PR 
 
 A7S3 
 
 BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME 
 FROM THE 
 
 SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND 
 
 THE GIFT OF 
 
 SHenrg 13. Sage 
 
 1S91 
 
 4? ^ .1 P S^ a^. / cf/%,/i<jt 
 

 DATE DUE 
 
 
 ', 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 O-i LOfiO 
 
 
 PBINTEDINU.S.A. 
 
 Cornell University Library 
 PR 2753.M84 1907 
 
 "ways of Mr. William Sf'^'^^^P^Smiimi" 
 
 3 1924 013 135 185 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tiiis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924013135185 
 
PLAYS OF MR. WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE 
 
 AS RE-WRITTEN OR RE-ARRANGED BY HIS 
 SUCCESSORS OF THE RESTORATION PERIOD 
 
 As presented at the Dukes Theatre and 
 elsewhere circa 1664- 1669 
 
 Being the text of these so-restored Plays with 
 
 the First Folio Shakespeare text 
 
 with Critical Introductions 
 
 Ube Bank8tbe*1Re8totatton Sbaf^espeate 
 
 EDITED BY APPLETON MORGAN AND WILLIS VICKERY 
 
 NEW YORK 
 THE SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY OP NEW YORK 
 
 THE SHAKESPEARE PRESS 
 1907 
 
 6 
 
K -2L \ O S'f V 
 
Of this and of each volume of THE BANKSIDE-RES- 
 TORATION SERIES, only Two Hundred and Fifty Sets 
 are made, for any purpose whatever, and this volume is a 
 number of Set JZ*? 
 
 ^::^fl^-^rdd^i^^^2:!r:^:::^^ 
 
 President of the New York 
 Shakespeare Society. 
 
 \A» a considerable number of mbscribera to The New York Shakespeare Society's 
 Bankdde Shakespeare heme desired that their sets of this Bankside-Bestoration 
 Series map be numbered to correspond with their sets of the Bankside, these two 
 hundred cmd fifty sets are a/rMtra/rily numbered,] 
 
Zlic 3Banli0it)c*1Rcstoratlon Sbaftcspcare 
 
 THE LIFE OF TIMON OF ATHENS 
 
 (Tke Text of the Folio 0/1623, ivith that as made into a 
 Play by Thomas Shadwell in i6'/8) 
 
 With a critical and historical Introduction in which the Play 
 
 as written by William Shakespeare is compared with 
 
 it as altered by Thomas Shadwell 
 
 BY 
 
 WILLIS VICKERY, LL. B. (Boston University) 
 
 A member of The Shakespeare Society of New York, Author of an Intro- 
 duction to " Caliban, a Drama by Ernest Renan, continu- 
 ing Shakespear^ s Tempest": "A Search 
 After a First Folio,'' Etc. 
 
 NEW YORK 
 
 THE SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY OF NEW YORK 
 
 1907 
 
THE GENERAL PREFACE TO THE BANKSIDE RESTORATION 
 
 SERIES. 
 
 On the second day of September, in the year 1642, the Long Parliament 
 passed "An ordinance of the Lords and Commons concerning Stage-Plays." 
 This ordinance provided as follows : 
 
 "Whereas, the distracted state of Ireland, steeped in her own blood, and 
 the distracted state of England threatened with a cloud of blood by Civil 
 War, call for all possible means to appease and avert the wrath of God, 
 appearing in these Judgments, amongst which Fasting and Prayer, having 
 been often tried to be very effective, have been lately and still enjoined: 
 and Whereas, Public Sports do not well agree with Public Calamities, nor 
 Public Stage Plays with seasons of Humiliation, this being an exercise of 
 sad and plus solemnity, and the other being spectacles of Stage-Plays." 
 
