Timon of Athens

Timon of Athens

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

TIMON of Athens.
LUCIUS

LUCULLUS

SEMPRONIUS |
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| flattering lords.
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|
VENTIDIUS one of Timon's false friends.
ALCIBIADES an Athenian captain.
APEMANTUS a churlish philosopher.
FLAVIUS steward to Timon.
Poet, Painter, Jeweller, and Merchant. (Poet:)
(Painter:)
(Jeweller:)
(Merchant:)
An old Athenian. (Old Athenian:)
FLAMINIUS

LUCILIUS

SERVILIUS |
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| servants to Timon.
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|
CAPHIS

PHILOTUS

TITUS

LUCIUS

HORTENSIUS

And others |
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|
|
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| servants to Timon's creditors.
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A Page. (Page:)
A Fool. (Fool:)
Three Strangers.
(First Stranger:)
(Second Stranger:)
(Third Stranger:)
PHRYNIA

TIMANDRA |
| mistresses to Alcibiades.
|
Cupid and Amazons in the mask. (Cupid:)
Other Lords, Senators, Officers, Soldiers,
Banditti, and Attendants.
(First Lord:)
(Second Lord:)
(Third Lord:)
(Fourth Lord:)
(Senator:)
(First Senator:)
(Second Senator:)
(Third Senator:)
(Soldier:)
(First Bandit:)
(Second Bandit:)
(Third Bandit:)
(Messenger:)
(Servant:)
(First Servant:)
(Second Servant:)
(Third Servant:)
(Varro's First Servant:)
(Varro's Second Servant:)
(Lucilius' Servant:)

Scene
Athens, and the neighbouring woods.
Act I

Scene I Athens. A hall in Timon's house.

