William Shakespeare, Timon of Athens [1623]

Edition used:

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (The Oxford Shakespeare), ed. with a glossary by W.J. Craig M.A. (Oxford University Press, 1916).

Author: William Shakespeare

Editor: William James Craig

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One of the plays in the 1916 Oxford University Press edition of all of Shakespeare’s plays and poems.

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The text is in the public domain.

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TIMON OF ATHENS

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.

TIMON, | a noble Athenian.
LUCIUS, } | flattering Lords.
LUCULLUS, }
SEMPRONIUS, }
VENTIDIUS, | one of Timon’s false Friends.
APEMANTUS, | a churlish Philosopher.
ALCIBIADES, | an Athenian Captain.
FLAVIUS, | Steward to Timon.
FLAMINIUS, } | Servants to Timon.
LUCILIUS, }
SERVILIUS, }
CAPHIS, } | Servants to Timon’s Creditors.
PHILOTUS, }
TITUS, }
LUCIUS, }
HORTENSIUS, }
Servants of Ventidius, and of Varro and Isidore (two of Timon’s Creditors).
Three Strangers. |
An Old Athenian. |
A Page. |
A Fool. |
Poet, Painter, Jeweller, and Merchant.
PHRYNIA, } | Mistresses to Alcibiades.
TIMANDRA, }
Lords, Senators, Officers, Soldiers, Thieves, and Attendants.
CUPID and Amazons in the Masque.

Scene.—Athens, and the neighbouring Woods.

ACT I.

Scene I.—

Athens. A Hall inTimon’sHouse.

Enter Poet, Painter, Jeweller, Merchant, and Others, at several doors.

Poet.

Good day, sir.

Pain.

I am glad you’re well.

Poet.

I have not seen you long. How goes the world?

Pain.

It wears, sir, as it grows.

Poet.

Ay, that’s well known;

But what particular rarity? what strange,

Which manifold record not matches? See,

Magic of bounty! all these spirits thy power

Hath conjur’d to attend. I know the merchant.

Pain.

I know them both; th’ other’s a jeweller.

Mer.

O! ’tis a worthy lord.

Jew.

Nay, that’s most fix’d.

Mer.

A most incomparable man, breath’d, as it were,

To an untirable and continuate goodness:

He passes.

Jew.

I have a jewel here—

Mer.

O! pray, let’s see ’t: for the Lord Timon, sir?

Jew.

If he will touch the estimate: but, for that—

Poet.

When we for recompense have prais’d the vile,

It stains the glory in that happy verse

Which aptly sings the good.

Mer.

[Looking at the jewel.] ’Tis a good form.

Jew.

And rich: here is a water, look ye.

Pain.

You are rapt, sir, in some work, some dedication

To the great lord.

Poet.

A thing slipp’d idly from me.

Our poesy is as a gum, which oozes

From whence ’tis nourish’d: the fire i’ the flint

Shows not till it be struck; our gentle flame

Provokes itself, and, like the current flies

Each bound it chafes. What have you there?

Pain.

A picture, sir. When comes your book forth?

Poet.

Upon the heels of my presentment, sir.

Let’s see your piece.

Pain.

’Tis a good piece.

Poet.

So ’tis: this comes off well and excellent.

Pain.

Indifferent.

Poet.

Admirable! How this grace

Speaks his own standing! what a mental power

This eye shoots forth! how big imagination

Moves in this lip! to the dumbness of the gesture

One might interpret.

Pain.

It is a pretty mocking of the life.

Here is a touch; is ’t good?

Poet.

I’ll say of it,

It tutors nature: artificial strife

Lives in these touches, livelier than life.

Enter certain Senators, who pass over the stage.

Pain.

How this lord is follow’d!

Poet.

The senators of Athens: happy man!

Pain.

Look, more!

Poet.

You see this confluence, this great flood of visitors.

I have, in this rough work, shap’d out a man,

Whom this beneath world doth embrace and hug

With amplest entertainment: my free drift

Halts not particularly, but moves itself

In a wide sea of wax: no levell’d malice

Infects one comma in the course I hold;

But flies an eagle flight, bold and forth on,

Leaving no tract behind.

Pain.

How shall I understand you?

Poet.

I will unbolt to you.

You see how all conditions, how all minds—

As well of glib and slippery creatures as

Of grave and austere quality—tender down

Their services to Lord Timon: his large fortune,

Upon his good and gracious nature hanging,

Subdues and properties to his love and tendance

All sorts of hearts; yea, from the glass-fac’d flatterer

To Apemantus, that few things loves better

Than to abhor himself: even he drops down

The knee before him and returns in peace

Most rich in Timon’s nod.

Pain.

I saw them speak together.

Poet.

Sir, I have upon a high and pleasant hill

Feign’d Fortune to be thron’d: the base o’ the mount

Is rank’d with all deserts, all kind of natures,

That labour on the bosom of this sphere

To propagate their states: amongst them all,

Whose eyes are on this sovereign lady fix’d,

One do I personate of Lord Timon’s frame,

Whom Fortune with her ivory hand wafts to her;

Whose present grace to present slaves and servants

Translates his rivals.

Pain.

’Tis conceiv’d to scope.

This throne, this Fortune, and this hill, methinks,

With one man beckon’d from the rest below,

Bowing his head against the steepy mount

To climb his happiness, would be well express’d

In our condition.

Poet.

Nay, sir, but hear me on.

All those which were his fellows but of late,

Some better than his value, on the moment

Follow his strides, his lobbies fill with tendance,

Rain sacrificial whisperings in his ear,

Make sacred even his stirrup, and through him

Drink the free air.

Pain.

Ay, marry, what of these?

Poet.

When Fortune in her shift and change of mood

Spurns down her late belov’d, all his dependants

Which labour’d after him to the mountain’s top

Even on their knees and hands, let him slip down,

Not one accompanying his declining foot.

Pain.

’Tis common:

A thousand moral paintings I can show

That shall demonstrate these quick blows of Fortune’s

More pregnantly than words. Yet you do well

To show Lord Timon that mean eyes have seen

The foot above the head.

Trumpets sound. EnterLord Timon,addressing himself courteously to every suitor; a Messenger fromVentidiustalking with him,Luciliusand other servants following.

Tim.

Imprison’d is he, say you?

Mess.

Ay, my good lord: five talents is his debt,

His means most short, his creditors most strait:

Your honourable letter he desires

To those have shut him up; which, failing,

Periods his comfort.

Tim.

Noble Ventidius! Well;

I am not of that feather to shake off

My friend when he must need me. I do know him

A gentleman that well deserves a help,

Which he shall have: I’ll pay the debt and free him.

Mess.

Your lordship ever binds him.

Tim.

Commend me to him. I will send his ransom;

And being enfranchis’d, bid him come to me.

’Tis not enough to help the feeble up,

But to support him after. Fare you well.

Mess.

All happiness to your honour.

[Exit.

Enter an Old Athenian.

Old Ath.

Lord Timon, hear me speak.

Tim.

Freely, good father.

Old Ath.

Thou hast a servant nam’d Lucilius.

Tim.

I have so: what of him?

Old Ath.

Most noble Timon, call the man before thee.

Tim.

Attends be here or no? Lucilius!

Luc.

Here, at your lordship’s service.

Old Ath.

This fellow here, Lord Timon, this thy creature,

By night frequents my house. I am a man

That from my first have been inclin’d to thrift,

And my estate deserves an heir more rais’d

Than one which holds a trencher.

Tim.

Well; what further?

Old Ath.

One only daughter have I, no kin else,

On whom I may confer what I have got:

The maid is fair, o’ the youngest for a bride,

And I have bred her at my dearest cost

In qualities of the best. This man of thine

Attempts her love: I prithee, noble lord,

Join with me to forbid him her resort;

Myself have spoke in vain.

Tim.

The man is honest.

Old Ath.

Therefore he will be, Timon:

His honesty rewards him in itself;

It must not bear my daughter.

Tim.

Does she love him?

Old Ath.

She is young and apt:

Our own precedent passions do instruct us

What levity’s in youth.

Tim.

[ToLucilius.] Love you the maid?

Luc.

Ay, my good lord, and she accepts of it.

Old Ath.

If in her marriage my consent be missing,

I call the gods to witness, I will choose

Mine heir from forth the beggars of the world,

And dispossess her all.

Tim.

How shall she be endow’d,

If she be mated with an equal husband?

Old Ath.

Three talents on the present; in future, all.

Tim.

This gentleman of mine hath serv’d me long:

To build his fortune I will strain a little,

For ’tis a bond in men. Give him thy daughter;

What you bestow, in him I’ll counterpoise,

And make him weigh with her.

Old Ath.

Most noble lord,

Pawn me to this your honour, she is his.

Tim.

My hand to thee; mine honour on my promise.

Luc.

Humbly I thank your lordship: never may

That state or fortune fall into my keeping

Which is not ow’d to you!

[ExeuntLuciliusand Old Athenian.

Poet.

Vouchsafe my labour, and long live your lordship!

Tim.

I thank you; you shall hear from me anon:

Go not away. What have you there, my friend?

Pain.

A piece of painting, which I do beseech

Your lordship to accept.

Tim.

Painting is welcome.

The painting is almost the natural man;

For since dishonour traffics with man’s nature,

He is but outside: these pencil’d figures are

Even such as they give out. I like your work;

And you shall find I like it: wait attendance

Till you hear further from me.

Pain.

The gods preserve you!

Tim.

Well fare you, gentleman: give me your hand;

We must needs dine together. Sir, your jewel

Hath suffer’d under praise.

Jew.

What, my lord! dispraise?

Tim.

A mere satiety of commendations.

If I should pay you for ’t as ’tis extoll’d,

It would unclew me quite.

Jew.

My lord, ’tis rated

As those which sell would give: but you well know,

Things of like value, differing in the owners,

Are prized by their masters. Believe ’t, dear lord,

You mend the jewel by the wearing it.

Tim.

Well mock’d.

Mer.

No, my good lord; he speaks the common tongue,

Which all men speak with him.

Tim.

Look, who comes here. Will you be chid?

EnterApemantus.

Jew.

We’ll bear, with your lordship.

Mer.

He’ll spare none.

Tim.

Good morrow to thee, gentle Apemantus!

Apem.

Till I be gentle, stay thou for thy good morrow;

When thou art Timon’s dog, and these knaves honest.

Tim.

Why dost thou call them knaves? thou know’st them not.

Apem.

Are they not Athenians?

Tim.

Yes.

Apem.

Then I repent not.

Jew.

You know me, Apemantus?

Apem.

Thou know’st I do; I call’d thee by thy name.

Tim.

Thou art proud, Apemantus.

Apem.

Of nothing so much as that I am not like Timon.

Tim.

Whither art going?

Apem.

To knock out an honest Athenian’s brains.

Tim.

That’s a deed thou’lt die for.

Apem.

Right, if doing nothing be death by the law.

Tim.

How likest thou this picture, Apemantus?

Apem.

The best, for the innocence.

Tim.

Wrought he not well that painted it?

Apem.

He wrought better that made the painter; and yet he’s but a filthy piece of work.

Pain.

You’re a dog.

Apem.

Thy mother’s of my generation: what’s she, if I be a dog?

Tim.

Wilt dine with me, Apemantus?

Apem.

No; I eat not lords.

Tim.

An thou shouldst, thou’dst anger ladies.

Apem.

O! they eat lords; so they come by great bellies.

Tim.

That’s a lascivious apprehension.

Apem.

So thou apprehendest it, take it for thy labour.

Tim.

How dost thou like this jewel, Apemantus?

Apem.

Not so well as plain-dealing, which will not cost a man a doit.

Tim.

What dost thou think ’tis worth?

Apem.

Not worth my thinking. How now, poet!

Poet.

How now, philosopher!

Apem.

Thou liest.

Poet.

Art not one?

Apem.

Yes.

Poet.

Then I lie not.

Apem.

Art not a poet?

Poet.

Yes.

Apem.

Then thou liest: look in thy last work, where thou hast feigned him a worthy fellow.

Poet.

That’s not feigned; he is so.

Apem.

Yes, he is worthy of thee, and to pay thee for thy labour: he that loves to be flattered is worthy o’ the flatterer. Heavens, that I were a lord!

Tim.

What wouldst do then, Apemantus?

Apem.

Even as Apemantus does now; hate a lord with my heart.

Tim.

What, thyself?

Apem.

Ay.

Tim.

Wherefore?

Apem.

That I had no angry wit to be a lord.

Art not thou a merchant?

Mer.

Ay, Apemantus.

Apem.

Traffic confound thee, if the gods will not!

Mer.

If traffic do it, the gods do it.

Apem.

Traffic’s thy god, and thy god confound thee!

Trumpet sounds. Enter a Servant.

Tim.

What trumpet’s that?

Serv.

’Tis Alcihiades, and some twenty horse,

All of companionship.

Tim.

Pray, entertain them; give them guide to us.

[Exeunt some Attendants.

