The Life of Tymon of Athens

THE LIFE OF TYMON OF ATHENS.

Actus Primus. Scœna Prima.

Enter Poet, Painter, Ieweller, Merchant, and Mercer, at seuerall doores.

Poet. Good day Sir.

Pain. I am glad y'are well.

Poet. I haue not seene you long, how goes the World?

Pain. It weares sir, as it growes.

Poet. I that's well knowne: But what particular Rarity? What strange, Which manifold record not matches: see Magicke…

Pain. I know them both: th'others a Ieweller.

Mer. O 'tis a worthy Lord.

Iew. Nay that's most fixt.

Mer. A most incomparable man, breath'd as it were, To an vntyreable and continuate goodnesse: He passes.

Iew. I haue a Iewell heere.

Mer. O pray let's see't. For the Lord Timon, sir?

Iewel. If he will touch the estimate. But for that—

Poet. When we for recompence haue prais'd the vild, It staines the glory in that happy Verse, Which…

Mer. 'Tis a good forme.

Iewel. And rich: heere is a Water looke ye.

Pain. You are rapt sir, in some worke, some Dedica­ tion to the great Lord.

Poet. A thing slipt idlely from me. Our Poesie is as a Gowne, which vses From whence 'tis…

Pain. A Picture sir: when comes your Booke forth?

Poet. Vpon the heeles of my presentment sir. Let's see your peece.

Pain. 'Tis a good Peece.

Poet. So 'tis, this comes off well, and excellent.

Pain. Indifferent.

Poet. Admirable: How this grace Speakes his owne standing: what a mentall power This eye shootes forth? How…

Pain. It is a pretty mocking of the life: Heere is a touch: Is't good?

Poet. I will say of it, It Tutors Nature, Artificiall strife Liues in these toutches, liuelier then life.

Enter certaine Senators.

Pain. How this Lord is followed.

Poet. The Senators of Athens, happy men.

Pain. Looke moe.

Po. You see this confluence, this great flood of visitors, I haue in this rough worke, shap'd out…

Pain. How shall I vnderstand you?

Poet. I will vnboult to you. You see how all Conditions, how all Mindes, As well of glib…

Pain. I saw them speake together.

Poet. Sir, I haue vpon a high and pleasant hill Feign'd Fortune to be thron'd. The Base o'th'Mount…

Pain. 'Tis conceyu'd, to scope This Throne, this Fortune, and this Hill me thinkes With one man becken'd…

Poet. Nay Sir, but heare me on: All those which were his Fellowes but of late, Some better…

Pain. I marry, what of these?

Poet. When Fortune in her shift and change of mood Spurnes downe her late beloued; all his Dependants…

Pain. Tis common: A thousand morall Paintings I can shew, That shall demonstrate these quicke blowes of Fortunes,…

Trumpets sound.

Enter Lord Timon, addressing himselfe curteously to euery Sutor.

Tim. Imprison'd is he, say you?

Mes. I my good Lord, fiue Talents is his debt, His meanes most short, his Creditors most straite:…

Tim. Noble Ventidius well: I am not of that Feather, to shake off My Friend when he must…

Mes. Your Lordship euer bindes him.

Tim. Commend me to him, I will send his ransome, And being enfranchized bid him come to me;…

Mes. All happinesse to your Honor.

Exit.

Enter an old Athenian.

Oldm. Lord Timon, heare me speake.

Tim. Freely good Father.

Oldm. Thou hast a Seruant nam'd Lucilius.

Tim. I haue so: What of him?

Oldm. Most Noble Timon, call the man before thee.

Tim. Attends he heere, or no? Lucillius.

Luc. Heere at your Lordships seruice.

Oldm. This Fellow heere, L. Timon, this thy Creature, By night frequents my house. I am a man…

Tim. Well: what further?

Old. One onely Daughter haue I, no Kin else, On whom I may conferre what I haue got:…

Tim. The man is honest.

Oldm. Therefore he will be Timon, His honesty rewards him in it selfe, It must not beare my…

Tim. Does she loue him?

Oldm. She is yong and apt: Our owne precedent passions do instruct vs What leuities in youth.

Tim. Loue you the Maid?

Luc. I my good Lord, and she accepts of it.

Oldm. If in her Marriage my consent be missing, I call the Gods to witnesse, I will choose…

Tim. How shall she be endowed, If she be mated with an equall Husband?

Oldm. Three Talents on the present; in future, all.

Tim. This Gentleman of mine Hath seru'd me long: To build his Fortune, I will straine a little,…

Oldm. Most Noble Lord, Pawne me to this your Honour, she is his.

Tim. My hand to thee, Mine Honour on my promise.

Luc. Humbly I thanke your Lordship, neuer may That state or Fortune fall into my keeping, Which is…

Exit

Poet. Vouchsafe my Labour, And long liue your Lordship.

Tim. I thanke you, you shall heare from me anon: Go not away. What haue you there, my…

Pain. A peece of Painting, which I do beseech Your Lordship to accept.

Tim. Painting is welcome. The Painting is almost the Naturall man: For since Dishonor Traffickes with mans Nature,…

Pain. The Gods preserue ye.

Tim. Well fare you Gentleman: giue me your hand. We must needs dine together: sir your Iewell Hath…

Iewel. What my Lord, dispraise?

Tim. A meere saciety of Commendations, If I should pay you for't as 'tis extold, It would vnclew…

Iewel. My Lord, 'tis rated As those which sell would giue: but you well know, Things of like…

Tim. Well mock'd.

Enter Apermantus.

Mer. No my good Lord, he speakes yͤ common toong Which all men speake with him.

Tim. Looke who comes heere, will you be chid?

Iewel. Wee'l beare with your Lordship.

Mer. Hee'l spare none.

Tim. Good morrow to thee, Gentle Apermantus.

Ape. Till I be gentle, stay thou for thy good morrow. When thou art Timons dogge, and these…

Tim. Why dost thou call them Knaues, thou know'st them not?

Ape. Are they not Athenians?

Tim. Yes.

Ape. Then I repent not.

Iew. You know me, Apemantus?

Ape. Thou know'st I do, I call'd thee by thy name.

Tim. Thou art proud Apemantus?

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

Tim. Whether art going?

Ape. To knocke out an honest Athenians braines.

Tim. That's a deed thou't dye for.

Ape. Right, if doing nothing be death by th'Law.

Tim. How lik'st thou this picture Apemantus?

Ape. The best, for the innocence.

Tim. Wrought he not well that painted it.

Ape. He wrought better that made the Painter, and yet he's but a filthy peece of worke.

Pain. Y'are a Dogge.

Ape. Thy Mothers of my generation: what's she, if I be a Dogge?

