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I have, in this rough work, shap'd out a man,
Whom this beneath world doth embrace and hug
With amplest entertainment: My free drift
Halts not particularly, but moves itself
In a wide sea of wax: no levell'd malice
Infects one comma in the course I hold;
But flies an eagle flight, bold, and forth on,
Leaving no tract behind.

Pain. How shall I understand you?
Poet.

Even on their knees and hands, let him slip down,
Not one accompanying his declining foot.

Pain. 'Tis common:

A thousand moral paintings I can show,

That shall demonstrate these quick blows of fortune
Yet you do well,
More pregnantly than words.
To show lord Timon, that mean eyes have seen
The foot above the head.

Trumpets sound.

Tim.

Enter TIMON, attended; the Ser. vant of VENTIDIUS talking with him.

Imprison'd is he, say you?

Ven. Serv. 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 to him,
Periods his comfort.

Tim.

Noble Ventidius! Well;

I am not of that feather, to shake off
My friend when he must need me. I do know
him

A gentleman, that well deserves a help,

Which he shall have: I'll pay the debt, and free him.
Ven. Serv. Your lordship ever binds him.

Tim. Commend me to him: I will send his ran

some;

I'll unbolt to you. And, being enfranchis'd, bid him come to me :'Tis not enough to help the feeble up,

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 tendanc All sorts of hearts; yea, from the glass-fac'd flatterer To Apemantus, that few things loves better Than to abhor himself: even he drops down The knee before him, and returns in peace Most rich in Timon's nod.

Pain

I saw them speak together. Peet. Sir, I have upon a high and pleasant hill,

Feign'd Fortune to be thron'd: The base o' the

mount

Is rank'd with all deserts, all kind of natures, That labour on the bosom of this sphere To propagate their states: amongst them all, Whose eyes are on this sovereign lady fix'd, One do I personate of lord Timon's frame, Whom Fortune with her ivory hand wafts to her; Whose present grace to present slaves and servants Translates his rivals.

Pain.

'Tis conceiv'd to scope. This throne, this Fortune, and this hill, methinks, With one man beckon'd from the rest below, Bowing his head against the steepy mount To climb his happiness, would be well express'd In our condition.

Poet.

Nay, sir, but hear me on:
All those which were his fellows but of late,
(Some better than his value,) on the moment
Follow his strides, his lobbies fill with tendance,
Rain sacrificial whisperings in his ear,

Make sacred even his stirrop, and through him
Drink the free air.
Pain.

Ay, marry, what of these?

Part. When Fortune, in her shift and change of

mood,

Spurns down her late belov'd, all his dependants, Which labour'd after him to the mountain's top,

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By night frequents my house. I am a man
That from my first have been inclin'd to thrift;
And my estate deserves an heir more rais'd,
Than one which holds a trencher.

Well; what further?
Tim.
Old Ath. One only daughter have I, no kin else,
On whom I may confer what I have got :
The maid is fair, o' the youngest for a bride,
And I have bred her at my dearest cost,
In qualities of the best. This man of thine ·
Attempts her love: I pr'ythee, noble lord,
Join with me to forbid him her resort;
Myself have spoke in vain.

The man is honest.
Tim.
Old Ath. Therefore he will be, Timon:
His honesty rewards him in itself,
It must not bear my daughter.

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Mine heir from forth the beggars of the world,

And dispossess her all.

Tim.

How shall she be endow'd, If she be mated with an equal husband?

Old Ath. Three talents, on the present; in future, all.

Tim. This gentleman of mine hath serv'd me long; To build his fortune I will strain a little, For 'tis a bond in men. Give him thy daughter: What you bestow, in him I'll counterpoise, And make him weigh with her.

Old Ath. Most noble lord, Pawn me to this your honour, she is his. Tim. My hand to thee; mine honour on my

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Tim. Whither art going?
Apem. To knock out an honest Athenian s brains.
Tim. That's a deed thou'lt die for.