[Enter Poet, Painter, Jeweller, Merchant, and
others, at several doors]
Poet Good day, sir.
Painter I am glad you're well.
Poet I have not seen you long: how goes the world?
Painter 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 conjured to attend. I know the merchant.
Painter I know them both; th' other's a jeweller.
Merchant O, 'tis a worthy lord.
Jeweller Nay, that's most fix'd.
Merchant A most incomparable man, breathed, as it were,
To an untirable and continuate goodness:
He passes.
Jeweller: I have a jewel here--
Merchant O, pray, let's see't: for the Lord Timon, sir?
Jeweller: If he will touch the estimate: but, for that--
Poet [Reciting to himself] 'When we for recompense have
praised the vile,
It stains the glory in that happy verse
Which aptly sings the good.'
Merchant 'Tis a good form.
[Looking at the jewel]
Jeweller And rich: here is a water, look ye.
Painter 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?
Painter A picture, sir. When comes your book forth?
Poet Upon the heels of my presentment, sir.
Let's see your piece.
Painter 'Tis a good piece.
Poet So 'tis: this comes off well and excellent.
Painter 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.
Painter It is a pretty mocking of the life.
Here is a touch; is't good?
Poet I will say of it,
It tutors nature: artificial strife
Lives in these touches, livelier than life.
[Enter certain Senators, and pass over]
Painter How this lord is follow'd!
Poet The senators of Athens: happy man!
Painter Look, more!
Poet You see this confluence, this great flood
of visitors.
I have, in this rough work, shaped 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.
Painter 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-faced 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.
Painter I saw them speak together.
Poet Sir, I have upon a high and pleasant hill
Feign'd Fortune to be throned: 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.
Painter 'Tis conceived to scope.
This throne, this Fortune, and this hill, methinks,
With one man beckon'd from the rest below,
Bowing his head against the sleepy 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.
Painter Ay, marry, what of these?
Poet When Fortune in her shift and change of mood
Spurns down her late beloved, 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.
Painter '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. Enter TIMON, addressing himself
courteously to every suitor; a Messenger from
VENTIDIUS talking with him; LUCILIUS and other
servants following]
TIMON Imprison'd is he, say you?
Messenger 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.
TIMON 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.
Messenger Your lordship ever binds him.
TIMON Commend me to him: I will send his ransom;
And being enfranchised, bid him come to me.
'Tis not enough to help the feeble up,
But to support him after. Fare you well.
Messenger All happiness to your honour!
[Exit]
[Enter an old Athenian]
Old Athenian Lord Timon, hear me speak.
TIMON Freely, good father.
Old Athenian Thou hast a servant named Lucilius.
TIMON I have so: what of him?
Old Athenian Most noble Timon, call the man before thee.
TIMON Attends he here, or no? Lucilius!
LUCILIUS Here, at your lordship's service.
Old Athenian This fellow here, Lord Timon, this thy creature,
By night frequents my house. I am a man
That from my first have been inclined to thrift;
And my estate deserves an heir more raised
Than one which holds a trencher.
TIMON Well; what further?
Old Athenian 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.
TIMON The man is honest.
Old Athenian Therefore he will be, Timon:
His honesty rewards him in itself;
It must not bear my daughter.
TIMON Does she love him?
Old Athenian She is young and apt:
Our own precedent passions do instruct us
What levity's in youth.
TIMON [To LUCILIUS] Love you the maid?
LUCILIUS Ay, my good lord, and she accepts of it.
Old Athenian 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.
TIMON How shall she be endow'd,
if she be mated with an equal husband?
Old Athenian Three talents on the present; in future, all.
TIMON This gentleman of mine hath served 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 Athenian Most noble lord,
Pawn me to this your honour, she is his.
TIMON My hand to thee; mine honour on my promise.
LUCILIUS Humbly I thank your lordship: never may
The state or fortune fall into my keeping,
Which is not owed to you!
[Exeunt LUCILIUS and Old Athenian]
Poet Vouchsafe my labour, and long live your lordship!
TIMON I thank you; you shall hear from me anon:
Go not away. What have you there, my friend?
Painter A piece of painting, which I do beseech
Your lordship to accept.
TIMON Painting is welcome.
The painting is almost the natural man;
or since dishonour traffics with man's nature,
