Ay,

,

Enter Flacius, in a cloak, muffled. their caps at their money; these debts may well be Luc. Serv. Ha! is not that his steward muffled so ?

called desperate ones, for a madman owes 'em.

( Ereunt. He goes away in a cloud: call him, call him. Tit. Do you hear, sir?

Re-enter Timon and Flavius. 1 Var. Serv. By your leave, sir,

Tim. They have e'en put my breath from me, the Flav. What do you ask of me, my friend ?

slaves : Tit. We wait for certain money here, sir. Creditors !-devils. Flar,

Flav. My dear lord,
If money were as certain as your waiting,

Tim. What if it should be so ?
'Twere sure enough. Why then preferr'd you not Flam. My lord,
Your sums and bills, when your false masters eat Tim. I'll have it so :-My steward !
Of my lord's meat? Then they could smile, and fawn Flav. Here, my lord.
Upon his debts, and take down th' interest (wrong, Tim. So fitly ? Go, bid all my friends again,
Into their gluttonous maws. You do yourselves but Lucius, Lucullus, and Sempronius; all :
To stir me up; let me pass quietly:

I'll once more feast the rascals.
Believ't, my lord and I have made an end;

Flav,

O my lord, I have no more to reckon, he to spend.

You only speak from your distracted soul; Luc. Serv. Ay, but this answer will not serve. There is not so much left, to furnish out Flav.

If 'twill not, A moderate table. 'Tis not so base as you; for you serve knaves. [Exit. Tim.

Be't not in thy care; go, 1 Var. Serv. How! what does his cashier'd wor- I charge thee; invite them all : let in the tide ship mutter ?

Of knaves once more; my couk and I'll provide. 2 Var. Serv. No matter what; he's poor, and

(Eseunt. that's revenge enough. Who can speak broader than he that has no house to put his head in ? such SCENE V.- The same. The Senate House. may rail against great buildings.

The Senate sitting. Enter AlcIBIADES, attended. Enter Servilius.

1 Sen. My lord, you have my voice to it; the fault's Tit O, here's Servilius; now we shall know

Bloody; 'tis necessary he should die :
Some answer.

Nothing emboldens sin so much as mercy,
Ser.
If I might beseech you, gentlemen,

2 Sen. Most true; the law shall bruisi him. To repair some other hour, I should' much

Alcib. Honour, health, and compassicu to the Derive from it : for, take it on my soul,

senate! My lord leans wond'rously to discontent.

1 Sen. Now, captain ? His comfortable temper has forsook him ;

Alcib. I am an humble suitor to your virtues ; He is much out of health, and keeps his chamber. For pity is the virtue of the law, Luc. Serv. Many do keep their chambers, are not And none but tyrants use it cruelly. sick.

It pleases time, and fortune, to lie heavy And, if it be so far beyond bis health,

Upon a friend of mine, who, in hot blood, Methinks, he should the sooner pay his debts,

Hath stepp'd into the law, which is past depth And make a clear way to the gods.

To those that, without heed, do plunge into it. Ser.

Good gods!

He is a man, setting his fate aside, Tit. We cannot take this for an answer, sir.

Of comely virtues : Flam. (Within.) Servilius, help!--my lord ! my

Nor did he soil the fact with cowardice; lord !

(An honour in him, which buys out his fault,)

But, with a noble fury, and fair spirit, Enter Timon, in a rage; FlaminiUS following.

Seeing his reputation touch'd to death, Tim. What, are my doors oppos'd against my He did oppose his foe: passage ?

And with such sober and unnoted passion Have I been ever free, and must my house

He did behave his anger, ere 'twas spent, Be my retentive enemy, my gaol ?

As if he had but prov'd an argument. The place, which I have fcasted, does it now,

1 Sen. You undergo too strict a paradox, Like all mankind, show me an iron heart? Striving to make an ugly deed look fair: Luc. Serv. Put in now, Titus.

Your words have took such pains, as if they labour'd Til. My lord, here is my bill.

To bring manslaughter into form, set quarrelling Luc. Serv. Here's mine.

Upon the head of valour; which, indeed, Hor. Serv. And mine, my lord.

Is valour misbegot, and came into the world Both Var. Serv. And ours, my lord.

When sects and factions were newly born: Phi. All our bills.

(the girdle. He's truly valiant, that can wisely suffer (wrongg Tim. Knock me down with 'em : cleave me to The worst that man can breathe ; and make his Luc. Serv. Alas: my lord,-

His outsides; wear them like his raiment, carelessly Tim. Cut my heart in sums.

