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TIMON of ATHENS, Altered from SHAKESPEAR, A TRAGEDY. As it is ACTED at the Theatre-Royal in Drury-Lane.

Poſt hoc vehemens lupus.

DUBLIN: Printed for J. EXSHAW, H. SAUNDERS, W. SLEATER D. CHAMBERLANE, J. POTTS, J. HOEY, Jun. J. MITCHELL, J. WILLIAMS, W. COLLES. J. MILIKEN, J. A. HUSBAND, T. WAL⯑KER, R. MONCRIEFFE, W. WILSON. and C. JENKINS, M,DCC,LXXII.

[]

I Wiſh I could have brought this Play upon the Stage with leſs Violence to its Author, and not ſo much Reſpon⯑ſibility on my own Part. New cha⯑racters of neceſſity require ſome diſ⯑play. Many original paſſages of the firſt merit are ſtill retained, and in the contemplation of them, my errors, I hope, will be overlooked or forgiven; In examining the Bril⯑liancy of a Diamond, few people throw away any Remarks upon the dullneſs of the foil.

Richard Cumberland.

N. B. The Lines within Commas are additional.

Dramatis Perſonae.

[]

Timon
Mr. Barry
Alcibiades
Mr. Crofts
Apemantus
Mr. Baniſter.
Flavius
Mr. Packer.
Lucius
Mr. Palmer.
Lucullus
Mr. Hurſt.
1ſt Senator
Mr, J. Aickin.
2d Senator
Mr. Inchbald.
3d Senator
Mr. Keen
Poet
Mr. Jefferſon.
Painter
Mr. Davies.
Jeweller
Mr. Wright.
Merchant
Mr. Fawcett.
Flaminius
Mr. Brereton.
Caphis
Mr. Ackman.
Servilius
Mr. Wrighton
Hortenſius
Mr. Griffith.
Varro
Maſter Cape.
Titus
Mr. J. Burton
Lucius
Mr. Wheeler.
Philotas
Mr. Jacobs.
Soldier
Mr. Baddely
Meſſenger
Mr. Follet.
Ditto
Mr. Watkins
Servant to Lucullus
Mr. Lings
Evanthe
Mrs. Barry.
Senators, Officers, Servants, Soldiers, &c. &c

[5]TIMON of ATHENS,

ACT. I.

SCENE. I.

A HALL in TIMON's Houſe.

Enter Poet and Painter.

POET

GOOD day, Sir.

Pain.

I am glad y' are well.

Poet.

I have not ſeen you long; how goes the world?

Pain.

It wears Sir as it goes.

Poet.

Ay, that's well known.

But what particular rariety? what ſo ſtrange,

Which manifold record not matches? ſee!

Jeweller and Merchant enter; other Suitors paſs over the Stage

Magick of bounty! all theſe ſpirits thy power

Hath conjur'd to attend. I know the merchant.

Pain.

I know them both; th' other's a jeweller.

Mer.

O 'tis a worthy Lord!

Jew.

Nay, that's moſt fixt.

Mer.

[6]

A moſt incomparable man, breath'd as it were

To an untirable and continuate goodneſs.

Jew.

I have a jewel here.

Mer.

O, pray, let's ſee't:

For the Lord Timon, Sir?

Jew.

If he will touch the eſtimate: but for that—

Exeunt Merchant and Jeweller.

Poet.

[to himſelf.]

When we for recompence have praiſed the vile,

It ſtains the glory in that happy verſe

Which aptly ſings the good.

Pain.

You're rapt, Sir, in ſome work, ſome dedication

To the great Lord.

Poet.

A thing ſlipt idly from me.

Our poeſie is a gum, which iſſues

From whence 'tis nouriſhed.

What have you there?

Pain.

A picture, Sir—and when comes your book forth?

Poet.

Upon the heels of my preſentment, Sir.

Let's ſee your piece.

Pain.

'Tis a good piece.

Poet.

So 'tis,

This comes off well and excellent.

Pain.

Indiff'rent.

Poet.

Admirable! how this grace

Speaks his own ſtanding? what a mental power

This eye ſhoots forth? how big imagination

Moves in this lip? to th' dumbneſs of the geſture

One might interpret.

Pain.

It is a pretty mocking of the life:

Here is a touch—is't good?

Poet.

I'll ſay of it,

It tutors nature; artificial ſtrife

Lives in thoſe touches, livelier than life.

Enter certain Senators, and paſs on.

Pain.

How this Lord is followed!

Poet.

The Senators of Athens! happy man!

Pain.

[7]

Look, more!

Poet.

You ſee this confluence, this great flood of viſiters.

I have upon a high and pleaſant hill

Feign'd Fortune to be thron'd. The baſe o' th' mount

Is rank'd with all deſerts, all kind of natures,

That labour on the boſom of this ſphere

To propagate their ſtates: amongſt them all,

Whoſe eyes are on this ſovereign lady fixt,

One do I perſonate of Timon's frame,

Whom Fortune with her iv'ry hand wafts to her,

Whoſe preſent grace to preſent ſlaves and ſervants

Tranſlates his rivals.

Pain.

'Tis conceiv'd to th' ſcope.

This throne, this fortune, and this hill, methinks,

With one man beckon'd from the reſt below,

Bowing his head againſt the ſteepy mount

To climb his happineſs, would be well expreſt

In our condition.

Poet.

Nay. but hear me on:

When Fortune in her ſhift and change of mood

Spurns down her late belov'd, all his dependants,

(Which labour'd after to the mountain's top,

Even on their knees and hands,) let him ſlip down,

Not one accompanying his declining foot.

Pain.

'Tis common:

A thouſand moral paintings I can ſhew,

That ſhall demonſtrate theſe quick blows of fortune

More pregnantly than words. Yet you do well

To ſhew Lord Timon, that mean eyes have ſeen

The foot above the head.

SCENE. II.

Flouriſh of Trumpets. Timon attended by ſeveral Suitors Senators, Jeweller, Merchant, &c. &c. addreſſing himſelf courteouſly to every one.

Tim.

Impriſon'd is he, ſay you?

[to a Meſſenger

Meſ.

Ay my good Lord; five talents is his debt,

His means moſt ſhort, his creditors moſt ſtreight:

[8]

Your honourable letter he deſires

To thoſe have ſhut him up, which failing to him

Periods his comfort.

Tim.

Noble Ventidius! well—

I am not of that feather to ſhake off

My friend when he moſt needs me. I do know him.

A gentleman that well deſerves a help,

Which he ſhall have. I'll pay the debt, and free him.

Meſ,

Your Lordſhip ever binds him.

Tim.

Commend me to him, I will ſend his ranſom;

And, being enfranchiz'd bid him come to me;

'Tis not enough to help the feeble up,

But to ſupport him after. fare you well.

Meſ.

All happineſs to your honour!

[Exit.

Poet.

Vouchſafe my labour, and long live your Lord⯑ſhip.

Tim.

I thank you, you ſhall hear from me anon:

Go not away. What have you there my friend?

Pain.

A piece of painting, which I do beſeech

Your Lordſhip to accept.

Tim.

Painting is welcome.

The painted is the almoſt natural man:

For ſince diſhonour trafficks with man's nature,

He is but outſide: pencil'd figures are

Ev'n ſuch as they give out. I like your work;

And you ſhall find I like it: wait attendance

Till you hear further from me.

Pain.

The Gods preſerve you!

Tim.

Well fare you, Gentleman; give me your hand,

[to the Merchant,

We muſt needs dine together—Sir, your jewel

Hath ſuffer'd under praiſe.

Jew.

What, my Lord? diſpraiſe?

Tim.

A meer ſatiety of commendations.

If I ſhould pay you for't, as 'tis extoll'd,

It would unclew me quite.

Jew.

Believ't, dear Lord,

You mend the jewel by the wearing it.

Tim.

Well mock'd.

Mer.

[9]

No my good Lord, it is the common tongue,

Which all men ſpeak with him.

Tim.

Look who comes here.

Enter Apemantus.

Will you be chid?

Jew.

We'll bear it with your Lordſhip.

Mer.

He'll ſpare none.

Tim.

Good morrow to thee, gentle Apemantus!

Apem.

Till I be gentle, ſtay for thy good morrow;

When thou art Timon's dog, and theſe knaves honeſt.

Tim.

Why doſt thou call them knaves, thou know'ſt them not?

Apem.

Are they not Athenians?

Tim.

Yes

Apem.

Then I repent not.

Jew.

You know me Apemantus?

Apem.

Thou know'ſt I do, I call'd thee by thy name.

Tim.

Thou art proud, Apemantus.

Apem.

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

Tim.

How lik'ſt thou this picture, Apemantus?

Apem.

The beſt for the innocence.

Tim.

Wrought he not well that painted it?

Apem.

He wrought better, that made the painter: And yet he's but a filthy piece of work.

Tim.

How doſt thou like this jewel, Apemantus?

Apem.

Not ſo well as plain-dealing, which will not coſt a man a doit.

Tim.

What doſt thou think 'tis worth?

Apem.

Not worth my thinking—How now, poet?

Poet.

How now philoſopher?

Apem.

Thou lieſt.

Poet.

Art thou not one?

Apem.

Yes.

Poet.

Then I lie not.

Apem.

Art not a poet?

Poet.

Yes.

Apemr

Then thou lieſt: look in thy laſt work, where thou haſt feign'd him a worthy fellow.

Poet.

[10]

That's not feign'd, he is ſo.

Apem.

Yes, he is worthy of thee, and to pay thee for thy labour. He that loves to be flattered, is wor⯑thy o' th' flatterer. Heav'ns, that I were a Lord!

Tim.

What would'ſt do then, Apemantus?

Apem.

Ev'n as Apemantus does now, hate a Lord with my heart.

Tim.

What, thyſelf?

Apem.

Ay.

Tim.

Wherefore?

Apem.

That I had ſo hungry a wit to be a Lord—Art thou not a merchant?

Mer.

Ay Apemantus.

Apem.

Traffick confound thee, if the gods will not.

Mer.

If traffick do it, the gods do it.

Apem.

Traffick's thy god, and thy god confound thee!

Trumpets ſound. Enter a Meſſenger.

Tim.

What trumpet's that?

Meſ.

'Tis Alcibiades and ſome twenty horſe,

All of companionſhip.

Tim.

Pray entertain them, give them guide to us;

Exit.

You muſt all dine with me—Go not you hence,

Till I have thank't you and when dinner's done,

Shew me this Piece. I'm joyful of your ſights.

Enter Alcibiades with the reſt.

Moſt welcome, Sir!

[Bowing and embracing

Apem.

So, ſo! Aches contract, and ſtarve your ſup⯑ple joints! that there ſhould be ſmall love amongſt theſe ſweet knaves, and all this courteſie! the ſtrain of man's bred out into baboon and monkey.

Alc.

You have ev'n ſav'd my longing, and I feed

Moſt hungerly on your ſight.

Tim.

Right welcome, Sir.

E'er we do part, we'll ſhare of bounteous time

In diff'rent pleaſure. Pray you let us in.

[Exeunt

[11]Manet Apemantus.

Apem.

O you gods! what a number of men eat

Timon and he ſees 'em not? It grieves me to ſee

So many dip their meat in one man's blood,

And all the madneſs is he cheers them up too.

I wonder, men dare truſt themſelves with men!

SCENE. III.

Enter Lucius and Lucullus.

Luc.

What time o' day is't Apemantus?

Apem.

Time to be honeſt.

Luc.

That time ſerves ſtill.

Apem.