You must needs dine with me. Go not you hence

Till I have thanked you; when dinner’s done,

Show me this piece. I am joyful of your sights.

EnterAlciblades,with his Company.

Most welcome, sir!

Apem.

So, so, there!

Aches contract and starve your supple joints!

That there should be small love ’mongst these sweet knaves,

And all this courtesy! The strain of man’s bred out

Into baboon and monkey.

Alcib.

Sir, you have sav’d my longing, and I feed

Most hungerly on your sight.

Tim.

Right welcome, sir!

Ere we depart, we’ll share a bounteous time

In different pleasures. Pray you, let us in.

[Exeunt all exceptApemantus.

Enter two Lords.

First Lord.

What time o’day is’t, Apemantus?

Apem.

Time to be honest.

First Lord.

That time serves still.

Apem.

The more accursed thou, that still omitt’st it.

Sec. Lord.

Thou art going to Lord Timon’s feast?

Apem.

Ay; to see meat fill khaves and wine heat fools.

Sec. Lord.

Fare thee well, fare thee well.

Apem.

Thou art a fool to bid me farewell twice.

Sec. Lord.

Why, Apemantus?

Apem.

Shouldst have kept one to thyself, for I mean to give thee none.

First Lord.

Hang thyself!

Apem.

No, I will do nothing at thy bidding: make thy requests to thy friend.

Sec. Lord.

Away, unpeaceable dog! or I’ll spurn thee hence.

Apem.

I will fly, like a dog, the heels of an ass.

[Exit.

First Lord.

He’s opposite to humanity. Come, shall we in,

And taste Lord Timon’s bounty? he outgoes

The very heart of kindness.

Sec. Lord.

He pours it out; Plutus, the god of gold,

Is but his steward: no meed but he repays

Sevenfold above itself; no gift to him

But breeds the giver a return exceeding

All use of quittance.

First Lord.

The noblest mind he carries

That ever govern’d man.

Sec. Lord.

Long may he live in fortunes!

Shall we in?

First Lord.

I’ll keep you company.

[Exeunt.

Scene II.—

The Same. A Room of State inTimon’sHouse.

Hautboys playing loud music. A great banquet served in;Flaviusand Others attending: then enterLord Timon, Alcibiades, Lords, and Senators, Ventidiusand Attendants. Then comes, dropping after all,Apemantusdiscontentedly, like himself.

Ven.

Most honour’d Timon,

It hath pleas’d the gods to remember my father’s age,

And call him to long peace.

He is gone happy, and has left me rich:

Then, as in grateful virtue I am bound

To your free heart, I do return those talents,

Doubled with thanks and service, from whose help

I deriv’d liberty.

Tim.

O! by no means,

Honest Ventidius; you mistake my love;

I gave it freely ever; and there’s none

Can truly say he gives, if he receives:

If our betters play at that game, we must not dare

To imitate them; faults that are rich are fair.

Ven.

A noble spirit.

[They all stand ceremoniously looking onTimon.

Tim.

Nay, my lords, ceremony was but devis’d at first

To set a gloss on faint deeds, hollow welcomes,

Recanting goodness, sorry ere ’tis shown;

But where there is true friendship, there needs none.

Pray, sit; more welcome are ye to my fortunes

Than my fortunes to me.

[They sit.

First Lord.

My lord, we always have confess’d it.

Apem.

Ho, ho! confess’d it; hang’d it, have you not?

Tim.

O! Apemantus, you are welcome.

Apem.

No,

You shall not make me welcome:

I come to have thee thrust me out of doors.

Tim.

Fie! thou’rt a churl; ye’ve got a humour there

Does not become a man; ’tis much to blame.

They say, my lords, Ira furor brevis est;

But yond man is ever angry.

Go, let him have a table by himself,

For he does neither affect company,

Nor is he fit for it, indeed.

Apem.

Let me stay at thine apperil, Timon:

I come to observe; I give thee warning on’t.

Tim.

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.

Apem.

I scorn thy meat; ’twould choke me, for I should

Ne’er flatter thee. O you gods! what a number

Of men eat Timon, and he sees them not.

It grieves me to see so many dip their meat

In one man’s blood; and all the madness is,

He cheers them up too.

I wonder men dare trust themselves with men:

Methinks they should invite them without knives;

Good for their meat, and safer for their lives.

There’s much example for’t; the fellow that

Sits next him now, parts bread with him, and pledges

The breath of him in a divided draught,

Is the readiest man to kill him: ’t has been prov’d.

If I were a huge man, I should fear to drink at meals;

Lest they should spy my wind-pipe’s dangerous notes:

Great men should drink with harness on their throats.

Tim.

My lord, in heart; and let the health go round.

Sec. Lord.

Let it flow this way, my good lord.

Apem.

Flow this way! A brave fellow! he keeps his tides well. Those healths will make thee and thy state look ill, Timon.

Here’s that which is too weak to be a sinner,

Honest water, which ne’er left man i’ the mire:

This and my food are equals, there’s no odds:

Feasts are too proud to give thanks to the gods.

Immortal gods, I crave no pelf;

I pray for no man but myself:

Grant I may never prove so fond,

To trust man on his oath or bond;

Or a harlot for her weeping;

Or a dog that seems a-sleeping;

Or a keeper with my freedom;

Or my friends, if I should need ’em.

Amen. So fall to’t:

Rich men sin, and I eat root.

[Eats and drinks.

Much good dich thy good heart, Apemantus!

Tim.

Captain Alcibiades, your heart’s in the field now.

Alcib.

My heart is ever at your service, my lord.

Tim.

You had rather be at a breakfast of enemies than a dinner of friends.

Alcib.

So they were bleeding-new, my lord, there’s no meat like ’em: I could wish my best friend at such a feast.

Apem.

’Would all those flatterers were thine enemies then, that then thou mightst kill ’em and bid me to ’em.

First Lord.

Might we but have that happiness, my lord, that you would once use our hearts, whereby we might express some part of our zeals, we should think ourselves for ever perfect.

Tim.

O! no doubt, my good friends, but the gods themselves have provided that I shall have much help from you: how had you been my friends else? why have you that charitable title from thousands, did not you chiefly belong to my heart? I have told more of you to myself than you can with modesty speak in your own behalf; and thus far I confirm you. O you gods! think I, what need we have any friends, if we should ne’er have need of ’em? they were the most needless creatures living should we ne’er have use for ’em, and would most resemble sweet instruments hung up in cases, that keep their sounds to themselves. Why, I have often wished myself poorer that I might come nearer to you. We are born to do benefits; and what better or properer can we call our own than the riches of our friends? O! what a precious comfort ’tis, to have so many, like brothers, commanding one another’s fortunes. O joy! e’en made away ere it can be born. Mine eyes cannot hold out water, methinks: to forget their faults, I drink to you.

Apem.

Thou weepest to make them drink, Timon.

Sec. Lord.

Joy had the like conception in our eyes,

And, at that instant, like a babe, sprung up.

Apem.

Ho, ho! I laugh to think that babe a bastard.

Third Lord.

I promise you, my lord, you mov’d me much.

Apem.

Much!

[Tucket sounded.

Tim.

What means that trump?

Enter a Servant.

How now!

Serv.

Please you, my lord, there are certain ladies most desirous of admittance.

Tim.

Ladies? What are their wills?

Serv.

There comes with them a forerunner, my lord, which bears that office, to signify their pleasures.

Tim.

I pray, let them be admitted.

EnterCupid.

Cup.

Hail to thee, worthy Timon; and to all

That of his bounties taste! The five best senses

Acknowledge thee their patron; and come freely

To gratulate thy plenteous bosom. Th’ ear,

Taste, touch, smell, pleas’d from thy table rise;

They only now come but to feast thine eyes.

Tim.

They are welcome all; let ’em have kind admittance:

Music, make their welcome!

[ExitCupid.

First Lord.

You see, my lord, how ample you’re belov’d.

Music. Re-enterCupid,with a masque of Ladies as Amazons, with lutes in their hands, dancing and playing.

Apem.

Hoy-day! what a sweep of vanity comes this way:

They dance! they are mad women.

Like madness is the glory of this life,

As this pomp shows to a little oil and root.

We make ourselves fools to disport ourselves;

And spend our flatteries to drink those men

Upon whose age we void it up again,

With poisonous spite and envy.

Who lives that’s not depraved or depraves?

Who dies that bears not one spurn to their graves

Of their friend’s gift?

I should fear those that dance before me now

Would one day stamp upon me: it has been done;

Men shut their doors against a setting sun.

The Lords rise from table, with much adoring ofTimon;and to show their loves each singles out an Amazon, and all dance, men with women, a lofty strain or two to the hautboys, and cease.

Tim.

You have done our pleasures much grace, fair ladies,

Set a fair fashion on our entertainment,

Which was not half so beautiful and kind;

You have added worth unto ’t and lustre,

And entertain’d me with mine own device;

I am to thank you for ’t.

First Lady.

My lord, you take us even at the best.

Apem.

Faith, for the worst is filthy; and would not hold taking, I doubt me.

Tim.

Ladies, there is an idle banquet

Attends you: please you to dispose yourselves.

All Lad.

Most thankfully, my lord.

[ExeuntCupidand Ladies.

Tim.

Flavius!

Flav.

My lord!

Tim.

The little casket bring me hither.

Flav.

Yes, my lord. [Aside.] More jewels yet!

There is no crossing him in ’s humour;

Else I should tell him well, i’ faith, I should,

When all’s spent, he’d be cross’d then, an he could.

’Tis pity bounty had not eyes behind,

That man might ne’er be wretched for his mind.

[Exit.

First Lord.

Where be our men?

Serv.

Here, my lord, in readiness.

Sec. Lord.

Our horses!

Re-enterFlaviuswith the Casket.

Tim.

O, my friends! I have one word to say to you;

Look you, my good lord,

I must entreat you, honour me so much

As to advance this jewel; accept it and wear it,

Kind my lord.

First Lord.

I am so far already in your gifts—

All.

So are we all.

Enter a Servant.

Serv.

My lord, there are certain nobles of the senate

Newly alighted, and come to visit you.

Tim.

They are fairly welcome.

Flav.

I beseech your honour,

Vouchsafe me a word; it does concern you near.

Tim.

Near! why then another time I’ll hear thee.

I prithee, let’s be provided to show them entertainment.

Flav.

[Aside.] I scarce know how.

Enter another Servant.

Sec. Serv.

May it please your honour, Lord Lucius,

Out of his free love, hath presented to you

Four milk-white horses, trapp’d in silver.

Tim.

I shall accept them fairly; let the presents

Be worthily entertain’d.

Enter a third Servant.

How now! what news?

Third Serv.

Please you, my lord, that honourable gentleman, Lord Lucullus, entreats your company to-morrow to hunt with him, and has sent your honour two brace of greyhounds.

Tim.

I’ll hunt with him; and let them be receiv’d,

Not without fair reward.

Flav.

[Aside.] What will this come to?

He commands us to provide, and give great gifts,

And all out of an empty coffer:

Nor will he know his purse, or yield me this,

To show him what a beggar his heart is,

Being of no power to make his wishes good.

His promises fly so beyond his state

That what he speaks is all in debt; he owes

For every word: he is so kind that he now

Pays interest for’t; his land’s put to their books.

Well, would I were gently put out of office

Before I were forc’d out!

Happier he that has no friend to feed

Than such as do e’en enemies exceed.

I bleed inwardly for my lord.

[Exit.

Tim.

You do yourselves

Much wrong, you bate too much of your own merits:

Here, my lord, a trifle of our love.

Sec. Lord.

With more than common thanks I will receive it.

Third Lord.

O! he’s the very soul of bounty.

Tim.

And now I remember, my lord, you gave

Good words the other day of a bay courser

I rode on: it is yours, because you lik’d it.

Third Lord.

O! I beseech you, pardon me, my lord, in that.

Tim.

You may take my word, my lord; I know no man

Can justly praise but what he does affect:

I weigh my friend’s affection with mine own;

I’ll tell you true. I’ll call to you.

All Lords.

O! none so welcome.

Tim.

I take all and your several visitations

So kind to heart, ’tis not enough to give;

Methinks, I could deal kingdoms to my friends,

And ne’er be weary. Alcibiades,

Thou art a soldier, therefore seldom rich;

It comes in charity to thee; for all thy living

Is ’mongst the dead, and all the lands thou hast

Lie in a pitch’d field.

Alcib.

Ay, defil’d land, my lord.

First Lord.

We are so virtuously bound,—

Tim.

And so

Am I to you.

Sec. Lord.

So infinitely endear’d,—

Tim.

All to you. Lights, more lights!

First Lord.

The best of happiness,

Honour, and fortunes, keep with you, Lord Timon!

Tim.

Ready for his friends.

[ExeuntAlcibiades, Lords, &c.

Apem.

What a coil’s here!

Serving of becks and jutting out of bums!

I doubt whether their legs be worth the sums

That are given for ’em. Friendship’s full of dregs:

Methinks, false hearts should never have sound legs.

Thus honest fools lay out their wealth on curtsies.