Tim. Wilt dine with me Apemantus?

Ape. No: I eate not Lords.

Tim. And thou should'st, thoud'st anger Ladies.

Ape. O they eate Lords; So they come by great bellies.

Tim. That's a lasciuious apprehension.

Ape. So, thou apprehend'st it, Take it for thy labour.

Tim. How dost thou like this Iewell, Apemantus?

Ape. Not so well as plain‑dealing, which wil not cast a man a Doit.

Tim. What dost thou thinke 'tis worth?

Ape. Not worth my thinking. How now Poet?

Poet. How now Philosopher?

Ape. Thou lyest.

Poet. Art not one?

Ape. Yes.

Poet. Then I lye not.

Ape. Art not a Poet?

Poet. Yes.

Ape. Then thou lyest: Looke in thy last worke, where thou hast fegin'd him a worthy Fellow.

Poet. That's not feign'd, he is so.

Ape. Yes he is worthy of thee, and to pay thee for thy labour. He that loues to…

Tim. What wouldst do then Apemantus?

Ape. E'ne as Apemantus does now,□hate a Lord with my heart.

Tim. What thy selfe?

Ape. I.

Tim. Wherefore?

Ape. That I had no angry wit to be a Lord. Art not thou a Merchant?

Mer. I Apemantus.

Ape. Traffick confound thee, if the Gods will not.

Mer. If Trafficke do it, the Gods do it.

Ape. Traffickes thy God, & thy God confound thee.

Trumpet sounds. Enter a Messenger.

Tim. What Trumpets that□

Mes. 'Tis Alcibiades, and some twenty Horse All of Companionship.

Tim. Pray entertaine them, giue them guide to vs. You must needs dine with me: go not you…

Ape. So, so; their Aches contract, and sterue your supple ioynts: that there should bee small loue amongest…

Alc. Sir, you haue sau'd my longing, and I feed Most hungerly on your sight.

Tim. Right welcome Sir: Ere we depatt, wee'l share a bounteous time In different pleasures. Pray you let…

Exeunt.

Enter two Lords.

1. Lord. What time a day is't Apemantus?

Ape. Time to be honest.

1 That time serues still.

Ape. The most accursed thou that still omitst it.

2 Thou art going to Lord Timons Feast.

Ape. I, to see meate fill Knaues, and Wine heat fooles.

2 Farthee well, farthee well.

Ape. Thou art a Foole to bid me farewell twice.

2 Why Apemantus?

Ape. Should'st haue kept one to thy selfe, for I meane to giue thee none.

1 Hang thy selfe.

Ape. No I will do nothing at thy bidding: Make thy requests to thy Friend.

2 Away vnpeaceable Dogge, Or Ile spurne thee hence.

Ape. I will flye like a dogge, the heeles a'th'Asse.

1 Hee's opposite to humanity. Comes shall we in, And taste Lord Timons bountie: he out‑goes The verie…

2 He powres it out: Plutus the God of Gold Is but his Steward: no meede but he…

1 The Noblest minde he carries, That euer gouern'd man.

2 Long may he liue in Fortunes. Shall we in? Ile keepe you Company.

Exeunt.

Hoboyes Playing lowd Musicke.

A great Banquet seru'd in: and then, Enter Lord Timon, the States, the Athenian Lords, Ventigius which Timon…

Ventig. Most honoured Timon, It hath pleas'd the Gods to remember my Fathers age, And call him to…

Tim. O by no meanes, Honest Ventigius: You mistake my loue, I gaue it freely euer, and ther's…

Vint. A Noble spirit.

Tim. Nay my Lords, Ceremony was but deuis'd at first To set a glosse on faint deeds, hollow…

1. Lord. My Lord, we alwaies haue confest it.

Aper. Ho ho, confest it? Handg'd it? Haue you not?

Timo. O Apermantus, you are welcome.

Aper. No: You shall not make me welcome: I come to haue thee thrust me out of doores.

Tim. Fie, th'art a churle, ye'haue got a humour there Does not become a man, 'tis much too…

Aper. Let me stay at thine apperill Timon, I come to obserue, I giue thee warning on't.

Tim. I take no heede of thee: Th'art an Athenian, therefore welcome: I my selfe would haue no…

Aper. I scorne thy meate, 'twould choake me: for I should nere flatter thee. Oh you Gods! What…

Tim. My Lord in heart: and let the health go round.

2. Lord. Let it flow this way my good Lord.

Aper. Flow this way? A braue fellow. He keepes his tides well, those healths will make thee and…

Tim. Captaine, Alcibiades, your hearts in the field now.

Alci. My heart is euer at your seruice, my Lord.

Tim. You had rather be at a breakefast of Enemies, then a dinner of Friends.

Alc. So they were bleeding new my Lord, there's no meat like 'em, I could wish my best…

Aper. Would all those Flatterers were thine Enemies then, that then thou might'st kill 'em: & bid me…

1. Lord. Might we but haue that happinesse my Lord, that you would once vse our hearts, whereby…

Timon. Oh no doubt my good Friends, but the Gods themselues haue prouided that I shall haue much…

Aper. Thou weep'st to make them drinke, Timon.

2. Lord. Ioy had the like conception in our eies, And at that instant, like a babe sprung…

Aper. Ho, ho: I laugh to thinke that babe a bastard.

3. Lord. I promise you my Lord you mou'd me much.

Aper. Much.

Sound Tucket. Enter the Maskers of Amazons, with Lutes in their hands, dauncing and playing.

Tim. What meanes that Trumpe? How now?

Enter Seruant.

Ser. Please you my Lord, there are certaine Ladies Most desirous of admittance.

Tim. Ladies? what are their wils?

Ser. There comes with them a fore‑runner my Lord, which beares that office, to signifie their pleasures.

Tim. I pray let them be admitted.

Enter Cupid with the Maske of Ladies.

Cup. Haile to thee worthy Timon and to all that of his Bounties taste: the fiue best Sences…

Timo. They'r welcome all, let 'em haue kind admit­ tance. Musicke make their welcome.

Luc. You see my Lord, how ample y'are belou'd.

Aper. Hoyday, What a sweepe of vanitie comes this way. They daunce? They are madwomen, Like Madnesse is…

The Lords rise from Table, with much adoring of Timon, and to shew their loues, each single out…

Tim. You haue done our pleasures Much grace (faire Ladies) Set a faire fashion on our entertainment, Which…

1 Lord. My Lord you take vs euen at the best.

Aper. 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 your selues.

All La. Most thankfully, my Lord.

Exeunt.

Tim. Flauius.

Fla. My Lord.

Tim. The little Casket bring me hither.

Fla. Yes, my Lord. More Iewels yet? There is no crossing him in's humor, Else I should tell…

Exit.