 "Pleasure so commonly expressing Lascivious Mirth and Levity; it is 
 therefore, thought fit and ordained by the Lords and Comlmons in this Parlia- 
 ment assembled, that while these sad causes and set times of Humiliation 
 do continue, Public Stage Plays shall cease and be forebome. Instead of 
 which, are recommended to the people of this land, the Profitable and Sea- 
 sonable considerations of Repentance, Reconciliation and Peace with God, 
 which probably will produce outward Peace and prosperity, and bring again 
 times of Joy and Gladness to the Nation." 
 
 This was the first Ordinance of the Long Parliament against Stage- 
 Plays and Interludes. Not being as effective as desired, on October twenty- 
 second, 1647, ^ still more severe Ordinance was passed, entitled "For the Bet- 
 ter Suppression of Stage-Plays, Interludes and Common Players." But 
 even this proved ineffectual'. Though the public Theatres were closed in 
 consequence, and Plays were contraband, yet stages were improvised at 
 taverns, in booths and at Fairs, and mountebanks and strolling players of 
 every description still supplied the masses with such theatricals as their tastes 
 craved. Parliament therefore, February ninth, 1648, passed the most dras- 
 tic measure of all, which declared "that all Stage-Players, and Players in 
 Interludes and Common Players, are hereby declared to be, and are, and 
 shall be taken to be. Rogues, and punished within the statutes of the thirty- 
 ninth Elizabeth and the Seventh of the Reign of James the First." The 
 first cited of these Acts, the 39th Elizabeth, was the one entitled, "An act 
 for the Punishment of Rogues, Vagabonds and Common Beggars," and pro- 
 
 V 
 
vi General Preface 
 
 vided the severest punishment for all such as could be brought within these 
 entitled classes — saving and excepting only such Players as might be under 
 patronage of a Baron of the Realm or other honorable person of greater 
 degree — who might continue to present and perform in Stage Plays and In- 
 terludes. But now the Parliament exempted nobody — and every Actor, 
 Stage Player, and Player of Interludes — under whatsoever protection, was 
 forbidden to present anything in the nature of a Play or an Interlude — sub- 
 ject to the penalties attaching to "Rogues, Vagabonds and Common Beg- 
 gars," under the statutes of Elizabeth and of James. 
 
 This closed all theatres, public and private, regular or improvised. 
 Although sullenly conscious that the temptation of Puritan rulers was — 
 not entirely without a certain satisfaction in the boredom of others not 
 rulers — (that, as Macauley expressed it, the sin of bear-bating lay, not in 
 that it gave pain to the bear, but that it gave pleasure to the spectator,) 
 the masses acquiesced — and, for a space, not only the Theatre, but all those 
 sports and pastimes which had made England "Merry England," were dis- 
 continued. Not to make long prayers, not to sing nasal psalms, or not to name 
 ones children "Obejoyful" (!!!) or "If-Christ-Had-not-Died-for-thee-thou- 
 Hadst-been^Damned" — or at the least Milchizedek or other large Old 
 Testament name, was to be in league with the Devil or other Enemy of the 
 Long Parliament, and therefore a traitor to one's country. 
 
 It was a remark of M. Taine that the English are a sombre people — 
 and that the miasma of the Fens which called forth the sombreness of 
 Beouwuf, still influences Englishmen, and compels them to go the whole 
 way — when they go at all ! But it was also a foregone conclusion that when 
 the Re-action to this Hydraulic suppression of the elastic impulses of a whole 
 people came — it would be a cosmic one ! 
 
 The Re-action came when Charles the Second was crowned at Whitehall 
 amid frantic acclamations of delight. And naturally the Drama — the 
 Theatre — was the first to feel the inspiration of the new Regime ! This Mons 
 Pelee explosion does not, however, concern us here, except in so far as it 
 brought Shakespeare back to his pedestal — to be "Reformed" and "Restored" 
 however, to suit the uttermost Lisence and impropriety which could express 
 the other extreme of the popular pendulum. 
 