The moſt accurſed thou that ſtill omitt'ſt it.

Lucul.

Thou art going to Lord Timon's feaſt.

Apem.

Ay to ſee meat fill knaves, and wine heat fools

Lucul.

Fare thee well, fare thee well.

Apem.

Thou art a fool to bid me farewel twice.

Lucul.

Why, Apemantus?

Apem.

Thou ſhould'ſt have kept one to thyſelf, for I mean to give thee none.

Luc.

Hang thyſelf.

Apem.

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

Lucul.

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

Apem.

I will fly, like a dog, the heels o' th' aſs.

[Exit Apemantus.

Luc.

He's oppoſite to humanity.

Come, ſhall we in, and taſte Lord Timon's bounty?

He, ſure, outgoes the very heart of kindneſs.

Lucul.

He pours it out. Plutus, the god of gold,

Is but his ſteward: no meed but he repays

Sevenfold above itſelf; no gift to him,

But breeds the giver a return exceeding

All uſe of quittance.

Luc.

[12]

The nobleſt mind he carries,

That ever govern'd man.

Lucul.

Long may he live in fortunes! Shall we in?

Luc.

I'll keep you company.

[Exeunt.

SCENE IV.

A magnificent aſſembly room, finely decorated and illumi⯑nated.

Timon, Alcibiades, Lucius, Lucullus, Senators and Suitors.

Timon.

" So, ſo! why this is well. But where's my daughter?

" Where is Evanthe? ſhe's the miſtreſs ſpirit

" That conjures up theſe revels.

Lucius.

" Lo! ſhe comes.—

Evanthe advances from the back ſcene, attended by a train of Ladies.

Timon.

" Give the flutes breath!

[flutes.

Luc.

" Mark, how the general's rapt; I like not that

Alcib.

" Hah! what new wonder; what enchant⯑ment holds me?

" All that I vew is ſplendid, rare and noble:

" But ſhe (great Gods!) oh, ſhe—Hence forward, Tim⯑on

" When I wou'd tell the ſum of thy poſſeſſions,

" I'll ſay though haſt a daughter: all things elſe

" I hold not worth the naming.

Evanthe.

" Welcome, Sir!

Alcib.

" Thanks, matchleſs Lady; not the roſy morn

" When ſhe brings fame and victory on her wings,

" E'er bleſt me with ſuch beauties.

Tim.

" Pray ye ſit:

" And as, in honour of our warlike gueſt,

" The ſhrill-ton'd clarions in loud concert pour

" Their ſwelling peal, a band of Lydian dancers

[13]

" Shall all the while her airy meaſures tread

" Reſponſive to the ſtrain."

Here a grand dance is introduced to martial muſick. The characters range on every ſide, ſome ſitting, Alcibiades next to Evanthe; he diſcourſes with her during the dance.

Tim.

You have done our pleaſures much grace, gen⯑tle friends!

Set a fair faſhion on our entertainment,

By adding worth unto't, and lively luſtre,

I am to thank you for it. Flavius?

Flav.

My Lord.

Tim.

The little caſket bring me hither.

Flav.

Yes, my Lord. More jewels yet? there is no croſſing him in's humour,

Elſe I could tell him—well—

Luc.

Where be our men?

Serv.

Here, my Lord, in readineſs.

Tim.

O my good friends!

I have one word to ſay to you; look, my Lord,

I muſt intreat you, honour me ſo much

As to advance this jewel, accept, and wear it,

Kind my Lord!

Luc.

I am ſo far already in your gifts,—

All.

So are we all.

Tim.

You do yourſelves much wrong, you bate too much of your own merits. Here, my Lord, a trifle of our Love.

Luc.

With more than common thanks, I do receive it.

Lucul.

He has 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. 'Tis yours becauſe you lik'd it.

Lucul.

Oh, I beſeech you, pardon me, my Lord, in that.

Tim.

[14]

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 my own; I'll call on you.

All Lords.

O, none to welcome.

Tim.

I take all, and your ſeveral viſitations

So kind to heart, 'tis not enough to give

My thanks; I could deal kingdoms to my friends,

And ne'er be weary. Alcibiades.

Thou art a ſoldier, therefore ſeldom rich,

It comes in charity to thee; thy living

Is 'mongſt the dead and all the lands thou haſt

Lie in a pitcht field.

Alc.

I defy land, my Lord.

Luc.

We are ſo virtuouſly bound—

Tim.

And ſo am I to you.

Lucul.

So infinitely endear'd—

Tim.

All to you. Lights! more lights, more lights!

Come, Sirs, there is a trifling banquet waits you.

Luc.

The beſt of happineſs, honour and fortunes,

Keep you, Lord Timon—

Tim.

Ready for his friends.

[Exeunt Lords

Manent Timon and Flavius.

Flav.

I beſeech your honour, vouchſafe me a word; it does concern you near.

Tim.

Me near? Why then another time I'll hear thee. I pry'thee let's be provided to ſhew them enter⯑tainment.

Flav.

I ſcarce know how.

[Exeunt.

End of the FIRST ACT.

ACT II.

[15]

SCENE I.

A publick place in the City.

Enter a Senator.

SENATOR.

AND late, five thouſand: to Varro, and to Iſidore

He owes nine thouſand, beſides my former ſum;

Which makes it five and twenty.—Still in motion

Of raging waſte. It cannot hold, it will not.

If I want gold, ſteal but a beggar's dog,

And give it Timon, why, the dog coins gold.

If I would ſell my horſe, and buy ten more

Better than he; why give my horſe to Timon,

Aſk nothing, give it him, it foals me ſtraight

Ten able horſes. No porter at his gate;

But rather one that ſmiles, and ſtill invites

All that paſs by. It cannot hold; no reaſon

Can found his ſtate in ſafety. Caphis, hoa!

Caphis, I ſay.

Enter Caphis.

Cap.

Here, Sir, what is your pleaſure?

Sen.

Get on your Cloake, and haſte you to lord Timon

Importune him for monies, be not ceaſt

With ſlight denial; nor then ſilenced with

'Commend me to your maſter'—and the cap

Plays in the right hand, thus:—but tell him, ſirrah,

My uſes cry to me, I muſt ſerve my turn

Out of mine own; his days and times are paſt.

And my reliance on his fracted dates

[16]

Has ſmit my credit. I love and honour him;

But muſt not break my back, to heal his finger.

Immediate are my needs, and my relief

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

But find ſupply immediate. Get you gone.

Put on a moſt importunate aſpect,

A viſage of demand: for I do fear,

When every feather ſticks in his own wing,

Lord Timon wilt be left a naked gull,

Who flaſhes now a Phoenix—get you gone.

Cap.

I go, Sir.

Sen.

I go, Sir?—take the bonds along with you,

And have the dates in compt.

Cap.

I will, ſir.

Sen.

Go.

[Exeunt.

SCENE, II.

An apartment in Timon's houſe.

Lucius and Evanthe,

Luc.

" Two tedious years are paſt ſince I have ſigh'd

" In ſecret and conſum'd away with love

" Of fair Evanthe: is it much to aſk

" A moment's patience?—On my knees I beg it.

Evan.

" Riſe, riſe, my Lord, you wrong your ſtate too much:

" Doubt not you have my love; all that are friends

" To Timon have my love; and you the moſt;

" For you are inmoſt with his heart and guide,

" Thoſe ſprings that put his bounty into action.

" You are no flatterer, you, to hug him cloſe

" And hood-wink him with kiſſes, till he ſtrikes

" The rocks, and ſhallows, where his fortunes periſh.

Luc.

" Who doubts my friendſhip?

Evan.

" Periſh he that doubts it!

" You are not like the falſe ones of the world,

" Who, when the veering winds forſake their quarter,

[17]

" Turn from his worſhipt ſide where late they hung,

" And like the ebbing and unſteady waves,

" Fall back and leave him bare.

Luc.

" Enough of this;

" I pray you hear me now.

Evan.

" Your pardon Sir.

" Do I not know your moſt uncommon virtue?

" And with what conſtancy you entertain

" The various gifts his bounty has ſhower'd on you,

" But as the untouch'd pledges of his love;

" Ready to deal them back with ſuch addition,

" As grows in generous minds, when his neceſſities

" Shall challenge reſtitution, Would'ſt thou not

" Do all, give all for my dear father's ſake?

[Lucullus enters,]

" Why here's Lucullus too; a worthy Lord:

" How can I chuſe but prize ſuch equal friends?

" Of this be both aſſur'd, ſuch love as each

" To Timon bears, bear I to him. Farewel.

[Exit Evanthe.]

SCENE. III.

Lucius and Lucullus.

"Lucul.

" How now, my Lord; in private?

"Luc.

" Yes, I thought ſo,

" Till an unwelcome, intermedling Lord

" Stept in and aſked the queſtion.

"Lucul.

What, in anger?

" By Heav'ns I'll gall him; for he ſtands before me

" In the broad ſunſhine of Lord Timon's bounty,

" And throws my better merits into ſhade.

[aſide.

"Luc.

" Now would I kill him, if I durſt.

[aſide.

"Lucul.

" Methinks.

" You look but coldly: What has croſt your ſuit?

" Alas, poor Lucius! but I read your fate

" In that unkind one's frown.

"Luc.

[18]

" No doubt, my Lord,

" Yo that receive them ever, are well vers'd

" In that unkind one's frowns; as the clear ſtream

" Reflects your perſon, ſo may you eſpy

" In the ſure mirrour of her ſcornful brow

" The clouded picture of your own deſpair,

Lucul.

" Come, you preſume too far: talk not thus idly

" To me that know you.

Luc.

" Know me?

Lucul.

" Ay, that know you,

" For one that courſes up and down on errands,

" A ſtale retainer at Lord Timon's table;

" A man grown great by making legs and cringes,

" By winding round a wanton ſpendthrift's heart,

" And gulling him at pleaſure. Now, do I know you?

Luc.

" Gods! muſt I bear this, bear it from Lucullus?

" I, who firſt brought thee from Lord Timon's ſtirrup,

" Set thee in ſight, and breath'd into thy ear

" The breath of hope? what had'ſt thou been, ingrateful

" But that I took up Jove's imperfect work,

" Gave thee a ſhape, and made thee into man?

SCENE IV.

Alcibiades to them.

Alcib,

" What, wrangling, Lords; like hungry curs "for cruſts?

" Away with this unmanly war of words!

" Pluck forth your ſhining rapiers from their ſhells,

" And level boldly at each other's heart!

" Hearts did I ſay?—But they are gone from home,

" And hid in Timon's coffers—Fie upon it!

Luc.

" My Lord Lucullus, I ſhall find a time.

Alcib.

" Hah! find a time?—The brave make time and place:

" Gods, Gods! what things are men? You'll find a time?

" A time for what? To murder him in's ſleep?

[19]

" The man, who wrongs me, at the altar's foot

" I'll ſeize, yea drag him from the ſhelt'ring aegis.

" Of ſtern Minerva.

Luc.

" Ay, 'tis your profeſſion.

Alc.

" Down on your knees, and thank the gods for that;

" Or woe for Athens! was it left for ſuch

" As you are to defend. Do ye not hate

" Each other heartily? yet neither dares

" To bare his trembling falchion to the ſun:

" How tame they dangle on your coward thighs!

Lucul.

" We are no ſoldiers, Sir,

Alc.

" No, ye are Lords:

" A lazy, proud, unprofitable crew,

" The Vermin, gender'd from the rank corruption

" Of a luxurious ſtate.—No ſoldiers, ſay you?