1 Lord. Where be our men?

Ser. Heere my Lord, in readinesse.

2 Lord. Our Horses.

Tim. O my Friends: I haue one word to say to you: Looke you, my good L. I…

1 Lord. I am so farre already in your guifts.

All. So are we all.

Enter a Seruant.

Ser. My Lord, there are certaine Nobles of the Senate newly alighted, and come to visit you.

Tim. They are fairely welcome.

Enter Flauius.

Fla. I beseech your Honor, vouchsafe me a word, it does concerne you neere.

Tim. Neere? why then another time Ile heare thee. I prythee let's be prouided to shew them entertainment.

Fla. I scarse know how.

Enter another Seruant.

Ser. May it please your Honor, Lord Lucius (Out of his free loue) hath presented to you Foure…

Tim. I shall accept them fairely: let the Presents Be worthily entertain'd. Enter a third Seruant. How now?…

3. Ser. Please you my Lord, that honourable Gentle­ man Lord Lucullus, entreats your companie to morrow, to…

Tim. Ile hunt with him, And let them be receiu'd, not without faire Reward.

Fla. What will this come to? He commands vs to prouide, and giue great guifts, and all out…

Exit

Tim. You do your selues much wrong, You bate too much of your owne merits. Heere my Lord,…

2. Lord. With more then common thankes I will receyue it.

3. Lord. O he's the very soule of Bounty.

Tim. And now I remember my Lord, you gaue good words the other day of a Bay Courser…

1. L. Oh, I beseech you pardon mee, my Lord, in that.

Tim. You may take my word my Lord: I know no man can iustly praise, but what he…

All Lor. O none so welcome.

Tim. I take all, and your seuerall visitations So kinde to heart, 'tis not enough to giue: Me…

Alc. I, defil'd Land, my Lord.

1. Lord. We are so vertuously bound.

Tim. And so am I to you.

2. Lord. So infinitely endeer'd.

Tim. All to you. Lights, more Lights.

1. Lord. The best of Happines, Honor, and Fortunes Keepe with you Lord Timon.

Tim. Ready for his Friends.

Exeunt Lords

Aper. What a coiles heere, seruing of beckes, and iut­ ting out of bummes. I doubt whether their…

Tim. Now Apermantus (if thou wert not sullen) I would be good to thee.

Aper. No, Ile nothing; for if I should be brib'd too, there would be none left to raile…

Tim. Nay, and you begin to raile on Societie once, I am sworne not to giue regard to…

Exit

Aper. So: Thou wilt not heare mee now, thou shalt not then. Ile locke thy heauen from thee:…

Exit

Enter a Senator.

Sen. And late fiue thousand: to Varro and to Isidore He owes nine thousand, besides my former summe,…

Enter Caphis.

Ca. Heere sir, what is your pleasure.

Sen. Get on your cloake, & hast you to Lord Timon, Importune him for my Moneyes, be not…

Ca. I go sir.

Sen. I go sir? Take the Bonds along with you, And haue the dates in. Come.

Ca. I will Sir.

Sen. Go.

Exeunt

Enter Steward, with many billes in his hand.

Stew. No care, no stop, so senselesse of expence, That he will neither know how to maintaine it,…

Enter Caphis, Isidore, and Varro.

Cap. Good euen Varro: what, you come for money?

Var. Is't not your businesse too?

Cap. It is, and yours too, Isidore?

Isid. It is so.

Cap. Would we were all discharg'd.

Var. I feare it,

Cap. Heere comes the Lord.

Enter Timon, and his Traine.

Tim. So soone as dinners done, wee'l forth againe My Alcibiades. With me, what is your will?

Cap. My Lord, heere is a note of certaine dues.

Tim. Dues? whence are you?

Cap. Of Athens heere, my Lord.

Tim. Go to my Steward.

Cap. Please it your Lordship, he hath put me off To the succession of new dayes this moneth:…

Tim. Mine honest Friend, I prythee but repaire to me next morning.

Cap. Nay, good my Lord.

Tim. Containe thy selfe, good Friend.

Var. One Varroes seruant, my good Lord.

Isid. From Isidore, he humbly prayes your speedy pay­ ment.

Cap. If you did know my Lord, my Masters wants.

Var. 'Twas due on forfeyture my Lord, sixe weekes, and past.

Isi. Your Steward puts me off my Lord, and I Am sent expressely to your Lordship.

Tim. Giue me breath: I do beseech you good my Lords keepe on, Ile waite vpon you instantly.…

Stew. Please you Gentlemen, The time is vnagreeable to this businesse: Your importunacie cease, till after dinner, That…

Tim. Do so my Friends, see them well entertain'd.

Stew. Pray draw neere.

Exit.

Enter Apemantus and Foole.

Caph. stay, stay, here comes the Foole with Apeman­ tus, letַs ha some sport with 'em.

Var. Hang him, hee'l abuse vs.

Isid. A plague vpon him dogge.

Var. How dost Foole?

Ape. Dost Dialogue with thy shadow?

Var. I speake not to thee.

Ape. No 'tis to thy selfe. Come away.

Isi. There's the Foole hangs on your backe already.

Ape. No thou stand'st single, th'art not on him yet.

Cap. Where's the Foole now?

Ape. He last ask'd the question. Poore Rogues, and Vsurers men, Bauds betweene Gold and want.

Al. What are we Apemantus?

Ape. Asses.

All. Why?

Ape. That you ask me what you are, & do not know your selues. Speake to 'em Foole.

Foole. How do you Gentlemen?

All. Gramercies good Foole: How does your Mistris?

Foole. She's e'ne setting on water to scal'd such Chic­ kens as you are. Would we could see…

Ape. Good, Gramercy.

Enter Page.

Foole. Looke you, heere comes my Masters Page.

Page. Why how now Captaine? what do you in this wise Company. How dost thou Apermantus?

Ape. Would I had a Rod in my mouth, that I might answer thee profitably.

Boy. Prythee Apemantus reade me the superscripti­ on of these Letters, I know not which is which.

Ape. Canst not read?

Page. No.

Ape. There will litle Learning dye then that day thou art hang'd. This is to Lord Timon, this…

Page. Thou was't whelpt a Dogge, and thou shalt famish a Dogges death. Answer not, I am gone.

Exit

Ape. E'ne so thou out‑runst Grace, Foole I will go with you to Lord Timons.

Foole. Will you leaue me there?

Ape. If Timon stay at home. You three serue three Vsurers?

All. I would they seru'd vs.

Ape. So would I: As good a tricke as euer Hangman seru'd Theefe.

Foole. Are you three Vsurers men?

All. I Foole.

