Ser. But in the mean time he wants less, my

lord.

If his occasion were not virtuous,

I should not urge it half so faithfully.

Luc. Dost thou speak seriously, Servilius?
Ser. Upon my soul, 'tis true, sir.

Luc. What a wicked beast was I, to disfurnish myself against such a good time, when I might ha' shown myself honourable! how unluckily it happened, that I should purchase the day before for a little part, and undo a great deal of honour ! - Servilius, now before the gods, I am not able to do; the more beast, I say. I was sending to use Lord Timon myself, these gentlemen can witness; but I would not, for the wealth of Athens, I had done 't now. Commend me bountifully to his good lordship; and I hope his honour will conceive the fairest of me, because I have no power to be kind: and tell him this 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 deni'd will hardly speed.

[Exit LUCIUS.

1 Stran. Do you observe this, Hostilius? 2 Stran. Ay, too well.

1 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, (0, 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.
3 Stran. Religion groans at it.

1 Stran.

I never tasted Timon in my life,

For mine own part,

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.

[Exeunt.

SCENE III.

The Same. A Room in SEMPRONIUS'S House.

Enter SEMPRONIUS and a Servant of TIMON'S.
Sempronius. Must he needs trouble me in 't?
Humph! 'Bove all others?

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.

Serv.

My lord,

They have all been touch'd, and found base metal; For they have all deni'd him.

Sem. How! have they deni'd him? Have Ventidius and Lucullus denied him? And does he send to me? Three? humph! It shews but little love or judgment in him: Must I be his last refuge? His friends, like physicians,

Thrice give him over! must I take the cure upon me? He has much disgrac'd me in't: I am 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 to the rest,

And amongst lords [I] be thought a fool.

I had rather than the worth of thrice the sum,

He 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 villainies 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 the gods only. 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.

[Exit.

SCENE IV.

The Same. A Hall in TIMON's House.

Enter two Servants of VARRO and the Servant of
LUCIUS, meeting TITUS, HORTENSIUS, and other Ser-
vants to TIMON's creditors, waiting his coming out.
Var. Serv. Well met; good-morrow, Titus and
Hortensius.

Titus. The like to you, kind Varro.
Hortensius.

What, do we meet together?

Lucius' Servant.

Lucius?

Ay; and, I think,

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

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.

Phi.

I am of your fear for that.

Tit. I'll shew you how t' observe a strange event. Your lord sends now for money.

Hor.

Most true, he does.

Tit. And he wears jewels now of Timon's gift,

For which I wait for money.

Hor. It is against my heart.

Luc. Serv.

Mark, how strange it shews,

Timon in this should pay more than he owes:
And e'en as if your lord should wear rich jewels,
And send for money for 'em.

Hor. I'm weary of this charge, the gods can wit

ness:

I know my lord hath spent of Timon's wealth, And now ingratitude makes it worse than stealth. 1 Var. Serv. Yes, mine's three thousand crowns;

what's yours?

Luc. Serv. Five thousand mine.

1 Var. Serv. 'Tis much deep and it should seem

by th' sum,

:

Your master's confidence was above mine;

Else, surely, his had equall'd.

Enter FLAMINIUS.

Tit. One of Lord Timon's men.

Luc. Serv. Flaminius! Sir, a word. Pray, is my

lord ready to come forth?

Flam. No, indeed, he is not.