Shakespeare, William; Middleton, Thomas ?
Timon of Athens
Shakespeare, William, and Thomas Middleton. The Life of Timon of Athens . Edited by Jesús Tronch for the Internet Shakespeare Editions. València: ARTELOPE Universitat de València, 2018.
Joan Oleza Simó
(Investigador principal)
Editor1
(Editor digital)
Editor2
(Editor digital)
English · Verso · 1851 versos
https://playcode.fly.dev/plays/EMOTHE0372_TimonOfAthens
- Tiempo histórico
- Antigüedad clásica
Note on this digital edition
This critical edition is a contribution to the Internet Shakespeare Editions (University of Victoria). As for February 2018, it has not been peer reviewed by its editorial board. With the support of research project GVAICO2016-094, funded by Generalitat Valenciana (2016-2017). __________________________________________________
THE ACTORS’ NAMES [Characters in the Play]
Timon of Athens
[ Flavius
steward to Timon]
Flaminius
one of Timon's servants
Servilius
another
[ Lucilius
another servant
1 Servant
2 Servant
3 Servant ]
Apemantus
a churlish philosopher
Alcibiades
an Athenian captain
[ Timandra
}
Phrynia
} mistresses to Alcibiades
A Messenger
A Soldier ]
Lucius
}
Lucullus
} two flattering lords
Sempronius
another flattering lord
Ventidius
one of Timon's false friends
Certain Senators
[ 1 Senator
2 Senator
3 Senator
4 Senator
1 Lord
2 Lord
3 Lord
4 Lord
Several servants to userers
[Timon’s creditors]:
Caphis
[servant to a senator]
Varro’s [1 Servant]
[ Varro’s 2 Servant
Philotus
Titus
Lucius’ [Servant]
Hortensius
[ Isidore’s Servant
Lucullus’ Servant
A Messenger from Ventidius ]
Poet
Painter
Jeweler
Merchant
[ An Old Ahtenian
A Fool
A Page ]
Certain masquers:
}
1 Lady
}
Other Ladies ]
}
Cupid
}
Certain Thieves [:
1 Thief
2 Thief
3 Thief ]
[ 1 Stranger
2 Stranger
3 Stranger
A Messenger for the Senators ]
With divers other Servants and Attendants.
All Lords
Poet, Painter
Timon’s Servants
All Servants
1 Lord, 2 Lord
2 Thief, 3 Thief
Phrynia, Timandra
Both Senators
All lords
1.1
(Enter Poet, Painter, [carrying a picture,] Jeweler, [with a jewel,] Merchant, and Mercer,)
(at several doors.)
Poet
Good day, sir.
4
Painter
I am glad you're well.
6
Poet
I have not seen you long. How goes the world?
7
Painter
It wears, sir, as it grows.
9
Poet
Ay, that's well known.
10
But what particular rarity, what strange,
11
Which manifold record not matches? See,
12
Magic of bounty, all these spirits thy power
13
Hath conjured to attend.
14
I know the merchant.
15
Painter
I know them both: th'other's a jeweler.
16
Merchant
Oh, 'tis a worthy lord.
17
Jeweler
Nay, that's most fixed.
18
Merchant
A most incomparable man, breathed, as it were,
19
To an untireable and continuate goodness.
20
He passes.
21
Jeweler
I have a jewel here.
22
Merchant
Oh, pray, let's see't. For the Lord Timon, sir?
23
Jeweler
If he will touch the estimate. But for that—
24
Poet
To himself When we for recompense have praised the vile,
25
It stains the glory in that happy verse
26
Which aptly sings the good.
27
Merchant
'Tis a good form.
28
Jeweler
And rich. Here is a water, look ye.
29
Painter
You are rapt, sir, in some work, some dedication
30
To the great lord.
31
Poet
A thing slipped idly from me.
32
Our poesy is as a gum which oozes
33
From whence 'tis nourished. The fire i'th'flint
34
Shows not till it be struck; our gentle flame
35
Provokes itself and, like the current, flies
36
Each bound it chafes. What have you there?
37
Painter
A picture, sir. When comes your book forth?
38
Poet
Upon the heels of my presentment, sir.
39
Let's see your piece.
40
Painter
'Tis a good piece.
41
Poet
So 'tis. This comes off well and excellent.
42
Painter
Indifferent.
43
Poet
Admirable. How this grace
44
Speaks his own standing! What a mental power
45
This eye shoots forth! How big imagination
46
Moves in this lip! To th'dumbness of the gesture,
47
One might interpret.
48
Painter
It is a pretty mocking of the life.
49
Here is a touch. Is't good?
50
Poet
I will say of it
51
It tutors Nature. Artificial strife
52
Lives in these touches, livelier than life.
53
(Enter certain senators.)
Painter
How this lord is followed!
55
Poet
The senators of Athens, happy men!
56
Painter
Look, more.
57
Poet
You see this confluence, this great flood of visitors.
58
I have in this rough work shaped out a man
59
Whom this beneath world doth embrace and hug
60
With amplest entertainment. My free drift
61
Halts not particularly, but moves itself
62
In a wide sea of wax; no leveled malice
63
Infects one comma in the course I hold,
64
But flies an eagle flight, bold, and forth on,
65
Leaving no tract behind.
66
Painter
How shall I understand you?
67
Poet
I will unbolt to you.
68
You see how all conditions, how all minds,
69
As well of glib and slipp'ry creatures as
70
Of grave and austere quality, tender down
71
Their services to Lord Timon: his large fortune,
72
Upon his good and gracious nature hanging,
73
Subdues and properties to his love and tendance
74
All sorts of hearts — yea, from the glass-faced flatterer
75
To Apemantus, that few things loves better
76
Than to abhor himself, even he drops down
77
The knee before him and returns in peace
78
Most rich in Timon's nod.
79
Painter
I saw them speak together.
80
Poet
Sir, I have upon a high and pleasant hill
81
Feigned Fortune to be throned.
82
The base o'th'mount
83
Is ranked with all deserts, all kind of natures
84
That labor on the bosom of this sphere
85
To propagate their states. Among'st them all,
86
Whose eyes are on this sovereign lady fixed,
87
One do I personate of Lord Timon's frame,
88
Whom Fortune with her ivory hand wafts to her,
89
Whose present grace to present slaves and servants
90
Translates his rivals.
91
Painter
'Tis conceived to scope.
92
This throne, this Fortune, and this hill, methinks,
93
With one man beckoned from the rest below,
94
Bowing his head against the steepy mount
95
To climb his happiness, would be well expressed
96
In our condition.
97
Poet
Nay, sir, but hear me on:
98
All those which were his fellows but of late,
99
Some better than his value, on the moment
100
Follow his strides, his lobbies fill with tendance,
101
Rain sacrificial whisperings in his ear,
102
Make sacred even his stirrup, and through him
103
Drink the free air.
104
Painter
Ay, marry, what of these?
105
Poet
When Fortune in her shift and change of mood
106
Spurns down her late beloved, all his dependants,
107
Which labored after him to the mountain's top
108
Even on their knees and hands, let him flit down,
109
Not one accompanying his declining foot.
110
Painter
'Tis common:
111
A thousand moral paintings I can show
112
That shall demonstrate these quick blows of Fortune's
113
More pregnantly than words. Yet you do well
114
To show Lord Timon that mean eyes have seen
115
The foot above the head.
116
(Trumpets sound.)
(Enter Lord Timon, addressing himself courteously)
(to every suitor.)
Timon
Imprisoned is he, say you?
120
Messenger
Ay, my good lord. Five talents is his debt,
121
His means most short, his creditors most strait.
122
Your honourable letter he desires
123
To those have shut him up, which, failing,
124
Periods his comfort.
125
Timon
Noble Ventidius — well:
126
I am not of that feather to shake off
127
My friend when he must need me. I do know him
128
A gentleman that well deserves a help,
129
Which he shall have. I'll pay the debt and free him.
130
Messenger
Your lordship ever binds him.
131
Timon
Commend me to him. I will send his ransom,
132
And, being enfranchised, bid him come to me:
133
'Tis not enough to help the feeble up
134
But to support him after. Fare you well.
135
Messenger
All happiness to your honor.
136
(Exit.)
(Enter an old Athenian.)
Old Athenian
Lord Timon, hear me speak.
138
Timon
Freely, good father.
139
Old Athenian
Thou hast a servant named Lucilius.
140
Timon
I have so. What of him?
141
Old Athenian
Most noble Timon, call the man before thee.
142
Timon
Attends he here, or no? Lucilius!
143
Lucilius
Here at your lordship's service.
144
Old Athenian
This fellow here, Lord Timon, this thy creature,
145
By night frequents my house. I am a man
146
That from my first have been inclined to thrift,
147
And my estate deserves an heir more raised
148
Than one which holds a trencher.
149
Timon
Well, what further?
150
Old Athenian
One only daughter have I, no kin else
151
On whom I may confer what I have got:
152
The maid is fair, o'th'youngest for a bride,
153
And I have bred her at my dearest cost
154
In qualities of the best. This man of thine
155
Attempts her love. I prithee, noble lord,
156
join with me to forbid him her resort;
157
Myself have spoke in vain.
158
Timon
The man is honest.
159
Old Athenian
Therefore he will be, Timon.
160
His honesty rewards him in itself,
161
It must not bear my daughter.
162
Timon
Does she love him?
163
Old Athenian
She is young and apt:
164
Our own precedent passions do instruct us
165
What levity's in youth.
166
Timon
Love you the maid?
167
Lucilius
Ay, my good lord, and she accepts of it.
168
Old Athenian
If in her marriage my consent be missing,
169
I call the gods to witness, I will choose
170
Mine heir from forth the beggars of the world
171
And dispossess her all.
172
Timon
How shall she be endowed,
173
If she be mated with an equal husband?
174
Old Athenian
Three talents on the present; in future, all.
175
Timon
This gentleman of mine hath served me long.
176
To build his fortune I will strain a little,
178
For 'tis a bond in men. Give him thy daughter;
179
What you bestow, in him I'll counterpoise
180
And make him weigh with her.
181
Old Athenian
Most noble lord,
182
Pawn me to this your honor, she is his.
183
Timon
My hand to thee, mine honor on my promise.
184
Lucilius
Humbly I thank your lordship. Never may
186
That state or fortune fall into my keeping
187
Which is not owed to you.
188
(Exit [with Old Athenian].)
Poet
Vouchsafe my labor, and long live your lordship.
189
Timon
I thank you; you shall hear from me anon,
191
Go not away. — What have you there, my friend?
192
Painter
A piece of painting, which I do beseech
193
Your lordship to accept.
194
Timon
Painting is welcome.
195
The painting is almost the natural man,
196
For since dishonor traffics with man's nature,
197
He is but outside: these penciled figures are
198
Even such as they give out. I like your work,
199
And you shall find I like it. Wait attendance
200
Till you hear further from me.
201
Painter
The gods preserve ye.
202
Timon
Well fare you, gentleman. Give me your hand.
203
We must needs dine together. — Sir, your jewel
204
Hath suffered under praise.
205
Jeweler
What, my lord, dispraise?
206
Timon
A mere satiety of commendations.
207
If I should pay you for't as 'tis extolled,
208
It would unclew me quite.
209
Jeweler
My lord, 'tis rated
210
As those which sell would give; but you well know,
211
Things of like value differing in the owners
212
Are prized by their masters. Believe't, dear lord,
213
You mend the jewel by the wearing it.
214
Timon
Well mocked.
215
(Enter Apemantus.)
Merchant
No, my good lord, he speaks the common tongue
216
Which all men speak with him.
217
Timon
Look who comes here. Will you be chid?
218
Jeweler
We'll bear with your lordship.
219
Merchant
He'll spare none.
220
Timon
Good morrow to thee,
221
gentle Apemantus.
222
Apemantus
Till I be gentle, stay thou for thy good morrow —
223
When thou art Timon's dog, and these knaves honest.
224
Timon
Why dost thou call them knaves? Thou know'st them not.
225
Apemantus
Are they not Athenians?
Timon
Yes.
Apemantus
Then I repent not.
Jeweler
You know me, Apemantus?
Apemantus
Thou know'st I do, I called thee by thy name.
231
Timon
Thou art proud, Apemantus?
Apemantus
Of nothing so much as that I am not like Timon.
Timon
Whither art going?
Apemantus
To knock out an honest Athenian's brains.
Timon
That's a deed thou'lt die for.
Apemantus
Right, if doing nothing be death by th'law.
Timon
How lik'st thou this picture, Apemantus?
Apemantus
The best, for the innocence.
Timon
Wrought he not well that painted it?
Apemantus
He wrought better that made the painter, and yet he's but a filthy piece of work.
Painter
You're a dog.
Apemantus
Thy mother's of my generation: what's she, if I be a dog?
Timon
Wilt dine with me, Apemantus?
Apemantus
No, I eat not lords.
Timon
An thou shouldst, thou'dst anger ladies.
Apemantus
Oh, they eat lords; so they come by great bellies.
Timon
That's a lascivious apprehension.
Apemantus
So, thou apprehend'st it; take it for thy labor.
Timon
How dost thou like this jewel, Apemantus?
Apemantus
Not so well as plain-dealing, which will not cast a man a doit.
Timon
What dost thou think 'tis worth?
Apemantus
Not worth my thinking. — How now, poet?
Poet
How now, philosopher?
Apemantus
Thou liest.
Poet
Art not one?
Apemantus
Yes.
Poet
Then I lie not.
Apemantus
Art not a poet?
Poet
Yes.
Apemantus
Then thou liest: Look in thy last work, where thou hast feigned him a worthy fellow.
Poet
That's not feigned, he is so.
Apemantus
Yes, he is worthy of thee, and to pay thee for thy labor. He that loves to be flattered is worthy o'th'flatterer. Heavens, that I were a lord!
Timon
What wouldst do then, Apemantus?
Apemantus
E'en as Apemantus does now: hate a lord with my heart.
Timon
What, thyself?
Apemantus
Ay.
Timon
Wherefore?
Apemantus
That I had no angry wit to be a lord. — Art not thou a merchant?
Merchant
Ay, Apemantus.
Apemantus
Traffic confound thee, if the gods will not.
Merchant
If traffic do it, the gods do it.
Apemantus
Traffic's thy god, and thy god confound thee.
(Trumpet sounds. Enter a Messenger.)
Timon
What trumpet's that?
Messenger
'Tis Alcibiades, and some twenty horse
288
All of companionship.
289
Timon
Pray entertain them, give them guide to us.
290
([Exit one or more Attendants.])
You must needs dine with me. Go not you hence
291
Till I have thanked you. When dinner's done
292
Show me this piece, I am joyful of your sights.
293
(Enter Alcibiades with the rest.)
Most welcome, sir.
295
Apemantus
So, so, there! Aches contract and starve your supple joints! That there should be small love amongst these sweet knaves, and all this courtesy! The strain of man's bred out into baboon and monkey.