Foole. I thinke no Vsurer, but ha's a Foole to his Ser­ uant. My Mistris is one, and…

Var. I could render one.

Ap. Do it then, that we may account thee a Whore­ master, and a Knaue, which notwithstanding thou…

Varro. What is a Whoremaster Foole?

Foole. A Foole in good cloathes, and something like thee. 'Tis a spirit, sometime t'appeares like a Lord,…

Var. Thou art not altogether a Foole.

Foole. Nor thou altogether a Wise man, As much foolerie as I haue, so much wit thou lack'st.

Ape. That answer might haue become Apemantus.

All. Aside, aside, heere comes Lord Timon.

Enter Timon and Steward.

Ape. Come with me (Foole) come.

Foole. I do not alwayes follow Louer, elder Brother, and Woman, sometime the Philosopher.

Stew. Pray you walke neere, Ile speake with you anon.

Exeunt.

Tim. You make me meruell wherefore ere this time Had you not fully laide my state before me,…

Stew. You would not heare me: At many leysures I propose.

Tim. Go too: Perchance some single vantages you tooke, When my indisposition put you backe, And that vnaptnesse…

Stew. O my good Lord, At many times I brought in my accompts, Laid them before you, you…

Tim. Let all my Land be sold.

Stew. 'Tis all engag'd, some forfeyted and gone, And what remaines will hardly stop the mouth Of present…

Tim. To Lacedemon did my Land extend.

Stew. O my good Lord, the world is but a word, Were it all yours, to giue it…

Tim. You tell me true.

Stew. If you suspect my Husbandry or Falshood, Call me before th'exactest Auditors, And set me on the…

Tim. Prythee no more.

Stew. Heauens, haue I said, the bounty of this Lord: How many prodigall bits haue Slaues and Pezants…

Tim. Come sermon me no further. No villanous bounty yet hath past my heart; Vnwisely, not ignobly haue…

ste. A□□□rance blesse your thoughts.

Tim. And in some sort these wants of mine are crown'd, That I account them blessings. For by…

Enter three Seruants.

Ser. My Lord, my Lord.

Tim. I will dispatch you seuerally. You to Lord Lucius, to Lord Lucullus you, I hunted with his…

Flam. As you haue said, my Lord.

Stew. Lord Lucius and Lucullus? Humh.

Tim. Go you sir to the Senators; Of whom, euen to the States best health; I haue Deseru'd…

Ste, I haue beene bold (For that I knew it the most generall way) To them, to vse…

Tim. Is't true? Can't be?

Stew. They answer in a ioynt and corporate voice, That now they are at fall, want Treature cannot…

Tim. You Gods reward them: Prythee man looke cheerely. These old Fellowes Haue their ingratitude in them Hereditary:…

Stew. I would I could not thinke it: That thought is Bounties Foe; Being free it selfe, it…

Exeunt

Flaminius waiting to speake with a Lord from his Master, enters a seruant to him.

Ser. I haue told my Lord of you, he is comming down to you.

Flam. I thanke you Sir.

Enter Lucullus.

Ser. Heere's my Lord.

Luc. One of Lord Timons men? A Guift I warrant. Why this hits right: I dreampt of a…

Flam. His health is well sir.

Luc. I am right glad that his health is well sir: and what hast thou there vnder thy…

Flam. Faith, nothing but an empty box Sir, which in my Lords behalfe, I come to intreat your…

Luc. La, la, la, la: Nothing doubting sayes hee? Alas good Lord, a Noble Gentleman 'tis, if he…

Enter Seruant with Wine.

Ser. Please your Lordship, heere is the Wine.

Luc. Flaminius, I haue noted thee alwayes wise. Heere's to thee.

Flam. Your Lordship speakes your pleasure.

Luc. I haue obserued thee alwayes for a towardlie prompt spirit, giue thee thy due, and one that…

Flam. Is't possible the world should so much differ, And we aliue that liued? Fly damned basenesse To…

Luc. Ha? Now I see thou art a Foole, and fit for thy Master.

Exit L.

Flam. May these adde to the number yt may scald thee: Let moulten Coine be thy damnation, Thou…

Exit.

Enter Lucius, with three strangers.

Luc. Who the Lord Timon? He is my very good friend and an Honourable Gentleman.

1 We know him for no lesse, thogh we are but stran­ gers to him. But I can…

Lucius. Fye no, doe not beleeue it: hee cannot want for money.

2 But beleeue you this my Lord, that not long agoe, one of his men was with the…

Luci. How?

2 I tell you, deny'de my Lord.

Luci. What a strange case was that? Now before the Gods I am asham'd on't. Denied that honourable…

Enter Seruilius.

Seruil. See, by good hap yonders my Lord, I haue swet to see his Honor. My Honor'd Lord.

Lucil. Seruilius? You are kindely met sir. Farthewell, commend me to thy Honourable vertuous Lord, my ve­ ry…

Seruil. May it please your Honour, my Lord hath sent⸺

Luci. Ha? what ha's he sent? I am so much endeered to that Lord; hee's euer sending: how…

Seruil. Has onely sent his present Occasion now my Lord: requesting your Lordship to supply his instant vse…

Lucil. I know his Lordship is but merry with me, He cannot want fifty fiue hundred Talents.

Seruil. But in the mean time he wants lesse my Lord. If his occasion were not vertuous, I…

Luc. Dost thou speake seriously Seruilius?

Seruil. Vpon my soule 'tis true Sir.

Luci. What a wicked Beast was I to disfurnish my self against such a good time, when I…

Ser. Yes sir, I shall.

Exit Seruil.

Lucil. Ile looke you out a good turne Seruilius. True as you said, Timon is shrunke indeede, And…

Exit.

1 Do you obserue this Hostilius?

2 I, to well.

1 Why this is the worlds soule, And iust of the same peece Is euery Flatterers sport: who…

3 Religion grones at it.

1 For mine owne part, I neuer tasted Timon in my life Nor came any of his bounties…

Exeunt.

Enter a third seruant with Sempronius, another of Timons Friends.

Semp. Must he needs trouble me in't? Hum. 'Boue all others? He might haue tried Lord Lucius, or…

Ser. My Lord, They haue all bin touch'd, and found Base‑Mettle, For they haue all denied him.

Semp. How? Haue they deny'de him? Has Ventidgius and Lucullus deny'de him, And does he send to me?…

Exit

Ser. Excellent: Your Lordships a goodly Villain: the diuell knew not what he did, when hee made man…

Exit.

Enter Varro's man, meeting others. All Timons Creditors to wait for his comming out. Then enter Lucius and…

Var. man. Well met, goodmorrow Titus & Hortensius

Tit. The like to you kinde Varro.

Hort. Lucius, what do we meet together?

