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The Life of Timon of Athens

Enter PoetPainterIewellerMerchantand Mercerat seuerall
doores.

Poet. Good day Sir

Pain. I am glad y'are well

Poet. I haue not seene you longhow goes
the World?
Pain. It weares siras it growes

Poet. I that's well knowne:
But what particular Rarity? What strange
Which manifold record not matches: see
Magicke of Bountyall these spirits thy power
Hath coniur'd to attend.
I know the Merchant

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

Mer. O 'tis a worthy Lord

Iew. Nay that's most fixt

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

Iew. I haue a Iewell heere

Mer. O pray let's see't. For the Lord Timonsir?
Iewel. If he will touch the estimate. But for thatPoet.
When we for recompence haue prais'd the vild


It staines the glory in that happy Verse
Which aptly sings the good

Mer. 'Tis a good forme

Iewel. And rich: heere is a Water looke ye

Pain. You are rapt sirin some workesome Dedication
to the great Lord

Poet. A thing slipt idlely from me.
Our Poesie is as a Gownewhich vses
From whence 'tis nourisht: the fire i'th' Flint
Shewes nottill it be strooke: our gentle flame
Prouokes it selfeand like the currant flyes
Each bound it chases. What haue you there?

Pain. A Picture sir: when comes your Booke forth?
Poet. Vpon the heeles of my presentment sir.
Let's see your peece

Pain. 'Tis a good Peece

Poet. So 'tisthis comes off welland excellent


Pain. Indifferent

Poet. Admirable: How this grace
Speakes his owne standing: what a mentall power
This eye shootes forth? How bigge imagination
Moues in this Lipto th' dumbnesse of the gesture
One might interpret

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

Poet. I will say of it
It Tutors NatureArtificiall strife
Liues in these toutchesliuelier then life.
Enter certaine Senators.

Pain. How this Lord is followed

Poet. The Senators of Athenshappy men

Pain. Looke moe

Po. You see this confluencethis great flood of visitors
I haue in this rough workeshap'd out a man
Whom this beneath world doth embrace and hugge
With amplest entertainment: My free drift
Halts not particularlybut moues it selfe
In a wide Sea of waxno leuell'd malice
Infects one comma in the course I hold
But flies an Eagle flightboldand forth on
Leauing no Tract behinde

Pain. How shall I vnderstand you?

Poet. I will vnboult to you.
You see how all Conditionshow all Mindes
As well of glib and slipp'ry Creaturesas
Of Graue and austere qualitietender downe
Their seruices to Lord Timon: his large Fortune
Vpon his good and gracious Nature hanging
Subdues and properties to his loue and tendance
All sorts of hearts; yeafrom the glasse-fac'd Flatterer
To Apemantusthat few things loues better
Then to abhorre himselfe; euen hee drops downe
The knee before himand returnes in peace
Most rich in Timons nod

Pain. I saw them speake together

Poet. SirI haue vpon a high and pleasant hill
Feign'd Fortune to be thron'd.
The Base o'th' Mount
Is rank'd with all desertsall kinde of Natures
That labour on the bosome of this Sphere
To propagate their states; among'st them all
Whose eyes are on this Soueraigne Lady fixt
One do I personate of Lord Timons frame
Whom Fortune with her Iuory hand wafts to her
Whose present graceto present slaues and seruants
Translates his Riuals

Pain. 'Tis conceyu'dto scope
This Thronethis Fortuneand this Hill me thinkes
With one man becken'd from the rest below
Bowing his head against the sleepy Mount


To climbe his happinessewould be well exprest
In our Condition

Poet. Nay Sirbut heare me on:
All those which were his Fellowes but of late
Some better then his valew; on the moment
Follow his strideshis Lobbies fill with tendance
Raine Sacrificiall whisperings in his eare
Make Sacred euen his styrropand through him
Drinke the free Ayre

Pain. I marrywhat of these?

Poet. When Fortune in her shift and change of mood
Spurnes downe her late beloued; all his Dependants
Which labour'd after him to the Mountaines top
Euen on their knees and handlet him sit downe
Not one accompanying his declining foot

Pain. Tis common:
A thousand morall Paintings I can shew
That shall demonstrate these quicke blowes of Fortunes
More pregnantly then words. Yet you do well
To shew Lord Timonthat meane eyes haue seene
The foot aboue the head.
Trumpets sound.

Enter Lord Timonaddressing himselfe curteously to euery Sutor.

Tim. Imprison'd is hesay you?

Mes. I my good Lordfiue Talents is his debt
His meanes most shorthis Creditors most straite:
Your Honourable Letter he desires
To those haue shut him vpwhich failing
Periods his comfort

Tim. Noble Ventidiuswell:
I am not of that Featherto shake off
My Friend when he must neede me. I do know him
A Gentlemanthat well deserues a helpe
Which he shall haue. Ile pay the debtand free him

Mes. Your Lordship euer bindes him

Tim. Commend me to himI will send his ransome
And being enfranchized bid him come to me;
'Tis not enough to helpe the Feeble vp
But to support him after. Fare you well

Mes. All happinesse to your Honor.
Enter.

Enter an old Athenian.

Oldm. Lord Timonheare me speake

Tim. Freely good Father

Oldm. Thou hast a Seruant nam'd Lucilius

Tim. I haue so: What of him?
Oldm. Most Noble Timoncall the man before thee


Tim. Attends he heereor no? Lucillius


Luc. Heere at your Lordships seruice

Oldm. This Fellow heereL[ord]. Timonthis thy Creature
By night frequents my house. I am a man
That from my first haue beene inclin'd to thrift
And my estate deserues an Heyre more rais'd
Then one which holds a Trencher

Tim. Well: what further?

Old. One onely Daughter haue Ino Kin else
On whom I may conferre what I haue got:
The Maid is fairea'th' youngest for a Bride
And I haue bred her at my deerest cost
In Qualities of the best. This man of thine
Attempts her loue: I prythee (Noble Lord)
Ioyne with me to forbid him her resort
My selfe haue spoke in vaine

Tim. The man is honest

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

Tim. Does she loue him?

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

Tim. Loue you the Maid?
Luc. I my good Lordand she accepts of it


Oldm. If in her Marriage my consent be missing
I call the Gods to witnesseI will choose
Mine heyre from forth the Beggers of the world
And dispossesse her all

Tim. How shall she be endowed
If she be mated with an equall Husband?
Oldm. Three Talents on the present; in futureall

Tim. This Gentleman of mine
Hath seru'd me long:
To build his FortuneI will straine a little
For 'tis a Bond in men. Giue him thy Daughter
What you bestowin him Ile counterpoize
And make him weigh with her

Oldm. Most Noble Lord
Pawne me to this your Honourshe is his

Tim. My hand to thee
Mine Honour on my promise

Luc. Humbly I thanke your Lordshipneuer may
That state or Fortune fall into my keeping
Which is not owed to you.

Exit

Poet. Vouchsafe my Labour
And long liue your Lordship

Tim. I thanke youyou shall heare from me anon:


Go not away. What haue you theremy Friend?
Pain. A peece of Paintingwhich I do beseech
Your Lordship to accept

Tim. Painting is welcome.
The Painting is almost the Naturall man:
For since Dishonor Traffickes with mans Nature
He is but out-side: These Pensil'd Figures are
Euen such as they giue out. I like your worke
And you shall finde I like it; Waite attendance
Till you heare further from me

Pain. The Gods preserue ye

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

Iewel. What my Lorddispraise?

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

Iewel. My Lord'tis rated
As those which sell would giue: but you well know
Things of like valew differing in the Owners
Are prized by their Masters. Beleeu't deere Lord
You mend the Iewell by the wearing it

Tim. Well mock'd.
Enter Apermantus.

Mer. No my good Lordhe speakes y common toong
Which all men speake with him

Tim. Looke who comes heerewill you be chid?
Iewel. Wee'l beare with your Lordship


Mer. Hee'l spare none

Tim. Good morrow to thee
Gentle Apermantus

Ape. Till I be gentlestay thou for thy good morrow.
When thou art Timons doggeand these Knaues honest

Tim. Why dost thou call them Knauesthou know'st

them not?
Ape. Are they not Athenians?
Tim. Yes

Ape. Then I repent not

Iew. You know meApemantus?
Ape. Thou know'st I doI call'd thee by thy name


Tim. Thou art proud Apemantus?
Ape. Of nothing so muchas that I am not like Timon
Tim. Whether art going?
Ape. To knocke out an honest Athenians braines

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

Ape. Rightif doing nothing be death by th' Law


Tim. How lik'st thou this picture Apemantus?
Ape. The bestfor the innocence


Tim. Wrought he not well that painted it

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

Pain. Y'are a Dogge

Ape. Thy Mothers of my generation: what's sheif I

be a Dogge?
Tim. Wilt dine with me Apemantus?
Ape. No: I eate not Lords

Tim. And thou should'stthoud'st anger Ladies

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

Tim. That's a lasciuious apprehension

Ape. Sothou apprehend'st it
Take it for thy labour

Tim. How dost thou like this IewellApemantus?
Ape. Not so well as plain-dealingwhich wil not cast
a man a Doit

Tim. What dost thou thinke 'tis worth?
Ape. Not worth my thinking.


How now Poet?
Poet. How now Philosopher?
Ape. Thou lyest

Poet. Art not one?
Ape. Yes


Poet. Then I lye not

Ape. Art not a Poet?
Poet. Yes


Ape. Then thou lyest:
Looke in thy last workewhere thou hast feign'd him a
worthy Fellow

Poet. That's not feign'dhe is so

Ape. Yes he is worthy of theeand to pay thee for thy
labour. He that loues to be flatteredis worthy o'th flatterer.
Heauensthat I were a Lord

Tim. What wouldst do then Apemantus?
Ape. E'ne as Apemantus does nowhate a Lord with
my heart

Tim. What thy selfe?
Ape. I


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


Mer. I Apemantus

Ape. Traffick confound theeif the Gods will not

Mer. If Trafficke do itthe Gods do it

Ape. Traffickes thy God& thy God confound thee.

Trumpet sounds. Enter a Messenger.

Tim. What Trumpets that?

Mes. 'Tis Alcibiadesand some twenty Horse
All of Companionship

Tim. Pray entertaine themgiue them guide to vs.
You must needs dine with me: go not you hence
Till I haue thankt you: when dinners done
Shew me this peeceI am ioyfull of your sights.
Enter Alcibiades with the rest.

Most welcome Sir

Ape. Soso; their Aches contractand sterue your
supple ioynts: that there should bee small loue amongest
these sweet Knauesand all this Curtesie. The straine of
mans bred out into Baboon and Monkey

Alc. Siryou haue sau'd my longingand I feed
Most hungerly on your sight

Tim. Right welcome Sir:
Ere we departwee'l share a bounteous time
In different pleasures.
Pray you let vs in.

Exeunt.

Enter two Lords.

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

Ape. Time to be honest

1 That time serues still

Ape. The most accursed thou that still omitst it

2 Thou art going to Lord Timons Feast

Ape. Ito see meate fill Knauesand Wine heat fooles

2 Farthee wellfarthee well

Ape. Thou art a Foole to bid me farewell twice

2 Why Apemantus?
Ape. Should'st haue kept one to thy selfefor I meane
to giue thee none

1 Hang thy selfe

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

2 Away vnpeaceable Dogge


Or Ile spurne thee hence

Ape. I will flye like a doggethe heeles a'th' Asse

1 Hee's opposite to humanity.
Come shall we in
And taste Lord Timons bountie: he out-goes
The verie heart of kindnesse

2 He powres it out: Plutus the God of Gold
Is but his Steward: no meede but he repayes
Seuen-fold aboue it selfe: No guift to him
But breeds the giuer a returne: exceeding
All vse of quittance

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

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

Exeunt.

Hoboyes Playing lowd Musicke. A great Banquet seru'd in: and
thenEnter
Lord Timonthe Statesthe Athenian LordsVentigius which
Timon redeem'd
from prison. Then comes dropping after all Apemantus
discontentedly like
himselfe.