Apem. Right, if doing nothing be death by the law.
Tim. How likest thou this picture, Apemantus?
Apem. The best, for the innocence.

Tim. Wrought he not well, that painted it? Apem. He wrought better, that made the painter; and yet he's but a filthy piece of work.

Pain. You are a dog.

Apem. Thy mother's of my generation; What's she, if I be a dog?

Tim. Wilt dine with me, Apemantus?
Apem. No; I eat not lords.

Tim. An thou should'st, thou'dst anger ladies. Apem. O, they eat lords; so they come by great bellies.

Tim. That's a lascivious apprehension. Apem. So thou apprehend'st it: Take it for thy labour.

Tim. How dost thou like this jewel, Apemantus? Apem. Not so well as plain-dealing, which will

not cost a man a doit.

Tim. What dost thou think 'tis worth?

Apem. Not worth my thinking. - How now, poet?

Poet. How now, philosopher?

Apem. Thou liest.

Poet. Art not one?

Apem. Yes.

Poet. Then I lie not.
Apem. Art not a poet?
Poet. Yes.

Apem. Then thou liest: look in thy last work, where thou hast feign'd him a worthy fellow. Poet. That's not feign'd, he is so.

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

Tim. What would'st do then, Apemantus?

with my heart.

Tim. What, thyself?

Apem. Ay.

Tim. Wherefore?

land

Apem. That I had no angry wit to be a lord.-Art not thou a merchant? Mer. Ay, Apemantus.

Apem. Traffick confound thee, if the gods wi

Tim. Look, who comes here. Will you be chid? not! Enter APEMAntus.

Jew. We will bear with your lordship.

Mer.
He'll spare none.
Tim. Good morrow to thee, gentle Apemantus!
Apem. Till I be gentle, stay for thy good morrow;
When thou art Timon's dog, and these knaves

honest.

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

Apem. Are they not Athenians?

Tim. Yes.

Apem. Then I repent not.

Jew. You know me, Apemantus.

Apem. Thou knowest, I do; I call'd thee by thy

name.

Tim. Thou art proud, Apemantus.

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

Mer. If traffick do it, the gods do it.

Apem. Traffick's thy god, and thy god confound

thee!

Trumpets sound. Enter a Servant. Tim. What trumpet's that?

Serv.

'Tis Alcibiades, and Some twenty horse, all of companionship. Tim. Pray entertain them; give them guide [Exeunt some Attendan You must needs dine with me: - Go not y

us.

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That there should be small love 'mongst these sweet

knaves,

And all this court'sy! The strain of man's bred out Into baboon and monkey.

Alcib. Sir, you have sav'd my longing, and I feed Most hungrily on your sight. Tim

Right welcome, sir; Ere we depart, we'll share a bounteous time Pray you, let us in. [Exeunt all but APEMANTUS.

In different pleasures.

Enter Two Lords.

1 Lord. What time a day is't, Apemantus? Apem. Time to be honest.

1 Lord. That time serves still.

Apem. The most accursed thou, that still omit'st it. 2 Lord. Thou art going to lord Timon's feast. Apem. Ay; to see meat fill knaves, and wine heat fools.

2 Lord. Fare thee well, fare thee well. Apem. Thou art a fool, to bid me farewell twice. 2 Lord. Why, Apemantus?

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

1 Lord. Hang thyself.

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

2 Lord. Away, unpeaceable dog, or I'll spurn thee hence.

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

[Exit.

1 Lord. He's opposite to humanity. Come, shall we in,

And taste lord Timon's bounty? he outgoes
The very heart of kindness.

2 Lord. He pours it out; Plutus, the god of gold,
Is but bis steward: no meed, but he repays
Sevenfold above itself; no gift to him,
But breeds the giver a return exceeding

All use of quittance.

1 Lord.

The noblest mind he carries,

That ever govern'd man.

2 Lord. Long may he live in fortunes! Shall we in?

1 Lord. I'll keep you company.

SCENE II.

