old enough that you may live line 1334Only in bone, that none may look on you!— line 1335I’m worse than mad. I have kept back their foes 115line 1336While they have told their money and let out line 1337Their coin upon large interest, I myself line 1338Rich only in large hurts. All those for this? line 1339Is this the balsam that the usuring Senate line 1340Pours into captains’ wounds? Banishment. 120line 1341It comes not ill. I hate not to be banished. line 1342It is a cause worthy my spleen and fury, line 1343That I may strike at Athens. I’ll cheer up line 1344My discontented troops and lay for hearts. line 1345’Tis honor with most lands to be at odds. 125line 1346Soldiers should brook as little wrongs as gods.
He exits.
Act 3 Scene 6 - Pg 105
Scene 6
Music. Enter divers Friends at several doors.
line 1347FIRST FRIENDThe good time of day to you, sir. line 1348SECOND FRIENDI also wish it to you. I think this honorable line 1349lord did but try us this other day. line 1350FIRST FRIENDUpon that were my thoughts tiring when 5line 1351we encountered. I hope it is not so low with him as line 1352he made it seem in the trial of his several friends. line 1353SECOND FRIENDIt should not be, by the persuasion of line 1354his new feasting. line 1355FIRST FRIENDI should think so. He hath sent me an 10line 1356earnest inviting, which many my near occasions line 1357did urge me to put off; but he hath conjured me line 1358beyond them, and I must needs appear. line 1359SECOND FRIENDIn like manner was I in debt to my line 1360importunate business, but he would not hear my 15line 1361excuse. I am sorry, when he sent to borrow of me, line 1362that my provision was out. line 1363FIRST FRIENDI am sick of that grief too, as I understand line 1364how all things go. line 1365SECOND FRIENDEvery man here’s so. What would he 20line 1366have borrowed of you? line 1367FIRST FRIENDA thousand pieces. line 1368SECOND FRIENDA thousand pieces! line 1369FIRST FRIENDWhat of you? line 1370SECOND FRIENDHe sent to me, sir—
Enter Timon and Attendants.
25line 1371Here he comes. line 1372TIMONWith all my heart, gentlemen both! And how line 1373fare you? line 1374FIRST FRIENDEver at the best, hearing well of your line 1375Lordship. 30line 1376SECOND FRIENDThe swallow follows not summer line 1377more willing than we your Lordship. Act 3 Scene 6 - Pg 107line 1378TIMONasideNor more willingly leaves winter, such line 1379summer birds are men.—Gentlemen, our dinner line 1380will not recompense this long stay. Feast your ears 35line 1381with the music awhile, if they will fare so harshly line 1382o’ th’ trumpets’ sound. We shall to ’t presently. line 1383FIRST FRIENDI hope it remains not unkindly with your line 1384Lordship that I returned you an empty messenger. line 1385TIMONO, sir, let it not trouble you. 40line 1386SECOND FRIENDMy noble lord— line 1387TIMONAh, my good friend, what cheer? line 1388SECOND FRIENDMy most honorable lord, I am e’en line 1389sick of shame that when your Lordship this other line 1390day sent to me, I was so unfortunate a beggar. 45line 1391TIMONThink not on ’t, sir. line 1392SECOND FRIENDIf you had sent but two hours before— line 1393TIMONLet it not cumber your better remembrance.
The banquet brought in.
line 1394Come, bring in all together. line 1395SECOND FRIENDAll covered dishes! 50line 1396FIRST FRIENDRoyal cheer, I warrant you. line 1397THIRD FRIENDDoubt not that, if money and the season line 1398can yield it. line 1399FIRST FRIENDHow do you? What’s the news? line 1400THIRD FRIENDAlcibiades is banished. Hear you of it? 55line 1401FIRST AND SECOND FRIENDSAlcibiades banished? line 1402THIRD FRIEND’Tis so. Be sure of it. line 1403FIRST FRIENDHow? How? line 1404SECOND FRIENDI pray you, upon what? line 1405TIMONMy worthy friends, will you draw near? 60line 1406THIRD FRIENDI’ll tell you more anon. Here’s a noble line 1407feast toward. line 1408SECOND FRIENDThis is the old man still. line 1409THIRD FRIENDWill ’t hold? Will ’t hold? line 1410SECOND FRIENDIt does, but time will—and so— 65line 1411THIRD FRIENDI do conceive. Act 3 Scene 6 - Pg 109line 1412TIMONEach man to his stool, with that spur as he line 1413would to the lip of his mistress. Your diet shall line 1414be in all places alike. Make not a city feast of it, to let line 1415the meat cool ere we can agree upon the first place. 70line 1416Sit, sit. They sit. The gods require our thanks:
line 1417You great benefactors, sprinkle our society with line 1418thankfulness. For your own gifts make yourselves line 1419praised, but reserve still to give, lest your deities be line 1420despised. Lend to each man enough, that one need 75line 1421not lend to another; for, were your godheads to line 1422borrow of men, men would forsake the gods. Make line 1423the meat be beloved more than the man that gives line 1424it. Let no assembly of twenty be without a score of line 1425villains. If there sit twelve women at the table, let a 80line 1426dozen of them be as they are. The rest of your fees, line 1427O gods, the Senators of Athens, together with the line 1428common tag of people, what is amiss in them, line 1429you gods, make suitable for destruction. For these line 1430my present friends, as they are to me nothing, so 85line 1431in nothing bless them, and to nothing are they line 1432welcome.
line 1433Uncover, dogs, and lap.
The dishes are uncovered. They contain only water and stones.
line 1434SOME SPEAKWhat does his Lordship mean? line 1435SOME OTHERI know not. TIMON 90line 1436May you a better feast never behold, line 1437You knot of mouth-friends! Smoke and lukewarm line 1438water line 1439Is your perfection. This is Timon’s last, line 1440Who, stuck and spangled with your flatteries, 95line 1441Washes it off and sprinkles in your faces line 1442Your reeking villainy. He throws water in their faces. line 1443Live loathed and long, Act 3 Scene 6 - Pg 111line 1444Most smiling, smooth, detested parasites, line 1445Courteous destroyers, affable wolves, meek bears, 100line 1446You fools of fortune, trencher-friends, time’s flies, line 1447Cap-and-knee slaves, vapors, and minute-jacks. line 1448Of man and beast the infinite malady line 1449Crust you quite o’er! They stand. What, dost thou line 1450go? 105line 1451Soft! Take thy physic first—thou too—and thou.— line 1452Stay. I will lend thee money, borrow none.
He attacks them and forces them out.
line 1453What? All in motion? Henceforth be no feast line 1454Whereat a villain’s not a welcome guest. line 1455Burn, house! Sink, Athens! Henceforth hated be 110line 1456Of Timon man and all humanity!He exits.
Enter Timon’s Friends, the Senators, with other Lords.
line 1457FIRST FRIENDHow now, my lords? line 1458SECOND FRIENDKnow you the quality of Lord Timon’s line 1459fury? line 1460THIRD FRIENDPush! Did you see my cap? 115line 1461FOURTH FRIENDI have lost my gown. line 1462FIRST FRIENDHe’s but a mad lord, and naught but line 1463humors sways him. He gave me a jewel th’ other line 1464day, and now he has beat it out of my hat. Did you line 1465see my jewel? 120line 1466SECOND FRIENDDid you see my cap? line 1467THIRD FRIENDHere ’tis. line 1468FOURTH FRIENDHere lies my gown. line 1469FIRST FRIENDLet’s make no stay. SECOND FRIEND line 1470Lord Timon’s mad. 125line 1471THIRD FRIENDI feel ’t upon my bones. FOURTH FRIEND line 1472One day he gives us diamonds, next day stones.
The Senators and the others exit.
ACT 4
Scene 1
Enter Timon.