Ventig. Most honoured Timon
It hath pleas'd the Gods to remember my Fathers age
And call him to long peace:
He is gone happyand has left me rich:
Thenas in gratefull Vertue I am bound
To your free heartI do returne those Talents
Doubled with thankes and seruicefrom whose helpe
I deriu'd libertie

Tim. O by no meanes
Honest Ventigius: You mistake my loue
I gaue it freely euerand ther's none
Can truely say he giuesif he receiues:
If our betters play at that gamewe must not dare
To imitate them: faults that are rich are faire

Vint. A Noble spirit

Tim. Nay my LordsCeremony was but deuis'd at first
To set a glosse on faint deedshollow welcomes
Recanting goodnessesorry ere 'tis showne:
But where there is true friendshipthere needs none.
Pray sitmore welcome are ye to my Fortunes
Then my Fortunes to me

1.Lord. My Lordwe alwaies haue confest it

Aper. Ho hoconfest it? Handg'd it? Haue you not?
Timo. O Apermantusyou are welcome


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


Tim. Fieth'art a churleye'haue got a humour there
Does not become a man'tis much too blame:
They say my LordsIra furor breuis est
But yond man is verie angrie.
Golet him haue a Table by himselfe:
For he does neither affect companie
Nor is he fit for't indeed

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

Tim. I take no heede of thee: Th'art an Athenian
therefore welcome: I my selfe would haue no power
prythee let my meate make thee silent

Aper. I scorne thy meate'twould choake me: for I
should nere flatter thee. Oh you Gods! What a number
of men eats Timonand he sees 'em not? It greeues me
to see so many dip there meate in one mans bloodand
all the madnesse ishe cheeres them vp too.
I wonder men dare trust themselues with men.
Me thinks they should enuite them without kniues
Good for there meateand safer for their liues.
There's much example for'tthe fellow that sits next him
now parts bread with himpledges the breath of him in
a diuided draught: is the readiest man to kill him. 'Tas
beene prouedif I were a huge man I should feare to
drinke at mealesleast they should spie my wind-pipes
dangerous noatesgreat men should drinke with harnesse
on their throates

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

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

Aper. Flow this way? A braue fellow. He keepes his
tides wellthose healths will make thee and thy state
looke illTimon.
Heere's that which is too weake to be a sinner
Honest waterwhich nere left man i'th' mire:
This and my food are equalsthere's no ods
Feasts are to proud to giue thanks to the Gods.

Apermantus Grace.


Immortall GodsI craue no pelfe
I pray for no man but my selfe
Graunt I may neuer proue so fond
To trust man on his Oath or Bond.
Or a Harlot for her weeping
Or a Dogge that seemes asleeping
Or a keeper with my freedome
Or my friends if I should need 'em.
Amen. So fall too't:
Richmen sinand I eat root.
Much good dich thy good heartApermantus


Tim. Captaine
Alcibiadesyour hearts in the field now

Alci. My heart is euer at your seruicemy Lord

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


Alc. So they were bleeding new my Lordthere's no
meat like 'emI could wish my best friend at such a Feast

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

1.Lord. Might we but haue that happinesse my Lord
that you would once vse our heartswhereby we might
expresse some part of our zealeswe should thinke our
selues for euer perfect

Timon. Oh no doubt my good Friendsbut the Gods
themselues haue prouided that I shall haue much helpe
from you: how had you beene my Friends else. Why
haue you that charitable title from thousands? Did not
you chiefely belong to my heart? I haue told more of
you to my selfethen you can with modestie speake in
your owne behalfe. And thus farre I confirme you. Oh
you Gods (thinke I) what need we haue any Friends; if
we should nere haue need of 'em? They were the most
needlesse Creatures liuing; should we nere haue vse for
'em? And would most resemble sweete Instruments
hung vp in Casesthat keepes there sounds to themselues.
Why I haue often wisht my selfe poorerthat
I might come neerer to you: we are borne to do benefits.
And what better or properer can we call our owne
then the riches of our Friends? Oh what a pretious comfort
'tisto haue so many like Brothers commanding
one anothers Fortunes. Oh ioyese'ne made away er't
can be borne: mine eies cannot hold out water me thinks
to forget their Faults. I drinke to you

Aper. Thou weep'st to make them drinkeTimon

2.Lord. Ioy had the like conception in our eies
And at that instantlike a babe sprung vp

Aper. Hoho: I laugh to thinke that babe a bastard

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

Aper. Much.

Sound Tucket. Enter the Maskers of Amazonswith Lutes in their
hands
dauncing and playing.


Tim. What meanes that Trumpe? How now?
Enter Seruant.

Ser. Please you my Lordthere are certaine Ladies
Most desirous of admittance

Tim. Ladies? what are their wils?
Ser. There comes with them a fore-runner my Lord
which beares that officeto signifie their pleasures

Tim. I pray let them be admitted.
Enter Cupid with the Maske of Ladies.

Cup. Haile to thee worthy Timon and to all that of
his Bounties taste: the fiue best Sences acknowledge thee
their Patronand come freely to gratulate thy plentious
bosome.


There tasttouch allpleas'd from thy Table rise:
They onely now come but to Feast thine eies

Timo. They'r welcome alllet 'em haue kind admittance.
Musicke make their welcome

Luc. You see my Lordhow ample y'are belou'd

Aper. Hoyday
What a sweepe of vanitie comes this way.
They daunce? They are madwomen
Like Madnesse is the glory of this life
As this pompe shewes to a little oyle and roote.
We make our selues Foolesto disport our selues
And spend our Flatteriesto drinke those men
Vpon whose Age we voyde it vp agen
With poysonous Spight and Enuy.
Who liuesthat's not deprauedor depraues;
Who dyesthat beares not one spurne to their graues
Of their Friends guift:
I should fearethose that dance before me now
Would one day stampe vpon me: 'Tas bene done
Men shut their doores against a setting Sunne.

The Lords rise from Tablewith much adoring of Timonand to
shew their
loueseach single out an Amazonand all Dancemen with
womena loftie
straine or two to the Hoboyesand cease.

Tim. You haue done our pleasures
Much grace (faire Ladies)
Set a faire fashion on our entertainment
Which was not halfe so beautifulland kinde:
You haue added worth vntoo'tand luster
And entertain'd me with mine owne deuice.
I am to thanke you for't

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

Aper. Faith for the worst is filthyand would not hold
takingI doubt me

Tim. Ladiesthere is an idle banquet attends you
Please you to dispose your selues

All La. Most thankfullymy Lord.

Exeunt.

Tim. Flauius

Fla. My Lord

Tim. The little Casket bring me hither

Fla. Yesmy Lord. More Iewels yet?
There is no crossing him in's humor
Else I should tell him wellyfaith I should;
When all's spenthee'ld be crost thenand he could:
'Tis pitty Bounty had not eyes behinde
That man might ne're be wretched for his minde.
Enter.


1 Lord. Where be our men?
Ser. Heere my Lordin readinesse


2 Lord. Our Horses

Tim. O my Friends:
I haue one word to say to you: Looke youmy good L[ord].
I must intreat you honour me so much
As to aduance this Iewellaccept itand weare it
Kinde my Lord

1 Lord. I am so farre already in your guifts

All. So are we all.
Enter a Seruant.

Ser. My Lordthere are certaine Nobles of the Senate
newly alightedand come to visit you

Tim. They are fairely welcome.
Enter Flauius.

Fla. I beseech your Honorvouchsafe me a wordit
does concerne you neere

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

Fla. I scarse know how.
Enter another Seruant.

Ser. May it please your HonorLord Lucius
(Out of his free loue) hath presented to you
Foure Milke-white Horsestrapt in Siluer

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

How now? What newes?

3.Ser. Please you my Lordthat honourable Gentleman
Lord Lucullusentreats your companie to morrow
to hunt with himand ha's sent your Honour two brace
of Grey-hounds

Tim. Ile hunt with him
And let them be receiu'dnot without faire Reward

Fla. What will this come to?
He commands vs to prouideand giue great guiftsand
all out of an empty Coffer:
Nor will he know his Purseor yeeld me this
To shew him what a Begger his heart is
Being of no power to make his wishes good.
His promises flye so beyond his state
That what he speaks is all in debthe ows for eu'ry word:
He is so kindethat he now payes interest for't;
His Land's put to their Bookes. Wellwould I were
Gently put out of Officebefore I were forc'd out:
Happier is he that has no friend to feede
Then such that do e'ne Enemies exceede.
I bleed inwardly for my Lord.

Exit


Tim. You do your selues much wrong
You bate too much of your owne merits.
Heere my Lorda trifle of our Loue

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

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

Tim. And now I remember my Lordyou gaue good
words the other day of a Bay Courser I rod on. Tis yours
because you lik'd it

1.L. OhI beseech you pardon meemy Lordin that
Tim. You may take my word my Lord: I know no
man can iustly praisebut what he does affect. I weighe
my Friends affection with mine owne: Ile tell you true
Ile call to you

All Lor. O none so welcome

Tim. I take alland your seuerall visitations
So kinde to heart'tis not enough to giue:
Me thinkesI could deale Kingdomes to my Friends
And nere be wearie. Alcibiades
Thou art a Soldiourtherefore sildome rich
It comes in Charitie to thee: for all thy liuing
Is mong'st the dead: and all the Lands thou hast
Lye in a pitcht field

Alc. Idefil'd Landmy Lord

1.Lord. We are so vertuously bound

Tim. And so am I to you

2.Lord. So infinitely endeer'd

Tim. All to you. Lightsmore Lights

1.Lord. The best of HappinesHonorand Fortunes
Keepe with you Lord Timon

Tim. Ready for his Friends.

Exeunt. Lords

Aper. What a coiles heereseruing of beckesand iutting
out of bummes. I doubt whether their Legges be
worth the summes that are giuen for 'em.
Friendships full of dregges
Me thinkes false heartsshould neuer haue sound legges.
Thus honest Fooles lay out their wealth on Curtsies

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

Aper. NoIle nothing; for if I should be brib'd too
there would be none left to raile vpon theeand then thou
wouldst sinne the faster. Thou giu'st so long Timon (I
feare me) thou wilt giue away thy selfe in paper shortly.
What needs these Feastspompesand Vaine-glories?


Tim. Nayand you begin to raile on Societie onceI

am sworne not to giue regard to you. Farewell& come

with better Musicke.

Exit

Aper. So: Thou wilt not heare mee nowthou shalt

not then. Ile locke thy heauen from thee:

Oh that mens eares should be

To Counsell deafebut not to Flatterie.

Exit

Enter a Senator.

Sen. And late fiue thousand: to Varro and to Isidore

He owes nine thousandbesides my former summe

Which makes it fiue and twenty. Still in motion

Of raging waste? It cannot holdit will not.

If I want Goldsteale but a beggers Dogge

And giue it Timonwhy the Dogge coines Gold.

If I would sell my Horseand buy twenty moe

Better then he; why giue my Horse to Timon.

Aske nothinggiue it himit Foles me straight

And able Horses: No Porter at his gate

But rather one that smilesand still inuites

All that passe by. It cannot holdno reason

Can sound his state in safety. Caphis hoa

Caphis I say.

Enter Caphis.

Ca. Heere sirwhat is your pleasure

Sen. Get on your cloake& hast you to Lord Timon

Importune him for my Moneyesbe not ceast

With slight deniall; nor then silenc'dwhen

Commend me to your Masterand the Cap

Playes in the right handthus: but tell him

My Vses cry to me; I must serue my turne

Out of mine ownehis dayes and times are past

And my reliances on his fracted dates

Haue smit my credit. I loueand honour him

But must not breake my backeto heale his finger.

Immediate are my needsand my releefe

Must not be tost and turn'd to me in words

But finde supply immediate. Get you gone

Put on a most importunate aspect

A visage of demand: for I do feare

When euery Feather stickes in his owne wing

Lord Timon will be left a naked gull

Which flashes now a Phoenixget you gone

Ca. I go sir

Sen. I go sir?

Take the Bonds along with you

And haue the dates in. Come

Ca. I will Sir

Sen. Go.

Exeunt.


Enter Stewardwith many billes in his hand.

Stew. No careno stopso senselesse of expence
That he will neither know how to maintaine it
Nor cease his flow of Riot. Takes no accompt
How things go from himnor resume no care
Of what is to continue: neuer minde
Was to be so vnwiseto be so kinde.
What shall be donehe will not hearetill feele:
I must be round with himnow he comes from hunting.
Fyefiefiefie.
Enter CaphisIsidoreand Varro.