Tim.

Now, Apemantus, if thou wert not sullen,

I would be good to thee.

Apem.

No, I’ll nothing; for if I should be bribed too, there would be none left to rail upon thee, and then thou wouldst sin the faster. Thou givest so long, Timon, I fear me thou wilt give away thyself in paper shortly: what need these feasts, pomps, and vain-glories?

Tim.

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.

Apem.

So:

Thou wilt not hear me now; thou shalt not then;

I’ll lock thy heaven from thee.

O! that men’s ears should be

To counsel deaf, but not to flattery.

[Exit.

ACT II.

Scene I.—

Athens. A Room in a Senator’s House.

Enter a Senator, with papers in his hand.

Sen.

And late, five thousand: to Varro and to Isidore

He owes nine thousand; besides my former sum,

Which makes it five-and-twenty. Still in motion

Of raging waste! It cannot hold; it will not.

If I want gold, steal but a beggar’s dog

And give it Timon, why, the dog coins gold;

If I would sell my horse, and buy twenty more

Better than he, why, give my horse to Timon,

Ask nothing, give it him, it foals me, straight,

And able horses. No porter at his gate,

But rather one that smiles and still invites

All that pass by. It cannot hold; no reason

Can found his state in safety. Caphis, ho!

Caphis, I say!

EnterCaphis.

Caph.

Here, sir; what is your pleasure?

Sen.

Get on your cloak, and haste you to Lord Timon;

Importune him for my moneys; be not ceas’d

With slight denial, nor then silenc’d when—

‘Commend me to your master’—and the cap

Plays in the right hand, thus;—but tell him,

My uses cry to me; I must serve my turn

Out of mine own; his days and times are past,

And my reliances on his fracted dates

Have smit my credit: I love and honour him,

But must not break my back to heal his finger;

Immediate are my needs, and my relief

Must not be toss’d and turn’d to me in words,

But find supply immediate. Get you gone:

Put on a most importunate aspect,

A visage of demand; for, I do fear,

When every feather sticks in his own wing,

Lord Timon will be left a naked gull,

Which flashes now a phœnix. Get you gone.

Caph.

I go, sir.

Sen.

‘I go, sir!’ Take the bonds along with you,

And have the dates in compt.

Caph.

I will, sir.

Sen.

Go.

[Exeunt.

Scene II.—

The Same. A Hall inTimon’sHouse.

EnterFlavius,with many bills in his hand.

Flav.

No care, no stop! so senseless of expense,

That he will neither know how to maintain it,

Nor cease his flow of riot: takes no account

How things go from him, nor resumes no care

Of what is to continue: never mind

Was to be so unwise, to be so kind.

What shall be done? He will not hear, till feel:

I must be round with him, now he comes from hunting.

Fie, fie, fie, fie!

EnterCaphis,and the Servants ofIsidoreandVarro.

Caph.

Good even, Varro. What!

You come for money?

Var. Serv.

Is’t not your business too?

Caph.

It is: and yours too, Isidore?

Isid. Serv.

It is so.

Caph.

Would we were all discharg’d!

Var. Serv.

I fear it.

Caph.

Here comes the lord!

EnterTimon, Alcibiades,and Lords, &c.

Tim.

So soon as dinner’s done, we’ll forth again,

My Alcibiades. With me? what is your will?

Caph.

My lord, here is a note of certain dues.

Tim.

Dues! Whence are you?

Caph.

Of Athens here, my lord.

Tim.

Go to my steward.

Caph.

Please it your lordship, he hath put me off

To the succession of new days this month:

My master is awak’d by great occasion

To call upon his own; and humbly prays you

That with your other noble parts you’ll suit

In giving him his right.

Tim.

Mine honest friend,

I prithee, but repair to me next morning.

Caph.

Nay, good my lord,—

Tim.

Contain thyself, good friend.

Var. Serv.

One Varro’s servant, my good lord,—

Isid. Serv.

From Isidore;

He humbly prays your speedy payment.

Caph.

If you did know, my lord, my master’s wants,—

Var. Serv.

’Twas due on forfeiture, my lord, six weeks

And past.

Isid. Serv.

Your steward puts me off, my lord;

And I am sent expressly to your lordship.

Tim.

Give me breath.

I do beseech you, good my lords, keep on;

I’ll wait upon you instantly.

[ExeuntAlcibiadesand Lords.

[ToFlavius.] Come hither: pray you,

How goes the world, that I am thus encounter’d

With clamorous demands of date-broke bonds,

And the detention of long-since-due debts,

Against my honour?

Flav.

Please you, gentlemen,

The time is unagreeable to this business:

Your importunacy cease till after dinner,

That I may make his lordship understand

Wherefore you are not paid.

Tim.

Do so, my friends.

See them well entertained.

[Exit.

Flav.

Pray, draw near.

[Exit.

EnterApemantusand Fool.

Caph.

Stay, stay; here comes the fool with

Apemantus: let’s ha’ some sport with ’em.

Var. Serv.

Hang him, he’ll abuse us.

Isid. Serv.

A plague upon him, dog!

Var. Serv.

How dost, fool?

Apem.

Dost dialogue with thy shadow?

Var. Serv.

I speak not to thee.

Apem.

No; ’tis to thyself. [To the Fool.] Come away.

Isid. Serv.

[ToVar. Serv.] There’s the fool hangs on your back already.

Apem.

No, thou stand’st single; thou’rt not on him yet.

Caph.

Where’s the fool now?

Apem.

He last asked the question. Poor rogues, and usurers’ men! bawds between gold and want!

All Serv.

What are we, Apemantus?

Apem.

Asses.

All Serv.

Why?

Apem.

That you ask me what you are, and do not know yourselves. Speak to ’em, fool.

Fool.

How do you, gentlemen?

All Serv.

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!

Apem.

Good! gramercy.

Enter Page.

Fool.

Look you, here comes my mistress’ page.

Page.

[To the Fool.] Why, how now, captain! what do you in this wise company? How dost thou, Apemantus?

Apem.

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.

Apem.

Canst not read?

Page.

No.

Apem.

There will little learning die then that day thou art hanged. This is to Lord Timon; this to Alcibiades. Go; thou wast born a bastard, and thou’lt die a bawd.

Page.

Thou wast whelped a dog, and thou shalt famish a dog’s death. Answer not; I am gone.

[Exit Page.

Apem.

E’en so thou outrunn’st grace.—

Fool, I will go with you to Lord Timon’s.

Fool.

Will you leave me there?

Apem.

If Timon stay at home. You three serve three usurers?

All Serv.

Ay; would they served us!

Apem.

So would I, as good a trick as ever hangman served thief.

Fool.

Are you three usurers’ men?

All Serv.

Ay, fool.

Fool.

I think no usurer but has a fool to his servant: my mistress is one, and I am her fool. When men come to borrow of your masters, they approach sadly, and go away merry; but they enter my mistress’ house merrily, and go away sadly: the reason of this?

Var. Serv.

I could render one.

Apem.

Do it, then, that we may account thee a whoremaster and a knave; which, notwithstanding, thou shalt be no less esteemed.

Var. Serv.

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.

Var. Serv.

Thou art not altogether a fool.

Fool.

Nor thou altogether a wise man: as much foolery as I have, so much wit thou lackest.

Apem.

That answer might have become Apemantus.

All Serv.

Aside, aside; here comes Lord Timon.

Re-enterTimonandFlavius.

Apem.

Come with me, fool, come.

Fool.

I do not always follow lover, elder brother and woman; sometime the philosopher.

[ExeuntApemantusand Fool.

Flav.

Pray you, walk near: I’ll speak with you anon.

[Exeunt Servants.

Tim.

You make me marvel: wherefore, ere this time,

Had you not fully laid my state before me,

That I might so have rated my expense

As I had leave of means?

Flav.

You would not hear me,

At many leisures I propos’d.

Tim.

Go to:

Perchance some single vantages you took,

When my indisposition put you back;

And that unaptness made your minister,

Thus to excuse yourself.

Flav.

O my good lord!

At many times I brought in my accounts,

Laid them before you; you would throw them off,

And say you found them in mine honesty.

When for some trifling present you have bid me

Return so much, I have shook my head, and wept;

Yea, ’gainst the authority of manners, pray’d you

To hold your hand more close: I did endure

Not seldom, nor no slight checks, when I have

Prompted you in the ebb of your estate

And your great flow of debts. My loved lord,

Though you hear now, too late, yet now’s a time,

The greatest of your having lacks a half

To pay your present debts.

Tim.

Let all my land be sold.

Flav.

’Tis all engag’d, some forfeited and gone;

And what remains will hardly stop the mouth

Of present dues; the future comes apace:

What shall defend the interim? and at length

How goes our reckoning?

Tim.

To Lacedæmon did my land extend.

Flav.

O my good lord! the world is but a word;

Were it all yours to give it in a breath,

How quickly were it gone!

Tim.

You tell me true.

Flav.

If you suspect my husbandry or falsehood,

Call me before the exactest auditors,

And set me on the proof. So the gods bless me,

When all our offices have been oppress’d

With riotous feeders, when our vaults have wept

With drunken spilth of wine, when every room

Hath blaz’d with lights and bray’d with minstrelsy,

I have retir’d me to a wasteful cock,

And set mine eyes at flow.

Tim.

Prithee, no more.

Flav.

Heavens! have I said, the bounty of this lord!

How many prodigal bits have slaves and peasants

This night englutted! Who is not Timon’s?

What heart, head, sword, force, means, but is Lord Timon’s?

Great Timon, noble, worthy, royal Timon!

Ah! when the means are gone that buy this praise,

The breath is gone whereof this praise is made:

Feast-won, fast-lost; one cloud of winter showers,

These flies are couch’d.

Tim.

Come, sermon me no further;

No villanous bounty yet hath pass’d my heart;

Unwisely, not ignobly, have I given.

Why dost thou weep? Canst thou the conscience lack,

To think I shall lack friends? Secure thy heart;

If I would broach the vessels of my love,

And try the argument of hearts by borrowing,

Men and men’s fortunes could I frankly use

As I can bid thee speak.

Flav.

Assurance bless your thoughts!

Tim.

And, in some sort, these wants of mine are crown’d,

That I account them blessings; for by these

Shall I try friends. You shall perceive how you

Mistake my fortunes; I am wealthy in my friends.

Within there! Flaminius! Servilius!

EnterFlaminius, Servilius,and other Servants.

Serv.

My lord! my lord!

Tim.

I will dispatch you severally: you, to Lord Lucius; to Lord Lucullus you: I hunted with his honour to-day; you, to Sempronius. Commend me to their loves; and I am proud, say, that my occasions have found time to use them toward a supply of money: let the request be fifty talents.

Flam.

As you have said, my lord.

Flav.

[Aside.] Lord Lucius, and Lucullus? hum!

Tim.

[To another Servant.] Go you, sir, to the senators,—

Of whom, even to the state’s best health, I have

Deserv’d this hearing,—bid ’em send o’ the instant

A thousand talents to me.

Flav.

I have been bold,—

For that I knew it the most general way,—

To them to use your signet and your name;

But they do shake their heads, and I am here

No richer in return.

Tim.

Is’t true? can’t be?

Flav

They answer, in a joint and corporate voice,

That now they are at fall, want treasure, cannot

Do what they would; are sorry; you are honourable;

But yet they could have wish’d; they know not;

Something hath been amiss; a noble nature

May catch a wrench; would all were well; ’tis pity;

And so, intending other serious matters,

After distasteful looks and these hard fractions,

With certain half-caps and cold-moving nods

They froze me into silence.

Tim.

You gods, reward them!

Prithee, man, look cheerly. These old fellows

Have their ingratitude in them hereditary;

Their blood is cak’d, ’tis cold, it seldom flows;

’Tis lack of kindly warmth they are not kind;

And nature, as it grows again toward earth,

Is fashion’d for the journey, dull and heavy.

[To a Servant.] Go to Ventidius.—[ToFlavius.] Prithee, be not sad,

Thou art true and honest; ingenuously I speak,

No blame belongs to thee.—[To Servant.] Ventidius lately

Buried his father; by whose death he’s stepp’d

Into a great estate; when he was poor,

Imprison’d and in scarcity of friends,

I clear’d him with five talents; greet him from me;

Bid him suppose some good necessity

Touches his friend, which craves to be remember’d

With those five talents. [Exit Servant.] [ToFlavius.] That had, give’t these fellows

To whom ’tis instant due. Ne’er speak, or think

That Timon’s fortunes ’mong his friends can sink.

Flav.

I would I could not think it: that thought is bounty’s foe;

Being free itself, it thinks all others so.

[Exeunt.

ACT III.

Scene I.—

Athens. A Room inLucullus’ House.

Flaminiuswaiting. Enter a Servant to him.

Serv.

I have told my lord of you; he is coming down to you.

Flam.

I thank you, sir.

EnterLucullus.

Serv.

Here’s my lord.

Lucul.

