Shakespeare - Timon of Athens

7/29/2019 Shakespeare - Timon of Athens

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/shakespeare-timon-of-athens 1/67

TIMONOFATHENS

DRAMATISPERSONAE

TIMON ofAthens.

LUCIUS ||

LUCULLUS |flatteringlords.|

SEMPRONIUS |

VENTIDIUS oneofTimon'sfalsefriends.

ALCIBIADES anAtheniancaptain.

APEMANTUS achurlishphilosopher.

FLAVIUS stewardtoTimon.

Poet,Painter,Jeweller,andMerchant.(Poet:)(Painter:)(Jeweller:)(Merchant:)

AnoldAthenian.(OldAthenian:)

FLAMINIUS ||

LUCILIUS |servantstoTimon.|

SERVILIUS |

CAPHIS ||

PHILOTUS ||

TITUS ||servantstoTimon'screditors.

LUCIUS ||

HORTENSIUS ||

Andothers |

APage.(Page:)

AFool.(Fool:)

ThreeStrangers.(FirstStranger:)(SecondStranger:)



(ThirdStranger:)

PHRYNIA ||mistressestoAlcibiades.

TIMANDRA |

CupidandAmazonsinthemask.(Cupid:)

OtherLords,Senators,Officers,Soldiers,Banditti,andAttendants.(FirstLord:)(SecondLord:)(ThirdLord:)(FourthLord:)(Senator:)(FirstSenator:)(SecondSenator:)(ThirdSenator:)(Soldier:)(FirstBandit:)(SecondBandit:)(ThirdBandit:)

(Messenger:)(Servant:)(FirstServant:)(SecondServant:)(ThirdServant:)(Varro'sFirstServant:)(Varro'sSecondServant:)(Lucilius'Servant:)

SCENE Athens,andtheneighbouringwoods.

TIMONOFATHENS

ACTI

SCENEI Athens.AhallinTimon'shouse.

[EnterPoet,Painter,Jeweller,Merchant,and

others,atseveraldoors]

Poet Goodday,sir.

Painter Iamgladyou'rewell.

Poet Ihavenotseenyoulong:howgoestheworld?

Painter Itwears,sir,asitgrows.



Poet Ay,that'swellknown:Butwhatparticularrarity?whatstrange,Whichmanifoldrecordnotmatches?See,Magicofbounty!allthesespiritsthypowerHathconjuredtoattend.Iknowthemerchant.

Painter Iknowthemboth;th'other'sajeweller.

Merchant O,'tisaworthylord.

Jeweller Nay,that'smostfix'd.

Merchant Amostincomparableman,breathed,asitwere,Toanuntirableandcontinuategoodness:Hepasses.

Jeweller: Ihaveajewelhere--

Merchant O,pray,let'ssee't:fortheLordTimon,sir?

Jeweller: Ifhewilltouchtheestimate:but,forthat--

Poet [Recitingtohimself]'Whenweforrecompensehavepraisedthevile,

ItstainsthegloryinthathappyverseWhichaptlysingsthegood.'

Merchant 'Tisagoodform.

[Lookingatthejewel]

Jeweller Andrich:hereisawater,lookye.

Painter Youarerapt,sir,insomework,somededicationTothegreatlord.

Poet Athingslipp'didlyfromme.

Ourpoesyisasagum,whichoozesFromwhence'tisnourish'd:thefirei'theflintShowsnottillitbestruck;ourgentleflameProvokesitselfandlikethecurrentfliesEachbounditchafes.Whathaveyouthere?

Painter Apicture,sir.Whencomesyourbookforth?

Poet Upontheheelsofmypresentment,sir.Let'sseeyourpiece.

Painter 'Tisagoodpiece.

Poet So'tis:thiscomesoffwellandexcellent.

Painter Indifferent.

Poet Admirable:howthisgraceSpeakshisownstanding!whatamentalpowerThiseyeshootsforth!howbigimaginationMovesinthislip!tothedumbnessofthegestureOnemightinterpret.



Painter Itisaprettymockingofthelife.Hereisatouch;is'tgood?

Poet Iwillsayofit,Ittutorsnature:artificialstrifeLivesinthesetouches,livelierthanlife.

[EntercertainSenators,andpassover]

Painter Howthislordisfollow'd!

Poet ThesenatorsofAthens:happyman!

Painter Look,more!

Poet Youseethisconfluence,thisgreatfloodofvisitors.Ihave,inthisroughwork,shapedoutaman,WhomthisbeneathworlddothembraceandhugWithamplestentertainment:myfreedriftHaltsnotparticularly,butmovesitselfInawideseaofwax:nolevell'dmaliceInfectsonecommainthecourseIhold;Butfliesaneagleflight,boldandforthon,

Leavingnotractbehind.

Painter HowshallIunderstandyou?

Poet Iwillunbolttoyou.Youseehowallconditions,howallminds,AswellofglibandslipperycreaturesasOfgraveandausterequality,tenderdownTheirservicestoLordTimon:hislargefortuneUponhisgoodandgraciousnaturehangingSubduesandpropertiestohisloveandtendanceAllsortsofhearts;yea,fromtheglass-facedflattererToApemantus,thatfewthingslovesbetter

Thantoabhorhimself:evenhedropsdownThekneebeforehim,andreturnsinpeaceMostrichinTimon'snod.

Painter Isawthemspeaktogether.

Poet Sir,IhaveuponahighandpleasanthillFeign'dFortunetobethroned:thebaseo'themountIsrank'dwithalldeserts,allkindofnatures,ThatlabouronthebosomofthissphereTopropagatetheirstates:amongstthemall,Whoseeyesareonthissovereignladyfix'd,OnedoIpersonateofLordTimon'sframe,

WhomFortunewithherivoryhandwaftstoher;WhosepresentgracetopresentslavesandservantsTranslateshisrivals.

Painter 'Tisconceivedtoscope.Thisthrone,thisFortune,andthishill,methinks,Withonemanbeckon'dfromtherestbelow,BowinghisheadagainstthesleepymountToclimbhishappiness,wouldbewellexpress'dInourcondition.



Poet Nay,sir,buthearmeon.Allthosewhichwerehisfellowsbutoflate,Somebetterthanhisvalue,onthemomentFollowhisstrides,hislobbiesfillwithtendance,Rainsacrificialwhisperingsinhisear,Makesacredevenhisstirrup,andthroughhimDrinkthefreeair.

Painter Ay,marry,whatofthese?

Poet WhenFortuneinhershiftandchangeofmoodSpurnsdownherlatebeloved,allhisdependantsWhichlabour'dafterhimtothemountain'stopEvenontheirkneesandhands,lethimslipdown,Notoneaccompanyinghisdecliningfoot.

Painter 'Tiscommon:AthousandmoralpaintingsIcanshowThatshalldemonstratethesequickblowsofFortune'sMorepregnantlythanwords.YetyoudowellToshowLordTimonthatmeaneyeshaveseenThefootabovethehead.

[Trumpetssound.EnterTIMON,addressinghimselfcourteouslytoeverysuitor;aMessengerfromVENTIDIUStalkingwithhim;LUCILIUSandotherservantsfollowing]

TIMON Imprison'dishe,sayyou?

Messenger Ay,mygoodlord:fivetalentsishisdebt,Hismeansmostshort,hiscreditorsmoststrait:YourhonourableletterhedesiresTothosehaveshuthimup;whichfailing,Periodshiscomfort.

TIMON NobleVentidius!Well;IamnotofthatfeathertoshakeoffMyfriendwhenhemustneedme.IdoknowhimAgentlemanthatwelldeservesahelp:Whichheshallhave:I'llpaythedebt,andfreehim.

Messenger Yourlordshipeverbindshim.

TIMON Commendmetohim:Iwillsendhisransom;Andbeingenfranchised,bidhimcometome.'Tisnotenoughtohelpthefeebleup,Buttosupporthimafter.Fareyouwell.

Messenger Allhappinesstoyourhonour!

[Exit]

[EnteranoldAthenian]

OldAthenian LordTimon,hearmespeak.

TIMON Freely,goodfather.





OldAthenian Mostnoblelord,Pawnmetothisyourhonour,sheishis.

TIMON Myhandtothee;minehonouronmypromise.

LUCILIUS HumblyIthankyourlordship:nevermayThestateorfortunefallintomykeeping,Whichisnotowedtoyou!

[ExeuntLUCILIUSandOldAthenian]

Poet Vouchsafemylabour,andlongliveyourlordship!

TIMON Ithankyou;youshallhearfrommeanon:Gonotaway.Whathaveyouthere,myfriend?

Painter Apieceofpainting,whichIdobeseechYourlordshiptoaccept.

TIMON Paintingiswelcome.Thepaintingisalmostthenaturalman;orsincedishonourtrafficswithman'snature,Heisbutoutside:thesepencill'dfiguresareEvensuchastheygiveout.Ilikeyourwork;

AndyoushallfindIlikeit:waitattendanceTillyouhearfurtherfromme.

Painter Thegodspreserveye!

TIMON Wellfareyou,gentleman:givemeyourhand;Wemustneedsdinetogether.Sir,yourjewelHathsuffer'dunderpraise.

Jeweller What,mylord!dispraise?

TIMON Amoresatietyofcommendations.IfIshouldpayyoufor'tas'tisextoll'd,

Itwouldunclewmequite.

Jeweller Mylord,'tisratedAsthosewhichsellwouldgive:butyouwellknow,ThingsoflikevaluedifferingintheownersAreprizedbytheirmasters:believe't,dearlord,Youmendthejewelbythewearingit.

TIMON Wellmock'd.

Merchant No,mygoodlord;hespeaksthecommontongue,Whichallmenspeakwithhim.

TIMON Look,whocomeshere:willyoubechid?

[EnterAPEMANTUS]

Jeweller:We'llbear,withyourlordship.

Merchant He'llsparenone.

TIMON Goodmorrowtothee,gentleApemantus!



APEMANTUS TillIbegentle,staythouforthygoodmorrow;WhenthouartTimon'sdog,andtheseknaveshonest.

TIMON Whydostthoucallthemknaves?thouknow'stthemnot.

APEMANTUS AretheynotAthenians?

TIMON Yes.

APEMANTUS ThenIrepentnot.

Jeweller:Youknowme,Apemantus?

APEMANTUS Thouknow'stIdo:Icall'dtheebythyname.

TIMON Thouartproud,Apemantus.

APEMANTUS OfnothingsomuchasthatIamnotlikeTimon.

TIMON Whitherartgoing?

APEMANTUS ToknockoutanhonestAthenian'sbrains.

TIMON That'sadeedthou'ltdiefor.

APEMANTUS Right,ifdoingnothingbedeathbythelaw.

TIMON Howlikestthouthispicture,Apemantus?

APEMANTUS Thebest,fortheinnocence.

TIMON Wroughthenotwellthatpaintedit?

APEMANTUS Hewroughtbetterthatmadethepainter;andyethe'sbutafilthypieceofwork.

Painter You'readog.

APEMANTUS Thymother'sofmygeneration:what'sshe,ifIbeadog?

TIMON Wiltdinewithme,Apemantus?

APEMANTUS No;Ieatnotlords.

TIMON Anthoushouldst,thou'ldstangerladies.

APEMANTUS O,theyeatlords;sotheycomebygreatbellies.

TIMON That'salasciviousapprehension.

APEMANTUS Sothouapprehendestit:takeitforthylabour.

TIMON Howdostthoulikethisjewel,Apemantus?

APEMANTUS Notsowellasplain-dealing,whichwillnotcostamanadoit.

TIMON Whatdostthouthink'tisworth?

APEMANTUS Notworthmythinking.Hownow,poet!



Poet Hownow,philosopher!

APEMANTUS Thouliest.

Poet Artnotone?

APEMANTUS Yes.

Poet ThenIlienot.

APEMANTUS Artnotapoet?

Poet Yes.

APEMANTUS Thenthouliest:lookinthylastwork,wherethouhastfeignedhimaworthyfellow.

Poet That'snotfeigned;heisso.

APEMANTUS Yes,heisworthyofthee,andtopaytheeforthylabour:hethatlovestobeflatteredisworthyo'theflatterer.Heavens,thatIwerealord!

TIMON Whatwouldstdothen,Apemantus?

APEMANTUS E'enasApemantusdoesnow;hatealordwithmyheart.

TIMON What,thyself?

APEMANTUS Ay.

TIMON Wherefore?

APEMANTUS ThatIhadnoangrywittobealord.Artnotthouamerchant?

Merchant Ay,Apemantus.

APEMANTUS Trafficconfoundthee,ifthegodswillnot!

Merchant Iftrafficdoit,thegodsdoit.

APEMANTUS Traffic'sthygod;andthygodconfoundthee!

[Trumpetsounds.EnteraMessenger]

TIMON Whattrumpet'sthat?

Messenger 'TisAlcibiades,andsometwentyhorse,

Allofcompanionship.

TIMON Pray,entertainthem;givethemguidetous.

[ExeuntsomeAttendants]

Youmustneedsdinewithme:gonotyouhenceTillIhavethank'dyou:whendinner'sdone,Showmethispiece.Iamjoyfulofyoursights.



[EnterALCIBIADES,withtherest]

Mostwelcome,sir!

APEMANTUS So,so,there!Achescontractandstarveyoursupplejoints!Thatthereshouldbesmalllove'mongstthesesweetknaves,Andallthiscourtesy!Thestrainofman'sbredoutIntobaboonandmonkey.

ALCIBIADES Sir,youhavesavedmylonging,andIfeedMosthungerlyonyoursight.

TIMON Rightwelcome,sir!Erewedepart,we'llshareabounteoustimeIndifferentpleasures.Prayyou,letusin.

[ExeuntallexceptAPEMANTUS]

[EntertwoLords]

FirstLord Whattimeo'dayis't,Apemantus?

APEMANTUS Timetobehonest.

FirstLord Thattimeservesstill.

APEMANTUS Themoreaccursedthou,thatstillomitt'stit.

SecondLord ThouartgoingtoLordTimon'sfeast?

APEMANTUS Ay,toseemeatfillknavesandwineheatfools.

SecondLord Faretheewell,faretheewell.

APEMANTUS Thouartafooltobidmefarewelltwice.

SecondLord Why,Apemantus?

APEMANTUS Shouldsthavekeptonetothyself,forImeantogivetheenone.

FirstLord Hangthyself!

APEMANTUS No,Iwilldonothingatthybidding:makethyrequeststothyfriend.

SecondLord Away,unpeaceabledog,orI'llspurntheehence!

APEMANTUS Iwillfly,likeadog,theheelso'theass.

[Exit]

FirstLord He'soppositetohumanity.Come,shallwein,AndtasteLordTimon'sbounty?heoutgoesTheveryheartofkindness.

SecondLord Hepoursitout;Plutus,thegodofgold,Isbuthissteward:nomeed,butherepays



Sevenfoldaboveitself;nogifttohim,ButbreedsthegiverareturnexceedingAlluseofquittance.