[Exeunt.

- The same. A Room of State in Timon's House.

Houtboys playing loud musick. A great banquet served in; FLAVIUS and others attending; then enter TIMON, ALCIBIADES, LUCIUS, LUCULLUS. SEMPRONIUS, and other Athenian Senators, with VENTIDIUS, and Attendants. Then comes, dropping after all, APEMANTUS, discontentedly.

Ven. Most honour'd Timon, 't hath pleas'd the gods 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 1 deriv'd liberty.

Tim.

O, by no means,

Honest Ventidius: you mistake my love;
gave it freely ever; and there's none
Can truly say, he gives, if he receives:

If our betters play at that game, we must not dare
To imitate them; Faults that are rich, are fair.

Ven. A noble spirit.

Tim.

[They all stand ceremoniously looking on TIMON.

Nay, my lords, ceremony

Was but devis'd at first, to set a gloss
On faint deeds, hollow welcomes,
Recanting goodness, sorry ere 'tis shown;
But where there is true friendship, there need none.
Pray, sit; more welcome are ye to my fortunes,
Than my fortunes to me.

[They sit. 1 Lord. My lord, we always have confess'd it. Apem. Ho, ho, confess'd it? hang'd it, have you

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Apem. Let me stay at thine own peril, Timon; come to observe; give thee warning on't.

Tim. I take no heed of thee; thou art an Athenian; therefore welcome: I myself would have no power: pr'ythee, let my meat make thee silent. Apem. I scorn thy meat; 'twould choke me, for I should Ne'er flatter thee. O you gods! what a number Of men eat Timon, and he sees them not! It grieves me to see so many dip their meat He cheers them up too. In one man's blood; and all the madness is,

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2 Lord. Let it flow this way, my good lord. Apem. Flow this way! A brave fellow ! he keep his tides well. Timon, Those healths will make thee, and thy state, look ill. 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's 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.

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bid me to 'em.

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

Tim. O, no doubt, my good friends, but the gods themselves have provided that I shall have much help from you: How had you been my friends else? why have you that charitable title from thousands, did you not 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 never have need of them? they were the most needless creatures living, should we ne'er have use for them: and would most resem

ble sweet instruments hung up in cases, that keep their sounds to themselves. Why, I have often wished myself poorer, that I might come nearer to you. We are born to do benefits: and what better or properer can we call our own than the riches of our friends? O, what a precious comfort 'tis, to have so many like brothers, commanding one another's fortunes! O joy, e'en made away ere it can be born! Mine eyes cannot hold out water, methinks; to forget their faults, I drink to you. Apem. Thou weepest to make them drink,

Timon.

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Apem. Much!
[Tucket sounded.
Tim. What means that trump? How now?
Enter a Servant.

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

Tim. Ladies? What are their wills?

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

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1 Lord. You see, my lord, how ample you are

belov'd.

Musick. Re-enter Cupid, with a masque of Ladies as Amazons, with lutes in their hands, dancing, and playing.

Apem. Hey 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
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: It has been done:
Men shut their doors against a setting sun.

not

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. Tim. You have done our pleasures much grace,

fair ladies,

Set a fair fashion on our entertainment,
Which was not half so beautiful and kind;
You have added worth unto't, and lively lustre,

And entertain'd me with mine own device;
I am to thank you for it.

1 Lady. My lord, you take us even at the best. Apem. 'Faith, for the worst is filthy; and would not hold taking, I doubt me.

Tim. Ladies, there is an idle banquet Attends you: Please you to dispose yourselves. All Lad. Most thankfully, my lord.

Tim. Flavius, Flav. My lord.

Tim.

[Exeunt Cupid, and Ladies.

The little casket bring me hither. Flav. Yes, my lord. — More jewels yet! There is no crossing him in his humour; [Ad Else I should tell him, — Well, -i'faith, I should. When all's spent, he'd be cross'd then, an he could. 'Tis pity, bounty had not eyes behind; That man might ne'er be wretched for his mind. [Exit, and returns with the casket. 1 Lord. Where be our men? Serv. Here, my lord, in readiness. 2 Lord. Our horses. Tim.