Luci. I, and I think one businesse do's command vs all. For mine is money.

Tit. So is theirs, and ours.

Enter Philotus.

Luci. And sir Philotus too.

Phil. Good day at once.

Luci. Welcome good Brother. What do you thinke the houre?

Phil. Labouring for Nine.

Luci. So much?

Phil. Is not my Lord seene yet?

Luci. Not yet.

Phil. I wonder on't, he was wont to shine at seauen.

Luci. I, but the dayes are waxt shorter with him: You must consider, that a Prodigall course Is…

Phil. I am of your feare, for that.

Tit. Ile shew you how t'obserue a strange euent: Your Lord sends now for Money?

Hort. Most true, he doe's.

Tit. And he weares Iewels now of Timons guift, For which I waite for money.

Hort. It is against my heart.

Luci. Marke how strange it showes, Timon in this, should pay more then he owes: And e'ne as…

Hort. I'me weary of this Charge, The Gods can witnesse: I know my Lord hath spent of Timons…

Varro. Yes, mine's three thousand Crownes: What's yours?

Luci. Fiue thousand mine.

Varro. 'Tis much deepe, and it should seem by th'sum Your Masters confidence was aboue mine, Else surely…

Enter Flaminius.

Tit. One of Lord Timons men.

Luc. Flaminius? Sir, a word: Pray is my Lord readie to come forth?

Flam. No, indeed he is not.

Tit. We attend his Lordship: pray signifie so much.

Flam. I need not tell him that, he knowes you are too (diligent.

Enter Steward in a Cloake, muffled.

Luci. Ha: is not that his Steward muffled so? He goes away in a Clowd: Call him, call…

Tit. Do you heare, sir?

2. Varro. By your leaue, sir.

Stew. What do ye aske of me, my Friend.

Tit. We waite for certaine Money heere, sir.

Stew. I, if Money were as certaine as your waiting, 'Twere sure enough. Why then preferr'd you not…

Luci. I, but this answer will not serue.

Stew. If't 'twill not serue, 'tis not so base as you, For you serue Knaues.

1. Varro. How? What does his casheer'd Worship mutter?

2. Varro. No matter what, hee's poore, and that's re­ uenge enough. Who can speake broader, then hee…

Enter Seruilius.

Tit. Oh here's Seruilius: now wee shall know some answere.

Seru. If I might beseech you Gentlemen, to repayre some other houre, I should deriue much from't. For…

Luci. Many do keepe their Chambers, are not sicke: And if it be so farre beyond his health,…

Seruil. Good Gods.

Titus. We cannot take this for answer, sir.

Flaminius within. Seruilius helpe, my Lord, my Lord.

Enter Timon in a rage.

Tim. What, are my dores oppos'd against my passage? Haue I bin euer free, and must my house…

Luci. Put in now Titus.

Tit. My Lord, heere is my Bill.

Luci. Here's mine.

1. Var. And mine, my Lord.

2. Var. And ours, my Lord.

Philo. All our Billes.

Tim. Knocke me downe with 'em, cleaue mee to the Girdle.

Luc. Alas, my Lord.

Tim. Cut my heart in summes.

Tit. Mine, fifty Talents.

Tim. Tell out my blood.

Luc. Fiue thousand Crownes, my Lord.

Tim. Fiue thousand drops payes that. What yours? and yours?

1. Var. My Lord.

2. Var. My Lord.

Tim. Teare me, take me, and the Gods fall vpon you.

Exit Timon.

Hort. Faith I perceiue our Masters may throwe their caps at their money, these debts may well be…

Exeunt.

Enter Timon.

Timon. They haue e'ene put my breath from mee the slaues. Creditors? Diuels.

Stew. My deere Lord.

Tim. What if it should be so?

Stew. My Lord.

Tim. Ile haue it so. My Steward?

Stew. Heere my Lord.

Tim. So fitly? Go, bid all my Friends againe, Lucius, Lucullus, and Sempronius Vllorxa: All, Ile once more…

Stew. O my Lord, you onely speake from your distra­ cted soule; there's not so much left to…

Tim. Be it not in thy care: Go I charge thee, inuite them all, let in the tide…

Exeunt

Enter three Senators at one doore, Alcibiades meeting them, with Attendants.

1. Sen. My Lord, you haue my voyce, too't, The faults Bloody: 'Tis necessary he should dye: Nothing…

2 Most true; the Law shall bruise 'em.

Alc. Honor, health, and compassion to the Senate.

1 Now Captaine.

Alc. I am an humble Sutor to your Vertues; For pitty is the vertue of the Law, And…

1 Sen. You vndergo too strict a Paradox, Striuing to make an vgly deed looke faire: Your words…

Alci. My Lord.

1. Sen. You cannot make grosse sinnes looke cleare, To reuenge is no Valour, but to beare.

Alci. My Lords, then vnder fauour, pardon me, If I speake like a Captaine. Why do fond men…

2. Sen. You breath in vaine.

Alci. In vaine? His seruice done at Lacedemon, and Bizantium, Were a sufficient briber for his life.

1 What's that?

Alc. Why say my Lords ha's done faire seruice, And slaine in fight many of your enemies: How…

2 He has made too much plenty with him: He's a sworne Riotor, he has a sinne That…

1 He dyes.

Alci. Hard fate: he might haue dyed in warre. My Lords, if not for any parts in him,…

1 We are for Law, he dyes, vrge it no more On height of our displeasure: Friend, or…

Alc. Must it be so? It must not bee: My Lords, I do beseech you know mee.

2 How?

Alc. Call me to your remembrances.

3 What.

Alc. I cannot thinke but your Age has forgot me, It could not else be, I should proue…

1 Do you dare our anger? 'Tis in few words, but spacious in effect: We banish thee for…

Alc. Banish me? Banish your dotage, banish vsurie, That makes the Senate vgly.

1 If after two dayes shine, Athens containe thee, Attend our waightier Iudgement. And not to swell our…

Exeunt.

Alc. Now the Gods keepe you old enough, That you may liue Onely in bone, that none may…

Exit.

Enter diuers Friends at seuerall doores.

1 The good time of day to you, sir.

2 I also wish it to you: I thinke this Honorable Lord did but try vs this other…

1 Vpon that were my thoughts tyring when wee en­ countred. I hope it is not so low…

2 It should not be, by the perswasion of his new Fea­ sting.

1 I should thinke so. He hath sent mee an earnest in­ uiting, which many my neere occasions…

2 In like manner was I in debt to my importunat bu­ sinesse, but he would not heare…

1 I am sicke of that greefe too, as I vnderstand how all things go.

2 Euery man heares so: what would hee haue borro­ wed of you?

1 A thousand Peeces.

2 A thousand Peeces?

1 What of you?

2 He sent to me sir⸺Heere he comes.

Enter Timon and Attendants.