" And wherefore are ye none? have you not life,

" Friends, honour, freedom, country to defend?

" He that has theſe by nature is a ſoldier,

" And, when he weilds his ſword in their defence,

" Inſtinctively fulfills the end he lives for.

" What then are ye? Hence and avoid my ſight.

[Exeunt Lucius and Lucullus.

Alcibiades,

" Gods! that ſuch triflers ſhould be called Athenians:

" O Great Minerva, patroneſs of Athens,

" How is our fathers antient ſpirit fled!

" By heav'ns I'll ſtraight betake me to Lord Timon.

" And free him from theſe harpies—Ha! Evanthe?

SCENE V.

Alcibiades and Evanthe.

Alc.

" Lady, your noble father's groſsly wrong'd:

" His fortune breeds a ſwarm of ſummer flies,

" Whoſe filthy buzing fills his ears a-while,

[20]

" Till with the firſt cold blaſt that nips his bloſſoms,

" The flutt'ring inſects take the wing, and leave him.

Evan.

" 'Tis Lucius and Lucullus, whom you point at.

Alc.

" Chiefly at them for they were laſt in ſight;

" And 'tis but now I ſcar'd the drones away.

Evan.

" For that I am to thank you; my tir'd ears

" Had elſe been tortur'd with their dreams of love?

Alc.

" Their love? with Lucius with Lucullus love?

" How ſleeps the thunder when men ſcale the heavens

" Yet who can ſee ſuch beauty and not love?

" Our hearts muſt tell it, tho' our tongues keep ſilence.

Evan.

" Nay, my, good Lord, no more of this, I pray you.

" She, who inſpires thee with a private paſſion,

" Muſt be her country's foe.

Alc.

" O ſay not that—

" Muſt then your ſoldier toil without reward?

" Beauty, that ſun of bliſs, that lights the world,

" And love, that lifts us equal to the gods,

" Say muſt thoſe bleſſings be reſerv'd alone

" To the ſoft ſons of peace? Then war farewel!

" Take they who will, the chearleſs trade of arms,

" I envy not ſuch honourable folly.

Evan.

" Yes, you have words to make each cauſe your own,

" Lips, which your maſter Socrates has tun'd

" To ſounds, that ſoften, and perſuade the ſoul:

" Oh, you're an apt diſciple.

Alc.

" You miſtake me;

" I am no courtier; have no wit no cunning,

" To wrap your heart in flattery's ſilken ſnare

" And hook it gently in, as ſome can do,

" Home-keeping youths, the Idlers of the age,

" Smooth ſummer fops, that line your father's table

" With faſhionable follies.—I've no art

" To pay your virtue reverence with my eyes,

" And wrong it with my heart; ſuch as I am,

" Such nature form'd me; philoſophic aid

[21]

" Nor gives, nor takes away; of nought I boaſt

" Save of a faithful, pure, and ardent love

Evan.

" O my caught heart; ah! whither wou'd you lead me?

" But come, my Lord, the hall begins to fill;

" If you'll commit yourſelf to ſuch ſociety

" As my poor thoughts can furniſh, a ſhort hour

" Frees you, and brings my father from the chace."

[Exeunt.

SCENE V continues.

Enter Flavius with many bills in his hand.

Flav.

No care, no ſtop—ſo ſenſeleſs of expence;

That he will neither know how to maintain it,

Nor ceaſe his flow of riot? Takes no account

How things go from him, and reſumes no care

Of what is to continue: never mind

Was to be ſo unwiſe, to be ſo kind.

What ſhall be done?—He will not hear, till feel:

I muſt be round with him, now he comes from hunting.

Fy, fy, fy fy.

[Exit.

Enter Caphis, Iſidore, and Varro.

Cap.

Good evening! what, you come for money?

Var.

It's not your buſineſs too?

Cap.

Il is; and yours too?

Iſid.

It is ſo.

Cap.

Would we were all diſcharg'd.

Var.

I fear it.

Cap.

Here comes the Lord.

Enter Timon, and his train, with Flavius.

Tim.

So ſoon as dinner's done, we'll forth again.

—Well, what's your will?

[They preſent their bills.

Cap.

My Lord, here is a note of certain dues.

Tim.

Dues? whence are you?

Cap.

Of Althens here my Lord.

Tim.

[22]

Go to my ſteward.

Cap.

Pleaſe it your Lordſhip, he hath put me off

To the ſucceſſion of new days, this month:

My maſter is awak'd by great occaſion,

To call upon his own; and humbly prays you,

That with your other noble parts you'll ſuit,

In giving him his right.

Tim.

My honeſt friend,

I pr'ythee but repair to me next morning.

Cap.

Nay, good my Lord.

Tim.

Contain thyſelf, good friend.

Var.

One Varro's ſervant, my good Lord—

Iſid.

From Iſidore, he prays your ſpeedy payment—

Cap.

If you did know, my Lord, my maſter's wants—

Var.

'Twas due on forfeiture, my Lord, ſix weeks, and paſt—

Iſid.

Your ſteward puts me off, my Lord and I

Am ſent expreſsly to your Lordſhip.

Tim.

Give me breath:—

I do beſeech you, good my Lords, keep on,

[Ex. Lords.

I'll wait upon you inſtantly.—Come hither:

How goes the world, that I am thus encountred

With clam'rous demands of broken bonds,

And the detention of long-ſince-due debts,

Againſt my honour?

Flav.

Pleaſe you, gentlemen,

The time is unagreeable to this buſineſs:

Your importunity ceaſe, till after dinner;

That I may make his Lordſhip underſtand

Wherefore you are not paid.

Tim.

Do ſo, my friends; ſee them well entertain'd.

Flav.

Pray you, away!

[Exeunt creditors.

Tim.

You make me marvel: wherefore, ere this time

Had you not fully laid my ſtate before me?

That I might ſo have rated my expence,

As I had leave of means.

Flav.

You would not hear me:

At many leiſures I propos'd.

Tim.

[23]

Go to:

Perchance, ſome ſingle vantages you took,

When my indiſpoſition put you back:

And that unaptneſs made you miniſter

Thus to excuſe yourſelf.

Flav.

O my good Lord,

At many times I brought in my accompts,

Laid them before; you you would throw them off,

And ſay, you found them in mine honeſty;

When, for ſome trifling preſent, you have bid me

Return ſo much, I've ſhook my head, and wept;

Yea, 'gainſt th' authority of manners, pray'd you

To hold your hand more cloſe. I did endure

Not ſeldom, nor no ſlight checks; when I have

Prompted you in the ebb of your eſtate,

And your great flow of debts. My dear lov'd Lord,

Though you hear now too late, yet now's a time;

The greateſt of your having lacks a half

To pay your preſent debts.

Tim.

Let all my land be ſold.

Flav.

'Tis all engag'd, ſome forfeited and gone:

And what remains will hardly ſtop the mouth

Of preſent dues.

Tim.

To Lacedaemon did my land extend.

Flav.

O my good Lord, the world is but a world;

Were it all yours, to give it in a breath,

How quickly were it gone!

Tim.

You tell me true.

Flav.

If you ſuſpect my huſbandry,

Call me before th' exacteſt auditors,

And ſet me on the proof. So the Gods bleſs me,

When all our offices have been oppreſt

With riotous feeders; when our vaults have wept

With drunken ſpilth of wine; when every room

Hath blaz'd with lights, and bray'd with minſtrelſie,

I have retir'd me to a lonely corner,

And ſet my eyes at flow.

Tim.

Pr'ythee, no more.

Flav

[24]

Heav'ns! have I ſaid, the bounty of this Lord!

How many prodigal bits have ſlaves and peaſants

This night englutted! who now is not Timon's?

Great Timon's, noble, worthy, royal Timon's?

Ah I when the means are gone, that buy this praiſe,

The breath is gone whereof this praiſe is maid:

Feaſt-won, faſt-loſt; one cloud of winter ſhowers,

Theſe flies are coucht.

Tim

Come, ſermon me no further,

No villainous bounty yet hath paſt my heart;

Unwiſely, not ignobly, have I given.

Why doſt thou weep? canſt thou the conſcience lack,

To think I ſhall lack friends? ſecure thy heart;

If I would broach the veſſels of my love,

And try the arguments of hearts by borrowing,

Men and men's fortunes could I frankly uſe,

As I can bid thee ſpeak.

Flav.

Aſſurance bleſs your thoughts!

Tim.

And in ſome ſort theſe wants of mine are crown'd

That I account them bleſſings; for by theſe

Shall I try friends. You ſhall perceive how you

Miſtake my fortunes: in my friends I'm wealthy.

Within there, Ho! Flaminius, Servilius!

Enter Flaminius, Servilius, and other ſervants.

Serv.

My Lord, my Lord.

Tim.

I will diſpatch you ſev'rally.

You to Lord Lucius—to Lord Lucullus you,—you to Sempronius—commend me to their loves; and I am Proud, ſay, that my occaſions have found time to uſe 'em toward a ſupply of money; let the requeſt be fifty talents.

Flam.

As you have ſaid, my Lord.

Flav.

Lord Lucius and Lucullus? humph!

Tim.

Go, you. Sir, to the ſenators;

[to Flavius.]

Of whom, even to the ſtate's beſt health, I have

Deſerv'd this hearing; bid 'em ſend o'th' inſtant

A thouſand talents to me.

Flav.

[25]

I've been bold,

(For that I knew it the moſt general way)

To them to uſe your ſignet and your name;

But they do ſhake their heads, and I am here

No richer in return.

Tim.

Is't true? can't be?

Flav.

They anſwer in a joint and corporate voice,

That now they are at fall, want treaſure, cannot

Do what they would; are ſorry—You are honourable-

And ſo intending other ſerious matters,

After diſtaſteful looks, and theſe hard fractions,

With certain half-caps, and cold-moving nods,

They froze me into ſilence.

Tim.

You Gods reward them!

I pr'ythee, man, look cheerly. Theſe old fellows

Have their ingratitude in them hereditary:

Their blood is cak'd, 'tis cold, it ſeldom flows,

And nature, as it grows again tow'rd earth,

Is faſhion'd for the journey, dull and heavy.

Go to Ventiaius—pr'ythee, be not ſad,

Thou'rt true, and juſt; ingenuouſly I ſpeak,

No blame belongs to thee: Ventidius lately

Bury'd his father, by whoſe death he's ſtepp'd

Into a great eſtate; when he was poor,

Impriſon'd, and in ſcarcity of friends,

I clear'd him with five talents. Greet him from me,

Bid him ſuppoſe, ſome good neceſſity

Touches his friend, which craves to be remember'd

With thoſe five talents. That had, give't theſe fellows,

To whom 'tis inſtant due. Ne'er ſpeak, or think

That Timon's fortunes 'mong his friends can ſink.

Stew.

Would, I could not: that thought is bounty's foe;

Being free itſelf, it thinks all others ſo.

[Exeunt.

End of the SECOND ACT.

ACT III.

[26]

SCENE I.

Lucullus's Houſe in Athens.

Flaminius waiting. Enter a ſervant to him.

SERVANT.

I Have told my Lord of you; he is coming down to you.

Flam.

I thank you, Sir.

Enter Lucullus.

Serv.

Here's my Lord.

Lucul.

One of Lord Timon's men; a gift, I warrant. Why, this hits right: I dreamt of a ſilver baſon and ewre to-night. Flaminius, honeſt Flaminius, you are very reſpectively welcome, Sir; fill me ſome wine. And how does that honourable, compleat, free-hearted Gentleman of Athens, thy very bountiful good lord and maſter?

Flam.