FirstLord ThenoblestmindhecarriesThatevergovern'dman.

SecondLord Longmayheliveinfortunes!Shallwein?

FirstLord I'llkeepyoucompany.

[Exeunt]

TIMONOFATHENS

ACTI

SCENEII Abanqueting-roominTimon'shouse.

[Hautboysplayingloudmusic.Agreatbanquetservedin;FLAVIUSandothersattending;thenenterTIMON,ALCIBIADES,Lords,Senators,andVENTIDIUS.Thencomes,dropping,afterall,APEMANTUS,discontentedly,likehimself]

VENTIDIUS Mosthonour'dTimon,Ithathpleasedthegodstoremembermyfather'sage,Andcallhimtolongpeace.Heisgonehappy,andhasleftmerich:Then,asingratefulvirtueIambound

Toyourfreeheart,Idoreturnthosetalents,Doubledwiththanksandservice,fromwhosehelpIderivedliberty.

TIMON O,bynomeans,HonestVentidius;youmistakemylove:Igaveitfreelyever;andthere'snoneCantrulysayhegives,ifhereceives:Ifourbettersplayatthatgame,wemustnotdareToimitatethem;faultsthatarericharefair.

VENTIDIUS Anoblespirit!

TIMON Nay,mylords,

[TheyallstandceremoniouslylookingonTIMON]

CeremonywasbutdevisedatfirstTosetaglossonfaintdeeds,hollowwelcomes,Recantinggoodness,sorryere'tisshown;Butwherethereistruefriendship,thereneedsnone.Pray,sit;morewelcomeareyetomyfortunesThanmyfortunestome.



[Theysit]

FirstLord Mylord,wealwayshaveconfess'dit.

APEMANTUS Ho,ho,confess'dit!hang'dit,haveyounot?

TIMON O,Apemantus,youarewelcome.

APEMANTUS No;Youshallnotmakemewelcome:Icometohavetheethrustmeoutofdoors.

TIMON Fie,thou'rtachurl;ye'vegotahumourthereDoesnotbecomeaman:'tismuchtoblame.Theysay,mylords,'irafurorbrevisest;'butyondmaniseverangry.Go,lethimhaveatablebyhimself,forhedoesneitheraffectcompany,norishefitfor't,indeed.

APEMANTUS Letmestayatthineapperil,Timon:Icometoobserve;Igivetheewarningon't.

TIMON Itakenoheedofthee;thou'rtanAthenian,

thereforewelcome:Imyselfwouldhavenopower;prithee,letmymeatmaketheesilent.

APEMANTUS Iscornthymeat;'twouldchokeme,forIshouldne'erflatterthee.Oyougods,whatanumberofmeneatTimon,andhesees'emnot!Itgrievesmetoseesomanydiptheirmeatinoneman'sblood;andallthemadnessis,hecheersthemuptoo.Iwondermendaretrustthemselveswithmen:Methinkstheyshouldinvitethemwithoutknives;Goodfortheirmeat,andsaferfortheirlives.There'smuchexamplefor't;thefellowthatsitsnexthimnow,partsbreadwithhim,pledgesthe

breathofhiminadivideddraught,isthereadiestmantokillhim:'thasbeenproved.IfIwereahugeman,Ishouldfeartodrinkatmeals;Lesttheyshouldspymywindpipe'sdangerousnotes:Greatmenshoulddrinkwithharnessontheirthroats.

TIMON Mylord,inheart;andletthehealthgoround.

SecondLord Letitflowthisway,mygoodlord.

APEMANTUS Flowthisway!Abravefellow!hekeepshistideswell.Thosehealthswillmaketheeandthystatelookill,Timon.Here'sthatwhichistooweakto

beasinner,honestwater,whichne'erleftmani'themire:Thisandmyfoodareequals;there'snoodds:Feastsaretooproudtogivethankstothegods.

Apemantus'grace.

Immortalgods,Icravenopelf;Iprayfornomanbutmyself:GrantImayneverprovesofond,Totrustmanonhisoathorbond;



Oraharlot,forherweeping;Oradog,thatseemsa-sleeping:Orakeeperwithmyfreedom;Ormyfriends,ifIshouldneed'em.Amen.Sofallto't:Richmensin,andIeatroot.

[Eatsanddrinks]

Muchgooddichthygoodheart,Apemantus!

TIMON CaptainAlcibiades,yourheart'sinthefieldnow.

ALCIBIADES Myheartiseveratyourservice,mylord.

TIMON Youhadratherbeatabreakfastofenemiesthanadinneroffriends.

ALCIBIADES Sothewerebleeding-new,mylord,there'snomeatlike'em:Icouldwishmybestfriendatsuchafeast.

APEMANTUS Wouldallthosefattererswerethineenemiesthen,thatthenthoumightstkill'emandbidmeto'em!

FirstLord Mightwebuthavethathappiness,mylord,thatyouwouldonceuseourhearts,wherebywemightexpresssomepartofourzeals,weshouldthinkourselvesforeverperfect.

TIMON O,nodoubt,mygoodfriends,butthegodsthemselveshaveprovidedthatIshallhavemuchhelpfromyou:howhadyoubeenmyfriendselse?whyhaveyouthatcharitabletitlefromthousands,didnotyouchieflybelongtomyheart?Ihavetoldmoreofyoutomyselfthanyoucanwithmodestyspeakinyourownbehalf;andthusfarIconfirmyou.Oyougods,thinkI,whatneedwehaveany

friends,ifweshouldne'erhaveneedof'em?theywerethemostneedlesscreaturesliving,shouldwene'erhaveusefor'em,andwouldmostresemblesweetinstrumentshungupincasesthatkeeptheirsoundstothemselves.Why,Ihaveoftenwishedmyselfpoorer,thatImightcomenearertoyou.Weareborntodobenefits:andwhatbetterorproperercanwecanourownthantherichesofourfriends?O,whatapreciouscomfort'tis,tohavesomany,likebrothers,commandingoneanother'sfortunes!Ojoy,e'enmadeawayere'tcanbeborn!Mineeyescannotholdoutwater,methinks:toforgettheirfaults,Idrinktoyou.

APEMANTUS Thouweepesttomakethemdrink,Timon.

SecondLord JoyhadthelikeconceptioninoureyesAndatthatinstantlikeababesprungup.

APEMANTUS Ho,ho!Ilaughtothinkthatbabeabastard.

ThirdLord Ipromiseyou,mylord,youmovedmemuch.



APEMANTUS Much!

[Tucket,within]

TIMON Whatmeansthattrump?

[EnteraServant]

Hownow?

Servant Pleaseyou,mylord,therearecertainladiesmostdesirousofadmittance.

TIMON Ladies!whataretheirwills?

Servant Therecomeswiththemaforerunner,mylord,whichbearsthatoffice,tosignifytheirpleasures.

TIMON Ipray,letthembeadmitted.

[EnterCupid]

Cupid Hailtothee,worthyTimon,andtoallThatofhisbountiestaste!Thefivebestsenses

Acknowledgetheetheirpatron;andcomefreelyTogratulatethyplenteousbosom:th'ear,Taste,touchandsmell,pleasedfromthytalerise;Theyonlynowcomebuttofeastthineeyes.

TIMON They'rewelcomeall;let'emhavekindadmittance:Music,maketheirwelcome!

[ExitCupid]

FirstLord Yousee,mylord,howampleyou'rebeloved.

[Music.Re-enterCupidwithamaskofLadies

asAmazons,withlutesintheirhands,dancingandplaying]

APEMANTUS Hoy-day,whatasweepofvanitycomesthisway!Theydance!theyaremadwomen.Likemadnessisthegloryofthislife.Asthispompshowstoalittleoilandroot.Wemakeourselvesfools,todisportourselves;Andspendourflatteries,todrinkthosemenUponwhoseagewevoiditupagain,Withpoisonousspiteandenvy.Wholivesthat'snotdepravedordepraves?Whodies,thatbearsnotonespurntotheirgraves

Oftheirfriends'gift?IshouldfearthosethatdancebeforemenowWouldonedaystampuponme:'thasbeendone;Menshuttheirdoorsagainstasettingsun.

[TheLordsrisefromtable,withmuchadoringofTIMON;andtoshowtheirloves,eachsinglesoutanAmazon,andalldance,menwithwomen,aloftystrainortwotothehautboys,andcease]



TIMON Youhavedoneourpleasuresmuchgrace,fairladies,Setafairfashiononourentertainment,Whichwasnothalfsobeautifulandkind;Youhaveaddedworthunto'tandlustre,Andentertain'dmewithmineowndevice;Iamtothankyoufor't.

FirstLady Mylord,youtakeusevenatthebest.

APEMANTUS 'Faith,fortheworstisfilthy;andwouldnotholdtaking,Idoubtme.

TIMON Ladies,thereisanidlebanquetattendsyou:Pleaseyoutodisposeyourselves.

AllLadies Mostthankfully,mylord.

[ExeuntCupidandLadies]

TIMON Flavius.

FLAVIUS Mylord?

TIMON Thelittlecasketbringmehither.

FLAVIUS Yes,mylord.Morejewelsyet!Thereisnocrossinghimin'shumour;

[Aside]

ElseIshouldtellhim,--well,i'faithIshould,Whenall'sspent,he'ldbecross'dthen,anhecould.'Tispitybountyhadnoteyesbehind,Thatmanmightne'erbewretchedforhismind.

[Exit]

FirstLord Wherebeourmen?

Servant Here,mylord,inreadiness.

SecondLord Ourhorses!

[Re-enterFLAVIUS,withthecasket]

TIMON Omyfriends,Ihaveonewordtosaytoyou:lookyou,mygoodlord,Imustentreatyou,honourmesomuchAstoadvancethisjewel;acceptitandwearit,Kindmylord.

FirstLord Iamsofaralreadyinyourgifts,--

All Soareweall.

[EnteraServant]

Servant Mylord,therearecertainnoblesofthesenateNewlyalighted,andcometovisityou.



TIMON Theyarefairlywelcome.

FLAVIUS Ibeseechyourhonour,Vouchsafemeaword;itdoesconcernyounear.

TIMON Near!whythen,anothertimeI'llhearthee:Iprithee,let'sbeprovidedtoshowthementertainment.

FLAVIUS [Aside]Iscarceknowhow.

[EnteraSecondServant]

SecondServant Mayitpleaseyourhonour,LordLucius,Outofhisfreelove,hathpresentedtoyouFourmilk-whitehorses,trapp'dinsilver.

TIMON Ishallacceptthemfairly;letthepresentsBeworthilyentertain'd.

[EnterathirdServant]

Hownow!whatnews?

ThirdServant Pleaseyou,mylord,thathonourablegentleman,LordLucullus,entreatsyourcompanyto-morrowtohuntwithhim,andhassentyourhonourtwobraceofgreyhounds.

TIMON I'llhuntwithhim;andletthembereceived,Notwithoutfairreward.

FLAVIUS [Aside]Whatwillthiscometo?Hecommandsustoprovide,andgivegreatgifts,Andalloutofanemptycoffer:Norwillheknowhispurse,oryieldmethis,Toshowhimwhatabeggarhisheartis,

Beingofnopowertomakehiswishesgood:HispromisesflysobeyondhisstateThatwhathespeaksisallindebt;heowesForeveryword:heissokindthathenowPaysinterestfor't;hisland'sputtotheirbooks.Well,wouldIweregentlyputoutofofficeBeforeIwereforcedout!HappierishethathasnofriendtofeedThansuchthatdoe'enenemiesexceed.Ibleedinwardlyformylord.

[Exit]

TIMON YoudoyourselvesMuchwrong,youbatetoomuchofyourownmerits:Here,mylord,atrifleofourlove.

SecondLord WithmorethancommonthanksIwillreceiveit.

ThirdLord O,he'stheverysoulofbounty!

TIMON AndnowIremember,mylord,yougaveGoodwordstheotherdayofabaycourser



Irodeon:itisyours,becauseyoulikedit.

SecondLord O,Ibeseechyou,pardonme,mylord,inthat.

TIMON Youmaytakemyword,mylord;Iknow,nomanCanjustlypraisebutwhathedoesaffect:Iweighmyfriend'saffectionwithmineown;I'lltellyoutrue.I'llcalltoyou.

AllLords O,nonesowelcome.

TIMON ItakeallandyourseveralvisitationsSokindtoheart,'tisnotenoughtogive;Methinks,Icoulddealkingdomstomyfriends,Andne'erbeweary.Alcibiades,Thouartasoldier,thereforeseldomrich;Itcomesincharitytothee:forallthylivingIs'mongstthedead,andallthelandsthouhastLieinapitch'dfield.

ALCIBIADES Ay,defiledland,mylord.

FirstLord Wearesovirtuouslybound--

TIMON AndsoAmItoyou.

SecondLord Soinfinitelyendear'd--

TIMON Alltoyou.Lights,morelights!

FirstLord Thebestofhappiness,Honourandfortunes,keepwithyou,LordTimon!

TIMON Readyforhisfriends.

[ExeuntallbutAPEMANTUSandTIMON]

APEMANTUS Whatacoil'shere!Servingofbecksandjutting-outofbums!IdoubtwhethertheirlegsbeworththesumsThataregivenfor'em.Friendship'sfullofdregs:Methinks,falseheartsshouldneverhavesoundlegs,Thushonestfoolslayouttheirwealthoncourt'sies.

TIMON Now,Apemantus,ifthouwertnotsullen,Iwouldbegoodtothee.

APEMANTUS No,I'llnothing:forifIshouldbebribedtoo,therewouldbenonelefttorailuponthee,andthen

thouwouldstsinthefaster.Thougivestsolong,Timon,Ifearmethouwiltgiveawaythyselfinpapershortly:whatneedthesefeasts,pompsandvain-glories?

TIMON Nay,anyoubegintorailonsocietyonce,Iamswornnottogiveregardtoyou.Farewell;andcomewithbettermusic.

[Exit]



APEMANTUS So:Thouwiltnothearmenow;thoushaltnotthen:I'lllockthyheavenfromthee.O,thatmen'searsshouldbeTocounseldeaf,butnottoflattery!

[Exit]

TIMONOFATHENS

ACTII

SCENEI ASenator'shouse.

[EnterSenator,withpapersinhishand]

Senator Andlate,fivethousand:toVarroandtoIsidoreHeowesninethousand;besidesmyformersum,Whichmakesitfiveandtwenty.StillinmotionOfragingwaste?Itcannothold;itwillnot.IfIwantgold,stealbutabeggar'sdog,AndgiveitTimon,why,thedogcoinsgold.IfIwouldsellmyhorse,andbuytwentymoreBetterthanhe,why,givemyhorsetoTimon,Asknothing,giveithim,itfoalsme,straight,Andablehorses.Noporterathisgate,ButratheronethatsmilesandstillinvitesAllthatpassby.Itcannothold:noreasonCanfoundhisstateinsafety.Caphis,ho!

Caphis,Isay!