Cap. Good euen Varro: whatyou come for money?
Var. Is't not your businesse too?
Cap. It isand yours tooIsidore?
Isid. It is so


Cap. Would we were all discharg'd

Var. I feare it
Cap. Heere comes the Lord.
Enter Timonand his Traine

Tim. So soone as dinners donewee'l forth againe
My Alcibiades. With mewhat is your will?
Cap. My Lordheere is a note of certaine dues

Tim. Dues? whence are you?
Cap. Of Athens heeremy Lord


Tim. Go to my Steward

Cap. Please it your Lordshiphe hath put me off
To the succession of new dayes this moneth:
My Master is awak'd by great Occasion
To call vpon his owneand humbly prayes you
That with your other Noble partsyou'l suite
In giuing him his right

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

Cap. Naygood my Lord

Tim. Containe thy selfegood Friend

Var. One Varroes seruantmy good Lord

Isid. From Isidorehe humbly prayes your speedy payment

Cap. If you did know my Lordmy Masters wants

Var. 'Twas due on forfeyture my Lordsixe weekes
and past

Isi. Your Steward puts me off my Lordand I
Am sent expressely to your Lordship

Tim. Giue me breath:
I do beseech you good my Lords keepe on
Ile waite vpon you instantly. Come hither: pray you
How goes the worldthat I am thus encountred
With clamorous demands of debtbroken Bonds


And the detention of long since due debts
Against my Honor?

Stew. Please you Gentlemen
The time is vnagreeable to this businesse:
Your importunacie ceasetill after dinner
That I may make his Lordship vnderstand
Wherefore you are not paid

Tim. Do so my Friendssee them well entertain'd

Stew. Pray draw neere.
Enter.

Enter Apemantus and Foole.

Caph. Staystayhere comes the Foole with Apemantus
let's ha some sport with 'em

Var. Hang himhee'l abuse vs

Isid. A plague vpon him dogge

Var. How dost Foole?
Ape. Dost Dialogue with thy shadow?
Var. I speake not to thee


Ape. No 'tis to thy selfe. Come away

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

Ape. No thou stand'st singleth'art not on him yet

Cap. Where's the Foole now?
Ape. He last ask'd the question. Poore Roguesand
Vsurers menBauds betweene Gold and want

Al. What are we Apemantus?
Ape. Asses


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

Foole. How do you Gentlemen?
All. Gramercies good Foole:
How does your Mistris?
Foole. She's e'ne setting on water to scal'd such Chickens
as you are. Would we could see you at Corinth

Ape. GoodGramercy.
Enter Page.

Foole. Looke youheere comes my Masters Page

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

Ape. Would I had a Rod in my mouththat I might
answer thee profitably

Boy. Prythee Apemantus reade me the superscription
of these LettersI know not which is which

Ape. Canst not read?


Page. No

Ape. There will litle Learning dye then that day thou
art hang'd. This is to Lord Timonthis to Alcibiades. Go
thou was't borne a Bastardand thou't dye a Bawd

Page. Thou was't whelpt a Doggeand thou shalt
famish a Dogges death.
Answer notI am gone.

Exit

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

Foole. Will you leaue me there?

Ape. If Timon stay at home.
You three serue three Vsurers?
All. I would they seru'd vs


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

Foole. Are you three Vsurers men?
All. I Foole


Foole. I thinke no Vsurerbut ha's a Foole to his Seruant.
My Mistris is oneand I am her Foole: when men
come to borrow of your Mastersthey approach sadly
and go away merry: but they enter my Masters house
merrilyand go away sadly. The reason of this?

Var. I could render one

Ap. Do it thenthat we may account thee a Whoremaster
and a Knauewhich notwithstanding thou shalt
be no lesse esteemed

Varro. What is a Whoremaster Foole?

Foole. A Foole in good cloathesand something like
thee. 'Tis a spiritsometime t' appeares like a Lordsomtime
like a Lawyersometime like a Philosopherwith
two stones moe then's artificiall one. Hee is verie often
like a Knight; and generallyin all shapes that man goes
vp and downe infrom fourescore to thirteenthis spirit
walkes in

Var. Thou art not altogether a Foole

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

Ape. That answer might haue become Apemantus

All. Asideasideheere comes Lord Timon.
Enter Timon and Steward.

Ape. Come with me (Foole) come

Foole. I do not alwayes follow Louerelder Brother
and Womansometime the Philosopher

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


Exeunt.

Tim. You make me meruell wherefore ere this time
Had you not fully laide my state before me
That I might so haue rated my expence
As I had leaue of meanes

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

Tim. Go too:
Perchance some single vantages you tooke
When my indisposition put you backe
And that vnaptnesse made your minister
Thus to excuse your selfe

Stew. O my good Lord
At many times I brought in my accompts
Laid them before youyou would throw them off
And say you sound them in mine honestie
When for some trifling present you haue bid me
Returne so muchI haue shooke my headand wept:
Yea 'gainst th' Authoritie of mannerspray'd you
To hold your hand more close: I did indure
Not sildomenor no slight checkeswhen I haue
Prompted you in the ebbe of your estate
And your great flow of debts; my lou'd Lord
Though you heare now (too late) yet nowes a time
The greatest of your hauinglackes a halfe
To pay your present debts

Tim. Let all my Land be sold

Stew. 'Tis all engag'dsome forfeyted and gone
And what remaines will hardly stop the mouth
Of present dues; the future comes apace:
What shall defend the interimand at length
How goes our reck'ning?

Tim. To Lacedemon did my Land extend

Stew. O my good Lordthe world is but a word
Were it all yoursto giue it in a breath
How quickely were it gone

Tim. You tell me true

Stew. If you suspect my Husbandry or Falshood
Call me before th' exactest Auditors
And set me on the proofe. So the Gods blesse me
When all our Offices haue beene opprest
With riotous Feederswhen our Vaults haue wept
With drunken spilth of Wine; when euery roome
Hath blaz'd with Lightsand braid with Minstrelsie
I haue retyr'd me to a wastefull cocke
And set mine eyes at flow

Tim. Prythee no more

Stew. Heauenshaue I saidthe bounty of this Lord:
How many prodigall bits haue Slaues and Pezants
This night englutted: who is not Timons
What heartheadswordforcemeanesbut is L[ord]. Timons:
Great TimonNobleWorthyRoyall Timon:
Ahwhen the meanes are gonethat buy this praise


The breath is gonewhereof this praise is made:
Feast wonfast lost; one cloud of Winter showres
These flyes are coucht

Tim. Come sermon me no further.
No villanous bounty yet hath past my heart;
Vnwiselynot ignobly haue I giuen.
Why dost thou weepecanst thou the conscience lacke
To thinke I shall lacke friends: secure thy heart
If I would broach the vessels of my loue
And try the argument of heartsby borrowing
Menand mens fortunes could I frankely vse
As I can bid thee speake

Ste. Assurance blesse your thoughts

Tim. And in some sort these wants of mine are crown'd
That I account them blessings. For by these
Shall I trie Friends. You shall perceiue
How you mistake my Fortunes:
I am wealthie in my Friends.
Within thereFlauiusSeruilius?
Enter three Seruants.

Ser. My Lordmy Lord

Tim. I will dispatch you seuerally.
You to Lord Luciusto Lord Lucullus youI hunted
with his Honor to day; you to Sempronius; commend me
to their loues; and I am proud saythat my occasions
haue found time to vse 'em toward a supply of mony: let
the request be fifty Talents

Flam. As you haue saidmy Lord

Stew. Lord Lucius and Lucullus? Humh

Tim. Go you sir to the Senators;
Of whomeuen to the States best health; I haue
Deseru'd this Hearing: bid 'em send o'th' instant
A thousand Talents to me

Ste. I haue beene bold
(For that I knew it the most generall way)
To themto vse your Signetand your Name
But they do shake their headsand I am heere
No richer in returne

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

Stew. They answer in a ioynt and corporate voice
That now they are at fallwant Treasure cannot
Do what they wouldare sorrie: you are Honourable
But yet they could haue wishtthey know not
Something hath beene amisse; a Noble Nature
May catch a wrench; would all were well; tis pitty
And so intending other serious matters
After distastefull lookes; and these hard Fractions
With certaine halfe-capsand cold mouing nods
They froze me into Silence

Tim. You Gods reward them:
Prythee man looke cheerely. These old Fellowes
Haue their ingratitude in them Hereditary:
Their blood is cak'd'tis coldit sildome flowes


'Tis lacke of kindely warmththey are not kinde;
And Natureas it growes againe toward earth
Is fashion'd for the iourneydull and heauy.
Go to Ventiddius (prythee be not sad
Thou art trueand honest; Ingeniously I speake
No blame belongs to thee:) Ventiddius lately
Buried his Fatherby whose death hee's stepp'd
Into a great estate: When he was poore
Imprison'dand in scarsitie of Friends
I cleer'd him with fiue Talents: Greet him from me
Bid him supposesome good necessity
Touches his Friendwhich craues to be remembred
With those fiue Talents; that hadgiue't these Fellowes
To whom 'tis instant due. Neu'r speakeor thinke
That Timons fortunes 'mong his Friends can sinke


Stew. I would I could not thinke it:
That thought is Bounties Foe;
Being free it selfeit thinkes all others so.

Exeunt.

Flaminius waiting to speake with a Lord from his Masterenters a
seruant
to him.

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

Flam. I thanke you Sir.
Enter Lucullus.

Ser. Heere's my Lord

Luc. One of Lord Timons men? A Guift I warrant.
Why this hits right: I dreampt of a Siluer Bason & Ewre
to night. Flaminiushonest Flaminiusyou are verie respectiuely
welcome sir. Fill me some Wine. And how
does that HonourableCompleateFree-hearted Gentleman
of Athensthy very bountifull good Lord and Mayster?

Flam. His health is well sir

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

Flam. Faithnothing but an empty box Sirwhich in
my Lords behalfeI come to intreat your Honor to supply:
who hauing great and instant occasion to vse fiftie
Talentshath sent to your Lordship to furnish him: nothing
doubting your present assistance therein

Luc. Lalalala: Nothing doubting sayes hee? Alas
good Lorda Noble Gentleman 'tisif he would not keep
so good a house. Many a time and often I ha din'd with
himand told him on'tand come againe to supper to him
of purposeto haue him spend lesseand yet he wold embrace
no counselltake no warning by my commingeuery
man has his faultand honesty is his. I ha told him on't
but I could nere get him from't.
Enter Seruant with Wine.

Ser. Please your Lordshipheere is the Wine

Luc. FlaminiusI haue noted thee alwayes wise.
Heere's to thee


Flam. Your Lordship speakes your pleasure

Luc. I haue obserued thee alwayes for a towardlie
prompt spiritgiue thee thy dueand one that knowes
what belongs to reason; and canst vse the time welif the
time vse thee well. Good parts in thee; get you gone sirrah.
Draw neerer honest Flaminius. Thy Lords a bountifull
Gentlemanbut thou art wiseand thou know'st
well enough (although thou com'st to me) that this is no
time to lend moneyespecially vpon bare friendshippe
without securitie. Here's three Solidares for theegood
Boy winke at meand say thou saw'st mee not. Fare thee
well

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

Luc. Ha? Now I see thou art a Fooleand fit for thy
Master.

Exit L[ucullus].

Flam. May these adde to the number y may scald thee:
Let moulten Coine be thy damnation
Thou disease of a friendand not himselfe:
Has friendship such a faint and milkie heart
It turnes in lesse then two nights? O you Gods!
I feele my Masters passion. This Slaue vnto his Honor
Has my Lords meate in him:
Why should it thriueand turne to Nutriment
When he is turn'd to poyson?
O may Diseases onely worke vpon't:
And when he's sicke to deathlet not that part of Nature
Which my Lord payd forbe of any power
To expell sicknessebut prolong his hower.
Enter.

Enter Luciuswith three strangers.

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

1 We know him for no lessethogh we are but strangers
to him. But I can tell you one thing my Lordand
which I heare from common rumoursnow Lord Timons
happie howres are done and pastand his estate shrinkes
from him

Lucius. Fye nodoe not beleeue it: hee cannot want
for money

2 But beleeue you this my Lordthat not long agoe
one of his men was with the Lord Lucullusto borrow so
many Talentsnay vrg'd extreamly for'tand shewed
what necessity belong'd too'tand yet was deny'de

Luci. How?
2 I tell youdeny'de my Lord


Luci. What a strange case was that? Now before the
Gods I am asham'd on't. Denied that honourable man?
There was verie little Honour shew'd in't. For my owne


partI must needes confesseI haue receyued some small
kindnesses from himas MoneyPlateIewelsand such
like Trifles; nothing comparing to his: yet had hee mistooke
himand sent to meI should ne're haue denied his
Occasion so many Talents.
Enter Seruilius.

Seruil. Seeby good hap yonders my LordI haue
swet to see his Honor. My Honor'd Lord

Lucil. Seruilius? You are kindely met sir. Farthewell
commend me to thy Honourable vertuous Lordmy very
exquisite Friend

Seruil. May it please your Honourmy Lord hath
sent


Luci. Ha? what ha's he sent? I am so much endeered
to that Lord; hee's euer sending: how shall I thank him
think'st thou? And what has he sent now?