Alcibiades
Sir, you have saved my longing, and I feed
300
Most hungerly on your sight.
301
Timon
Right welcome, sir.
302
Ere we depart, we'll share a bounteous time
303
In different pleasures.
304
Pray you, let us in.
305
(Exeunt [all but Apemantus].)
(Enter two Lords.)
1 Lord
What time o'day is't, Apemantus?
Apemantus
Time to be honest.
1 Lord
That time serves still.
Apemantus
The most accursèd thou that still omitt'st it.
2 Lord
Thou art going to Lord Timon's feast?
Apemantus
Ay, to see meat fill knaves and wine heat fools.
2 Lord
Fare thee well, fare thee well.
Apemantus
Thou art a fool to bid me farewell twice.
2 Lord
Why, Apemantus?
Apemantus
Shouldst have kept one to thyself, for I mean to give thee none.
1 Lord
Hang thyself.
Apemantus
No, I will do nothing at thy bidding. Make thy requests to thy friend.
2 Lord
Away, unpeaceable dog, or I'll spurn thee hence.
Apemantus
I will fly, like a dog, the heels o'th'ass.
([Exit.])
1 Lord
He's opposite to humanity. Come, shall we in
324
And taste Lord Timon's bounty? He outgoes
326
The very heart of kindness.
327
2 Lord
He pours it out: Plutus, the god of gold,
328
Is but his steward: no meed but he repays
329
Sevenfold above itself; no gift to him
330
But breeds the giver a return exceeding
331
All use of quittance.
332
1 Lord
The noblest mind he carries,
333
That ever governed man.
334
2 Lord
Long may he live in fortunes. Shall we in?
335
I'll keep you company.
336
(Exeunt.)
[1.2]
(Hautboys playing loud music.)
(A great banquet served in[, Flavius and Servants attending]; and then enter Lord Timon, the)
(states, the Athenian lords, [Alcibiades and] Ventidius, which Timon)
(redeemed from prison. Then comes, dropping after all, Apemantus,)
(discontentedly, like himself.)
Ventidius
Most honored Timon,
342
It hath pleased the gods to remember my father's age
343
And call him to long peace.
344
He is gone happy and has left me rich.
345
Then, as in grateful virtue I am bound
346
To your free heart, I do return those talents,
347
Doubled with thanks and service, from whose help
348
I derived liberty.
349
Timon
Oh, by no means,
350
Honest Ventidius. You mistake my love:
351
I gave it freely ever, and there's none
352
Can truly say he gives if he receives.
353
If our betters play at that game, we must not dare
354
To imitate them: faults that are rich are fair.
355
Ventidius
A noble spirit!
356
Timon
Nay, my lords, ceremony was but devised at first
357
To set a gloss on faint deeds, hollow welcomes,
358
Recanting goodness, sorry ere 'tis shown;
359
But where there is true friendship, there needs none.
360
Pray sit, more welcome are ye to my fortunes
361
Than my fortunes to me.
362
1 Lord
My lord, we always have confessed it.
363
Apemantus
Ho, ho, confessed it? Hanged it, have you not?
364
Timon
Oh, Apemantus, you are welcome.
365
Apemantus
No,
366
You shall not make me welcome:
366
I come to have thee thrust me out of doors.
367
Timon
Fie, thou'rt a churl, you've got a humor there
368
Does not become a man; 'tis much too blame.
369
They say, my lords, Ira furor brevis est ,
370
But yon man is ever angry.
371
Go, let him have a table by himself,
372
For he does neither affect company,
373
Nor is he fit for't indeed.
374
Apemantus
Let me stay at thine apperil, Timon.
375
I come to observe; I give thee warning on't.
376
Timon
I take no heed of thee. Thou'rt an Athenian, therefore welcome. I myself would have no power: prithee, let my meat make thee silent.
Apemantus
I scorn thy meat; 'twould choke me, for I should ne'er flatter thee. O you gods! What a number of men eats Timon, and he sees 'em not! It grieves me to see so many dip their meat in one man's blood, and all the madness is he cheers them up too.
I wonder men dare trust themselves with men.
385
Methinks they should invite them without knives:
386
Good for their meat, and safer for their lives.
387
There's much example for't: the fellow that sits next him,
388
now parts bread with him, pledges the breath of him in a divided draught, is the readiest man to kill him. 'T'as been proved. If I were a huge man I should fear to drink at meals,
Lest they should spy my windpipe's dangerous notes.
392
Great men should drink with harness on their throats.
393
Timon
My lord, in heart! And let the health go round.
395
2 Lord
Let it flow this way, my good lord.
396
Apemantus
Flow this way? A brave fellow! He keeps his tides well. Those healths will make thee and thy state look ill, Timon.
Here's that which is too weak to be a sinner:
400
Honest water, which ne'er left man i'th'mire.
401
This and my food are equals; there's no odds.
402
Feasts are too proud to give thanks to the gods.
403
Immortal gods, I crave no pelf;
405
I pray for no man but myself:
406
Grant I may never prove so fond
407
To trust man on his oath or bond,
408
Or a harlot for her weeping,
409
Or a dog that seems a-sleeping,
410
Or a keeper with my freedom,
411
Or my friends if I should need 'em.
412
Amen. So fall to't.
413
Richmen sin, and I eat root.
414
Much good dich thy good heart, Apemantus.
415
Timon
Captain Alcibiades, your heart's in the field now.
Alcibiades
My heart is ever at your service, my lord.
Timon
You had rather be at a breakfast of enemies than a dinner of friends.
Alcibiades
So they were bleeding new, my lord, there's no meat like 'em. I could wish my best friend at such a feast.
Apemantus
Would all those flatterers were thine enemies then, that then thou might'st kill 'em, and bid me to 'em.
1 Lord
Might we but have that happiness, my lord, that you would once use our hearts, whereby we might express some part of our zeals, we should think ourselves for ever perfect.
Timon
Oh, no doubt, my good friends, but the gods themselves have provided that I shall have much help from you. How had you been my friends else? Why have you that charitable title from thousands, did not you chiefly belong to my heart? I have told more of you to myself than you can with modesty speak in your own behalf. And thus far I confirm you. "O you gods," think I, "what need we have any friends, if we should ne'er have need of 'em? They were the most needless creatures living, should we ne'er have use for 'em, and would most resemble sweet instruments hung up in cases that keeps their sounds to themselves." Why, I have often wished myself poorer that I might come nearer to you. We are born to do benefits. And what better or properer can we call our own than the riches of our friends? Oh, what a precious comfort 'tis to have so many like brothers commanding one another's fortunes! Oh, joy's e'en made away ere't can be born! Mine eyes cannot hold out water, methinks. To forget their faults, I drink to you.
Apemantus
Thou weep'st to make them drink, Timon.
2 Lord
Joy had the like conception in our eyes,
And at that instant like a babe sprung up.
451
Apemantus
Ho, ho! I laugh to think that babe a bastard.
3 Lord
I promise you, my lord, you moved me much.
Apemantus
Much!
(Sound tucket.)
Timon
What means that trump? How now?
Servant
Please you, my lord, there are certain ladies most desirous of admittance.
Timon
Ladies? What are their wills?
Servant
There comes with them a forerunner, my lord, which bears that office to signify their pleasures.
Timon
I pray, let them be admitted.
(Enter Cupid)
Cupid
Hail to thee, worthy Timon, and to all that of his bounties taste! The five best senses acknowledge thee their patron and come freely to gratulate thy plenteous bosom.
There taste, touch, all, pleased from thy table rise.
470
They only now come but to feast thine eyes.
471
Timon
They're welcome all. Let 'em have kind admittance.
472
Music make their welcome!
473
Lucius
You see, my lord, how ample you're beloved.
474
(Enter the masque of Ladies (masquers of Amazons with lutes in their hands, dancing and playing).)
Apemantus
Hoyday!
475
What a sweep of vanity comes this way!
476
They dance? They are madwomen.
477
Like madness is the glory of this life
478
As this pomp shows to a little oil and root.
479
We make ourselves fools to disport ourselves,
480
And spend our flatteries to drink those men
481
Upon whose age we void it up again
482
With poisonous spite and envy.
483
Who lives that's not depravèd or depraves?
484
Who dies that bears not one spurn to their graves
485
Of their friends' gift:
486
I should fear those that dance before me now
487
Would one day stamp upon me. 'T'as been done:
488
Men shut their doors against a setting sun.
489
(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
You have done our pleasures much grace, fair ladies,
494
Set a fair fashion on our entertainment,
496
Which was not half so beautiful and kind;
497
You have added worth unto't and luster,
498
And entertained me with mine own device.
499
I am to thank you for't.
500
1 Lady
My lord, you take us even at the best.
501
Apemantus
Faith, for the worst is filthy and would not hold taking, I doubt me.
Timon
Ladies, there is an idle banquet attends you,
504
Please you to dispose yourselves.
505
All Ladies
Most thankfully, my lord.
506
(Exeunt [Ladies and Cupid].)
Timon
Flavius.
507
Flavius
My lord.
508
Timon
The little casket bring me hither.
509
Flavius
More jewels yet?
510
There is no crossing him in's humor,
511
Else I should tell him well, i'faith, I should.
512
When all's spent, he'd be crossed then, an he could.
513
'Tis pity bounty had not eyes behind
514
That man might ne'er be wretched for his mind.
515
(Exit.)
1 Lord
Where be our men?
516
Servant
Here, my lord, in readiness.
517
2 Lord
Our horses.
518
(Enter Flavius [with a casket].)
Timon
O my friends,
519
I have one word to say to you: look you, my good lord,
520
I must entreat you honor me so much
521
As to advance this jewel; accept it and wear it,
522
Kind my lord.
523
1 Lord
I am so far already in your gifts.
524
All Lords
So are we all.
525
(Enter a Servant.)
1 Servant
My Lord, there are certain nobles of the senate newly alighted, and come to visit you.
Timon
They are fairly welcome.
Flavius
I beseech your honor, vouchsafe me a word; it does concern you near.
Timon
Near? Why, then another time I'll hear thee. I prithee let's be provided to show them entertainment.
Flavius
I scarce know how.
(Enter another Servant.)
2 Servant
May it please your honor, Lord Lucius
537
Out of his free love hath presented to you
538
Four milk-white horses trapped in silver.
539
Timon
I shall accept them fairly. Let the presents
540
Be worthily entertained.
541
(Enter a third Servant.)
How now? What news?
543
3 Servant
Please you, my lord, that honorable gentleman, Lord Lucullus, entreats your company tomorrow to hunt with him, and has sent your honor two brace of greyhounds.
Timon
I'll hunt with him, and let them be received
548
Not without fair reward.
549
Flavius
What will this come to?
550
He commands us to provide and give great gifts,
551
And all out of an empty coffer;
551
Nor will he know his purse or yield me this:
553
To show him what a beggar his heart is,
554
Being of no power to make his wishes good.
555
His promises fly so beyond his state
556
That what he speaks is all in debt, he owes for every word.
557
He is so kind that he now pays interest for't;
558
His land's put to their books. Well, would I were
559
Gently put out of office before I were forced out.
560
Happier is he that has no friend to feed
561
Than such that do e'en enemies exceed.
562
I bleed inwardly for my lord.
563
(Exit.)
Timon
You do yourselves much wrong,
564
You bate too much of your own merits.
565
Here, my lord, a trifle of our love.
566
2 Lord
With more than common thanks
567
I will receive it.
568
3 Lord
Oh, he's the very soul of bounty.
569
Timon
And now I remember, my lord, you gave good words the other day of a bay courser I rode on. 'Tis yours because you liked it.
1 Lord
Oh, I beseech you pardon me, my lord, in that.
573
Timon
You may take my word, my lord: I know no man
574
Can justly praise but what he does affect.
575
I weigh my friends' affection with mine own.
575
I'll tell you true, I'll call to you.
576
All Lords
Oh, none so welcome.
578
Timon
I take all and your several visitations
579
So kind to heart, 'tis not enough to give.
580
Methinks I could deal kingdoms to my friends
581
And ne'er be weary. Alcibiades,
582
Thou art a soldier, therefore seldom rich.
583
It comes in charity to thee, for all thy living
584
Is 'mongst the dead, and all the lands thou hast
585
Lie in a pitched field.
586
Alcibiades
Ay, defiled land, my lord.
587
1 Lord
We are so virtuously bound.
588
Timon
And so am I to you.
589
2 Lord
So infinitely endeared.
590
Timon
All to you. — Lights, more Lights!
591
1 Lord
The best of happiness, honor, and fortunes
592
Keep with you, Lord Timon.
593
Timon
Ready for his friends.
594
(Exeunt Lords [and all but Timon and Apemantus].)
Apemantus
What a coil's here,
595
Serving of becks, and jutting-out of bums!
595
I doubt whether their legs be worth the sums
596
That are given for 'em. Friendship's full of dregs.
597
Methinks false hearts should never have sound legs.
599
Thus honest fools lay out their wealth on curtsies.
600
Timon
Now, Apemantus, if thou wert not sullen,
601
I would be good to thee.
602
Apemantus
No, I'll nothing; for if I should be bribed too, there would be none left to rail upon thee, and then thou wouldst sin the faster. Thou giv'st so long, Timon, I fear me thou wilt give away thyself in paper shortly. What needs these feasts, pomps, and vainglories?
Timon
Nay, an you begin to rail on society once, I am sworn not to give regard to you. Farewell, and come with better music.
(Exit.)
Apemantus
So. Thou wilt not hear me now, thou shalt not then. I'll lock thy heaven from thee.
Oh, that men's ears should be
613
To counsel deaf but not to flattery!
614
(Exit.)
[2.1]
(Enter a Senator.)
Senator
And late five thousand; to Varro and to Isidore
616
He owes nine thousand, besides my former sum,
617
Which makes it five-and-twenty. Still in motion
618
Of raging waste! It cannot hold, it will not.
619
If I want gold, steal but a beggar's dog
620
And give it Timon; why, the dog coins gold.
621
If I would sell my horse and buy twenty more
622
Better than he, why, give my horse to Timon,
623
Ask nothing, give it him, it foals me straight
624
And able horses. No porter at his gate,
625
But rather one that smiles and still invites
626
All that pass by. It cannot hold; no reason
627
Can sound his state in safety. Caphis, ho!
628
Caphis, I say!
629
(Enter Caphis.)
Caphis
Here, sir, what is your pleasure?
631
Senator
Get on your cloak and haste you to Lord Timon;
632
Importune him for my moneys; be not ceased
633
With slight denial, nor then silenced when
634
"Commend me to your master," and the cap
635
Plays in the right hand, thus, but tell him
636
My uses cry to me, I must serve my turn
637
Out of mine own, his days and times are past,
638
And my reliances on his fracted dates
639
Have smit my credit. I love and honor him
640
But must not break my back to heal his finger.
