from me, I count it one of my greatest afflictions, say, that I cannot pleasure such an honourable gentleman. Good Servilius, will you befriend me so far as to use mine own words to him? Ser. Yes, sir, I shall. Luc. I'll look you out a good turn, Servilius.

[Exit Servilius.

True, as you said, Timon is shrunk indeed; And he that's once denied will hardly speed. [Exit. First Stran. Do you observe this, Hostilius?

Sec. Stran.

Ay, too well. 70 First Stran. Why, this is the world's soul; and just of

the same piece

Is every flatterer's spirit. Who can call him
His friend that dips in the same dish? for, in
My knowing, Timon has been this lord's father,
And kept his credit with his purse;
Supported his estate; nay, Timon's money
Has paid his men their wages: he ne'er drinks,
But Timon's silver treads upon his lip;
And yet-O, see the monstrousness of man
When he looks out in an ungrateful shape!—
He does deny him, in respect of his,
What charitable men afford to beggars.

Third Stran. Religion groans at it.

80

First Stran.

For mine own part,

I never tasted Timon in my life,

Nor came any of his bounties over me,
To mark me for his friend; yet, I protest,
For his right noble mind, illustrious virtue,
And honourable carriage,

Had his necessity made use of me,

I would have put my wealth into donation,
And the best half should have return'd to him,
So much I love his heart: but, I perceive,
Men must learn now with pity to dispense;
For policy sits above conscience.

Scene III.

A room in Sempronius' house.

90

[Exeunt.

Enter Sempronius, and a Servant of Timon's.

Sem. Must he needs trouble me in 't,-hum!—'bove all others?

Serv.

He might have tried Lord Lucius or Lucullus ;

And now Ventidius is wealthy too,

Whom he redeem'd from prison: all these

Owe their estates unto him.

My lord,

They have all been touch'd and found base metal, for

Sem.

They have all denied him.

How! have they denied him?

Has Ventidius and Lucullus denied him?
And does he send to me? Three? hum!
It shows but little love or judgement in him:
Must I be his last refuge? His friends, like phy-

sicians,

Thrive, give him over: must I take the cure upon me?
Has much disgraced me in 't; I'm angry at him,
That might have known my place: I see no sense
for 't,

But his occasions might have woo'd me first;

For, in my conscience, I was the first man
That e'er received gift from him :

And does he think so backwardly of me now,
That I'll requite it last? No:

So it may prove an argument of laughter

20

To the rest, and 'mongst lords I be thought a fool.
I'd rather than the worth of thrice the sum,
Had sent to me first, but for my mind's sake;
I'd such a courage to do him good. But now return,
And with their faint reply this answer join;
Who bates mine honour shall not know my coin.

[Exit. Serv. Excellent! Your lordship's a goodly villain.

The devil knew not what he did when he
made man politic; he crossed himself by 't:
and I cannot think but in the end the villanies 30
of man will set him clear. How fairly this
lord strives to appear foul! takes virtuous copies
to be wicked; like those that under hot ardent
zeal would set whole realms on fire:

Of such a nature is his politic love.

This was my lord's best hope; now all are fled,
Save only the gods: now his friends are dead,
Doors, that were ne'er acquainted with their wards
Many a bounteous year, must be employ'd

Now to guard sure their master.

And this is all a liberal course allows;

Who cannot keep his wealth must keep his house.

Scene IV.

A hall in Timon's house.

40

[Exit.

Enter two Servants of Varro, and the Servant of Lucius, meeting Titus, Hortensius, and other Servants of Timon's creditors, waiting his coming out.

First Var. Serv. Well met; good morrow, Titus and Hortensius.

Tit. The like to you, kind Varro.

Not yet.

ΙΟ

Phi. I wonder on 't; he was wont to shine at seven.

Luc. Serv. Ay, but the days are wax'd shorter with him: You must consider that a prodigal course

Phi.

Is like the sun's; but not, like his, recoverable.
I fear

'Tis deepest winter in Lord Timon's purse;
That is, one may reach deep enough and yet
Find little.

I am of your fear for that.