[Aside.] One of Lord Timon’s men! a gift, I warrant. Why, this hits right; I dreamt of a silver bason and ewer to-night. Flaminius, honest Flaminius, you are very respectively welcome, sir. Fill me some wine. [Exit Servant.] And how does that honourable, complete, free-hearted gentleman of Athens, thy very bountiful good lord and master?

Flam.

His health is well, sir.

Lucul.

I am right glad that his health is well, sir. And what hast thou there under thy cloak, pretty Flaminius?

Flam.

Faith, nothing but an empty box, sir; which, in my lord’s behalf, I come to entreat your honour to supply; who, having great and instant occasion to use fifty talents, hath sent to your lordship to furnish him, nothing doubting your present assistance therein.

Lucul.

La, la, la, la! ‘nothing doubting,’ says he? Alas! good lord; a noble gentleman ’tis, if he would not keep so good a house. Many a time and often I 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 it.

Re-enter Servant with wine.

Serv.

Please your lordship, here is the wine.

Lucul.

Flaminius, I have noted thee always wise. Here’s to thee.

Flam.

Your lordship speaks your pleasure.

Lucul.

I have observed thee always for a towardly prompt spirit, give thee thy due, and one that knows what belongs to reason; and canst use the time well, if the time use thee well: good parts in thee. [To the Servant.]—Get you gone, sirrah.—[Exit Servant.] Draw nearer, honest Flaminius. Thy lord’s a bountiful gentleman; but thou art wise, and thou knowest well enough, although thou comest to me, that this is no time to lend money, especially upon bare friendship, without security. Here’s three solidares for thee: good boy, wink at me, and say thou sawest me not. Fare thee well.

Flam.

Is’t possible the world should so much differ,

And we alive that liv’d? Fly, damned baseness,

To him that worships thee.

[Throwing the money away.

Lucul.

Ha! now I see thou art a fool, and fit for thy master.

[Exit.

Flam.

May these add to the number that may scald thee!

Let molten coin be thy damnation,

Thou disease of a friend, and not himself!

Has friendship such a faint and milky heart

It turns in less than two nights? O you gods!

I feel my master’s passion. This slave unto his honour

Has my lord’s meat in him:

Why should it thrive and turn to nutriment

When he is turn’d to poison?

O! may diseases only work upon ’t,

And, when he’s sick to death, let not that part of nature

Which my lord paid for, be of any power

To expel sickness, but prolong his hour.

[Exit.

Scene II.—

The Same. A Public Place.

EnterLucius,with three Strangers.

Luc.

Who, the Lord Timon? he is my very good friend, and an honourable gentleman.

First Stran.

We know him for no less, though we are but strangers to him. But I can tell you one thing, my lord, and which I hear from common rumours: now Lord Timon’s happy hours are done and past, and his estate shrinks from him.

Luc.

Fie, no, do not believe it; he cannot want for money.

Sec. Stran.

But believe you this, my lord, that, not long ago, one of his men was with the Lord Lucullus, to borrow so many talents, nay, urged extremely for ’t, and showed what necessity belonged to ’t, and yet was denied.

Luc.

How!

Sec. Stran.

I tell you, denied, my lord.

Luc.

What a strange case was that! now, before the gods, I am ashamed on ’t. Denied that honourable man! there was very little honour showed in ’t. For my own part, I must needs confess, I have received some small kindnesses from him, as money, plate, jewels, and such like trifles, nothing comparing to his; yet, had he mistook him, and sent to me, I should ne’er have denied his occasion so many talents.

EnterServilius.

Servil.

See, by good hap, yonder’s my lord; I have sweat to see his honour. [ToLucius.] My honoured lord!

Luc.

Servilius! you are kindly met, sir. Fare thee well: commend me to thy honourable virtuous lord, my very exquisite friend.

Servil.

May it please your honour, my lord hath sent—

Luc.

Ha! what has he sent? I am so much endeared to that lord; he’s ever sending: how shall I thank him, thinkest thou? And what has he sent now?

Servil.

He has only sent his present occasion now, my lord; requesting your lordship to supply his instant use with so many talents.

Luc.

I know his lordship is but merry with me;

He cannot want fifty-five hundred talents.

Servil.

But in the mean time he wants less, my lord.

If his occasion were not virtuous,

I should not urge it half so faithfully.

Luc.

Dost thou speak seriously, Servilius?

Servil.

Upon my soul, ’tis true, sir.

Luc.

What a wicked beast was I to disfurnish myself against such a good time, when I might ha’ shown myself honourable! how unluckily it happened, that I should purchase the day before for a little part, and undo a great deal of honour! 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 it now. Commend me bountifully to his good lordship; and I hope his honour will conceive the fairest of me, because I have no power to be kind: and tell him this from me, I count it one of my greatest afflictions say, that I cannot pleasure such an honourable gentleman. Good Servilius, will you befriend me so far as to use mine own words to him?

Servil.

Yes, sir, I shall.

Luc.

I’ll look you out a good turn, Servilius.

[ExitServilius.

True, as you said, Timon is shrunk indeed;

And he that’s once denied will hardly speed.

[Exit.

First Stran.

Do you observe this, Hostilius?

Sec. Stran.

Ay, too well.

First Stran.

Why this is the world’s soul; and just of the same piece

Is every flatterer’s spirit. Who can call him

His friend that dips in the same dish? for, in

My knowing, Timon has been this lord’s father,

And kept his credit with his purse,

Supported his estate; nay, Timon’s money

Has paid his men their wages: he ne’er drinks

But Timon’s silver treads upon his lip;

And yet, O! see the monstrousness of man,

When he looks out in an ungrateful shape,

He does deny him, in respect of his,

What charitable men afford to beggars.

Third Stran.

Religion groans at it.

First Stran.

For mine own part,

I never tasted Timon in my life,

Nor came any of his bounties over me,

To mark me for his friend; yet, I protest,

For his right noble mind, illustrious virtue,

And honourable carriage,

Had his necessity made use of me,

I would have put my wealth into donation,

And the best half should have return’d to him,

So much I love his heart. But, I perceive,

Men must learn now with pity to dispense;

For policy sits above conscience.

[Exeunt.

Scene III.—

The Same. A Room inSempronius’sHouse.

EnterSemproniusand a Servant ofTimon’s.

Sem.

Must he needs trouble me in ’t. Hum! ’bove all others?

He might have tried Lord Lucius, or Lucullus;

And now Ventidius is wealthy too,

Whom he redeem’d from prison: all these

Owe their estates unto him.

Serv.

My lord,

They have all been touch’d and found base metal, for

They have all denied him.

Sem.

How! have they denied him?

Have Ventidius and Lucullus denied him?

And does he send to me? Three? hum!

It shows but little love or judgment in him:

Must I be his last refuge? His friends, like physicians,

Thrice give him over; must I take the cure upon me?

He has much disgrac’d me in ’t; I’m angry at him,

That might have known my place. I see no sense for ’t,

But his occasions might have woo’d me first;

For, in my conscience, I was the first man

That e’er received gift from him:

And does he think so backwardly of me now,

That I’ll requite it last? No:

So it may prove an argument of laughter

To the rest, and I ’mongst lords be thought a fool.

I had rather than the worth of thrice the sum,

He had sent to me first, but for my mind’s sake;

I’d such a courage to do him good. But now return,

And with their faint reply this answer join;

Who bates mine honour shall not know my coin.

[Exit.

Serv.

Excellent! Your lordship’s a goodly villain. The devil knew not what he did when he made man politic; he crossed himself by ’t: and I cannot think but in the end the villanies of man will set him clear. How fairly this lord strives to appear foul! takes virtuous copies to be wicked, like those that under hot ardent zeal would set whole realms on fire:

Of such a nature is his politic love.

This was my lord’s best hope; now all are fled

Save only the gods. Now his friends are dead,

Doors, that were ne’er acquainted with their wards

Many a bounteous year, must be employ’d

Now to guard sure their master:

And this is all a liberal course allows;

Who cannot keep his wealth must keep his house.

[Exit.

Scene IV.—

The Same. A Hall inTimon’sHouse.

Enter two Servants ofVarro,and the Servant ofLucius,meetingTitus, Hortensius,and other Servants toTimon’sCreditors, waiting his coming out.

First Var. Serv.

Well met; good morrow, Titus and Hortensius.

Tit.

The like to you, kind Varro.

Hor.

Lucius!

What! do we meet together!

Luc. Ser.

Ay, and I think

One business does command us all; for mine

Is money.

Tit.

So is theirs and ours.

EnterPhilotus.

Luc. Serv.

And Sir Philotus too!

Phi.

Good day at once.

Luc. Serv.

Welcome, good brother.

What do you think the hour?

Phi.

Labouring for nine.

Luc. Serv.

So much?

Phi.

Is not my lord seen yet?

Luc. Serv.

Not yet.

Phi.

I wonder on ’t; he was wont to shine at seven.

Luc. Serv.

Ay, but the days are waxed shorter with him:

You must consider that a prodigal course

Is like the sun’s; but not, like his, recoverable.

I fear,

’Tis deepest winter in Lord Timon’s purse;

That is, one may reach deep enough, and yet

Find little.

Phi.

I am of your fear for that.

Tit.

I’ll show you how to observe a strange event.

Your lord sends now for money.

Hor.

Most true, he does.

Tit.

And he wears jewels now of Timon’s gift,

For which I wait for money.

Hor.

It is against my heart.

Luc. Serv.

Mark, how strange it shows,

Timon in this should pay more than he owes:

And e’en as if your lord should wear rich jewels,

And send for money for ’em.

Hor.

I’m weary of this charge, the gods can witness:

I know my lord hath spent of Timon’s wealth,

And now ingratitude makes it worse than stealth.

First Var. Serv.

Yes, mine’s three thousand crowns; what’s yours?

Luc. Serv.

Five thousand mine.

First Var. Serv.

’Tis much deep: and it should seem by the sum,

Your master’s confidence was above mine;

Else, surely, his had equall’d.

EnterFlaminius.

Tit.

One of Lord Timon’s men.

Luc. Serv.

Flaminius! Sir, a word. Pray, is my lord ready to come forth?

Flam.

No, indeed, he is not.

Tit.

We attend his lordship; pray, signify so much.

Flam.

I need not tell him that; he knows you are too diligent.

[ExitFlaminius.

EnterFlaviusin a cloak, muffled.

Luc. Serv.

Ha! is not that his steward muffled so?

He goes away in a cloud: call him, call him.

Tit.

Do you hear, sir?

Sec. Var. Serv.

By your leave, sir.

Flav.

What do you ask of me, my friend?

Tit.

We wait for certain money here, sir.

Flav.

Ay,

If money were as certain as your waiting,

’Twere sure enough.

Why then preferr’d you not your sums and bills,

When your false masters eat of my lord’s meat?

Then they could smile and fawn upon his debts,

And take down the interest into their gluttonous maws.

You do yourselves but wrong to stir me up;

Let me pass quietly:

Believe’t, my lord and I have made an end;

I have no more to reckon, he to spend.

Luc. Serv.

Ay, but this answer will not serve.

Flav.

If ’twill not serve, ’tis not so base as you;

For you serve knaves.

[Exit.

First Var. Serv.

How! what does his cashiered worship mutter?

Sec. Var. Serv.

No matter what; he’s poor, and that’s revenge enough. Who can speak broader than he that has no house to put his head in? such may rail against great buildings.

EnterServilius.

Tit.

O! here’s Servilius; now we shall know some answer.

Servil.

If I might beseech you, gentlemen, to repair some other hour, I should derive much from ’t; for, take ’t of my soul, my lord leans wondrously to discontent. His comfortable temper has forsook him; he’s much out of health, and keeps his chamber.

Luc. Serv.

Many do keep their chambers are not sick:

And, if it be so far beyond his health,

Methinks he should the sooner pay his debts,

And make a clear way to the gods.

Servil.

Good gods!

Tit.

We cannot take this for answer, sir.

Flam.

[Within.] Servilius, help! my lord! my lord!

EnterTimon,in a rage;Flaminiusfollowing.

Tim.

What! are my doors oppos’d against my passage?

Have I been ever free, and must my house

Be my retentive enemy, my gaol?

The place which I have feasted, does it now,

Like all mankind, show me an iron heart?

Luc. Serv.

Put in now, Titus.

Tit.

My lord, here is my bill.

Luc. Serv.

Here’s mine.

Hor.

And mine, my lord.

Both Var. Serv.

And ours, my lord.

Phi.

All our bills.

Tim.

Knock me down with ’em: cleave me to the girdle.

Luc. Serv.

Alas! my lord,—

Tim.

Cut my heart in sums.

Tit.

Mine, fifty talents.

Tim.

Tell out my blood.

Luc. Serv.

Five thousand crowns, my lord.

Tim.

Five thousand drops pays that. What yours? and yours?

First Var. Serv.

My lord,—

Sec. Var. Serv.

My lord,—

Tim.

Tear me, take me; and the gods fall upon you!

[Exit.

Hor.

Faith, I perceive our masters may throw their caps at their money: these debts may well be called desperate ones, for a madman owes ’em.