641
Immediate are my needs, and my relief
642
Must not be tossed and turned to me in words,
643
But find supply immediate. Get you gone,
644
Put on a most importunate aspect,
645
A visage of demand; for I do fear
646
When every feather sticks in his own wing,
647
Lord Timon will be left a naked gull,
648
Which flashes now a phoenix. Get you gone.
649
Caphis
I go, sir.
650
Senator
"I go, sir"? Take the bonds along with you,
651
And have the dates in. Come.
653
Caphis
I will, sir.
654
Senator
Go.
655
(Exeunt.)
[2.2]
(Enter [Flavius, Timon's] Steward, with many bills in his hand.)
Flavius
No care, no stop, so senseless of expense
657
That he will neither know how to maintain it
658
Nor cease his flow of riot; takes no account
659
How things go from him, nor resumes no care
660
Of what is to continue. Never mind
661
Was to be so unwise to be so kind.
662
What shall be done? He will not hear till feel.
663
I must be round with him, now he comes from hunting.
664
Fie, fie, fie, fie.
665
(Enter Caphis, Isidore's Servant, and Varro's Servant.)
Caphis
Good even, Varro. What, you come for money?
667
Varro's Servant
Is't not your business too?
668
Caphis
It is. And yours too, Isidore?
669
Isidore's Servant
It is so.
670
Caphis
Would we were all discharged.
671
Varro's Servant
I fear it.
672
Caphis
Here comes the lord.
673
(Enter Timon and his train.)
Timon
So soon as dinner's done, we'll forth again,
675
My Alcibiades. — With me? What is your will?
676
Caphis
My lord, here is a note of certain dues.
677
Timon
Dues? Whence are you?
678
Caphis
Of Athens here, my lord.
679
Timon
Go to my steward.
680
Caphis
Please it your lordship, he hath put me off
681
To the succession of new days this month.
682
My master is awaked by great occasion
683
To call upon his own, and humbly prays you
684
That with your other noble parts you'll suit
685
In giving him his right.
686
Timon
Mine honest friend,
687
I prithee but repair to me next morning.
688
Caphis
Nay, good my lord.
689
Timon
Contain thyself, good friend.
690
Varro's Servant
One Varro's servant, my good lord.
691
Isidore's Servant
From Isidore, he humbly prays your speedy payment.
692
Caphis
If you did know, my lord, my master's wants —
694
Varro's Servant
'Twas due on forfeiture, my lord, six weeks and past.
695
Isidore's Servant
Your steward puts me off, my Lord, and I
697
Am sent expressly to your lordship —
698
Timon
Give me breath. —
699
I do beseech you, good my lords, keep on.
700
I'll wait upon you instantly. —
701
([Exeunt Alcibiades and Timon's train.])
[To Flavius] Come hither. Pray you,
701
How goes the world that I am thus encountered
702
With clamorous demands of debt, broken bonds,
703
And the detention of long-since-due debts
704
Against my honor?
705
Flavius
Please you, gentlemen,
706
The time is unagreeable to this business:
707
Your importunacy cease till after dinner,
708
That I may make his lordship understand
709
Wherefore you are not paid.
710
Timon
Do so, my friends. —
711
[To Flavius] See them well entertained.
711
([Exit.])
Flavius
Pray draw near.
712
(Exit.)
(Enter Apemantus and Fool.)
Caphis
Stay, stay, here comes the Fool with Apemantus. Let's ha' some sport with 'em.
714
Varro's Servant
Hang him, he'll abuse us.
Isidore's Servant
A plague upon him, dog!
Varro's Servant
How dost, Fool?
Apemantus
Dost dialogue with thy shadow?
Varro's Servant
I speak not to thee.
Apemantus
No, 'tis to thyself. — [To Fool] Come away.
Isidore's Servant
There's the fool hangs on your back already.
Apemantus
No, thou stand'st single, thou'rt not on him yet.
Caphis
Where's the fool now?
Apemantus
He last asked the question. Poor rogues and usurers' men, bawds between gold and want.
All Servants
What are we, Apemantus?
Apemantus
Asses.
All Servants
Why?
Apemantus
That you ask me what you are and do not know yourselves. Speak to 'em, Fool.
Fool
How do you, gentlemen?
All Servants
Gramercies, good Fool. How does your mistress?
Fool
She's e'en setting on water to scald such chickens as you are. Would we could see you at Corinth.
Apemantus
Good, gramercy.
(Enter Page[, with two letters].)
Fool
Look you, here comes my master's page.
Page
Why, how now, captain? What do you in this wise company? How dost thou, Apermantus?
Apemantus
Would I had a rod in my mouth that I might answer thee profitably.
Page
Prithee, Apemantus, read me the superscription of these letters, I know not which is which.
Apemantus
Canst not read?
Page
No.
Apemantus
There will litle learning die then that day thou art hanged. This is to Lord Timon, this to Alcibiades. Go, thou wast born a bastard and thou'lt die a bawd.
Page
Thou wast whelped a dog and thou shalt famish a dog's death. Answer not, I am gone.
(Exit.)
Apemantus
E'en so thou outrunn'st grace. Fool, I will go with you to Lord Timon's.
Fool
Will you leave me there?
Apemantus
If Timon stay at home. — You three serve three usurers?
All Servants
Ay — would they served us.
Apemantus
So would I — as good a trick as ever hangman served thief.
Fool
Are you three usurers' men?
All Servants
Ay, Fool.
Fool
I think no usurer but has a fool to his servant. My mistress is one, and I am her fool. When men come to borrow of your masters, they approach sad and go away merry; but they enter my master's house merrily and go away sadly. The reason of this?
Varro's Servant
I could render one.
Apemantus
Do it then, that we may account thee a whore master and a knave, which notwithstanding thou shalt be no less esteemed.
Varro's Servant
What is a whoremaster, Fool?
Fool
A fool in good clothes, and something like thee. 'Tis a spirit; sometime 't appears like a lord, sometime like a lawyer, sometime like a philosopher with two stones more than 's artificial one. He is very often like a knight; and generally, in all shapes that man goes up and down in, from fourscore to thirteen, this spirit walks in.
Varro's Servant
Thou art not altogether a fool.
Fool
Nor thou altogether a wise man. As much foolery as I have, so much wit thou lack'st.
Apemantus
That answer might have become Apemantus.
All Servants
Aside, aside, here comes Lord Timon.
(Enter Timon and steward [Flavius].)
Apemantus
Come with me, Fool, come.
Fool
I do not always follow lover, elder brother, and woman; sometime the philosopher.
([Exeunt Apemantus and Fool])
Flavius
Pray you walk near;
791
I'll speak with you anon.
792
(Exeunt [Servants].)
Timon
You make me marvel wherefore ere this time
793
Had you not fully laid my state before me,
794
That I might so have rated my expense
795
As I had leave of means.
796
Flavius
You would not hear me;
797
At many leisures I proposed —
798
Timon
Go to.
799
Perchance some single vantages you took
800
When my indisposition put you back,
801
And that unaptness made your minister
802
Thus to excuse yourself.
803
Flavius
O my good lord,
804
At many times I brought in my accounts,
805
Laid them before you; you would throw them off,
806
And say you found them in mine honesty.
807
When for some trifling present you have bid me
808
Return so much, I have shook my head and wept —
809
Yea, 'gainst th'authority of manners, prayed you
810
To hold your hand more close. I did endure
811
Not seldom nor no slight checks, when I have
812
Prompted you in the ebb of your estate
813
And your great flow of debts. My lovèd lord,
814
Though you hear now, too late, yet now's a time:
815
The greatest of your having lacks a half
816
To pay your present debts.
817
Timon
Let all my land be sold.
818
Flavius
'Tis all engaged, some forfeited and gone,
819
And what remains will hardly stop the mouth
820
Of present dues. The future comes apace.
821
What shall defend the interim, and at length
822
How goes our reck'ning?
823
Timon
To Lacedaemon did my land extend.
824
Flavius
O my good lord, the world is but a word;
825
Were it all yours to give it in a breath,
826
How quickly were it gone.
827
Timon
You tell me true.
828
Flavius
If you suspect my husbandry of falsehood,
829
Call me before th'exactest auditors
830
And set me on the proof. So the gods bless me,
831
When all our offices have been oppressed
832
With riotous feeders, when our vaults have wept
833
With drunken spilth of wine, when every room
834
Hath blazed with lights and brayed with minstrelsy,
835
I have retired me to a wasteful cock
836
And set mine eyes at flow.
837
Timon
Prithee, no more.
838
Flavius
"Heavens," have I said, "the bounty of this lord!
839
How many prodigal bits have slaves and peasants
840
This night englutted! Who is not Timon's,
841
What heart, head, sword, force, means, but is Lord Timon's?
842
'Great Timon, noble, worthy, royal Timon!'"
843
Ah, when the means are gone that buy this praise,
844
The breath is gone whereof this praise is made.
845
Feast-won, fast-lost; one cloud of winter showers,
846
These flies are couched.
847
Timon
Come, sermon me no further.
848
No villainous bounty yet hath past my heart;
849
unwisely, not ignobly have I given.
850
Why dost thou weep? Canst thou the conscience lack
851
To think I shall lack friends? Secure thy heart:
852
If I would broach the vessels of my love
853
And try the argument of hearts by borrowing,
854
Men and men's fortunes could I frankly use
855
As I can bid thee speak.
856
Flavius
Assurance bless your thoughts.
857
Timon
And in some sort these wants of mine are crowned
858
That I account them blessings. For by these
859
Shall I try friends. You shall perceive
860
How you mistake my fortunes:
861
I am wealthy in my friends.
862
Within there, Flaminius, Servilius!
863
(Enter three Servants[: Flaminius, Servilius, and a third Servant].)
Timon's Servants
My lord, my lord.
Timon
I will dispatch you severally: [to Servilius] You to Lord Lucius; [to Flaminius] to Lord Lucullus you, I hunted with his honor today; [to Third Servant] you to Sempronius. Commend me to their loves; and I am proud, say, that my occasions have found time to use 'em toward a supply of money: let the request be fifty talents.
Flaminius
As you have said, my lord.
([Exeunt Servants.])
Flavius
Lord Lucius and Lucullus? Hum!
Timon
Go you, sir, to the senators,
874
Of whom, even to the state's best health, I have
875
Deserved this hearing; bid 'em send o'th'instant
876
A thousand talents to me.
877
Flavius
I have been bold
878
(For that I knew it the most general way)
879
To them to use your signet and your name,
880
But they do shake their heads, and I am here
881
No richer in return.
882
Timon
Is't true? Can't be?
883
Flavius
They answer in a joint and corporate voice
884
That now they are at fall, want treasure, cannot
885
Do what they would, are sorry, you are honorable,
886
But yet they could have wished — they know not,
887
Something hath been amiss, a noble nature
888
May catch a wrench, would all were well, 'tis pity —
889
And so, intending other serious matters,
890
After distasteful looks and these hard fractions,
891
With certain half-caps and cold-moving nods
892
They froze me into silence.
893
Timon
You gods, reward them!
894
Prithee, man, look cheerly. These old fellows
895
Have their ingratitude in them hereditary:
896
Their blood is caked, 'tis cold, it seldom flows,
897
'Tis lack of kindly warmth, they are not kind;
898
And Nature, as it grows again toward earth,
899
Is fashioned for the journey, dull and heavy.
900
Go to Ventidius — prithee be not sad,
901
Thou art true and honest; ingeniously I speak,
902
No blame belongs to thee — Ventidius lately
903
Buried his father, by whose death he's stepped
904
Into a great estate. When he was poor,
905
Imprisoned, and in scarcity of friends,
906
I cleared him with five talents. Greet him from me,
907
Bid him suppose some good necessity
908
Touches his friend, which craves to be remembered
909
With those five talents; that had, give't these fellows
910
To whom 'tis instant due. Ne'er speak, or think,
911
That Timon's fortunes 'mong his friends can sink.
912
Flavius
I would I could not think it:
913
that thought is bounty's foe;
914
Being free itself, it thinks all others so.
915
(Exeunt.)
[3.1]
([Enter] Flaminius, [with a box under his cloak,] waiting to speak with a lord, [Lucullus,] from his master.)
(Enters a Servant to him.)
Lucullus' Servant
I have told my lord of you; he is coming down to you.
Flaminius
I thank you, sir.
(Enter Lucullus.)
Lucullus' Servant
Here's my lord.
Lucullus
One of Lord Timon's men? A gift, I warrant. Why, this hits right: I dreamt of a silver basin and ewer tonight.
Flaminius
His health is well, sir.
Lucullus
I am right glad that his health is well, sir. And what hast thou there under thy cloak, pretty Flaminius?
Flaminius
Faith, nothing but an empty box, sir, which, in my lord's behalf, I come to entreat your honor to supply; who, having great and instant occasion to use fifty talents, hath sent to your lordship to furnish him: nothing doubting your present assistance therein.
Lucullus
La, la, la, la. "Nothing doubting," says he? Alas, good lord, a noble gentleman 'tis, if he would not keep so good a house. Many a time and often I ha' dined with him, and told him on't, and come again to supper to him of purpose, to have him spend less, and yet he would embrace no counsel, take no warning by my coming. Every man has his fault, and honesty is his. I ha' told him on't, but I could ne'er get him from't.
(Enter Servant with wine.)
Lucullus' Servant
Please your lordship, here is the wine.
Lucullus
Flaminius, I have noted thee always wise. Here's to thee!
Flaminius
Your lordship speaks your pleasure.
Lucullus
I have observed thee always for a towardly prompt spirit — give thee thy du — and one that knows what belongs to reason; and canst use the time well, if the time use thee well. Good parts in thee. — [To Servant] Get you gone, sirrah. [Exit Servant.] Draw nearer, honest Flaminius. Thy lord's a bountiful gentleman, but thou art wise, and thou know'st well enough (although thou com'st to me) that this is no time to lend money, especially upon bare friendship without security. Here's three solidares for thee; good boy, wink at me and say thou saw'st me not. Fare thee well.
Flaminius
Is't possible the world should so much differ,
962
And we alive that lived? Fly, damnèd baseness,
963
To him that worships thee.
964
([He throws the money back.])
Lucullus
Ha? Now I see thou art a fool, and fit for thy master.
(Exit.)
Flaminius
May these add to the number that may scald thee!
967
Let molten coin be thy damnation,
968
Thou disease of a friend and not himself!
969
Has friendship such a faint and milky heart,
970
It turns in less than two nights? O you Gods!
971
I feel my master's passion. This slave
972
Unto his honor
972
has my lord's meat in him.
973
Why should it thrive and turn to nutriment
974
When he is turned to poison?
975
Oh, may diseases only work upon't;
976
And when he's sick to death, let not that part of nature
977
Which my lord paid for be of any power
978
To expel sickness, but prolong his hour.