His health is well, Sir.

Lucul.

I am right glad that his health is well, Sir; and what haſt thou there under thy cloak, pretty Flaminius?

Flam.

Faith, nothing but an empty box, Sir, which in my Lord's behalf I come to intreat your Honour to ſupply; who having great and inſtant occaſion to uſe fifty talents, hath ſent to your Lordſhip to furniſh him, nothing doubting your preſent aſſiſtance therein.

Lucul.

La, la, la, la,—Nothing doubting, ſays he? alas, good Lord, a noble Gentleman 'tis, if he would not keep ſo good a houſe. Many a time and often I ha' din'd with him, and told him on't; and came again to ſupper to him on purpoſe to have him ſpend leſs.[27] And yet he would embrace no counſel, take no warn⯑ing by my coming; every man hath his fault, and honeſty is his. I ha' told him on't, but I could never get him from 't.

Enter a ſervant, with wine.

Serv.

Pleaſe your Lordſhip, here is the wine.

Lucul.

Flaminius, I have noted thee always wiſe. Here's to thee,

Flam.

Your Lordſhip ſpeaks your pleaſure.

Lucul.

I have obſerv'd thee always for a towardly prompt ſpirit, give thee thy due: and one that knows what belongs to reaſon; and canſt uſe the time well, if the time uſe thee well. Good parts in thee—Get you gone, ſirrah.

[To the ſervant, who goes out.]

—Draw nearer, honeſt Flaminius; thy Lord's a boun⯑tiful Gentleman, but thou art wiſe, and thou knoweſt well enough (although thou comeſt to me) that this is no time to lend money, eſpecially upon bare friend⯑ſhip without ſecurity. Here's three Solidares for thee: good boy, wink at me, and ſay, thou ſaw'ſt me not. Fare thee well.

Flam.

Is't poſſible the world ſhould ſo much differ,

And we alive that liv'd? fly, damned baſeneſs,

To him that worſhips thee.

[Throwing, the money away

Lucul

Ha! now I ſee thou art a fool, and fit for thy maſter.

[Exit Lucullus.

Flam.

May theſe add to the number that may ſcald thee:

Let molten coin be thy damnation,

Thou diſeaſe of a friend, and not himſelf!

Has friendſhip ſuch a faint and milky heart,

It turns in leſs than two nights? O you gods!

I feel my maſter's paſſion. This ſlave

Unto this hour has my Lord's meat in him:

Why ſhould it thrive, and turn to nutriment,

When he is turn'd to poiſon?

O! may diſeaſes only work upon't:

[28]

And when he's ſick to death, let not that part

Of nature, my Lord paid for, be of power

To expel ſickneſs, but prolong his hour!

[Exit.]

SCENE II.

A Hall in Timon's Houſe.

Evanthe, Flavius.

Evan.

" Nay, they ſhall all away: here, take the caſket;

" Away with theſe unprofitable trinkets,

" They mock my wretchedneſs; get money, Flavius.

" Peace, man, reply not; theſe plain weeds will ſerve

" The daughter of ſo poor a man as Timon.

" Go, go; no more on't.

[Exit Flavius

Servilius enters.

" Now Servilius—Well!

" What ſays Sempronius? Where are the five talents

" Due from Ventidius?

Servil.

I have tried them both

" And they have both denied him?

" The Gods deny them, when they crave their bleſſing

" Why he has been to theſe men as a father,

And kept their credit with a bounteous purſe,

Now they deny him. "Scarce three days are paſt,

" Since he redeem'd Ventidius from a priſon.

" Oh, the baſe ſoul of man—Come hither, Sir;

" Hortenſius the Senator late gave me

" Six young Numidian ſlaves, let them be ſold.

" Go, ſee it done.

[Exit Servilius.]

Flaminius enters.

" Flaminius, you were ſent

" To Lord Lucullus; come, tell out the talents.

Flam.

" A fruitleſs errand have I made, dear Lady,

" To a moſt thankleſs man.

Evan.

" Are you too empty?

Flam.

" Empty as air, as the falſe hollow heart

[29]

" Of him who has denied me.

Evan.

" Oh! the villain.

This was my Lord's beſt hope; now all are fled,

Save the Gods only. Who can call him friend,

That dips in the ſame diſh? This man 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 ingrateful ſhape!

He does deny him in reſpect of his,

What charitable men afford to beggars.

Flam.

" Religion groans at it.

Evan.

" I have a picture,

" Apelles might have own'd it: 'tis my father:

" Lo, what a form he wears! A Cretan artiſt

" Trac'd out the living work. There was a time,

" Not all the treaſures of the Epheſian fane,

" Had brib'd me to diſpoſe on't. Here, Flaminius,

" Take it; get gold. Now I have nothing left.

[Exit Flaminius.

SCENE III.

Evanthe and Lucius.

Luc.

" Alone; in tears too? Ill betide the cauſe,

" That wrings theſe pearly drops from ſuch fair eyes!

" Look up, divine Evanthe; 'tis thy Lucius,

" Whoſe life, fame, fortune, whoſe extremeſt means,

" Lie all at thy devotion.

Evan.

" Have a care;

" Art ſure of that?

Luc.

" What ſays my fair?

Evan.

" I ſay,

" Art ſure this is not flattery? Speak truly,

" You tell me all that you poſſeſs is mine;

" What, if I take you at your word you'll ſhrink

" From theſe large promiſes.

Luc.

" Lady I ſwear—

Evan.

" Oh! ſwear it by all means.

Luc.

" Then in the name

[30]

" Of all the Gods at once—

Evan.

" Ay, this is ſomething;

" Band 'em all in; leave not a god uncall'd

" To witneſs to your oath; my faith has need on't.

Luc.

" Then let each conſcious power, that ſees me kneel,

" Witneſs how gladly Lucius would give up

" Rank, honours, riches, all the world holds dear,

" So he might gain thy love.

Evan.

" Riſe; 'tis enough.

" Here is my hand—For that vile traſh call'd gold,

" Well none on't.

Luc.

" Hah!

Evan.

" O we'll be rich in love;

" Love is a pure, ſublime, etherial paſſion:

" Timon wants gold; his ſtate is ſhrunk to nothing.

" We need it not. Go, and reſtore him back

" All his too laviſh bounty has ſhow'r'd on you;

" Build up his fortune to its former ſplendor:

" Do this, and I am thine.

Luc.

" Humph!

Evan.

" Do you waver?

" Oh while you live beware of perjury,

" The Gods have regiſtered your oath. Go Lucius.

" Caſt off that glittering garb, as I have done,

" And take a noble poverty like mine:

" And fear not, Lucius, the conſenting Heavens

" Shall bleſs your gratitude and my devotion;

" With honeſt hands we'll labour to ſupply

" Life's ſlender wants, and ſcorn the guilty great.

Luci.

" How's this? is Timon ruin'd, did you ſay?

Evan.

" Go, aſk his friends Sempronius and Lucullus

" They'll tell you he is ruin'd. Aſk Ventidius,

" Theſe abject ſouls will tell you he is ruin'd;

" And therefore theſe have turn'd their backs upon him

" But you, my Lucius, you—

Luc.

" Have theſe denied him?

Evan.

" All, all; their hearts are flint.

Luc.

" Lucullus too?

Evan.

[31]

" He too, the viper that his boſom warm'd;

" None now remains untried, but you alone.

Luc.

" Soft you, am I alone of all untried?

" Sempronius and Lucullus and Ventidius"

Have all denied? And does, he ſend to me?

It ſhews but little love or judgement in him.

Muſt I be his laſt refuge? I am angry.

He has diſgrac'd me in't. 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 receiv'd gift from him. "For you Lady,

" Your beauty may do ſomething, but not this.

" This were too much. The faireſt of ye all

" May be too dearly bought.

Evan.

" Away, Away,

" With theſe baſe ſhifts, theſe counterfeit complaints;

" Nor love nor friendſhip ever round thy heart.

" Thou ſpiritleſs diſſembler: die abhorr'd.

" Gold be thy bane, thy God be thy perdition!

" Out of my ſight, ingrateful! Hoa, Flaminius!

" Oh! art thou fled? Thy infamy light on thee,

" Unfeeling ſhameleſs villain.

SCENE IV.

Evanthe and Alcibiades.

Alcib.

" Who has wrong'd you?

" And why theſe tears? Speak, Lady I'm no flatterer:

" A plain Blunt man, who bears you more good will

" Than he will tell of; courts no wealthy friend.

" And dares to own a poor one. Why do you ſhake

" Your head thus? Where's your father; is all well?

" O my prophetic ſoul!

Evan.

" Where is my father?

" As low as miſery and want can lay him.

Alcib.

" Now the gods comfort him! Spare your ſad ſtory,

" I know it all. I am a man that carry

" My fortune by my ſide; this ſword, tho' poor,

[32]

" Has made men rich: the ſenate are my debtors;

" Thus arm'd, I'll ſtrait before e'm. When their fleet

" Periſh'd at Aegos, and the city ſaw

" The Spartan ſtandard on their frighted walls,

" What cou'd have ſav'd the ſtate, and bought them peace,

" Had not Lyſander's mercenary palm

" Been fill'd with Timon's gold? ſhall Timon then

" Want that baſe dirt, while their cramm'd coffers ſtand

" Up to the lips in coin? the Gods forbid it.

Evan.

" Alas, the Senate have been tried already

Theyv'e all been touch'd, and all are found baſe metal,

For they have all denied him.

Alcib.

" Gods, I thank you,

" Since 'tis your pleaſure to allow ſuch baſeneſs,

" For that this hour ſhall bring me into trial.

" Adverſity's dread fan ſhall now divide

" The baſe light chaff, and give it to the winds:

" Yet Timon ſhall confeſs he has a friend.

" Go then, dear maid, meet this ingrateful time

" With conſtant virtue and becoming ſcorn;

" Go to thy father, tell him I am gone

" To this vile Senate, who deny his wants;

" And ſay, when I have chain'd thoſe wakeful dragons

" I'll ſhake their rich, and golden cluſters down,

" Or tear up roots and all.

Evan.

" The Gods, preſerve thee,

" For in thy joint, and corporate perfections

" Each great Divinity has ſtampt his own;

" All Mars's valour, all Apollo's grace,

" The bloom of Bacchus, and the port of Jove.

[Exit Evanthe.

SCENE V.

Enter Varro, Titus, Hortenſius, Lucius, and other ſer⯑vants of Timon's creditors, who wait for his coming out

Var.

Well met, good morrow, Titus and Hortenſius.

Tim.

The like to you, kind Varro.

Hor.

[33]

Lucius, why do we meet together?

Luc.

I think one buſineſs does command us all.

For mine is money.

Tit.

So is theirs and ours.

Enter Philotas.

Luc.

And Sir Philotas's too.

Phi.

Good day, at once.

Luc.

Welcome, good brother. What d'you think the hour?

Phi.

Labouring for nine.

Luc.

So much?

Phi.

Is not my Lord ſeen yet?

Luc.

Not yet.

Phi.

I wonder: he was want to ſhine at ſeven.

Luc.

Ay, but the days are waxed ſhorter with him.

You muſt conſider that a prodigal's courſe

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

'Tis deepeſt winter in Lord Timon's purſe.

Hor.

I'm weary of this charge, the Gods can witneſs:

I know my lord hath ſpent of Timon's wealth,

Ingratitude now makes it worſe than ſtealth.

Var.

Yes, mine's three thouſand crowns: what's yours?

Luc.

Five thouſand.

Enter Flaminius.

Tit.