Tim. With all my heart Gentlemen both; and how fare you?

1 Euer at the best, hearing well of your Lordship.

2 The Swallow followes not Summer more willing, then we your Lordship.

Tim. Nor more willingly leaues Winter, such Sum­ mer Birds are men. Gentlemen, our dinner will not re­…

1 I hope it remaines not vnkindely with your Lord­ ship, that I return'd you an empty Messenger.

Tim. O sir, let it not trouble you.

2 My Noble Lord.

Tim. Ah my good Friend, what cheere?

The Banket brought in.

2 My most Honorable Lord, I am e'ne sick of shame, that when your Lordship this other day…

Tim. Thinke not on't, sir.

2 If you had sent but two houres before.

Tim. Let it not cumber your better remembrance. Come bring in all together.

2 All couer'd Dishes.

1 Royall Cheare, I warrant you.

3 Doubt not that, if money and the season can yeild it

1 How do you? What's the newes?

3 Alcibiades is banish'd: heare you of it?

Both. Alcibiades banish'd?

3 'Tis so, be sure of it.

1 How? How?

2 I pray you vpon what?

Tim. My worthy Friends, will you draw neere?

3 Ile tell you more anon. Here's a Noble feast toward

2 This is the old man still.

3 Wilt hold? Wilt hold?

2 It do's: but time will, and so.

3 I do conceyue.

Tim. Each man to his stoole, with that spurre as hee would to the lip of his Mistris:…

Some speake. What do's his Lordship meane?

Some other. I know not.

Timon. May you a better Feast neuer behold You knot of Mouth‑Friends: Smoke, & lukewarm water Is your…

Exit

Enter the Senators, with other Lords.

1 How now, my Lords?

2 Know you the quality of Lord Timons fury?

3 Push, did you see my Cap?

4 I haue lost my Gowne.

1 He's but a mad Lord, & nought but humors swaies him. He gaue me a Iewell th'other…

2 Did you see my Cap.

3 Heere 'tis.

4 Heere lyes my Gowne.

1 Let's make no stay.

2 Lord Timons mad.

3 I feel't vpon my bones.

4 One day he giues vs Diamonds, next day stones.

Exeunt the Senators.

Enter Timon.

Tim. Let me looke backe vpon thee. O thou Wall That girdles in those Wolues, diue in the…

And graunt as Timon growes, his hate may grow To the whole race of Mankinde, high and low.…

Exit.

Enter Steward with two or three Seruants.

1 Heare you M. Steward, where's our Master? Are we vndone, cast off, nothing remaining?

Stew. Alack my Fellowes, what should I say to you? Let me be recorded by the righteous Gods,…

1 Such a House broke? So Noble a Master falne, all gone, and not One Friend to take…

2 As we do turne our backes From our Companion, throwne into his graue, So his Familiars to…

Enter other Seruants.

Stew. All broken Implements of a ruin'd house.

3 Yet do our hearts weare Timons Liuery, That see I by our Faces: we are Fellowes still,…

Stew. Good Fellowes all, The latest of my wealth Ile share among'st you. Where euer we shall meete,…

Exit.

Enter Timon in the woods.

Tim. O blessed breeding Sun, draw from the earth Rotten humidity: below thy Sisters Orbe Infect the ayre.…

Would cast the gorge at. This Embalmes and Spices To'th'Aprill day againe. Come damn'd Earth, Thou common whore…

Enter Alcibiades with Drumme and Fife in warlike manner, and Phrynia and Timandra.

Alc. What art thou there? Speake.

Tim. A Beast as thou art. The Canker gnaw thy hart For shewing me againe the eyes of…

Alc. What is thy name? Is man so hatefull to thee, That art thy selfe a Man?

Tim. I am Misantropos, and hate Mankinde. For thy part, I do wish thou wert a dogge, That…

Alc. I know thee well: But in thy Fortunes am vnlearn'd, and strange.

Tim. I know thee too, and more then that I know thee I not desire to know. Follow…

Phrin. Thy lips rot off.

Tim. I will not kisse thee, then the rot returnes To thine owne lippes againe.

Alc. How came the Noble Timon to this change?

Tim. As the Moone do's, by wanting light to giue: But then renew I could not like the…

Alc. Noble Timon, what friendship may I do thee?

Tim. None, but to maintaine my opinion.

Alc. What is it Timon?

Tim. Promise me Friendship, but performe none. If thou wilt not promise, the Gods plague thee, for thou…

Alc. I haue heard in some sort of thy Miseries.

Tim. Thou saw'st them when I had prosperitie.

Alc. I see them now, then was a blessed time.

Tim. As thine is now, held with a brace of Harlots.

Timan. Is this th'Athenian Minion, whom the world Voic'd so regardfully?

Tim. Art thou Timandra?

Timan. Yes.

Tim. Be a whore still, they loue thee not that vse thee, giue them diseases, leauing with thee…

Timan. Hang thee Monster.

Alc. Pardon him sweet Timandra, for his wits Are drown'd and lost in his Calamities. I haue but…

Tim. I prythee beate thy Drum, and get thee gone.

Alc. I am thy Friend, and p□tty thee deere Timon.

Tim. How doest thou pitty him whom yu dost troble, I had rather be alone.

Alc. Why fare thee well: Heere is some Gold for thee.

Tim. Keepe it, I cannot eate it.

Alc. When I haue laid proud Athens on a heape:

Tim. Warr'st thou 'gainst Athens.

Alc. I Timon, and haue cause.

Tim. The Gods confound them all in thy Conquest, And thee after, when thou hast Conquer'd.

Alc. Why me, Timon?

Tim. That by killing of Villaines Thou was't borne to conquer my Country. Put vp thy Gold. Go…

Alc. Hast thou Gold yet, Ile take the Gold thou gi­ uest me, not all thy Counsell.

Tim. Dost thou or dost thou not, Heauens curse vpon thee.

Both. Giue vs some Gold good Timon, hast yu more?

Tim. Enough to make a Whore forsweare her Trade, And to make Whores, a Bawd. Hold vp you…

Both. Well, more Gold, what then? Beleeue't that wee'l do any thing for Gold.

Tim. Consumptions sowe In hollow bones of man, strike their sharpe shinnes, And marre mens spurring. Cracke the…

Both. More counsell with more Money, bounteous Timon.

Tim. More whore, more Mischeefe first, I haue gi­ uen you earnest.

Alc. Strike vp the Drum towardes Athens, farewell Timon: if I thriue well, Ile visit thee againe.

Tim. If I hope well, Ile neuer see thee more.