979
(Exit.)
[3.2]
(Enter Lucius, with three strangers.)
Lucius
Who, the Lord Timon? He is my very good friend and an honorable gentleman.
1 Stranger
We know him for no less, though we are but strangers to him. But I can tell you one thing, my lord, and which I hear from common rumors: now Lord Timon's happy hours are done and past, and his estate shrinks from him.
Lucius
Fie, no, do not believe it; he cannot want for money.
2 Stranger
But believe you this, my lord, that not long ago one of his men was with the Lord Lucullus to borrow so many talents, nay, urged extremely for't, and showed what necessity belonged to't, and yet was denied.
Lucius
How?
2 Stranger
I tell you, denied, my lord.
Lucius
What a strange case was that? Now, before the gods I am ashamed on't. Denied that honorable man? There was very little honor showed in't. For my own part, I must needs confess, I have received some small kindnesses from him, as money, plate, jewels, and such like trifles (nothing comparing to his), yet had he mistook him and sent to me, I should ne'er have denied his occasion so many talents.
(Enter Servilius.)
Servilius
See, by good hap, yonder's my lord; I have sweat to see his honor. — My honored lord.
Lucius
Servilius? You are kindly met, sir. Fare thee well; commend me to thy honorable virtuous lord, my very exquisite friend.
([He starts to go.])
Servilius
May it please your honor, my lord hath sent—-
Lucius
Ha? What has he sent? I am so much endeared to that lord; he's ever sending. How shall I thank him, think'st thou? And what has he sent now?
Servilius
He's only sent his present occasion now, my lord, requesting your lordship to supply his instant use with so many talents.
Lucius
I know his lordship is but merry with me,
1018
He cannot want fifty — five hundred talents.
1019
Servilius
But in the meantime he wants less, my lord.
1020
If his occasion were not virtuous,
1021
I should not urge it half so faithfully.
1022
Lucius
Dost thou speak seriously, Servilius?
1023
Servilius
Upon my soul, 'tis true, sir.
1024
Lucius
What a wicked beast was I to disfurnish myself against such a good time when I might ha' shown myself honorable! How unluckily it happened that I should purchase the day before for a little part, and undo a great deal of honor! Servilius, now before the gods, I am not able to do (the more beast, I say) I was sending to use Lord Timon myself, these Gentlemen can witness; but I would not for the wealth of Athens I had done't now. Commend me bountifully to his good lordship, and I hope his honor will conceive the fairest of me, because I have no power to be kind. And tell him this from me: I count it one of my greatest afflictions, say, that I cannot pleasure such an honorable gentleman. Good Servilius, will you befriend me so far as to use mine own words to him?
Servilius
Yes, sir, I shall.
Lucius
I'll look you out a good turn, Servilius.
1041
(Exit Servilius.)
True, as you said, Timon is shrunk indeed;
1042
And he that's once denied will hardly speed.
1043
(Exit.)
1 Stranger
Do you observe this, Hostilius?
1044
2 Stranger
Ay, too well.
1045
1 Stranger
Why, this is the world's soul, and just of the same piece
1046
Is every flatterer's sport. Who can call him his friend
1048
That dips in the same dish? For in my knowing
1049
Timon has been this lord's father,
1050
And kept his credit with his purse,
1051
Supported his estate, nay, Timon's money
1052
Has paid his men their wages. He ne'er drinks
1053
But Timon's silver treads upon his lip,
1054
And yet — Oh, see the monstrousness of man
1055
When he looks out in an ungrateful shape! —
1056
He does deny him, in respect of his,
1057
What charitable men afford to beggars.
1058
3 Stranger
Religion groans at it.
1059
1 Stranger
For mine own part,
1060
I never tasted Timon in my life,
1060
Nor came any of his bounties over me
1061
To mark me for his friend. Yet I protest,
1062
For his right noble mind, illustrious virtue,
1063
And honorable carriage,
1064
Had his necessity made use of me,
1065
I would have put my wealth into donation
1066
And the best half should have returned to him,
1067
So much I love his heart. But I perceive
1068
Men must learn now with pity to dispense,
1069
For policy sits above conscience.
1070
(Exeunt.)
[3.3]
(Enter a Third Servant with Sempronius, another)
(of Timon's friends.)
Sempronius
Must he needs trouble me in't? Hum! 'Bove all others?
1073
He might have tried Lord Lucius, or Lucullus;
1075
And now Ventidius is wealthy too,
1076
Whom he redeemed from prison. All these
1077
Owes their estates unto him.
1078
3 Servant
My lord,
1079
They have all been touched and found base metal,
1080
For they have all denied him.
1081
Sempronius
How? Have they denied him?
1082
Has Ventidius and Lucullus denied him,
1083
And does he send to me? Three? Hum!
1084
It shows but little love or judgement in him.
1085
Must I be his last refuge? His friends, like physicians,
1086
Thrive, give him over; must I take th'cure upon me?
1087
He's much disgraced me in't; I'm angry at him,
1088
That might have known my place. I see no sense for't
1089
But his occasions might have wooed me first,
1090
For, in my conscience, I was the first man
1091
That e'er receivèd gift from him.
1092
And does he think so backwardly of me now
1093
That I'll requite it last? No;
1094
So it may prove an argument of laughter
1095
To th'rest, and I 'mongst lords be thought a fool.
1096
I'd rather than the worth of thrice the sum
1097
He'd sent to me first, but for my mind's sake,
1098
I'd such a courage to do him good. But now return,
1099
And with their faint reply this answer join:
1100
Who bates mine honor shall not know my coin.
1101
(Exit.)
3 Servant
Excellent. Your lordship's a goodly villain. The devil knew not what he did when he made man politic; he crossed himself by't, and I cannot think, but in the end the villainies of man will set him clear. How fairly this lord strives to appear foul! Takes virtuous copies to be wicked, like those that under hot ardent zeal would set whole realms on fire, of such a nature is his politic love.
This was my lord's best hope. Now all are fled
1110
Save only the gods. Now his friends are dead.
1111
Doors that were ne'er acquainted with their wards
1112
Many a bounteous year must be employed
1113
Now to guard sure their master.
1114
And this is all a liberal course allows:
1115
Who cannot keep his wealth must keep his house.
1116
(Exit.)
[3.4]
(Enter Varro's man, meeting others. All Timon's creditors to)
(wait for his coming out. Then enter Lucius)
(and Hortensius.)
Varro's 1 Servant
Well met, good morrow, Titus and Hortensius.
1120
Titus
The like to you, kind Varro.
1121
Hortensius
Lucius, what, do we meet together?
1122
Lucius' Servant
Ay, and I think one business does command us all;
1123
For mine is money.
1124
Titus
So is theirs, and ours.
1125
(Enter Philotus.)
Lucius' Servant
And, sir, Philotus' too.
1127
Philotus
Good day at once.
1128
Lucius' Servant
Welcome, good brother.
1129
What do you think the hour?
1130
Philotus
Laboring for nine.
1131
Lucius' Servant
So much?
1132
Philotus
Is not my lord seen yet?
1133
Lucius' Servant
Not yet.
1134
Philotus
I wonder on't, he was wont to shine at seven.
1135
Lucius' Servant
Ay, but the days are waxed shorter with him.
1136
You must consider that a prodigal course
1137
Is like the sun's, but not, like his, recoverable. I fear
1138
'Tis deepest winter in Lord Timon's purse, that is,
1139
One may reach deep enough, and yet find little.
1139
Philotus
I am of your fear for that.
1141
Titus
I'll show you how t'observe a strange event:
1142
Your lord sends now for money?
1143
Hortensius
Most true, he does.
1144
Titus
And he wears jewels now of Timon's gift,
1145
For which I wait for money.
1146
Hortensius
It is against my heart.
1147
Lucius' Servant
Mark how strange it shows:
1148
Timon in this should pay more then he owes;
1149
And e'en as if your lord should wear rich jewels
1150
And send for money for 'em.
1151
Hortensius
I'm weary of this charge, the gods can witness.
1152
I know my lord hath spent of Timon's wealth,
1154
And now ingratitude makes it worse than stealth.
1155
Varro's 1 Servant
Yes, mine's three thousand crowns.
1156
What's yours?
1157
Lucius' Servant
Five thousand, mine.
1158
Varro's 1 Servant
'Tis much deep, and it should seem by th'sum
1159
Your master's confidence was above mine,
1160
Else surely his had equaled.
1161
(Enter Flaminius.)
Titus
One of Lord Timon's men.
Lucius' Servant
Flaminius? Sir, a word. Pray, is my lord ready to come forth?
Flaminius
No, indeed he is not.
Titus
We attend his lordship. Pray signify so much.
Flaminius
I need not tell him that, he knows you are too diligent.
([Exit.])
(Enter steward [Flavius] in a cloak, muffled.)
Lucius' Servant
Ha! Is not that his steward muffled so?
1170
He goes away in a cloud. Call him, call him.
1171
Titus
Do you hear, sir?
1172
Varro's 2 Servant
By your leave, sir.
1173
Flavius
What do ye ask of me, my friend?
1174
Titus
We wait for certain money here, sir.
1175
Flavius
Ay,
1176
If money were as certain as your waiting,
1176
'Twere sure enough.
1177
Why then preferred you not your sums and bills
1178
When your false masters ate of my lord's meat?
1179
Then they could smile and fawn upon his debts,
1180
And take down th'int'rest into their glutt'nous maws.
1181
You do yourselves but wrong to stir me up;
1182
Let me pass quietly.
1183
Believe't, my Lord and I have made an end;
1184
I have no more to reckon, he to spend.
1185
Lucius' Servant
Ay, but this answer will not serve.
1186
Flavius
If 'twill not serve, 'tis not so base as you,
1187
For you serve knaves.
1188
Varro's 1 Servant
How? What does his cashiered worship mutter?
Varro's 2 Servant
No matter what, he's poor and that's revenge enough. Who can speak broader than he that has no house to put his head in? Such may rail against great buildings.
(Enter Servilius.)
Titus
Oh, here's Servilius: now we shall know some answer.
Servilius
If I might beseech you, gentlemen, to repair some other hour, I should derive much from't; for, take't of my soul, my lord leans wondrously to discontent: his comfortable temper has forsook him, he's much out of health and keeps his chamber.
Lucius' Servant
Many do keep their chambers are not sick,
1203
And if it be so far beyond his health,
1204
Methinks he should the sooner pay his debts
1205
And make a clear way to the gods.
1206
Servilius
Good gods!
1207
Titus
We cannot take this for answer, sir.
1208
Flaminius
(within) Servilius, help! My lord, my lord!
1209
(Enter Timon in a rage.)
Timon
What, are my doors opposed against my passage?
1211
Have I been ever free and must my house
1212
Be my retentive enemy, my jail?
1213
The place which I have feasted does it now
1214
Like all mankind, show me an iron heart?
1215
Lucius' Servant
Put in now, Titus.
1216
Titus
My lord, here is my bill.
1217
Lucius' Servant
Here's mine.
1218
Varro's 1 Servant
And mine, my lord.
1219
Varro's 2 Servant
And ours, my lord.
1220
Philotus
All our bills.
1221
Timon
Knock me down with 'em, cleave me to the
1222
girdle.
1223
Lucius' Servant
Alas, my lord.
1224
Timon
Cut my heart in sums.
1225
Titus
Mine, fifty talents.
1226
Timon
Tell out my blood.
1227
Lucius' Servant
Five thousand crowns, my lord.
1228
Timon
Five thousand drops pays that.
1229
What yours? And yours?
1230
Varro's 1 Servant
My lord!
1231
Varro's 2 Servant
My lord!
1232
Timon
Tear me, take me, and the gods fall upon you!
1233
(Exit Timon.)
Hortensius
Faith, I perceive our masters may throw their caps at their money; these debts may well be called desperate ones, for a madman owes 'em.
(Exeunt.)
[3.5]
(Enter Timon [and Flavius].)
Timon
They have e'en put my breath from me, the slaves.
1239
Creditors? Devils!
1240
Flavius
My dear lord —
1241
Timon
What if it should be so?
1242
Flavius
My lord —
1243
Timon
I'll have it so. My steward!
1244
Flavius
Here, my lord.
1245
Timon
So, fitly! Go, bid all my friends again,
1246
Lucius, Lucullus, and Sempronius — all luxurs, all!
1247
I'll once more feast the rascals.
1248
Flavius
O my lord,
1249
You only speak from your distracted soul;
1249
There's not so much left to furnish out
1250
A moderate table.
1250
Timon
Be it not in thy care.
1252
Go, I charge thee, invite them all, let in the tide
1253
Of knaves once more. My cook and I'll provide.
1254
(Exeunt.)
[3.6]
(Enter three Senators at one door, Alcibiades meeting them,)
(with Attendants.)
1 Senator
My lord, you have my voice to't,
1257
the fault's bloody:
1258
'Tis necessary he should die.
1259
Nothing emboldens sin so much as mercy.
1260
2 Senator
Most true; the law shall bruise 'em.
1261
Alcibiades
Honor, health, and compassion to the Senate!
1262
1 Senator
Now, captain.
1263
Alcibiades
I am an humble suitor to your virtues;
1264
For pity is the virtue of the law
1265
And none but tyrants use it cruelly.
1266
It pleases time and fortune to lie heavy
1267
Upon a friend of mine, who in hot blood
1268
Hath stepped into the law, which is past depth
1269
To those that, without heed, do plunge into't.
1270
He is a man, setting his fate aside,
1271
Of comely virtues;
1271
Nor did he soil the fact with cowardice
1272
(An honor in him which buys out his fault),
1273
But with a noble fury, and fair spirit,
1274
Seeing his reputation touched to death,
1275
He did oppose his foe,
1276
And with such sober and unnoted passion
1277
He did behove his anger ere 'twas spent,
1278
As if he had but proved an argument.
1279
1 Senator
You undergo too strict a paradox,
1280
Striving to make an ugly deed look fair:
1281
Your words have took such pains as if they labored
1282
To bring manslaughter into form and set quarrelling
1283
Upon the head of valor, which indeed
1284
Is valour mis-begot and came into the world
1285
When sects and factions were newly born.
1286
He's truly valiant that can wisely suffer
1287
The worst that man can breathe,
1288
And make his wrongs his outsides
1289
To wear them like his raiment, carelessly,
1290
And ne'er prefer his injuries to his heart
1291
To bring it into danger.
1292
If wrongs be evils and enforce us kill,
1293
What folly 'tis to hazard life for ill!
1294
Alcibiades
My lord —
1295
1 Senator
You cannot make gross sins look clear.
1296
To revenge is no valor, but to bear.
1297
Alcibiades
My lords, then, under favor, pardon me
1298
If I speak like a captain.