 And there had also been another cause at work. Even before the Long 
 Parliament, during the reigns of Charles the First, there had been a sensi- 
 ble decline of the Drama, and no single Dramatist of the first class. Fletcher, 
 
General Preface vii 
 
 the last of the Shakespearean Dramatists, was senile. Shirley was not 
 important, and practically a generation had passed without any notable work 
 being added to Dramatic Literature. When, therefore, the new Dispensa- 
 tion came in, and the theatres — closed — as Pepys deftly put it — (wiping out 
 the ten years Commonwealth forever in as many words) — "since his majesty 
 hath been so long abroad" re-opened — the first recourse for plays was to the 
 past. And to what past was there recourse — but to the giant of the 
 Elizabethan Drama — Shakespeare ! 
 
 That Shakespeare, to be acceptable to this new age, must be rewritten 
 "with Carpentry and French," is so familiar that we need not again describe 
 it. Nor were those antique Bores, the three Unities, too far away to 
 further complicate matters. No doubt the gentleman who now straightway 
 proceeded to "Make Plays" out of Shakespeare, believed that any amount 
 of lubricity would be justified if only that Trinity of unkind Virgins pre- 
 sided over the proprieties (or, rather the Improprieties) they contemplated. 
 The quarrel between. the adherents of the two schools had not slept before 
 the closing of the Theatres in 1642, and was readily taken up again, upon 
 their reopening, at the time of The Restoration. The adherents of Jon- 
 son were reinforced by the King, who favored everything that was French, 
 and who brought with him out of France the French ideas and tastes, 
 as well as the French vices of the times. Upon the reopening of the Theatres, 
 Dramatists were put to their wit's end to supply the demand for new plays, 
 and readily turned to the plays that had once been so popular and sought 
 to adapt them to the stage of the period, and make them more popular by 
 making them conform, not only to the Unities, now regarded as so essen- 
 tial, but to the latitudenarianism so everywhere in the air! Many other 
 curiosities will appear in the analyses of this "Restoration" period. In the 
 prevalence of such a transanimate task it could be written of almost any 
 local poet — as Cartwright wrote of Fletcher, that 
 
 "Shakespeare to thee was dull, whose best jest lies. 
 
 In ladies questions, and the fool's replies ; 
 
 Old fashioned art, which walks from town to town 
 
 In turned hose which our fathers called the clown; 
 
 Whose wit our nice times would obsceneness call. 
 
 And which made baudry pass for comical ; 
 
 Nature was all his art, thy verse was free 
 
 As his, but without his scurrility;" 
 
viii General Preface 
 
 to apply the sentiment of the last four of these lines to Shakespeare seems 
 quite as palpable an obscession as to suppose that the statement in the seventh 
 line, that "nature was all his Art," was not the highest possible praise! 
 
 And yet it must not be forgotten that during aill of this period in which 
 the drama was being corrupted, and Shakespeare was being adapted to the 
 "enlightened age," his real works were still calmly coming from the press 
 undefiled, and based upon the text of 1623. The Third Folio appeared in 
 1664 and the Fourth Folio in 1685, and many quarto editions of single 
 plays were issued during the period from 1660 down to 1700 in their orig- 
 inal undefiled form. Even while this base appetite of the age was still 
 dominant, Nicholas Rowe brought out his First Edition of Shakespeare's 
 Works in 1709; perhaps the most important event — in view of time and 
 place — in all Shakespeare history, except, of course, the appearances of the 
 Quartos and Folios themselves! It was, and remains, the first "Edited," 
 as well as the first illustrated, Edition of Shakespeare — and the first to be 
 preceded by an attempt at a Biography of him — so that, in the midst of all 
 this Lisence it is apparent that there was still in England a modicum of 
 scholarship which had not bowed the knee to Baal! 
 