TIMON line 1473Let me look back upon thee. O thou wall line 1474That girdles in those wolves, dive in the earth line 1475And fence not Athens! Matrons, turn incontinent! line 1476Obedience fail in children! Slaves and fools, 5line 1477Pluck the grave wrinkled Senate from the bench line 1478And minister in their steads! To general filths line 1479Convert o’ th’ instant, green virginity! line 1480Do ’t in your parents’ eyes! Bankrupts, hold fast! line 1481Rather than render back, out with your knives 10line 1482And cut your trusters’ throats! Bound servants, steal! line 1483Large-handed robbers your grave masters are, line 1484And pill by law. Maid, to thy master’s bed! line 1485Thy mistress is o’ th’ brothel. Son of sixteen, line 1486Pluck the lined crutch from thy old limping sire; 15line 1487With it beat out his brains! Piety and fear, line 1488Religion to the gods, peace, justice, truth, line 1489Domestic awe, night rest, and neighborhood, line 1490Instruction, manners, mysteries, and trades, line 1491Degrees, observances, customs, and laws, 20line 1492Decline to your confounding contraries, line 1493And yet confusion live! Plagues incident to men, line 1494Your potent and infectious fevers heap line 1495On Athens, ripe for stroke! Thou cold sciatica, Act 4 Scene 2 - Pg 117line 1496Cripple our senators, that their limbs may halt 25line 1497As lamely as their manners! Lust and liberty, line 1498Creep in the minds and marrows of our youth, line 1499That ’gainst the stream of virtue they may strive line 1500And drown themselves in riot! Itches, blains, line 1501Sow all th’ Athenian bosoms, and their crop 30line 1502Be general leprosy! Breath infect breath, line 1503That their society, as their friendship, may line 1504Be merely poison! Nothing I’ll bear from thee line 1505But nakedness, thou detestable town! line 1506Take thou that too, with multiplying bans! 35line 1507Timon will to the woods, where he shall find line 1508Th’ unkindest beast more kinder than mankind. line 1509The gods confound—hear me, you good gods all!— line 1510Th’ Athenians both within and out that wall, line 1511And grant, as Timon grows, his hate may grow 40line 1512To the whole race of mankind, high and low! line 1513Amen.
He exits.
Scene 2
Enter Steward Flavius with two or three Servants.
FIRST SERVANT line 1514Hear you, Master Steward, where’s our master? line 1515Are we undone, cast off, nothing remaining? FLAVIUS line 1516Alack, my fellows, what should I say to you? line 1517Let me be recorded by the righteous gods, 5line 1518I am as poor as you. line 1519FIRST SERVANTSuch a house broke? line 1520So noble a master fall’n, all gone, and not line 1521One friend to take his fortune by the arm line 1522And go along with him? 10line 1523SECOND SERVANTAs we do turn our backs Act 4 Scene 2 - Pg 119line 1524From our companion thrown into his grave, line 1525So his familiars to his buried fortunes line 1526Slink all away, leave their false vows with him, line 1527Like empty purses picked; and his poor self, 15line 1528A dedicated beggar to the air, line 1529With his disease of all-shunned poverty, line 1530Walks, like contempt, alone.
Enter other Servants.
line 1531More of our fellows. FLAVIUS line 1532All broken implements of a ruined house. THIRD SERVANT 20line 1533Yet do our hearts wear Timon’s livery. line 1534That see I by our faces. We are fellows still, line 1535Serving alike in sorrow. Leaked is our bark, line 1536And we, poor mates, stand on the dying deck, line 1537Hearing the surges threat. We must all part 25line 1538Into this sea of air. line 1539FLAVIUSGood fellows all, line 1540The latest of my wealth I’ll share amongst you. line 1541Wherever we shall meet, for Timon’s sake line 1542Let’s yet be fellows. Let’s shake our heads and say, 30line 1543As ’twere a knell unto our master’s fortunes, line 1544“We have seen better days.” He offers them money. line 1545Let each take some. line 1546Nay, put out all your hands. Not one word more. line 1547Thus part we rich in sorrow, parting poor.
The Servants embrace and part several ways.
35line 1548O, the fierce wretchedness that glory brings us! line 1549Who would not wish to be from wealth exempt, line 1550Since riches point to misery and contempt? line 1551Who would be so mocked with glory, or to live line 1552But in a dream of friendship, 40line 1553To have his pomp and all what state compounds line 1554But only painted, like his varnished friends? Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 121line 1555Poor honest lord, brought low by his own heart, line 1556Undone by goodness! Strange unusual blood line 1557When man’s worst sin is he does too much good! 45line 1558Who then dares to be half so kind again? line 1559For bounty, that makes gods, do still mar men. line 1560My dearest lord, blest to be most accursed, line 1561Rich only to be wretched, thy great fortunes line 1562Are made thy chief afflictions. Alas, kind lord! 50line 1563He’s flung in rage from this ingrateful seat line 1564Of monstrous friends, line 1565Nor has he with him to supply his life, line 1566Or that which can command it. line 1567I’ll follow and inquire him out. 55line 1568I’ll ever serve his mind with my best will. line 1569Whilst I have gold, I’ll be his steward still.
He exits.
Scene 3
Enter Timon in the woods, with a spade.
TIMON line 1570O blessèd breeding sun, draw from the Earth line 1571Rotten humidity! Below thy sister’s orb line 1572Infect the air! Twinned brothers of one womb, line 1573Whose procreation, residence, and birth 5line 1574Scarce is dividant, touch them with several fortunes, line 1575The greater scorns the lesser. Not nature, line 1576To whom all sores lay siege, can bear great fortune line 1577But by contempt of nature. line 1578Raise me this beggar, and deny ’t that lord; 10line 1579The Senators shall bear contempt hereditary, line 1580The beggar native honor. line 1581It is the pasture lards the brother’s sides, line 1582The want that makes him lean. Who dares, who line 1583dares Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 12315line 1584In purity of manhood stand upright line 1585And say “This man’s a flatterer”? If one be, line 1586So are they all, for every grise of fortune line 1587Is smoothed by that below. The learnèd pate line 1588Ducks to the golden fool. All’s obliquy. 20line 1589There’s nothing level in our cursèd natures line 1590But direct villainy. Therefore be abhorred line 1591All feasts, societies, and throngs of men. line 1592His semblable, yea, himself, Timon disdains. line 1593Destruction fang mankind! Earth, yield me roots! 25line 1594Who seeks for better of thee, sauce his palate line 1595With thy most operant poison! Digging, he finds gold. line 1596What is here? line 1597Gold? Yellow, glittering, precious gold? line 1598No, gods, I am no idle votarist. 30line 1599Roots, you clear heavens! Thus much of this will line 1600make line 1601Black white, foul fair, wrong right, line 1602Base noble, old young, coward valiant. line 1603Ha, you gods! Why this? What this, you gods? Why, 35line 1604this line 1605Will lug your priests and servants from your sides, line 1606Pluck stout men’s pillows from below their heads. line 1607This yellow slave line 1608Will knit and break religions, bless th’ accursed, 40line 1609Make the hoar leprosy adored, place thieves line 1610And give them title, knee, and approbation line 1611With senators on the bench. This is it line 1612That makes the wappened widow wed again; line 1613She whom the spital house and ulcerous sores 45line 1614Would cast the gorge at, this embalms and spices line 1615To th’ April day again. Come, damnèd earth, line 1616Thou common whore of mankind, that puts odds line 1617Among the rout of nations, I will make thee line 1618Do thy right nature. March afar off. Ha? A drum? 50line 1619Thou ’rt quick, Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 125line 1620But yet I’ll bury thee. Thou ’lt go, strong thief, line 1621When gouty keepers of thee cannot stand. line 1622Nay, stay thou out for earnest.
He buries the gold, keeping some out.