And ne'er prefer his injuries to his heart, Tit. Mine, fifty talents.

To bring it into danger. Tim. Tell out my blood.

If wrongs be evils, and enforce us kill, Luc. Serv. Five thousand crowns, my lord. What folly 'tis to hazard life for ill? Tim. Five thousand drops pays that.

Alcib. My lord,--What yours?-and yours ?

1 Sen. You cannot make gross sins look clear; I Var. Serv My lord,

To revenge is no valour, but to bear. 2 Var, Serv My lord,

Alcib. My lords, then, under favour, pardun me, Tim. Tear me, take ine, and the gods fall upon If I speak like a captain. you!

Exit. Why do fond men expose themselves to battle Hor. 'Faith, I perceive our masters may ihrow And vot endure all threatpings ? sleep upon it,

And let the foes quietly cut their throats,

Rich only in large burts ;-All those, for this ? Without repugnancy ? but if there be

Is this the balsam, that the usuring senate Such valour in the bearing, what make we

Pours into captains' wounds ? ba! banishment? Abroad ? why then, women are more valiant, It comes not ill; I hate not to be banish'd; That stay at home, if bearing carry it;

It is a cause worthy my spleen and fury, And th' ass, more captain than the lion; the felon, That I may strike at Athens. I'l. cheer up Loaden with irons, wiser than the judge,

My discontented troops, and lay for hearts. If wisdom be in suffering. O my lords,

'Tis honour, with most lands to be at odds; As you are great, be pitifully good :

Soldiers should brook as little wrongs, as gods. (Erit. Who cannot condemn rashness, in cold blood ? Tu kill, I grant, is sin's extremest gust;

SCENE VI.-A magnificent Room in Timon's But in defence, by mercy 'tis most just.

House. To be in anger, is impiety;

Musick. Tables set out : Servants attending. Enter But who is man, that is not angry?

divers Lords, at several doors. Weigh but the crime with this.

1 Lord. The good time of day to you, sir. 2 Sen. You breathe in vain. Alcib. In vain ? his service done nourable lord did but try us ibis other day.

2 Lord. I also wish it to you. I think, this boAt Lacedæmon, and Byzantium,

1 Lord. Upon that were my thoughts tiring, when Were a sufficient briber for his life. 1 Sen. What's that ?

we encountered : I hope it is not so low with him, as (vice,

he made it seem in the trial of his several friends. Alcib. Why, I say, my lords, h'as done fair ser

2 Lord. It should not be, by the persuasion of And slain in fight many of your enemies :

his new feasting. How full of valour did he bear himself

1 Lord. I should think so : He hath sent me an In the last conflict, and made plenteous wounds ! 2 Sen. He has made too much plenty with 'em, he carnest inviting, which many my near occasions did

urge me to put off; but he hath conjured me beyond Is a sworn rioter: h'as a sin that often

them, and I must needs appear. Drowns him, and takes his valour prisoner:

2 Lord. In like manner was I in debt to my im. If there were no foes, that were enough alone To overcome him: in that beastly fury

portunate business, but he would not hear my excuse. He has been known to commit outrages,

I am sorry, when he sent to borrow of me, that my

provision was out. And cherish factions: 'Tis inferr'd to us, His days are foul, and his drink dangerous.

1 Lord. I am sick of that grief too, as I under

stand how all things go. 1 Sen. He dies.

2 Lord. Every man here's so. What would be Alcib. Hard fate! he might have died in war.

have borrowed of you ? My lords, if not for any parts in him,

1 Lord. A thousand pieces. (Though his right arm might purchase his own time,

2 Lord. A thousand pieces ! And be in debt to none,) yet, more to move you, 1 Lord. What of you ? Take my deserts to bis, and join them both :

3 Lord. He sent to me, sır, -Here he comes. And, for I know your reverend ages love Security, I'll pawn my victories, all

Enter Timon, and Attendants. My honour to you, on his good returns.