[EnterCAPHIS]

CAPHIS Here,sir;whatisyourpleasure?

Senator Getonyourcloak,andhasteyoutoLordTimon;Importunehimformymoneys;benotceasedWithslightdenial,northensilencedwhen--'Commendmetoyourmaster'--andthecapPlaysintherighthand,thus:buttellhim,Myusescrytome,ImustservemyturnOutofmineown;hisdaysandtimesarepast

AndmyreliancesonhisfracteddatesHavesmitmycredit:Iloveandhonourhim,Butmustnotbreakmybacktohealhisfinger;Immediatearemyneeds,andmyreliefMustnotbetoss'dandturn'dtomeinwords,Butfindsupplyimmediate.Getyougone:Putonamostimportunateaspect,Avisageofdemand;for,Idofear,Wheneveryfeathersticksinhisownwing,LordTimonwillbeleftanakedgull,



Whichflashesnowaphoenix.Getyougone.

CAPHIS Igo,sir.

Senator 'Igo,sir!'--Takethebondsalongwithyou,Andhavethedatesincontempt.

CAPHIS Iwill,sir.

Senator Go.

[Exeunt]

TIMONOFATHENS

ACTII

SCENEII Thesame.AhallinTimon'shouse.

[EnterFLAVIUS,withmanybillsinhishand]

FLAVIUS Nocare,nostop!sosenselessofexpense,Thathewillneitherknowhowtomaintainit,Norceasehisflowofriot:takesnoaccountHowthingsgofromhim,norresumesnocareOfwhatistocontinue:nevermindWastobesounwise,tobesokind.Whatshallbedone?hewillnothear,tillfeel:Imustberoundwithhim,nowhecomesfromhunting.Fie,fie,fie,fie!

[EnterCAPHIS,andtheServantsofIsidoreandVarro]

CAPHIS Goodeven,Varro:what,Youcomeformoney?

Varro'sServant Is'tnotyourbusinesstoo?

CAPHIS Itis:andyourstoo,Isidore?

Isidore'sServant Itisso.

CAPHIS Wouldwewerealldischarged!

Varro'sServant Ifearit.

CAPHIS Herecomesthelord.

[EnterTIMON,ALCIBIADES,andLords,&c]

TIMON Sosoonasdinner'sdone,we'llforthagain,MyAlcibiades.Withme?whatisyourwill?



CAPHIS Mylord,hereisanoteofcertaindues.

TIMON Dues!Whenceareyou?

CAPHIS OfAthenshere,mylord.

TIMON Gotomysteward.

CAPHIS Pleaseityourlordship,hehathputmeoffTothesuccessionofnewdaysthismonth:MymasterisawakedbygreatoccasionTocalluponhisown,andhumblypraysyouThatwithyourothernoblepartsyou'llsuitIngivinghimhisright.

TIMON Minehonestfriend,Iprithee,butrepairtomenextmorning.

CAPHIS Nay,goodmylord,--

TIMON Containthyself,goodfriend.

Varro'sServant OneVarro'sservant,mygoodlord,--

Isidore'sServant FromIsidore;Hehumblypraysyourspeedypayment.

CAPHIS Ifyoudidknow,mylord,mymaster'swants--

Varro'sServant 'Twasdueonforfeiture,mylord,sixweeksAndpast.

Isidore'sServant Yourstewardputsmeoff,mylord;AndIamsentexpresslytoyourlordship.

TIMON Givemebreath.Idobeseechyou,goodmylords,keepon;I'llwaituponyouinstantly.

[ExeuntALCIBIADESandLords]

[ToFLAVIUS]

Comehither:prayyou,Howgoestheworld,thatIamthusencounter'dWithclamourousdemandsofdate-brokebonds,Andthedetentionoflong-since-duedebts,Againstmyhonour?

FLAVIUS Pleaseyou,gentlemen,Thetimeisunagreeabletothisbusiness:

Yourimportunacyceasetillafterdinner,ThatImaymakehislordshipunderstandWhereforeyouarenotpaid.

TIMON Doso,myfriends.Seethemwellentertain'd.

[Exit]

FLAVIUS Pray,drawnear.



[Exit]

[EnterAPEMANTUSandFool]

CAPHIS Stay,stay,herecomesthefoolwithApemantus:let'sha'somesportwith'em.

Varro'sServant Hanghim,he'llabuseus.

Isidore'sServant Aplagueuponhim,dog!

Varro'sServant Howdost,fool?

APEMANTUS Dostdialoguewiththyshadow?

Varro'sServant Ispeaknottothee.

APEMANTUS No,'tistothyself.

[TotheFool]

Comeaway.

Isidore'sServant There'sthefoolhangsonyourbackalready.

APEMANTUS No,thoustand'stsingle,thou'rtnotonhimyet.

CAPHIS Where'sthefoolnow?

APEMANTUS Helastaskedthequestion.Poorrogues,andusurers'men!bawdsbetweengoldandwant!

AllServants Whatarewe,Apemantus?

APEMANTUS Asses.

AllServants Why?

APEMANTUS Thatyouaskmewhatyouare,anddonotknowyourselves.Speakto'em,fool.

Fool Howdoyou,gentlemen?

AllServants Gramercies,goodfool:howdoesyourmistress?

Fool She'se'ensettingonwatertoscaldsuchchickensasyouare.WouldwecouldseeyouatCorinth!

APEMANTUS Good!gramercy.

[EnterPage]

Fool Lookyou,herecomesmymistress'page.

Page [TotheFool]Why,hownow,captain!whatdoyouinthiswisecompany?Howdostthou,Apemantus?

APEMANTUS WouldIhadarodinmymouth,thatImightanswertheeprofitably.



Page Prithee,Apemantus,readmethesuperscriptionoftheseletters:Iknownotwhichiswhich.

APEMANTUS Canstnotread?

Page No.

APEMANTUS Therewilllittlelearningdiethen,thatdaythouarthanged.ThisistoLordTimon;thistoAlcibiades.Go;thouwastbornabastard,andthou'tdieabawd.

Page Thouwastwhelpedadog,andthoushaltfamishadog'sdeath.Answernot;Iamgone.

[Exit]

APEMANTUS E'ensothououtrunnestgrace.Fool,IwillgowithyoutoLordTimon's.

Fool Willyouleavemethere?

APEMANTUS IfTimonstayathome.Youthreeservethreeusurers?

AllServants Ay;wouldtheyservedus!

APEMANTUS SowouldI,--asgoodatrickaseverhangmanservedthief.

Fool Areyouthreeusurers'men?

AllServants Ay,fool.

Fool Ithinknousurerbuthasafooltohisservant:mymistressisone,andIamherfool.Whenmencometoborrowofyourmasters,theyapproachsadly,andgoawaymerry;buttheyentermymistress'housemerrily,andgoawaysadly:thereasonofthis?

Varro'sServant Icouldrenderone.

APEMANTUS Doitthen,thatwemayaccounttheeawhoremasterandaknave;whichnot-withstanding,thoushaltbenolessesteemed.

Varro'sServant Whatisawhoremaster,fool?

Fool Afoolingoodclothes,andsomethinglikethee.'Tisaspirit:sometime'tappearslikealord;sometimelikealawyer;sometimelikeaphilosopher,withtwostonesmoethan'sartificialone:heis

veryoftenlikeaknight;and,generally,inallshapesthatmangoesupanddowninfromfourscoretothirteen,thisspiritwalksin.

Varro'sServant Thouartnotaltogetherafool.

Fool Northoualtogetherawiseman:asmuchfooleryasIhave,somuchwitthoulackest.

APEMANTUS ThatanswermighthavebecomeApemantus.



AllServants Aside,aside;herecomesLordTimon.

[Re-enterTIMONandFLAVIUS]

APEMANTUS Comewithme,fool,come.

Fool Idonotalwaysfollowlover,elderbrotherandwoman;sometimethephilosopher.

[ExeuntAPEMANTUSandFool]

FLAVIUS Prayyou,walknear:I'llspeakwithyouanon.

[ExeuntServants]

TIMON Youmakememarvel:whereforeerethistimeHadyounotfullylaidmystatebeforeme,ThatImightsohaveratedmyexpense,AsIhadleaveofmeans?

FLAVIUS Youwouldnothearme,AtmanyleisuresIproposed.

TIMON Goto:Perchancesomesinglevantagesyoutook.Whenmyindispositionputyouback:Andthatunaptnessmadeyourminister,Thustoexcuseyourself.

FLAVIUS Omygoodlord,AtmanytimesIbroughtinmyaccounts,Laidthembeforeyou;youwouldthrowthemoff,Andsay,youfoundtheminminehonesty.When,forsometriflingpresent,youhavebidmeReturnsomuch,Ihaveshookmyheadandwept;Yea,'gainsttheauthorityofmanners,pray'dyou

Toholdyourhandmoreclose:IdidendureNotseldom,nornoslightcheques,whenIhavePromptedyouintheebbofyourestateAndyourgreatflowofdebts.Mylovedlord,Thoughyouhearnow,toolate--yetnow'satime--ThegreatestofyourhavinglacksahalfTopayyourpresentdebts.

TIMON Letallmylandbesold.

FLAVIUS 'Tisallengaged,someforfeitedandgone;AndwhatremainswillhardlystopthemouthOfpresentdues:thefuturecomesapace:

Whatshalldefendtheinterim?andatlengthHowgoesourreckoning?

TIMON ToLacedaemondidmylandextend.

FLAVIUS Omygoodlord,theworldisbutaword:Wereitallyourstogiveitinabreath,Howquicklywereitgone!

TIMON Youtellmetrue.



FLAVIUS Ifyoususpectmyhusbandryorfalsehood,CallmebeforetheexactestauditorsAndsetmeontheproof.Sothegodsblessme,Whenallourofficeshavebeenoppress'dWithriotousfeeders,whenourvaultshaveweptWithdrunkenspilthofwine,wheneveryroomHathblazedwithlightsandbray'dwithminstrelsy,Ihaveretiredmetoawastefulcock,Andsetmineeyesatflow.

TIMON Prithee,nomore.

FLAVIUS Heavens,haveIsaid,thebountyofthislord!HowmanyprodigalbitshaveslavesandpeasantsThisnightenglutted!WhoisnotTimon's?Whatheart,head,sword,force,means,butisLordTimon's?GreatTimon,noble,worthy,royalTimon!Ah,whenthemeansaregonethatbuythispraise,Thebreathisgonewhereofthispraiseismade:Feast-won,fast-lost;onecloudofwintershowers,Thesefliesarecouch'd.

TIMON Come,sermonmenofurther:Novillanousbountyyethathpass'dmyheart;Unwisely,notignobly,haveIgiven.Whydostthouweep?Canstthoutheconsciencelack,TothinkIshalllackfriends?Securethyheart;IfIwouldbroachthevesselsofmylove,Andtrytheargumentofheartsbyborrowing,Menandmen'sfortunescouldIfranklyuseAsIcanbidtheespeak.

FLAVIUS Assuranceblessyourthoughts!

TIMON And,insomesort,thesewantsofminearecrown'd,

ThatIaccountthemblessings;forbytheseShallItryfriends:youshallperceivehowyouMistakemyfortunes;Iamwealthyinmyfriends.Withinthere!Flaminius!Servilius!

[EnterFLAMINIUS,SERVILIUS,andotherServants]

Servants Mylord?mylord?

TIMON Iwilldispatchyouseverally;youtoLordLucius;toLordLucullusyou:Ihuntedwithhishonourto-day:you,toSempronius:commendmetotheirloves,and,Iamproud,say,thatmyoccasionshave

foundtimetouse'emtowardasupplyofmoney:lettherequestbefiftytalents.

FLAMINIUS Asyouhavesaid,mylord.

FLAVIUS [Aside]LordLuciusandLucullus?hum!

TIMON Goyou,sir,tothesenators--Ofwhom,eventothestate'sbesthealth,IhaveDeservedthishearing--bid'emsendo'theinstant



Athousandtalentstome.

FLAVIUS Ihavebeenbold--ForthatIknewitthemostgeneralway--Tothemtouseyoursignetandyourname;Buttheydoshaketheirheads,andIamhereNoricherinreturn.

TIMON Is'ttrue?can'tbe?

FLAVIUS Theyanswer,inajointandcorporatevoice,Thatnowtheyareatfall,wanttreasure,cannotDowhattheywould;aresorry--youarehonourable,--Butyettheycouldhavewish'd--theyknownot--Somethinghathbeenamiss--anoblenatureMaycatchawrench--wouldallwerewell--'tispity;--Andso,intendingotherseriousmatters,Afterdistastefullooksandthesehardfractions,Withcertainhalf-capsandcold-movingnodsTheyfrozemeintosilence.

TIMON Yougods,rewardthem!Prithee,man,lookcheerly.TheseoldfellowsHavetheiringratitudeinthemhereditary:

Theirbloodiscaked,'tiscold,itseldomflows;'Tislackofkindlywarmththeyarenotkind;Andnature,asitgrowsagaintowardearth,Isfashion'dforthejourney,dullandheavy.

[ToaServant]

GotoVentidius.

[ToFLAVIUS]

Prithee,benotsad,Thouarttrueandhonest;ingeniouslyIspeak.

Noblamebelongstothee.

[ToServant]

VentidiuslatelyBuriedhisfather;bywhosedeathhe'sstepp'dIntoagreatestate:whenhewaspoor,Imprison'dandinscarcityoffriends,Iclear'dhimwithfivetalents:greethimfromme;BidhimsupposesomegoodnecessityToucheshisfriend,whichcravestoberemember'dWiththosefivetalents.

[ExitServant]

[ToFLAVIUS]

Thathad,give'tthesefellowsTowhom'tisinstantdue.Ne'erspeak,orthink,ThatTimon'sfortunes'monghisfriendscansink.

FLAVIUS IwouldIcouldnotthinkit:thatthoughtisbounty'sfoe;



Beingfreeitself,itthinksallothersso.

[Exeunt]

TIMONOFATHENS

ACTIII

SCENEI AroominLucullus'house.

[FLAMINIUSwaiting.EnteraServanttohim]

Servant Ihavetoldmylordofyou;heiscomingdowntoyou.

FLAMINIUS Ithankyou,sir.

[EnterLUCULLUS]

Servant Here'smylord.

LUCULLUS [Aside]OneofLordTimon'smen?agift,Iwarrant.Why,thishitsright;Idreamtofasilverbasinandewerto-night.Flaminius,honestFlaminius;youareveryrespectivelywelcome,sir.Fillmesomewine.

[ExitServants]

Andhowdoesthathonourable,complete,free-heartedgentlemanofAthens,thyverybountifulgoodlord

andmaster?

FLAMINIUS Hishealthiswellsir.

LUCULLUS Iamrightgladthathishealthiswell,sir:andwhathastthouthereunderthycloak,prettyFlaminius?

FLAMINIUS 'Faith,nothingbutanemptybox,sir;which,inmylord'sbehalf,Icometoentreatyourhonourtosupply;who,havinggreatandinstantoccasiontousefiftytalents,hathsenttoyourlordshiptofurnishhim,nothingdoubtingyourpresentassistancetherein.