[Exeunt.

Re-enterTimonandFlavius.

Tim.

They have e’en put my breath from me, the slaves:

Creditors? devils!

Flav.

My dear lord,—

Tim.

What if it should be so?

Flav.

My lord,—

Tim.

I’ll have it so. My steward!

Flav.

Here, my lord.

Tim.

So fitly! Go, bid all my friends again,

Lucius, Lucullus, and Sempronius; all:

I’ll once more feast the rascals.

Flav.

O my lord!

You only speak from your distracted soul;

There is not so much left to furnish out

A moderate table.

Tim.

Be’t not in thy care: go.

I charge thee, invite them all: let in the tide

Of knaves once more; my cook and I’ll provide.

[Exeunt

Scene V.—

The Same. The Senate House.

The Senate sitting.

First Sen.

My lord, you have my voice to it; the fault’s

Bloody; ’tis necessary he should die;

Nothing emboldens sin so much as mercy.

Sec. Sen.

Most true; the law shall bruise him.

EnterAlcibiades,attended.

Alcib.

Honour, health, and compassion to the senate!

First Sen.

Now, captain.

Alcib.

I am a humble suitor to your virtues;

For pity is the virtue of the law,

And none but tyrants use it cruelly.

It pleases time and fortune to lie heavy

Upon a friend of mine, who, in hot blood,

Hath stepp’d into the law, which is past depth

To those that without heed to plunge into ’t.

He is a man, setting his fate aside,

Of comely virtues;

Nor did he soil the fact with cowardice,—

An honour in him which buys out his fault,—

But, with a noble fury and fair spirit,

Seeing his reputation touch’d to death,

He did oppose his foe;

And with such sober and unnoted passion

He did behave his anger, ere ’twas spent,

As if he had but prov’d an argument.

First Sen.

You undergo too strict a paradox,

Striving to make an ugly deed look fair:

Your words have took such pains as if they labour’d

To bring manslaughter into form, and set quarrelling

Upon the head of valour; which indeed

Is valour misbegot, and came into the world

When sects and factions were newly born.

He’s truly valiant that can wisely suffer

The worst that man can breathe, and make his wrongs

His outsides, to wear them like his raiment, carelessly,

And ne’er prefer his injuries to his heart,

To bring it into danger.

If wrongs be evils and enforce us kill,

What folly ’tis to hazard life for ill!

Alcib.

My lord,—

First Sen.

You cannot make gross sins look clear;

To revenge is no valour, but to bear.

Alcib.

My lords, then, under favour, pardon me,

If I speak like a captain.

Why do fond men expose themselves to battle,

And not endure all threats? sleep upon’t,

And let the foes quietly cut their throats

Without repugnancy? If there be

Such valour in the bearing, what make we

Abroad? why then, women are more valiant

That stay at home, if bearing carry it,

And the ass more captain than the lion, the felon

Loaden with irons wiser than the judge,

If wisdom be in suffering. O my lords!

As you are great, be pitifully good:

Who cannot condemn rashness in cold blood?

To kill, I grant, is sin’s extremest gust;

But, in defence, by mercy, ’tis most just.

To be in anger is impiety;

But who is man that is not angry?

Weigh but the crime with this.

Sec. Sen.

You breathe in vain.

Alcib.

In vain! his service done

At Lacedæmon and Byzantium

Were a sufficient briber for his life.

First Sen.

What’s that?

Alcib.

I say, my lords, he has done fair service,

And slain in fight many of your enemies.

How full of valour did he bear himself

In the last conflict, and made plenteous wounds!

Sec. Sen.

He has made too much plenty with ’em;

He’s a sworn rioter; he has a sin that often

Drowns him and takes his valour prisoner;

If there were no foes, that were enough

To overcome him; in that beastly fury

He has been known to commit outrages

And cherish factions; ’tis inferr’d to us,

His days are foul and his drink dangerous.

First Sen.

He dies.

Alcib.

Hard fate! he might have died in war.

My lords, if not for any parts in him,—

Though his right arm might purchase his own time,

And be in debt to none,—yet, more to move you,

Take my deserts to his, and join ’em both;

And, for I know your reverend ages love

Security, I’ll pawn my victories, all

My honour to you, upon his good returns.

If by this crime he owes the law his life,

Why, let the war receive’t in valiant gore;

For law is strict, and war is nothing more.

First Sen.

We are for law; he dies: urge it no more,

On height of our displeasure. Friend, or brother,

He forfeits his own blood that spills another.

Alcib.

Must it be so? it must not be. My lords,

I do beseech you, know me.

Sec. Sen.

How!

Alcib.

Call me to your remembrances.

Third Sen

What!

Alcib.

I cannot think but your age has forgot me;

It could not else be I should prove so base,

To sue, and be denied such common grace.

My wounds ache at you.

First Sen.

Do you dare our anger?

’Tis in few words, but spacious in effect;

We banish thee for ever.

Alcib.

Banish me!

Banish your dotage; banish usury,

That makes the senate ugly.

First Sen.

If, after two days’ shine, Athens contain thee,

Attend our weightier judgment. And, not to swell our spirit,

He shall be executed presently.

[Exeunt Senators.

Alcib.

Now the gods keep you old enough; that you may live

Only in bone, that none may look on you!

I am worse than mad: I have kept back their foes,

While they have told their money and let out

Their coin upon large interest; I myself

Rich only in large hurts: all those for this?

Is this the balsam that the usuring senate

Pours into captains’ wounds? Banishment!

It comes not ill; I hate not to be banish’d;

It is a cause worthy my spleen and fury,

That I may strike at Athens. I’ll cheer up

My discontented troops, and lay for hearts.

’Tis honour with most lands to be at odds;

Soldiers should brook as little wrongs as gods.

[Exit.

Scene VI.—

The Same. A Room of State inTimon’sHouse.

Music. Tables set out: Servants attending. Enter divers Lords, Senators, and Others, at several doors.

First Lord.

The good time of day to you, sir.

Sec. Lord.

I also wish it you. I think this honourable lord did but try us this other day.

First 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.

Sec. Lord.

It should not be, by the persuasion of his new feasting.

First 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.

Sec. 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.

First Lord.

I am sick of that grief too, as I understand how all things go.

Sec. Lord.

Every man here’s so. What would he have borrowed you?

First Lord.

A thousand pieces.

Sec. Lord.

A thousand pieces!

First Lord.

What of you?

Third Lord

He sent to me, sir,—Here he comes.

EnterTimonand Attendants.

Tim.

With all my heart, gentlemen both; and how fare you?

First Lord.

Ever at the best, hearing well of your lordship.

Sec. Lord.

The swallow follows not summer more willing than we your lordship.

Tim.

[Aside.] 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’ the trumpet’s sound; we shall to ’t presently.

First Lord.

I hope it remains not unkindly with your lordship that I returned you an empty messenger.

Tim.

O! sir, let it not trouble you.

Sec. Lord.

My noble lord,—

Tim.

Ah! my good friend, what cheer?

Sec. Lord.

My most honourable lord, I am e’en sick of shame, that when your lordship this other day sent to me I was so unfortunate a beggar.

Tim.

Think not on ’t, sir.

Sec. Lord.

If you had sent but two hours before,—

Tim.

Let it not cumber your better remembrance. [The banquet brought in.] Come, bring in all together.

Sec. Lord.

All covered dishes!

First Lord.

Royal cheer, I warrant you.

Third Lord.

Doubt not that, if money and the season can yield it.

First Lord.

How do you? What’s the news?

Third Lord.

Alcibiades is banished: hear you of it?

First Lord.

Alcibiades banished!

Sec. Lord.

Alcibiades banished!

Third Lord.

’Tis so, be sure of it.

First Lord.

How? how?

Sec. Lord.

I pray you, upon what?

Tim.

My worthy friends, will you draw near?

Third Lord.

I’ll tell you more anon. Here’s a noble feast toward.

Sec. Lord.

This is the old man still.

Third Lord.

Will’t hold? will’t hold?

Sec. Lord.

It does; but time will—and so—

Third Lord.

I do conceive.

Tim.

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 lag 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.

[The dishes uncovered are full of warm water.

Some speak.

What does his lordship mean?

Some other.

I know not.

Tim.

May you a better feast never behold,

You knot of mouth-friends! smoke and lukewarm water

Is your perfection. This is Timon’s last;

Who, stuck and spangled with your flatteries,

Washes it off, and sprinkles in your faces

[Throwing the water in their faces.

Your reeking villany. Live loath’d, and long,

Most smiling, smooth, detested parasites,

Courteous destroyers, affable wolves, meek bears,

You fools of fortune, trencher-friends, time’s flies,

Cap and knee slaves, vapours, and minute-jacks!

Of man and beast the infinite malady

Crust you quite o’er! What! dost thou go?

Soft! take thy physic first,—thou too,—and thou;—

Stay, I will lend thee money, borrow none.

[Throws the dishes at them.

What! all in motion? Henceforth be no feast,

Whereat a villain’s not a welcome guest.

Burn, house! sink, Athens! henceforth hated be

Of Timon man and all humanity!

[Exit.

Re-enter the Lords, Senators, &c.

First Lord.

How now, my lords!

Sec. Lord.

Know you the quality of Lord Timon’s fury?

Third Lord.

Push! did you see my cap?

Fourth Lord.

I have lost my gown.

First Lord.

He’s but a mad lord, and nought but humour 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?

Third Lord.

Did you see my cap?

Sec. Lord.

Here ’tis.

Fourth Lord.

Here lies my gown.

First Lord.

Let’s make no stay.

Sec. Lord.

Lord Timon’s mad.

Third Lord.

I feel ’t upon my bones.

Fourth Lord.

One day he gives us diamonds, next day stones.

[Exeunt.

ACT IV.

Scene I.—

Without the Walls of Athens

EnterTimon.

Tim.

Let me look back upon thee. O thou wall,

That girdlest in those wolves, dive in the earth.

And fence not Athens! Matrons, turn incontinent!

Obedience fail in children! slaves and fools,

Pluck the grave wrinkled senate from the bench,

And minister in their steads! To general filths

Convert, o’the instant, green virginity!

Do’t in your parents’ eyes! Bankrupts, hold fast;

Rather than render back, out with your knives,

And cut your trusters’ throats! Bound servants, steal!—

Large-handed robbers your grave masters are,—

And pill by law. Maid, to thy master’s bed;

Thy mistress is o’ the brothel! Son of sixteen,

Pluck the lin’d crutch from thy old limping sire,

With it beat out his brains! Piety, and fear,

Religion to the gods, peace, justice, truth,

Domestic awe, night-rest and neighbourhood,

Instruction, manners, mysteries and trades,

Degrees, observances, customs and laws,

Decline to your confounding contraries,

And let confusion live! Plagues incident to men,

Your potent and infectious fevers heap

On Athens, ripe for stroke! Thou cold sciatica,

Cripple our senators, that their limbs may halt

As lamely as their manners! Lust and liberty

Creep in the minds and marrows of our youth,

That’gainst the stream of virtue they may strive,

And drown themselves in riot! Itches, blains,

Sow all the Athenian bosoms, and their crop

Be general leprosy! Breath infect breath,

That their society, as their friendship, may

Be merely poison! Nothing I’ll bear from thee

But nakedness, thou detestable town!

Take thou that too, with multiplying bans!

Timon will to the woods; where he shall find

The unkindest beast more kinder than mankind.

The gods confound—hear me, you good gods all—

The Athenians both within and out that wall!

And grant, as Timon grows, his hate may grow

To the whole race of mankind, high and low!

Amen.

[Exit.

Scene II.—

Athens. A Room inTimon’sHouse.

EnterFlavius,with two or three Servants.

First Serv.

Hear you, Master steward! where’s our master?

Are we undone? cast off? nothing remaining?

Flav.

Alack! my fellows, what should I say to you?

Let me be recorded by the righteous gods,

I am as poor as you.

First Serv.

Such a house broke!

So noble a master fall’n! All gone! and not

One friend to take his fortune by the arm,

And go along with him!

Sec. Serv.

As we do turn our backs

From our companion thrown into his grave,

So his familiars to his buried fortunes

Slink all away, leave their false vows with him,

Like empty purses pick’d; and his poor self,

A dedicated beggar to the air,

With his disease of all-shunn’d poverty,

Walks, like contempt, alone. More of our fellows.

Enter other Servants.

Flav.

All broken implements of a ruin’d house.

Third Serv.

Yet do our hearts wear Timon’s livery,

That see I by our faces; we are fellows still,

Serving alike in sorrow. Leak’d is our bark,

And we, poor mates, stand on the dying deck,

Hearing the surges threat: we must all part

Into this sea of air.

Flav.

Good fellows all,

The latest of my wealth I’ll share amongst you.

Wherever we shall meet, for Timon’s sake

Let’s yet be fellows; let’s shake our heads, and say,

As ’twere a knell unto our master’s fortunes,

‘We have seen better days.’ Let each take some;

[Giving them money.