Enter Alcibiades, with Drum and Fife, in warlike manner, and Phrynia and Timandra.
line 1623ALCIBIADESWhat art thou there? Speak. TIMON 55line 1624A beast, as thou art. The canker gnaw thy heart line 1625For showing me again the eyes of man! ALCIBIADES line 1626What is thy name? Is man so hateful to thee line 1627That art thyself a man? TIMON line 1628I am Misanthropos and hate mankind. 60line 1629For thy part, I do wish thou wert a dog, line 1630That I might love thee something. line 1631ALCIBIADESI know thee well. line 1632But in thy fortunes am unlearned and strange. TIMON line 1633I know thee too, and more than that I know thee 65line 1634I not desire to know. Follow thy drum. line 1635With man’s blood paint the ground gules, gules! line 1636Religious canons, civil laws are cruel. line 1637Then what should war be? This fell whore of thine line 1638Hath in her more destruction than thy sword, 70line 1639For all her cherubin look. line 1640PHRYNIAThy lips rot off! TIMON line 1641I will not kiss thee. Then the rot returns line 1642To thine own lips again. ALCIBIADES line 1643How came the noble Timon to this change? TIMON 75line 1644As the moon does, by wanting light to give. Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 127line 1645But then renew I could not, like the moon; line 1646There were no suns to borrow of. ALCIBIADES line 1647Noble Timon, what friendship may I do thee? TIMON line 1648None, but to maintain my opinion. 80line 1649ALCIBIADESWhat is it, Timon? line 1650TIMONPromise me friendship, but perform none. If line 1651thou wilt not promise, the gods plague thee, for line 1652thou art a man. If thou dost perform, confound line 1653thee, for thou art a man. ALCIBIADES 85line 1654I have heard in some sort of thy miseries. TIMON line 1655Thou saw’st them when I had prosperity. ALCIBIADES line 1656I see them now. Then was a blessèd time. TIMON line 1657As thine is now, held with a brace of harlots. TIMANDRA line 1658Is this th’ Athenian minion whom the world 90line 1659Voiced so regardfully? line 1660TIMONArt thou Timandra? line 1661TIMANDRAYes. TIMON line 1662Be a whore still. They love thee not that use thee. line 1663Give them diseases, leaving with thee their lust. 95line 1664Make use of thy salt hours. Season the slaves line 1665For tubs and baths. Bring down rose-cheeked youth line 1666To the tub-fast and the diet. line 1667TIMANDRAHang thee, monster! ALCIBIADES line 1668Pardon him, sweet Timandra, for his wits 100line 1669Are drowned and lost in his calamities.— line 1670I have but little gold of late, brave Timon, line 1671The want whereof doth daily make revolt Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 129line 1672In my penurious band. I have heard and grieved line 1673How cursèd Athens, mindless of thy worth, 105line 1674Forgetting thy great deeds when neighbor states, line 1675But for thy sword and fortune, trod upon them— TIMON line 1676I prithee, beat thy drum and get thee gone. ALCIBIADES line 1677I am thy friend and pity thee, dear Timon. TIMON line 1678How dost thou pity him whom thou dost trouble? 110line 1679I had rather be alone. ALCIBIADES line 1680Why, fare thee well. Here is some gold for thee. line 1681TIMONKeep it. I cannot eat it. ALCIBIADES line 1682When I have laid proud Athens on a heap— TIMON line 1683Warr’st thou ’gainst Athens? 115line 1684ALCIBIADESAy, Timon, and have cause. TIMON line 1685The gods confound them all in thy conquest, line 1686And thee after, when thou hast conquered! ALCIBIADES line 1687Why me, Timon? line 1688TIMONThat by killing of villains 120line 1689Thou wast born to conquer my country. line 1690Put up thy gold. Go on. Here’s gold. Go on. line 1691Be as a planetary plague when Jove line 1692Will o’er some high-viced city hang his poison line 1693In the sick air. Let not thy sword skip one. 125line 1694Pity not honored age for his white beard; line 1695He is an usurer. Strike me the counterfeit matron; line 1696It is her habit only that is honest, line 1697Herself’s a bawd. Let not the virgin’s cheek line 1698Make soft thy trenchant sword, for those milk paps, 130line 1699That through the window-bars bore at men’s eyes, Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 131line 1700Are not within the leaf of pity writ, line 1701But set them down horrible traitors. Spare not the line 1702babe, line 1703Whose dimpled smiles from fools exhaust their 135line 1704mercy; line 1705Think it a bastard whom the oracle line 1706Hath doubtfully pronounced the throat shall cut, line 1707And mince it sans remorse. Swear against objects; line 1708Put armor on thine ears and on thine eyes, 140line 1709Whose proof nor yells of mothers, maids, nor babes, line 1710Nor sight of priests in holy vestments bleeding, line 1711Shall pierce a jot. He offers gold. There’s gold to line 1712pay thy soldiers. line 1713Make large confusion and, thy fury spent, 145line 1714Confounded be thyself! Speak not. Begone. ALCIBIADES line 1715Hast thou gold yet? I’ll take the gold thou givest me, line 1716Not all thy counsel. TIMON line 1717Dost thou or dost thou not, heaven’s curse upon thee! BOTH WOMEN line 1718Give us some gold, good Timon. Hast thou more? TIMON 150line 1719Enough to make a whore forswear her trade, line 1720And to make whores a bawd. Hold up, you sluts, line 1721Your aprons mountant. He begins throwing gold into their aprons. line 1722You are not oathable, line 1723Although I know you’ll swear—terribly swear 155line 1724Into strong shudders and to heavenly agues line 1725Th’ immortal gods that hear you. Spare your oaths. line 1726I’ll trust to your conditions. Be whores still. line 1727And he whose pious breath seeks to convert you, line 1728Be strong in whore, allure him, burn him up. 160line 1729Let your close fire predominate his smoke, line 1730And be no turncoats. Yet may your pains six months line 1731Be quite contrary. And thatch your poor thin roofs Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 133line 1732With burdens of the dead—some that were hanged, line 1733No matter; wear them, betray with them. Whore 165line 1734still. line 1735Paint till a horse may mire upon your face. line 1736A pox of wrinkles! line 1737BOTH WOMENWell, more gold. What then? line 1738Believe ’t that we’ll do anything for gold. 170line 1739TIMONConsumptions sow line 1740In hollow bones of man; strike their sharp shins, line 1741And mar men’s spurring. Crack the lawyer’s voice, line 1742That he may never more false title plead line 1743Nor sound his quillets shrilly. Hoar the flamen, 175line 1744That scolds against the quality of flesh line 1745And not believes himself. Down with the nose— line 1746Down with it flat, take the bridge quite away— line 1747Of him that, his particular to foresee, line 1748Smells from the general weal. Make curled-pate 180line 1749ruffians bald, line 1750And let the unscarred braggarts of the war line 1751Derive some pain from you. Plague all, line 1752That your activity may defeat and quell line 1753The source of all erection. There’s more gold. 185line 1754Do you damn others, and let this damn you, line 1755And ditches grave you all! BOTH WOMEN line 1756More counsel with more money, bounteous Timon. TIMON line 1757More whore, more mischief first! I have given you line 1758earnest. ALCIBIADES 190line 1759Strike up the drum towards Athens.—Farewell, line 1760Timon. line 1761If I thrive well, I’ll visit thee again. TIMON line 1762If I hope well, I’ll never see thee more. line 1763ALCIBIADESI never did thee harm. Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 135TIMON 195line 1764Yes, thou spok’st well of me. line 1765ALCIBIADESCall’st thou that harm? TIMON line 1766Men daily find it. Get thee away, and take line 1767Thy beagles with thee. line 1768ALCIBIADESto the WomenWe but offend him.— 200line 1769Strike.The drum sounds; all but Timon exit. TIMON line 1770That nature, being sick of man’s unkindness, line 1771Should yet be hungry! He digs. Common mother, line 1772thou line 1773Whose womb unmeasurable and infinite breast 205line 1774Teems and feeds all; whose selfsame mettle— line 1775Whereof thy proud child, arrogant man, is puffed— line 1776Engenders the black toad and adder blue, line 1777The gilded newt and eyeless venomed worm, line 1778With all th’ abhorrèd births below crisp heaven 210line 1779Whereon Hyperion’s quick’ning fire doth shine: line 1780Yield him who all thy human sons do hate, line 1781From forth thy plenteous bosom, one poor root! line 1782Ensear thy fertile and conceptious womb; line 1783Let it no more bring out ingrateful man. 215line 1784Go great with tigers, dragons, wolves, and bears; line 1785Teem with new monsters, whom thy upward face line 1786Hath to the marbled mansion all above line 1787Never presented. O, a root! Dear thanks! line 1788Dry up thy marrows, vines, and plow-torn leas, 220line 1789Whereof ingrateful man with liquorish drafts line 1790And morsels unctuous greases his pure mind, line 1791That from it all consideration slips—
Enter Apemantus.