1299
Why do fond men expose themselves to battle
1300
And not endure all threats? Sleep upon't
1301
And let the foes quietly cut their throats
1302
Without repugnancy? If there be
1303
Such valor in the bearing, what make we
1304
Abroad? Why then, women are more valiant
1305
That stay at home, if bearing carry it;
1306
And the ass more captain than the lion, the fellow
1307
Loaden with irons wiser than the judge
1308
If wisdom be in suffering. O my lords,
1309
As you are great, be pitifully good.
1310
Who cannot condemn rashness in cold blood?
1311
To kill, I grant, is sin's extremest gust,
1312
But in defence, by mercy, 'tis most just.
1313
To be in anger is impiety,
1314
But who is man that is not angry?
1315
Weigh but the crime with this.
1316
2 Senator
You breathe in vain.
1317
Alcibiades
In vain?
1318
His service done at Lacedaemon and Byzantium
1319
Were a sufficient briber for his life.
1320
1 Senator
What's that?
1321
Alcibiades
Why, I say, my lords, he's done fair service,
1322
And slain in fight many of your enemies.
1323
How full of valor did he bear himself
1324
In the last conflict and made plenteous wounds!
1325
2 Senator
He has made too much plenty with 'em.
1326
He's a sworn rioter, he has a sin
1327
That often drowns him and takes his valor prisoner.
1328
If there were no foes, that were enough
1329
To overcome him. In that beastly fury,
1330
He has been known to commit outrages
1331
And cherish factions. 'Tis inferred to us
1332
His days are foul and his drink dangerous.
1333
1 Senator
He dies.
1334
Alcibiades
Hard fate! He might have died in war.
1335
My lords, if not for any parts in him,
1336
Though his right arm might purchase his own time
1337
And be in debt to none, yet, more to move you,
1338
Take my deserts to his and join 'em both.
1339
And for I know your reverend ages love security,
1340
I'll pawn my victories, all my honor, to you
1341
Upon his good returns.
1342
If by this crime he owes the law his life,
1343
Why, let the war receive't in valiant gore,
1344
For law is strict, and war is nothing more.
1345
1 Senator
We are for law: he dies; urge it no more
1346
On height of our displeasure. Friend or brother,
1347
He forfeits his own blood that spills another.
1348
Alcibiades
Must it be so? It must not be.
1349
My lords, I do beseech you, know me.
1350
2 Senator
How?
1351
Alcibiades
Call me to your remembrances.
1352
3 Senator
What?
1353
Alcibiades
I cannot think but your age has forgot me;
1354
It could not else be I should prove so base
1355
To sue and be denied such common grace.
1356
My wounds ache at you.
1357
1 Senator
Do you dare our anger?
1358
'Tis in few words, but spacious in effect:
1359
We banish thee for ever.
1360
Alcibiades
Banish me?
1361
Banish your dotage, banish usury
1362
That makes the Senate ugly.
1363
1 Senator
If after two days' shine, Athens contain thee,
1364
Attend our weightier judgment.
1365
And not to swell our spirit,
1366
He shall be executed presently.
1367
(Exeunt [all but Alcibiades].)
Alcibiades
Now the gods keep you old enough that you may live
1368
Only in bone, that none may look on you!
1370
I'm worse than mad. I have kept back their foes
1371
While they have told their money and let out
1372
Their coin upon large interest. I myself,
1373
Rich only in large hurts. All those, for this?
1374
Is this the balsam that the usuring Senate
1375
Pours into captains' wounds? Banishment.
1376
It comes not ill: I hate not to be banished,
1377
It is a cause worthy my spleen and fury
1378
That I may strike at Athens. I'll cheer up
1379
My discontented troops and lay for hearts.
1380
'Tis honor with most lands to be at odds.
1381
Soldiers should brook as little wrongs as gods.
1382
(Exit.)
[3.7]
(Enter divers friends at several doors.)
1 Lord
The good time of day to you, sir.
2 Lord
I also wish it to you. I think this honorable lord did but try us this other day.
1 Lord
Upon that were my thoughts tiring when we encountered. I hope it is not so low with him as he made it seem in the trial of his several friends.
2 Lord
It should not be, by the persuasion of his new feasting.
1 Lord
I should think so. He hath sent me an earnest inviting, which many my near occasions did urge me to put off; but he hath conjured me beyond them, and I must needs appear.
2 Lord
In like manner was I in debt to my importunate business, but he would not hear my excuse. I am sorry, when he sent to borrow of me, that my provision was out.
1 Lord
I am sick of that grief too, as I understand how all things go.
2 Lord
Every man here's so. What would he have borrowed of you?
1 Lord
A thousand pieces.
2 Lord
A thousand pieces?
1 Lord
What of you?
2 Lord
He sent to me, sir — Here he comes.
(Enter Timon and Attendants.)
Timon
With all my heart, gentlemen both; and how fare you?
1 Lord
Ever at the best, hearing well of your lordship.
2 Lord
The swallow follows not summer more willing than we your lordship.
Timon
Nor more willingly leaves winter; such summer birds are men. Gentlemen, our dinner will not recompense this long stay: feast your ears with the music awhile, if they will fare so harshly o'th'trumpet's sound. We shall to't presently.
1 Lord
I hope it remains not unkindly with your lordship that I returned you an empty messenger.
Timon
Oh, sir, let it not trouble you.
2 Lord
My noble lord —
Timon
Ah, my good friend, what cheer?
(The banquet brought in.)
2 Lord
My most honorable lord, I am e'en sick of shame that, when your lordship this other day sent to me, I was so unfortunate a beggar.
Timon
Think not on't, sir.
2 Lord
If you had sent but two hours before —
Timon
Let it not cumber your better remembrance. — [To Attendants] Come bring in all together.
2 Lord
All covered dishes.
1 Lord
Royal cheer, I warrant you.
3 Lord
Doubt not that, if money and the season can yield it
1 Lord
How do you? What's the news?
3 Lord
Alcibiades is banished, hear you of it?
1 Lord, 2 Lord
Alcibiades banished?
3 Lord
'Tis so, be sure of it.
1 Lord
How? How?
2 Lord
I pray you, upon what?
Timon
My worthy friends, will you draw near?
3 Lord
I'll tell you more anon. Here's a noble feast toward
2 Lord
This is the old man still.
3 Lord
Will't hold? Will't hold?
2 Lord
It does; but time will — and so —
3 Lord
I do conceive.
Timon
Each man to his stool, with that spur as he would to the lip of his mistress. Your diet shall be in all places alike. Make not a city feast of it, to let the meat cool ere we can agree upon the first place. Sit, sit. The gods require our thanks: You great benefactors, sprinkle our society with thankfulness. For your own gifts, make yourselves praised, but reserve still to give, lest your deities be despised. Lend to each man enough, that one need not lend to another; for, were your godheads to borrow of men, men would forsake the gods. Make the meat be beloved more than the man that gives it. Let no assembly of twenty be without a score of villains. If there sit twelve women at the table, let a dozen of them be as they are. The rest of your fees, O gods, the senators of Athens together with the common leg of people, what is amiss in them, you gods, make suitable for destruction. For these my present friends, as they are to me nothing, so in nothing bless them, and to nothing are they welcome.
Uncover, dogs, and lap!
1465
Some Lords
What does his lordship mean?
Some Other Lords
I know not.
1467
Timon
May you a better feast never behold,
1468
You knot of mouth-friends! Smoke and lukewarm water
1469
Is your perfection. This is Timon's last,
1470
Who, stuck and spangled with your flatteries,
1471
Washes it off and sprinkles in your faces
1472
Your reeking villainy.
1473
([He throws water in their faces.])
Live loathed and long,
1473
Most smiling, smooth, detested parasites,
1474
courteous destroyers, affable wolves, meek bears:
1475
You fools of Fortune, trencher-friends, Time's flies,
1476
Cap-and-knee slaves, vapors, and minute-jacks!
1477
Of man and beast the infinite malady
1478
Crust you quite o'er! — What, dost thou go?
1479
Soft, take thy physic first; thou too, and thou!
1480
Stay, I will lend thee money, borrow none.
1481
What? All in motion? Henceforth be no feast
1482
Whereat a villain's not a welcome guest.
1483
Burn, house! Sink, Athens! Henceforth hated be
1484
Of Timon, man and all humanity!
1485
(Exit.)
(Enter the Senators, with other Lords.)
1 Lord
How now, my lords?
1487
2 Lord
Know you the quality of Lord Timon's fury?
1488
3 Lord
Push! Did you see my cap?
1489
4 Lord
I have lost my gown.
1490
1 Lord
He's but a mad lord, and naught but humors sways him. He gave me a jewel th'other day and now he has beat it out of my hat.
Did you see my jewel?
1494
3 Lord
Did you see my cap?
1495
2 Lord
Here 'tis.
1496
4 Lord
Here lies my gown.
1497
1 Lord
Let's make no stay.
1498
2 Lord
Lord Timon's mad.
1499
3 Lord
I feel't upon my bones.
1500
4 Lord
One day he gives us diamonds, next day stones.
1501
(Exeunt the [Lords and] Senators.)
[4.1]
(Enter Timon.)
Timon
Let me look back upon thee. O thou wall
1504
That girdles in those wolves, dive in the earth
1505
And fence not Athens! Matrons, turn incontinent;
1506
Obedience, fail in children; slaves and fools,
1507
Pluck the grave wrinkled Senate from the bench
1508
And minister in their steads. To general filths,
1509
Convert o'th'instant, green virginity,
1510
Do't in your parents' eyes. Bankrupts, hold fast
1511
Rather than render back, out with your knives
1512
And cut your trusters' throats. Bound servants, steal;
1513
Large-handed robbers your grave masters are
1514
And pill by law. Maid, to thy master's bed,
1515
Thy mistress is o'th'brothel. Son of sixteen,
1516
Pluck the lined crutch from thy old limping sire;
1517
With it beat out his brains. Piety and fear,
1518
Religion to the gods, peace, justice, truth,
1519
Domestic awe, night-rest and neighborhood,
1520
Instruction, manners, mysteries and trades,
1521
Degrees, observances, customs and laws,
1522
Decline to your confounding contraries.
1523
And yet confusion live! Plagues incident to men,
1524
Your potent and infectious fevers heap
1525
On Athens, ripe for stroke. Thou cold sciatica,
1526
Cripple our Senators, that their limbs may halt
1527
As lamely as their manners. Lust and liberty,
1528
Creep in the minds and marrows of our youth,
1529
That 'gainst the stream of virtue they may strive
1530
And drown themselves in riot. Itches, blains,
1531
Sow all th'Athenian bosoms, and their crop
1532
Be general leprosy. Breath, infect breath,
1533
That their society, as their friendship, may
1534
Be merely poison. Nothing I'll bear from thee
1535
But nakedness, thou detestable town;
1536
Take thou that too, with multiplying bans.
1537
Timon will to the woods, where he shall find
1538
Th'unkindest beast more kinder than mankind.
1539
The gods confound — hear me, you good gods all —
1540
Th'Athenians both within and out that wall,
1541
And grant, as Timon grows, his hate may grow
1542
To the whole race of mankind, high and low.
1543
Amen.
1544
(Exit.)
[4.2]
(Enter steward [Flavius] with two or three [of Timon's] servants.)
1 Servant
Hear you, master steward, where's our master?
1546
Are we undone, cast off, nothing remaining?
1547
Flavius
Alack, my fellows, what should I say to you?
1548
Let me be recorded by the righteous gods,
1549
I am as poor as you.
1550
1 Servant
Such a house broke?
1551
So noble a master fall'n, all gone, and not
1552
One friend to take his fortune by the arm
1553
And go along with him?
1554
2 Servant
As we do turn our backs
1555
From our companion thrown into his grave,
1556
So his familiars to his buried fortunes
1557
Slink all away, leave their false vows with him
1558
Like empty purses picked; and his poor self,
1559
A dedicated beggar to the air,
1560
With his disease of all-shunned poverty,
1561
Walks like contempt alone. More of our fellows.
1562
(Enter other Servants.)
Flavius
All broken implements of a ruined house.
1564
3 Servant
Yet do our hearts wear Timon's livery,
1565
That see I by our faces. We are fellows still,
1566
Serving alike in sorrow. Leaked is our bark,
1567
And we, poor mates, stand on the dying deck,
1568
Hearing the surges threat. We must all part
1569
Into this sea of air.
1570
Flavius
Good fellows all,
1571
The latest of my wealth I'll share amongst you.
1572
Wherever we shall meet, for Timon's sake
1573
Let's yet be fellows. Let's shake our heads and say,
1574
As 'twere a knell unto our master's fortunes,
1575
"We have seen better days." Let each take some.
1576
Nay, put out all your hands. Not one word more,
1577
Thus part we rich in sorrow, parting poor.
1578
([They] embrace, and [the servants] part several ways.)
Oh, the fierce wretchedness that glory brings us!
1580
Who would not wish to be from wealth exempt,
1581
Since riches point to misery and contempt?
1582
Who would be so mocked with glory, or to live
1583
But in a dream of friendship,
1584
To have his pomp and all what state compounds
1585
But only painted, like his varnished friends?
1586
Poor honest lord, brought low by his own heart,
1587
Undone by goodness. Strange unusual blood,
1588
When man's worst sin is he does too much good.
1589
Who then dares to be half so kind again?
1590
For bounty, that makes gods, do still mar men.
1591
My dearest lord, blessed to be most accursed,
1592
Rich only to be wretched, thy great fortunes
1593
Are made thy chief afflictions. Alas, kind lord,
1594
He's flung in rage from this ingrateful seat
1595
Of monstrous friends;
1596
Nor has he with him to supply his life,
1597
Or that which can command it.
1598
I'll follow and enquire him out.
1599
I'll ever serve his mind with my best will;
1600
Whilst I have gold, I'll be his steward still.
1601
(Exit.)
[4.3]
(Enter Timon in the woods.)
Timon
O blessèd breeding sun, draw from the earth
1603
Rotten humidity; below thy sister's orb
1604
Infect the air. Twinned brothers of one womb,
1605
Whose procreation, residence, and birth
1606
Scarce is divident, touch them with several fortunes —
1607
The greater scorns the lesser. Not nature,
1608
To whom all sores lay siege, can bear great fortune
1609
But by contempt of nature.
1610
Raise me this beggar and deny't that lord:
1611
The Senators shall bear contempt hereditary,
1612
The beggar native honor.
1613
It is the pasture lards the brother's sides,
1614
The want that makes him lean. Who dares? Who dares
1615
In purity of manhood stand upright
1616
And say "This man's a flatterer"? If one be,
1617
So are they all: for every grece of fortune
1618
Is smoothed by that below. The learnèd pate
1619
Ducks to the golden fool. All's obliquy:
1620
There's nothing level in our cursèd natures
1621
But direct villainy. Therefore be abhorred
1622
All feasts, societies, and throngs of men.
1623
His semblable, yea, himself Timon disdains.