LUCULLUS La,la,la,la!'nothingdoubting,'sayshe?Alas,goodlord!anoblegentleman'tis,ifhewouldnotkeepsogoodahouse.ManyatimeandoftenIha'dinedwithhim,andtoldhimon't,andcomeagaintosuppertohim,ofpurposetohavehimspendless,andyethewouldembracenocounsel,takenowarningbymycoming.Everymanhashisfault,andhonestyishis:Iha'toldhimon't,butIcouldne'ergethimfrom't.



[Re-enterServant,withwine]

Servant Pleaseyourlordship,hereisthewine.

LUCULLUS Flaminius,Ihavenotedtheealwayswise.Here'stothee.

FLAMINIUS Yourlordshipspeaksyourpleasure.

LUCULLUS Ihaveobservedtheealwaysforatowardlypromptspirit--givetheethydue--andonethatknowswhatbelongstoreason;andcanstusethetimewell,ifthetimeusetheewell:goodpartsinthee.

[ToServant]

Getyougone,sirrah.

[ExitServant]

Drawnearer,honestFlaminius.Thylord'sabountifulgentleman:butthouartwise;andthouknowestwellenough,althoughthoucomesttome,thatthisisnotimetolendmoney,especiallyupon

barefriendship,withoutsecurity.Here'sthreesolidaresforthee:goodboy,winkatme,andsaythousawestmenot.Faretheewell.

FLAMINIUS Is'tpossibletheworldshouldsomuchdiffer,Andwealivethatlived?Fly,damnedbaseness,Tohimthatworshipsthee!

[Throwingthemoneyback]

LUCULLUS Ha!nowIseethouartafool,andfitforthymaster.

[Exit]

FLAMINIUS Maytheseaddtothenumberthatmayscaldthee!Letmoultencoinbethydamnation,Thoudiseaseofafriend,andnothimself!Hasfriendshipsuchafaintandmilkyheart,Itturnsinlessthantwonights?Oyougods,Ifeelmaster'spassion!thisslave,Untohishonour,hasmylord'smeatinhim:Whyshoulditthriveandturntonutriment,Whenheisturn'dtopoison?O,maydiseasesonlyworkupon't!And,whenhe'ssicktodeath,letnotthatpartofnatureWhichmylordpaidfor,beofanypower

Toexpelsickness,butprolonghishour!

[Exit]

TIMONOFATHENS



ACTIII

SCENEII Apublicplace.

[EnterLUCILIUS,withthreeStrangers]

LUCILIUS Who,theLordTimon?heismyverygoodfriend,andanhonourablegentleman.

FirstStranger Weknowhimfornoless,thoughwearebutstrangerstohim.ButIcantellyouonething,mylord,andwhichIhearfromcommonrumours:nowLordTimon'shappyhoursaredoneandpast,andhisestateshrinksfromhim.

LUCILIUS Fie,no,donotbelieveit;hecannotwantformoney.

SecondStranger Butbelieveyouthis,mylord,that,notlongago,oneofhismenwaswiththeLordLucullustoborrowsomanytalents,nay,urgedextremelyfor'tandshowedwhatnecessitybelongedto't,andyetwasdenied.

LUCILIUS How!

SecondStranger Itellyou,denied,mylord.

LUCILIUS Whatastrangecasewasthat!now,beforethegods,Iamashamedon't.Deniedthathonourableman!therewasverylittlehonourshowedin't.Formyownpart,Imustneedsconfess,Ihavereceivedsomesmallkindnessesfromhim,asmoney,plate,jewelsandsuch-liketrifles,nothingcomparingtohis;yet,hadhemistookhimandsenttome,Ishouldne'erhavedeniedhisoccasionsomanytalents.

[EnterSERVILIUS]

SERVILIUS See,bygoodhap,yonder'smylord;Ihavesweattoseehishonour.Myhonouredlord,--

[ToLUCIUS]

LUCILIUS Servilius!youarekindlymet,sir.Faretheewell:commendmetothyhonourablevirtuouslord,myveryexquisitefriend.

SERVILIUS Mayitpleaseyourhonour,mylordhathsent--

LUCILIUS Ha!whathashesent?Iamsomuchendearedtothatlord;he'seversending:howshallIthankhim,thinkestthou?Andwhathashesentnow?

SERVILIUS Hasonlysenthispresentoccasionnow,mylord;requestingyourlordshiptosupplyhisinstantusewithsomanytalents.

LUCILIUS Iknowhislordshipisbutmerrywithme;



Hecannotwantfiftyfivehundredtalents.

SERVILIUS Butinthemeantimehewantsless,mylord.Ifhisoccasionwerenotvirtuous,Ishouldnoturgeithalfsofaithfully.

LUCILIUS Dostthouspeakseriously,Servilius?

SERVILIUS Uponmysoul,'tistrue,sir.

LUCILIUS WhatawickedbeastwasItodisfurnishmyselfagainstsuchagoodtime,whenImightha'shownmyselfhonourable!howunluckilyithappened,thatIshouldpurchasethedaybeforeforalittlepart,andundoagreatdealofhonoured!Servilius,now,beforethegods,Iamnotabletodo,--themorebeast,Isay:--IwassendingtouseLordTimonmyself,thesegentlemencanwitness!butIwouldnot,forthewealthofAthens,Ihaddone'tnow.Commendmebountifullytohisgoodlordship;andIhopehishonourwillconceivethefairestofme,becauseIhavenopowertobekind:andtellhimthisfromme,Icountitoneofmygreatestafflictions,say,thatIcannotpleasuresuchan

honourablegentleman.GoodServilius,willyoubefriendmesofar,astousemineownwordstohim?

SERVILIUS Yes,sir,Ishall.

LUCILIUS I'lllookyououtagoodturn,Servilius.

[ExitSERVILIUS]

Trueasyousaid,Timonisshrunkindeed;Andhethat'soncedeniedwillhardlyspeed.

[Exit]

FirstStranger Doyouobservethis,Hostilius?

SecondStranger Ay,toowell.

FirstStranger Why,thisistheworld'ssoul;andjustofthesamepieceIseveryflatterer'sspirit.WhocancallhimHisfriendthatdipsinthesamedish?for,inMyknowing,Timonhasbeenthislord'sfather,Andkepthiscreditwithhispurse,Supportedhisestate;nay,Timon'smoneyHaspaidhismentheirwages:hene'erdrinks,

ButTimon'ssilvertreadsuponhislip;Andyet--O,seethemonstrousnessofmanWhenhelooksoutinanungratefulshape!--Hedoesdenyhim,inrespectofhis,Whatcharitablemenaffordtobeggars.

ThirdStranger Religiongroansatit.

FirstStranger Formineownpart,InevertastedTimoninmylife,



Norcameanyofhisbountiesoverme,Tomarkmeforhisfriend;yet,Iprotest,Forhisrightnoblemind,illustriousvirtueAndhonourablecarriage,Hadhisnecessitymadeuseofme,Iwouldhaveputmywealthintodonation,Andthebesthalfshouldhavereturn'dtohim,SomuchIlovehisheart:but,Iperceive,Menmustlearnnowwithpitytodispense;Forpolicysitsaboveconscience.

[Exeunt]

TIMONOFATHENS

ACTIII

SCENEIII AroominSempronius'house.

[EnterSEMPRONIUS,andaServantofTIMON's]

SEMPRONIUS Mustheneedstroublemein't,--hum!--'boveallothers?HemighthavetriedLordLuciusorLucullus;AndnowVentidiusiswealthytoo,Whomheredeem'dfromprison:alltheseOwetheirestatesuntohim.

Servant Mylord,Theyhaveallbeentouch'dandfoundbasemetal,for

Theyhaveaudeniedhim.

SEMPRONIUS How!havetheydeniedhim?HasVentidiusandLucullusdeniedhim?Anddoeshesendtome?Three?hum!Itshowsbutlittleloveorjudgmentinhim:MustIbehislastrefuge!Hisfriends,likephysicians,Thrive,givehimover:mustItakethecureuponme?Hasmuchdisgracedmein't;I'mangryathim,Thatmighthaveknownmyplace:Iseenosensefor't,Buthisoccasionmighthavewoo'dmefirst;For,inmyconscience,Iwasthefirstman

Thate'erreceivedgiftfromhim:Anddoeshethinksobackwardlyofmenow,ThatI'llrequiteitslast?No:SoitmayproveanargumentoflaughterTotherest,and'mongstlordsIbethoughtafool.I'ldratherthantheworthofthricethesum,Hadsenttomefirst,butformymind'ssake;I'dsuchacouragetodohimgood.Butnowreturn,Andwiththeirfaintreplythisanswerjoin;Whobatesminehonourshallnotknowmycoin.



[Exit]

Servant Excellent!Yourlordship'sagoodlyvillain.Thedevilknewnotwhathedidwhenhemademanpolitic;hecrossedhimselfby't:andIcannotthinkbut,intheend,thevillainiesofmanwillsethimclear.Howfairlythislordstrivestoappearfoul!takesvirtuouscopiestobewicked,likethosethatunderhotardentzealwouldsetwholerealmsonfire:Ofsuchanatureishispoliticlove.Thiswasmylord'sbesthope;nowallarefled,Saveonlythegods:nowhisfriendsaredead,Doors,thatwerene'eracquaintedwiththeirwardsManyabounteousyearmustbeemploy'dNowtoguardsuretheirmaster.Andthisisallaliberalcourseallows;Whocannotkeephiswealthmustkeephishouse.

[Exit]

TIMONOFATHENS

ACTIII

SCENEIV Thesame.AhallinTimon'shouse.

[EntertwoServantsofVarro,andtheServantofLUCIUS,meetingTITUS,HORTENSIUS,andother

ServantsofTIMON'screditors,waitinghiscomingout]

Varro'sFirstServant Wellmet;goodmorrow,TitusandHortensius.

TITUS TheliketoyoukindVarro.

HORTENSIUS Lucius!What,dowemeettogether?

Lucilius'Servant Ay,andIthinkOnebusinessdoescommandusall;formineIsmoney.

TITUS Soistheirsandours.

[EnterPHILOTUS]

Lucilius'Servant AndSirPhilotustoo!

PHILOTUS Gooddayatonce.

Lucilius'Servant Welcome,goodbrother.Whatdoyouthinkthehour?



PHILOTUS Labouringfornine.

Lucilius'Servant Somuch?

PHILOTUS Isnotmylordseenyet?

Lucilius'Servant Notyet.

PHILOTUS Iwonderon't;hewaswonttoshineatseven.

Lucilius'Servant Ay,butthedaysarewax'dshorterwithhim:YoumustconsiderthataprodigalcourseIslikethesun's;butnot,likehis,recoverable.Ifear'tisdeepestwinterinLordTimon'spurse;Thatisonemayreachdeepenough,andyetFindlittle.

PHILOTUS Iamofyourfearforthat.

TITUS I'llshowyouhowtoobserveastrangeevent.Yourlordsendsnowformoney.

HORTENSIUS Mosttrue,hedoes.

TITUS AndhewearsjewelsnowofTimon'sgift,ForwhichIwaitformoney.

HORTENSIUS Itisagainstmyheart.

Lucilius'Servant Mark,howstrangeitshows,Timoninthisshouldpaymorethanheowes:Ande'enasifyourlordshouldwearrichjewels,Andsendformoneyfor'em.

HORTENSIUS I'mwearyofthischarge,thegodscanwitness:IknowmylordhathspentofTimon'swealth,

Andnowingratitudemakesitworsethanstealth.

Varro'sFirstServant Yes,mine'sthreethousandcrowns:what'syours?

Lucilius'Servant Fivethousandmine.

Varro'sFirstServant 'Tismuchdeep:anditshouldseembythesun,

Yourmaster'sconfidencewasabovemine;Else,surely,hishadequall'd.

EnterFLAMINIUS.

TITUS OneofLordTimon'smen.

Lucilius'Servant Flaminius!Sir,aword:pray,ismylordreadytocomeforth?

FLAMINIUS No,indeed,heisnot.

TITUS Weattendhislordship;pray,signifysomuch.



FLAMINIUS Ineednottellhimthat;heknowsyouaretoodiligent.

[Exit]

[EnterFLAVIUSinacloak,muffled]

Lucilius'Servant Ha!isnotthathisstewardmuffledso?Hegoesawayinacloud:callhim,callhim.

TITUS Doyouhear,sir?

Varro'sSecondServant Byyourleave,sir,--

FLAVIUS Whatdoyeaskofme,myfriend?

TITUS Wewaitforcertainmoneyhere,sir.

FLAVIUS Ay,Ifmoneywereascertainasyourwaiting,'Tweresureenough.Whythenpreferr'dyounotyoursumsandbills,Whenyourfalsemasterseatofmylord'smeat?Thentheycouldsmileandfawnuponhisdebts

Andtakedowntheinterestintotheirgluttonousmaws.Youdoyourselvesbutwrongtostirmeup;Letmepassquietly:Believe't,mylordandIhavemadeanend;Ihavenomoretoreckon,hetospend.

Lucilius'Servant Ay,butthisanswerwillnotserve.

FLAVIUS If'twillnotserve,'tisnotsobaseasyou;Foryouserveknaves.

[Exit]

Varro'sFirstServant How!whatdoeshiscashieredworshipmutter?

Varro'sSecondServant Nomatterwhat;he'spoor,andthat'srevenge

enough.Whocanspeakbroaderthanhethathasnohousetoputhisheadin?suchmayrailagainstgreatbuildings.

[EnterSERVILIUS]

TITUS O,here'sServilius;nowweshallknowsomeanswer.

SERVILIUS IfImightbeseechyou,gentlemen,torepairsomeotherhour,Ishouldderivemuchfrom't;for,take'tofmysoul,mylordleanswondrouslytodiscontent:hiscomfortabletemperhasforsookhim;he'smuchoutofhealth,andkeepshischamber.

Lucilius'Servant:Manydokeeptheirchambersarenotsick:And,ifitbesofarbeyondhishealth,Methinksheshouldthesoonerpayhisdebts,



Andmakeaclearwaytothegods.

SERVILIUS Goodgods!

TITUS Wecannottakethisforanswer,sir.

FLAMINIUS [Within]Servilius,help!Mylord!mylord!

[EnterTIMON,inarage,FLAMINIUSfollowing]

TIMON What,aremydoorsopposedagainstmypassage?HaveIbeeneverfree,andmustmyhouseBemyretentiveenemy,mygaol?TheplacewhichIhavefeasted,doesitnow,Likeallmankind,showmeanironheart?

Lucilius'Servant Putinnow,Titus.

TITUS Mylord,hereismybill.

Lucilius'Servant Here'smine.

HORTENSIUS Andmine,mylord.

BothVarro'sServants Andours,mylord.

PHILOTUS Allourbills.

TIMON Knockmedownwith'em:cleavemetothegirdle.