line 1792More man? Plague, plague! APEMANTUS line 1793I was directed hither. Men report 225line 1794Thou dost affect my manners and dost use them. Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 137TIMON line 1795’Tis, then, because thou dost not keep a dog, line 1796Whom I would imitate. Consumption catch thee! APEMANTUS line 1797This is in thee a nature but infected, line 1798A poor unmanly melancholy sprung 230line 1799From change of future. Why this spade? This place? line 1800This slavelike habit and these looks of care? line 1801Thy flatterers yet wear silk, drink wine, lie soft, line 1802Hug their diseased perfumes, and have forgot line 1803That ever Timon was. Shame not these woods 235line 1804By putting on the cunning of a carper. line 1805Be thou a flatterer now, and seek to thrive line 1806By that which has undone thee. Hinge thy knee, line 1807And let his very breath whom thou ’lt observe line 1808Blow off thy cap; praise his most vicious strain, 240line 1809And call it excellent. Thou wast told thus. line 1810Thou gav’st thine ears, like tapsters that bade line 1811welcome, line 1812To knaves and all approachers. ’Tis most just line 1813That thou turn rascal. Had’st thou wealth again, 245line 1814Rascals should have ’t. Do not assume my likeness. TIMON line 1815Were I like thee, I’d throw away myself. APEMANTUS line 1816Thou hast cast away thyself, being like thyself— line 1817A madman so long, now a fool. What, think’st line 1818That the bleak air, thy boisterous chamberlain, 250line 1819Will put thy shirt on warm? Will these moist trees, line 1820That have outlived the eagle, page thy heels line 1821And skip when thou point’st out? Will the cold brook, line 1822Candied with ice, caudle thy morning taste line 1823To cure thy o’ernight’s surfeit? Call the creatures 255line 1824Whose naked natures live in all the spite line 1825Of wreakful heaven, whose bare unhousèd trunks, Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 139line 1826To the conflicting elements exposed, line 1827Answer mere nature. Bid them flatter thee. line 1828O, thou shalt find— 260line 1829TIMONA fool of thee. Depart. APEMANTUS line 1830I love thee better now than e’er I did. TIMON line 1831I hate thee worse. line 1832APEMANTUSWhy? line 1833TIMONThou flatter’st misery. APEMANTUS 265line 1834I flatter not but say thou art a caitiff. line 1835TIMONWhy dost thou seek me out? line 1836APEMANTUSTo vex thee. TIMON line 1837Always a villain’s office or a fool’s. line 1838Dost please thyself in ’t? 270line 1839APEMANTUSAy. line 1840TIMONWhat, a knave too? APEMANTUS line 1841If thou didst put this sour cold habit on line 1842To castigate thy pride, ’twere well, but thou line 1843Dost it enforcedly. Thou ’dst courtier be again 275line 1844Wert thou not beggar. Willing misery line 1845Outlives incertain pomp, is crowned before; line 1846The one is filling still, never complete, line 1847The other at high wish. Best state, contentless, line 1848Hath a distracted and most wretched being, 280line 1849Worse than the worst, content. line 1850Thou shouldst desire to die, being miserable. TIMON line 1851Not by his breath that is more miserable. line 1852Thou art a slave whom Fortune’s tender arm line 1853With favor never clasped but bred a dog. 285line 1854Hadst thou, like us from our first swathe, proceeded line 1855The sweet degrees that this brief world affords Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 141line 1856To such as may the passive drugs of it line 1857Freely command, thou wouldst have plunged line 1858thyself 290line 1859In general riot, melted down thy youth line 1860In different beds of lust, and never learned line 1861The icy precepts of respect, but followed line 1862The sugared game before thee. But myself— line 1863Who had the world as my confectionary, 295line 1864The mouths, the tongues, the eyes and hearts of line 1865men line 1866At duty, more than I could frame employment, line 1867That numberless upon me stuck as leaves line 1868Do on the oak, have with one winter’s brush 300line 1869Fell from their boughs and left me open, bare, line 1870For every storm that blows—I to bear this, line 1871That never knew but better, is some burden. line 1872Thy nature did commence in sufferance. Time line 1873Hath made thee hard in ’t. Why shouldst thou hate 305line 1874men? line 1875They never flattered thee. What hast thou given? line 1876If thou wilt curse, thy father, that poor rag, line 1877Must be thy subject, who in spite put stuff line 1878To some she-beggar and compounded thee 310line 1879Poor rogue hereditary. Hence, begone. line 1880If thou hadst not been born the worst of men, line 1881Thou hadst been a knave and flatterer. APEMANTUS line 1882Art thou proud yet? line 1883TIMONAy, that I am not thee. 315line 1884APEMANTUSI, that I was no prodigal. line 1885TIMONI, that I am one now. line 1886Were all the wealth I have shut up in thee, line 1887I’d give thee leave to hang it. Get thee gone. line 1888That the whole life of Athens were in this! 320line 1889Thus would I eat it.He gnaws a root. line 1890APEMANTUSoffering foodHere, I will mend thy feast. Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 143TIMON line 1891First mend my company. Take away thyself. APEMANTUS line 1892So I shall mend mine own by th’ lack of thine. TIMON line 1893’Tis not well mended so; it is but botched. 325line 1894If not, I would it were. line 1895APEMANTUSWhat wouldst thou have to Athens? TIMON line 1896Thee thither in a whirlwind. If thou wilt, line 1897Tell them there I have gold. Look, so I have. APEMANTUS line 1898Here is no use for gold. 330line 1899TIMONThe best and truest, line 1900For here it sleeps and does no hired harm. line 1901APEMANTUSWhere liest a-nights, Timon? line 1902TIMONUnder that’s above me. Where feed’st thou line 1903a-days, Apemantus? 335line 1904APEMANTUSWhere my stomach finds meat, or rather line 1905where I eat it. line 1906TIMONWould poison were obedient and knew my line 1907mind! line 1908APEMANTUSWhere wouldst thou send it? 340line 1909TIMONTo sauce thy dishes. line 1910APEMANTUSThe middle of humanity thou never line 1911knewest, but the extremity of both ends. When line 1912thou wast in thy gilt and thy perfume, they line 1913mocked thee for too much curiosity. In thy rags 345line 1914thou know’st none, but art despised for the contrary. line 1915There’s a medlar for thee. Eat it. line 1916TIMONOn what I hate I feed not. line 1917APEMANTUSDost hate a medlar? line 1918TIMONAy, though it look like thee. 350line 1919APEMANTUSAn thou ’dst hated meddlers sooner, thou line 1920shouldst have loved thyself better now. What man line 1921didst thou ever know unthrift that was beloved line 1922after his means? Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 145line 1923TIMONWho, without those means thou talk’st of, didst 355line 1924thou ever know beloved? line 1925APEMANTUSMyself. line 1926TIMONI understand thee. Thou hadst some means to line 1927keep a dog. line 1928APEMANTUSWhat things in the world canst thou nearest 360line 1929compare to thy flatterers? line 1930TIMONWomen nearest, but men—men are the things line 1931themselves. What wouldst thou do with the world, line 1932Apemantus, if it lay in thy power? line 1933APEMANTUSGive it the beasts, to be rid of the men. 365line 1934TIMONWouldst thou have thyself fall in the confusion line 1935of men and remain a beast with the beasts? line 1936APEMANTUSAy, Timon. line 1937TIMONA beastly ambition, which the gods grant thee line 1938t’ attain to! If thou wert the lion, the fox would 370line 1939beguile thee. If thou wert the lamb, the fox would line 1940eat thee. If thou wert the fox, the lion would suspect line 1941thee when peradventure thou wert accused by line 1942the ass. If thou wert the ass, thy dullness would line 1943torment thee, and still thou lived’st but as a breakfast 375line 1944to the wolf. If thou wert the wolf, thy greediness line 1945would afflict thee, and oft thou shouldst hazard line 1946thy life for thy dinner. Wert thou the unicorn, line 1947pride and wrath would confound thee and line 1948make thine own self the conquest of thy fury. Wert 380line 1949thou a bear, thou wouldst be killed by the horse. line 1950Wert thou a horse, thou wouldst be seized by the line 1951leopard. Wert thou a leopard, thou wert germane line 1952to the lion, and the spots of thy kindred were line 1953jurors on thy life. All thy safety were remotion, and 385line 1954thy defense absence. What beast couldst thou be line 1955that were not subject to a beast? And what a beast line 1956art thou already that seest not thy loss in line 1957transformation! line 1958APEMANTUSIf thou couldst please me with speaking to Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 147390line 1959me, thou mightst have hit upon it here. The commonwealth line 1960of Athens is become a forest of beasts. line 1961TIMONHow, has the ass broke the wall that thou art line 1962out of the city? line 1963APEMANTUSYonder comes a poet and a painter. The 395line 1964plague of company light upon thee! I will fear to line 1965catch it and give way. When I know not what else line 1966to do, I’ll see thee again. line 1967TIMONWhen there is nothing living but thee, thou line 1968shalt be welcome. I had rather be a beggar’s dog 400line 1969than Apemantus. APEMANTUS line 1970Thou art the cap of all the fools alive. TIMON line 1971Would thou wert clean enough to spit upon! APEMANTUS line 1972A plague on thee! Thou art too bad to curse. TIMON line 1973All villains that do stand by thee are pure. APEMANTUS 405line 1974There is no leprosy but what thou speak’st. line 1975TIMONIf I name thee. line 1976I’ll beat thee, but I should infect my hands. line 1977APEMANTUSI would my tongue could rot them off! TIMON line 1978Away, thou issue of a mangy dog! 410line 1979Choler does kill me that thou art alive. line 1980I swoon to see thee. APEMANTUS line 1981Would thou wouldst burst! line 1982TIMONAway, thou tedious rogue! line 1983I am sorry I shall lose a stone by thee.
Timon throws a stone at Apemantus.
415line 1984APEMANTUSBeast! line 1985TIMONSlave! line 1986APEMANTUSToad! Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 149line 1987TIMONRogue, rogue, rogue! line 1988I am sick of this false world, and will love nought 420line 1989But even the mere necessities upon ’t. line 1990Then, Timon, presently prepare thy grave. line 1991Lie where the light foam of the sea may beat line 1992Thy gravestone daily. Make thine epitaph, line 1993That death in me at others’ lives may laugh. 425line 1994To his gold. O thou sweet king-killer and dear line 1995divorce line 1996’Twixt natural son and sire, thou bright defiler line 1997Of Hymen’s purest bed, thou valiant Mars, line 1998Thou ever young, fresh, loved, and delicate wooer, 430line 1999Whose blush doth thaw the consecrated snow line 2000That lies on Dian’s lap; thou visible god, line 2001That sold’rest close impossibilities line 2002And mak’st them kiss, that speak’st with every line 2003tongue 435line 2004To every purpose! O thou touch of hearts, line 2005Think thy slave, man, rebels, and by thy virtue line 2006Set them into confounding odds, that beasts line 2007May have the world in empire! line 2008APEMANTUSWould ’twere so! 440line 2009But not till I am dead. I’ll say thou ’st gold; line 2010Thou wilt be thronged to shortly. line 2011TIMONThronged to? line 2012APEMANTUSAy. TIMON line 2013Thy back, I prithee. 445line 2014APEMANTUSLive and love thy misery. line 2015TIMONLong live so, and so die. I am quit.
Enter the Banditti.
APEMANTUS line 2016More things like men.—Eat, Timon, and abhor line 2017them.Apemantus exits. line 2018FIRST BANDITWhere should he have this gold? It is Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 151450line 2019some poor fragment, some slender ort of his line 2020remainder. The mere want of gold and the falling-from line 2021of his friends drove him into this melancholy. line 2022SECOND BANDITIt is noised he hath a mass of treasure. line 2023THIRD BANDITLet us make the assay upon him. If he 455line 2024care not for ’t, he will supply us easily. If he covetously line 2025reserve it, how shall ’s get it? line 2026SECOND BANDITTrue, for he bears it not about him. ’Tis line 2027hid. line 2028FIRST BANDITIs not this he? 460line 2029OTHERSWhere? line 2030SECOND BANDIT’Tis his description. line 2031THIRD BANDITHe. I know him. line 2032ALLSave thee, Timon. line 2033TIMONNow, thieves? ALL 465line 2034Soldiers, not thieves. line 2035TIMONBoth, too, and women’s sons. ALL line 2036We are not thieves, but men that much do want. TIMON line 2037Your greatest want is, you want much of meat. line 2038Why should you want? Behold, the earth hath roots. 470line 2039Within this mile break forth a hundred springs. line 2040The oaks bear mast, the briars scarlet hips. line 2041The bounteous huswife Nature on each bush line 2042Lays her full mess before you. Want? Why want? FIRST BANDIT line 2043We cannot live on grass, on berries, water, 475line 2044As beasts and birds and fishes. TIMON line 2045Nor on the beasts themselves, the birds and fishes; line 2046You must eat men. Yet thanks I must you con line 2047That you are thieves professed, that you work not line 2048In holier shapes, for there is boundless theft 480line 2049In limited professions. Rascal thieves, Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 153line 2050Here’s gold. He gives them gold. Go, suck the line 2051subtle blood o’ th’ grape line 2052Till the high fever seethe your blood to froth, line 2053And so ’scape hanging. Trust not the physician; 485line 2054His antidotes are poison, and he slays line 2055More than you rob. Take wealth and lives together. line 2056Do, villainy, do, since you protest to do ’t, line 2057Like workmen. I’ll example you with thievery. line 2058The sun’s a thief and with his great attraction 490line 2059Robs the vast sea. The moon’s an arrant thief, line 2060And her pale fire she snatches from the sun. line 2061The sea’s a thief, whose liquid surge resolves line 2062The moon into salt tears. The earth’s a thief, line 2063That feeds and breeds by a composture stol’n 495line 2064From gen’ral excrement. Each thing’s a thief. line 2065The laws, your curb and whip, in their rough power line 2066Has unchecked theft. Love not yourselves. Away! line 2067Rob one another. There’s more gold. line 2068He gives them gold. Cut throats. 500line 2069All that you meet are thieves. To Athens go. line 2070Break open shops. Nothing can you steal line 2071But thieves do lose it. Steal less for this I give you, line 2072And gold confound you howsoe’er! Amen. line 2073THIRD BANDITHas almost charmed me from my profession 505line 2074by persuading me to it. line 2075FIRST BANDIT’Tis in the malice of mankind that he line 2076thus advises us, not to have us thrive in our line 2077mystery. line 2078SECOND BANDITI’ll believe him as an enemy and give 510line 2079over my trade. line 2080FIRST BANDITLet us first see peace in Athens. There is line 2081no time so miserable but a man may be true.
Thieves exit.