Seruil. Has onely sent his present Occasion now my
Lord: requesting your Lordship to supply his instant vse
with so many Talents

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

Seruil. But in the mean time he wants lesse my Lord.
If his occasion were not vertuous
I should not vrge it halfe so faithfully

Luc. Dost thou speake seriously Seruilius?
Seruil. Vpon my soule 'tis true Sir


Luci. What a wicked Beast was I to disfurnish my
self against such a good timewhen I might ha shewn my
selfe Honourable? How vnluckily it hapnedthat I shold
Purchase the day before for a little partand vndo a great
deale of Honour? Seruiliusnow before the Gods I am
not able to do (the more beast I say) I was sending to vse
Lord Timon my selfethese Gentlemen can witnesse; but
I would not for the wealth of Athens I had done't now.
Commend me bountifully to his good Lordshipand I
hope his Honor will conceiue the fairest of meebecause
I haue no power to be kinde. And tell him this from me
I count it one of my greatest afflictions saythat I cannot
pleasure such an Honourable Gentleman. Good Seruilius
will you befriend mee so farreas to vse mine owne
words to him?

Ser. Yes sirI shall.

Exit Seruil[ius].

Lucil. Ile looke you out a good turne Seruilius.
True as you saidTimon is shrunke indeede
And he that's once deny'dewill hardly speede.
Enter.

1 Do you obserue this Hostilius?
2 Ito well


1 Why this is the worlds soule
And iust of the same peece
Is euery Flatterers sport: who can call him his Friend
That dips in the same dish? For in my knowing


Timon has bin this Lords Father
And kept his credit with his purse:
Supported his estatenay Timons money
Has paid his men their wages. He ne're drinkes
But Timons Siluer treads vpon his Lip
And yetoh see the monstrousnesse of man
When he lookes out in an vngratefull shape;
He does deny him (in respect of his)
What charitable men affoord to Beggers


3 Religion grones at it

1 For mine owne partI neuer tasted Timon in my life
Nor came any of his bounties ouer me
To marke me for his Friend. Yet I protest
For his right Noble mindeillustrious Vertue
And Honourable Carriage
Had his necessity made vse of me
I would haue put my wealth into Donation
And the best halfe should haue return'd to him
So much I loue his heart: But I perceiue
Men must learne now with pitty to dispence
For Policy sits aboue Conscience.

Exeunt.

Enter a third seruant with Semproniusanother of Timons Friends.

Semp. Must he needs trouble me in't? Hum.
'Boue all others?
He might haue tried Lord Luciusor Lucullus
And now Ventidgius is wealthy too
Whom he redeem'd from prison. All these
Owes their estates vnto him

Ser. My Lord
They haue all bin touch'dand found Base-Mettle
For they haue all denied him

Semp. How? Haue they deny'de him?
Has Ventidgius and Lucullus deny'de him
And does he send to me? Three? Humh?
It shewes but little loueor iudgement in him.
Must I be his last Refuge? His Friends (like Physitians)
Thriuegiue him ouer: Must I take th' Cure vpon me?
Has much disgrac'd me in'tI'me angry at him
That might haue knowne my place. I see no sense for't
But his Occasions might haue wooed me first:
For in my conscienceI was the first man
That ere receiued guift from him.
And does he thinke so backwardly of me now
That Ile requite it last? No:
So it may proue an Argument of Laughter
To th' restand 'mong'st Lords be thought a Foole:
I'de rather then the worth of thrice the summe
Had sent to me firstbut for my mindes sake:
I'de such a courage to do him good. But now returne
And with their faint replythis answer ioyne;
Who bates mine Honorshall not know my Coyne.

Exit

Ser. Excellent: Your Lordships a goodly Villain: the
diuell knew not what he didwhen hee made man Politicke;


he crossed himselfe by't: and I cannot thinkebut
in the endthe Villanies of man will set him cleere. How
fairely this Lord striues to appeare foule? Takes Vertuous
Copies to be wicked: like thosethat vnder hotte ardent
zealewould set whole Realmes on fireof such a nature
is his politike loue.
This was my Lords best hopenow all are fled
Saue onely the Gods. Now his Friends are dead
Doores that were ne're acquainted with their Wards
Many a bounteous yeeremust be imploy'd
Now to guard sure their Master:
And this is all a liberall course allowes
Who cannot keepe his wealthmust keep his house.
Enter.

Enter Varro's manmeeting others. All Timons Creditors to wait
for his
comming out. Then enter Lucius and Hortensius.

Var.man. Well metgoodmorrow Titus & Hortensius
Tit. The like to you kinde Varro


Hort. Luciuswhat do we meet together?
Luci. Iand I think one businesse do's command vs all.
For mine is money

Tit. So is theirsand ours.
Enter Philotus.

Luci. And sir Philotus too

Phil. Good day at once

Luci. Welcome good Brother.
What do you thinke the houre?
Phil. Labouring for Nine

Luci. So much?
Phil. Is not my Lord seene yet?
Luci. Not yet


Phil. I wonder on'the was wont to shine at seauen

Luci. Ibut the dayes are waxt shorter with him:
You must considerthat a Prodigall course
Is like the Sunnesbut not like his recouerableI feare:
'Tis deepest Winter in Lord Timons pursethat is: One
may reach deepe enoughand yet finde little

Phil. I am of your fearefor that

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

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

Hort. It is against my heart

Luci. Marke how strange it showes
Timon in thisshould pay more then he owes:
And e'ne as if your Lord should weare rich Iewels
And send for money for 'em


Hort. I'me weary of this Charge
The Gods can witnesse:
I know my Lord hath spent of Timons wealth
And now Ingratitudemakes it worse then stealth

Varro. Yesmine's three thousand Crownes:
What's yours?
Luci. Fiue thousand mine

Varro. 'Tis much deepeand it should seem by th' sum
Your Masters confidence was aboue mine
Else surely his had equall'd.
Enter Flaminius.

Tit. One of Lord Timons men

Luc. Flaminius? Sira word: Pray is my Lord readie
to come forth?
Flam. Noindeed he is not

Tit. We attend his Lordship: pray signifie so much

Flam. I need not tell him thathe knowes you are too diligent.
Enter Steward in a Cloakemuffled.

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

Tit. Do you hearesir?
2.Varro. By your leauesir


Stew. What do ye aske of memy Friend

Tit. We waite for certaine Money heeresir

Stew. Iif Money were as certaine as your waiting
'Twere sure enough.
Why then preferr'd you not your summes and Billes
When your false Masters eate of my Lords meat?
Then they could smileand fawne vpon his debts.
And take downe th' Intrest into their glutt'nous Mawes.
You do your selues but wrongto stirre me vp
Let me passe quietly:
Beleeue'tmy Lord and I haue made an end
I haue no more to reckonhe to spend

Luci. Ibut this answer will not serue

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

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

2.Varro. No matter whathee's pooreand that's reuenge
enough. Who can speake broaderthen hee that
has no house to put his head in? Such may rayle against
great buildings.
Enter Seruilius.

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

Seru. If I might beseech you Gentlemento repayre


some other houreI should deriue much from't. For tak't
of my soulemy Lord leanes wondrously to discontent:
His comfortable temper has forsooke himhe's much out
of healthand keepes his Chamber

Luci. Many do keepe their Chambersare not sicke:
And if it be so farre beyond his health
Me thinkes he should the sooner pay his debts
And make a cleere way to the Gods

Seruil. Good Gods

Titus. We cannot take this for answersir

Flaminius within. Seruilius helpemy Lordmy Lord.
Enter Timon in a rage.

Tim. Whatare my dores oppos'd against my passage?
Haue I bin euer freeand must my house
Be my retentiue Enemy? My Gaole?
The place which I haue Feasteddoes it now
(Like all Mankinde) shew me an Iron heart?

Luci. Put in now Titus

Tit. My Lordheere is my Bill

Luci. Here's mine

1.Var. And minemy Lord

2.Var. And oursmy Lord

Philo. All our Billes

Tim. Knocke me downe with 'emcleaue mee to the
Girdle

Luc. Alasmy Lord

Tim. Cut my heart in summes

Tit. Minefifty Talents

Tim. Tell out my blood

Luc. Fiue thousand Crownesmy Lord

Tim. Fiue thousand drops payes that.
What yours? and yours?
1.Var. My Lord

2.Var. My Lord

Tim. Teare metake meand the Gods fall vpon you.

Exit Timon.

Hort. Faith I perceiue our Masters may throwe their
caps at their moneythese debts may well be call'd desperate
onesfor a madman owes 'em.

Exeunt.

Enter Timon.

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

Stew. My deere Lord

Tim. What if it should be so?
Stew. My Lord


Tim. Ile haue it so. My Steward?
Stew. Heere my Lord


Tim. So fitly? Gobid all my Friends againe
LuciusLucullusand Sempronius Vllorxa: All
Ile once more feast the Rascals

Stew. O my Lordyou onely speake from your distracted
soule; there's not so much left to furnish out a moderate
Table

Tim. Be it not in thy care:
Go I charge theeinuite them alllet in the tide
Of Knaues once more: my Cooke and Ile prouide.

Exeunt.

Enter three Senators at one dooreAlcibiades meeting themwith
Attendants

1.Sen. My Lordyou haue my voycetoo't
The faults Bloody:
'Tis necessary he should dye:
Nothing imboldens sinne so muchas Mercy

2 Most true; the Law shall bruise 'em

Alc. Honorhealthand compassion to the Senate

1 Now Captaine

Alc. I am an humble Sutor to your Vertues;
For pitty is the vertue of the Law
And none but Tyrants vse it cruelly.
It pleases time and Fortune to lye heauie
Vpon a Friend of minewho in hot blood
Hath stept into the Law: which is past depth
To those that (without heede) do plundge intoo't.
He is a Man (setting his Fate aside) of comely Vertues
Nor did he soyle the fact with Cowardice.
(And Honour in himwhich buyes out his fault)
But with a Noble Furyand faire spirit
Seeing his Reputation touch'd to death
He did oppose his Foe:
And with such sober and vnnoted passion
He did behooue his anger ere 'twas spent
As if he had but prou'd an Argument

1.Sen. You vndergo too strict a Paradox
Striuing to make an vgly deed looke faire:
Your words haue tooke such painesas if they labour'd
To bring Man-slaughter into formeand set Quarrelling
Vpon the head of Valour; which indeede
Is Valour mis-begotand came into the world
When Sectsand Factions were newly borne.


Hee's truly Valiantthat can wisely suffer
The worst that man can breath
And make his Wrongshis Out-sides
To weare them like his Raymentcarelessely
And ne're preferre his iniuries to his heart
To bring it into danger.
If Wrongs be euillesand inforce vs kill
What Folly 'tisto hazard life for Ill


Alci. My Lord

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

Alci. My Lordsthen vnder fauourpardon me
If I speake like a Captaine.
Why do fond men expose themselues to Battell
And not endure all threats? Sleepe vpon't
And let the Foes quietly cut their Throats
Without repugnancy? If there be
Such Valour in the bearingwhat make wee
Abroad? Why thenWomen are more valiant
That stay at homeif Bearing carry it:
And the Assemore Captaine then the Lyon?
The fellow loaden with Ironswiser then the Iudge?
If Wisedome be in suffering. Oh my Lords
As you are greatbe pittifully Good
Who cannot condemne rashnesse in cold blood?
To killI grantis sinnes extreamest Gust
But in defenceby Mercy'tis most iust.
To be in Angeris impietie:
But who is Manthat is not Angrie.
Weigh but the Crime with this

2.Sen. You breath in vaine

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

1 What's that?

Alc. Why say my Lords ha's done faire seruice
And slaine in fight many of your enemies:
How full of valour did he beare himselfe
In the last Conflictand made plenteous wounds?

2 He has made too much plenty with him:
He's a sworne Riotorhe has a sinne
That often drownes himand takes his valour prisoner.
If there were no Foesthat were enough
To ouercome him. In that Beastly furie
He has bin knowne to commit outrages
And cherrish Factions. 'Tis inferr'd to vs
His dayes are fouleand his drinke dangerous

1 He dyes

Alci. Hard fate: he might haue dyed in warre.
My Lordsif not for any parts in him
Though his right arme might purchase his owne time
And be in debt to none: yet more to moue you
Take my deserts to hisand ioyne 'em both.
And for I knowyour reuerend Ages loue Security
Ile pawne my Victoriesall my Honour to you
Vpon his good returnes.