Lucilius'Servant Alas,mylord,-

TIMON Cutmyheartinsums.

TITUS Mine,fiftytalents.

TIMON Telloutmyblood.

Lucilius'Servant Fivethousandcrowns,mylord.

TIMON Fivethousanddropspaysthat.Whatyours?--andyours?

Varro'sFirstServant Mylord,--

Varro'sSecondServant Mylord,--

TIMON Tearme,takeme,andthegodsfalluponyou!

[Exit]

HORTENSIUS 'Faith,Iperceiveourmastersmaythrowtheircapsattheirmoney:thesedebtsmaywellbecalleddesperateones,foramadmanowes'em.

[Exeunt]



[Re-enterTIMONandFLAVIUS]

TIMON Theyhavee'enputmybreathfromme,theslaves.Creditors?devils!

FLAVIUS Mydearlord,--

TIMON Whatifitshouldbeso?

FLAVIUS Mylord,--

TIMON I'llhaveitso.Mysteward!

FLAVIUS Here,mylord.

TIMON Sofitly?Go,bidallmyfriendsagain,Lucius,Lucullus,andSempronius:All,sirrah,all:I'lloncemorefeasttherascals.

FLAVIUS Omylord,Youonlyspeakfromyourdistractedsoul;Thereisnotsomuchleft,tofurnishoutAmoderatetable.

TIMON Be'tnotinthycare;go,Ichargethee,invitethemall:letinthetideOfknavesoncemore;mycookandI'llprovide.

[Exeunt]

TIMONOFATHENS

ACTIII

SCENEV Thesame.Thesenate-house.TheSenatesitting.

FirstSenator Mylord,youhavemyvoicetoit;thefault'sBloody;'tisnecessaryheshoulddie:Nothingemboldenssinsomuchasmercy.

SecondSenator Mosttrue;thelawshallbruisehim.

[EnterALCIBIADES,withAttendants]

ALCIBIADES Honour,health,andcompassiontothesenate!

FirstSenator Now,captain?

ALCIBIADES Iamanhumblesuitortoyourvirtues;Forpityisthevirtueofthelaw,Andnonebuttyrantsuseitcruelly.Itpleasestimeandfortunetolieheavy



Uponafriendofmine,who,inhotblood,Hathstepp'dintothelaw,whichispastdepthTothosethat,withoutheed,doplungeinto't.Heisaman,settinghisfateaside,Ofcomelyvirtues:Nordidhesoilthefactwithcowardice--Anhonourinhimwhichbuysouthisfault--Butwithanoblefuryandfairspirit,Seeinghisreputationtouch'dtodeath,Hedidopposehisfoe:AndwithsuchsoberandunnotedpassionHedidbehavehisanger,ere'twasspent,Asifhehadbutprovedanargument.

FirstSenator Youundergotoostrictaparadox,Strivingtomakeanuglydeedlookfair:Yourwordshavetooksuchpainsasiftheylabour'dTobringmanslaughterintoformandsetquarrellingUpontheheadofvalour;whichindeedIsvalourmisbegotandcameintotheworldWhensectsandfactionswerenewlyborn:He'strulyvaliantthatcanwiselysufferTheworstthatmancanbreathe,andmakehiswrongsHisoutsides,towearthemlikehisraiment,

carelessly,Andne'erpreferhisinjuriestohisheart,Tobringitintodanger.Ifwrongsbeevilsandenforceuskill,Whatfolly'tistohazardlifeforill!

ALCIBIADES Mylord,--

FirstSenator Youcannotmakegrosssinslookclear:Torevengeisnovalour,buttobear.

ALCIBIADES Mylords,then,underfavour,pardonme,IfIspeaklikeacaptain.

Whydofondmenexposethemselvestobattle,Andnotendureallthreats?sleepupon't,Andletthefoesquietlycuttheirthroats,Withoutrepugnancy?IftherebeSuchvalourinthebearing,whatmakeweAbroad?whythen,womenaremorevaliantThatstayathome,ifbearingcarryit,Andtheassmorecaptainthanthelion,thefelonLoadenwithironswiserthanthejudge,Ifwisdombeinsuffering.Omylords,Asyouaregreat,bepitifullygood:Whocannotcondemnrashnessincoldblood?Tokill,Igrant,issin'sextremestgust;

But,indefence,bymercy,'tismostjust.Tobeinangerisimpiety;Butwhoismanthatisnotangry?Weighbutthecrimewiththis.

SecondSenator Youbreatheinvain.

ALCIBIADES Invain!hisservicedoneAtLacedaemonandByzantiumWereasufficientbriberforhislife.



FirstSenator What'sthat?

ALCIBIADES Isay,mylords,hehasdonefairservice,Andslaininfightmanyofyourenemies:HowfullofvalourdidhebearhimselfInthelastconflict,andmadeplenteouswounds!

SecondSenator Hehasmadetoomuchplentywith'em;He'saswornrioter:hehasasinthatoftenDrownshim,andtakeshisvalourprisoner:Iftherewerenofoes,thatwereenoughToovercomehim:inthatbeastlyfuryHehasbeenknowntocommitoutrages,Andcherishfactions:'tisinferr'dtous,Hisdaysarefoulandhisdrinkdangerous.

FirstSenator Hedies.

ALCIBIADES Hardfate!hemighthavediedinwar.Mylords,ifnotforanypartsinhim--ThoughhisrightarmmightpurchasehisowntimeAndbeindebttonone--yet,moretomoveyou,Takemydesertstohis,andjoin'emboth:

And,forIknowyourreverendagesloveSecurity,I'llpawnmyvictories,allMyhonourstoyou,uponhisgoodreturns.Ifbythiscrimeheowesthelawhislife,Why,letthewarreceive'tinvaliantgoreForlawisstrict,andwarisnothingmore.

FirstSenator Weareforlaw:hedies;urgeitnomore,Onheightofourdispleasure:friendorbrother,Heforfeitshisownbloodthatspillsanother.

ALCIBIADES Mustitbeso?itmustnotbe.Mylords,Idobeseechyou,knowme.

SecondSenator How!

ALCIBIADES Callmetoyourremembrances.

ThirdSenator What!

ALCIBIADES Icannotthinkbutyouragehasforgotme;Itcouldnotelsebe,Ishouldprovesobase,Tosue,andbedeniedsuchcommongrace:Mywoundsacheatyou.

FirstSenator Doyoudareouranger?

'Tisinfewwords,butspaciousineffect;Webanishtheeforever.

ALCIBIADES Banishme!Banishyourdotage;banishusury,Thatmakesthesenateugly.

FirstSenator If,aftertwodays'shine,Athenscontainthee,Attendourweightierjudgment.And,nottoswellourspirit,



Heshallbeexecutedpresently.

[ExeuntSenators]

ALCIBIADES Nowthegodskeepyouoldenough;thatyoumayliveOnlyinbone,thatnonemaylookonyou!I'mworsethanmad:Ihavekeptbacktheirfoes,WhiletheyhavetoldtheirmoneyandletoutTheircoinuponlargeinterest,ImyselfRichonlyinlargehurts.Allthoseforthis?IsthisthebalsamthattheusuringsenatePoursintocaptains'wounds?Banishment!Itcomesnotill;Ihatenottobebanish'd;Itisacauseworthymyspleenandfury,ThatImaystrikeatAthens.I'llcheerupMydiscontentedtroops,andlayforhearts.'Tishonourwithmostlandstobeatodds;Soldiersshouldbrookaslittlewrongsasgods.

[Exit]

TIMONOFATHENS

ACTIII

SCENEVI Thesame.Abanqueting-roominTimon'shouse.

[Music.Tablessetout:Servantsattending.EnterdiversLords,Senatorsandothers,atseveraldoors]

FirstLord Thegoodtimeofdaytoyou,sir.

SecondLord Ialsowishittoyou.Ithinkthishonourablelorddidbuttryusthisotherday.

FirstLord Uponthatweremythoughtstiring,whenweencountered:Ihopeitisnotsolowwithhimashemadeitseeminthetrialofhisseveralfriends.

SecondLord Itshouldnotbe,bythepersuasionofhisnewfeasting.

FirstLord Ishouldthinkso:hehathsentmeanearnest

inviting,whichmanymynearoccasionsdidurgemetoputoff;buthehathconjuredmebeyondthem,andImustneedsappear.

SecondLord InlikemannerwasIindebttomyimportunatebusiness,buthewouldnothearmyexcuse.Iamsorry,whenhesenttoborrowofme,thatmyprovisionwasout.

FirstLord Iamsickofthatgrieftoo,asIunderstandhowall



thingsgo.

SecondLord Everymanhere'sso.Whatwouldhehaveborrowedofyou?

FirstLord Athousandpieces.

SecondLord Athousandpieces!

FirstLord Whatofyou?

SecondLord Hesenttome,sir,--Herehecomes.

[EnterTIMONandAttendants]

TIMON Withallmyheart,gentlemenboth;andhowfareyou?

FirstLord Everatthebest,hearingwellofyourlordship.

SecondLord Theswallowfollowsnotsummermorewillingthanweyourlordship.

TIMON [Aside]Normorewillinglyleaveswinter;suchsummer-birdsaremen.Gentlemen,ourdinnerwillnot

recompensethislongstay:feastyourearswiththemusicawhile,iftheywillfaresoharshlyo'thetrumpet'ssound;weshallto'tpresently.

FirstLord IhopeitremainsnotunkindlywithyourlordshipthatIreturnedyouanemptymessenger.

TIMON O,sir,letitnottroubleyou.

SecondLord Mynoblelord,--

TIMON Ah,mygoodfriend,whatcheer?

SecondLord Mymosthonourablelord,Iame'ensickofshame,that,whenyourlordshipthisotherdaysenttome,Iwassounfortunateabeggar.

TIMON Thinknoton't,sir.

SecondLord Ifyouhadsentbuttwohoursbefore,--

TIMON Letitnotcumberyourbetterremembrance.

[Thebanquetbroughtin]

Come,bringinalltogether.

SecondLord Allcovereddishes!

FirstLord Royalcheer,Iwarrantyou.

ThirdLord Doubtnotthat,ifmoneyandtheseasoncanyieldit.

FirstLord Howdoyou?What'sthenews?



ThirdLord Alcibiadesisbanished:hearyouofit?

FirstLord ||Alcibiadesbanished!

SecondLord |

ThirdLord 'Tisso,besureofit.

FirstLord How!how!

SecondLord Iprayyou,uponwhat?

TIMON Myworthyfriends,willyoudrawnear?

ThirdLord I'lltellyoumoreanon.Here'sanoblefeasttoward.

SecondLord Thisistheoldmanstill.

ThirdLord Will'thold?will'thold?

SecondLord Itdoes:buttimewill--andso--

ThirdLord Idoconceive.

TIMON Eachmantohisstool,withthatspurashewouldtothelipofhismistress:yourdietshallbeinallplacesalike.Makenotacityfeastofit,toletthemeatcoolerewecanagreeuponthefirstplace:sit,sit.Thegodsrequireourthanks.

Yougreatbenefactors,sprinkleoursocietywiththankfulness.Foryourowngifts,makeyourselvespraised:butreservestilltogive,lestyourdeitiesbedespised.Lendtoeachmanenough,thatoneneednotlendtoanother;for,wereyour

godheadstoborrowofmen,menwouldforsakethegods.Makethemeatbebelovedmorethanthemanthatgivesit.Letnoassemblyoftwentybewithoutascoreofvillains:iftheresittwelvewomenatthetable,letadozenofthembe--astheyare.Therestofyourfees,Ogods--thesenatorsofAthens,togetherwiththecommonlagofpeople--whatisamissinthem,yougods,makesuitablefordestruction.Forthesemypresentfriends,astheyaretomenothing,soinnothingblessthem,andtonothingaretheywelcome.

Uncover,dogs,andlap.

[Thedishesareuncoveredandseentobefullofwarmwater]

SomeSpeak Whatdoeshislordshipmean?

SomeOthers Iknownot.

TIMON Mayyouabetterfeastneverbehold,Youknotofmouth-friendsIsmokeandlukewarmwater



Isyourperfection.ThisisTimon'slast;Who,stuckandspangledwithyourflatteries,Washesitoff,andsprinklesinyourfacesYourreekingvillany.

[Throwingthewaterintheirfaces]

Liveloathedandlong,Mostsmiling,smooth,detestedparasites,Courteousdestroyers,affablewolves,meekbears,Youfoolsoffortune,trencher-friends,time'sflies,Capandkneeslaves,vapours,andminute-jacks!OfmanandbeasttheinfinitemaladyCrustyouquiteo'er!What,dostthougo?Soft!takethyphysicfirst--thoutoo--andthou;--Stay,Iwilllendtheemoney,borrownone.

[Throwsthedishesatthem,anddrivesthemout]

What,allinmotion?Henceforthbenofeast,Whereatavillain'snotawelcomeguest.Burn,house!sink,Athens!henceforthhatedbeOfTimonmanandallhumanity!

[Exit]

[Re-entertheLords,Senators,&c]

FirstLord Hownow,mylords!

SecondLord KnowyouthequalityofLordTimon'sfury?

ThirdLord Push!didyouseemycap?

FourthLord Ihavelostmygown.

FirstLord He'sbutamadlord,andnoughtbuthumourswayshim.

Hegavemeajewelth'otherday,andnowhehasbeatitoutofmyhat:didyouseemyjewel?

ThirdLord Didyouseemycap?

SecondLord Here'tis.

FourthLord Hereliesmygown.

FirstLord Let'smakenostay.

SecondLord LordTimon'smad.

ThirdLord Ifeel'tuponmybones.

FourthLord Onedayhegivesusdiamonds,nextdaystones.

[Exeunt]

TIMONOFATHENS



ACTIV

SCENEI WithoutthewallsofAthens.

[EnterTIMON]

TIMON Letmelookbackuponthee.Othouwall,Thatgirdlestinthosewolves,diveintheearth,AndfencenotAthens!Matrons,turnincontinent!Obediencefailinchildren!slavesandfools,Pluckthegravewrinkledsenatefromthebench,Andministerintheirsteads!togeneralfilthsConverto'theinstant,greenvirginity,Do'tinyourparents'eyes!bankrupts,holdfast;Ratherthanrenderback,outwithyourknives,Andcutyourtrusters'throats!boundservants,steal!Large-handedrobbersyourgravemastersare,Andpillbylaw.Maid,tothymaster'sbed;Thymistressiso'thebrothel!Sonofsixteen,

pluckthelinedcrutchfromthyoldlimpingsire,Withitbeatouthisbrains!Piety,andfear,Religiontothegods,peace,justice,truth,Domesticawe,night-rest,andneighbourhood,Instruction,manners,mysteries,andtrades,Degrees,observances,customs,andlaws,Declinetoyourconfoundingcontraries,Andletconfusionlive!Plagues,incidenttomen,YourpotentandinfectiousfeversheapOnAthens,ripeforstroke!Thoucoldsciatica,Crippleoursenators,thattheirlimbsmayhaltAslamelyastheirmanners.LustandlibertyCreepinthemindsandmarrowsofouryouth,

That'gainstthestreamofvirtuetheymaystrive,Anddrownthemselvesinriot!Itches,blains,SowalltheAthenianbosoms;andtheircropBegeneralleprosy!Breathinfectbreath,attheirsociety,astheirfriendship,maymerelypoison!NothingI'llbearfromthee,Butnakedness,thoudetestabletown!Takethouthattoo,withmultiplyingbans!Timonwilltothewoods;whereheshallfindTheunkindestbeastmorekinderthanmankind.Thegodsconfound--hearme,yougoodgodsall--TheAtheniansbothwithinandoutthatwall!Andgrant,asTimongrows,hishatemaygrow

Tothewholeraceofmankind,highandlow!Amen.