Enter Flavius the Steward, to Timon.
line 2082FLAVIUSO you gods! Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 155line 2083Is yond despised and ruinous man my lord? 515line 2084Full of decay and flailing? O, monument line 2085And wonder of good deeds evilly bestowed! line 2086What an alteration of honor has desp’rate want line 2087made! line 2088What viler thing upon the Earth than friends, 520line 2089Who can bring noblest minds to basest ends! line 2090How rarely does it meet with this time’s guise, line 2091When man was wished to love his enemies! line 2092Grant I may ever love, and rather woo line 2093Those that would mischief me than those that do! 525line 2094Has caught me in his eye. I will present line 2095My honest grief unto him and as my lord line 2096Still serve him with my life.—My dearest master. TIMON line 2097Away! What art thou? line 2098FLAVIUSHave you forgot me, sir? TIMON 530line 2099Why dost ask that? I have forgot all men. line 2100Then, if thou grant’st thou ’rt a man, I have forgot line 2101thee. line 2102FLAVIUSAn honest poor servant of yours. line 2103TIMONThen I know thee not. 535line 2104I never had honest man about me, I. All line 2105I kept were knaves to serve in meat to villains. line 2106FLAVIUSThe gods are witness, line 2107Ne’er did poor steward wear a truer grief line 2108For his undone lord than mine eyes for you.
He weeps.
TIMON 540line 2109What, dost thou weep? Come nearer, then. I love line 2110thee line 2111Because thou art a woman and disclaim’st line 2112Flinty mankind, whose eyes do never give line 2113But thorough lust and laughter. Pity’s sleeping. Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 157545line 2114Strange times that weep with laughing, not with line 2115weeping! FLAVIUS line 2116I beg of you to know me, good my lord, line 2117T’ accept my grief, and, whilst this poor wealth lasts, line 2118To entertain me as your steward still.
He offers money.
550line 2119TIMONHad I a steward line 2120So true, so just, and now so comfortable? line 2121It almost turns my dangerous nature mild. line 2122Let me behold thy face. Surely this man line 2123Was born of woman. 555line 2124Forgive my general and exceptless rashness, line 2125You perpetual-sober gods. I do proclaim line 2126One honest man—mistake me not, but one; line 2127No more, I pray!—and he’s a steward. line 2128How fain would I have hated all mankind, 560line 2129And thou redeem’st thyself. But all, save thee, line 2130I fell with curses. line 2131Methinks thou art more honest now than wise, line 2132For by oppressing and betraying me line 2133Thou mightst have sooner got another service; 565line 2134For many so arrive at second masters line 2135Upon their first lord’s neck. But tell me true— line 2136For I must ever doubt, though ne’er so sure— line 2137Is not thy kindness subtle, covetous, line 2138A usuring kindness, and as rich men deal gifts, 570line 2139Expecting in return twenty for one? FLAVIUS line 2140No, my most worthy master, in whose breast line 2141Doubt and suspect, alas, are placed too late. line 2142You should have feared false times when you did line 2143feast. 575line 2144Suspect still comes where an estate is least. line 2145That which I show, heaven knows, is merely love, line 2146Duty, and zeal to your unmatchèd mind, Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 159line 2147Care of your food and living. And believe it, line 2148My most honored lord, 580line 2149For any benefit that points to me, line 2150Either in hope or present, I’d exchange line 2151For this one wish, that you had power and wealth line 2152To requite me by making rich yourself. TIMON line 2153Look thee, ’tis so. Thou singly honest man, 585line 2154Here, take. Timon offers gold. The gods out of my line 2155misery line 2156Has sent thee treasure. Go, live rich and happy, line 2157But thus conditioned: thou shalt build from men; line 2158Hate all, curse all, show charity to none, 590line 2159But let the famished flesh slide from the bone line 2160Ere thou relieve the beggar; give to dogs line 2161What thou deniest to men; let prisons swallow ’em, line 2162Debts wither ’em to nothing; be men like blasted line 2163woods, 595line 2164And may diseases lick up their false bloods! line 2165And so farewell and thrive. line 2166FLAVIUSO, let me stay line 2167And comfort you, my master. line 2168TIMONIf thou hat’st curses, 600line 2169Stay not. Fly whilst thou art blest and free. line 2170Ne’er see thou man, and let me ne’er see thee.
They exit.
ACT 5
Scene 1
Enter Poet and Painter.
line 2171PAINTERAs I took note of the place, it cannot be far line 2172where he abides. line 2173POETWhat’s to be thought of him? Does the rumor line 2174hold for true that he’s so full of gold? 5line 2175PAINTERCertain. Alcibiades reports it. Phrynia and line 2176Timandra had gold of him. He likewise enriched line 2177poor straggling soldiers with great quantity. ’Tis line 2178said he gave unto his steward a mighty sum. line 2179POETThen this breaking of his has been but a try for 10line 2180his friends? line 2181PAINTERNothing else. You shall see him a palm in line 2182Athens again, and flourish with the highest. Therefore line 2183’tis not amiss we tender our loves to him in line 2184this supposed distress of his. It will show honestly 15line 2185in us and is very likely to load our purposes with line 2186what they travail for, if it be a just and true report line 2187that goes of his having.
Enter Timon, behind them, from his cave.
line 2188POETWhat have you now to present unto him? line 2189PAINTERNothing at this time but my visitation. Only I 20line 2190will promise him an excellent piece. line 2191POETI must serve him so too—tell him of an intent line 2192that’s coming toward him. Act 5 Scene 1 - Pg 165line 2193PAINTERGood as the best. Promising is the very air o’ line 2194th’ time; it opens the eyes of expectation. Performance 25line 2195is ever the duller for his act, and but in the line 2196plainer and simpler kind of people the deed of saying line 2197is quite out of use. To promise is most courtly line 2198and fashionable. Performance is a kind of will or line 2199testament which argues a great sickness in his 30line 2200judgment that makes it. line 2201TIMONasideExcellent workman! Thou canst not line 2202paint a man so bad as is thyself. line 2203POETI am thinking what I shall say I have provided line 2204for him. It must be a personating of himself, a 35line 2205satire against the softness of prosperity, with a discovery line 2206of the infinite flatteries that follow youth line 2207and opulency. line 2208TIMONasideMust thou needs stand for a villain in line 2209thine own work? Wilt thou whip thine own faults 40line 2210in other men? Do so. I have gold for thee. line 2211POETNay, let’s seek him. line 2212Then do we sin against our own estate line 2213When we may profit meet and come too late. line 2214PAINTERTrue. 45line 2215When the day serves, before black-cornered night, line 2216Find what thou want’st by free and offered light. line 2217Come. TIMONaside line 2218I’ll meet you at the turn. What a god’s gold line 2219That he is worshiped in a baser temple 50line 2220Than where swine feed! line 2221’Tis thou that rigg’st the bark and plow’st the foam, line 2222Settlest admirèd reverence in a slave. line 2223To thee be worship, and thy saints for aye line 2224Be crowned with plagues, that thee alone obey! 55line 2225Fit I meet them.He comes forward. POET line 2226Hail, worthy Timon. Act 5 Scene 1 - Pg 167line 2227PAINTEROur late noble master. TIMON line 2228Have I once lived to see two honest men? line 2229POETSir, 60line 2230Having often of your open bounty tasted, line 2231Hearing you were retired, your friends fall’n off, line 2232Whose thankless natures—O, abhorrèd spirits! line 2233Not all the whips of heaven are large enough— line 2234What, to you, 65line 2235Whose starlike nobleness gave life and influence line 2236To their whole being? I am rapt and cannot cover line 2237The monstrous bulk of this ingratitude line 2238With any size of words. TIMON line 2239Let it go naked. Men may see ’t the better. 