He is but outside: these pencill'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.
Painter The gods preserve ye!
TIMON Well fare you, gentleman: give me your hand;
We must needs dine together. Sir, your jewel
Hath suffer'd under praise.
Jeweller What, my lord! dispraise?
TIMON A more satiety of commendations.
If I should pay you for't as 'tis extoll'd,
It would unclew me quite.
Jeweller 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.
TIMON Well mock'd.
Merchant No, my good lord; he speaks the common tongue,
Which all men speak with him.
TIMON Look, who comes here: will you be chid?
[Enter APEMANTUS]
Jeweller We'll bear, with your lordship.
Merchant He'll spare none.
TIMON Good morrow to thee, gentle Apemantus!
APEMANTUS Till I be gentle, stay thou for thy good morrow;
When thou art Timon's dog, and these knaves honest.
TIMON Why dost thou call them knaves? thou know'st them not.
APEMANTUS Are they not Athenians?
TIMON Yes.
APEMANTUS Then I repent not.
Jeweller You know me, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS Thou know'st I do: I call'd thee by thy name.
TIMON Thou art proud, Apemantus.
APEMANTUS Of nothing so much as that I am not like Timon.
TIMON Whither art going?
APEMANTUS To knock out an honest Athenian's brains.
TIMON That's a deed thou'lt die for.
APEMANTUS Right, if doing nothing be death by the law.
TIMON How likest thou this picture, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS The best, for the innocence.
TIMON Wrought he not well that painted it?
APEMANTUS He wrought better that made the painter; and yet
he's but a filthy piece of work.
Painter You're a dog.
APEMANTUS Thy mother's of my generation: what's she, if I be a dog?
TIMON Wilt dine with me, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS No; I eat not lords.
TIMON An thou shouldst, thou 'ldst anger ladies.
APEMANTUS O, they eat lords; so they come by great bellies.
TIMON That's a lascivious apprehension.
APEMANTUS So thou apprehendest it: take it for thy labour.
TIMON How dost thou like this jewel, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS Not so well as plain-dealing, which will not cost a
man a doit.
TIMON What dost thou think 'tis worth?
APEMANTUS Not worth my thinking. How now, poet!
Poet How now, philosopher!
APEMANTUS Thou liest.
Poet Art not one?
APEMANTUS Yes.
Poet Then I lie not.
APEMANTUS Art not a poet?
Poet Yes.
APEMANTUS Then thou liest: look in thy last work, where thou
hast feigned him a worthy fellow.
Poet That's not feigned; he is so.
APEMANTUS Yes, he is worthy of thee, and to pay thee for thy
labour: he that loves to be flattered is worthy o'
the flatterer. Heavens, that I were a lord!
TIMON What wouldst do then, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS E'en as Apemantus does now; hate a lord with my heart.
TIMON What, thyself?
APEMANTUS Ay.
TIMON Wherefore?
APEMANTUS That I had no angry wit to be a lord.
Art not thou a merchant?
Merchant Ay, Apemantus.
APEMANTUS Traffic confound thee, if the gods will not!
Merchant If traffic do it, the gods do it.
APEMANTUS Traffic's thy god; and thy god confound thee!
[Trumpet sounds. Enter a Messenger]
TIMON What trumpet's that?
Messenger 'Tis Alcibiades, and some twenty horse,
All of companionship.
TIMON Pray, entertain them; give them guide to us.
[Exeunt some Attendants]
You must needs dine with me: go not you hence
Till I have thank'd you: when dinner's done,
Show me this piece. I am joyful of your sights.
[Enter ALCIBIADES, with the rest]
Most welcome, sir!
APEMANTUS 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.
ALCIBIADES Sir, you have saved my longing, and I feed
Most hungerly on your sight.
TIMON Right welcome, sir!
Ere we depart, we'll share a bounteous time
In different pleasures. Pray you, let us in.
[Exeunt all except APEMANTUS]
[Enter two Lords]
First Lord What time o' day is't, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS Time to be honest.
First Lord That time serves still.
APEMANTUS The more accursed thou, that still omitt'st it.
Second Lord Thou art going to Lord Timon's feast?
APEMANTUS Ay, to see meat fill knaves and wine heat fools.
Second Lord Fare thee well, fare thee well.
APEMANTUS Thou art a fool to bid me farewell twice.
Second Lord Why, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS Shouldst have kept one to thyself, for I mean to
give thee none.
First Lord Hang thyself!
APEMANTUS No, I will do nothing at thy bidding: make thy
requests to thy friend.
Second Lord Away, unpeaceable dog, or I'll spurn thee hence!
APEMANTUS I will fly, like a dog, the heels o' the 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.
Second 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.
Second Lord Long may he live in fortunes! Shall we in?
First Lord I'll keep you company.
[Exeunt]