If by this Crimehe owes the Law his life
Why let the Warre receiue't in valiant gore
For Law is strictand Warre is nothing more

1 We are for Lawhe dyesvrge it no more
On height of our displeasure: Friendor Brother
He forfeits his owne bloodthat spilles another

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

2 How?
Alc. Call me to your remembrances


3 What

Alc. I cannot thinke but your Age has forgot me
It could not else beI should proue so bace
To sue and be deny'de such common Grace.
My wounds ake at you

1 Do you dare our anger?
'Tis in few wordsbut spacious in effect:
We banish thee for euer

Alc. Banish me?
Banish your dotagebanish vsurie
That makes the Senate vgly

1 If after two dayes shineAthens containe thee
Attend our waightier Iudgement.
And not to swell our Spirit
He shall be executed presently.

Exeunt.

Alc. Now the Gods keepe you old enough
That you may liue
Onely in bonethat none may looke on you.
I'm worse then mad: I haue kept backe their Foes
While they haue told their Moneyand let out
Their Coine vpon large interest. I my selfe
Rich onely in large hurts. All thosefor this?
Is this the Balsomethat the vsuring Senat
Powres into Captaines wounds? Banishment.
It comes not ill: I hate not to be banisht
It is a cause worthy my Spleene and Furie
That I may strike at Athens. Ile cheere vp
My discontented Troopesand lay for hearts;
'Tis Honour with most Lands to be at ods
Souldiers should brooke as little wrongs as Gods.
Enter.

Enter diuers Friends at seuerall doores.

1 The good time of day to yousir

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

1 Vpon that were my thoughts tyring when wee encountred.
I hope it is not so low with him as he made it
seeme in the triall of his seuerall Friends


2 It should not beby the perswasion of his new Feasting

1 I should thinke so. He hath sent mee an earnest inuiting
which many my neere occasions did vrge mee to
put off: but he hath coniur'd mee beyond themand I
must needs appeare

2 In like manner was I in debt to my importunat businesse
but he would not heare my excuse. I am sorrie
when he sent to borrow of meethat my Prouision was
out

1 I am sicke of that greefe tooas I vnderstand how all
things go

2 Euery man heares so: what would hee haue borrowed
of you?
1 A thousand Peeces

2 A thousand Peeces?

1 What of you?

2 He sent to me sir- Heere he comes.
Enter Timon and Attendants.

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

1 Euer at the besthearing well of your Lordship

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

Tim. Nor more willingly leaues Wintersuch Summer
Birds are men. Gentlemenour dinner will not recompence
this long stay: Feast your eares with the Musicke
awhile: If they will fare so harshly o'th' Trumpets
sound: we shall too't presently

1 I hope it remaines not vnkindely with your Lordship
that I return'd you an empty Messenger

Tim. O sirlet it not trouble you

2 My Noble Lord

Tim. Ah my good Friendwhat cheere?

The Banket brought in.

2 My most Honorable LordI am e'ne sick of shame
that when your Lordship this other day sent to meI was
so vnfortunate a Beggar

Tim. Thinke not on'tsir

2 If you had sent but two houres before

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

2 All couer'd Dishes

1 Royall CheareI warrant you

3 Doubt not thatif money and the season can yeild it


1 How do you? What's the newes?
3 Alcibiades is banish'd: heare you of it?
Both. Alcibiades banish'd?
3 'Tis sobe sure of it


1 How? How?
2 I pray you vpon what?
Tim. My worthy Friendswill you draw neere?
3 Ile tell you more anon. Here's a Noble feast toward
2 This is the old man still


3 Wilt hold? Wilt hold?
2 It do's: but time willand so


3 I do conceyue

Tim. Each man to his stoolewith that spurre as hee
would to the lip of his Mistris: your dyet shall bee in all
places alike. Make not a Citie Feast of itto let the meat
cooleere we can agree vpon the first place. Sitsit.
The Gods require our Thankes.
You great Benefactorssprinkle our Society with Thankefulnesse.
For your owne guiftsmake your selues prais'd: But
reserue still to giueleast your Deities be despised. Lend to each
man enoughthat one neede not lend to another. For were your
Godheads to borrow of menmen would forsake the Gods. Make
the Meate be belouedmore then the Man that giues it. Let
no Assembly of Twentybe without a score of Villaines. If there
sit twelue Women at the Tablelet a dozen of them bee as they
are. The rest of your FeesO Godsthe Senators of Athens
together with the common legge of Peoplewhat is amisse in
themyou Godsmake suteable for destruction. For these my
present Friendsas they are to mee nothingso in nothing blesse
themand to nothing are they welcome.
Vncouer Doggesand lap

Some speake. What do's his Lordship meane?
Some other. I know not


Timon. May you a better Feast neuer behold
You knot of Mouth-Friends: Smoke& lukewarm water
Is your perfection. This is Timons last
Who stucke and spangled you with Flatteries
Washes it off and sprinkles in your faces
Your reeking villany. Liue loath'dand long
Most smilingsmoothdetested Parasites
Curteous Destroyersaffable Woluesmeeke Beares:
You Fooles of FortuneTrencher-friendsTimes Flyes
Cap and knee-Slauesvapoursand Minute Iackes.
Of Man and Beastthe infinite Maladie
Crust you quite o're. What do'st thou go?
Softtake thy Physicke first; thou tooand thou:
Stay I will lend thee moneyborrow none.
What? All in Motion? Henceforth be no Feast
Whereat a Villaine's not a welcome Guest.
Burne housesinke Athenshenceforth hated be
Of Timon Manand all Humanity.

Exit

Enter the Senatorswith other Lords.

1 How nowmy Lords?
2 Know you the quality of Lord Timons fury?



3 Pushdid you see my Cap?
4 I haue lost my Gowne


1 He's but a mad Lord& nought but humors swaies
him. He gaue me a Iewell th' other dayand now hee has
beate it out of my hat.
Did you see my Iewell?

2 Did you see my Cap

3 Heere 'tis

4 Heere lyes my Gowne

1 Let's make no stay

2 Lord Timons mad

3 I feel't vpon my bones

4 One day he giues vs Diamondsnext day stones.

Exeunt. the Senators.

Enter Timon.

Tim. Let me looke backe vpon thee. O thou Wall
That girdles in those Woluesdiue in the earth
And fence not Athens. Matronsturne incontinent
Obedience fayle in Children: Slaues and Fooles
Plucke the graue wrinkled Senate from the Bench
And minister in their steedsto generall Filthes.
Conuert o'th' Instant greene Virginity
Doo't in your Parents eyes. Bankruptshold fast
Rather then render backe; out with your Kniues
And cut your Trusters throates. Bound Seruantssteale
Large-handed Robbers your graue Masters are
And pill by Law. Maideto thy Masters bed
Thy Mistris is o'th' Brothell. Some of sixteen
Plucke the lyn'd Crutch from thy old limping Sire
With itbeate out his Braines. Pietyand Feare
Religion to the GodsPeaceIusticeTruth
Domesticke aweNight-restand Neighbourhood
InstructionMannersMysteriesand Trades
DegreesObseruancesCustomesand Lawes
Decline to your confounding contraries.
And yet Confusion liue: Plagues incident to men
Your potent and infectious Feauorsheape
On Athens ripe for stroke. Thou cold Sciatica
Cripple our Senatorsthat their limbes may halt
As lamely as their Manners. Lustand Libertie
Creepe in the Mindes and Marrowes of our youth
That 'gainst the streame of Vertue they may striue
And drowne themselues in Riot. ItchesBlaines
So we all th' Athenian bosomesand their crop
Be generall Leprosie: Breathinfect breath
That their Society (as their Friendship) may
Be meerely poyson. Nothing Ile beare from thee
But nakednessethou detestable Towne
Take thou that toowith multiplying Bannes:
Timon will to the Woodswhere he shall finde
Th' vnkindest Beastmore kinder then Mankinde.
The Gods confound (heare me you good Gods all)
Th' Athenians both within and out that Wall:
And graunt as Timon groweshis hate may grow


To the whole race of Mankindehigh and low.
Amen.
Enter.


Enter Steward with two or three Seruants.


1 Heare you M[aster]. Stewardwhere's our Master?
Are we vndonecast offnothing remaining?

Stew. Alack my Felloweswhat should I say to you?
Let me be recorded by the righteous Gods
I am as poore as you

1 Such a House broke?
So Noble a Master falneall goneand not
One Friend to take his Fortune by the arme
And go along with him

2 As we do turne our backes
From our Companionthrowne into his graue
So his Familiars to his buried Fortunes
Slinke all awayleaue their false vowes with him
Like empty purses pickt; and his poore selfe
A dedicated Beggar to the Ayre
With his diseaseof all shunn'd pouerty
Walkes like contempt alone. More of our Fellowes.
Enter other Seruants.

Stew. All broken Implements of a ruin'd house

3 Yet do our hearts weare Timons Liuery
That see I by our Faces: we are Fellowes still
Seruing alike in sorrow: Leak'd is our Barke
And we poore Matesstand on the dying Decke
Hearing the Surges threat: we must all part
Into this Sea of Ayre

Stew. Good Fellowes all
The latest of my wealth Ile share among'st you.
Where euer we shall meetefor Timons sake
Let's yet be Fellowes. Let's shake our headsand say
As 'twere a Knell vnto our Masters Fortunes
We haue seene better dayes. Let each take some:
Nay put out all your hands: Not one word more
Thus part we rich in sorrowparting poore.

Embrace and part seuerall wayes.


Oh the fierce wretchednesse that Glory brings vs!
Who would not wish to be from wealth exempt
Since Riches point to Misery and Contempt?
Who would be so mock'd with Gloryor to liue
But in a Dreame of Friendship
To haue his pompeand all what state compounds
But onely painted like his varnisht Friends:
Poore honest Lordbrought lowe by his owne heart
Vndone by Goodnesse: Strange vnvsuall blood
When mans worst sinne isHe do's too much Good.
Who then dares to be halfe so kinde agen?
For Bounty that makes Godsdo still marre Men.
My deerest Lordblest to be most accurst
Rich onely to be wretched; thy great Fortunes
Are made thy cheefe Afflictions. Alas (kinde Lord)
Hee's flung in Rage from this ingratefull Seate
Of monstrous Friends:



Nor ha's he with him to supply his life
Or that which can command it:
Ile follow and enquire him out.
Ile euer serue his mindewith my best will
Whilst I haue GoldIle be his Steward still.
Enter.


Enter Timon in the woods.


Tim. O blessed breeding Sundraw from the earth
Rotten humidity: below thy Sisters Orbe
Infect the ayre. Twin'd Brothers of one wombe
Whose procreationresidenceand birth
Scarse is diuidant; touch them with seuerall fortunes
The greater scornes the lesser. Not Nature
(To whom all sores lay siege) can beare great Fortune
But by contempt of Nature.
Raise me this Beggerand deny't that Lord
The Senators shall beare contempt Hereditary
The Begger Natiue Honor.
It is the Pastour Lardsthe Brothers sides
The want that makes him leaue: who dares? who dares
In puritie of Manhood stand vpright
And saythis mans a Flatterer. If one be
So are they all: for euerie grize of Fortune
Is smooth'd by that below. The Learned pate
Duckes to the Golden Foole. All's obliquie:
There's nothing leuell in our cursed Natures
But direct villanie. Therefore be abhorr'd
All FeastsSocietiesand Throngs of men.
His semblableyea himselfe Timon disdaines
Destruction phang mankinde; Earth yeeld me Rootes
Who seekes for better of theesawce his pallate
With thy most operant Poyson. What is heere?
Gold? Yellowglitteringprecious Gold?
No GodsI am no idle Votarist
Roots you cleere Heauens. Thus much of this will make
Blackewhite; fowlefaire; wrongright;
BaseNoble; Oldyoung; Cowardvaliant.
Ha you Gods! why this? what thisyou Gods? why this
Will lugge your Priests and Seruants from your sides:
Plucke stout mens pillowes from below their heads.
This yellow Slaue
Will knit and breake Religionsblesse th' accurst
Make the hoare Leprosie ador'dplace Theeues
And giue them Titlekneeand approbation
With Senators on the Bench: This is it
That makes the wappen'd Widdow wed againe;
Sheewhom the Spittle-houseand vlcerous sores
Would cast the gorge at. This Embalmes and Spices
To'th' Aprill day againe. Come damn'd Earth
Thou common whore of Mankindethat puttes oddes
Among the rout of NationsI will make thee
Do thy right Nature.