 Nor, in conclusion, should a word be wanting as to the state 
 of the applied science of Stagecraft in this second Caroline period. 
 In the Introduction to the Seventh Volume of The Bankside Shake- 
 speare is a demonstration that Shakespeare was not only the earliest 
 great English Dramatist, but the earliest great English Drama- 
 turgist as well — ^that he not only perfected Dramatic Art, but com- 
 manded and commandeered the Stagecraft Art to serve him — that he was 
 not only the greatest of Dramatists, but the greatest of Stage-rights ! The 
 Bankside Shakespeare is in the hands of its grand possessors — and this 
 Bankside Restoration Series, will, we are of surety, find an identical 
 possession! Together, these epochical works will appeal — as indeed this 
 Bankside Restoration Series (which now, for the first time, presents stu- 
 dents of the Drama with the Restored play — as against the text of a play 
 as Shakespeare left it — thus indicating at a glance wherein Shakespeare was 
 "dull" in the view of the "refined age" of Charles the Second, and how a 
 refining process could be accomplished), will appeal, not only to the studious, 
 but to the curious, student of Shakespeare. 
 
 Willis Vickery. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 The earliest appearance of "The Life of Tymon of Athens," is in the 
 First Folio, where it is inscribed between the Tragedie of Romeo and Juliet, 
 and The Tragedie of Julius Caesar — ^beginning on a left hand page num- 
 bered 80 — and ending on a left hand page numbered 89. On page 99, a right 
 hand page, is a table headed "The Actors Names," but really being a List of 
 the Persons of the Drama. This page is not numbered at all, and the verse 
 is blank. The next play, the Julius Csesar, begins upon a right hand page 
 numbered 109. Various conjectures to account for this erroneous pagina- 
 . tion are offered. But the paging of the First Folio is so abnormal and care- 
 less throughout that it is hardly worth while to pause to assign a cause for this 
 particular instance. I think it highly probable, as Dr. Morgan has con- 
 jectured (Introduction to The Third Part of Henry the Sixth. The True 
 Tragedie, etc. — page XVI. The Bankside Shakespeare, Volume XX) that 
 the First Folio being beyond the practical resources of any one London 
 Printing House at the date, was set up and printed in several — perhaps 
 four — of them — and the sheets brought together for binding. This would 
 amply account for the irregularities of the pagination. But it is of no import- 
 ance at all — since it was largely corrected in the second and succeeding 
 folios. It rhay be noted, however, by those curious in these technical, or dis- 
 regard of technical, matters, that an attempt would seem to have been made 
 to fill up considerable more space in the volume than the Play called for, by 
 printing prose in broken lines as verse. (See ). 
 
 I am inclined to agree with the Editors who have contended that this 
 play is not entirely by Shakespeare, or if his work entirely — ^that certain parts 
 were left by him in scenarie only, and written in — as to their dialogue by 
 other hands. Wilkins and Heywood have been named as possible con- 
 tributors or collaborators in this way, and conjecturally a scheme for identi- 
 fying the work of each has been well worked out. 
 
 It is a mooted question just where Shakespeare got the material for this 
 play. Some critics claim that he was familiar with the Dialogue of Lucian, 
 which bears the name of "Timon or the Misanthrope," but, so far as we 
 have been able to learn there was no English translation of this Dialogue 
 prior to 1616. 
 