One of Lord Timon's men.

Luc.

Flaminius! Sir, a word: pray, is my Lord ready to come forth?

Flam.

No, Indeed, he is not.

Tit.

We attend his Lordſhip; pray, ſignify ſo much.

Flam.

I need not tell him that, he knows you are too diligent.

Enter Flavius in a cloak, muffled.

Luc.

Ha! is not this his ſteward muffled ſo?

He goes away in a cloud, call him, call him.

Tit.

Do you hear, Sir—

Var.

[34]

By your leave, Sir.

Fla.

What do you aſk of me my friend?

Tit.

We wait for certain money here, Sir.

Fla.

If money were certain as your waiting,

'Twere ſure enough.

Why then prefer'd you not your ſums and bills,

When your falſe maſters eat of my Lord's meat?

Then they would ſmile and fawn upon his debts,

And take down th' intereſt in their glutt'nous maws;

You do yourſelves but wrong to ſtir me up,

Let me paſs quietly:—

Believ't, my Lord and I have made an end,

I have no more to reckon, he to ſpend.

Luc.

Ay, but this anſwer will not ſerve.

Flav.

If 'twill not ſerve, 'tis not ſo baſe as you; For you ſerve knaves.

Exit.

Var.

How! what does his caſhier'd worſhip mutter?

Tit.

No matter what.—He's poor, and that's re⯑venge enough. Who can ſpeak broader than he that has no houſe to put his head in? Such may rail againſt great buildings.

Enter Servilius.

Tit.

O here's Servilius; now we ſhall have ſome an⯑ſwer.

Serv.

If I might beſeech you, gentlemen, to repair ſome other hour I ſhould derive much from it. For take it of my ſoul,

My Lord leans wondrouſly to diſcontent:

His comfortable temper has forſook him,

He is much out of health, and keeps his chamber.

Luc.

Many do keep their chambers, are not ſick:

And if he be ſo far beyond his health,

Methinks he ſhould the ſooner pay his debts,

And make a clear way to the Gods.

Tit.

We cannot take this for an anſwer.

Flam.

[within.]

Servilius help—my Lord! my Lord!

[35]Enter Timon in a rage.

Tim.

What are my doors oppos'd againſt my paſſage?

Have I been ever free, and muſt my houſe

Be my retentive enemy, my goal?

The place, which I have feaſted, does it now,

Like all mankind, ſhew me an iron heart?

Luc.

Put in now, Titus.

Tit

My Lord, here's my bill.

Luc.

Here's mine.

Var.

And mine, my Lord.

Cap.

And ours, my Lord.

Phi.

And our bills.

Tim.

Knock me down with 'em—cleave me to the girdle.

Luc.

Alas my Lord.

Tim.

Cut out my heart in ſums.

Tit.

Mine, fifty talents.

Tim.

Tell out my blood.

Luc.

Five thouſand crowns, my Lord.

Tim.

Five thouſand drops pay that.

What yours—and yours?

Var.

My Lord—

Cap.

My Lord—

Tim.

Here take me, tear me, and the Gods fall on you

[Exeunt creditors

They have e'en put my breath from me, the ſlaves

Creditors!—devils.

Fla.

My dear Lord!

Tim.

What if it ſhould be ſo?—

Fla.

My dear Lord!

Tim.

I'll have it ſo—My ſteward!

Fla.

Here, my Lord.

Tim.

So fitly!—Go, bid all my friends again

Lucius, Lucullus, and Sempronius, All.—

I'll once more feaſt the raſcals.

Fla.

O my Lord!

You only ſpeak from your diſtracted ſoul;

There's not ſo much left as to furniſh out

[36]

A moderate table.

Tim.

Be it not thy care:

Go, and invite them all, et iu the tide

Of knaves once more: my cook and I'll provide.

Street of Athens.

Alcibiades and two Senators.

1 Sen.

" Thus in few words you have your anſwer (Sir.)

" The ſenate do refuſe your ſuit for Timon,

" Holding themſelves not bound to heal the waſte,

" That every ſpendthrift makes—And in return

" For that intemperate heat, with which you urg'd them,"

They baniſh you for ever.

Alcib.

Baniſh me!

2 Sen.

" Come, no more."

If after two days ſhine, Athens contain thee,

Expect their weightier Judgement.

Alcib.

Hah! their judgement?

" Away, away, ye know not what ye do.

" Now, by the Gods! raſh men, if ye but whiſper

" That word again, and clench your griping palms

" Againſt the ripe wants of my noble friend,

" Look to yourſelves, grave Sirs, look to your city:

" By heav'ns I'll ſlip my ſoldiers at your throats,

" And gall you, ſlaves, for this ingratitde."

[Exeunt ſeverally.

SCENE returns to Timon's houſe..

Enter divers Senators, at ſeveral doors.

1 Sen.

The good time of the day to you, Sir.

2 Sen.

I alſo wiſh it to you: I think this honourable Lord did but try us this other day.

1 Sen.

Upon that were my thoughts tiring, when we encountred. I hope, it is not ſo low with him, as he made it ſeem in the tryal of his ſeveral friends.

2 Sen.

[37]

It ſhould not be, by the perſuaſion of his new feaſting.

1 Sen.

I ſhould think ſo: he hath ſent me an earneſt inviting, which many my near occaſions did urge me to put off: but he hath conjur'd me beyond them, and I muſt needs appear.

2 Sen.

In like manner was I in debt to my importu⯑nate buſineſs; but he would not hear my excuſe. I am ſorry when he ſent to borrow of me, that my proviſion was out.

1 Sen.

I am ſick of that grief too, as I underſtand how how all things go.

2 Sen.

Every man here's ſo. What would he have borrow'd of you?

1 Sen.

A thouſand pieces.

2 Sen.

A thouſand pieces!

1 Sen.

What of you?

3 Sen.

He ſent to me, Sir—here he comes.

Enter Timon and attendants

Tim.

With all my heart, gentlemen both, and how fare you?

1 Sen.

Ever at the beſt, hearing well of your Lord⯑ſhip.

2 Sen.

The ſwallow follows not ſummer more wil⯑lingly, than we your Lordſhip.

Tim.

Nor more willingly leaves winter: ſuch ſum⯑mer-birds are men.—Gentlemen, our dinner will not recompence this long ſtay: feaſt your ears with the muſic a while; if they will fare ſo harſhly as on the trumpet's ſound: we ſhall to't preſently.

1 Sen.

I hope it remains not unkindly with your Lordſhip, that I return'd you an empty meſſenger.

Tim.

O Sir, let it not trouble you.

2 Sen.

My noble Lord

Tim.

Ah, my good friend, what cheer?

[The banquet brought in.

2 Sen.

[38]

Moſt honourable Lord, I'm e'en ſick of ſhame that when your Lordſhip t'other day ſent to me, I was ſo unfortunate a beggar.

Tim.

Think not on't, Sir.

2 Sen.

If you had but ſent two hours before—

Tim.

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

2 Sen.

All cover'd diſhes!

1 Sen.

Royal cheer, I warrant you.

3 Sen.

Doubt not that, if money and the ſeaſon can yield it.

1 Sen.

How do you? what's the news?

3 Sen.

Alcibiades is baniſh'd: hear you of it? Both. Alcibiades baniſh'd!

3 Sen.

Tis ſo, be ſure of it.

1 Sen.

How? how?

3 Sen.

I pray you, upon what?

Tim.

My worthy friends, will you draw near?

3 Sen.

Here's a noble feaſt toward.

2 Sen.

This is the old man ſtill.

3 Sen.

Will't hold? will't hold?

Tim.

Each man to his ſtool with that ſpur as he would to the lip of his miſtreſs; your diet ſhall be in all places alike. Make not a city-feaſt of it, to let the meat cool e're we can agree upon the firſt place. Sit, ſit.

The Gods require our thanks.

‘You great benefactors, ſprinkle our ſociety with thank⯑fulneſs. For your own gifts make yourſelves prais'd: but reſerve ſtill to give leſt your Deities be deſpiſed. Lend to each man enough, that one need not lend to another. For were your Godheads to borrow of men, men would forſake the Gods. Make the meat beloved, more than the man that gives it. Let no aſſembly of twenty be without a ſcore of villians. If there ſit twelve women at the table, let a dozen of them be as they are—The reſt of your foes O Gods, the Senators of Athens, together with the com⯑mon lag of people what is amiſs in them, you Gods make [39] ſuitable for deſtruction. For theſe my friends—as they are to me nothing, ſo in nothing bleſs them, and to nothing are they welcome.’

Uncover, dogs, and lap.

Some ſpeak.

What does his lordſhip mean?

Some other.

I know not.

Tim.

May you a better feaſt never behold,

You knot of mouth'd-friends; [...]moke and luke warm water

Is your perfection. This is Timon's laſt;

Who ſtuck and ſpangled with your flatteres,

Waſhes it off, and ſprinkles in your faces

Your reaking villany. Live loth'd and long,

Moſt ſmiling, ſmooth, deteſted paraſites,

Of man and beaſt the infinite malady

Cruſt you quite o'er!—What, doſt thou go?

Soft, take thy phyſick firſt:—thou too—and thou

[Throwing the diſhes at them, and drives 'em out.

Stay, I will lend thee money, borrow none.

What! all in motion? henceforth be no feaſt,

Whereat a villian's not a welcome gueſt.

Burn houſe, ſink Athens, henceforth hated be

Of Timon, man and all humanity!

Exit.

End of the THIRD ACT.

ACT. IV.

SCENE. I.

TIMON's Houſe. Evanthe and Flavius.

EVANTHE.

" THE general baniſh'd, and my father fled?

Flav.

" True, Lady, Alcibiades is baniſh'd;

" But fear not thou; he leads a gallant troop,

[40]

" With hearts high beating in your father's cauſe;

" Soon ſhall you ſee the haughty Senate humbled,

" Crouching for pardon at Lord Timon's feet;

" And this baſe city, that now caſts him forth,

" With one voice worſhipping his glad return.

Evan.

" Whence ſprings this hope in you? O! that I felt it!

Flav.

" Why, Alcibiades is up in arms:

" Dreadful he comes, like an avenging god,

" To chaſten this proud city; e're the ſun

" Shall tinge yon weſtern cliffs, Athens ſhall hear

" His trumpet at her gates. Pale ſtaring forms

" Courſe up and down, and fill the ſtreets with terror.

" But now as I croſt Mars's-hill, I met

" Two of the Senate, who with eager ſpeech,

" And almoſt inarticulate with fear,

" Pray'd me to give them conduct to my Lord,

" Courting my ſervice in moſt abject terms.

Evan.

" That's well! Ah! what is well while wretched Timon

" Houſeleſs and bare, a ſpectacle of pity,

" Wanders I know not where? come, let us carry,

" Theſe laſt few relicks of a ſcatter'd fortune

" To thy poor maſter.

Two Senators enter.

1 Sen.

" Noble lady, ſtay!

Evan.

" Off, let me paſs.

2 Sen.

No, we yet rule in Athens;

" And by the Senate's voice command your ſtay.

Evan.

" Shame to your Senate; ſlavery be your portion,

" And ſorrows deep as mine encreaſe upon you!

" Oh, you have ſtruck the nobleſt heart in Athens,

" The firſt, the cleareſt ſpirit of the time;

" Him on whoſe meaneſt ſtirrup ye have hung

" With ſpaniel-like obſervance; him, whoſe ſhrine

" Morning and evening ye have fed with incenſe,

" While the Gods went unworſhipt; him at length

[41]

" Mad with his wrongs, ye've driv'n to range the wood

" And vacant wilds; hence then, and let me forth!