Nay, put out all your hands. Not one word more:

Thus part we rich in sorrow, parting poor.

[They embrace, and part several ways.

O! the fierce wretchedness that glory brings us.

Who would not wish to be from wealth exempt,

Since riches point to misery and contempt?

Who would be so mock’d with glory? or so live,

But in a dream of friendship?

To have his pomp and all what state compounds

But only painted, like his varnish’d friends?

Poor honest lord! brought low by his own heart,

Undone by goodness. Strange, unusual blood,

When man’s worst sin is he does too much good!

Who then dares to be half so kind agen?

For bounty, that makes gods, does still mar men.

My dearest lord, bless’d, to be most accurs’d,

Rich, only to be wretched, thy great fortunes

Are made thy chief affictions. Alas! kind lord,

He’s flung in rage from this ingrateful seat

Of monstrous friends;

Nor has he with him to supply his life,

Or that which can command it.

I’ll follow and inquire him out:

I’ll ever serve his mind with my best will;

Whilst I have gold I’ll be his steward still.

[Exit.

Scene III.—

Woods and Cave near the Sea-shore.

EnterTimonfrom the Cave.

Tim.

O blessed breeding sun! draw from the earth

Rotten humidity; below thy sister’s orb

Infect the air! Twinn’d brothers of one womb,

Whose procreation, residence and birth,

Scarce is dividant, touch them with several fortunes;

The greater scorns the lesser: not nature,

To whom all sores lay siege, can bear great fortune,

But by contempt of nature.

Raise me this beggar, and deny’t that lord;

The senator shall bear contempt hereditary,

The beggar native honour.

It is the pasture lards the rother’s sides,

The want that makes him lean. Who dares, who dares,

In purity of manhood stand upright,

And say, ‘This man’s a flatterer?’ if one be,

So are they all; for every grize of fortune

Is smooth’d by that below: the learned pate

Ducks to the golden fool: all is oblique;

There’s nothing level in our cursed natures

But direct villany. Therefore, be abhorr’d

All feasts, societies, and throngs of men!

His semblable, yea, himself, Timon disdains:

Destruction fang mankind! Earth, yield me roots!

[Digging.

Who seeks for better of thee, sauce his palate

With thy most operant poison! What is here?

Gold! yellow, glittering, precious gold! No, gods,

I am no idle votarist. Roots, you clear heavens!

Thus much of this will make black white, foul fair,

Wrong right, base noble, old young, coward valiant.

Ha! you gods, why this? What this, you gods? Why, this

Will lug your priests and servants from your sides,

Pluck stout men’s pillows from below their head:

This yellow slave

Will knit and breah religions; bless the accurs’d;

Make the hoar leprosy ador’d; place thieves,

And give them title, knee, and approbation,

With senators on the bench; this is it

That makes the wappen’d widow wed again;

She, whom the spital-house and ulcerous sores

Would cast the gorge at, this embalms and spices

To the April day again. Come, damned earth,

Thou common whore of mankind, that putt’st odds

Among the rout of nations, I will make thee

Do thy right nature.—[March afar off.] Ha! a drum? thou’rt quick,

But yet I’ll bury thee: thou’lt go, strong theif,

When gouty keepers of thee cannot stand:

Nay, stay thou out for earnest.

[Keeping some gold.

EnterAlcibiades,with drum and fife, in warlike manner;PhryniaandTimandra.

Alcib.

What art thou there? speak.

Tim.

A beast, as thou art. The canker gnaw thy heart,

For showing me again the eyes of man!

Alcib.

What is thy name? Is man so hateful to thee,

That art thyself a man?

Tim.

I am Misanthropos, and hate mankind.

For thy part, I do wish thou wert a dog,

That I might love thee something.

Alcib.

I know thee well,

But in thy fortunes am unlearn’d and strange.

Tim.

I know thee too; and more than that I know thee

I not desire to know. Follow thy drum;

With man’s blood paint the ground, gules, gules;

Religious canons, civil laws are cruel;

Then what should war be? This fell whore of thine

Hath in her more destruction than thy sword

For all her cherubin look.

Phry.

Thy lips rot off!

Tim.

I will not kiss thee; then the rot returns

To thine own lips again.

Alcib.

How came the noble Timon to this change?

Tim.

As the moon does, by wanting light to give:

But then renew I could not like the moon;

There were no suns to borrow of.

Alcib.

Noble Timon, what friendship may I do thee?

Tim.

None, but to maintain my opinion.

Alcib.

What is it, Timon?

Tim.

Promise me friendship, but perform none: 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!

Alcib.

I have heard in some sort of thy miseries.

Tim.

Thou saw’st them, when I had prosperity.

Alcib.

I see them now; then was a blessed time.

Tim.

As thine is now, held with a brace of harlots.

Timan.

Is this the Athenian minion, whom the world

Voic’d so regardfully?

Tim.

Art thou Timandra?

Timan.

Yes.

Tim.

Be a whore still; they love thee not that use thee;

Give them diseases, leaving with thee their lust.

Make use of thy salt hours; season the slaves

For tubs and baths; bring down rose-cheeked youth

To the tub-fast and the diet.

Timan.

Hang thee, monster!

Alcib.

Pardon him, sweet Timandra, for his wits

Are drown’d and lost in his calamities.

I have but little gold of late, brave Timon,

The want whereof doth daily make revolt

In my penurious band: I have heard and griev’d

How cursed Athens, mindless of thy worth,

Forgetting thy great deeds, when neighbour states,

But for thy sword and fortune, trod upon them,—

Tim.

I prithee, beat thy drum, and get thee gone.

Alcib.

I am thy friend, and pity thee, dear Timon.

Tim.

How dost thou pity him whom thou dost trouble?

I had rather be alone.

Alcib.

Why, fare thee well:

Here is some gold for thee.

Tim.

Keep it, I cannot eat it.

Alcib.

When I have laid proud Athens on a heap,—

Tim.

Warr’st thou ’gainst Athens?

Alcib.

Ay, Timon, and have cause.

Tim.

The gods confound them all in thy conquest; and

Thee after, when thou hast conquer’d!

Alcib.

Why me, Timon?

Tim.

That, by killing of villains, thou wast born to conquer

My country.

Put up thy gold: go on,—here’s gold,—go on;

Be as a planetary plague, when Jove

Will o’er some high-vic’d city hang his poison

In the sick air: let not thy sword skip one.

Pity not honour’d age for his white beard;

He is a usurer. Strike me the counterfeit matron;

It is her habit only that is honest,

Herself’s a bawd. Let not the virgin’s cheek

Make soft thy trenchant sword; for those milkpaps,

That through the window-bars bore at men’s eyes,

Are not within the leaf of pity writ,

But set them down horrible traitors. Spare not the babe,

Whose dimpled smiles from fools exhaust their mercy;

Think it a bastard, whom the oracle

Hath doubtfully pronounc’d thy throat shall cut,

And mince it sans remorse. Swear against objects;

Put armour on thine ears and on thine eyes,

Whose proof nor yells of mothers, maids, nor babes,

Nor sight of priests in holy vestments bleeding,

Shall pierce a jot. There’s gold to pay thy soldiers:

Make large confusion; and, thy fury spent,

Confounded be thyself! Speak not, be gone.

Alcib.

Hast thou gold yet? I’ll take the gold thou giv’st me,

Not all thy counsel.

Tim.

Dost thou, or dost thou not, heaven’s curse upon thee!

Phr.

Give us some gold, good Timon: hast thou more?

Timan.

Give us some gold, good Timon: hast thou more?

Tim.

Enough to make a whore forswear her trade,

And to make whores a bawd. Hold up, you sluts,

Your aprons mountant: you are not oathable,

Although, I know, you’ll swear, terribly swear

Into strong shudders and to heavenly agues

The immortal gods that hear you, spare your oaths,

I’ll trust to your conditions: be whores still;

And he whose pious breath seeks to convert you,

Be strong in whore, allure him, burn him up;

Let your close fire predominate his smoke,

And be no turncoats: yet may your pains, six months,

Be quite contrary: and thatch your poor thin roofs

With burdens of the dead; some that were hang’d,

No matter; wear them, betray with them: whore still;

Paint till a horse may mire upon your face:

A pox of wrinkles!

Phr.

Well, more gold. What then?

Timan.

Well, more gold. What then?

Believe’t, that we’ll do anything for gold.

Tim.

Consumptions sow

In hollow bones of man; strike their sharp shins,

And mar men’s spurring. Crack the lawyer’s voice,

That he may never more false title plead,

Nor sound his quillets shrilly: hoar the flamen,

That scolds against the quality of flesh,

And not believes himself: down with the nose,

Down with it flat; take the bridge quite away

Of him that, his particular to foresee,

Smells from the general weal: make curl’d-pate ruffians bald,

And let the unscarr’d braggarts of the war

Derive some pain from you: plague all,

That your activity may defeat and quell

The source of all erection. There’s more gold;

Do you damn others, and let this damn you,

And ditches grave you all!

Phr.

More counsel with more money, bounteous Timon.

Timan.

More counsel with more money, bounteous Timon.

Tim.

More whore, more mischief first; I have given you earnest.

Alcib.

Strike up the drum towards Athens! Farewell, Timon:

If I thrive well, I’ll visit thee again.

Tim.

If I hope well, I’ll never see thee more.

Alcib.

I never did thee harm.

Tim.

Yes, thou spok’st well of me.

Alcib.

Call’st thou that harm?

Tim.

Men daily find it. Get thee away, and take

Thy beagles with thee.

Alcib.

We but offend him. Strike!

[Drum beats. ExeuntAlcibiades, Phrynia,andTimandra.

Tim.

That nature, being sick of man’s unkindness,

Should yet be hungry! Common mother, thou,

[Digging.

Whose womb unmeasurable, and infinite breast,

Teams, and feeds all; whose self-same mettle,

Whereof thy proud child, arrogant man, is puff’d,

Engenders the black toad and adder blue,

The gilded newt and eyeless venom’d worm,

With all the abhorred births below crisp heaven

Whareon Hyperion’s quickening fire doth shine;

Yield him, who all thy human sons doth hate,

From forth thy plenteous bosom, one poor root!

Ensear thy fertile and conceptious womb,

Let it no more bring out ingrateful man!

Go great with tigers, dragons, wolves, and bears;

Teem with new monsters, whom thy upward face

Hath to the marbled mansion all above

Never presented! O! a root; dear thanks:

Dry up thy marrows, vines and plough-torn leas;

Whereof ingrateful man, with liquorish draughts

And morsels unctuous, greases his pure mind,

That from it all consideration slips!

EnterApemantus.

More man! Plague! plague!

Apem.

I was directed hither: men report

Thou dost affect my manners, and dost use them.

Tim.

’Tis, then, because thou dost not keep a dog

Whom I would imitate: consumption catch thee!

Apem.

This is in thee a nature but infected;

A poor unmanly melancholy sprung

From change of fortune. Why this spade? this place?

This slave-like habit? and these looks of care?

Thy flatterers yet wear silk, drink wine, lie soft,

Hug their diseas’d perfumes, and have forgot

That ever Timon was. Shame not these woods

By putting on the cunning of a carper.

Be thou a flatterer now, and seak to thrive

By that which has undone thee: hinge thy knee,

And let his very breath, whom thou’lt observe,

Blow off thy cap; praise his most vicious strain,

And call it excellent. Thou wast told thus;

Thou gav’st thine ears, like tapsters that bid welcome,

To knaves and all approachers: ’tis most just

That thou turn rascal; hadst thou wealth again,

Rascals should have’t. Do not assume my likeness.

Tim.

Were I like thee I’d throw away myself.

Apem.

Thou hast cast away thyself, being like thyself;

A madman so long, now a fool. What! think’st

That the bleak air, thy boisterous chamberlain,

Will put thy shirt on warm? will these moss’d trees,

That have outliv’d the eagle, page thy heels

And skip when thou point’st out? will the cold brook,

Candied with ice, caudle thy morning taste

To cure the o’er-night’s surfeit? Call the creatures

Whose naked natures live in all the spite

Of wreakful heaven, whose bare unhoused trunks

To the conflicting elements expos’d,

Answer mere nature; bid them flatter thee;

O! thou shalt find—

Tim.

A fool of thee. Depart.

Apem.

I love thee better now than e’er I did.

Tim.

I hate thee worse.

Apem.

Why?

Tim.

Thou flatter’st misery.

Apem.

I flatter not, but say thou art a caitiff.

Tim.

Why dost thou seek me out?

Apem.

To vex thee.

Tim.

Always a villain’s office, or a fool’s.

Dost please thyself in ’t?

Apem.

Ay.

Tim.

What! a knave too?

Apem.

If thou didst put this sour-cold habit on

To castigate thy pride, ’twere well; but thou

Dost it enforcedly; thou’dst courtier be again

Wert thou not beggar. Willing misery

Outlives incertain pomp, is crown’d before;

The one is filling still, never complete;

The other, at high wish: best state, contentless,

Hath a distracted and most wretched being,

Worse than the worst, content.