[Exit]

TIMONOFATHENS



ACTIV

SCENEII Athens.AroominTimon'shouse.

[EnterFLAVIUS,withtwoorthreeServants]

FirstServant Hearyou,mastersteward,where'sourmaster?Areweundone?castoff?nothingremaining?

FLAVIUS Alack,myfellows,whatshouldIsaytoyou?Letmeberecordedbytherighteousgods,Iamaspoorasyou.

FirstServant Suchahousebroke!Sonobleamasterfall'n!Allgone!andnotOnefriendtotakehisfortunebythearm,Andgoalongwithhim!

SecondServant AswedoturnourbacksFromourcompanionthrownintohisgrave,Sohisfamiliarstohisburiedfortunes

Slinkallaway,leavetheirfalsevowswithhim,Likeemptypursespick'd;andhispoorself,Adedicatedbeggartotheair,Withhisdiseaseofall-shunn'dpoverty,Walks,likecontempt,alone.Moreofourfellows.

[EnterotherServants]

FLAVIUS Allbrokenimplementsofaruin'dhouse.

ThirdServant YetdoourheartswearTimon'slivery;ThatseeIbyourfaces;wearefellowsstill,Servingalikeinsorrow:leak'disourbark,

Andwe,poormates,standonthedyingdeck,Hearingthesurgesthreat:wemustallpartIntothisseaofair.

FLAVIUS Goodfellowsall,ThelatestofmywealthI'llshareamongstyou.Whereverweshallmeet,forTimon'ssake,Let'syetbefellows;let'sshakeourheads,andsay,As'twereaknelluntoourmaster'sfortunes,'Wehaveseenbetterdays.'Leteachtakesome;Nay,putoutallyourhands.Notonewordmore:Thuspartwerichinsorrow,partingpoor.

[Servantsembrace,andpartseveralways]

O,thefiercewretchednessthatglorybringsus!Whowouldnotwishtobefromwealthexempt,Sincerichespointtomiseryandcontempt?Whowouldbesomock'dwithglory?ortoliveButinadreamoffriendship?TohavehispompandallwhatstatecompoundsButonlypainted,likehisvarnish'dfriends?Poorhonestlord,broughtlowbyhisownheart,



Undonebygoodness!Strange,unusualblood,Whenman'sworstsinis,hedoestoomuchgood!Who,then,darestobehalfsokindagain?Forbounty,thatmakesgods,doesstillmarmen.Mydearestlord,bless'd,tobemostaccursed,Rich,onlytobewretched,thygreatfortunesAremadethychiefafflictions.Alas,kindlord!He'sflunginragefromthisingratefulseatOfmonstrousfriends,norhashewithhimtoSupplyhislife,orthatwhichcancommandit.I'llfollowandinquirehimout:I'lleverservehismindwithmybestwill;WhilstIhavegold,I'llbehisstewardstill.

[Exit]

TIMONOFATHENS

ACTIV

SCENEIII Woodsandcave,neartheseashore.

[EnterTIMON,fromthecave]

Oblessedbreedingsun,drawfromtheearthRottenhumidity;belowthysister'sorbInfecttheair!Twinn'dbrothersofonewomb,Whoseprocreation,residence,andbirth,Scarceisdividant,touchthemwithseveralfortunes;Thegreaterscornsthelesser:notnature,

Towhomallsoreslaysiege,canbeargreatfortune,Butbycontemptofnature.Raisemethisbeggar,anddeny'tthatlord;Thesenatorshallbearcontempthereditary,Thebeggarnativehonour.Itisthepasturelardstherother'ssides,Thewantthatmakeshimlean.Whodares,whodares,Inpurityofmanhoodstandupright,Andsay'Thisman'saflatterer?'ifonebe,Soaretheyall;foreverygriseoffortuneIssmooth'dbythatbelow:thelearnedpateDuckstothegoldenfool:allisoblique;There'snothinglevelinourcursednatures,

Butdirectvillany.Therefore,beabhorr'dAllfeasts,societies,andthrongsofmen!Hissemblable,yea,himself,Timondisdains:Destructionfangmankind!Earth,yieldmeroots!

[Digging]

Whoseeksforbetterofthee,saucehispalateWiththymostoperantpoison!Whatishere?Gold?yellow,glittering,preciousgold?No,gods,



Iamnoidlevotarist:roots,youclearheavens!Thusmuchofthiswillmakeblackwhite,foulfair,Wrongright,basenoble,oldyoung,cowardvaliant.Ha,yougods!whythis?whatthis,yougods?Why,thisWilllugyourpriestsandservantsfromyoursides,Pluckstoutmen'spillowsfrombelowtheirheads:ThisyellowslaveWillknitandbreakreligions,blesstheaccursed,Makethehoarleprosyadored,placethievesAndgivethemtitle,kneeandapprobationWithsenatorsonthebench:thisisitThatmakesthewappen'dwidowwedagain;She,whomthespital-houseandulceroussoresWouldcastthegorgeat,thisembalmsandspicesTotheAprildayagain.Come,damnedearth,Thoucommonwhoreofmankind,thatput'stoddsAmongtherouteofnations,IwillmaketheeDothyrightnature.

[Marchafaroff]

Ha!adrum?Thou'rtquick,ButyetI'llburythee:thou'ltgo,strongthief,Whengoutykeepersoftheecannotstand.

Nay,staythououtforearnest.

[Keepingsomegold]

[EnterALCIBIADES,withdrumandfife,inwarlikemanner;PHRYNIAandTIMANDRA]

ALCIBIADES Whatartthouthere?speak.

TIMON Abeast,asthouart.Thecankergnawthyheart,Forshowingmeagaintheeyesofman!

ALCIBIADES Whatisthyname?Ismansohatefultothee,

Thatartthyselfaman?

TIMON IamMisanthropos,andhatemankind.Forthypart,Idowishthouwertadog,ThatImightlovetheesomething.

ALCIBIADES Iknowtheewell;Butinthyfortunesamunlearn'dandstrange.

TIMON Iknowtheetoo;andmorethanthatIknowthee,Inotdesiretoknow.Followthydrum;Withman'sbloodpainttheground,gules,gules:Religiouscanons,civillawsarecruel;

Thenwhatshouldwarbe?ThisfellwhoreofthineHathinhermoredestructionthanthysword,Forallhercherubimlook.

PHRYNIA Thylipsrotoff!

TIMON Iwillnotkissthee;thentherotreturnsTothineownlipsagain.

ALCIBIADES HowcamethenobleTimontothischange?



TIMON Asthemoondoes,bywantinglighttogive:ButthenrenewIcouldnot,likethemoon;Therewerenosunstoborrowof.

ALCIBIADES NobleTimon,WhatfriendshipmayIdothee?

TIMON None,buttoMaintainmyopinion.

ALCIBIADES Whatisit,Timon?

TIMON Promisemefriendship,butperformnone:ifthouwiltnotpromise,thegodsplaguethee,forthouartaman!ifthoudostperform,confoundthee,forthouartaman!

ALCIBIADES Ihaveheardinsomesortofthymiseries.

TIMON Thousaw'stthem,whenIhadprosperity.

ALCIBIADES Iseethemnow;thenwasablessedtime.

TIMON Asthineisnow,heldwithabraceofharlots.

TIMANDRA IsthistheAthenianminion,whomtheworldVoicedsoregardfully?

TIMON ArtthouTimandra?

TIMANDRA Yes.

TIMON Beawhorestill:theylovetheenotthatusethee;Givethemdiseases,leavingwiththeetheirlust.Makeuseofthysalthours:seasontheslavesFortubsandbaths;bringdownrose-cheekedyouth

Tothetub-fastandthediet.

TIMANDRA Hangthee,monster!

ALCIBIADES Pardonhim,sweetTimandra;forhiswitsAredrown'dandlostinhiscalamities.Ihavebutlittlegoldoflate,braveTimon,ThewantwhereofdothdailymakerevoltInmypenuriousband:Ihaveheard,andgrieved,HowcursedAthens,mindlessofthyworth,Forgettingthygreatdeeds,whenneighbourstates,Butforthyswordandfortune,troduponthem,--

TIMON Iprithee,beatthydrum,andgettheegone.

ALCIBIADES Iamthyfriend,andpitythee,dearTimon.

TIMON Howdostthoupityhimwhomthoudosttrouble?Ihadratherbealone.

ALCIBIADES Why,faretheewell:Hereissomegoldforthee.



TIMON Keepit,Icannoteatit.

ALCIBIADES WhenIhavelaidproudAthensonaheap,--

TIMON Warr'stthou'gainstAthens?

ALCIBIADES Ay,Timon,andhavecause.

TIMON Thegodsconfoundthemallinthyconquest;Andtheeafter,whenthouhastconquer'd!

ALCIBIADES Whyme,Timon?

TIMON That,bykillingofvillains,Thouwastborntoconquermycountry.Putupthygold:goon,--here'sgold,--goon;Beasaplanetaryplague,whenJoveWillo'ersomehigh-vicedcityhanghispoisonInthesickair:letnotthyswordskipone:Pitynothonour'dageforhiswhitebeard;Heisanusurer:strikemethecounterfeitmatron;Itisherhabitonlythatishonest,Herself'sabawd:letnotthevirgin'scheekMakesoftthytrenchantsword;forthosemilk-paps,

Thatthroughthewindow-barsboreatmen'seyes,Arenotwithintheleafofpitywrit,Butsetthemdownhorribletraitors:sparenotthebabe,Whosedimpledsmilesfromfoolsexhausttheirmercy;Thinkitabastard,whomtheoracleHathdoubtfullypronouncedthythroatshallcut,Andminceitsansremorse:swearagainstobjects;Putarmouronthineearsandonthineeyes;Whoseproof,noryellsofmothers,maids,norbabes,Norsightofpriestsinholyvestmentsbleeding,Shallpierceajot.There'sgoldtopaysoldiers:Makelargeconfusion;and,thyfuryspent,Confoundedbethyself!Speaknot,begone.

ALCIBIADES Hastthougoldyet?I'lltakethegoldthougivestme,Notallthycounsel.

TIMON Dostthou,ordostthounot,heaven'scurseuponthee!

PHRYNIA ||Giveussomegold,goodTimon:hastthoumore?

TIMANDRA |

TIMON Enoughtomakeawhoreforswearhertrade,Andtomakewhores,abawd.Holdup,yousluts,Yourapronsmountant:youarenotoathable,Although,Iknow,you'llswear,terriblyswearIntostrongshuddersandtoheavenlyaguesTheimmortalgodsthathearyou,--spareyouroaths,I'lltrusttoyourconditions:bewhoresstill;Andhewhosepiousbreathseekstoconvertyou,Bestronginwhore,allurehim,burnhimup;





Shouldyetbehungry!Commonmother,thou,

[Digging]

Whosewombunmeasurable,andinfinitebreast,Teems,andfeedsall;whoseself-samemettle,Whereofthyproudchild,arrogantman,ispuff'd,Engenderstheblacktoadandadderblue,Thegildednewtandeyelessvenom'dworm,WithalltheabhorredbirthsbelowcrispheavenWhereonHyperion'squickeningfiredothshine;Yieldhim,whoallthyhumansonsdothhate,Fromforththyplenteousbosom,onepoorroot!Ensearthyfertileandconceptiouswomb,Letitnomorebringoutingratefulman!Gogreatwithtigers,dragons,wolves,andbears;Teemwithnewmonsters,whomthyupwardfaceHathtothemarbledmansionallaboveNeverpresented!--O,aroot,--dearthanks!--Dryupthymarrows,vines,andplough-tornleas;Whereofungratefulman,withliquorishdraughtsAndmorselsunctuous,greaseshispuremind,Thatfromitallconsiderationslips!

[EnterAPEMANTUS]

Moreman?plague,plague!

APEMANTUS Iwasdirectedhither:menreportThoudostaffectmymanners,anddostusethem.

TIMON 'Tis,then,becausethoudostnotkeepadog,WhomIwouldimitate:consumptioncatchthee!

APEMANTUS Thisisintheeanaturebutinfected;ApoorunmanlymelancholysprungFromchangeoffortune.Whythisspade?thisplace?

Thisslave-likehabit?andtheselooksofcare?Thyflatterersyetwearsilk,drinkwine,liesoft;Hugtheirdiseasedperfumes,andhaveforgotThateverTimonwas.Shamenotthesewoods,Byputtingonthecunningofacarper.Bethouaflatterernow,andseektothriveBythatwhichhasundonethee:hingethyknee,Andlethisverybreath,whomthou'ltobserve,Blowoffthycap;praisehismostviciousstrain,Andcallitexcellent:thouwasttoldthus;ThougavestthineearsliketapstersthatbidwelcomeToknavesandallapproachers:'tismostjustThatthouturnrascal;hadstthouwealthagain,

Rascalsshouldhave't.Donotassumemylikeness.

TIMON WereIlikethee,I'ldthrowawaymyself.

APEMANTUS Thouhastcastawaythyself,beinglikethyself;Amadmansolong,nowafool.What,think'stThatthebleakair,thyboisterouschamberlain,Willputthyshirtonwarm?willthesemoss'dtrees,Thathaveoutlivedtheeagle,pagethyheels,Andskipwherethoupoint'stout?willthe



coldbrook,Candiedwithice,caudlethymorningtaste,Tocurethyo'er-night'ssurfeit?CallthecreaturesWhosenakednaturesliveinanthespiteOfwreakfulheaven,whosebareunhousedtrunks,Totheconflictingelementsexposed,Answermerenature;bidthemflatterthee;O,thoushaltfind--

TIMON Afoolofthee:depart.

APEMANTUS Ilovetheebetternowthane'erIdid.

TIMON Ihatetheeworse.

APEMANTUS Why?

TIMON Thouflatter'stmisery.

APEMANTUS Iflatternot;butsaythouartacaitiff.

TIMON Whydostthouseekmeout?

APEMANTUS Tovexthee.

TIMON Alwaysavillain'sofficeorafool's.Dostpleasethyselfin't?

APEMANTUS Ay.

TIMON What!aknavetoo?