Tim. With all my heart, gentlemen both :-And If by this crime he owes the law his life,

how fare you? Why, let the war receiv't in valiant gore;

1 Lord. Ever at the best, hearing well of your For law is strict, and war is nothing more. lordshir. I Sen. We are for law, he dies; urge it no more,

2 Lord. The swallow follows not summer more On height of our displeasure: Friend, or brother, willing, than we your lordship. He forfeits his own blood, that spills another. Tim. (Aside. Nor more willingly leaves winter;

Alcib. Must it be so ? it must not be. My lords, such summer-birds are men.-Gentlemen, our dinI do beseech you, know me.

ner will not recompense this long stay: feast your 2 Sen. How?

ears with the musick awhile; if they will fare so Alcib. Call me to your remembrances.

harshly on the trumpet's sound : we shall to't pre3 Sen.

What ? ! sently. Alcib. I cannot think, but your age has forgot me;

i Lord. I hope it remains not unkindly with your It could not else be, I should prove so base,

lordship, that I returned you an empty messenger. To sue, and be denied such common grace:

Tim. O, sir, let it not trouble you. My wounds ache at you.

2 Lord. My noble lord, í Sen. Do you dare our anger ?

Tim. Ah, my good friend! what cheer ? 'Tis in few words, but spacious in effect;

(The banquet brought in. We banish thee for ever.

2 Lord. My most honourable lord, I am e'el sick Alcib. Banish me?

of shame, that, when your lordship this other day Banish your dotage ; banish usury,

sent to me, I was so unfortunate a beggar. That makes the senate ugly.

(thee, Tim. Think not on't, sir. 1 Sen. If, after two days' shine, Athens contain 2 Lord. If you had sent but two hours before, Attend our weightier judgment. And, not to swell Tim. Let it not cumber your better remembrance. our spirit,

-Come, bring in all together. He shall be executed presently. i Ereunt Senators. 2 Lord, All covered dishes ! Alcib. Now the gods keep you old enough ; that

i Lord. Royal cheer, I warrant you. you may live

3 Lord. Doubt not that, if money, and the seasoc Only in bone, that none may look on you! can yield it. I'm worse than mad : I have kept back their foes, 1 Lord. How do you? What's the news ? While they have told their money, and let out 3 Lord. Alcibiades is banished: Hear you of it? Their coin upon large interest ; I myself,

1 & 2 Lord. Alcibiades banished !

fair;

Enter other Servants.

Thus much of this, will make black, white; foral Flav All broken implements of a ruin'd house. 3 Serv. Yet do our hearts wear Timon's livery,

Wrong, right; base, nuble; old, young; coward,

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

Ha! you gods! why this ? What this, you gods ? Serving alike in sorrow: Leak'd is our bark;

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

Will lug your priests and servants from your sides Hearing the surges threat: we must all part

Pluck stout men's pillows from below their heads : Into this sea of air.

This yellow slave
Flav.
Good fellows all,

Will knit and break religions; bless the accurs'd; The latest of my wealth I'll share amongst you.

Make the hoar leprosy ador'd; place thieves,
Wherever we shall meet, for Timnon's sake,
Let's yet be fellows ; let's shake our heads, and say, With senators on the bench : this is it,

And give them title, knee, and approbation,
As 'twere a knell unto our master's fortune,

That makes the wappen'd widow wed again; We hare seen better days. Let each take some;

[Giving them money. Would cast the gorge at, this embalms and spices

She, whom the spital-house, and ulcerous sores
Nay, put out all your hands. Not one word more:
Thus part we rich in sorrow, parting poor.

To the April day again. Come, damned earth,

Thou common whore of mankind, that put'st odds (Ereunt Servants.

Among the rout of nations, I will make thee 0, the fierce wretchedness that glory brings us ! Who would not wish to be from wealth exempt,

Do thy right nature.-[March afar off: |--Ha! a

drum ?—Thou’rt quick, Since riches point to misery and contempt ? Who'd be so mock'd with glory? or to live

But yet I'u bury thee: Thou'lt go, strong thief, But in a dream of friendship?

When gouty keepers of thee cannot stand :To have his pomp, and all what state compounds,

Nay, stay thou out for earnest. [Keepiny some gold. But only painted, like his varnish'd friends ? Enter ALCIBIADES, with drum and fife, in warlike Poor honest lord, brought low by his own heart;

manner; PHRYNIA and TIMANDRA. Undone by goodness! Strange, unusual blood,

Alcib.

What art thou there? When man's worst sin is, he does too much good! Who then dares to be half so kind again ?

Speak.

Tim. A beast, as thou art. The cauker goaw thy For bounty, that makes gods, does still mar men.

heart, My dearest lord,—bless'd, to be most accurs d,

For showing me again the eyes of man! (thee, Rich, only to be wretched—thy great fortunes Are made thy chief afflictions. Alas, kind lord !