Scene II A banqueting-room in Timon's house.

[Hautboys playing loud music. A great banquet
served in; FLAVIUS and others attending; then enter
TIMON, ALCIBIADES, Lords, Senators, and VENTIDIUS.
Then comes, dropping, after all, APEMANTUS,
discontentedly, like himself]
VENTIDIUS Most honour'd Timon,
It hath pleased 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 derived liberty.
TIMON 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.
VENTIDIUS A noble spirit!
TIMON Nay, my lords,
[They all stand ceremoniously looking on TIMON]
Ceremony was but devised 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.
APEMANTUS Ho, ho, confess'd it! hang'd it, have you not?
TIMON O, Apemantus, you are welcome.
APEMANTUS No;
You shall not make me welcome:
I come to have thee thrust me out of doors.
TIMON 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't, indeed.
APEMANTUS Let me stay at thine apperil, Timon: I come to
observe; I give thee warning on't.
TIMON I take no heed of thee; thou'rt an Athenian,
therefore welcome: I myself would have no power;
prithee, let my meat make thee silent.
APEMANTUS I scorn thy meat; 'twould choke me, for I should
ne'er flatter thee. O you gods, what a number of
men eat Timon, and he sees 'em not! It grieves me
to see so many dip their meat in one man's blood;
and all the madness is, he cheers them up too.
I wonder men dare trust themselves with men:
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, pledges the
breath of him in a divided draught, is the readiest
man to kill him: 't has been proved. If I were a
huge man, I should fear to drink at meals;
Lest they should spy my windpipe's dangerous notes:
Great men should drink with harness on their throats.
TIMON My lord, in heart; and let the health go round.
Second Lord Let it flow this way, my good lord.
APEMANTUS Flow this way! A brave fellow! he keeps his tides
well. Those healths will make thee and thy state
look ill, Timon. Here's that which is too weak to
be a sinner, 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.
Apemantus' grace.
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!
TIMON Captain Alcibiades, your heart's in the field now.
ALCIBIADES My heart is ever at your service, my lord.
TIMON You had rather be at a breakfast of enemies than a
dinner of friends.
ALCIBIADES So the were bleeding-new, my lord, there's no meat
like 'em: I could wish my best friend at such a feast.
APEMANTUS Would all those fatterers 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.
TIMON 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 can 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 't can be born!
Mine eyes cannot hold out water, methinks: to
forget their faults, I drink to you.
APEMANTUS Thou weepest to make them drink, Timon.
Second Lord Joy had the like conception in our eyes
And at that instant like a babe sprung up.
APEMANTUS Ho, ho! I laugh to think that babe a bastard.
Third Lord I promise you, my lord, you moved me much.
APEMANTUS Much!
[Tucket, within]
TIMON What means that trump?
[Enter a Servant]
How now?
Servant Please you, my lord, there are certain
ladies most desirous of admittance.
TIMON Ladies! what are their wills?
Servant There comes with them a forerunner, my lord, which
bears that office, to signify their pleasures.
TIMON I pray, let them be admitted.
[Enter Cupid]
Cupid Hail to thee, worthy Timon, and to all
That of his bounties taste! The five best senses
Acknowledge thee their patron; and come freely
To gratulate thy plenteous bosom: th' ear,
Taste, touch and smell, pleased from thy tale rise;
They only now come but to feast thine eyes.
TIMON They're welcome all; let 'em have kind admittance:
Music, make their welcome!
[Exit Cupid]
First Lord You see, my lord, how ample you're beloved.
[Music. Re-enter Cupid with a mask of Ladies
as Amazons, with lutes in their hands,
dancing and playing]
APEMANTUS 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 friends' gift?
I should fear those that dance before me now
Would one day stamp upon me: 't has been done;
Men shut their doors against a setting sun.
[The Lords rise from table, with much adoring of
TIMON; 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]
TIMON 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.
APEMANTUS 'Faith, for the worst is filthy; and would not hold
taking, I doubt me.
TIMON Ladies, there is an idle banquet attends you:
Please you to dispose yourselves.
All Ladies Most thankfully, my lord.
[Exeunt Cupid and Ladies]
TIMON Flavius.
FLAVIUS My lord?
TIMON The little casket bring me hither.
FLAVIUS Yes, my lord. More jewels yet!
There is no crossing him in 's humour;
[Aside]
Else I should tell him,--well, i' faith I should,
When all's spent, he 'ld 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?
Servant Here, my lord, in readiness.
Second Lord Our horses!
[Re-enter FLAVIUS, with the casket]
TIMON 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]
Servant My lord, there are certain nobles of the senate
Newly alighted, and come to visit you.
TIMON They are fairly welcome.
FLAVIUS I beseech your honour,
Vouchsafe me a word; it does concern you near.
TIMON Near! why then, another time I'll hear thee:
I prithee, let's be provided to show them
entertainment.
FLAVIUS [Aside] I scarce know how.
[Enter a Second Servant]
Second Servant May it please your honour, Lord Lucius,
Out of his free love, hath presented to you
Four milk-white horses, trapp'd in silver.
TIMON I shall accept them fairly; let the presents
Be worthily entertain'd.
[Enter a third Servant]
How now! what news?
Third Servant 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.
TIMON I'll hunt with him; and let them be received,
Not without fair reward.
FLAVIUS [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 forced out!
Happier is he that has no friend to feed
Than such that do e'en enemies exceed.
I bleed inwardly for my lord.
[Exit]
TIMON You do yourselves
Much wrong, you bate too much of your own merits:
Here, my lord, a trifle of our love.
Second Lord With more than common thanks I will receive it.
Third Lord O, he's the very soul of bounty!
TIMON 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 liked it.
Second Lord O, I beseech you, pardon me, my lord, in that.
TIMON 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.
TIMON 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.
ALCIBIADES Ay, defiled land, my lord.
First Lord We are so virtuously bound--
TIMON And so
Am I to you.
Second Lord So infinitely endear'd--
TIMON All to you. Lights, more lights!
First Lord The best of happiness,
Honour and fortunes, keep with you, Lord Timon!
TIMON Ready for his friends.
[Exeunt all but APEMANTUS and TIMON]
APEMANTUS 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 court'sies.
TIMON Now, Apemantus, if thou wert not sullen, I would be
good to thee.
APEMANTUS No, I'll nothing: for if I should be bribed too,
there would be none left to rail upon thee, and then
thou wouldst sin the faster. Thou givest so long,
Timon, I fear me thou wilt give away thyself in
paper shortly: what need these feasts, pomps and
vain-glories?
TIMON Nay, an you begin to rail on society once, I am
sworn not to give regard to you. Farewell; and come
with better music.
[Exit]
APEMANTUS So:
Thou wilt not hear me now; thou shalt not then:
I'll lock thy heaven from thee.
O, that men's ears should be
To counsel deaf, but not to flattery!
[Exit]