APEMANTUS Ifthoudidstputthissour-coldhabitonTocastigatethypride,'twerewell:butthouDostitenforcedly;thou'ldstcourtierbeagain,Wertthounotbeggar.WillingmiseryOutlivesencertainpomp,iscrown'dbefore:

Theoneisfillingstill,nevercomplete;Theother,athighwish:beststate,contentless,Hathadistractedandmostwretchedbeing,Worsethantheworst,content.Thoushouldstdesiretodie,beingmiserable.

TIMON Notbyhisbreaththatismoremiserable.Thouartaslave,whomFortune'stenderarmWithfavourneverclasp'd;butbredadog.Hadstthou,likeusfromourfirstswath,proceededThesweetdegreesthatthisbriefworldaffordsTosuchasmaythepassivedrugsofitFreelycommand,thouwouldsthaveplungedthyself

Ingeneralriot;melteddownthyyouthIndifferentbedsoflust;andneverlearn'dTheicypreceptsofrespect,butfollow'dThesugar'dgamebeforethee.Butmyself,Whohadtheworldasmyconfectionary,Themouths,thetongues,theeyesandheartsofmenAtduty,morethanIcouldframeemployment,ThatnumberlessuponmestuckasleavesDoontheoak,hivewithonewinter'sbrushFellfromtheirboughsandleftmeopen,bare



Foreverystormthatblows:I,tobearthis,Thatneverknewbutbetter,issomeburden:Thynaturedidcommenceinsufferance,timeHathmadetheehardin't.Whyshouldstthouhatemen?Theyneverflatter'dthee:whathastthougiven?Ifthouwiltcurse,thyfather,thatpoorrag,Mustbethysubject,whoinspiteputstuffTosomeshebeggarandcompoundedtheePoorroguehereditary.Hence,begone!Ifthouhadstnotbeenborntheworstofmen,Thouhadstbeenaknaveandflatterer.

APEMANTUS Artthouproudyet?

TIMON Ay,thatIamnotthee.

APEMANTUS I,thatIwasNoprodigal.

TIMON I,thatIamonenow:WereallthewealthIhaveshutupinthee,I'ldgivetheeleavetohangit.Gettheegone.ThatthewholelifeofAthenswereinthis!ThuswouldIeatit.

[Eatingaroot]

APEMANTUS Here;Iwillmendthyfeast.

[Offeringhimaroot]

TIMON Firstmendmycompany,takeawaythyself.

APEMANTUS SoIshallmendmineown,bythelackofthine.

TIMON 'Tisnotwellmendedso,itisbutbotch'd;ifnot,Iwoulditwere.

APEMANTUS WhatwouldstthouhavetoAthens?

TIMON Theethitherinawhirlwind.Ifthouwilt,TellthemthereIhavegold;look,soIhave.

APEMANTUS Hereisnouseforgold.

TIMON Thebestandtruest;Forhereitsleeps,anddoesnohiredharm.

APEMANTUS Whereliesto'nights,Timon?

TIMON Underthat'saboveme.Wherefeed'stthouo'days,Apemantus?

APEMANTUS Wheremystomachfindsmeat;or,rather,whereIeatit.

TIMON Wouldpoisonwereobedientandknewmymind!

APEMANTUS Wherewouldstthousendit?



TIMON Tosaucethydishes.

APEMANTUS Themiddleofhumanitythouneverknewest,buttheextremityofbothends:whenthouwastinthygiltandthyperfume,theymockedtheefortoomuchcuriosity;inthyragsthouknowestnone,butartdespisedforthecontrary.There'samedlarforthee,eatit.

TIMON OnwhatIhateIfeednot.

APEMANTUS Dosthateamedlar?

TIMON Ay,thoughitlooklikethee.

APEMANTUS Anthouhadsthatedmeddlerssooner,thoushouldsthavelovedthyselfbetternow.Whatmandidstthoueverknowunthriftthatwasbelovedafterhismeans?

TIMON Who,withoutthosemeansthoutalkestof,didstthoueverknowbeloved?

APEMANTUS Myself.

TIMON Iunderstandthee;thouhadstsomemeanstokeepadog.

APEMANTUS Whatthingsintheworldcanstthounearestcomparetothyflatterers?

TIMON Womennearest;butmen,menarethethingsthemselves.Whatwouldstthoudowiththeworld,Apemantus,ifitlayinthypower?

APEMANTUS Giveitthebeasts,toberidofthemen.

TIMON Wouldstthouhavethyselffallintheconfusionof

men,andremainabeastwiththebeasts?

APEMANTUS Ay,Timon.

TIMON Abeastlyambition,whichthegodsgranttheet'attainto!Ifthouwertthelion,thefoxwouldbeguilethee;ifthouwertthelamb,thefoxwouldeatthree:ifthouwertthefox,thelionwouldsuspectthee,whenperadventurethouwertaccusedbytheass:ifthouwerttheass,thydulnesswouldtormentthee,andstillthoulivedstbutasabreakfasttothewolf:ifthouwertthewolf,thygreedinesswouldafflictthee,andoftthoushouldst

hazardthylifeforthydinner:wertthoutheunicorn,prideandwrathwouldconfoundtheeandmakethineownselftheconquestofthyfury:wertthouabear,thouwouldstbekilledbythehorse:wertthouahorse,thouwouldstbeseizedbytheleopard:wertthoualeopard,thouwertgermantothelionandthespotsofthykindredwerejurorsonthylife:allthysafetywereremotionandthydefenceabsence.Whatbeastcouldstthoube,thatwerenotsubjecttoabeast?andwhatabeastart



thoualready,thatseestnotthylossintransformation!

APEMANTUS Ifthoucouldstpleasemewithspeakingtome,thoumightsthavehituponithere:thecommonwealthofAthensisbecomeaforestofbeasts.

TIMON Howhastheassbrokethewall,thatthouartoutofthecity?

APEMANTUS Yondercomesapoetandapainter:theplagueofcompanylightuponthee!Iwillfeartocatchitandgiveway:whenIknownotwhatelsetodo,I'llseetheeagain.

TIMON Whenthereisnothinglivingbutthee,thoushaltbewelcome.Ihadratherbeabeggar'sdogthanApemantus.

APEMANTUS Thouartthecapofallthefoolsalive.

TIMON Wouldthouwertcleanenoughtospitupon!

APEMANTUS Aplagueonthee!thouarttoobadtocurse.

TIMON Allvillainsthatdostandbytheearepure.

APEMANTUS Thereisnoleprosybutwhatthouspeak'st.

TIMON IfInamethee.I'llbeatthee,butIshouldinfectmyhands.

APEMANTUS Iwouldmytonguecouldrotthemoff!

TIMON Away,thouissueofamangydog!Cholerdoeskillmethatthouartalive;Iswoundtoseethee.

APEMANTUS Wouldthouwouldstburst!

TIMON Away,Thoutediousrogue!IamsorryIshallloseAstonebythee.

[Throwsastoneathim]

APEMANTUS Beast!

TIMON Slave!

APEMANTUS Toad!

TIMON Rogue,rogue,rogue!Iamsickofthisfalseworld,andwilllovenoughtButeventhemerenecessitiesupon't.Then,Timon,presentlypreparethygrave;LiewherethelightfoamtheseamaybeatThygrave-stonedaily:makethineepitaph,Thatdeathinmeatothers'livesmaylaugh.

[Tothegold]



Othousweetking-killer,anddeardivorce'Twixtnaturalsonandsire!thoubrightdefilerOfHymen'spurestbed!thouvaliantMars!Thoueveryoung,fresh,lovedanddelicatewooer,WhoseblushdoththawtheconsecratedsnowThatliesonDian'slap!thouvisiblegod,Thatsolder'stcloseimpossibilities,Andmakestthemkiss!thatspeak'stwitheverytongue,Toeverypurpose!Othoutouchofhearts!Think,thyslavemanrebels,andbythyvirtueSetthemintoconfoundingodds,thatbeastsMayhavetheworldinempire!

APEMANTUS Would'twereso!ButnottillIamdead.I'llsaythou'stgold:Thouwiltbethrong'dtoshortly.

TIMON Throng'dto!

APEMANTUS Ay.

TIMON Thyback,Iprithee.

APEMANTUS Live,andlovethymisery.

TIMON Longliveso,andsodie.

[ExitAPEMANTUS]

Iamquit.Moethingslikemen!Eat,Timon,andabhorthem.

[EnterBanditti]

FirstBandit Whereshouldhehavethisgold?Itissomepoorfragment,someslendersortofhisremainder:the

merewantofgold,andthefalling-fromofhisfriends,drovehimintothismelancholy.

SecondBandit Itisnoisedhehathamassoftreasure.

ThirdBandit Letusmaketheassayuponhim:ifhecarenotfor't,hewillsupplyuseasily;ifhecovetouslyreserveit,howshall'sgetit?

SecondBandit True;forhebearsitnotabouthim,'tishid.

FirstBandit Isnotthishe?

Banditti Where?

SecondBandit 'Tishisdescription.

ThirdBandit He;Iknowhim.

Banditti Savethee,Timon.

TIMON Now,thieves?



Banditti Soldiers,notthieves.

TIMON Bothtoo;andwomen'ssons.

Banditti Wearenotthieves,butmenthatmuchdowant.

TIMON Yourgreatestwantis,youwantmuchofmeat.Whyshouldyouwant?Behold,theearthhathroots;Withinthismilebreakforthahundredsprings;Theoaksbearmast,thebriersscarlethips;Thebounteoushousewife,nature,oneachbushLaysherfullmessbeforeyou.Want!whywant?

FirstBandit Wecannotliveongrass,onberries,water,Asbeastsandbirdsandfishes.

TIMON Noronthebeaststhemselves,thebirds,andfishes;Youmusteatmen.YetthanksImustyouconThatyouarethievesprofess'd,thatyouworknotInholiershapes:forthereisboundlesstheftInlimitedprofessions.Rascalthieves,Here'sgold.Go,suckthesubtlebloodo'thegrape,Tillthehighfeverseetheyourbloodtofroth,Andso'scapehanging:trustnotthephysician;

Hisantidotesarepoison,andheslaysMoethanyourob:takewealthandlivestogether;Dovillany,do,sinceyouprotesttodo't,Likeworkmen.I'llexampleyouwiththievery.Thesun'sathief,andwithhisgreatattractionRobsthevastsea:themoon'sanarrantthief,Andherpalefireshesnatchesfromthesun:Thesea'sathief,whoseliquidsurgeresolvesThemoonintosalttears:theearth'sathief,ThatfeedsandbreedsbyacomposturestolenFromgeneralexcrement:eachthing'sathief:Thelaws,yourcurbandwhip,intheirroughpowerHaveuncheque'dtheft.Lovenotyourselves:away,

Roboneanother.There'smoregold.Cutthroats:Allthatyoumeetarethieves:toAthensgo,Breakopenshops;nothingcanyousteal,Butthievesdoloseit:stealnolessforthisIgiveyou;andgoldconfoundyouhowsoe'er!Amen.

ThirdBandit Hasalmostcharmedmefrommyprofession,bypersuadingmetoit.

FirstBandit 'Tisinthemaliceofmankindthathethusadvisesus;nottohaveusthriveinourmystery.

SecondBandit I'llbelievehimasanenemy,andgiveovermytrade.

FirstBandit LetusfirstseepeaceinAthens:thereisnotimesomiserablebutamanmaybetrue.

[ExeuntBanditti]

[EnterFLAVIUS]

FLAVIUS Oyougods!Isyonddespisedandruinousmanmylord?



Fullofdecayandfailing?OmonumentAndwonderofgooddeedsevillybestow'd!WhatanalterationofhonourHasdesperatewantmade!WhatvilerthingupontheearththanfriendsWhocanbringnoblestmindstobasestends!Howrarelydoesitmeetwiththistime'sguise,Whenmanwaswish'dtolovehisenemies!GrantImayeverlove,andratherwooThosethatwouldmischiefmethanthosethatdo!Hascaughtmeinhiseye:IwillpresentMyhonestgriefuntohim;and,asmylord,Stillservehimwithmylife.Mydearestmaster!

TIMON Away!whatartthou?

FLAVIUS Haveyouforgotme,sir?

TIMON Whydostaskthat?Ihaveforgotallmen;Then,ifthougrant'stthou'rtaman,Ihaveforgotthee.

FLAVIUS Anhonestpoorservantofyours.

TIMON ThenIknowtheenot:

Ineverhadhonestmanaboutme,I;allIkeptwereknaves,toserveinmeattovillains.

FLAVIUS Thegodsarewitness,Ne'erdidpoorstewardwearatruergriefForhisundonelordthanmineeyesforyou.

TIMON What,dostthouweep?Comenearer.ThenIlovethee,Becausethouartawoman,anddisclaim'stFlintymankind;whoseeyesdonevergiveButthoroughlustandlaughter.Pity'ssleeping:Strangetimes,thatweepwithlaughing,notwithweeping!

FLAVIUS Ibegofyoutoknowme,goodmylord,ToacceptmygriefandwhilstthispoorwealthlastsToentertainmeasyourstewardstill.

TIMON HadIastewardSotrue,sojust,andnowsocomfortable?Italmostturnsmydangerousnaturemild.Letmebeholdthyface.Surely,thismanWasbornofwoman.Forgivemygeneralandexceptlessrashness,Youperpetual-sobergods!IdoproclaimOnehonestman--mistakemenot--butone;

Nomore,Ipray,--andhe'sasteward.HowfainwouldIhavehatedallmankind!Andthouredeem'stthyself:butall,savethee,Ifellwithcurses.Methinksthouartmorehonestnowthanwise;For,byoppressingandbetrayingme,Thoumightsthavesoonergotanotherservice:Formanysoarriveatsecondmasters,Upontheirfirstlord'sneck.Buttellmetrue--ForImusteverdoubt,thoughne'ersosure--



Isnotthykindnesssubtle,covetous,Ifnotausuringkindness,and,asrichmendealgifts,Expectinginreturntwentyforone?

FLAVIUS No,mymostworthymaster;inwhosebreastDoubtandsuspect,alas,areplacedtoolate:Youshouldhavefear'dfalsetimeswhenyoudidfeast:Suspectstillcomeswhereanestateisleast.ThatwhichIshow,heavenknows,ismerelylove,Dutyandzealtoyourunmatchedmind,Careofyourfoodandliving;and,believeit,Mymosthonour'dlord,Foranybenefitthatpointstome,Eitherinhopeorpresent,I'ldexchangeForthisonewish,thatyouhadpowerandwealthTorequiteme,bymakingrichyourself.

TIMON Lookthee,'tisso!Thousinglyhonestman,Here,take:thegodsoutofmymiseryHavesenttheetreasure.Go,liverichandhappy;Butthuscondition'd:thoushaltbuildfrommen;Hateall,curseall,showcharitytonone,Butletthefamish'dfleshslidefromthebone,Erethourelievethebeggar;givetodogs

Whatthoudeny'sttomen;letprisonsswallow'em,Debtswither'emtonothing;bemenlikeblastedwoods,Andmaydiseaseslickuptheirfalsebloods!Andsofarewellandthrive.