 ix 
 
X Intro dilation 
 
 We find in Plutarch's Life of Marcus Antonius the following, as ren- 
 dered by North, which we think formed at least one of the sources of the 
 play: "Antonius, he forsook the city and the company of his friends, and 
 built him a house in the sea, by the Isle of Phoros, upon certain forced 
 mounts, which he caused to be cast into the sea, and dwelt there as a man 
 that had banished himself from all mens company: saying that he would 
 lead Timon's life, because he had the like wrong offered hi'm, that was before 
 offered Timon : and that for the unthankf ulness of those he had done good 
 unto, and whom he took to be his friends, he was angry with all men and 
 would trust no man." This Timon was a citizen of AthenSj that lived about 
 the war of Peloponnesus, as appeareth by Plato and Aristophanes' comedies ; 
 in the which they mocked him calling him viper and malicious man unto 
 mankind, to shun all other mens companies, but the company of young Alci- 
 bades, a bold and insolent youth, whom he would gladly feast and make much 
 of, and often kissed him very gladly. Apemantus wondering at it, asked 
 him the cause what he meant to make so much of that young man alone, 
 and to hate all others. Timon answered him "I do it," said he "because one 
 day he shall do great mischief unto the Athenians." This Timon would 
 sometimes have Apemantus much in his coinpany because he was much like 
 of his nature-and conditions, and followed him in manner of life. On a 
 time when they solemnly celebrated the feast called Chose at Athens (to 
 wit, the feast of the dead where they make sprinklings and sacrifices of the 
 dead) and that they had feasted together by themselves — Apemantus said 
 to the other — O, here is a trim banquet — Timon ! Timon answered again 
 — yea, said he, so thou wert not here. It is reported of him also that this 
 Timon on a time (the people having assembled in the market place about 
 despatch of some affairs) got up into the pulpit for orations where the orators 
 commonly went to speak unto the people : and silence being made, every 
 man listening to hear what he might say, because it was uncommon to see 
 him in that place, at length he began to speak in this manner : "My Lords of 
 Athens I have a little yard at my house where there groweth a fig tree, on 
 the which many citizens have hanged themselves, and because I mean to make 
 some building on the place, I thought good to let you all understand it that 
 before the fig tree be cut down, if any of you be so disposed, you may go 
 there in time to hang yourselves." At the time, most critics agree that this 
 play must have been written, that is, Shakespeare's part of it, which was 
 somewhere between the years 1606 and 1610, the Dramatist was interested 
 in the graver things of life ; and about this time we know he was writing 
 
Introduction xi 
 
 "Antony & Cleopatra;" and I have no doubt that he afterwards sketched 
 out the stronger scenes in the play, having in mind the Timon of Plutarch 
 as set forth in the Life of Antonius. It would seem to be a satire, pure and 
 simple, upon the ingratitude of mankind, and to make the contrast more 
 terrible, Timon, is placed in the acme of prosperity and is made generous 
 and open hearted even to prodigality — he fairly lavishes himself and all he 
 possesses upyon the worthless sycophants who daily fed at his table, and 
 praised and flattered Timon to the limit. Nor does Timon seem to crave 
 adulation, for his nature really was generous and broad, and because of his 
 own honest heart he thought all men as true as himself. This phase of 
 Timon's character is necessary to understand in order to understand his 
 terrible misanthropy of his after life, after his "lip service" friends had 
 turned; and Timon is one of the master strokes of Shakespeare. As he 
 was more than trustful before so he was less than a cynic after his aban- 
 doment, the pendulum had swung to the other extreme. How unlike the 
 Timon, whose generosity was only vain glory, and whose sole aim was to 
 be talked about as the most generous of men and to be heralded at every 
 point by a flare of trumpets as depicted in the old play that was published 
 by the Shakespeare Society in 1842 by Alexander Dyce, which he claims 
 was purchased in manuscript at the sale of the library of Mr. Heber by 
 Mr. Rodd, the bookseller, and afterwards became his property, which was 
 supposed to have been written about the year 1600, and which has been 
 thought may have been in Shakespeare's 'mind when he was writing his 
 part of Timon of Athens. This statement of Mr. Dyce's sounds very much 
 like a similar statement made by a much greater Shakespearian scholar, as 
 to how he acquired of Mr. Rodd, the bookseller, the folio of 1632 with the 
 Emendations, which caused such a furor in the literary world about the 
 middle of the last century. And there are several things in this play which 
 suggest a much later origin; and what would in the least resemble the 
 "Timon of Athens" of Shakespeare might readily have been borrowed by 
 the author of the manuscript from the Shakespearian play, for it is per- 
 fectly evident that Shakespeare could not have borrowed anything from 
 this play ; although Laches, who is a Stewart in the Dyce "Timon," resem- 
 bles somewhat Flavius in Shakespeare's "Timon" — ^they both follow Timon 
 in his retirement from Athens and serve him faithfully. But the character 
 of Timon in the Dyce play has not the least resemblance to the Timon 
 of Shakespeare's play, for as Timon of the Dyce play was not sincere in 
 