2 Sen.

" Lady, it muſt not be.

Evan.

" Have you no daughters?

" No ſenſe of filial piety, no mercy?

" That thus relentleſs you heap crime on crime,

" Murder the father, and enſlave the child!

1 Sen.

" Murder the father? no; dear as yourſelf,

" We prize Lord Timon's life; every fond art

" Will be employ'd to ſooth his troubled ſoul

" And bring him back to happineſs and thee.

Evan.

" Where is he then? let me behold his face,

" Let me embrace him, bathe him with my tears:

" And doubt not but I'm in your boſoms, Sirs;

" 'Tis not repentance for unkindneſs paſt;

" 'Tis not the hand of mercy turns your hearts

" To think of Timon thus; 'tis dread of vengeance,

" 'Tis Alcibiades that awes your ſouls,

" 'Tis that young warrior, thund'ring at your gates,

" That bids you keep a hoſtage in your hands

" To mollify his anger:

2 Sen.

" We confeſs it;

" Our hopes reſt all with thee; therefore no more;

" But, like another tutelar Minerva,

" Walk forth and ſave the city.

1 Sen.

" Yield, dear Lady,

" And from neceſſity ſtrike out a grace;

" So ſhall thy father's fortunes be reſtor'd

" To their firſt ſplendor, and thy Athens ſav'd.

" From pitileſs deſtruction.

2 Sen.

" What we aſk,

" We may command.

Evan

" No menances, proud Lords;

" Mercy, not terror, governs in my heart,

" One ſuch word more and you are loſt for ever.

Flav.

" Come, gentle miſtreſs, let thy ſervant join

" His pray'rs to thoſe of the repentant Senate:

" What profit can thy father's cauſe derive

" From vain reſiſtance? Pray you be advis'd.

Evan.

" Hark'ee, my Lords, the rulers as you ſay,

[42]

" And Senators of Athens; this good man

" Was Timon's ſteward, let him have free paſſage

" And inſtant to his maſter.

2 Sen.

" It is granted.

Evan.

" Let him bear all refreſhments, viands, wines

" And coſtly veſtments, ſuch as Timon us'd

" In his full State.

1 Sen.

'Tis done.

Evan.

" The thouſand talents,

" Which you (O ſhame!) refus'd let them be ſent

" To the laſt drachm, and be you the bearers.

2 Sen.

" Is there aught elſe?

Evan.

" Upon theſe terms I yield

" To ſtay the general's coming: what your exile

" May elſe inflict, ſhort of your city's ruin

" And ſlaughter of the guiltleſs herd within it,

" I know not, nor am ſtudious to divert.

1 Sen.

" Be with us only in this hour of peril,

" We are content.

Evan.

" Then, Flavius, get thee hence;

" Bear my fond wiſhes to thy injured Lord,

" Comfort the ſufferer with thy friendly care,

" And reconcile him to the world again.

[Exeunt.

SCENE, the WOODS.

Enter Timon.

Tim.

O bleſſed, breeding ſun, draw from the earth

Rotten humidity: Infect the air

Below thy ſiſter's orb. All is oblique;

There's nothing level in our curſed natures,

But direct villany. Then be abhor'd,

All feaſts, ſocieties, and throngs of men!

Deſtruction phang mankind! Earth, yield me roots!

[Digging the Earth.

Who ſeeks better of thee, for ſawce his palate

[43]

With thy moſt operant poiſon!—Whats here?

Gold? yellow, glittering, precious gold?

No, Gods, I am no idle votariſt.

Roots, you clear Heav'ns! thus much of this will make

Black, white; foul, fair; wrong, right;

Baſe, noble; old young; coward, valiant.

You Gods! why, this

Will lug your prieſts and ſervants from your ſides:

This yellow ſlave

Will knit and break religions; bleſs the accurs'd;

Make the hoar leproſie ador'd; place thieves.

And give them title, knee and approbation,

With Senators on the bench: this is it,

That makes the weeping widow wed again;

She, whom the ſpittle-houſe and ulcerous ſores

Would caſt the gorge at, this embalms and ſpices

To th' April day again. Come damned earth,

Thou common whore of mankind, that putt'ſt odds

Among the rout of nations, I will make thee

Do thy right nature.—

[March afar off.]

Ha, a drum?—thou'rt quick,

But yet I'll bury thee—thou'lt go, (ſtrong thief)

When gouty keepers of thee cannot ſtand.

Nay, ſtay thou out for earneſt.

[Keeping ſome gold.

Enter Alcibiades with drum and fife in warlike manner.

Alc.

What art thou there? ſpeak.

Tim.

A beaſt, as thou art. Cankers gnaw thy heart,

For ſhewing me again the eyes of man!

Alc.

What is thy name? is man ſo hateful to thee,

That art thyſelf a man?

Tim.

I hate mankind.

For thy part, I do wiſh thou wert a dog,

That I might love thee ſomething.

Alc.

" Gods, 'tis he!

" This wretched thing is Timon; ſure his wits

Are drown'd and loſt in his calamities.

[44]

How came the noble Timon to this change?

Tim.

As the moon does by wanting light to give.

But then renew I could not like the moon;

There were no ſuns to borrow of.

Alc.

What friendſhip may I do thee, noble Timon?

Tim.

None, but to maintain my opinion.

Alc.

What is it, Timon?

Tim.

Promiſe me friendſhip, but perform none.

I pr'ythee beat thy drum and get thee gone.

Alc.

I am thy friend, and pity thee, dear Timon.

Tim.

How doſt thou pity him, whom thou doſt trouble?

I'd rather be alone.

Alc.

Why, fare thee well,

Here's gold for thee.

Tim.

Keep it, I cannot eat it.

Alc.

When I have laid proud Athens in a heap—

Tim.

War'ſt thou 'gainſt Athens?

Alc.

Ay, and in thy cauſe.

Tim.

The Gods confound them all then in thy con⯑queſt,

And, after thee, go on, here's gold, go on;

Be as a planetary plague, when Jove

Will o'er ſome high-vic'd city hang his poiſon

In the ſick air: Let not thy ſword ſkip one,

Pity not honour'd age for his white beard,

He is an uſurer. Strike me the matron,

It is her habit only that is honeſt,

Herſelf's a bawd—Let not the virgin's cheek

Make ſoft thy trenchant ſword. Spare not the babe,

Whoſe dimpled ſmiles from fools exhauſt their mercy;

Think it a baſtard, whom the oracle

Hath dou'tfully pronounc'd thy throat ſhall cut,

And mince itſans remorſe. Swear againſt objects,

Put armour on thine ears, and on thine eyes;

Whoſe proof, nor yells of mothers, maids, nor babes,

Nor ſight of Prieſt in holy veſtments bleeding,

Shall Pierce a jot. I've gold to pay thy ſoldiers.

[45]

Make large confuſion; and thy fury ſpent,

Confounded be thyſelf! Speak not, be gone.

Exit Timon.

Alc.

" Phocion!

Pho.

" My Lord.

Alc.

" Be it your care to guard

" This place and Timon; you perceive his humour,

" And therefore croſs him not, but ſpread your party,

" In ſecret round this thicket where he haunts.

" It ſeems he has found a treaſure; what it is,

" Or how in's preſent mood he may diſpoſe on't,

" I know not—Therefore. Phocion, look you to it.

" Farewell. For Athens, hoa! Bid the line march.

[Exeunt.

Tim.

That nature being ſick of man's unkindneſs

Should yet be hungry! O thou common mother,

Yield him, who all thy human ſons does hate.

From forth thy plenteous boſom, one poor root!

Enſear thy fertile and conceptious womb;

Let it no more bring out ingrateful man.

Enter Flavius.

Flav.

Oh, you Gods!

Is yon deſpiſed and ruinous man my Lord?

Full of decay and failing? oh monument

And wonder of good deeds, evilly beſtow'd!

H'has caught me in his eye, I will preſent

My honeſt grief to him; and, as my Lord,

Still ſerve him with my life. My deareſt maſter!

Timon comes forward from his cave.

Tim.

Away! what art thou?

Flav.

Have you forgot me, Sir?

Tim.

Why doſt thou aſk that? I have forgot all men.

Then if thou granteſt that thou art a man,

I have forgot thee.

Flav.

An honeſt ſervant,—

Tim.

[46]

Then I know thee not:

I ne'er had honeſt men about me; all

I kept were knaves, to ſerve in meat to villains.

Flav.

The Gods are witneſs,

Ne'er did poor ſteward wear a truer grief

For his undone Lord, than mine eyes for you.

Tim.

What, doſt thou weep? come nearer, then I love thee,

Becauſe thou art a woman, and diſclaim'ſt

Flinty mankind; whoſe eyes do never give

But or thro' luſt, or laughter; "my dear daughter!

" (Oh! comfort her ſweet heav'n! where'er ſhe is!)

" She is a woman too.

Flav.

" Ay, and the gent'leſt,

" Pureſt, and beſt that ever bore the name,

I beg of you to know me, good my Lord,

T'accept my grief, and whilſt this poor wealth laſts,

" Which your dear daughter's piety has ſent you,

To entertain me as your ſteward ſtill.

Tim,

Have I then friends,

So true, ſo juſt, and now ſo comfortable?

It almoſt turns my dangerous nature mild?

Let me behold thy face:

Forgive my gen'ral and exceptleſs raſhneſs,

Perpetual, ſober Gods! I do proclaim

One honeſt man: miſtake me not, but on:

No more, I pray; and he's a ſteward.

How fain would I have hated all mankind,

And thou redeem'ſt thyſelf: but all, ſave thee,

I fell with curſes, Yet declare the truth,

Is not thy kindneſs ſubtle, covetous,

A uſuring kindneſs, as rich men deal gifts,

Expecting in return twenty for one?

Flav.

No, my moſt worthy maſter, (in whoſe breaſt

Doubt and ſuſpect, alas, are plac'd too late,)

That which I ſhew, Heav'n knows, is merely love.

Tim.

Thou ſingly honeſt man,

Here, take; the Gods out of my miſery

Have ſent thee treaſure, go, live rich and happy:

[47]

But thus condition'd; Thou ſhalt build from men:

Hate all, curſe all, ſhew charity to none;

But let the famiſht fleſh ſlide from the bone,

Ere thou relieve the beggar. Give to dogs

What thou deny'ſt to men. Let priſons ſwallow 'em,

Debts wither 'em; be men like blaſted woods,

And may diſeaſes lick up their falſe bloods!

And ſo farewell and thrive.

Flav.

O, let me ſtay and comfort you, my maſter.

Tim.

If thou hat'ſt curſes,

Stay not, but fly, whilſt thou art bleſt and free;

Ne'er ſee thou man, and let me ne'er ſee thee,

[Exit Flavius.

Enter Apemantus.

More man? plague, plague!

Apem.

I was directed hither. Men report,

Thou doſt affect my manners, and doſt uſe them.

Tim.

'Tis then, becauſe thou doſt not keep a dog

Whom I would imitate; conſumption catch thee!

Apem.

This is in thee a nature but affected,

A poor unmanly melancholy, ſprung

From change of fortune, Why this ſpade? this place?

This ſlave-like habit, and thoſe looks of care?

Thy flatt'rers yet wear ſilk, drink wine, lie ſoft,

Hug their diſeas'd perfumes, and have forgot

That ever Timon was. Shame not thoſe weeds,

By putting on the cunning of a carper.

