The Lords rise from Table, with much adoring of TIMON; and, to show their loves, each singles out an Amazon, and all dance, Men with Women, a lofty Strain or two to the Hautboys, and cease. Tim. You have done our pleasures much grace, fair ladies, Set a fair fashion on our entertainment, Which was not half so beautiful and kind: 1 Lady. My lord, you take us even at the best. Apem. 'Faith, for the worst is filthy; and would not hold taking, I doubt me. Tim. Ladies, there is an idle banquet Attends you: please you to dispose yourselves. All Lad. Most thankfully, my lord. [Exeunt CUPID, and Ladies. Tim. Flav. The little casket bring me hither. Yes, my lord. [Aside.] More jewels yet! There is no crossing him in his humour; Else I should tell him, well, — i' faith, I should, When all 's spent, he 'd be cross'd then, an he could. 'Tis pity bounty had not eyes behind, That man might ne'er be wretched for his mind. 1 Lord. [Exit, and returns with the Casket. Where be our men? Serv. Here, my lord, in readiness. my friends! I have one word to say to you. Look you, my good lord, I must entreat you, honour me so much, As to advance this jewel; accept it and wear it, 1 Lord. I am so far already in your gifts, Enter a Servant. Serv. My lord, there are certain nobles of the senate newly alighted, and come to visit you. Tim. They are fairly welcome. I beseech your honour, Vouchsafe me a word: it does concern you near. Tim. Near? why then another time I 'll hear thee: Enter another Servant. 2 Serv. May it please your honour, lord Lucius, Out of his free love, hath presented to you Four milk-white horses, trapp'd in silver. Tim. I shall accept them fairly: let the presents. Enter a third Servant. Be worthily entertain'd. - How now! what news? [Aside. 3 Serv. Please you, my lord, that honourable gentleman, lord Lucullus, entreats your company to-morrow to hunt with him; and has sent your honour two brace of greyhounds. Tim. I'll hunt with him; and let them be receiv'd, Not without fair reward. Flav. [Aside.] What will this come to? He commands us to provide, and give great gifts, Nor will he know his purse; or yield me this, To show him what a beggar his heart is, That what he speaks is all in debt; he owes Pays interest for 't; his land's put to their books. Well, would I were gently put out of office, Before I were forc'd out! Happier is he that has no friend to feed Than such as do even enemies exceed. I bleed inwardly for my lord. [Exit. Tim. You do yourselves Much wrong: you bate too much of your own merits. 2 Lord. With more than common thanks I will receive it. 3 Lord. O! he's the very soul of bounty. Tim. And now I remember, my lord, you gave Good words the other day of a bay courser I rode on it is yours, because you lik'd it. 2 Lord. O! I beseech you, pardon me, my lord, in that. Tim. You may take my word, my lord: I know no man Can justly praise, but what he does affect: I weigh my friend's affection with mine own; I'll tell you true. I'll call to you. All Lords. Tim. O! none so welcome. I take all, and your several visitations, So kind to heart, 't is not enough to give: Alcibiades, Thou art a soldier, therefore seldom rich: It comes in charity to thee; for all thy living Honour, and fortunes, keep with you, lord Timon. Tim. Ready for his friends. Apem. [Exeunt ALCIBIADES, Lords, &c. What a coil's here! Serving of becks, and jutting out of bums! I doubt whether their legs be worth the sums Methinks, false hearts should never have sound legs, Tim. Now, Apemantus, if thou wert not sullen, Apem. No, I'll nothing; for if I should be brib'd too, there would be none left to rail upon thee, and then thou would'st sin the faster. Thou giv'st so long, Timon, I fear me, thou wilt give away thyself in paper shortly: what need these feasts, pomps, and vain glories? Tim. Nay, an you begin to rail on society once, I am sworn not to give regard to you. Farewell; and come with better music. Apem. So;- thou wilt not hear me now; Thou shalt not then; I'll lock thy heaven from thee. [Exit. O, that men's ears should be To counsel deaf, but not to flattery! [Exit. ACT II. SCENE I. The Same. A Room in a Senator's House. Enter a Senator, with Papers in his Hand. Sen. And late, five thousand to Varro; and to Isidore Of raging waste? It cannot hold; it will not. If I want gold, steal but a beggar's dog, Enter CAPHIS. Caph. Here, Sir: what is your pleasure? Have smit my credit. I love, and honour him, A visage of demand; for, I do fear, Which flashes now a phoenix. Get you gone. Sen. Ay, go, Sir. Take the bonds along with you, Caph. I will, Sir. The Same. A Hall in TIMON'S House. Enter FLAVIUS, with many Bills in his Hand. Nor cease his flow of riot; takes no account Was to be so unwise, to be so kind. What shall be done? He will not hear, till feel. |