March afarre off.


Ha? A Drumme? Th'art quicke
But yet Ile bury thee: Thou't go (strong Theefe)
When Gowty keepers of thee cannot stand:
Nay stay thou out for earnest.
Enter Alcibiades with Drumme and Fife in warlike mannerand
Phrynia and
Timandra.



Alc. What art thou there? speake

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

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

Tim. I am Misantroposand hate Mankinde.
For thy partI do wish thou wert a dogge
That I might loue thee something

Alc. I know thee well:
But in thy Fortunes am vnlearn'dand strange

Tim. I know thee tooand more then that I know thee
I not desire to know. Follow thy Drumme
With mans blood paint the ground GulesGules:
Religious Cannonsciuill Lawes are cruell
Then what should warre be? This fell whore of thine
Hath in her more destruction then thy Sword
For all her Cherubin looke

Phrin. Thy lips rot off

Tim. I will not kisse theethen the rot returnes
To thine owne lippes againe

Alc. How came the Noble Timon to this change?

Tim. As the Moone do'sby wanting light to giue:
But then renew I could not like the Moone
There were no Sunnes to borrow of

Alc. Noble Timonwhat friendship may I do thee?
Tim. Nonebut to maintaine my opinion


Alc. What is it Timon?

Tim. Promise me Friendshipbut performe none.
If thou wilt not promisethe Gods plague theefor thou
art a man: if thou do'st performeconfound theefor
thou art a man

Alc. I haue heard in some sort of thy Miseries

Tim. Thou saw'st them when I had prosperitie

Alc. I see them nowthen was a blessed time

Tim. As thine is nowheld with a brace of Harlots

Timan. Is this th' Athenian Minionwhom the world

Voic'd so regardfully?
Tim. Art thou Timandra?
Timan. Yes

Tim. Be a whore stillthey loue thee not that vse thee
giue them diseasesleauing with thee their Lust. Make
vse of thy salt houresseason the slaues for Tubbes and
Bathesbring downe Rose-cheekt youth to the Fubfast
and the Diet

Timan. Hang thee Monster

Alc. Pardon him sweet Timandrafor his wits


Are drown'd and lost in his Calamities.
I haue but little Gold of latebraue Timon
The want whereofdoth dayly make reuolt
In my penurious Band. I haue heard and greeu'd
How cursed Athensmindelesse of thy worth
Forgetting thy great deedswhen Neighbour states
But for thy Sword and Fortune trod vpon them

Tim. I prythee beate thy Drumand get thee gone

Alc. I am thy Friendand pitty thee deere Timon

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

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

Tim. Keepe itI cannot eate it

Alc. When I haue laid proud Athens on a heape

Tim. Warr'st thou 'gainst Athens

Alc. I Timonand haue cause

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

Alc. Why meTimon?

Tim. That by killing of Villaines
Thou was't borne to conquer my Country.
Put vp thy Gold. Go onheeres Goldgo on;
Be as a Plannetary plaguewhen Ioue
Will o're some high-Vic'd Cityhang his poyson
In the sicke ayre: let not thy sword skip one:
Pitty not honour'd Age for his white Beard
He is an Vsurer. Strike me the counterfet Matron
It is her habite onelythat is honest
Her selfe's a Bawd. Let not the Virgins cheeke
Make soft thy trenchant Sword: for those Milke pappes
That through the window Barne bore at mens eyes
Are not within the Leafe of pitty writ
But set them down horrible Traitors. Spare not the Babe
Whose dimpled smiles from Fooles exhaust their mercy;
Thinke it a Bastardwhom the Oracle
Hath doubtfully pronouncedthe throat shall cut
And mince it sans remorse. Sweare against Obiects
Put Armour on thine earesand on thine eyes
Whose proofenor yels of MothersMaidesnor Babes
Nor sight of Priests in holy Vestments bleeding
Shall pierce a iot. There's Gold to pay thy Souldiers
Make large confusion: and thy fury spent
Confounded be thy selfe. Speake notbe gone

Alc. Hast thou Gold yetIle take the Gold thou giuest
menot all thy Counsell

Tim. Dost thou or dost thou notHeauens curse vpon
thee

Both. Giue vs some Gold good Timonhast y more?
Tim. Enough to make a Whore forsweare her Trade
And to make Whoresa Bawd. Hold vp you Sluts


Your Aprons mountant; you are not Othable
Although I know you'l sweareterribly sweare
Into strong shuddersand to heauenly Agues
Th' immortall Gods that heare you. Spare your Oathes:
Ile trust to your Conditionsbe whores still.
And he whose pious breath seekes to conuert you
Be strong in Whoreallure himburne him vp
Let your close fire predominate his smoke
And be no turne-coats: yet may your paines six months
Be quite contraryAnd Thatch
Your poore thin Roofes with burthens of the dead
(Some that were hang'd) no matter:
Weare thembetray with them; Whore still
Paint till a horse may myre vpon your face:
A pox of wrinkles


Both. Wellmore Goldwhat then?
Beleeue't that wee'l do any thing for Gold

Tim. Consumptions sowe
In hollow bones of manstrike their sharpe shinnes
And marre mens spurring. Cracke the Lawyers voyce
That he may neuer more false Title pleade
Nor sound his Quillets shrilly: Hoare the Flamen
That scold'st against the quality of flesh
And not beleeues himselfe. Downe with the Nose
Downe with it flattake the Bridge quite away
Of himthat his particular to foresee
Smels from the generall weale. Make curl'd pate Ruffians bald
And let the vnscarr'd Braggerts of the Warre
Deriue some paine from you. Plague all
That your Actiuity may defeate and quell
The sourse of all Erection. There's more Gold.
Do you damne othersand let this damne you
And ditches graue you all

Both. More counsell with more Moneybounteous
Timon

Tim. More whoremore Mischeefe firstI haue giuen
you earnest

Alc. Strike vp the Drum towardes Athensfarewell
Timon: if I thriue wellIle visit thee againe

Tim. If I hope wellIle neuer see thee more

Alc. I neuer did thee harme

Tim. Yesthou spok'st well of me

Alc. Call'st thou that harme?
Tim. Men dayly finde it. Get thee away
And take thy Beagles with thee

Alc. We but offend himstrike.

Exeunt.

Tim. That Nature being sicke of mans vnkindnesse
Should yet be hungry: Common Motherthou
Whose wombe vnmeasureableand infinite brest
Teemes and feeds all: whose selfesame Mettle
Whereof thy proud Childe (arrogant man) is puft


Engenders the blacke Toadand Adder blew
The gilded Newtand eyelesse venom'd Worme
With all th' abhorred Births below Crispe Heauen
Whereon Hyperions quickning fire doth shine:
Yeeld himwho all the humane Sonnes do hate
From foorth thy plenteous bosomeone poore roote:
Enseare thy Fertile and Conceptious wombe
Let it no more bring out ingratefull man.
Goe great with TygersDragonsWoluesand Beares
Teeme with new Monsterswhom thy vpward face
Hath to the Marbled Mansion all aboue
Neuer presented. Oa Rootdeare thankes:
Dry vp thy MarrowesVinesand Plough-torne Leas
Whereof ingratefull man with Licourish draughts
And Morsels Vnctiousgreases his pure minde
That from it all Consideration slippes-
Enter Apemantus.


More man? Plagueplague


Ape. I was directed hither. Men report
Thou dost affect my Mannersand dost vse them

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

Ape. This is in thee a Nature but infected
A poore vnmanly Melancholly sprung
From change of future. Why this Spade? this place?
This Slaue-like Habitand these lookes of Care?
Thy Flatterers yet weare Silkedrinke Winelye soft
Hugge their diseas'd Perfumesand haue forgot
That euer Timon was. Shame not these Woods
By putting on the cunning of a Carper.
Be thou a Flatterer nowand seeke to thriue
By that which ha's vndone thee; hindge thy knee
And let his very breath whom thou'lt obserue
Blow off thy Cap: praise his most vicious straine
And call it excellent: thou wast told thus:
Thou gau'st thine eares (like Tapstersthat bad welcom)
To Knauesand all approachers: 'Tis most iust
That thou turne Rascallhad'st thou wealth againe
Rascals should haue't. Do not assume my likenesse

Tim. Were I like theeI'de throw away my selfe

Ape. Thou hast cast away thy selfebeing like thy self
A Madman so longnow a Foole: what think'st
That the bleake ayrethy boysterous Chamberlaine
Will put thy shirt on warme? Will these moyst Trees
That haue out-liu'd the Eaglepage thy heeles
And skip when thou point'st out? Will the cold brooke
Candied with IceCawdle thy Morning taste
To cure thy o're-nights surfet? Call the Creatures
Whose naked Natures liue in all the spight
Of wrekefull Heauenwhose bare vnhoused Trunkes
To the conflicting Elements expos'd
Answer meere Nature: bid them flatter thee.
O thou shalt finde

Tim. A Foole of thee: depart

Ape. I loue thee better nowthen ere I did


Tim. I hate thee worse

Ape. Why?
Tim. Thou flatter'st misery


Ape. I flatter notbut say thou art a Caytiffe

Tim. Why do'st thou seeke me out?
Ape. To vex thee


Tim. Alwayes a Villaines Officeor a Fooles.
Dost please thy selfe in't?
Ape. I

Tim. Whata Knaue too?

Ape. If thou did'st put this sowre cold habit on
To castigate thy pride'twere well: but thou
Dost it enforcedly: Thou'dst Courtier be againe
Wert thou not Beggar: willing misery
Out-liues: incertaine pompeis crown'd before:
The one is filling stillneuer compleat:
The otherat high wish: best state Contentlesse
Hath a distracted and most wretched being
Worse then the worstContent.
Thou should'st desire to dyebeing miserable

Tim. Not by his breaththat is more miserable.
Thou art a Slauewhom Fortunes tender arme
With fauour neuer claspt: but bred a Dogge.
Had'st thou like vs from our first swath proceeded
The sweet degrees that this breefe world affords
To such as may the passiue drugges of it
Freely command'st: thou would'st haue plung'd thy self
In generall Riotmelted downe thy youth
In different beds of Lustand neuer learn'd
The Icie precepts of respectbut followed
The Sugred game before thee. But my selfe
Who had the world as my Confectionarie
The mouthesthe tonguesthe eyesand hearts of men
At duty more then I could frame employment;
That numberlesse vpon me stuckeas leaues
Do on the Oakehaue with one Winters brush
Fell from their boughesand left me openbare
For euery storme that blowes. I to beare this
That neuer knew but betteris some burthen:
Thy Naturedid commence in sufferanceTime
Hath made thee hard in't. Why should'st y hate Men?
They neuer flatter'd thee. What hast thou giuen?
If thou wilt curse; thy Father (that poore ragge)
Must be thy subiect; who in spight put stuffe
To some shee-Beggerand compounded thee
Poore Roguehereditary. Hencebe gone
If thou hadst not bene borne the worst of men
Thou hadst bene a Knaue and Flatterer

Ape. Art thou proud yet?
Tim. Ithat I am not thee


Ape. Ithat I was no Prodigall

Tim. Ithat I am one now.
Were all the wealth I haue shut vp in thee
I'ld giue thee leaue to hang it. Get thee gone:
That the whole life of Athens were in this


Thus would I eate it

Ape. HeereI will mend thy Feast

Tim. First mend thy companytake away thy selfe

Ape. So I shall mend mine owneby'th' lacke of thine
Tim. 'Tis not well mended soit is but botcht;
If notI would it were

Ape. What would'st thou haue to Athens?
Tim. Thee thither in a whirlewind: if thou wilt
Tell them there I haue Goldlookeso I haue

Ape. Heere is no vse for Gold

Tim. The bestand truest:
For heere it sleepesand do's no hyred harme

Ape. Where lyest a nights Timon?
Tim. Vnder that's aboue me.
Where feed'st thou a-dayes Apemantus?
Ape. Where my stomacke findes meateor rather
where I eate it

Tim. Would poyson were obedient& knew my mind
Ape. Where would'st thou send it?
Tim. To sawce thy dishes


Ape. The middle of Humanity thou neuer knewest
but the extremitie of both ends. When thou wast in thy
Giltand thy Perfumethey mockt thee for too much
Curiositie: in thy Ragges thou know'st nonebut art despis'd
for the contrary. There's a medler for theeeate it

Tim. On what I hateI feed not

Ape. Do'st hate a Medler?
Tim. Ithough it looke like thee


Ape. And th'hadst hated Medlers soonery should'st
haue loued thy selfe better now. What man didd'st thou
euer know vnthriftthat was beloued after his meanes!