FLAVIUS O,letmestay,Andcomfortyou,mymaster.

TIMON Ifthouhatestcurses,Staynot;fly,whilstthouartblestandfree:Ne'erseethouman,andletmene'erseethee.

[ExitFLAVIUS.TIMONretirestohiscave]

TIMONOFATHENS

ACTV

SCENEI Thewoods.BeforeTimon'scave.

[EnterPoetandPainter;TIMONwatchingthemfromhiscave]

Painter AsItooknoteoftheplace,itcannotbefarwhereheabides.

Poet What'stobethoughtofhim?doestherumourholdfortrue,thathe'ssofullofgold?



Painter Certain:Alcibiadesreportsit;PhryniaandTimandrahadgoldofhim:helikewiseenrichedpoorstragglingsoldierswithgreatquantity:'tissaidhegaveuntohisstewardamightysum.

Poet Thenthisbreakingofhishasbeenbutatryforhisfriends.

Painter Nothingelse:youshallseehimapalminAthensagain,andflourishwiththehighest.Therefore'tisnotamisswetenderourlovestohim,inthissupposeddistressofhis:itwillshowhonestlyinus;andisverylikelytoloadourpurposeswithwhattheytravailfor,ifitbeajusttruereportthatgoesofhishaving.

Poet Whathaveyounowtopresentuntohim?

Painter Nothingatthistimebutmyvisitation:onlyIwillpromisehimanexcellentpiece.

Poet Imustservehimsotoo,tellhimofanintentthat'scomingtowardhim.

Painter Goodasthebest.Promisingistheveryairo'thetime:itopenstheeyesofexpectation:performanceiseverthedullerforhisact;and,butintheplainerandsimplerkindofpeople,thedeedofsayingisquiteoutofuse.Topromiseismostcourtlyandfashionable:performanceisakindofwillortestamentwhicharguesagreatsicknessinhisjudgmentthatmakesit.

[TIMONcomesfromhiscave,behind]

TIMON [Aside]Excellentworkman!thoucanstnotpaintamansobadasisthyself.

Poet IamthinkingwhatIshallsayIhaveprovidedforhim:itmustbeapersonatingofhimself;asatireagainstthesoftnessofprosperity,withadiscoveryoftheinfiniteflatteriesthatfollowyouthandopulency.

TIMON [Aside]Mustthouneedsstandforavillaininthineownwork?wiltthouwhipthineownfaultsinothermen?Doso,Ihavegoldforthee.

Poet Nay,let'sseekhim:Thendowesinagainstourownestate,Whenwemayprofitmeet,andcometoolate.

Painter True;Whenthedayserves,beforeblack-corner'dnight,Findwhatthouwant'stbyfreeandoffer'dlight.Come.

TIMON [Aside]I'llmeetyouattheturn.Whatagod'sgold,Thatheisworshipp'dinabasertempleThanwhereswinefeed!'Tisthouthatrigg'stthebarkandplough'stthefoam,





Both BeseechyourhonourTomakeitknowntous.

TIMON You'lltakeitill.

Both Mostthankfully,mylord.

TIMON Willyou,indeed?

Both Doubtitnot,worthylord.

TIMON There'sneveraoneofyoubuttrustsaknave,Thatmightilydeceivesyou.

Both Dowe,mylord?

TIMON Ay,andyouhearhimcog,seehimdissemble,Knowhisgrosspatchery,lovehim,feedhim,Keepinyourbosom:yetremainassuredThathe'samade-upvillain.

Painter Iknownonesuch,mylord.

Poet NorI.

TIMON Lookyou,Iloveyouwell;I'llgiveyougold,Ridmethesevillainsfromyourcompanies:Hangthemorstabthem,drowntheminadraught,Confoundthembysomecourse,andcometome,I'llgiveyougoldenough.

Both Namethem,mylord,let'sknowthem.

TIMON Youthatwayandyouthis,buttwoincompany;Eachmanapart,allsingleandalone,Yetanarch-villainkeepshimcompany.

Ifwherethouarttwovillainsshallnotbe,Comenotnearhim.IfthouwouldstnotresideButwhereonevillainis,thenhimabandon.Hence,pack!there'sgold;youcameforgold,yeslaves:

[ToPainter]

Youhavework'dforme;there'spaymentforyou:hence!

[ToPoet]

Youareanalchemist;makegoldofthat.Out,rascaldogs!

[Beatsthemout,andthenretirestohiscave]

[EnterFLAVIUSandtwoSenators]

FLAVIUS ItisinvainthatyouwouldspeakwithTimon;ForheissetsoonlytohimselfThatnothingbuthimselfwhichlookslikemanIsfriendlywithhim.



FirstSenator Bringustohiscave:ItisourpartandpromisetotheAtheniansTospeakwithTimon.

SecondSenator AtalltimesalikeMenarenotstillthesame:'twastimeandgriefsThatframedhimthus:time,withhisfairerhand,Offeringthefortunesofhisformerdays,Theformermanmaymakehim.Bringustohim,Andchanceitasitmay.

FLAVIUS Hereishiscave.Peaceandcontentbehere!LordTimon!Timon!Lookout,andspeaktofriends:theAthenians,Bytwooftheirmostreverendsenate,greetthee:Speaktothem,nobleTimon.

[TIMONcomesfromhiscave]

TIMON Thousun,thatcomfort'st,burn!Speak,andbehang'd:Foreachtrueword,ablister!andeachfalseBeascauterizingtotherooto'thetongue,Consumingitwithspeaking!

FirstSenator WorthyTimon,--

TIMON Ofnonebutsuchasyou,andyouofTimon.

FirstSenator ThesenatorsofAthensgreetthee,Timon.

TIMON Ithankthem;andwouldsendthembacktheplague,CouldIbutcatchitforthem.

FirstSenator O,forgetWhatwearesorryforourselvesinthee.Thesenatorswithoneconsentoflove

EntreattheebacktoAthens;whohavethoughtOnspecialdignities,whichvacantlieForthybestuseandwearing.

SecondSenator TheyconfessTowardtheeforgetfulnesstoogeneral,gross:Whichnowthepublicbody,whichdothseldomPlaytherecanter,feelinginitselfAlackofTimon'said,hathsensewithalOfitsownfail,restrainingaidtoTimon;Andsendforthus,tomaketheirsorrow'drender,TogetherwitharecompensemorefruitfulThantheiroffencecanweighdownbythedram;

Ay,evensuchheapsandsumsofloveandwealthAsshalltotheeblotoutwhatwrongsweretheirsAndwriteintheethefiguresoftheirlove,Evertoreadthemthine.

TIMON Youwitchmeinit;Surprisemetotheverybrinkoftears:Lendmeafool'sheartandawoman'seyes,AndI'llbeweepthesecomforts,worthysenators.



FirstSenator Therefore,sopleasetheetoreturnwithusAndofourAthens,thineandours,totakeThecaptainship,thoushaltbemetwiththanks,Allow'dwithabsolutepowerandthygoodnameLivewithauthority:sosoonweshalldrivebackOfAlcibiadestheapproacheswild,Who,likeaboartoosavage,dothrootupHiscountry'speace.

SecondSenator AndshakeshisthreateningswordAgainstthewallsofAthens.

FirstSenator Therefore,Timon,--

TIMON Well,sir,Iwill;therefore,Iwill,sir;thus:IfAlcibiadeskillmycountrymen,LetAlcibiadesknowthisofTimon,ThatTimoncaresnot.ButifbesackfairAthens,Andtakeourgoodlyagedmenbythebeards,GivingourholyvirginstothestainOfcontumelious,beastly,mad-brain'dwar,Thenlethimknow,andtellhimTimonspeaksit,Inpityofouragedandouryouth,Icannotchoosebuttellhim,thatIcarenot,

Andlethimtake'tatworst;fortheirknivescarenot,Whileyouhavethroatstoanswer:formyself,There'snotawhittleintheunrulycampButIdoprizeitatmylovebeforeThereverend'stthroatinAthens.SoIleaveyouTotheprotectionoftheprosperousgods,Asthievestokeepers.

FLAVIUS Staynot,all'sinvain.

TIMON Why,Iwaswritingofmyepitaph;itwillbeseento-morrow:mylongsicknessOfhealthandlivingnowbeginstomend,

Andnothingbringsmeallthings.Go,livestill;BeAlcibiadesyourplague,youhis,Andlastsolongenough!

FirstSenator Wespeakinvain.

TIMON ButyetIlovemycountry,andamnotOnethatrejoicesinthecommonwreck,Ascommonbruitdothputit.

FirstSenator That'swellspoke.

TIMON Commendmetomylovingcountrymen,--

FirstSenator Thesewordsbecomeyourlipsastheypassthoroughthem.

SecondSenator AndenterinourearslikegreattriumphersIntheirapplaudinggates.

TIMON Commendmetothem,Andtellthemthat,toeasethemoftheirgriefs,Theirfearsofhostilestrokes,theiraches,losses,



Theirpangsoflove,withotherincidentthroesThatnature'sfragilevesseldothsustainInlife'suncertainvoyage,Iwillsomekindnessdothem:I'llteachthemtopreventwildAlcibiades'wrath.

FirstSenator Ilikethiswell;hewillreturnagain.

TIMON Ihaveatree,whichgrowshereinmyclose,Thatmineownuseinvitesmetocutdown,AndshortlymustIfellit:tellmyfriends,TellAthens,inthesequenceofdegreeFromhightolowthroughout,thatwhosopleaseTostopaffliction,lethimtakehishaste,Comehither,eremytreehathfelttheaxe,Andhanghimself.Iprayyou,domygreeting.

FLAVIUS Troublehimnofurther;thusyoustillshallfindhim.

TIMON Comenottomeagain:butsaytoAthens,TimonhathmadehiseverlastingmansionUponthebeachedvergeofthesaltflood;WhoonceadaywithhisembossedfrothTheturbulentsurgeshallcover:thithercome,Andletmygrave-stonebeyouroracle.

Lips,letsourwordsgobyandlanguageend:Whatisamissplagueandinfectionmend!Gravesonlybemen'sworksanddeaththeirgain!Sun,hidethybeams!Timonhathdonehisreign.

[Retirestohiscave]

FirstSenator HisdiscontentsareunremoveablyCoupledtonature.

SecondSenator Ourhopeinhimisdead:letusreturn,AndstrainwhatothermeansisleftuntousInourdearperil.

FirstSenator Itrequiresswiftfoot.

[Exeunt]

TIMONOFATHENS

ACTV

SCENEII BeforethewallsofAthens.

[EntertwoSenatorsandaMessenger]

FirstSenator Thouhastpainfullydiscover'd:arehisfilesAsfullasthyreport?



Messenger havespoketheleast:Besides,hisexpeditionpromisesPresentapproach.

SecondSenator Westandmuchhazard,iftheybringnotTimon.

Messenger Imetacourier,onemineancientfriend;Whom,thoughingeneralpartwewereopposed,Yetouroldlovemadeaparticularforce,Andmadeusspeaklikefriends:thismanwasridingFromAlcibiadestoTimon'scave,Withlettersofentreaty,whichimportedHisfellowshipi'thecauseagainstyourcity,Inpartforhissakemoved.

FirstSenator Herecomeourbrothers.

[EntertheSenatorsfromTIMON]

ThirdSenator NotalkofTimon,nothingofhimexpect.Theenemies'drumisheard,andfearfulscouringDothchoketheairwithdust:in,andprepare:Oursisthefall,Ifear;ourfoesthesnare.

[Exeunt]

TIMONOFATHENS

ACTV

SCENEIII Thewoods.Timon'scave,andarudetombseen.

[EnteraSoldier,seekingTIMON]

Soldier Byalldescriptionthisshouldbetheplace.Who'shere?speak,ho!Noanswer!Whatisthis?Timonisdead,whohathoutstretch'dhisspan:Somebeastrear'dthis;theredoesnotliveaman.Dead,sure;andthishisgrave.What'sonthistombIcannotread;thecharacterI'lltakewithwax:Ourcaptainhathineveryfigureskill,Anagedinterpreter,thoughyoungindays:BeforeproudAthenshe'ssetdownbythis,

Whosefallthemarkofhisambitionis.

[Exit]

TIMONOFATHENS





Forthosethatwere,itisnotsquaretotakeOnthosethatare,revenges:crimes,likelands,Arenotinherited.Then,dearcountryman,Bringinthyranks,butleavewithoutthyrage:SparethyAtheniancradleandthosekinWhichintheblusterofthywrathmustfallWiththosethathaveoffended:likeashepherd,Approachthefoldandculltheinfectedforth,Butkillnotalltogether.

SecondSenator Whatthouwilt,ThourathershaltenforceitwiththysmileThanhewto'twiththysword.

FirstSenator SetbutthyfootAgainstourrampiredgates,andtheyshallope;Sothouwiltsendthygentleheartbefore,Tosaythou'ltenterfriendly.

SecondSenator Throwthyglove,Oranytokenofthinehonourelse,ThatthouwiltusethewarsasthyredressAndnotasourconfusion,allthypowersShallmaketheirharbourinourtown,tillwe

Haveseal'dthyfulldesire.

ALCIBIADES Thenthere'smyglove;Descend,andopenyourunchargedports:ThoseenemiesofTimon'sandmineownWhomyouyourselvesshallsetoutforreproofFallandnomore:and,toatoneyourfearsWithmymorenoblemeaning,notamanShallpasshisquarter,oroffendthestreamOfregularjusticeinyourcity'sbounds,Butshallberender'dtoyourpubliclawsAtheaviestanswer.

Both 'Tismostnoblyspoken.

ALCIBIADES Descend,andkeepyourwords.

[TheSenatorsdescend,andopenthegates]

[EnterSoldier]

Soldier Mynoblegeneral,Timonisdead;Entomb'dupontheveryhemo'thesea;Andonhisgrave-stonethisinsculpture,whichWithwaxIbroughtaway,whosesoftimpressionInterpretsformypoorignorance.

ALCIBIADES [Readstheepitaph]'Hereliesawretchedcorse,ofwretchedsoulbereft:Seeknotmyname:aplagueconsumeyouwickedcaitiffsleft!HerelieI,Timon;who,alive,alllivingmendidhate:Passbyandcursethyfill,butpassandstaynotherethygait.'Thesewellexpressintheethylatterspirits:Thoughthouabhorr'dstinusourhumangriefs,



Scorn'dstourbrain'sflowandthoseourdropletswhichFromniggardnaturefall,yetrichconceitTaughttheetomakevastNeptuneweepforayeOnthylowgrave,onfaultsforgiven.DeadIsnobleTimon:ofwhosememoryHereaftermore.Bringmeintoyourcity,AndIwillusetheolivewithmysword,Makewarbreedpeace,makepeacestintwar,makeeachPrescribetootheraseachother'sleech.Letourdrumsstrike.

[Exeunt]

Documents

Shakespeare - Timon of Athens