Thou shouldst desire to die, being miserable.

Tim.

Not by his breath that is more miserable.

Thou art a slave, whom Fortune’s tender arm

With favour never clasp’d, but bred a dog.

Hadst thou, like us from our first swath, proceeded

The sweet degrees that this brief world affords

To such as may the passive drudges of it

Freely command, thou wouldst have plung’d thyself

In general riot; melted down thy youth

In different beds of lust; and never learn’d

The icy precepts of respect, but follow’d

The sugar’d game before thee. But myself,

Who had the world as my confectionary,

The mouths, the tongues, the eyes, and hearts of men

At duty, more than I could frame employment,

That numberless upon me stuck as leaves

Do on the oak, have with one winter’s brush

Fell from their boughs and left me open, bare

For every storm that blows; I, to bear this,

That never knew but better, is some burden:

Thy nature did commence in sufferance, time

Hath made thee hard in ’t. Why shouldst thou hate men?

They never flatter’d thee: what hast thou given?

If thou wilt curse, thy father, that poor rag,

Must be thy subject, who in spite put stuff

To some she beggar and compounded thee

Poor rogue hereditary. Hence! be gone!

If thou hadst not been born the worst of men,

Thou hadst been a knave and flatterer.

Apem.

Art thou proud yet?

Tim.

Ay, that I am not thee.

Apem.

I, that I was

No prodigal.

Tim.

I, that I am one now:

Were all the wealth I have shut up in thee,

I’d give thee leave to hang it. Get thee gone.

That the whole life of Athens were in this!

Thus would I eat it.

[Eating a root.

Apem.

Here; I will mend thy feast.

Tim.

First mend my company, take away thyself.

Apem.

So I shall mend mine own, by the lack of thine.

Tim.

’Tis not well mended so, it is but botch’d;

If not, I would it were.

Apem.

What wouldst thou have to Athens?

Tim.

Thee thither in a whirlwind. If thou wilt,

Tell them there I have gold; look, so I have.

Apem.

Here is no use for gold.

Tim.

The best and truest;

For here it sleeps, and does no hired harm.

Apem.

Where liest o’ nights, Timon?

Tim.

Under that’s above me.

Where feed’st thou o’ days, Apemantus?

Apem.

Where my stomach finds meat; or, rather, where I eat it.

Tim.

Would poison were obedient and knew my mind!

Apem.

Where wouldst thou send it?

Tim.

To sauce thy dishes.

Apem.

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 knowest none, but art despised for the contrary. There’s a medlar for thee; eat it.

Tim.

On what I hate I feed not.

Apem.

Dost hate a medlar?

Tim.

Ay, though it look like thee.

Apem.

An thou hadst hated meddlers sooner, thou shouldst have loved thyself better now. What man didst thou ever know unthrift that was beloved after his means?

Tim.

Who, without those means thou talkest of, didst thou ever know beloved?

Apem.

Myself.

Tim.

I understand thee; thou hadst some means to keep a dog.

Apem.

What things in the world canst thou nearest compare to thy flatterers?

Tim.

Women nearest; but men, men are the things themselves. What wouldst thou do with the world, Apemantus, if it lay in thy power?

Apem.

Give it the beasts, to be rid of the men.

Tim.

Wouldst thou have thyself fall in the confusion of men, and remain a beast with the beasts?

Apem.

Ay, Timon.

Tim.

A beastly ambition, which the gods grant thee to 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 dulness would torment thee, and still thou livedst 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 german 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!

Apem.

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.

Tim.

How has the ass broke the wall, that thou art out of the city?

Apem.

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.

Tim.

When there is nothing living but thee, thou shalt be welcome. I had rather be a beggar’s dog than Apemantus.

Apem.

Thou art the cap of all the fools alive.

Tim.

Would thou wert clean enough to spit upon!

Apem.

A plague on thee! thou art too bad to curse!

Tim.

All villains that do stand by thee are pure.

Apem.

There is no leprosy but what thou speak’st.

Tim.

If I name thee.

I’ll beat thee, but I should infect my hands.

Apem.

I would my tongue could rot them off!

Tim.

Away, thou issue of a mangy dog!

Choler does kill me that thou art alive;

I swound to see thee.

Apem.

Would thou wouldst burst!

Tim.

Away,

Thou tedious rogue! I am sorry I shall lose

A stone by thee.

[Throws a stone at him.

Apem.

Beast!

Tim.

Slave!

Apem.

Toad!

Tim.

Rogue, rogue, rogue!

I am sick of this false world, and will love nought

But even the mere necessities upon ’t.

Then, Timon, presently prepare thy grave;

Lie where the light foam of the sea may beat

Thy grave-stone daily: make thine epitaph,

That death in me at others’ lives may laugh.

[Looking on the gold.

O thou sweet king-killer, and dear divorce

’Twixt natural son and sire! thou bright defiler

Of Hymen’s purest bed! thou valiant Mars!

Thou ever young, fresh, lov’d, and delicate wooer,

Whose blush doth thaw the consecrated snow

That lies on Dian’s lap! thou visible god,

That solder’st close impossibilities,

And mak’st them kiss! that speak’st with every tongue,

To every purpose! O thou touch of hearts!

Think, thy slave man rebels, and by thy virtue

Set them into confounding odds, that beasts

May have the world in empire.

Apem.

Would ’twere so:

But not till I am dead; I’ll say thou’st gold:

Thou wilt be throng’d to shortly.

Tim.

Throng’d to?

Apem.

Ay.

Tim.

Thy back, I prithee.

Apem.

Live, and love thy misery!

Tim.

Long live so, and so die!

[ExitApemantus.

I am quit.

More things like men! Eat, Timon, and abhor them.

Enter Thieves.

First 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.

Sec. Thief.

It is noised he hath a mass of treasure.

Third 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?

Sec. Thief.

True; for he bears it not about him, ’tis hid.

First Thief.

Is not this he?

Thieves.

Where?

Sec. Thief.

’Tis his description.

Third Thief.

He; I know him.

All.

Save thee, Timon.

Tim.

Now, thieves?

All.

Soldiers, not thieves.

Tim.

Both too; and women’s sons.

Thieves.

We are not thieves, but men that much do want.

Tim.

Your greatest want is, you want much of meat.

Why should you want? Behold, the earth hath roots;

Within this mile break forth a hundred springs;

The oaks bear mast, the briers scarlet hips;

The bounteous housewife, nature, on each bush

Lays her full mess before you. Want! why want?

First Thief.

We cannot live on grass, on berries, water,

As beasts, and birds, and fishes.

Tim.

Nor on the beasts themselves, the birds, and fishes;

You must eat men. Yet thanks I must you con

That you are thieves profess’d, that you work not

In holier shapes; for there is boundless theft

In limited professions. Rascal thieves,

Here’s gold. Go, suck the subtle blood o’ the grape,

Till the high fever seethe your blood to froth,

And so ’scape hanging: trust not the physician;

His antidotes are poison, and he slays

More than you rob: take wealth and lives together;

Do villany, do, since you protest to do’t,

Like workmen. I’ll example you with thievery:

The sun’s a thief, and with his great attraction

Robs the vast sea; the moon’s an arrant thief,

And her pale fire she snatches from the sun;

The sea’s a thief, whose liquid surge resolves

The moon into salt tears; the earth’s a thief,

That feeds and breeds by a composture stolen

From general excrement, each thing’s a thief;

The laws, your curb and whip, in their rough power

Have uncheck’d theft. Love not yourselves; away!

Rob one another. There’s more gold: cut throats;

All that you meet are thieves. To Athens go,

Break open shops; nothing can you steal

But thieves do lose it: steal no less for this

I give you; and gold confound you howsoe’er!

Amen.

Third Thief.

He has almost charmed me from my profession, by persuading me to it.

First Thief.

’Tis in the malice of mankind that he thus advises us; not to have us thrive in our mystery.

Sec. Thief.

I’ll believe him as an enemy, and give over my trade.

First Thief.

Let us first see peace in Athens; there is no time so miserable but a man may be true.

[Exeunt Thieves.

EnterFlavius.

Flav.

O you gods!

Is yond despised and ruinous man my lord?

Full of decay and failing? O monument

And wonder of good deeds evilly bestow’d!

What an alteration of honour

Has desperate want made!

What viler thing upon the earth than friends

Who can bring noblest minds to basest ends!

How rarely does it meet with this time’s guise,

When man was wish’d to love his enemies!

Grant I may ever love, and rather woo

Those that would mischief me than those that do!

He hath caught me in his eye: I will present

My honest grief unto him; and, as my lord,

Still serve him with my life. My dearest master!

Timoncomes forward.

Tim.

Away! what art thou?

Flav.

Have you forgot me, sir?

Tim.

Why dost ask that? I have forgot all men;

Then, if thou grant’st thou’rt a man, I have forgot thee.

Flav.

An honest poor servant of yours.

Tim.

Then I know thee not:

I never had an honest man about me; ay all

I kept were knaves, to serve in meat to villains.

Flav.

The gods are witness,

Ne’er did poor steward wear a truer grief

For his undone lord than mine eyes for you.

Tim.

What! dost thou weep? Come nearer. Then I love thee,

Because thou art a woman, and disclaim’st

Flinty mankind; whose eyes do never give,

But thorough lust and laughter. Pity’s sleeping:

Strange times, that weep with laughing, not with weeping!

Flav.

I beg of you to know me, good my lord,

To accept my grief and whilst this poor wealth lasts

To entertain me as your steward still.

Tim.

Had I a steward

So true, so just, and now so comfortable?

It almost turns my dangerous nature mild.

Let me behold thy face. Surely, this man

Was born of woman.

Forgive my general and exceptless rashness,

You perpetual sober gods! I do proclaim

One honest man, mistake me not, but one;

No more, I pray, and he’s a steward.

How fain would I have hated all mankind!

And thou redeem’st thyself: but all, save thee,

I fell with curses.

Methinks thou art more honest now than wise;

For, by oppressing and betraying me,

Thou mightst have sooner got another service:

For many so arrive at second masters

Upon their first lord’s neck. But tell me true,—

For I must ever doubt, though ne’er so sure,—

Is not thy kindness subtle, covetous,

If not a usuring kindness and as rich men deal gifts,

Expecting in return twenty for one?

Flav.

No, my most worthy master; in whose breast

Doubt and suspect, alas! are plac’d too late.

You should have fear’d false times when you did feast;

Suspect still comes when an estate is least.

That which I show, heaven knows, is merely love,

Duty and zeal to your unmatched mind,

Care of your food and living; and, believe it,

My most honour’d lord,

For any benefit that points to me,

Either in hope, or present, I’d exchange

For this one wish, that you had power and wealth

To requite me by making rich yourself.

Tim.

Look thee, ’tis so. Thou singly honest man,

Here, take: the gods out of my misery,

Have sent thee treasure. Go, live rich and happy;

But thus condition’d: thou shalt build from men;

Hate all, curse all, show charity to none,

But let the famish’d flesh slide from the bone,

Ere thou relieve the beggar; give to dogs

What thou deny’st to men; let prisons swallow ’em,

Debts wither ’em to nothing; be men like blasted woods,

And may diseases lick up their false bloods!

And so, farewell and thrive.

Flav.

O! let me stay

And comfort you, my master.

Tim.

If thou hatest

Curses, stay not; fly, whilst thou’rt bless’d and free:

Ne’er see thou man, and let me ne’er see thee.

[Exeunt, severally.

ACT V.

Scene I.—

The Woods. BeforeTimon’sCave.

Enter Poet and Painter.

Pain.

As I took note of the place, it cannot be far where he abides.

Poet.

What’s to be thought of him? Does the rumour hold for true that he is so full of gold?

Pain.

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.

Pain.

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 travel for, if it be a just and true report that goes of his having.

Poet.

What have you now to present unto him?

Pain.

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 towards him.

Pain.

Good as the best. Promising is the very air o’ the 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.

EnterTimonfrom his cave.

Tim.

[Aside.] 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.

Tim.

[Aside.] 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,

When we may profit meet, and come too late.

Pain.

True;

When the day serves, before black-corner’d night,

Find what thou want’st by free and offer’d light.

Come.

Tim.

[Aside.] I’ll meet you at the turn. What a god’s gold,

That he is worshipp’d in a baser temple

Than where swine feed!

’Tis thou that rigg’st the bark and plough’st the foam,

Settlest admired reverence in a slave:

To thee be worship; and thy saints for aye

Be crown’d with plagues that thee alone obey.

Fit I meet them.

[Advancing.

Poet.

Hail, worthy Timon!

Pain.

Our late noble master!

Tim.

Have I once liv’d to see two honest men?

Poet.

Sir,

Having often of your open bounty tasted,

Hearing you were retir’d, your friends fall’n off,

Whose thankless natures—O abhorred spirits!

Not all the whips of heaven are large enough—

What! to you,

Whose star-like nobleness gave life and influence

To their whole being! I am rapt, and cannot cover

The monstrous bulk of this ingratitude

With any size of words.