Next Act

TIMON	of Athens.
LUCIUS LUCULLUS SEMPRONIUS	\| \| \| flattering lords. \| \|
VENTIDIUS	one of Timon's false friends.
ALCIBIADES	an Athenian captain.
APEMANTUS	a churlish philosopher.
FLAVIUS	steward to Timon.
	Poet, Painter, Jeweller, and Merchant. (Poet:) (Painter:) (Jeweller:) (Merchant:)
	An old Athenian. (Old Athenian:)
FLAMINIUS LUCILIUS SERVILIUS	\| \| \| servants to Timon. \| \|
CAPHIS PHILOTUS TITUS LUCIUS HORTENSIUS And others	\| \| \| \| \| \| servants to Timon's creditors. \| \| \| \| \|
	A Page. (Page:)
	A Fool. (Fool:)
	Three Strangers. (First Stranger:) (Second Stranger:) (Third Stranger:)
PHRYNIA TIMANDRA	\| \| mistresses to Alcibiades. \|
	Cupid and Amazons in the mask. (Cupid:)
	Other Lords, Senators, Officers, Soldiers, Banditti, and Attendants. (First Lord:) (Second Lord:) (Third Lord:) (Fourth Lord:) (Senator:) (First Senator:) (Second Senator:) (Third Senator:) (Soldier:) (First Bandit:) (Second Bandit:) (Third Bandit:) (Messenger:) (Servant:) (First Servant:) (Second Servant:) (Third Servant:) (Varro's First Servant:) (Varro's Second Servant:) (Lucilius' Servant:)