1624
Destruction fang mankind. Earth, yield me roots;
1625
Who seeks for better of thee, sauce his palate
1626
With thy most operant poison. What is here?
1627
Gold? Yellow, glittering, precious gold?
1628
No, gods, I am no idle votarist.
1629
Roots, you clear heavens! Thus much of this will make
1630
Black white, foul fair, wrong right,
1631
Base noble, old young, coward valiant.
1632
Ha, you gods! Why this? What this, you gods? Why, this
1633
Will lug your priests and servants from your sides,
1634
Pluck stout men's pillows from below their heads.
1635
This yellow slave
1636
Will knit and break religions, bless th'accursed,
1637
Make the hoar leprosy adored, place thieves
1638
And give them title, knee, and approbation
1639
With senators on the bench. This is it
1640
That makes the wappered widow wed again;
1641
She whom the spital house and ulcerous sores
1642
Would cast the gorge at, this embalms and spices
1643
To th'April day again. Come, damned earth,
1644
Thou common whore of mankind, that puts odds
1645
Among the rout of nations, I will make thee
1646
Do thy right nature.
1647
(March afar off.)
Ha? A drum? Thou'rt quick,
1648
But yet I'll bury thee. Thou'lt go, strong thief,
1649
When gouty keepers of thee cannot stand.
1650
Nay, stay thou out for earnest.
1651
(Enter Alcibiades with drum and fife in warlike manner,)
(and Phrynia and Timandra.)
Alcibiades
What art thou there? Speak.
1654
Timon
A beast, as thou art. The canker gnaw thy heart
1655
For showing me again the eyes of man.
1656
Alcibiades
What is thy name? Is man so hateful to thee
1657
That art thyself a man?
1658
Timon
I am Misanthropos and hate mankind.
1659
For thy part, I do wish thou wert a dog,
1660
That I might love thee something.
1661
Alcibiades
I know thee well,
1662
But in thy fortunes am unlearned and strange.
1663
Timon
I know thee too, and more than that I know thee
1664
I not desire to know. Follow thy drum;
1665
With man's blood paint the ground gules, gules.
1666
Religious canons, civil laws, are cruel;
1667
Then, what should war be? This fell whore of thine
1668
Hath in her more destruction than thy sword,
1669
For all her cherubin look.
1670
Phrynia
Thy lips rot off.
1671
Timon
I will not kiss thee; then the rot returns
1671
To thine own lips again.
1673
Alcibiades
How came the noble Timon to this change?
1674
Timon
As the moon does, by wanting light to give:
1675
But then renew I could not like the moon;
1676
There were no suns to borrow of.
1677
Alcibiades
Noble Timon, what friendship may I do thee?
1678
Timon
None, but to maintain my opinion.
1679
Alcibiades
What is it, Timon?
1680
Timon
Promise me friendship, but perform none.
1681
If thou wilt not promise, the gods plague thee, for thou art a man; if thou dost perform, confound thee, for thou art a man.
Alcibiades
I have heard in some sort of thy miseries.
1685
Timon
Thou saw'st them when I had prosperity.
1686
Alcibiades
I see them now; then was a blessèd time.
1687
Timon
As thine is now, held with a brace of harlots.
1688
Timandra
Is this th'Athenian minion, whom the world
1689
Voiced so regardfully?
1690
Timon
Art thou Timandra?
1691
Timandra
Yes.
1691
Timon
Be a whore still, they love thee not that use thee;
1692
Give them diseases, leaving with thee their lust.
1693
Make use of thy salt hours, season the slaves
1693
For tubs and baths, bring down rose-cheeked youth
1694
To the tub-fast and the diet.
1695
Timandra
Hang thee, monster!
1697
Alcibiades
Pardon him, sweet Timandra, for his wits
1698
Are drowned and lost in his calamities.
1699
I have but little gold of late, brave Timon,
1700
The want whereof doth daily make revolt
1701
In my penurious band. I have heard and grieved
1702
How cursèd Athens, mindless of thy worth,
1703
Forgetting thy great deeds when neighbor states
1704
But for thy sword and fortune trod upon them —
1705
Timon
I prithee, beat thy drum and get thee gone.
1706
Alcibiades
I am thy friend, and pity thee, dear Timon.
1707
Timon
How dost thou pity him whom thou dost trouble?
1708
I had rather be alone.
1709
Alcibiades
Why, fare thee well.
1710
Here is some gold for thee.
1711
Timon
Keep it, I cannot eat it.
1712
Alcibiades
When I have laid proud Athens on a heap —
1713
Timon
Warr'st thou 'gainst Athens?
1714
Alcibiades
Ay, Timon, and have cause.
1715
Timon
The gods confound them all in thy conquest, and thee after, when thou hast conquered.
Alcibiades
Why me, Timon?
Timon
That by killing of villains thou wast born to conquer my country.
Put up thy gold. Go on, here's gold, go on.
1721
Be as a planetary plague when Jove
1722
Will o'er some high-viced city hang his poison
1723
In the sick air. Let not thy sword skip one.
1724
Pity not honoured age for his white beard,
1725
He is an usurer. Strike me the counterfeit matron,
1726
It is her habit only that is honest,
1727
Herself's a bawd. Let not the virgin's cheek
1728
Make soft thy trenchant sword, for those milk-paps
1729
That through the window-bars bore at men's eyes
1730
Are not within the leaf of pity writ,
1731
But set them down horrible traitors. Spare not the babe,
1732
Whose dimpled smiles from fools exhaust their mercy;
1733
Think it a bastard whom the oracle
1734
Hath doubtfully pronounced the throat shall cut
1735
And mince it sans remorse. Swear against objects,
1736
Put armor on thine ears and on thine eyes,
1737
Whose proof nor yells of mothers, maids, nor babes,
1738
Nor sight of priests in holy vestments bleeding,
1739
Shall pierce a jot. There's gold to pay thy soldiers;
1740
Make large confusion, and, thy fury spent,
1741
Confounded be thyself. Speak not, be gone.
1742
Alcibiades
Hast thou gold yet? I'll take the gold thou giv'st me,
1743
Not all thy counsel.
1744
Timon
Dost thou or dost thou not, heavens' curse upon
1745
thee!
1746
Phrynia, Timandra
Give us some gold, good Timon. Hast thou more?
1747
Timon
Enough to make a whore forswear her trade
1748
And to make whores a bawd. Hold up, you sluts,
1749
Your aprons mountant. You are not oathable,
1750
Although I know you'll swear, terribly swear,
1751
Into strong shudders and to heavenly agues
1752
Th'immortal gods that hear you. Spare your oaths;
1753
I'll trust to your conditions. Be whores still,
1754
And he whose pious breath seeks to convert you,
1755
Be strong in whore, allure him, burn him up,
1756
Let your close fire predominate his smoke,
1757
And be no turn-coats; yet may your pains' six months
1758
Be quite contrary. And thatch your poor thin roofs
1759
With burdens of the dead — some that were hanged,
1760
No matter.
1761
Wear them, betray with them, whore still,
1762
Paint till a horse may mire upon your face:
1763
A pox of wrinkles!
1764
Phrynia, Timandra
Well, more gold, what then?
1765
Believe't that we'll do anything for gold.
1766
Timon
Consumptions sow
1767
In hollow bones of man, strike their sharp shins
1768
And mar men's spurring. Crack the lawyer's voice
1769
That he may never more false title plead
1770
Nor sound his quillets shrilly. Hoar the flamen
1771
That scolds against the quality of flesh,
1772
And not believes himself. Down with the nose,
1773
Down with it flat; take the bridge quite away
1774
Of him that his particular to foresee
1775
Smells from the general weal. Make curled-pate ruffians bald
1776
And let the unscarred braggarts of the war
1777
Derive some pain from you. Plague all,
1778
That your activity may defeat and quell
1779
The source of all erection. There's more gold.
1780
Do you damn others, and let this damn you,
1781
And ditches grave you all.
1782
Phrynia, Timandra
More counsel with more money, bounteous
1783
Timon.
1784
Timon
More whore, more mischief first: I have given
1785
you earnest.
1786
Alcibiades
Strike up the drum towards Athens. — Farewell, Timon.
1787
If I thrive well, I'll visit thee again.
1788
Timon
If I hope well, I'll never see thee more.
1789
Alcibiades
I never did thee harm.
1790
Timon
Yes, thou spok'st well of me.
1791
Alcibiades
Call'st thou that harm?
1792
Timon
Men daily find it. Get thee away
1793
And take thy beagles with thee.
1794
Alcibiades
We but offend him. — Strike.
1795
(Exeunt [all but Timon].)
Timon
That nature being sick of man's unkindness
1796
Should yet be hungry. Common Mother — thou
1797
Whose womb unmeasureable and infinite breast
1798
Teems and feeds all, whose selfsame mettle,
1799
Whereof thy proud child, arrogant man, is puffed,
1800
Engenders the black toad and adder blue,
1801
The gilded newt and eyeless venomed worm,
1802
With all th'abhorrèd births below crisp heaven
1803
Whereon Hyperion's quick'ning fire doth shine —
1804
Yield him who all the human sons do hate,
1805
From forth thy plenteous bosom one poor root.
1806
Ensear thy fertile and conceptious womb,
1807
Let it no more bring out ingrateful man.
1808
Go great with tigers, dragons, wolves, and bears,
1809
Teem with new monsters, whom thy upward face
1810
Hath to the marbled mansion all above
1811
Never presented. Oh, a root! Dear thanks.
1812
Dry up thy marrows, vines, and plough-torn leas,
1813
Whereof ingrateful man with liquorish drafts
1814
And morsels unctuous greases his pure mind,
1815
That from it all consideration slips —
1816
(Enter Apemantus.)
More man? Plague, plague.
1818
Apemantus
I was directed hither. Men report
1819
Thou dost affect my manners, and dost use them.
1820
Timon
'Tis then because thou dost not keep a dog
1821
Whom I would imitate. Consumption catch thee!
1822
Apemantus
This is in thee a nature but infected,
1823
A poor unmanly melancholy sprung
1824
From change of fortune. Why this spade? this place,
1825
This slave-like habit, and these looks of care?
1826
Thy flatterers yet wear silk, drink wine, lie soft,
1827
Hug their diseased perfumes, and have forgot
1828
That ever Timon was. Shame not these woods
1829
By putting on the cunning of a carper.
1830
Be thou a flatterer now, and seek to thrive
1831
By that which has undone thee: hinge thy knee,
1832
And let his very breath whom thou'lt observe
1833
Blow off thy cap; praise his most vicious strain
1834
And call it excellent. Thou wast told thus.
1835
Thou gav'st thine ears, like tapsters that bade welcome,
1836
To knaves and all approachers. 'Tis most just
1837
That thou turn rascal; had'st thou wealth again,
1838
Rascals should have't. Do not assume my likeness.
1839
Timon
Were I like thee, I'd throw away myself.
1840
Apemantus
Thou hast cast away thyself, being like thyself
1841
A madman so long, now a fool. What, think'st
1842
That the bleak air, thy boisterous chamberlain,
1843
Will put thy shirt on warm? Will these moist trees,
1844
That have outlived the eagle, page thy heels
1845
And skip when thou point'st out? Will the cold brook,
1846
Candied with ice, caudle thy morning taste
1847
To cure thy o'ernight's surfeit? Call the creatures
1848
Whose naked natures live in all the spite
1849
Of wreakful heaven, whose bare unhousèd trunks
1850
To the conflicting elements exposed
1851
Answer mere nature; bid them flatter thee.
1852
Oh, thou shalt find —
1853
Timon
A fool of thee. Depart.
1854
Apemantus
I love thee better now than ere I did.
1855
Timon
I hate thee worse.
1856
Apemantus
Why?
1857
Timon
Thou flatter'st misery.
1858
Apemantus
I flatter not, but say thou art a caitiff.
1859
Timon
Why dost thou seek me out?
1860
Apemantus
To vex thee.
1861
Timon
Always a villain's office, or a fool's.
1862
Dost please thyself in't?
1863
Apemantus
Ay.
1864
Timon
What, a knave too?
1865
Apemantus
If thou didst put this sour cold habit on
1866
To castigate thy pride, 'twere well; but thou
1867
Dost it enforcèdly. Thou'dst courtier be again,
1868
Wert thou not beggar. Willing misery
1869
Outlives incertain pomp, is crowned before:
1870
The one is filling still, never complete;
1871
The other, at high wish. Best state, contentless,
1872
Hath a distracted and most wretched being,
1873
Worse than the worst, content.
1874
Thou shouldst desire to die, being miserable.
1875
Timon
Not by his breath that is more miserable.
1876
Thou art a slave, whom Fortune's tender arm
1877
With favour never clasped — but bred a dog.
1878
Hadst thou like us from our first swath proceeded,
1789
The sweet degrees that this brief world affords
1880
To such as may the passive drugs of it
1881
Freely command, thou wouldst have plunged thyself
1882
In general riot, melted down thy youth
1883
In different beds of lust, and never learned
1884
The icy precepts of respect but followed
1885
The sugared game before thee. But myself,
1886
Who had the world as my confectionary,
1887
The mouths, the tongues, the eyes, and hearts of men
18898
At duty more than I could frame employment;
1889
That numberless upon me stuck, as leaves
1890
Do on the oak, have with one winter's brush
1891
Fell from their boughs and left me open, bare,
1892
For every storm that blows. Ay, to bear this,
1893
That never knew but better, is some burden.
1894
Thy nature did commence in sufferance; time
1895
Hath made thee hard in't. Why shouldst thou hate men?
1896
They never flattered thee. What hast thou given?
1897
If thou wilt curse, thy father (that poor rag)
1898
Must be thy subject, who in spite put stuff
1899
To some shee-beggar and compounded thee,
1900
Poor rogue, hereditary. Hence, be gone.
1901
If thou hadst not been born the worst of men,
1902
Thou hadst been a knave and flatterer.
1903
Apemantus
Art thou proud yet?
1904
Timon
Ay, that I am not thee.
1905
Apemantus
Ay, that I was no prodigal.
1906
Timon
Ay, that I am one now.
1907
Were all the wealth I have shut up in thee,
1908
I'd give thee leave to hang it. Get thee gone.
1909
That the whole life of Athens were in this,
1910
Thus would I eat it.
1911
Apemantus
Here, I will mend thy feast.
1912
Timon
First mend my company: take away thyself.
1913
Apemantus
So I shall mend mine own by th'lack of thine.
1914
Timon
'Tis not well mended so, it is but botched;
1915
If not, I would it were.
1916
Apemantus
What would'st thou have to Athens?
1917
Timon
Thee thither in a whirlwind. If thou wilt,
1918
Tell them there I have gold. Look, so I have.
1919
Apemantus
Here is no use for gold.
1920
Timon
The best and truest,
1921
For here it sleeps and does no hired harm.
1922
Apemantus
Where liest a-nights, Timon?