Tim.

Let it go naked, men may see ’t the better:

You, that are honest, by being what you are,

Make them best seen and known.

Pain.

He and myself

Have travell’d in the great shower of your gifts,

And sweetly felt it.

Tim.

Ay, you are honest men.

Pain.

We are hither come to offer you our service.

Tim.

Most honest men! Why, how shall I requite you?

Can you eat roots and drink cold water? no.

Both.

What we can do, we’ll do, to do you service.

Tim.

Ye’re honest men. Ye’ve heard that I have gold;

I am sure you have: speak truth; ye’re honest men.

Pain.

So it is said, my noble lord; but therefore

Came not my friend nor I.

Tim.

Good honest men! Thou draw’st a counterfeit

Best in all Athens: thou’rt, indeed, the best;

Thou counterfeit’st most lively.

Pain.

So, so, my lord.

Tim.

E’en so, sir, as I say. And, for thy fiction,

Why, thy verse swells with stuff so fine and smooth

That thou art even natural in thine art.

But for all this, my honest-natur’d friends,

I must needs say you have a little fault:

Marry, ’tis not monstrous in you, neither wish I

You take much pains to mend.

Both.

Beseech your honour

To make it known to us.

Tim.

You’ll take it ill.

Both.

Most thankfully, my lord.

Tim.

Will you indeed?

Both.

Doubt it not, worthy lord.

Tim.

There’s never a one of you but trusts a knave,

That mightily deceives you.

Both.

Do we, my lord?

Tim.

Ay, and you hear him cog, see him dissemble,

Know his gross patchery, love him, feed him,

Keep in your bosom; yet remain assur’d

That he’s a made-up villain.

Pain.

I know none such, my lord.

Poet.

Nor I.

Tim.

Look you, I love you well; I’ll give you gold,

Rid me these villains from your companies:

Hang them or stab them, drown them in a draught,

Confound them by some course, and come to me,

I’ll give you gold enough.

Both.

Name them, my lord; let’s know them.

Tim.

You that way and you this, but two in company;

Each man apart, all single and alone,

Yet an arch villain keeps him company.

If, where thou art two villains shall not be,

Come not near him. [To the Poet.] If thou would not reside

But where one villain is, then him abandon.

Hence! pack! there’s gold; ye came for gold, ye slaves:

You have done work for me, there’s payment: hence!

You are an alchemist, make gold of that.

Out, rascal dogs!

[Beats them out and then returns to his cave.

EnterFlaviusand two Senators.

Flav.

It is in vain that you would speak with Timon;

For he is set so only to himself

That nothing but himself, which looks like man,

Is friendly with him.

First Sen.

Bring us to his cave:

It is our part and promise to the Athenians

To speak with Timon.

Sec. Sen.

At all times alike

Men are not still the same: ’twas time and griefs

That fram’d him thus: time, with his fairer hand,

Offering the fortunes of his former days,

The former man may make him. Bring us to him,

And chance it as it may.

Flav.

Here is his cave.

Peace and content be here! Lord Timon! Timon!

Look out, and speak to friends. The Athenians,

By two of their most reverend senate, greet thee:

Speak to them, noble Timon.

EnterTimon,from his cave.

Tim.

Thousun, that comfort’st, burn! Speak, and be hang’d:

For each true word, a blister! and each false

Be as a cauterizing to the root o’the tongue,

Consuming it with speaking!

First Sen.

Worthy Timon,—

Tim.

Of none but such as you, and you of Timon.

Sec. Sen.

The senators of Athens greet thee, Timon.

Tim.

I thank them; and would send them back the plague,

Could I but catch it for them.

First Sen.

O! forget

What we are sorry for ourselves in thee.

The senators with one consent of love

Entreat thee back to Athens; who have thought

On special dignities, which vacant lie

For thy best use and wearing.

Sec. Sen.

They confess

Toward thee forgetfulness to general, gross;

Which now the public body, which doth seldom

Play the recanter, feeling in itself

A lack of Timon’s aid, hath sense withal

Of its own fail, restraining aid to Timon;

And send forth us, to make their sorrow’d render,

Together with a recompense more fruitful

Than their offence can weigh down by the dram;

Ay, even such heaps and sums of love and wealth

As shall to thee block out what wrongs were theirs,

And write in thee the figures of their love,

Ever to read them thine.

Tim.

You witch me in it;

Surprise me to the very brink of tears:

Lend me a fool’s heart and a woman’s eyes,

And I’ll beweep these comforts, worthy senators.

First Sen.

Therefore so please thee to return with us,

And of our Athens—thine and ours—to take

The captainship, thou shalt be met with thanks,

Allow’d with absolute power, and thy good name

Live with authority: so soon we shall drive back

Of Alcibiades the approaches wild;

Who, like a boar too savage, doth root up

His country’s peace.

Sec. Sen.

And shakes his threat’ning sword

Against the walls of Athens.

First Sen.

Therefore, Timon,—

Tim.

Well, sir, I will; therefore, I will, sir; thus:—

If Alcibiades kill my countrymen,

Let Alcibiades know this of Timon,

That Timon cares not. But if he sack fair Athens,

And take our goodly aged men by the beards,

Giving our holy virgins to the stain

Of contumelious, beastly, mad-brain’d war;

Then let him know, and tell him Timon speaks it,

In pity of our aged and our youth

I cannot choose but tell him, that I care not,

And let him take’t at worst; for their knives care not

While you have throats to answer: for myself,

There’s not a whittle in the unruly camp

But I do prize it at my love before

The reverend’st throat in Athens. So I leave you

To the protection of the prosperous gods,

As thieves to keepers.

Flav.

Stay not; all’s in vain.

Tim.

Why, I was writing of my epitaph;

It will be seen to-morrow. My long sickness

Of health and living now begins to mend,

And nothing brings me all things. Go; live still:

Be Alcibiades your plague, you his,

And last so long enough!

First Sen.

We speak in vain.

Tim.

But yet I love my country, and am not

One that rejoices in the common wrack,

As common bruit doth put it.

First Sen.

That’s well spoke.

Tim.

Commend me to my loving countrymen,—

First Sen.

These words become your lips as they pass through them.

Sec. Sen.

And enter in our ears like great triumphers

In their applauding gates.

Tim.

Commend me to them;

And tell them, that, to ease them of their griefs,

Their fears of hostile strokes, their aches, losses,

Their pangs of love, with other incident throes

That nature’s fragile vessel doth sustain

In life’s uncertain voyage, I will some kindness do them:

I’ll teach them to prevent wild Alcibiades’ wrath.

Sec. Sen.

I like this well; he will return again.

Tim.

I have a tree which grows here in my close,

That mine own use invites me to cut down,

And shortly must I fell it; tell my friends,

Tell Athens, in the sequence of degree,

From high to low throughout, that whoso please

To stop affliction, let him take his haste,

Come hither, ere my tree hath felt the axe,

And hang himself. I pray you, do my greeting.

Flav.

Trouble him no further; thus you still shall find him.

Tim.

Come not to me again; but say to Athans,

Timon hath made his everlasting mansion

Upon the beached verge of the salt flood;

Who once a day with his embossed froth

The turbulent surge shall cover: thither come,

And let my grave-stone be your oracle.

Lips, let sour words go by and language end:

What is amiss plague and infection mend!

Graves only be men’s works and death their gain!

Sun, hide thy beams! Timon hath done his reign.

[Exit.

First Sen.

His discontents are unremovably Coupled to nature.

Sec. Sen.

Our hope in him is dead: let us return,

And strain what other means is left unto us

In our dear peril.

First Sen.

It requires swift foot.

[Exeunt.

Scene II.—

Before the Walls of Athens.

Enter two Senators and a Messenger.

First Sen.

Thou hast painfully discover’d: are his files

As full as thy report?

Mess.

I have spoke the least;

Besides, his expedition promises

Present approach.

Sec. Sen.

We stand much hazard if they bring not Timon.

Mess.

I met a courier, one mine ancient friend,

Whom, though in general part we were oppos’d,

Yet our old love made a particular force,

And made us speak like friends: this man was riding

From Alcibiades to Timon’s cave,

With letters of entreaty, which imported

His fellowship i’ the cause against your city,

In part for his sake mov’d.

First Sen.

Here come our brothers.

Enter Senators fromTimon.

Third Sen.

No talk of Timon, nothing of him expect.

The enemies’ drum is heard, and fearful scouring

Doth choke the air with dust. In, and prepare:

Ours is the fall, I fear; our foes the snare.

[Exeunt.

Scene III.—

The Woods.Timon’sCave, and a rude Tomb seen.

Enter a Soldier, seekingTimon.

Sold.

By all description this should be the place.

Who’s here? speak, ho! No answer! What is this?

Timon is dead, who hath outstretch’d his span:

Some beast rear’d this; here does not live a man.

Dead, sure; and this his grave. What’s on this tomb

I cannot read; the character I’ll take with wax:

Our captain hath in every figure skill;

An ag’d interpreter, though young in days.

Before proud Athens he’s set down by this,

Whose fall the mark of his ambition is.

[Exit.

Scene IV.—

Before the Walls of Athens.

Trumpets sound. EnterAlcibladeswith his Powers.

Alcib.

Sound to this coward and lascivious town

Our terrible approach.

[A parley sounded.

Enter Senators, on the Walls.

Till now you have gone on, and fill’d the time

With all licentious measure, making your wills

The scope of justice; till now myself and such

As slept within the shadow of your power

Have wander’d with our travers’d arms, and breath’d

Our sufferance vainly. Now the time is flush,

When crouching marrow, in the bearer strong,

Cries of itself, ‘No more:’ now breathless wrong

Shall sit and pant in your great chairs of ease,

And pursy insolence shall break his wind

With fear and horrid flight.

First Sen.

Noble and young,

When thy first griefs were but a mere conceit,

Ere thou hadst power or we had cause of fear,

We sent to thee, to give thy rages balm,

To wipe out our ingratitude with loves

Above their quantity.

Sec. Sen.

So did we woo

Transformed Timon to our city’s love

By humble message and by promis’d means:

We were not all unkind, nor all deserve

The common stroke of war.

First Sen.

These walls of ours

Were not erected by their hands from whom

You have receiv’d your grief; nor are they such

That these great towers, trophies, and schools should fall

For private faults in them.

Sec. Sen.

Nor are they living

Who were the motives that you first went out;

Shame that they wanted cunning in excess

Hath broke their hearts. March, noble lord,

Into our city with thy banners spread:

By decimation, and a tithed death,—

If thy revenges hunger for that food

Which nature loathes,—take thou the destin’d tenth,

And by the hazard of the spotted die

Let die the spotted.

First Sen.

All have not offended;

For those that were, it is not square to take

On those that are, revenges: crimes, like lands,

Are not inherited. Then, dear countryman,

Bring in thy ranks, but leave without thy rage:

Spare thyAthenian cradle, and those kin

Which in the bluster of thy wrath must fall

With those that have offended: like a shepherd,

Approach the fold and cull th’ infected forth,

But kill not all together.

Sec. Sen.

What thou wilt,

Thou rather shalt enforce it with thy smile

Thank hew to’t with thy sword.

First Sen.

Set but thy foot

Against our rampir’d gates, and they shall ope,

So thou wilt send thy gentle heart before,

To say thou’lt enter friendly.

Sec. Sen.

Throw thy glove,

Or any token of thine honour else,

That thou wilt use the wars as thy redress

And not as our confusion, all thy powers

Shall make their harbour in our town, till we

Have seal’d thy full desire.

Alcib.

Then there’s my glove;

Descend, and open your uncharged ports:

Those enemies of Timon’s and mine own

Whom you yourselves shall set out for reproof,

Fall, and no more; and, to atone your fears

With my more noble meaning, not a man

Shall pass his quarter, or offend the stream

Of regular justice in your city’s bounds,

But shall be render’d to your public laws

At heaviest answer.

Both.

’Tis most nobly spoken.

Alcib.

Descend, and keep your words.

[The Senators descend, and open the gates.

Enter a Soldier.

Sold.

My noble general, Timon is dead;

Entomb’d upon the very hem o’ the sea:

And on his grave-stone this insculpture, which

With wax I brought away, whose soft impression

Interprets for my poor ignorance.

Alcib.

Here lies a wretched corse, of wretched soul bereft:

Seek not my name: a plague consume you wicked caitiffs left!

Here lie I, Timon; who, alive, all living men did hate:

Pass by, and curse thy fill; but pass and stay not here thy gait.

These well express in thee thy latter spirits:

Though thou abhorr’dst in us our human griefs,

Scorn’dst our brain’s flow and those our droplets which

From niggard nature fall, yet rich conceit

Taught thee to make vast Neptune weep for aye

On thy low grave, on faults forgiven. Dead

Is noble Timon; of whose memory

Hereafter more. Bring me into your city,

And I will use the olive with my sword;

Make war breed peace; make peace stint war; make each

Prescribe to other as each other’s leech.

Let our drums strike.

[Exeunt.