Alc. I neuer did thee harme.

Tim. Yes, thou spok'st well of me.

Alc. Call'st thou that harme?

Tim. Men dayly finde it. Get thee away, And take thy Beagles with thee.

Alc. We but offend him, strike.

Exeunt.

Tim. That Nature being sicke of mans vnkindnesse Should yet be hungry: Common Mother, thou Whose wombe vnmeasureable,…

Ape. I was directed hither. Men report, Thou dost affect my Manners, and dost vse them.

Tim. 'Tis then, because thou dost not keepe a dogge Whom I would imitate. Consumption catch thee.

Ape. This is in thee a Nature but infected, A poore vnmanly Melancholly sprung From change of future.…

Tim. Were I like thee, I'de throw away my selfe.

Ape. Thou hast cast away thy selfe, being like thy self A Madman so long, now a Foole:…

Tim. A Foole of thee: depart.

Ape. I loue thee better now, then ere I did.

Tim. I hate thee worse.

Ape. Why?

Tim. Thou flatter'st misery.

Ape. I flatter not, but say thou art a Caytiffe.

Tim. Why do'st thou seeke me out?

Ape. To vex thee.

Tim. Alwayes a Villaines Office, or a Fooles. Dost please thy selfe in't?

Ape. I.

Tim. What, a Knaue too?

Ape. If thou did'st put this sowre cold habit on To castigate thy pride, 'twere well: but thou…

Tim. Not by his breath, that is more miserable. Thou art a Slaue, whom Fortunes tender arme With…

Ape. Art thou proud yet?

Tim. I, that I am not thee.

Ape. I, that I was no Prodigall.

Tim. I, that I am one now. Were all the wealth I haue shut vp in thee, I'ld…

Ape. Heere, I will mend thy Feast.

Tim. First mend thy company, take away thy selfe.

Ape. So I shall mend mine owne, by'th'lacke of thine

Tim. 'Tis not well mended so, it is but botcht; If not, I would it were.

Ape. What would'st thou haue to Athens?

Tim. Thee thither in a whirlewind: if thou wilt, Tell them there I haue Gold, looke, so I…

Ape. Heere is no vse for Gold.

Tim. The best, and truest: For heere it sleepes, and do's no hyred harme.

Ape. Where lyest a nights Timon?

Tim. Vnder that's aboue me. Where feed'st thou a‑dayes Apemantus?

Ape. Where my stomacke findes meate, or rather where I eate it.

Tim. Would poyson were obedient, & knew my mind

Ape. Where would'st thou send it?

Tim. To sawce thy dishes.

Ape. The middle of Humanity thou neuer knewest, but the extremitie of both ends. When thou wast in…

Tim. On what I hate, I feed not.

Ape. Do'st hate a Medler?

Tim. I, though it looke like thee.

Ape. And th'hadst hated Medlers sooner, yu should'st haue loued thy selfe better now. What man didd'st thou…

Tim. Who without those meanes thou talk'st of, didst thou euer know belou'd?

Ape. My selfe.

Tim. I vnderstand thee: thou had'st some meanes to keepe a Dogge.

Apem. What things in the world canst thou neerest compare to thy Flatterers?

Tim. Women neerest, but men: men are the things themselues. What would'st thou do with the world A‑…

Ape. Giue it the Beasts, to be rid of the men.

Tim. Would'st thou haue thy selfe fall in the confu­ sion of men, and remaine a Beast with…

Ape. I Timon.

Tim. A beastly Ambition, which the Goddes graunt thee t'attaine to. If thou wert the Lyon, the Fox…

Ape. If thou could'st please me With speaking to me, thou might'st Haue hit vpon it heere. The…

Tim. How ha's the Asse broke the wall, that thou art out of the Citie.

Ape. Yonder comes a Poet and a Painter: The plague of Company light vpon thee: I will feare…

Tim. When there is nothing liuing but thee, Thou shalt be welcome. I had rather be a Beggers…

Ape. Thou art the Cap Of all the Fooles aliue.

Tim. Would thou wert cleane enough To spit vpon.

Ape. A plague on thee, Thou art too bad to curse.

Tim. All Villaines That do stand by thee, are pure.

Ape. There is no Leprosie, But what thou speak'st.

Tim. If I name thee, Ile beate thee; But I should infect my hands.

Ape. I would my tongue Could rot them off.

Tim. Away thou issue of a mangie dogge, Choller does kill me, That thou art aliue, I swoond…

Ape. Would thou would'st burst.

Tim. Away thou tedious Rogue, I am sorry I shall lose a stone by thee.

Ape. Beast.

Tim. Slaue.

Ape. Toad.

Tim. Rogue, Rogue, Rogue. I am sicke of this false world, and will loue nought But euen the…

Ape. Would 'twere so, But not till I am dead. Ile say th'hast Gold: Thou wilt be throng'd…

Tim. Throng'd too?

Ape. I.

Tim. Thy backe I prythee.

Ape. Liue, and loue thy misery.

Tim. Long liue so, and so dye. I am quit.

Ape. Mo things like men, Eate Timon, and abhorre then.

Exit Apeman.

Enter the Bandetti.

1 Where should he haue this Gold? It is some poore Fragment, some slender Ort of his remainder:…

2 It is nois'd He hath a masse of Treasure.

3 Let vs make the assay vpon him, if he care not for't, he will supply vs easily:…

2 True: for he beares it not about him: 'Tis hid.

1 Is not this hee?

All. Where?

2 'Tis his description.

3 He? I know him.

All. Saue thee Timon.

Tim. Now Theeues.

All. Soldiers, not Theeues.

Tim. Both too, and womens Sonnes.

All. We are not Theeues, but men That much do want.

Tim. Your greatest want is, you want much of meat: Why should you want? Behold, the Earth hath…

1 We cannot liue on Grasse, on Berries, Water, As Beasts, and Birds, and Fishes.

Ti. Nor on the Beasts themselues, the Birds & Fishes, You must eate men. Yet thankes I must…

3 Has almost charm'd me from my Profession, by per­ swading me to it.

1 'Tis in the malice of mankinde, that he thus aduises vs not to haue vs thriue in…

2 Ile beleeue him as an Enemy, And giue ouer my Trade.

1 Let vs first see peace in Athens, there is no time so miserable, but a man may…

Exit Theeues.

Enter the Steward to Timon.

Stew. Oh you Gods! Is yon'd despise'd and ruinous man my Lord? Full of decay and fayling? Oh…

Tim. Away: what art thou?

Stew. Haue you forgot me, Sir?

Tim. Why dost aske that? I haue forgot all men. Then, if thou grunt'st, th'art a man. I…

Stew. An honest poore seruant of yours.