Timon
Under that's above me. Where feed'st thou a-days, Apemantus?
Apemantus
Where my stomach finds meat, or rather where I eat it.
Timon
Would poison were obedient and knew my mind.
Apemantus
Where wouldst thou send it?
Timon
To sauce thy dishes.
Apemantus
The middle of humanity thou never knewest, but the extremity of both ends. When thou wast in thy gilt and thy perfume, they mocked thee for too much curiosity; in thy rags thou know'st none, but art despised for the contrary. There's a medlar for thee: eat it.
Timon
On what I hate I feed not.
Apemantus
Dost hate a medlar?
Timon
Ay, though it look like thee.
Apemantus
An thou'dst hated meddlers sooner, thou shouldst have loved thyself better now. What man didst thou ever know unthrift that was beloved after his means?
Timon
Who, without those means thou talk'st of, didst thou ever know beloved?
Apemantus
Myself.
Timon
I understand thee: thou hadst some means to keep a dog.
Apemantus
What things in the world canst thou nearest compare to thy flatterers?
Timon
Women nearest; but men — men are the things themselves. What wouldst thou do with the world, Apemantus, if it lay in thy power?
Apemantus
Give it the beasts, to be rid of the men.
Timon
Wouldst thou have thyself fall in the confusion of men, and remain a beast with the beasts?
Apemantus
Ay, Timon.
Timon
A beastly ambition, which the gods grant thee t'attain to. If thou wert the lion, the fox would beguile thee. If thou wert the lamb, the fox would eat thee. If thou wert the fox, the lion would suspect thee, when peradventure thou wert accused by the ass. If thou wert the ass, thy dullness would torment thee, and still thou lived'st but as a breakfast to the wolf. If thou wert the wolf, thy greediness would afflict thee, and oft thou shouldst hazard thy life for thy dinner. Wert thou the unicorn, pride and wrath would confound thee, and make thine own self the conquest of thy fury. Wert thou a bear, thou wouldst be killed by the horse. Wert thou a horse, thou wouldst be seized by the leopard. Wert thou a leopard, thou wert germane to the lion, and the spots of thy kindred were jurors on thy life. All thy safety were remotion, and thy defence absence. What beast couldst thou be that were not subject to a beast? And what a beast art thou already that seest not thy loss in transformation!
Apemantus
If thou couldst please me with speaking to me, thou mightst have hit upon it here. The commonwealth of Athens is become a forest of beasts.
Timon
How, has the ass broke the wall, that thou art out of the city?
Apemantus
Yonder comes a poet and a painter. The plague of company light upon thee! I will fear to catch it and give way. When I know not what else to do, I'll see thee again.
Timon
When there is nothing living but thee, thou shalt be welcome. I had rather be a beggar's dog than Apemantus.
Apemantus
Thou art the cap of all the fools alive.
1991
Timon
Would thou wert clean enough to spit upon!
1993
Apemantus
A plague on thee, thou art too bad to curse.
1995
Timon
All villains that do stand by thee are pure.
1997
Apemantus
There is no leprosy but what thou speak'st.
1999
Timon
If I name thee,
2001
I'll beat thee, but I should infect my hands.
2001
Apemantus
I would my tongue could rot them off.
2003
Timon
Away, thou issue of a mangy dog!
2005
Choler does kill me that thou art alive.
2006
I swoon to see thee.
2007
Apemantus
Would thou wouldst burst!
2008
Timon
Away, thou tedious rogue!
2009
I am sorry I shall lose a stone by thee.
2009
([Throws a stone.])
Apemantus
Beast!
2011
Timon
Slave!
2012
Apemantus
Toad!
2013
Timon
Rogue, rogue, rogue!
2014
I am sick of this false world and will love naught
2015
But even the mere necessities upon't.
2016
Then, Timon, presently prepare thy grave:
2017
Lie where the light foam of the sea may beat
2018
Thy gravestone daily; make thine epitaph,
2019
That death in me at others' lives may laugh.
2020
O thou sweet king-killer and dear divorce
2021
Twixt natural sun and fire; thou bright defiler
2022
Of Hymen's purest bed; thou valiant Mars;
2023
Thou ever young, fresh, loved, and delicate wooer,
2024
Whose blush doth thaw the consecrated snow
2025
That lies on Dian's lap;
2026
thou visible god,
2027
That sold'rest close impossibilities
2028
And mak'st them kiss, that speak'st with every tongue
2029
To every purpose! O thou touch of hearts,
2030
Think thy slave-man rebels, and by thy virtue
2031
Set them into confounding odds, that beasts
2032
May have the world in empire!
2033
Apemantus
Would 'twere so,
2034
But not till I am dead. I'll say thou'st gold:
2035
Thou wilt be thronged to shortly.
2036
Timon
Thronged to?
2037
Apemantus
Ay.
2038
Timon
Thy back, I prithee.
2039
Apemantus
Live and love thy misery.
2040
Timon
Long live so, and so die. I am quit.
2041
(Enter the Banditti [or Thieves].)
Apemantus
More things like men. Eat, Timon, and abhor them.
2042
(Exit.)
1 Thief
Where should he have this gold? It is some poor fragment, some slender ort of his remainder: the mere want of gold and the falling-from of his friends drove him into this melancholy.
2 Thief
It is noised he hath a mass of treasure.
3 Thief
Let us make the assay upon him. If he care not for't, he will supply us easily; if he covetously reserve it, how shall's get it?
2 Thief
True, for he bears it not about him. 'Tis hid.
1 Thief
Is not this he?
2 Thief, 3 Thief
Where?
2 Thief
'Tis his description.
3 Thief
He? I know him.
All Thieves
Save thee, Timon.
Timon
Now, thieves.
All Thieves
Soldiers, not thieves.
2062
Timon
Both too, and women's sons.
2063
All Thieves
We are not thieves, but men
2064
that much do want.
2065
Timon
Your greatest want is you want much of meat.
2066
Why should you want? Behold, the earth hath roots;
2067
Within this mile break forth a hundred springs;
2068
The oaks bear mast, the briars scarlet hips;
2039
The bounteous housewife Nature, on each bush,
2070
Lays her full mess before you. Want? why want?
2071
1 Thief
We cannot live on grass, on berries, water,
2072
As beasts and birds and fishes.
2073
Timon
Nor on the beasts themselves, the birds and fishes:
2074
You must eat men. Yet thanks I must you con
2075
That you are thieves professed, that you work not
2076
In holier shapes; for there is boundless theft
2077
In limited professions. Rascal thieves,
2078
Here's gold. Go, suck the subtle blood o'th'grape
2079
Till the high fever seethe your blood to froth,
2080
And so scape hanging. Trust not the physician:
2081
His antidotes are poison, and he slays
2082
More than you rob. Take wealth and lives together.
2083
Do, villains, do, since you protest to do't,
2084
Like workmen. I'll example you with thievery.
2085
The sun's a thief, and with his great attraction
2086
Robs the vast sea. The moon's an arrant thief,
2087
And her pale fire she snatches from the sun.
2088
The sea's a thief, whose liquid surge resolves
2089
The moon into salt tears. The earth's a thief
2090
That feeds and breeds by a composture stol'n
2091
From gen'ral excrement. Each thing's a thief.
2092
The laws, your curb and whip, in their rough power
2093
Has unchecked theft. Love not yourselves. Away.
2094
Rob one another — there's more gold —, cut throats,
2095
All that you meet are thieves. To Athens go,
2096
Break open shops; nothing can you steal
2097
But thieves do lose it. Steal less, for this I give you,
2098
And gold confound you howsoe'er. Amen.
2099
3 Thief
He's almost charmed me from my profession, by persuading me to it.
1 Thief
'Tis in the malice of mankind that he thus advises us not to have us thrive in our mystery.
2 Thief
I'll believe him as an enemy and give over my trade.
1 Thief
Let us first see peace in Athens. There is no time so miserable, but a man may be true.
(Exeunt thieves.)
(Enter [Flavius] the Steward to Timon.)
Flavius
O you gods!
2109
Is yon despised and ruinous man my lord,
2110
Full of decay and failing? Oh, monument
2111
And wonder of good deeds evilly bestowed!
2112
What an alteration of honor has desp'rate want made?
2113
What viler thing upon the earth than friends,
2114
Who can bring noblest minds to basest ends!
2115
How rarely does it meet with this time's guise,
2116
When man was wished to love his enemies!
2117
Grant I may ever love and rather woo
2118
Those that would mischief me than those that do.
2119
He's caught me in his eye. I will present
2120
My honest grief unto him; and, as my lord,
2120
Still serve him with my life. — My dearest master.
2121
Timon
Away! What art thou?
2123
Flavius
Have you forgot me, sir?
2124
Timon
Why dost ask that? I have forgot all men.
2125
Then, if thou grant'st thou'rt a man, I have forgot thee.
2126
Flavius
An honest poor servant of yours.
2128
Timon
Then I know thee not:
2129
I never had honest man about me; ay, all
2130
I kept were knaves to serve in meat to villains.
2131
Flavius
The gods are witness,
2132
Ne'er did poor steward wear a truer grief
2133
For his undone lord than mine eyes for you.
2134
Timon
What, dost thou weep? Come nearer. Then I love thee
2135
Because thou art a woman and disclaim'st
2137
Flinty mankind, whose eyes do never give
2138
But thorough lust and laughter. Pity's sleeping.
2139
Strange times that weep with laughing, not with weeping.
2140
Flavius
I beg of you to know me, good my lord,
2141
T'accept my grief, and whilst this poor wealth lasts,
2142
To entertain me as your steward still.
2143
Timon
Had I a steward
2144
So true, so just, and now so comfortable?
2145
It almost turns my dangerous nature wild.
2146
Let me behold thy face. Surely this man
2147
Was born of woman.
2148
Forgive my general and exceptless rashness,
2149
You perpetual sober gods! I do proclaim
2150
One honest man — mistake me not, but one,
2151
No more, I pray — and he's a steward.
2152
How fain would I have hated all mankind,
2153
And thou redeem'st thyself! But all save thee
2154
I fell with curses.
2155
Methinks thou art more honest now than wise,
2156
For, by oppressing and betraying me,
2157
Thou mightst have sooner got another service.
2158
For many so arrive at second masters,
2159
Upon their first lord's neck. But tell me true,
2160
(For I must ever doubt, though ne'er so sure)
2161
Is not thy kindness subtle, covetous,
2162
If not a usuring kindness, and, as rich men deal gifts,
2163
Expecting in return twenty for one?
2164
Flavius
No, my most worthy master, in whose breast
2165
Doubt and suspect (alas!) are placed too late.
2166
You should have feared false times when you did feast.
2167
Suspect still comes where an estate is least.
2168
That which I show, Heaven knows, is merely love,
2169
Duty, and zeal to your unmatchèd mind,
2170
Care of your food and living. And believe it,
2171
My most honored lord,
2172
For any benefit that points to me
2173
Either in hope or present, I'd exchange
2174
For this one wish: that you had power and wealth
2175
To requite me by making rich yourself.
2176
Timon
Look thee, 'tis so. Thou singly honest man,
2177
Here, take [He offers gold.] The gods out of my misery
2178
Has sent thee treasure. Go, live rich and happy,
2179
But thus conditioned: thou shalt build from men,
2180
Hate all, curse all, show charity to none,
2181
But let the famished flesh slide from the bone
2182
Ere thou relieve the beggar. Give to dogs
2183
What thou deniest to men. Let prisons swallow 'em,
2184
Debts wither 'em to nothing; be men like blasted woods,
2185
And may diseases lick up their false bloods.
2186
And so farewell, and thrive.
2187
Flavius
Oh, let me stay and comfort you, my master.
2188
Timon
If thou hat'st curses,
2189
Stay not. Fly whilst thou art blest and free.
2190
Ne'er see thou man, and let me ne'er see thee.
2191
(Exit [Flavius; Timon withdraws to his cave.])
[5.1]
(Enter Poet, and Painter.)
Painter
As I took note of the place, it cannot be far where he abides.
Poet
What's to be thought of him? Does the rumor hold for true that he's so full of gold?
Painter
Certain. Alcibiades reports it: Phrynia and Timandra had gold of him. He likewise enriched poor straggling soldiers with great quantity. 'Tis said he gave unto his steward a mighty sum.
Poet
Then this breaking of his has been but a try for his friends?
Painter
Nothing else. You shall see him a palm in Athens again and flourish with the highest. Therefore 'tis not amiss we tender our loves to him in this supposed distress of his. It will show honestly in us, and is very likely to load our purposes with what they travail for, if it be a just and true report that goes of his having.
Poet
What have you now to present unto him?
Painter
Nothing at this time but my visitation; only I will promise him an excellent piece.
Poet
I must serve him so too, tell him of an intent that's coming toward him.
Painter
Good as the best. Promising is the very air o'th'time; it opens the eyes of expectation. Performance is ever the duller for his act, and but in the plainer and simpler kind of people the deed of saying is quite out of use. To promise is most courtly and fashionable. Performance is a kind of will or testament which argues a great sickness in his judgment that makes it.
(Enter Timon from his cave.)
Timon
Excellent workman, thou canst not paint a man so bad as is thyself.
Poet
I am thinking what I shall say I have provided for him. It must be a personating of himself, a satire against the softness of prosperity, with a discovery of the infinite flatteries that follow youth and opulency.
Timon
Must thou needs stand for a villain in thine own work? Wilt thou whip thine own faults in other men? Do so; I have gold for thee.
Poet
Nay, let's seek him.
Then do we sin against our own estate
2248
When we may profit meet and come too late.
2249
Painter
True.
2250
When the day serves before black-cornered night,
2251
Find what thou want'st by free and offered light.
2252
Come.
2253
Timon
I'll meet you at the turn.
2254
What a gods' gold, that he is worshipped
2255
In a baser temple than where swine feed!
2256
'Tis thou that rigg'st the bark and plow'st the foam,
2257
Settlest admirèd reverence in a slave.
2258
To thee be worship, and thy saints for aye
2259
Be crowned with plagues, that thee alone obey.
2260
Fit I meet them.
2261
([He comes forward.])
Poet
Hail, worthy Timon!
2262
Painter
Our late noble master!
2263
Timon
Have I once lived to see two honest men?
2264
Poet
Sir,
2266
having often of your open bounty tasted,
2267
Hearing you were retired, your friends fall'n off,
2268
Whose thankless natures — O abhorrèd spirits,
2269
Not all the whips of heaven are large enough —
2270
What, to you,
2271
Whose star-like nobleness gave life and influence
2272
To their whole being! I am rapt and cannot cover
2273
The monstrous bulk of this ingratitude
2274
With any size of words.
2275
Timon
Let it go naked; men may see't the better.
2276
You that are honest, by being what you are,
2278
Make them best seen and known.
2279
Painter
He and myself
2280
Have traveled in the great show'r of your gifts
2281
And sweetly felt it.