	[Enter Poet, Painter, Jeweller, Merchant, and others, at several doors]
Poet	Good day, sir.
Painter	I am glad you're well.
Poet	I have not seen you long: how goes the world?
Painter	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 conjured to attend. I know the merchant.
Painter	I know them both; th' other's a jeweller.
Merchant	O, 'tis a worthy lord.
Jeweller	Nay, that's most fix'd.
Merchant	A most incomparable man, breathed, as it were, To an untirable and continuate goodness: He passes.
Jeweller:	I have a jewel here--
Merchant	O, pray, let's see't: for the Lord Timon, sir?
Jeweller:	If he will touch the estimate: but, for that--
Poet	[Reciting to himself] 'When we for recompense have praised the vile, It stains the glory in that happy verse Which aptly sings the good.'
Merchant	'Tis a good form.
	[Looking at the jewel]
Jeweller	And rich: here is a water, look ye.
Painter	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?
Painter	A picture, sir. When comes your book forth?
Poet	Upon the heels of my presentment, sir. Let's see your piece.
Painter	'Tis a good piece.
Poet	So 'tis: this comes off well and excellent.
Painter	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.
Painter	It is a pretty mocking of the life. Here is a touch; is't good?
Poet	I will say of it, It tutors nature: artificial strife Lives in these touches, livelier than life.
	[Enter certain Senators, and pass over]
Painter	How this lord is follow'd!
Poet	The senators of Athens: happy man!
Painter	Look, more!
Poet	You see this confluence, this great flood of visitors. I have, in this rough work, shaped 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.
Painter	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-faced 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.
Painter	I saw them speak together.
Poet	Sir, I have upon a high and pleasant hill Feign'd Fortune to be throned: 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.
Painter	'Tis conceived to scope. This throne, this Fortune, and this hill, methinks, With one man beckon'd from the rest below, Bowing his head against the sleepy 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.
Painter	Ay, marry, what of these?
Poet	When Fortune in her shift and change of mood Spurns down her late beloved, 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.
Painter	'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. Enter TIMON, addressing himself courteously to every suitor; a Messenger from VENTIDIUS talking with him; LUCILIUS and other servants following]
TIMON	Imprison'd is he, say you?
Messenger	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.
TIMON	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.
Messenger	Your lordship ever binds him.
TIMON	Commend me to him: I will send his ransom; And being enfranchised, bid him come to me. 'Tis not enough to help the feeble up, But to support him after. Fare you well.
Messenger	All happiness to your honour!
	[Exit]
	[Enter an old Athenian]
Old Athenian	Lord Timon, hear me speak.
TIMON	Freely, good father.
Old Athenian	Thou hast a servant named Lucilius.
TIMON	I have so: what of him?
Old Athenian	Most noble Timon, call the man before thee.
TIMON	Attends he here, or no? Lucilius!
LUCILIUS	Here, at your lordship's service.
Old Athenian	This fellow here, Lord Timon, this thy creature, By night frequents my house. I am a man That from my first have been inclined to thrift; And my estate deserves an heir more raised Than one which holds a trencher.
TIMON	Well; what further?
Old Athenian	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.
TIMON	The man is honest.
Old Athenian	Therefore he will be, Timon: His honesty rewards him in itself; It must not bear my daughter.
TIMON	Does she love him?
Old Athenian	She is young and apt: Our own precedent passions do instruct us What levity's in youth.
TIMON	[To LUCILIUS] Love you the maid?
LUCILIUS	Ay, my good lord, and she accepts of it.
Old Athenian	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.
TIMON	How shall she be endow'd, if she be mated with an equal husband?
Old Athenian	Three talents on the present; in future, all.
TIMON	This gentleman of mine hath served 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 Athenian	Most noble lord, Pawn me to this your honour, she is his.
TIMON	My hand to thee; mine honour on my promise.
LUCILIUS	Humbly I thank your lordship: never may The state or fortune fall into my keeping, Which is not owed to you!
	[Exeunt LUCILIUS and Old Athenian]
Poet	Vouchsafe my labour, and long live your lordship!
TIMON	I thank you; you shall hear from me anon: Go not away. What have you there, my friend?
Painter	A piece of painting, which I do beseech Your lordship to accept.