Tim. Then I know thee not: I neuer had honest man about me, I all I kept were…

Stew. The Gods are witnesse, Neu'r did poore Steward weare a truer greefe For his vndone Lord, then…

Tim. What, dost thou weepe? Come neerer, then I loue thee Because thou art a woman, and disclaim'st…

Stew. I begge of you to know me, good my Lord, T'accept my greefe, and whil'st this poore…

Tim. Had I a Steward So true, so iust, and now so comfortable? It almost turnes my dangerous…

Stew. No my most worthy Master, in whose brest Doubt, and suspect (alas) are plac'd too late: You…

Tim. Looke thee, 'tis so: thou singly honest man, Heere take: the Gods out of my miserie Ha's…

Stew. O let me stay, and comfort you, my Master.

Tim. If thou hat'st Curses stay not: flye, whil'st thou art blest and free: Ne're see thou man,…

Exit

Enter Poet, and Painter.

Pain. As I tooke note of the place, it cannot be farre where he abides.

Poet. What's to be thought of him? Does the Rumor hold for true, That hee's so full of…

Painter. Certaine. Alcibiades reports it: Phrinica and Timandylo Had Gold of him. He likewise enrich'd Poore stragling Souldiers,…

Poet. Then this breaking of his, Ha's beene but a Try for his Friends?

Painter. Nothing else: You shall see him a Palme in Athens againe, And flourish with the highest: Therefore,…

Poet. What haue you now To present vnto him?

Painter. Nothing at this time But my Visitation: onely I will promise him An excellent Peece.

Poet. I must serue him so too; Tell him of an intent that's comming toward him.

Painter. Good as the best. Promising, is the verie Ayre o'th'Time; It opens the eyes of Expectation. Performance,…

Enter Timon from his Caue.

Timon. Excellent Workeman, Thou canst not paint a man so badde As is thy selfe.

Po□t. I am thinking What I shall say I haue prouided for him: It must be a personating…

Timon. Must thou needes Stand for a Villaine in thine owne Worke? Wilt thou whip thine owne faults…

Poet. Nay let's seeke him. Then do we sinne against our owne estate, When we may profit meete,…

Painter. True: When the day serues before blacke‑corner'd night; Finde what thou want'st, by free and offer'd light.…

Tim. Ile meete you at the turne: What a Gods Gold, that he is worshipt In a baser…

Poet. Haile worthy Timon.

Pain. Our late Noble Master.

Timon. Haue I once liu'd To see two honest men?

Poet. Sir: Hauing often of your open Bounty tasted, Hearing you were retyr'd, your Friends falne off, Whose…

Timon. Let it go, Naked men may see't the better: You that are honest, by being what you…

Pain. He, and my selfe Haue trauail'd in the great showre of your guifts, And sweetly felt it.

Timon. I, you are honest man.

Painter. We are hither come To offer you our seruice.

Timon. Most honest men: Why how shall I requite you? Can you eate Roots, and drinke cold water,…

Both. What we can do, Wee'l do to do you seruice.

Tim. Y'are honest men, Y'haue heard that I haue Gold, I am sure you haue, speake truth, y'are…

Pain. So it is said my Noble Lord, but therefore Came not my Friend, nor I.

Timon. Good honest men: Thou draw'st a counterfet Best in all Athens, th'art indeed the best, Thou counterfet'st…

Pain. So, so, my Lord.

Tim. E'ne so sir as I say. And for thy fiction, Why thy Verse swels with stuffe so…

Both. Beseech your Honour To make it knowne to vs.

Tim. You'l take it ill.

Both. Most thankefully, my Lord.

Timon. Will you indeed?

Both. Doubt it not worthy Lord.

Tim. Theres's neuer a one of you but trusts a Knaue, That mightily deceiues you.

Both. Do we, my Lord?

Tim. I, and you heare him cogge, See him dissemble, Know his grosse patchery, loue him, feede him,…

Pain. I know none such, my Lord.

Poet. Nor I.

Timon. Looke you, I loue you well, Ile giue you Gold Rid me these Villaines from your companies;…

Both. Name them my Lord, let's know them.

Tim. You that way, and you this: But two in Company: Each man a part, all single, and…

Exeunt

Enter Steward, and two Senators.

Stew. It is vaine that you would speake with Timon: For he is set so onely to himselfe,…

1. Sen. Bring vs to his Caue. It is our part and promise to th'Athenians To speake with…

2. Sen. At all times alike Men are not still the same: 'twas Time and Greefes That fram'd…

Stew. Heere is his Caue: Peace and content be heere. Lord Timon, Timon, Looke out, and speake to…

Enter Timon out of his Caue.

Tim. Thou Sunne that comforts burne, Speake and be hang'd: For each true word, a blister, and each…

1 Worthy Timon.

Tim. Of none but such as you, And you of Timon.

1 The Senators of Athens, greet thee Timon.

Tim. I thanke them, And would send them backe the plague, Could I but catch it for them.

1 O forget What we are sorry for our selues in thee: The Senators, with one consent of…

2 They confesse Toward thee, forgetfulnesse too generall grosse; Which now the publike Body, which doth sildome Play…

Tim. You witch me in it; Surprize me to the very brinke of teares; Lend me a Fooles…

1 Therefore so please thee to returne with vs, And of our Athens, thine and ours to take…

2 And shakes his threatning Sword Against the walles of Athens.

1 Therefore Timon.

Tim. Well sir, I will: therefore I will sir thus: If Alcibiades kill my Countrymen, Let Alcibiades know…

Stew. Stay not, all's in vaine.

Tim. Why I was writing of my Epitaph, It will be seene to morrow. My long sicknesse Of…

1 We speake in vaine.

Tim. But yet I loue my Country, and am not One that reioyces in the common wracke, As…

1 That's well spoke.

Tim. Commend me to my louing Countreymen.

1 These words become your lippes as they passe tho­ row them.

2 And enter in our eares, like great Triumphers In their applauding gates.

Tim. Commend me to them, And tell them, that to ease them of their greefes, Their feares of…

1 I like this well, he will returne againe.

Tim. I haue a Tree which growes heere in my Close, That mine owne vse inuites me to…

Stew. Trouble him no further, thus you still shall Finde him.

Tim. Come not to me againe, but say to Athens, Timon hath made his euerlasting Mansion Vpon the…

Exit Timon.

1 His discontents are vnremoueably coupled to Na­ ture.

2 Our hope in him is dead: let vs returne, And straine what other meanes is left vnto…

1 It requires swift foot.

Exeunt.

Enter two other Senators, with a Messenger.

1 Thou hast painfully discouer'd: are his Files As full as thy report?

Mes. I haue spoke the least. Besides his expedition promises present approach.