70line 2240You that are honest, by being what you are line 2241Make them best seen and known. line 2242PAINTERHe and myself line 2243Have travailed in the great shower of your gifts line 2244And sweetly felt it. 75line 2245TIMONAy, you are honest men. PAINTER line 2246We are hither come to offer you our service. TIMON line 2247Most honest men! Why, how shall I requite you? line 2248Can you eat roots and drink cold water? No? BOTH line 2249What we can do we’ll do to do you service. TIMON 80line 2250You’re honest men. You’ve heard that I have gold. line 2251I am sure you have. Speak truth. You’re honest men. PAINTER line 2252So it is said, my noble lord, but therefor line 2253Came not my friend nor I. TIMON line 2254Good honest men. To the Painter. Thou draw’st a 85line 2255counterfeit Act 5 Scene 1 - Pg 169line 2256Best in all Athens. Thou ’rt indeed the best. line 2257Thou counterfeit’st most lively. line 2258PAINTERSo-so, my lord. TIMON line 2259E’en so, sir, as I say. To the Poet. And for thy 90line 2260fiction, line 2261Why, thy verse swells with stuff so fine and smooth line 2262That thou art even natural in thine art. line 2263But for all this, my honest-natured friends, line 2264I must needs say you have a little fault. 95line 2265Marry, ’tis not monstrous in you, neither wish I line 2266You take much pains to mend. line 2267BOTHBeseech your Honor line 2268To make it known to us. line 2269TIMONYou’ll take it ill. 100line 2270BOTHMost thankfully, my lord. line 2271TIMONWill you indeed? line 2272BOTHDoubt it not, worthy lord. TIMON line 2273There’s never a one of you but trusts a knave line 2274That mightily deceives you. 105line 2275BOTHDo we, my lord? TIMON line 2276Ay, and you hear him cog, see him dissemble, line 2277Know his gross patchery, love him, feed him, line 2278Keep in your bosom. Yet remain assured line 2279That he’s a made-up villain. 110line 2280PAINTERI know none such, my lord. line 2281POETNor I. TIMON line 2282Look you, I love you well. I’ll give you gold. line 2283Rid me these villains from your companies, line 2284Hang them or stab them, drown them in a draft, 115line 2285Confound them by some course, and come to me, line 2286I’ll give you gold enough. line 2287BOTHName them, my lord, let ’s know them. Act 5 Scene 1 - Pg 171TIMON line 2288You that way and you this, but two in company. line 2289Each man apart, all single and alone, 120line 2290Yet an archvillain keeps him company. line 2291To one. If where thou art, two villains shall not be, line 2292Come not near him. To the other. If thou wouldst line 2293not reside line 2294But where one villain is, then him abandon.— 125line 2295Hence, pack. There’s gold. You came for gold, you line 2296slaves. line 2297To one. You have work for me. There’s payment. line 2298Hence. line 2299To the other. You are an alchemist; make gold of 130line 2300that. line 2301Out, rascal dogs!
Timon drives them out and then exits.
Enter Steward Flavius, and two Senators.
FLAVIUS line 2302It is vain that you would speak with Timon, line 2303For he is set so only to himself line 2304That nothing but himself which looks like man 135line 2305Is friendly with him. line 2306FIRST SENATORBring us to his cave. line 2307It is our part and promise to th’ Athenians line 2308To speak with Timon. line 2309SECOND SENATORAt all times alike 140line 2310Men are not still the same. ’Twas time and griefs line 2311That framed him thus. Time, with his fairer hand line 2312Offering the fortunes of his former days, line 2313The former man may make him. Bring us to him, line 2314And chance it as it may. 145line 2315FLAVIUSHere is his cave.— line 2316Peace and content be here! Lord Timon! Timon! line 2317Look out, and speak to friends. Th’ Athenians line 2318By two of their most reverend Senate greet thee. line 2319Speak to them, noble Timon. Act 5 Scene 1 - Pg 173
Enter Timon out of his cave.
TIMON 150line 2320Thou sun that comforts, burn!—Speak and be line 2321hanged! line 2322For each true word a blister, and each false line 2323Be as a cauterizing to the root o’ th’ tongue, line 2324Consuming it with speaking. 155line 2325FIRST SENATORWorthy Timon— TIMON line 2326Of none but such as you, and you of Timon. FIRST SENATOR line 2327The Senators of Athens greet thee, Timon. TIMON line 2328I thank them and would send them back the plague, line 2329Could I but catch it for them. 160line 2330FIRST SENATORO, forget line 2331What we are sorry for ourselves in thee. line 2332The Senators with one consent of love line 2333Entreat thee back to Athens, who have thought line 2334On special dignities which vacant lie 165line 2335For thy best use and wearing. line 2336SECOND SENATORThey confess line 2337Toward thee forgetfulness too general gross; line 2338Which now the public body, which doth seldom line 2339Play the recanter, feeling in itself 170line 2340A lack of Timon’s aid, hath sense withal line 2341Of it own fall, restraining aid to Timon, line 2342And send forth us to make their sorrowed render, line 2343Together with a recompense more fruitful line 2344Than their offense can weigh down by the dram— 175line 2345Ay, even such heaps and sums of love and wealth line 2346As shall to thee blot out what wrongs were theirs line 2347And write in thee the figures of their love, line 2348Ever to read them thine. line 2349TIMONYou witch me in it, Act 5 Scene 1 - Pg 175180line 2350Surprise me to the very brink of tears. line 2351Lend me a fool’s heart and a woman’s eyes, line 2352And I’ll beweep these comforts, worthy senators. FIRST SENATOR line 2353Therefore, so please thee to return with us line 2354And of our Athens, thine and ours, to take 185line 2355The captainship, thou shalt be met with thanks; line 2356Allowed with absolute power, and thy good name line 2357Live with authority. So soon we shall drive back line 2358Of Alcibiades th’ approaches wild, line 2359Who like a boar too savage doth root up 190line 2360His country’s peace. line 2361SECOND SENATORAnd shakes his threat’ning sword line 2362Against the walls of Athens. line 2363FIRST SENATORTherefore, Timon— TIMON line 2364Well sir, I will. Therefore I will, sir, thus: 195line 2365If Alcibiades kill my countrymen, line 2366Let Alcibiades know this of Timon— line 2367That Timon cares not. But if he sack fair Athens line 2368And take our goodly agèd men by th’ beards, line 2369Giving our holy virgins to the stain 200line 2370Of contumelious, beastly, mad-brained war, line 2371Then let him know, and tell him Timon speaks it line 2372In pity of our agèd and our youth, line 2373I cannot choose but tell him that I care not, line 2374And let him take ’t at worst—for their knives care not, 205line 2375While you have throats to answer. For myself, line 2376There’s not a whittle in th’ unruly camp line 2377But I do prize it at my love before line 2378The reverend’st throat in Athens. So I leave you line 2379To the protection of the prosperous gods 210line 2380As thieves to keepers. line 2381FLAVIUSto SenatorsStay not. All’s in vain. TIMON line 2382Why, I was writing of my epitaph. Act 5 Scene 1 - Pg 177line 2383It will be seen tomorrow. My long sickness line 2384Of health and living now begins to mend, 215line 2385And nothing brings me all things. Go, live still. line 2386Be Alcibiades your plague, you his, line 2387And last so long enough! line 2388FIRST SENATORWe speak in vain. TIMON line 2389But yet I love my country and am not 220line 2390One that rejoices in the common wrack, line 2391As common bruit doth put it. line 2392FIRST SENATORThat’s well spoke. TIMON line 2393Commend me to my loving countrymen. FIRST SENATOR line 2394These words become your lips as they pass through 225line 2395them. SECOND SENATOR line 2396And enter in our ears like great triumphers line 2397In their applauding gates. line 2398TIMONCommend me to them line 2399And tell them that, to ease them of their griefs, 230line 2400Their fears of hostile strokes, their aches, losses, line 2401Their pangs of love, with other incident throes line 2402That nature’s fragile vessel doth sustain line 2403In life’s uncertain voyage, I will some kindness do line 2404them. 235line 2405I’ll teach them to prevent wild Alcibiades’ wrath. FIRST SENATORto Second Senator line 2406I like this well. He will return again. TIMON line 2407I have a tree, which grows here in my close, line 2408That mine own use invites me to cut down, line 2409And shortly must I fell it. Tell my friends, 240line 2410Tell Athens, in the sequence of degree line 2411From high to low throughout, that whoso please line 2412To stop affliction, let him take his haste, Act 5 Scene 2 - Pg 179line 2413Come hither ere my tree hath felt the ax, line 2414And hang himself. I pray you, do my greeting. FLAVIUSto Senators 245line 2415Trouble him no further. Thus you still shall find him. TIMON line 2416Come not to me again, but say to Athens, line 2417Timon hath made his everlasting mansion line 2418Upon the beachèd verge of the salt flood, line 2419Who once a day with his embossèd froth 250line 2420The turbulent surge shall cover. Thither come line 2421And let my gravestone be your oracle. line 2422Lips, let four words go by and language end. line 2423What is amiss, plague and infection mend. line 2424Graves only be men’s works, and death their gain. 255line 2425Sun, hide thy beams. Timon hath done his reign.