Tim. Who without those meanes thou talk'st ofdidst
thou euer know belou'd?

Ape. My selfe

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

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

Tim. Women neerestbut men: men are the things
themselues. What would'st thou do with the world Apemantus
if it lay in thy power?

Ape. Giue it the Beaststo be rid of the men

Tim. Would'st thou haue thy selfe fall in the confusion
of menand remaine a Beast with the Beasts

Ape. I Timon

Tim. A beastly Ambitionwhich the Goddes graunt
thee t' attaine to. If thou wert the Lyonthe Fox would


beguile thee. if thou wert the Lambethe Foxe would
eate thee: if thou wert the Foxthe Lion would suspect
theewhen peraduenture thou wert accus'd by the Asse:
If thou wert the Assethy dulnesse would torment thee;
and still thou liu'dst but as a Breakefast to the Wolfe. If
thou wert the Wolfethy greedinesse would afflict thee
& oft thou should'st hazard thy life for thy dinner. Wert
thou the Vnicornepride and wrath would confound
theeand make thine owne selfe the conquest of thy fury.
Wert thou a Bearethou would'st be kill'd by the Horse:
wert thou a Horsethou would'st be seaz'd by the Leopard:
wert thou a Leopardthou wert Germane to the
Lionand the spottes of thy Kindredwere Iurors on thy
life. All thy safety were remotionand thy defence absence.
What Beast could'st thou beethat were not subiect
to a Beast: and what a Beast art thou alreadythat
seest not thy losse in transformation

Ape. If thou could'st please me
With speaking to methou might'st
Haue hit vpon it heere.
The Commonwealth of Athensis become
A Forrest of Beasts

Tim. How ha's the Asse broke the wallthat thou art
out of the Citie

Ape. Yonder comes a Poet and a Painter:
The plague of Company light vpon thee:
I will feare to catch itand giue way.
When I know not what else to do
Ile see thee againe

Tim. When there is nothing liuing but thee
Thou shalt be welcome.
I had rather be a Beggers Dogge
Then Apemantus

Ape. Thou art the Cap
Of all the Fooles aliue

Tim. Would thou wert cleane enough
To spit vpon

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

Tim. All Villaines
That do stand by theeare pure

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

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

Ape. I would my tongue
Could rot them off

Tim. Away thou issue of a mangie dogge
Choller does kill me
That thou art aliueI swoond to see thee

Ape. Would thou would'st burst

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

Ape. Beast

Tim. Slaue

Ape. Toad

Tim. RogueRogueRogue.
I am sicke of this false worldand will loue nought
But euen the meere necessities vpon't:
Then Timon presently prepare thy graue:
Lye where the light Fome of the Sea may beate
Thy graue stone daylymake thine Epitaph
That death in meat others liues may laugh.
O thou sweete King-killerand deare diuorce
Twixt naturall Sunne and fire: thou bright defiler
Of Himens purest bedthou valiant Mars
Thou eueryongfreshlouedand delicate wooer
Whose blush doth thawe the consecrated Snow
That lyes on Dians lap.
Thou visible God
That souldrest close Impossibilities
And mak'st them kisse; that speak'st with euerie Tongue
To euerie purpose: O thou touch of hearts
Thinke thy slaue-man rebelsand by thy vertue
Set them into confounding oddesthat Beasts
May haue the world in Empire

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

Tim. Throng'd too?
Ape. I


Tim. Thy backe I prythee

Ape. Liueand loue thy misery

Tim. Long liue soand so dye. I am quit

Ape. Mo things like men
Eate Timonand abhorre then.

Exit Apeman[tus].

Enter the Bandetti.

1 Where should he haue this Gold? It is some poore
Fragmentsome slender Ort of his remainder: the meere
want of Goldand the falling from of his Friendesdroue
him into this Melancholly

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

3 Let vs make the assay vpon himif he care not for't
he will supply vs easily: if he couetously reserue ithow
shall's get it?

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


1 Is not this hee?
All. Where?
2 'Tis his description


3 He? I know him

All. Saue thee Timon

Tim. Now Theeues

All. Soldiersnot Theeues

Tim. Both tooand womens Sonnes

All. We are not Theeuesbut men
That much do want

Tim. Your greatest want isyou want much of meat:
Why should you want? Beholdthe Earth hath Rootes:
Within this Mile breake forth a hundred Springs:
The Oakes beare Mastthe Briars Scarlet Heps
The bounteous Huswife Natureon each bush
Layes her full Messe before you. Want? why Want?

1 We cannot liue on Grasseon BerriesWater
As Beastsand Birdsand Fishes

Ti. Nor on the Beasts themseluesthe Birds & Fishes
You must eate men. Yet thankes I must you con
That you are Theeues profest: that you worke not
In holier shapes: For there is boundlesse Theft
In limited Professions. Rascall Theeues
Heere's Gold. Gosucke the subtle blood o'th' Grape
Till the high Feauor seeth your blood to froth
And so scape hanging. Trust not the Physitian
His Antidotes are poysonand he slayes
Moe then you Rob: Take wealthand liues together
Do Villaine dosince you protest to doo't.
Like WorkemenIle example you with Theeuery:
The Sunnes a Theefeand with his great attraction
Robbes the vaste Sea. The Moones an arrant Theefe
And her pale fireshe snatches from the Sunne.
The Seas a Theefewhose liquid Surgeresolues
The Moone into Salt teares. The Earth's a Theefe
That feeds and breeds by a composture stolne
From gen'rall excrement: each thing's a Theefe.
The Lawesyour curbe and whipin their rough power
Ha's vncheck'd Theft. Loue not your seluesaway
Rob one anotherthere's more Goldcut throates
All that you meete are Theeues: to Athens go
Breake open shoppesnothing can you steale
But Theeues do loose it: steale lessefor this I giue you
And Gold confound you howsoere: Amen

3 Has almost charm'd me from my Professionby perswading
me to it

1 'Tis in the malice of mankindethat he thus aduises
vs not to haue vs thriue in our mystery

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

1 Let vs first see peace in Athensthere is no time so


miserablebut a man may be true.

Exit Theeues.

Enter the Steward to Timon.

Stew. Oh you Gods!
Is yon'd despis'd and ruinous man my Lord?
Full of decay and fayling? Oh Monument
And wonder of good deedseuilly bestow'd!
What an alteration of Honor has desp'rate want made?
What vilder thing vpon the earththen Friends
Who can bring Noblest mindesto basest ends.
How rarely does it meete with this times guise
When man was wisht to loue his Enemies:
Grant I may euer loueand rather woo
Those that would mischeefe methen those that doo.
Has caught me in his eyeI will present my honest griefe
vnto him; and as my Lordstill serue him with my life.
My deerest Master

Tim. Away: what art thou?
Stew. Haue you forgot meSir?
Tim. Why dost aske that? I haue forgot all men.


Thenif thou grunt'stth'art a man.
I haue forgot thee

Stew. An honest poore seruant of yours

Tim. Then I know thee not:
I neuer had honest man about meI all
I kept were Knauesto serue in meate to Villaines

Stew. The Gods are witnesse
Neu'r did poore Steward weare a truer greefe
For his vndone Lordthen mine eyes for you

Tim. Whatdost thou weepe?
Come neererthen I loue thee
Because thou art a womanand disclaim'st
Flinty mankinde: whose eyes do neuer giue
But thorow Lust and Laughter: pittie's sleeping:
Strange times y weepe with laughingnot with weeping

Stew. I begge of you to know megood my Lord
T' accept my greefeand whil'st this poore wealth lasts
To entertaine me as your Steward still

Tim. Had I a Steward
So trueso iustand now so comfortable?
It almost turnes my dangerous Nature wilde.
Let me behold thy face: Surelythis man
Was borne of woman.
Forgiue my generalland exceptlesse rashnesse
You perpetuall sober Gods. I do proclaime
One honest man: Mistake me notbut one:
No more I prayand hee's a Steward.
How faine would I haue hated all mankinde
And thou redeem'st thy selfe. But all saue thee
I fell with Curses.
Me thinkes thou art more honest nowthen wise:
Forby oppressing and betraying mee
Thou might'st haue sooner got another Seruice:
For many so arriue at second Masters


Vpon their first Lords necke. But tell me true
(For I must euer doubtthough ne're so sure)
Is not thy kindnesse subtlecouetous
If not a Vsuring kindnesseand as rich men deale Guifts
Expecting in returne twenty for one?


Stew. No my most worthy Masterin whose brest
Doubtand suspect (alas) are plac'd too late:
You should haue fear'd false timeswhen you did Feast.
Suspect still comeswhere an estate is least.
That which I shewHeauen knowesis meerely Loue
Dutieand Zealeto your vnmatched minde;
Care of your Food and Liuingand beleeue it
My most Honour'd Lord
For any benefit that points to mee
Either in hopeor presentI'de exchange
For this one wishthat you had power and wealth
To requite meby making rich your selfe

Tim. Looke thee'tis so: thou singly honest man
Heere take: the Gods out of my miserie
Ha's sent thee Treasure. Goliue rich and happy
But thus condition'd: Thou shalt build from men:
Hate allcurse allshew Charity to none
But let the famisht flesh slide from the Bone
Ere thou releeue the Begger. Giue to dogges
What thou denyest to men. Let Prisons swallow 'em
Debts wither 'em to nothingbe men like blasted woods
And may Diseases licke vp their false bloods
And so farewelland thriue

Stew. O let me stayand comfort youmy Master

Tim. If thou hat'st Curses
Stay not: flyewhil'st thou art blest and free:
Ne're see thou manand let me ne're see thee.

Exit

Enter Poetand Painter.

Pain. As I tooke note of the placeit cannot be farre
where he abides

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

Painter. Certaine.
Alcibiades reports it: Phrinica and Timandylo
Had Gold of him. He likewise enrich'd
Poore stragling Souldierswith great quantity.
'Tis saidehe gaue vnto his Steward
A mighty summe

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

Painter. Nothing else:
You shall see him a Palme in Athens againe
And flourish with the highest:
Therefore'tis not amissewe tender our loues
To himin this suppos'd distresse of his:
It will shew honestly in vs
And is very likelyto loade our purposes
With what they trauaile for
If it be a iust and true reportthat goes


Of his hauing

Poet. What haue you now
To present vnto him?

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

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

Painter. Good as the best.
Promisingis the verie Ayre o'th' Time;
It opens the eyes of Expectation.
Performanceis euer the duller for his acte
And but in the plainer and simpler kinde of people
The deede of Saying is quite out of vse.
To Promiseis most Courtly and fashionable;
Performanceis a kinde of Will or Testament
Which argues a great sicknesse in his iudgement
That makes it.
Enter Timon from his Caue.

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

Poet. I am thinking
What I shall say I haue prouided for him:
It must be a personating of himselfe:
A Satyre against the softnesse of Prosperity
With a Discouerie of the infinite Flatteries
That follow youth and opulencie

Timon. Must thou needes
Stand for a Villaine in thine owne Worke?
Wilt thou whip thine owne faults in other men?
Do soI haue Gold for thee

Poet. Nay let's seeke him.
Then do we sinne against our owne estate
When we may profit meeteand come too late

Painter. True:
When the day serues before blacke-corner'd night;
Finde what thou want'stby free and offer'd light.
Come

Tim. Ile meete you at the turne:
What a Gods Goldthat he is worshipt
In a baser Templethen where Swine feede?
'Tis thou that rigg'st the Barkeand plow'st the Fome
Setlest admired reuerence in a Slaue
To thee be worshiptand thy Saints for aye:
Be crown'd with Plaguesthat thee alone obay.
Fit I meet them

Poet. Haile worthy Timon

Pain. Our late Noble Master

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


Hauing often of your open Bounty tasted
Hearing you were retyr'dyour Friends falne off
Whose thankelesse Natures (O abhorred Spirits)
Not all the Whippes of Heauenare large enough.
Whatto you
Whose Starre-like Noblenesse gaue life and influence
To their whole being? I am raptand cannot couet
The monstrous bulke of this Ingratitude
With any size of words


Timon. Let it go
Naked men may see't the better:
You that are honestby being what you are
Make them best seeneand knowne

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

Timon. Iyou are honest man

Painter. We are hither come
To offer you our seruice

Timon. Most honest men:
Why how shall I requite you?
Can you eate Rootsand drinke cold waterno?