xii Introduction 
 
 his opulence neither was he sincere in his retirement, and we are not sur- 
 prised to have him again return to Athens when prosperity again over- 
 takes him. It would seem that at the banquet scene artificial artichokes 
 and fowls, made to resemble real artichokes and fowls, were set upon the 
 table at the banquet instead of the hot water in the covered dishes as in 
 the Shakespeare Timon. And from two lines that appears in the Shakes- 
 peare play Dyce would connect the two together. The lines I refer to 
 are the last two lines in the third act. The third lord says : "I feel it upon 
 rny bones." Whereupon the fourth lord says: "One day he gives us dia- 
 monds, the next day stones." In Shakespeare's play there is no prior ref- 
 erence to stones ; but the hot water is thrown in the faces of the guests. 
 While in the Dyce play the artichokes, which are real stones, are thrown by 
 Timon and his servants and hence it is thought that Shakespeare was 
 famiihar with the stone throwing episode, when he wrote the two lines above 
 referred to, but we think that this is far-fetched. Whatever may be the 
 source of the play, Shakespeare's Timon of Athens never could have 
 been popular; and, after a very diligent search we have been unable to 
 find that the play, as first printed in the Folio of 1623, had ever been 
 staged. Referring to Langbaine we find the following : "Timon of Athens" 
 — his life. "This play was thought fit to be presented on the stage, with 
 some alterations, by Mr. Shadwell, in the year 1678. I shall say more of 
 it in the account of his works. The foundation of the story may be read in 
 Plutarch's life of M. Antony. See besides 'Lucian's Dialogues,' etc." Of 
 Shadwell's "Timon of Athens," Langbaine says : "Timon of Athens, the 
 Man-Hater" — his history — "acted at the Duke's Theater, made into a play 
 printed in quarto, London, 1678, and dedicated to the Duke of Bucking- 
 ham. The play is originally Shakespteare's, but so imperfectly printed 
 that it is not divided into acts. How much more our author has added or 
 expunged I must leave to the examination of the less busy reader, I not 
 having time at present to inquire into the proofs." The "person, who with 
 the careful hand" continued the work begun by Mr. Langbaine, published 
 a few years later than Langbaine's work, which had been published in 1691, 
 referring to Shadwell's and does not refer to Shakespeare's Timon at all, 
 "Timon of Athens" — says: "Timon of Athens, or the Man-Hater" — a 
 Tragedy — 4to, 1678, acted at the Duke's Theater, and dedicated to the late 
 Duke of Buckingham. Most part of this play is Shakespeare's ; Nay ! and 
 the critics say : "All of it that is good for anything." So it is pretty safe 
 
Introduction xiii 
 
 to say, that prior to Shadwell's alterations, the play of "Timon of Athens" 
 had never been acted. 
 