TIMON	Painting is welcome. The painting is almost the natural man; or since dishonour traffics with man's nature, He is but outside: these pencill'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.
Painter	The gods preserve ye!
TIMON	Well fare you, gentleman: give me your hand; We must needs dine together. Sir, your jewel Hath suffer'd under praise.
Jeweller	What, my lord! dispraise?
TIMON	A more satiety of commendations. If I should pay you for't as 'tis extoll'd, It would unclew me quite.
Jeweller	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.
TIMON	Well mock'd.
Merchant	No, my good lord; he speaks the common tongue, Which all men speak with him.
TIMON	Look, who comes here: will you be chid?
	[Enter APEMANTUS]
Jeweller	We'll bear, with your lordship.
Merchant	He'll spare none.
TIMON	Good morrow to thee, gentle Apemantus!
APEMANTUS	Till I be gentle, stay thou for thy good morrow; When thou art Timon's dog, and these knaves honest.
TIMON	Why dost thou call them knaves? thou know'st them not.
APEMANTUS	Are they not Athenians?
TIMON	Yes.
APEMANTUS	Then I repent not.
Jeweller	You know me, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS	Thou know'st I do: I call'd thee by thy name.
TIMON	Thou art proud, Apemantus.
APEMANTUS	Of nothing so much as that I am not like Timon.
TIMON	Whither art going?
APEMANTUS	To knock out an honest Athenian's brains.
TIMON	That's a deed thou'lt die for.
APEMANTUS	Right, if doing nothing be death by the law.
TIMON	How likest thou this picture, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS	The best, for the innocence.
TIMON	Wrought he not well that painted it?
APEMANTUS	He wrought better that made the painter; and yet he's but a filthy piece of work.
Painter	You're a dog.
APEMANTUS	Thy mother's of my generation: what's she, if I be a dog?
TIMON	Wilt dine with me, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS	No; I eat not lords.
TIMON	An thou shouldst, thou 'ldst anger ladies.
APEMANTUS	O, they eat lords; so they come by great bellies.
TIMON	That's a lascivious apprehension.
APEMANTUS	So thou apprehendest it: take it for thy labour.
TIMON	How dost thou like this jewel, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS	Not so well as plain-dealing, which will not cost a man a doit.
TIMON	What dost thou think 'tis worth?
APEMANTUS	Not worth my thinking. How now, poet!
Poet	How now, philosopher!
APEMANTUS	Thou liest.
Poet	Art not one?
APEMANTUS	Yes.
Poet	Then I lie not.
APEMANTUS	Art not a poet?
Poet	Yes.
APEMANTUS	Then thou liest: look in thy last work, where thou hast feigned him a worthy fellow.
Poet	That's not feigned; he is so.
APEMANTUS	Yes, he is worthy of thee, and to pay thee for thy labour: he that loves to be flattered is worthy o' the flatterer. Heavens, that I were a lord!
TIMON	What wouldst do then, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS	E'en as Apemantus does now; hate a lord with my heart.
TIMON	What, thyself?
APEMANTUS	Ay.
TIMON	Wherefore?
APEMANTUS	That I had no angry wit to be a lord. Art not thou a merchant?
Merchant	Ay, Apemantus.
APEMANTUS	Traffic confound thee, if the gods will not!
Merchant	If traffic do it, the gods do it.
APEMANTUS	Traffic's thy god; and thy god confound thee!
	[Trumpet sounds. Enter a Messenger]
TIMON	What trumpet's that?
Messenger	'Tis Alcibiades, and some twenty horse, All of companionship.
TIMON	Pray, entertain them; give them guide to us.
	[Exeunt some Attendants]
	You must needs dine with me: go not you hence Till I have thank'd you: when dinner's done, Show me this piece. I am joyful of your sights.
	[Enter ALCIBIADES, with the rest]
	Most welcome, sir!
APEMANTUS	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.
ALCIBIADES	Sir, you have saved my longing, and I feed Most hungerly on your sight.
TIMON	Right welcome, sir! Ere we depart, we'll share a bounteous time In different pleasures. Pray you, let us in.
	[Exeunt all except APEMANTUS]
	[Enter two Lords]
First Lord	What time o' day is't, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS	Time to be honest.
First Lord	That time serves still.
APEMANTUS	The more accursed thou, that still omitt'st it.
Second Lord	Thou art going to Lord Timon's feast?
APEMANTUS	Ay, to see meat fill knaves and wine heat fools.
Second Lord	Fare thee well, fare thee well.
APEMANTUS	Thou art a fool to bid me farewell twice.
Second Lord	Why, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS	Shouldst have kept one to thyself, for I mean to give thee none.
First Lord	Hang thyself!
APEMANTUS	No, I will do nothing at thy bidding: make thy requests to thy friend.
Second Lord	Away, unpeaceable dog, or I'll spurn thee hence!
APEMANTUS	I will fly, like a dog, the heels o' the 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.
Second 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.
Second Lord	Long may he live in fortunes! Shall we in?
First Lord	I'll keep you company.
	[Exeunt]