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

Tim. Y'are honest men
Y'haue heard that I haue Gold
I am sure you hauespeake truthy'are honest men

Pain. So it is said my Noble Lordbut therefore
Came not my Friendnor I

Timon. Good honest men: Thou draw'st a counterfet
Best in all Athensth'art indeed the best
Thou counterfet'st most liuely

Pain. Sosomy Lord

Tim. E'ne so sir as I say. And for thy fiction
Why thy Verse swels with stuffe so fine and smooth
That thou art euen Naturall in thine Art.
But for all this (my honest Natur'd friends)
I must needs say you haue a little fault
Marry 'tis not monstrous in youneither wish I
You take much paines to mend

Both. Beseech your Honour
To make it knowne to vs

Tim. You'l take it ill

Both. Most thankefullymy Lord

Timon. Will you indeed?
Both. Doubt it not worthy Lord


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


Both. Do wemy Lord?

Tim. Iand you heare him cogge
See him dissemble
Know his grosse patcheryloue himfeede him
Keepe in your bosomeyet remaine assur'd
That he's a made-vp-Villaine

Pain. I know none suchmy Lord

Poet. Nor I

Timon. Looke you
I loue you wellIle giue you Gold
Rid me these Villaines from your companies;
Hang themor stab themdrowne them in a draught
Confound them by some courseand come to me
Ile giue you Gold enough

Both. Name them my Lordlet's know them

Tim. You that wayand you this:
But two in Company:
Each man a partall singleand alone
Yet an arch Villaine keepes him company:
If where thou arttwo Villaines shall not be
Come not neere him. If thou would'st not recide
But where one Villaine isthen him abandon.
Hencepackethere's Goldyou came for Gold ye slaues:
You haue worke for me; there's paymenthence
You are an Alcumistmake Gold of that:
Out Rascall dogges.

Exeunt.

Enter Stewardand two Senators.

Stew. It is vaine that you would speake with Timon:
For he is set so onely to himselfe
That nothing but himselfewhich lookes like man
Is friendly with him

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

2.Sen. At all times alike
Men are not still the same: 'twas Time and Greefes
That fram'd him thus. Time with his fairer hand
Offering the Fortunes of his former dayes
The former man may make him: bring vs to him
And chanc'd it as it may

Stew. Heere is his Caue:
Peace and content be heere. Lord TimonTimon
Looke outand speake to Friends: Th' Athenians
By two of their most reuerend Senate greet thee:
Speake to them Noble Timon.
Enter Timon out of his Caue.

Tim. Thou Sunne that comforts burne
Speake and be hang'd:
For each true worda blisterand each false
Be as a Cantherizing to the root o'th' Tongue
Consuming it with speaking


1 Worthy Timon

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

1 The Senators of Athensgreet thee Timon

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

1 O forget
What we are sorry for our selues in thee:
The Senatorswith one consent of loue
Intreate thee backe to Athenswho haue thought
On speciall Dignitieswhich vacant lye
For thy best vse and wearing

2 They confesse
Toward theeforgetfulnesse too generall grosse;
Which now the publike Bodywhich doth sildome
Play the recanterfeeling in it selfe
A lacke of Timons aydehath since withall
Of it owne fallrestraining ayde to Timon
And send forth vsto make their sorrowed render
Togetherwith a recompence more fruitfull
Then their offence can weigh downe by the Dramme
I euen such heapes and summes of Loue and Wealth
As shall to thee blot outwhat wrongs were theirs
And write in thee the figures of their loue
Euer to read them thine

Tim. You witch me in it;
Surprize me to the very brinke of teares;
Lend me a Fooles heartand a womans eyes
And Ile beweepe these comfortsworthy Senators

1 Therefore so please thee to returne with vs
And of our Athensthine and ours to take
The Captainshipthou shalt be met with thankes
Allowed with absolute powerand thy good name
Liue with Authoritie: so soone we shall driue backe
Of Alcibiades th' approaches wild
Who like a Bore too sauagedoth root vp
His Countries peace

2 And shakes his threatning Sword
Against the walles of Athens

1 Therefore Timon

Tim. Well sirI will: therefore I will sir thus:
If Alcibiades kill my Countrymen
Let Alcibiades know this of Timon
That Timon cares not. But if he sacke faire Athens
And take our goodly aged men by'th' Beards
Giuing our holy Virgins to the staine
Of contumeliousbeastlymad-brain'd warre:
Then let him knowand tell him Timon speakes it
In pitty of our agedand our youth
I cannot choose but tell him that I care not
And let him tak't at worst: For their Kniues care not
While you haue throats to answer. For my selfe


There's not a whittlein th' vnruly Campe
But I do prize it at my louebefore
The reuerends Throat in Athens. So I leaue you
To the protection of the prosperous Gods
As Theeues to Keepers

Stew. Stay notall's in vaine

Tim. Why I was writing of my Epitaph
It will be seene to morrow. My long sicknesse
Of Healthand Liuingnow begins to mend
And nothing brings me all things. Goliue still
Be Alcibiades your plague; you his
And last so long enough

1 We speake in vaine

Tim. But yet I loue my Countryand am not
One that reioyces in the common wracke
As common bruite doth put it

1 That's well spoke

Tim. Commend me to my louing Countreymen

1 These words become your lippes as they passe thorow
them

2 And enter in our eareslike great Triumphers
In their applauding gates

Tim. Commend me to them
And tell themthat to ease them of their greefes
Their feares of Hostile strokestheir Aches losses
Their pangs of Louewith other incident throwes
That Natures fragile Vessell doth sustaine
In lifes vncertaine voyageI will some kindnes do them
Ile teach them to preuent wilde Alcibiades wrath

1 I like this wellhe will returne againe

Tim. I haue a Tree which growes heere in my Close
That mine owne vse inuites me to cut downe
And shortly must I fell it. Tell my Friends
Tell Athensin the sequence of degree
From high to low throughoutthat who so please
To stop Afflictionlet him take his haste;
Come hither ere my Tree hath felt the Axe
And hang himselfe. I pray you do my greeting

Stew. Trouble him no furtherthus you still shall
Finde him

Tim. Come not to me againebut say to Athens
Timon hath made his euerlasting Mansion
Vpon the Beached Verge of the salt Flood
Who once a day with his embossed Froth
The turbulent Surge shall couer; thither come
And let my graue-stone be your Oracle:
Lippeslet foure words go byand Language end:
What is amissePlague and Infection mend.
Graues onely be mens workesand Death their gaine;
Sunnehide thy BeamesTimon hath done his Raigne.


Exit Timon.

1 His discontents are vnremoueably coupled to Nature

2 Our hope in him is dead: let vs returne
And straine what other meanes is left vnto vs
In our deere perill

1 It requires swift foot.

Exeunt.

Enter two other Senatorswith a Messenger.

1 Thou hast painfully discouer'd: are his Files
As full as thy report?
Mes. I haue spoke the least.
Besides his expedition promises present approach

2 We stand much hazardif they bring not Timon

Mes. I met a Currierone mine ancient Friend
Whom though in generall part we were oppos'd
Yet our old loue made a particular force
And made vs speake like Friends. This man was riding
From Alcibiades to Timons Caue
With Letters of intreatywhich imported
His Fellowship i'th' cause against your City
In part for his sake mou'd.
Enter the other Senators.

1 Heere come our Brothers

3 No talke of Timonnothing of him expect
The Enemies Drumme is heardand fearefull scouring
Doth choake the ayre with dust: Inand prepare
Ours is the fall I feareour Foes the Snare.

Exeunt.

Enter a Souldier in the Woodsseeking Timon.

Sol. By all description this should be the place.
Whose heere? Speake hoa. No answer? What is this?
Tymon is deadwho hath out-stretcht his span
Some Beast reade this; There do's not liue a Man.
Dead sureand this his Grauewhat's on this Tomb
I cannot read: the Charracter Ile take with wax
Our Captaine hath in euery Figure skill;
An ag'd Interpreterthough yong in dayes:
Before proud Athens hee's set downe by this
Whose fall the marke of his Ambition is.
Enter.

Trumpets sound. Enter Alcibiades with his Powers before Athens.

Alc. Sound to this Cowardand lasciuious Towne
Our terrible approach.

Sounds a Parly.

The Senators appeare vpon the wals.

Till now you haue gone onand fill'd the time


With all Licentious measuremaking your willes
The scope of Iustice. Till nowmy selfe and such
As slept within the shadow of your power
Haue wander'd with our trauerst Armesand breath'd
Our sufferance vainly: Now the time is flush
When crouching Marrow in the bearer strong
Cries (of it selfe) no more: Now breathlesse wrong
Shall sit and pant in your great Chaires of ease
And pursie Insolence shall breake his winde
With feare and horrid flight

1.Sen. Nobleand young;
When thy first greefes were but a meere conceit
Ere thou had'st poweror we had cause of feare
We sent to theeto giue thy rages Balme
To wipe out our Ingratitudewith Loues
Aboue their quantitie

2 So did we wooe
Transformed Timonto our Citties loue
By humble Messageand by promist meanes:
We were not all vnkindenor all deserue
The common stroke of warre

1 These walles of ours
Were not erected by their handsfrom whom
You haue receyu'd your greefe: Nor are they such
That these great TowresTrophees& Schools shold fall
For priuate faults in them

2 Nor are they liuing
Who were the motiues that you first went out
(Shame that they wantedcunning in excesse)
Hath broke their hearts. MarchNoble Lord
Into our City with thy Banners spred
By decimation and a tythed death;
If thy Reuenges hunger for that Food
Which Nature loathestake thou the destin'd tenth
And by the hazard of the spotted dye
Let dye the spotted

1 All haue not offended:
For those that wereit is not square to take
On those that areReuenge: Crimeslike Lands
Are not inheritedthen deere Countryman
Bring in thy rankesbut leaue without thy rage
Spare thy Athenian Cradleand those Kin
Which in the bluster of thy wrath must fall
With those that haue offendedlike a Shepheard
Approach the Foldand cull th' infected forth
But kill not altogether

2 What thou wilt
Thou rather shalt inforce it with thy smile
Then hew too'twith thy Sword

1 Set but thy foot
Against our rampyr'd gatesand they shall ope:
So thou wilt send thy gentle heart before
To say thou't enter Friendly

2 Throw thy Gloue
Or any Token of thine Honour else
That thou wilt vse the warres as thy redresse


And not as our Confusion: All thy Powers
Shall make their harbour in our Townetill wee
Haue seal'd thy full desire

Alc. Then there's my Gloue
Defend and open your vncharged Ports
Those Enemies of Timonsand mine owne
Whom you your selues shall set out for reproofe
Fall and no more; and to attone your feares
With my more Noble meaningnot a man
Shall passe his quarteror offend the streame
Of Regular Iustice in your Citties bounds
But shall be remedied to your publique Lawes
At heauiest answer

Both. 'Tis most Nobly spoken

Alc. Descendand keepe your words.
Enter a Messenger.

Mes. My Noble GenerallTimon is dead
Entomb'd vpon the very hemme o'th' Sea
And on his Grauestonethis Insculpture which
With wax I brought away: whose soft Impression
Interprets for my poore ignorance.

Alcibiades reades the Epitaph.


Heere lies a wretched Coarseof wretched Soule bereft
Seek not my name: A Plague consume youwicked Caitifs left:
Heere lye I Timonwho aliueall liuing men did hate
Passe byand curse thy fillbut passe and stay not here thy gate.
These well expresse in thee thy latter spirits:
Though thou abhorrd'st in vs our humane griefes
Scornd'st our Braines flowand those our dropletswhich
From niggard Nature fall; yet Rich Conceit
Taught thee to make vast Neptune weepe for aye
On thy low Graueon faults forgiuen. Dead
Is Noble Timonof whose Memorie
Heereafter more. Bring me into your Citie
And I will vse the Oliuewith my Sword:
Make war breed peace; make peace stint warmake each
Prescribe to otheras each others Leach.
Let our Drummes strike.


Exeunt.


FINIS.


THE ACTORS NAMES.


TYMON of Athens.
LuciusAnd Lucullustwo Flattering Lords.
Appemantusa Churlish Philosopher.
Sempronius another flattering Lord.
Alcibiadesan Athenian Captaine.
Poet.
Painter.
Ieweller.
Merchant.
Certaine Theeues.
Flaminiusone of Tymons Seruants.
Seruiliusanother.



Caphis.
Varro.
Philo.
Titus.
Lucius.
Hortensis Seuerall Seruants to Vsurers.
Ventigius. one of Tymons false Friends.
Cupid.
Sempronius. With diuers other SeruantsAnd Attendants.


THE LIFE OF TYMON OF ATHENS.