2283
Timon
Ay, you are honest men.
2284
Painter
We are hither come to offer you our service.
2284
Timon
Most honest men. Why, how shall I requite you?
2286
Can you eat roots and drink cold water, no?
2288
Poet, Painter
What we can do
2289
we'll do to do you service.
2290
Timon
You're honest men. You've heard that I have gold,
2291
I am sure you have — speak truth, you're honest men.
2293
Painter
So it is said, my noble lord, but therefore
2294
Came not my friend nor I.
2295
Timon
Good honest men. — Thou draw'st a counterfeit
2296
Best in all Athens; thou'rt indeed the best;
2297
Thou counterfeit'st most lively.
2298
Painter
So so, my lord.
2299
Timon
E'en so, sir, as I say. — And for thy fiction,
2300
Why, thy verse swells with stuff so fine and smooth
2301
That thou art even natural in thine art.
2302
But for all this, my honest-natured friends,
2303
I must needs say you have a little fault,
2304
Marry, 'tis not monstrous in you, neither wish I
2305
You take much pains to mend.
2306
Poet, Painter
Beseech your honour
2307
To make it known to us.
2308
Timon
You'll take it ill.
2309
Poet, Painter
Most thankfully, my lord.
2310
Timon
Will you indeed?
2311
Poet, Painter
Doubt it not, worthy lord.
2312
Timon
There's never a one of you but trusts a knave
2313
That mightily deceives you.
2314
Poet, Painter
Do we, my lord?
2315
Timon
Ay, and you hear him cog, see him dissemble,
2316
Know his gross patchery, love him, feed him,
2318
Keep in your bossom; yet remain assured
2319
That he's a made-up villain.
2320
Painter
I know none such, my lord.
2321
Poet
Nor I.
2322
Timon
Look you,
2323
I love you well, I'll give you gold:
2324
Rid me these villains from your companies,
2325
Hang them, or stab them, drown them in a draft,
2326
Confound them by some course, and come to me,
2327
I'll give you gold enough.
2328
Poet, Painter
Name them, my lord, let's know them.
2329
Timon
You that way, and you this, but two in company;
2330
Each man apart, all single and alone,
2332
Yet an arch-villain keeps him company. —
2333
[To one] If where thou art two villains shall not be,
2334
Come not near him. — [To the other] If thou wouldst not reside
2335
But where one villain is, then him abandon. —
2336
([Timon attacks them.])
Hence, pack! There’s gold, you came for gold, ye slaves! You have work for me; there’s payment. Hence! — [To one] You are an alchemist, make gold of that. — Out, rascal dogs!
(Exeunt [Poet and Painter; Timon retires to his cave].)
[5.2]
(Enter steward [Flavius] and two Senators.)
Flavius
It is in vain that you would speak with Timon,
2342
For he is set so only to himself
2343
That nothing but himself which looks like man
2344
Is friendly with him.
2345
1 Senator
Bring us to his cave.
2346
It is our part and promise to th'Athenians
2347
To speak with Timon.
2348
2 Senator
At all times alike
2349
Men are not still the same. 'Twas time and griefs
2350
That framed him thus. Time with his fairer hand,
2351
Offering the fortunes of his former days,
2352
The former man may make him. Bring us to him
2353
And chance it as it may.
2354
Flavius
Here is his cave. —
2355
Peace and content be here. Lord Timon, Timon,
2356
Look out, and speak to friends: th'Athenians
2357
By two of their most reverend Senate greet thee.
2358
Speak to them, noble Timon.
2359
(Enter Timon out of his cave.)
Timon
Thou, sun that comforts, burn. — Speak and be hanged:
2361
For each true word, a blister, and each false
2363
Be as a cantherizing to the root o'th'tongue,
2364
Consuming it with speaking.
2365
1 Senator
Worthy Timon!
2366
Timon
Of none but such as you, and you of Timon.
2367
1 Senator
The senators of Athens greet thee, Timon.
2369
Timon
I thank them,
2370
and would send them back the plague,
2371
Could I but catch it for them.
2372
1 Senator
Oh, forget
2373
What we are sorry for ourselves in thee.
2374
The senators, with one consent of love,
2375
Entreat thee back to Athens, who have thought
2376
On special dignities, which vacant lie
2377
For thy best use and wearing.
2378
2 Senator
They confess
2379
Toward thee forgetfulness too general gross,
2380
Which now the public body, which doth seldom
2381
Play the recanter, feeling in itself
2382
A lack of Timon's aid, hath sense withal
2383
Of it own fall, restraining aide to Timon,
2384
And send forth us to make their sorrowed render,
2385
Together with a recompense more fruitful
2386
Than their offense can weigh down by the dram,
2387
Ay, even such heaps and sums of love and wealth
2388
As shall to thee blot out what wrongs were theirs,
2389
And write in thee the figures of their love,
2390
Ever to read them thine.
2391
Timon
You witch me in it,
2392
Surprise me to the very brink of tears.
2393
Lend me a fool's heart and a woman's eyes,
2394
And I'll beweep these comforts, worthy senators.
2395
1 Senator
Therefore so please thee to return with us,
2396
And of our Athens, thine and ours, to take
2397
The captainship. Thou shalt be met with thanks,
2398
Allowed with absolute power, and thy good name
2399
Live with authority. So, soon we shall drive back
2400
Of Alcibiades th'approaches wild,
2401
Who, like a boar too savage, doth root up
2402
His country's peace.
2403
2 Senator
And shakes his threat'ning sword
2404
Against the walls of Athens.
2405
1 Senator
Therefore, Timon —
2406
Timon
Well, sir, I will. Therefore I will, sir thus:
2407
If Alcibiades kill my countrymen,
2408
Let Alcibiades know this of Timon:
2409
That Timon cares not. But if he sack fair Athens,
2410
And take our goodly agèd men by th'beards,
2411
Giving our holy virgins to the stain
2412
Of contumelious, beastly, mad-brained war,
2413
Then let him know, and tell him Timon speaks it
2414
In pity of our agèd and our youth,
2415
I cannot choose but tell him that I care not,
2416
And let him take't at worst. For their knives care not,
2417
While you have throats to answer. For myself,
2418
There's not a whittle in th'unruly camp
2419
But I do prize it at my love, before
2420
The reverends throat in Athens. So I leave you
2421
To the protection of the prosperous gods,
2422
As thieves to keepers.
2423
Flavius
Stay not, all's in vain.
2425
Timon
Why, I was writing of my epitaph.
2425
It will be seen tomorrow. My long sickness
2426
Of health and livin, now begins to mend,
2427
And nothing brings me all things. Go; live still;
2428
Be Alcibiades your plague, you his,
2429
And last so long enough.
2430
1 Senator
We speak in vain.
2431
Timon
But yet I love my country and am not
2432
One that rejoices in the common wrack,
2433
As common bruit doth put it.
2434
1 Senator
That's well spoke.
2435
Timon
Commend me to my loving countrymen.
2436
1 Senator
These words become your lips as they passe through
2437
them.
2438
2 Senator
And enter in our ears like great triumphers
2439
In their applauding gates.
2440
Timon
Commend me to them,
2441
And tell them that to ease them of their griefs,
2442
Their fears of hostile strokes, their achès, losses,
2443
Their pangs of love, with other incident throes
2444
That nature's fragile vessel doth sustain
2445
In life's uncertain voyage, I will some kindness do them;
2446
I'll teach them to prevent wild Alcibiades' wrath.
2447
1 Senator
I like this well. He will return again.
2448
Timon
I have a tree which grows here in my close,
2449
That mine own use invites me to cut down,
2450
And shortly must I fell it. Tell my friends,
2451
Tell Athens, in the sequence of degree
2452
From high to low throughout, that whoso please
2453
To stop affliction, let him take his haste,
2454
Come hither ere my tree hath felt the axe,
2455
And hang himself. I pray you do my greeting.
2456
Flavius
Trouble him no further, thus you still shall
2457
find him.
2458
Timon
Come not to me again, but say to Athens
2459
Timon hath made his everlasting mansion
2460
Upon the beachèd verge of the salt flood,
2461
Who once a day with his embossèd froth
2462
The turbulent surge shall cover. Thither come,
2463
And let my gravestone be your oracle.
2464
Lips, let four words go by, and language end.
2465
What is amiss, plague and infection mend.
2466
Graves only be men's works, and death their gain.
2467
Sun, hide thy beams, Timon hath done his reign.
2468
(Exit Timon.)
1 Senator
His discontents are unremovably
2470
Coupled to nature.
2471
2 Senator
Our hope in him is dead. Let us return
2472
And strain what other means is left unto us
2473
In our dear peril.
2474
1 Senator
It requires swift foot.
2475
(Exeunt.)
[5.3]
(Enter two other Senators, with a Messenger.)
3 Senator
Thou hast painfully discovered. Are his files
2477
As full as thy report?
2478
Messenger
I have spoke the least.
2479
Besides, his expedition promises
2480
Present approach.
2480
4 Senator
We stand much hazard, if they bring not Timon.
2481
Messenger
I met a courier, one mine ancient friend,
2482
Whom, though in general part we were opposed,
2483
Yet our old love made a particular force
2484
And made us speak like friends. This man was riding
2485
From Alcibiades to Timon's cave
2486
With letters of entreaty which imported
2487
His fellowship i'th'cause against your city,
2488
In part for his sake moved.
2489
(Enter the other Senators.)
3 Senator
Here come our brothers.
2491
1 Senator
No talk of Timon, nothing of him expect.
2492
The enemy's drum is heard, and fearful scouring
2493
Doth choke the air with dust. In, and prepare.
2494
Ours is the fall, I fear, our foe's the snare.
2495
(Exeunt)
[5.4]
(Enter a Soldier in the woods, seeking Timon.)
Soldier
By all description this should be the place.
2497
Who's here? Speak, ho! No answer? What is this?
2498
([Reads.])
"Timon is dead, who hath outstretched his span.
2499
Some beast read this; there does not live a man."
2500
Dead, sure, and this his grave. What's on this tomb
2501
I cannot read. The character I'll take with wax.
2502
Our captain hath in every figure skill,
2503
An aged interpreter though young in days.
2504
Before proud Athens he's set down by this,
2505
Whose fall the mark of his ambition is.
2506
(Exit.)
[5.5]
(Trumpets sound. Enter Alcibiades with his powers)
(before Athens.)
Alcibiades
Sound to this coward and lascivious town
2509
Our terrible approach.
2510
(Sounds a parley.)
(The Senators appear upon the walls.)
Till now you have gone on and filled the time
2513
With all licentious measure, making your wills
2514
The scope of justice. Till now myself and such
2515
As slept within the shadow of your power
2516
have wandered with our traversed arms and breathed
2517
Our sufferance vainly. Now the time is flush,
2518
When crouching marrow in the bearer strong
2519
Cries of it self "no more." Now breathless wrong
2520
Shall sit and pant in your great chairs of ease,
2521
And pursy insolence shall break his wind
2522
With fear and horrid flight.
2523
1 Senator
Noble and young,
2524
When thy first griefs were but a mere conceit,
2525
Ere thou hadst power or we had cause of fear,
2526
We sent to thee to give thy rages balm,
2527
To wipe out our ingratitude with loves
2528
Above their quantity.
2529
2 Senator
So did we woo
2530
Transformèd Timon to our city's love
2531
By humble message and by promised means.
2532
We were not all unkind, nor all deserve
2533
The common stroke of war.
2534
1 Senator
These walls of ours
2535
Were not erected by their hands from whom
2536
You have received your grief. Nor are they such
2537
That these great tow'rs, trophies, and schools should fall
2538
For private faults in them.
2539
2 Senator
Nor are they living
2540
Who were the motives that you first went out,
2541
Shame that they wanted, coming in excess,
2542
Hath broke their hearts. March, noble lord,
2543
Into our city with thy banners spread;
2544
By decimation and a tithèd death,
2545
If thy revenges hunger for that food
2546
Which nature loathes, take thou the destined tenth,
2547
And by the hazard of the spotted die
2548
Let die the spotted.
2549
1 Senator
All have not offended.
2550
For those that were, it is not square to take;
2551
On those that are, revenge. Crimes, like lands,
2552
Are not inherited. Then, dear countryman,
2553
Bring in thy ranks but leave without thy rage;
2554
Spare thy Athenian cradle and those kin
2555
Which in the bluster of thy wrath must fall
2556
With those that have offended; like a shepherd,
2557
Approach the fold, and cull th'infected forth,
2558
But kill not all together.
2559
2 Senator
What thou wilt,
2560
Thou rather shalt enforce it with thy smile
2561
Than hew to't with thy sword.
2562
1 Senator
Set but thy foot
2563
Against our rampired gates and they shall ope;
2564
So thou wilt send thy gentle heart before
2565
To say thou'lt enter friendly.
2566
2 Senator
Throw thy glove,
2567
Or any token of thine honor else,
2568
That thou wilt use the wars as thy redress
2569
And not as our confusion. All thy powers
2570
Shall make their harbor in our town till we
2571
Have sealed thy full desire.
2572
Alcibiades
Then there's my glove.
2573
Descend and open your unchargèd ports.
2574
Those enemies of Timon's and mine own
2575
Whom you yourselves shall set out for reproof
2576
Fall, and no more; and to atone your fears
2577
With my more noble meaning, not a man
2578
Shall pass his quarter or offend the stream
2579
Of regular justice in your city's bounds
2580
But shall be remedied to your public laws
2581
At heaviest answer.
2582
Both Senators
'Tis most nobly spoken.
2583
Alcibiades
Descend, and keep your words.
2584
(Enter [Soldier as] a messenger [with a wax tablet].)
Soldier
My noble general, Timon is dead,
2586
Entombed upon the very hem o'th'sea,
2587
And on his gravestone, this insculpture, which
2588
With wax I brought away, whose soft impression
2589
Interprets for my poor ignorance.
2590
(Alcibiades reads the epitaph.)
Alcibiades
"Here lies a wretched corpse, of wretched soul bereft.
2592
Seek not my name. A plague consume you, wicked caitiffs left!
2593
Here lie I, Timon, who alive all living men did hate.
2594
Pass by and curse thy fill, but pass and stay not here thy gait."
2595
These well express in thee thy latter spirits.
2596
Though thou abhorred'st in us our human griefs,
2597
Scorned'st our brains' flow and those our droplets which
2598
From niggard nature fall, yet rich conceit
2599
Taught thee to make vast Neptune weep for aye
2600
On thy low grave, on faults forgiven. Dead
2601
Is noble Timon, of whose memory
2602
Hereafter more. Bring me into your city,
2603
And I will use the olive with my sword,
2604
Make war breed peace, make peace stint war, make each
2605
Prescribe to other, as each other's leech.
2606
Let our drums strike.
2607
([Drums.])
(Exeunt.)
FINIS.