	[Hautboys playing loud music. A great banquet served in; FLAVIUS and others attending; then enter TIMON, ALCIBIADES, Lords, Senators, and VENTIDIUS. Then comes, dropping, after all, APEMANTUS, discontentedly, like himself]
VENTIDIUS	Most honour'd Timon, It hath pleased 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 derived liberty.
TIMON	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.
VENTIDIUS	A noble spirit!
TIMON	Nay, my lords,
	[They all stand ceremoniously looking on TIMON]
	Ceremony was but devised 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.
APEMANTUS	Ho, ho, confess'd it! hang'd it, have you not?
TIMON	O, Apemantus, you are welcome.
APEMANTUS	No; You shall not make me welcome: I come to have thee thrust me out of doors.
TIMON	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't, indeed.
APEMANTUS	Let me stay at thine apperil, Timon: I come to observe; I give thee warning on't.
TIMON	I take no heed of thee; thou'rt an Athenian, therefore welcome: I myself would have no power; prithee, let my meat make thee silent.
APEMANTUS	I scorn thy meat; 'twould choke me, for I should ne'er flatter thee. O you gods, what a number of men eat Timon, and he sees 'em not! It grieves me to see so many dip their meat in one man's blood; and all the madness is, he cheers them up too. I wonder men dare trust themselves with men: 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, pledges the breath of him in a divided draught, is the readiest man to kill him: 't has been proved. If I were a huge man, I should fear to drink at meals; Lest they should spy my windpipe's dangerous notes: Great men should drink with harness on their throats.
TIMON	My lord, in heart; and let the health go round.
Second Lord	Let it flow this way, my good lord.
APEMANTUS	Flow this way! A brave fellow! he keeps his tides well. Those healths will make thee and thy state look ill, Timon. Here's that which is too weak to be a sinner, 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.
	Apemantus' grace.
	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!
TIMON	Captain Alcibiades, your heart's in the field now.
ALCIBIADES	My heart is ever at your service, my lord.
TIMON	You had rather be at a breakfast of enemies than a dinner of friends.
ALCIBIADES	So the were bleeding-new, my lord, there's no meat like 'em: I could wish my best friend at such a feast.
APEMANTUS	Would all those fatterers 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.
TIMON	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 can 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 't can be born! Mine eyes cannot hold out water, methinks: to forget their faults, I drink to you.
APEMANTUS	Thou weepest to make them drink, Timon.
Second Lord	Joy had the like conception in our eyes And at that instant like a babe sprung up.
APEMANTUS	Ho, ho! I laugh to think that babe a bastard.
Third Lord	I promise you, my lord, you moved me much.
APEMANTUS	Much!
	[Tucket, within]
TIMON	What means that trump?
	[Enter a Servant]
	How now?
Servant	Please you, my lord, there are certain ladies most desirous of admittance.
TIMON	Ladies! what are their wills?
Servant	There comes with them a forerunner, my lord, which bears that office, to signify their pleasures.
TIMON	I pray, let them be admitted.
	[Enter Cupid]
Cupid	Hail to thee, worthy Timon, and to all That of his bounties taste! The five best senses Acknowledge thee their patron; and come freely To gratulate thy plenteous bosom: th' ear, Taste, touch and smell, pleased from thy tale rise; They only now come but to feast thine eyes.
TIMON	They're welcome all; let 'em have kind admittance: Music, make their welcome!
	[Exit Cupid]
First Lord	You see, my lord, how ample you're beloved.
	[Music. Re-enter Cupid with a mask of Ladies as Amazons, with lutes in their hands, dancing and playing]
APEMANTUS	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 friends' gift? I should fear those that dance before me now Would one day stamp upon me: 't has been done; Men shut their doors against a setting sun.
	[The Lords rise from table, with much adoring of TIMON; 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]
TIMON	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.
APEMANTUS	'Faith, for the worst is filthy; and would not hold taking, I doubt me.
TIMON	Ladies, there is an idle banquet attends you: Please you to dispose yourselves.
All Ladies	Most thankfully, my lord.
	[Exeunt Cupid and Ladies]
TIMON	Flavius.
FLAVIUS	My lord?
TIMON	The little casket bring me hither.
FLAVIUS	Yes, my lord. More jewels yet! There is no crossing him in 's humour;
	[Aside]
	Else I should tell him,--well, i' faith I should, When all's spent, he 'ld 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?
Servant	Here, my lord, in readiness.
Second Lord	Our horses!
	[Re-enter FLAVIUS, with the casket]
TIMON	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]
Servant	My lord, there are certain nobles of the senate Newly alighted, and come to visit you.
TIMON	They are fairly welcome.
FLAVIUS	I beseech your honour, Vouchsafe me a word; it does concern you near.
TIMON	Near! why then, another time I'll hear thee: I prithee, let's be provided to show them entertainment.
FLAVIUS	[Aside] I scarce know how.
	[Enter a Second Servant]
Second Servant	May it please your honour, Lord Lucius, Out of his free love, hath presented to you Four milk-white horses, trapp'd in silver.
TIMON	I shall accept them fairly; let the presents Be worthily entertain'd.
	[Enter a third Servant]
	How now! what news?
Third Servant	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.
TIMON	I'll hunt with him; and let them be received, Not without fair reward.
FLAVIUS	[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 forced out! Happier is he that has no friend to feed Than such that do e'en enemies exceed. I bleed inwardly for my lord.
	[Exit]
TIMON	You do yourselves Much wrong, you bate too much of your own merits: Here, my lord, a trifle of our love.
Second Lord	With more than common thanks I will receive it.
Third Lord	O, he's the very soul of bounty!
TIMON	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 liked it.
Second Lord	O, I beseech you, pardon me, my lord, in that.
TIMON	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.
TIMON	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.
ALCIBIADES	Ay, defiled land, my lord.
First Lord	We are so virtuously bound--
TIMON	And so Am I to you.
Second Lord	So infinitely endear'd--
TIMON	All to you. Lights, more lights!
First Lord	The best of happiness, Honour and fortunes, keep with you, Lord Timon!
TIMON	Ready for his friends.
	[Exeunt all but APEMANTUS and TIMON]
APEMANTUS	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 court'sies.
TIMON	Now, Apemantus, if thou wert not sullen, I would be good to thee.
APEMANTUS	No, I'll nothing: for if I should be bribed too, there would be none left to rail upon thee, and then thou wouldst sin the faster. Thou givest so long, Timon, I fear me thou wilt give away thyself in paper shortly: what need these feasts, pomps and vain-glories?
TIMON	Nay, an you begin to rail on society once, I am sworn not to give regard to you. Farewell; and come with better music.
	[Exit]
APEMANTUS	So: Thou wilt not hear me now; thou shalt not then: I'll lock thy heaven from thee. O, that men's ears should be To counsel deaf, but not to flattery!
	[Exit]