Timon exits.
FIRST SENATOR line 2426His discontents are unremovably line 2427Coupled to nature. SECOND SENATOR line 2428Our hope in him is dead. Let us return line 2429And strain what other means is left unto us 260line 2430In our dear peril. line 2431FIRST SENATORIt requires swift foot.
They exit.
Scene 2
Enter two other Senators, with a Messenger.
THIRD SENATOR line 2432Thou hast painfully discovered. Are his files line 2433As full as thy report? line 2434MESSENGERI have spoke the least. line 2435Besides, his expedition promises 5line 2436Present approach. Act 5 Scene 3 - Pg 181FOURTH SENATOR line 2437We stand much hazard if they bring not Timon. MESSENGER line 2438I met a courier, one mine ancient friend, line 2439Whom, though in general part we were opposed, line 2440Yet our old love made a particular force 10line 2441And made us speak like friends. This man was riding line 2442From Alcibiades to Timon’s cave line 2443With letters of entreaty which imported line 2444His fellowship i’ th’ cause against your city, line 2445In part for his sake moved.
Enter the other Senators.
15line 2446THIRD SENATORHere come our brothers. FIRST SENATOR line 2447No talk of Timon; nothing of him expect. line 2448The enemy’s drum is heard, and fearful scouring line 2449Doth choke the air with dust. In, and prepare. line 2450Ours is the fall, I fear, our foe’s the snare.
They exit.
Scene 3
Enter a Soldier in the woods, seeking Timon.
SOLDIER line 2451By all description this should be the place. line 2452Who’s here? Speak, ho! No answer? What is this? He reads an epitaph. line 2453Timon is dead, who hath out-stretched his span. line 2454Some beast read this; there does not live a man. 5line 2455Dead, sure, and this his grave. What’s on this tomb line 2456I cannot read. The character I’ll take with wax. line 2457Our captain hath in every figure skill, line 2458An aged interpreter, though young in days. Act 5 Scene 4 - Pg 183line 2459Before proud Athens he’s set down by this, 10line 2460Whose fall the mark of his ambition is.
He exits.
Scene 4
Trumpets sound. Enter Alcibiades with his Powers before Athens.
ALCIBIADES line 2461Sound to this coward and lascivious town line 2462Our terrible approach.Sounds a parley.
The Senators appear upon the walls.
line 2463Till now you have gone on and filled the time line 2464With all licentious measure, making your wills 5line 2465The scope of justice. Till now myself and such line 2466As slept within the shadow of your power line 2467Have wandered with our traversed arms and breathed line 2468Our sufferance vainly. Now the time is flush, line 2469When crouching marrow in the bearer strong 10line 2470Cries of itself “No more!” Now breathless wrong line 2471Shall sit and pant in your great chairs of ease, line 2472And pursy insolence shall break his wind line 2473With fear and horrid flight. line 2474FIRST SENATORNoble and young, 15line 2475When thy first griefs were but a mere conceit, line 2476Ere thou hadst power or we had cause of fear, line 2477We sent to thee to give thy rages balm, line 2478To wipe out our ingratitude with loves line 2479Above their quantity. 20line 2480SECOND SENATORSo did we woo line 2481Transformèd Timon to our city’s love line 2482By humble message and by promised means. line 2483We were not all unkind, nor all deserve line 2484The common stroke of war. Act 5 Scene 4 - Pg 18525line 2485FIRST SENATORThese walls of ours line 2486Were not erected by their hands from whom line 2487You have received your grief, nor are they such line 2488That these great towers, trophies, and schools line 2489should fall 30line 2490For private faults in them. line 2491SECOND SENATORNor are they living line 2492Who were the motives that you first went out. line 2493Shame, that they wanted cunning, in excess line 2494Hath broke their hearts. March, noble lord, 35line 2495Into our city with thy banners spread. line 2496By decimation and a tithèd death, line 2497If thy revenges hunger for that food line 2498Which nature loathes, take thou the destined tenth line 2499And, by the hazard of the spotted die, 40line 2500Let die the spotted. line 2501FIRST SENATORAll have not offended. line 2502For those that were, it is not square to take, line 2503On those that are, revenge. Crimes, like lands, line 2504Are not inherited. Then, dear countryman, 45line 2505Bring in thy ranks but leave without thy rage. line 2506Spare thy Athenian cradle and those kin line 2507Which in the bluster of thy wrath must fall line 2508With those that have offended. Like a shepherd line 2509Approach the fold and cull th’ infected forth, 50line 2510But kill not all together. line 2511SECOND SENATORWhat thou wilt, line 2512Thou rather shalt enforce it with thy smile line 2513Than hew to ’t with thy sword. line 2514FIRST SENATORSet but thy foot 55line 2515Against our rampired gates and they shall ope, line 2516So thou wilt send thy gentle heart before line 2517To say thou ’lt enter friendly. line 2518SECOND SENATORThrow thy glove, line 2519Or any token of thine honor else, 60line 2520That thou wilt use the wars as thy redress Act 5 Scene 4 - Pg 187line 2521And not as our confusion, all thy powers line 2522Shall make their harbor in our town till we line 2523Have sealed thy full desire. line 2524ALCIBIADESThen there’s my glove. 65line 2525Descend and open your unchargèd ports. line 2526Those enemies of Timon’s and mine own line 2527Whom you yourselves shall set out for reproof line 2528Fall, and no more. And to atone your fears line 2529With my more noble meaning, not a man 70line 2530Shall pass his quarter or offend the stream line 2531Of regular justice in your city’s bounds line 2532But shall be remedied to your public laws line 2533At heaviest answer. line 2534BOTH’Tis most nobly spoken. 75line 2535ALCIBIADESDescend and keep your words.
The Senators descend.
Enter a Soldier, with the wax tablet.
SOLDIER line 2536My noble general, Timon is dead, line 2537Entombed upon the very hem o’ th’ sea, line 2538And on his gravestone this insculpture, which line 2539With wax I brought away, whose soft impression 80line 2540Interprets for my poor ignorance. ALCIBIADESreads the epitaph. line 2541Here lies a wretched corse, of wretched soul bereft. line 2542Seek not my name. A plague consume you, wicked line 2543caitiffs left! line 2544Here lie I, Timon, who, alive, all living men did hate. 85line 2545Pass by and curse thy fill, but pass and stay not here line 2546thy gait. line 2547These well express in thee thy latter spirits. line 2548Though thou abhorred’st in us our human griefs, line 2549Scorned’st our brains’ flow and those our droplets 90line 2550which line 2551From niggard nature fall, yet rich conceit Act 5 Scene 4 - Pg 189line 2552Taught thee to make vast Neptune weep for aye line 2553On thy low grave, on faults forgiven. Dead line 2554Is noble Timon, of whose memory 95line 2555Hereafter more. Bring me into your city, line 2556And I will use the olive with my sword, line 2557Make war breed peace, make peace stint war, make line 2558each line 2559Prescribe to other as each other’s leech. 100line 2560Let our drums strike.