O my friends, I have one word To say to you; - Look you, my good lord, I must Entreat you, honour me so much, as to Advance this jewel;

Accept, and wear it, kind my lord.

1 Lord. I am so far already in your gifts, — All. So are we all.

Enter a Servant.

Serv. My lord, there are certain nobles of t

senate

Newly alighted, and come to visit you. Tim. They are fairly welcome.

Flav.

I beseech your hor Vouchsafe me a word; it does concern you near. Tim. Near; why then another time I'll

thee:

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Tim. I'll hunt with him; and let them be receiv'd,
Not without fair reward.
Flav. [Aside.]

What will this come to?
He commands us to provide, and give great gifts,
And all out of an empty coffer.

Nor will he know his purse; or yield me this,
To show him what a beggar his heart is,
Being of no power to make his wishes good;
His promises fly so beyond his state,
That what he speaks is all in debt, he owes
For every word; he is so kind, that he now
Pays interest for't; his lands put to their books.
Well, 'would I were gently put out of office,
Before I were forc'd out!

Happier is he that has no friend to feed,
Than such as do even enemies exceed.
I bleed inwardly for my lord.

Tim.

[Exit.

You do yourselves Much wrong, you bate too much of your own merits: Here, my lord, a trifle of our love.

2 Lord. With more than common thanks I will
receive it.

3 Lord. O, he is the very soul of bounty!
Tim. And now I remember me, my lord, you gave
Good words the other day of a bay courser
I rode on: it is yours, because you lik'd it!

2 Lord. I beseech you, pardon me, my lord, in

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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 on you.

All Lords.

None so welcome.

Tim. I take all and your several visitations
So kind to heart, 'tis not enough to give;
Methinks, I could deal kingdoms to my friends,
And ne'er be weary. ·
Alcibiades,

Thou art a soldier, therefore seldom rich,

It comes in charity to thee: for all thy living
Is 'mongst the dead; and all the lands thou hast
Lie in a pitch'd field.

Alcib.

Ay, defiled land, my lord. 1 Lord. We are so virtuously bound, Tim.

Am I to you.
2 Lord.

And so

So infinitely endear'd ·
Tim. All to you. - Lights, more lights.
The best of happiness,
1 Lord.

Honour, and fortunes, keep with you, lord Timon!
Tim. Ready for his friends.

[Exeunt ALCIBIADES, Lords, &c.
What a coil's here!
Apem.
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.
Tim. Now, Apemantus, if thou wert not sullen,
I'd be good to thee.

No, I'll nothing: for
Apem.
If I should be brib'd too, there would be none left
To rail upon thee; and then thou would'st sin the

faster.

Thou giv'st so long, Timon, I fear me, thou
Wilt give away thyself in paper shortly:
What need these feasts, pomps, and vain glories?
Tim.

An you begin to rail on society once,

Nay,

[Exit. So;

I am sworn, not to give regard to you.
Farewell; and come with better musick.
Apem.
Thou'lt not hear me now, -thou shalt not then, I'll

lock

Thy heaven from thee. O, that men's ears should be [Exit. To counsel deaf, but not to flattery !

SCENE I.- The same.

House.

ACT II.

A Room in a Senator's Can found his state in safety. Caphis, ho!

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He owes nine thousand; besides my former sum, - Still in motion Which makes it five and twenty. fraging waste? It cannot hold; it will not. if I want gold, steal but a beggar's dog, And give it Timon, why, the dog coins gold: f I would sell my horse, and buy twenty more Better than he, why, give my horse to Timon, Ask nothing, give it him, it foals me, straight, And able horses: No porter at his gate; But rather one that smiles, and still invites All that pass by. It cannot hold; no reason

Caphis, I say!

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