Alcib. What is thy name? Is man so hateful to

That art thyself a man ?
He's flung in rage from this ungrateful seat
Of monstrous friends : nor has he with him to

Tim. I am misanthropos, and hate mankind.
Supply his life, or that which can command it.

For thy part, I do wish thou wert a dog,
I'll follow, and enquire him out:

That I might love thee something.
Alcib.

I know thee well;
I'll ever serve his mind with my best will;
Whilst I have gold, I'll be his steward still. [Exit.

But in thy fortunes am unlearn'd and strange.
Tim. I know thee too; and more, than that I

know thee,
CENE III. - The Woods.

I not desire to know. Follow thy drum;

With man's blood paint the ground, gules, gules : Enter Timon.

Religious canons, civil laws are cruel;
Tim. O blessed, blessing sun, draw from the earth Then what should war be? This fell whore of thine
Rotten humidity; below thy sister's orb

Hath in her more destruction than thy sword,
Infect the air ! 'Twinn'd brothers of one wonb, - For all her cherub look.
Whose procreation, residence, and birth, (tunes ; Phry.

Thy lips rot off!
Scarce is dividant,-touch them with several for- Tim. I will not kiss thee; then the rot returns
The greater scorns the lesser : Not nature, To thine own lips again.
To whom all sores lay siege, can bear great fortune, Alcib. How came the noble Timon to this change?
But by contempt of nature.

Tim. As the moon does, by wanting light to give : Raise me this beggar, and denude that lord : But then renew I could not, like the moon; The senator shall bear contempt hereditary, There were no suns to borrow of. The beggar native honour.

Alcib.

Noble Timon, It is the pasture lards the brother's sides, [dares, What friendship may I do thee? The want that makes him lean. Who dares, who Tirt.

None, but to In purity of manhood stand upright,

Maintain my opinion. And say, This man's a flatterer ? if one be,

Alcib.

What is it, Timon ? So are they all; for every grize of fortune

Tim. Promise me friendship, but perform none: 11 Is smooth'd by that below: the leaned pate Thou wilt not promise, the gods plague thee, for Ducks to the golden fool: All is oblique ;

Thou art a man! if thou dost perform, confound thee, There's nothing level in our cursed natnres, For thou’rt a man! But direct villainy. Therefore, be abhorr'd

Alcib. I have heard in some sort of thy miseries All feasts, societies, and throngs of men !

Tim. Thou saw'st them, when I had prosperity. His semblable, yea, himself, Timon disdains : Alcib. I see them now; then was a blessed tiine. Destruction fang mankind !-Earth, yield me roots ! Tim. As thine is now, held with a brace of harlots.

[Digying. Timan. Is this the Athenian minion, whom the Who seeks for better of thee, sauce his palate

world With thy most operant poison! What is here? Voic d so regardfully? Gold ? yellow, glittering, precious gold ? No, gods, Tim.

Ar thou Timandra ? I am no idle votarist. Roots, you clear heavens ! Timan. Yes

Tim. Be a whore still: they love thee not, that Let your close fire predominate his smoke, use thee;

And be no turncoats: Yet may your pains, six Give them diseases, leaving with thee their lust.

months, Make use of thy salt hours : season the slaves Be quite contrary: And thatch your poor thin roofs For tubs and baths: bring down rose-cheeked youth With burdens of the dead ;-some that were hang'd, To the tub-fast, and the diet.

No matter :-wear them, betray with them: whore Timan. Hang thee, monster!

still ; Alcib. Pardon him, sweet Timandra; for his wits Paint till a horse may mire upon your face : Are drown'u and lost in his calamities.

A pox of wrinkles ! I have but little gold of late, brave Timon,

Phr. & Tinan. Well, more gold;-What then ? 'The want whereof doth daily make revolt

Believe't, that we'll do any thing for gold.
Ir. my penurious band; I've heard, and griev'd, Tim. Consumptions sow
How cursed Athens, mindless of thy worth, In hollow bones of man; strike their sharp shins,
Forgetting thy great deeds, when neighbour states, And mar men's spurring. Crack the lawyer's voice,
But for thy sword and fortune, trod upon them,- That he may never more false title plead,

Tim. I pr’ythee, beat thy drum, and get thec gone. Nor sound his quillets shrilly : hoar the flamen,
Alcib. I am thy friend, and pity thee, dear Timon. That scolds against the quality of flesh,
Tim. How dost thou pity him, whòm thou dost And not believes himself: down with the nose,
trouble ?