Be thou a flatt'rer now, and ſeek to thrive

By that which has undone thee; hinge thy knee,

And let this very breath whom thou'lt obſerve

Blow off thy cap: do not aſſume my likeneſs.

Tim.

Were I like thee' I'd throw away myſelf.

Apem.

Thou'ſt caſt away thyſelf, being like thyſelf,

So long a mad-man, now a fool. What think'ſt thou

That the bleak air, thy boiſterous chamberlane,

Will put thy ſhirt on warm? will theſe moiſt trees

That have out-lived the eagle, page thy heels,

[48]

And ſkip when thou point'ſt out? will the cold brook,

Candied with ice, cawdle thy morning taſte

To cure thy o'er- night's ſurfeit? Call the creatures.

Whoſe naked natures live in all the ſpight

Of wreckful heav'n, whoſe bare unhouſed trunks,

To the conflicting elements expos'd,

Anſwer meer nature; bid them flatter thee;

Oh! thou ſhalt find—

Tim.

A fool of thee; depart.

Apem.

I love thee better now than e'er I did.

Tim.

I hate thee worſe.

Apem.

Why?

Tim.

Thou ftatt'reſt miſery.

Apem.

I flatter not; but ſay, thou art a caytiſt.

If thou didſt put this ſowre cold habit on

To caſtigate thy Pride, 'twere well; but thou

Doſt it enforcedly: thou'dſt courtier be,

Wert thou not beggar.

Tim.

Thou art a ſlave, whom fortunes tender arm

With favour never claſpt; bred but a dog.

Hadſt thou like us, from our firſt ſwath proceeded

Through ſweet degrees, thou would'ſt have plung'd thyſelf

In general riot, melted down thy youth

In different beds of luſt, and never learn'd

The icy precepts of reſpect, but followed

The ſugar'd game before thee. But myſelf,

Who had the World as my confectionary,

The mouths, the tongues, the eyes, the hearts of men

At duty, more than I could frame employments;

That numberleſs upon me ſtuck, as leaves

Do on the oak; have with one winter's bruſh

Fall'n from their boughs, and left me open, bare

For every ſtorm that blows. I to bear this,

That never knew but better, is ſome burthen.

Thy nature did commence in ſuff'rance, time

Hath made thee hard in't. Why ſhould'ſt thou hate men?

[49]

They never flatter'd thee. What haſt thou given?

If thou wilt curſe, thy father, that poor rag,

Muſt be thy ſubject; who in ſpite put ſtuff

To ſome ſhe-beggar, and compounded thee

Poor rogue, hereditary. Hence! begone—

If thou hadſt not been born the worſt of men,

Thou hadſt been flatterer.

Apem.

Thou'rt too bad to curſe.

[Exit.

End of the FOURTH ACT.

ACT. V.

SCENE changes to the Walls of Athens.

Enter two other Senators, with a Meſſenger.

1 Sen.

Thou haſt painfully diſcover'd: are his files

As full as they report?

Meſ.

I have ſpoke the leaſt,

Beſides his expedition promiſes

Preſent approach.

2 Sen.

We ſtand much hazard, if they bring not Timon.

Enter the other Senators.

1 Sen.

Here come our brothers

3 Sen.

No talk of Timon, nothing of him expect—

The enemies drum is heard, and fearful ſcowring

Doth choak the air with duſt. In and prepare:

Our's is the fall, I fear, our foes the ſnare.

[Exeunt in the gate.

Trumpets ſound. Enter Alcibiades with his powers.

Alc.

Sound to this coward and laſcivious town

Our terrible approach.

[ſound a parley.

[50][Senators appear upon the walls.

" Oh! have I rouz'd you?

" Your baniſh'd ſoldier is return'd, my Lords,

" And vengeance now muſt work.

1 Sen.

" Speak your deſires.

Alc.

" Bring forth Evanthe, noble Timon's daughter,

" Set her before me. By the Gods, raſh men,

" If ye have dar'd to touch her ſacred life,

" I'll tread your curſed city into duſt

" And bury you in the ruins.

2 Sen.

" Noble Sir,

" Here is the lady ready to come forth;

" (Give her ſafe conduct there!) and we do hope

" She'll prove a gentle advocate with thee

" To ſtir thy noble heart unto forgiveneſs:"

We ſent to thee to give thy rages balm

To wipe out our ingratitude with loves

Above its quantity.

1 Sen.

So did we woo

Transformed Timon to our city's love,

By humbling meſſage and by promiſ'd meads;

We were not all unkind, nor all deſerve

The common ſtroke of war.

3 Sen.

Set but thy foot,

Againſt our rampir'd gates and they ſhall ope.

So thou wilt ſend thy gentle heart before

To ſay thou'lt enter friendly.

(Evanthe enters.)

Alc.

" Hah, ſhe comes,—

" Hail, lovelieſt, deareſt maid;

" Oh, grant thy ſoldier to repay his toil

" With this one fond embrace.

Evan.

" Thus on my knees,

" I thank the gods and thee, and thus beſeech thee,

" O ſpare thy Country, ſpare the reverend Senate,

" Spare this repentant city.". Theſe our walls

Were not erected by their hands from whom

We have received our griefs; nor are they ſuch,

[51]

That theſe great tow'rs, trophies, and ſchools ſhou'd fall

For private faults in them.

Alc.

" Sweet pleader, riſe!

" Hear ye this, Sirs?"

1 Sen.

March on dear countryman,

Into our city with thy banners ſpread:

Bring in thy ranks, but leave without thy rage

Spare thy Athenian cradle; like a ſhepherd

Approach the fold, and cull the infected forth,

But kill not all together.

2 Sen.

Throw thy glove,

Or any token of thine honour elſe,

That thou wilt uſe the wars as thy redreſs,

And not as our confuſion; all thy powers

Shall make their harbour in our town, till we

Have ſeal'd thy full deſire.

Alc.

Then there's my glove;

Deſcend and open your uncharged ports,

Thoſe enemies of Timon, and mine own,

Whom ye yourſelves ſhall ſet out for reproof,

Fall, and no more; and to atone your fears

With my more noble meaning; not a man

Shall paſs his quarter, or offend the ſtream

Of regular juſtice in your city's bounds,

But ſhall be remedied by public laws

At heavieſt anſwer.

Both.

'Tis moſt nobly ſpoken.

Alc.

Deſcend and keep your words.

Evan.

" —'Tis done! my country can demand no more;

" Now, nature, I am thine.

Alc.

" What means Evanthe?

Evan.

" I've ſav'd a city; grant me now, kind Gods,

" To ſave a father. Give me inſtant convoy

" To the lone wilds where wretched Timon haunts,

" And with the howling ſavages conſorts

" The exile of mankind.

Alc.

" See where the ſenate

" Expect us at their gates: enter with me,

" And all due terms of reconcilement ended,

" Myſelf will be your guide.

Evan.

[52]

" Forbid it, Heav'n!

" Too much already have I given to Athens

" My heart is gone before to Timon's cave;

" And I muſt follow it.

Alc.

" Yet e're we part.

" The hope, to which your looks, your words, gave life

" Bid it grow up and multiply within me:

" Oh, take from piety a moment's truce,

" And once again with ſoft conſenting ſmiles

" Tell me Evanthe will be only mine.

Evan.

" O covetous in love; poſſeſſing all

" Which my fond heart can give, doſt thou require

" That I ſhould tell it to thee o'er and o'er,

" While with a miſer's tranſport thou enjoy'ſt

" The contemplation of thy own ſucceſs?

" Yield to the time; a father claims me now;

" Sacred to him let me preſerve this hour,

" Nor take from nature what I give to thee.

[Exit.

Alc.

" Pauſanias, take thy guard; follow Evanthe,

" And ſpread with care thy troop around the wood

" Where Timon harbours; give the word for Athens.

[Alcibiades enters the city with his army.

SCENE, changes to a ſtreet in Athens.

Lucullus enters.

" Let the ſtorm light upon improvident man!

" I ſaw it in the wind. Let Athens blaze;

" Let Alcibiades with brutal rage

" Extinguiſh, this fair ſcene, and theſe fam'd ſchools,

" Towers, temples, palaces, convert to duſt;

" Lucullus built not on ſuch ſandy hopes

" But as the wary falcon hangs her neſt

" Where danger cannot reach it, ſo did I,

" Prophetic of this hour, diſpoſe my fortune

" Where the ſun never looks, within the womb

" Of mother earth, deep hid, a mine of gold,

" A magazine to ſave or ſack a city,

" The fruit of ſeven years bounty from this Timon.

[53]

" With all my thrift cou'd add—Good morrow Caphis.

Caphis enters.

Caph.

" Here's a ſad change; all's loſt—myſelf beheld

" Your Palace flaming.

Lucul.

" Knowing this, good Caphis,

" I know the worſt—What bring you from Lord Timon?

Caph.

Contempt and mockery; he's too proud to curſe you.

Lucul.

" Took he the gold I ſent?

Caph.

" He took your gold

" And ſcattered it like aſhes; why 'twas nothing;

" Breaſt high in coin he ſtands, I think the Gods

" Have ſhow'r'd it on him; never did I ſee

" So vaſt a treaſure.

Lucul.

" Hah! a treaſure ſayſt thou?

" Did I hear right; hath Timon found a treaſure?

Caph.

" He hath, my Lord; and ſuch an one it ſeems

" As betters his loſt fortune.

Lucul.

" You confound me;

" Where was this mine diſcovered? Tell me, Caphis.

" Canſt thou deſcribe the ſpot?

Caph.

" Know you the wood

" Weſt of the City, where Lord Timon keep

" His wild and ſavage haunt?

Lucul.

" Well, Caphis, well;

" Proceed, I know it well; each brake and bramble;

" Each little path that threads its winding way

" Thro' the fantaſtic maze, I can unravel

" Familiar as my garden.

Caph.

" On the ſkirts

" Of this rude waſte within a lonely dell,

" With poplars and with aſpins planted round,

" Sacred to Faunus ſtands a Sylvan fane

" An antique ſtructure.

Lucul.

[54]

" Did he find it there?

" I am alive again.

Caph.

" Obſerve me well:

" South of this fane, about an arrow's flight,

" A ſolitary beech, whoſe upmoſt boughs,

" Mould'ring with age, in leafleſs ruin hang,

" The grandſire of the foreſt, ſtands—

Lucul.

" Enough,

" It is my treaſure; you've deſcribed the ſpot—

" It is my treaſure; theſe providing hands

" Dug the unfaithful ſoil and at the root

" Of that old traitor buried all my hopes.

Caph.

" Your treaſure?—Fortune how ſevere thou art!

Lucul.

" Theſe are your doings, ye vindictive Gods!

" I ſee you riſe againſt ingratitude.

" And puſh us from the earth; I have deſerv'd it.

" Timon, thou art revenged—Death, be my refuge!

Lucius enters muffled.

" Soft, who goes there? Lucullus, as I think;

" I have no heart to ſpeak. Where ſhall I hide?

" What hill will cover, or what cave conceal

" A wretch like me? Wou'd I were Timon's dog

" Rather than what I am—Egregious dotard!

Various Soldiers of Alcibiades enter, carrying plate, treaſure, &c.

" How now, what's here? O poiſon to my ſight!

" Theſe are my treaſures—Loſt undone for ever.

" See, ſee another yet, and yet another—

" By heavens the very cup which I did worſhip

" More reverently than the Gods—It was the work

" Of antique Melidorus, fit to bear

" Celeſtial Nectar from the miniſtring hand

" Of Hebe to the lips of Cretan Jove.