Down with it flat; take the bridge quite away
I had rather be alone.

Of him, that his particular to foresee, Alcib.

Why, fare thee well : Smells from the general weal : make curl?d-pate Here's some gold for thee.

ruffians bald; Tim.

Keep't, I cannot eat it. And let the unscarr'd braggarts of the war Alcib. When I have laid proud Athens on a Derive some pain from you: Plague all; heap,

That your activity may defeat and quell Tim. Warr'st thou 'gainst Athens ?

The source of all erection. There's more gold :Alcib.

Ay, Timon, and have cause. Do you damn others, and let this damn you, Tim. The gods confound them all i' thy conquest; And ditches grave you all ! and

Phr & Timan. More counsel with more money, Thee after, when thou hast conquerd!

bounteous Timon. Alcio.

Why me, Timon ? Tim. More whore, more mischief first; I have Tim. That,

given you earnest. By killing villains, thou wast born to conquer Aleib. Strike up the drum towards Athens. Fare My country

well, Timon;
Put up thy gold; Go on-here's gold, go on; If I thrive well, I'll visit thee again.
Be as a plavetary plague, whan Jove

Tim. If I hope well, I'll never see thee more.
Will o'er some high-vic'd city hang his poison Alcib. I never did thee harm.
In the sick air: Let not thy sword skip one :

Tim. Yes, thou spok’st well of me.
Pity not honour'd age for his white beard,

Alcib.

Call'st thou that harm? He's an usurer: Strike me the counterfeit matron; Tim. Men daily find it such. Get thee away, It is her habit only that is honest,

And take thy beagles with thee. Herself's a bawd: Let not the virgin's cheek

Alcib.

We but offend him.. Make soft thy trenchant sword; for those milk paps, Strike. That through the window-bars bore at men's eyes, (Drums beat. Exeunt ALCIBIADES, PHRYNIA, Are not within the leaf of pity writ;

and TIMANDRA. Set them down horrible traitors : Spare not the babe, Tim. That nature, being sick of man's unkindness, Whose dimpled smiles from fools exhaust their mercy; Should yet be hungry!--Common mother, thou, Think it a bastard, whom the oracle

(Digging. Hath doubtfully pronounc'd thy throat shall cut, Whose womb unmeasurable, and infinite breast, And mince it sans remorse : Swear against objects ; Teems, and feeds all; whose self-same mettle, Put armour on thine ears, and on thine eyes ; Whereof thy proud child, arrogant man, is puff":1, Whose proof, nor yells of mothers, maids, nor babes, Engenders the black toad, and adder blue, Nor sight of priests

in holy vestments bleeding, The gilded newt, and eyeless venom'd worm, Shall pierce a jot. There's gold to pay thy soldiers: With all the abhored births below crisp heaven Make large confusion; and, tby fury spent, Whereon Hyperion's quickening fire doth shine ; Confounded be thyself! Speak not, be gone. Yield him, who all thy human sons doth hate, Alcib. Hast thou gold yet? I'll take the gold thou From forth thy plenteous bosom, one poor root! giv'st me,

Ensear thy fertile and conceptious womb,
Not all thy counsel.

Let it no more bring out ingrateful man!
Tim. Dost thou, or dost thou not, heaven's curse Go great with tigers, dragons, wolves, and bears ;

Teem with new monsters, whom thy upward face
Phr. & T'iman. Give us some gold, good Timon : Hath to the marbled mansion all above
Hast thou more?

Never presented !-0, a root ?- Dear thanks!
Tim. Enough to make a whore forswear her trade, Dry up thy marrows, vines, and plough-torn leas,
Ani to make whores, a bawd. Hold up, you sluts, Whereof ingrateful man, with liquorish draughts,
Your aprons mountant: You are not oathable.- And morsels unctuous, greases his pure mind,
Although, I know, you'll swear, terribly swear, That from it all consideration slips?
Into strong shudders and to heavenly agues

Enter APEMANTUS.
The immortal gods that hear you,-spare your oaths ;
l'll trust to your conditions: Be whores still ; More man ? Plague! plague !
And he whose pious breath seeks to convert you, Apem. I was directed hither: Men report,
Be strong in whore, allure him, burn him up; Thou dost affect my manners, and dost use them.

upon thee!