" Swallow me, earth—Oh, the unholy villains,

" They pauſe for breath; they'll kill me if I ſpeak to 'em.

[They paſs over.

[55]

" But ſoft this man ſeems of a gentler ſort:

" He is a ſtranger of the General's train,

" And knows me not. I may accoſt him ſafely.

" The good hour to you, Sir—I pray you now

" Whence are theſe riches?

Sold.

" Do you live in Athens,

" And aſk that queſtion? know you not one Lucius?

Luc.

" I've ſeen the man.

Sold.

" Then you have ſeen a villain,

" A moſt diſſembling, baſe, unmanly villain.

" Wou'd I cou'd meet him—

Luc.

" Wou'd you ſlay him then?

Sold.

" No, but the ſight of theſe his treaſures wou'd:

" We've ſtript the knave to the ſkin; he did deny

" Lord Timon certain vile and ſorry drachms

" In his diſtreſs; now Timon's ſtar prevails,

" And juſtice wrings theſe treaſures from the gripe

" Of that perfidious, that ingrateful Lucius.

Luc.

" Men in all ages have been found ingrateful.

Sold.

" But none like him; ſociety bleeds for it.

Luc.

" Hath Athens then a law to try the heart?

Sold.

" The order of the General is our law.

Luc.

" But is there nothing ſav'd?

Sold.

" All, all is ſwept

" To the laſt drachm; pictures, ſtatues, coins,

" Rich hangings, couches, veſtments wrought with gold,

" And robes of Tyrian dye; plate, jewels, gems—

" Is't not a pleaſant jeſt? Why laugh you not?

" You only ſeem of all men to be ſad.

Luc.

" I cry you mercy; I am wondrous merry—

[Feigns a laugh.

" I've heard he had a ring, a moſt rare jewel,

" Is that gone too?

Sold.

" Behold!

[Shewing the ring.

Luc.

" Ay 'tis the ſame.

Sold.

" Mark what a play! 'tis a moſt perfect ſtone.

Luc.

" Wou'd 'twere a baſiliſk?—muſt this away

" To Timon's with the reſt?

Sold.

[56]

" Yes, and 'tis time

" That it were there—Good morrow, gentle Sir.

Luc.

Curſe on your courteſy!

[aſide

Sold.

I'm glad you like

" The ring ſo well: If you ſhould meet the knave,

" Tell him the prize we've got, and gird him well,

" I know 'twill give you pleaſure: All men loath him.

" Be ſure you wring him to the quick—remember.

[Exit.

Luc.

" Remember! yes: no fear but I'll remember.

" You've giv'n me cauſe; the Gods, who deal in ven⯑geance,

" Reward you for it! I could daſh my brains,

" For that way only can I 'ſcape remembrance.

" O nature, what a luckleſs piece of work was man!

[Exit

SCENE.

The proſpect of a rude wild country, to a conſiderable extent, with the ruins of a temple to Faunus, Timon is diſcovered at the extremity of the ſtage led in by Flavius: At the ſame time Evanthe enters at the front, ſurveys him ſome time, and while he ſlowly advances, ſpeaks.

Evan.

" O ſpectacle of ſorrow! Mighty Gods,

" Is that my father?—is that mournful ruin,

" That bare and blaſted trunk the ſpreading vine,

" Beneath whoſe ſhade late a whole nation ſat

" And feaſted from its branches? Hold, my heart:

" Sink not, my knees, beneath your weight of woe,

" But bear me to his feet—My Lord, my father!

[She kneels.

Tim.

" Riſe, riſe, my daughter—do I once again

" Enfold thee in my arms? Alas, my child,

" I'm old and weak and ſmitten ſore with grief.

" Gods, how ingratitude lays waſte your works!

" Unkindneſs, like another deadly plague,

" Strikes all below the moon; creation groans;

" Nature with more than mother's pangs brings forth

" Her thankleſs offspring man

Evan.

" All ſhall be well.

Tim.

[57]

" All, all is well, for thou art in my ſight.

" Mute as theſe ſcenes and calm as ſummer ſeas,

" Here will we ſit and meditate a while,

" Then die and be at peace.

Evan.

Oh! talk not thus.

Tim.

" Give me your pardon; I have ſuffer'd much,

" And much I fear ſorrow has ſhook my wits;

" But in the bittereſt moments of affliction,

" I have remember'd ſtill to bleſs my child.

Evan.

" O bleſs me not in part, compleat my joy,

" Return to me, to Athens, to thyſelf,

" And theſe baſe emblems of thy diſcontent,

" Like the Neſſean garment caſt away,

" And be at peace with a repentant world.

Tim.

" Can I, who from the depth of hell have call'd

" Malignant ſpirits to enſnare mankind,

" I, who each night upon the lonely ſtrand

" By the ſea brink, or in this ſilent waſte

" Have ſtood and bandied curſes to the moon,

" Till the grey dawn look'd out; can I now teach

" That voice, which execration has made hoarſe,

" The ſmooth ſoft notes of peace? will nature pardon,

" That common mother, in whoſe patient boſom

" I have ſtuck iron goads?—It will not be.

Flav.

" Move him no more, dear Lady 'tis in vain.

Tim.

" Yet I had cauſe—Speak Flavius, thou art honeſt,

" And wilt not flatter, had I not full cauſe?

Flav.

" May the juſt Gods, who know thy wrongs, revenge 'em!

Tim.

" Huſh, huſh! no more of that—We muſt be calm;

" Shatter'd with ſtorms, at length I ſee my port,

" And ſtretch for death's calm ſhore—Rejoice my child,

" Thy father's ſufferings haſten to an end,

" And life and care ſhall terminate together.

Eva.

Alas, my father, talk not in this ſtrain;

" Bright years of glory riſe to crown thy hopes;

" Great Alcibiades defends thy cauſe,

[58]

" The ſuppliant Senate come to kiſs thy feet,

" Loaded with treaſure, while repentant Athens

" From all her gates pours forth unnumber'd crouds,

" To hail thy glad return.

Tim.

" —Why let them come!

" Shou'd Alcibiades to pleaſe old Timon,

" Burn Athens to a heap, cruſh the proud Senate,

" And ſwallow that vile ſwarm of ſummer friends,

" That left him bare to ſhame; ſhall Timon ſay

" I thank thee, Sir, for this great courteſy?

" Shall man ſay this to man, who in pure love

" And ſingleneſs of heart ne'er ſtirs his hand

" To aid his ſuffering fellow?

Evan.

" Nay that's hard.

Tim.

" Rather let Timon ſay, I have a daughter

" Beauteous and young, and fair as unſun'd lilies;

" Your eye has drank her charms, and ſtrong deſire

" Knocks at your heart, therefore let Athens burn;

" Spare not a man that e'er ſpake Timon's name

" But in the way of worſhip—Oh, 'tis great,

" 'Tis glorious friendſhip in his daughter's arms.

Evan.

" That daughter is no idle wanton, Sir,

" To doat on every form that courts the eye;

" Tho' nature faſhion'd him with every grace

" Which the joint bounty of the Gods cou'd give him,

" Yet Alcibiades had paſs'd unnoticed,

" With Lucius and Lucullus, and the herd

" Of common flatterers, were he that baſe thing,

" Which your deſcription paints him.

Tim.

" Soft you now;

" He is a man, and Flavius is no more;

" Yet he is honeſt, and you'll ſay, another

" May be ſo too—Two honeſt men, ye Gods!—

" Can there be two? I know you can do much,

" Ye great Divinities! therefore I ſay,

" It may be ſo; but mark me well, my child,

" I vouch it not! that were indeed too much.

Evan.

" Does Heav'n cloath falſehood in celeſtial robes?

" See where he comes. Who can ſurvey that form,

[59]

" And doubt if honour dwells in ſuch a ſhrine?

" Yes, in each glance, each geſture it appears,

" Lives in his tongue, and lightens in his eye,

" Pervades, inſpires, and occupies his ſoul.

Alcibiades enters.

Alcib.

" Health to thee, noble Timon! health and fame,

" Peace and fair fortune! The Athenian Senate,

" Stung with remorſe and ſhame, preſent themſelves

" Entreating your return with them to Athens.

Tim.

" Say to the Senate, you have ſeen me die;

" Timon is now no more; here lies their prey.

[He ſinks down on the ſteps of the temple, being ſupported in his fall by Evanthe and Flavius.

" The ſtout old hart they have cours'd ſo long in view,

" Dead, dead you ſee, and fairly hunted down.

Alcid.

" Much injured Timon., they have ſeen their faults,

" Their former thriftineſs they have caſt from them;

" And now their coffers, like their hearts, ſtand open

" To your free uſe.

Tim.

" Alas, kind hearted men!

" Oh! they are cunning murderers; fine the wound,

" And hard to trace, where ſharp unkindneſs ſtrikes,

" Therefore they ſay I am not ſtruck at all;

" But Heav'n rejects their plea, and in my heart

" Sees the dire arrow rankle.

Alcib.

" Live, oh live!

" Shake off deſpair and live, moſt worthy Timon

" See on all ſides my Soldiers fence thee round.

" Athens I've humbled to thy meaneſt uſe.

" And driv'n to ſhameful flight that loathſome crew,

" Whoſe black ingratitude corrodes thy heart.

Tim.

" And what in recompence can Timon give

" To Alcibiades?

Alcib.

" More than the Gods did,

" When they gave life; thou can'ſt beſtow Evanthe.

Evan.

" O Alcibiades, forbear to urge

" At this ſad hour thy inauſpicious ſuit:

[60]

" Hence muſt we date our nuptials? this a time

" To aſk a bleſſing in? this awful moment,

" For mourning, for misfortune only fit,

" Can this be happy when a father dies?

Tim.

" No more: give me your hands; come on each ſide:

" The overſhadowing heavens ſhower down upon you

" Infinite bleſſings; make you one in heart,

" In mind, faith, truth, contentment! ſhun mankind:

" Live to yourſelves and to the Gods alone.

Evan.

" Break, break, my heart!

Tim.

" Weep not for me, my child! death is my cure,

" Life my diſeaſe. Son, daughter, friend, farewell.

" Bring not my corps within the walls of Athens,

" But lay me on the very hem of the ſea,

" Where the vaſt Neptune may for ever weep

" On my low grave—Remember—Oh! 'tis paſt

[Dies.

Evan.

" There fled his ſpirit: waft it, immortal gods

" Up to our heavenly manſions: yes, my father,

" We will entomb thee by the ocean's edge

" On the ſalt beech; and when the thronging waves

" Which every morn ſhall bow their curled heads

" To kiſs thy tomb, ſhall, like the flattering friends

" Of this baſe world, fall off and leave thee bare;

" Then will I come down to the vacant ſtrand,

" Waſhing thy grave with never ceaſing tears,

" Till the ſea flows again.

Alcib.

" Ah turn Evanthe,

" Turn from that mournful ſight and look upon me:

" Damp not the bleſſing which his dying breath

" Pronounc'd upon us, and lament not him,

" Who, freed from this bad world, reſts from his cares.

" Now let us bear him to the neighbouring beach.

" And with ſuch rites as ſoldiers uſe inter him

" Under the vaulted cliff, (ſuch was his will)

" Strong in extreams, from love to hatred toſt,

In the fierce conflict he was whelm'd and loſt."

FINIS.

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Zitationsvorschlag für dieses Objekt: TextGrid Repository (2020). TEI. 4217 Timon of Athens altered from Shakespear a tragedy As it is acted at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane. University of Oxford Text Archive. . https://hdl.handle.net/21.T11991/0000-001A-57CF-A