 From the lists of actors which is contained in the first edition of 
 "Timon of Athens or the Man-Hater," as it was printed in 1678, and 
 acted the same year at the Duke's theater, we find the name of Betterton in 
 the title role while Mrs. Betterton played Evandra and Mrs. Shadwell, the 
 wife of the author played Melissa. Mrs. Shadwell had before her marriage 
 to the poet been an actress, and after her marriage continued to play parts 
 in theatrical pieces. After the poet's death in 1692, the drama "The Vol- 
 unteers or Stock-jobbers," a Comedy, which had been written but never 
 printed or acted was brought out by his widow, Anne Shadwell, who dedi- 
 cated it to the queen in the following — "Miadam, the little wit of our poor 
 family, as well as the best part of the substance, perished with ray hus- 
 band ; so that we hive not where withall, worthily to express our great 
 acknowledgment due for the support and favor we have already received, 
 much less to publish to the world your virtues, and other endowments, both 
 of mind and body, which in a private party would have procured the admira- 
 tion of mankind, and cannot in a queen but be considered as the highest 
 national blessing we enjoy from heaven. This consciousness of our own 
 disability will much shorten your majesty's troubles; we shall only there- 
 fore, without more words, and with all humility and profound respect, 
 throw this last play at your majesty's feet, begging your acceptance of it 
 and that you would once honor it with your preference, which will be the 
 greatest happiness that can arrive in this world to your faithful servant, my 
 deceased husband. I am, madam, your majesty's most humble, most obedi- 
 ient and most faithful subject and servant, Anne Shadwell !" When this last 
 play was finally placed on the stage, to make it more lugubrious, the epi- 
 logue was spoken by one in deep mourning, but was very laudatory of Shad- 
 well, and would vie well with the inscription on the monument referred 
 to later. When Charles the Second came to the throne in 1660, and the 
 dramatists of the day were going about seeking for plays to gratify the taste 
 of play-goers of the period, Shadwell fixed upon this play as one that he 
 might make to conform to that age. And in the language of Southey in 
 his "Life of Cowper:" "Shadwell boasted that he had made 'Timon of 
 Athens' into a play. The execution was worthy of the attempt, and the 
 attempt was worthy of Shadwell, whose bust in Westminster Abbey ought 
 to have been cast either in lead or in brass, or in an emblematic amalgama of 
 
xiv Introduction 
 
 the two metals. Nahum Tate, who of all my predecessors must have ranked 
 least of the Laureats, if he had not succeeded Shadwell, adopted 'Corio- 
 lanus,' 'Richard the Second' and 'King Lear' to his own notions of dra- 
 matic propriety. Shadwell could not degrade himself, for nothing could 
 degrade him." Southey evidently had adopted Dryden's estimate of Shad- 
 well. But I do not think that Dryden did exact justice to Shadwell. The 
 fact that he had been deprived of the laureatship, by the King, and this 
 honor having been given to his worst enemy — Shadwell, probably blinded 
 him to what werits Shadwell may have had. The bust that Southey refers 
 to in the above quotation, was erected to the memory of Thomas Shadwell 
 by his son, John Shadwell. It was in the form of a pyramid, upon which 
 was engraved in Greek the following words : the English translation of 
 which is as follows : "Scene — All Life and Comedy." And upon the stone 
 the following inscription appeared in Latin. I g^ve the English trans- 
 lation "Peace to the ashes of Thomas Shadwell, armour bearer, sprung from 
 ancient race in the County of Stafford. He made their gifts of lasting pop- 
 ularity train his mind to write. This gift of poetry he used, that what 
 drajnas he wrote might make fun of popular follies, and might cure a 
 wretched custom ; that they might please, and at the same time 
 be of benefit; for he considered it greater praise to be considered a good 
 citizen than to be ranked among the leading poets. Then in the reign of 
 William III he deserved and distinguished the titles of Poet Laureat, and 
 Royal Historiographer. He died November 19th at the age of 52. May his 
 ashes rest in peace. In perpetual memory of his piety. 
 
 John Shadwell, M. D. 
 Son of Thomas." 
 
 This inscription appeared in the first collected edition of Shadwell's 
 works which appeared in 1720. It may be that Thomas Shadwell's son was 
 partial to the memory of his father, and that he has overrated his poetical 
 ability, as Dryden had underrated it. It is certainly true that Shadwell's 
 dramas did make sport of popular follies, that they might cure the wretched 
 custom that prevailed during that era of this period. He seems to have 
 been proud of his making "Timon of Athens" into a play, and he refers 
 to his pride in it, in its dedication to the Duke of Buckingham, as well as in 
 the prologue of the play. In what way then did Shadwell make "Timon of 
 Athens" into a play? 
 
Introduction xv 
 
 In Shakespeare's play there are no women, unless the two mistresses that 
 follow Alcibiades may be regarded as women. But during the age of Charles 
 U it was impossible to have a successful play unless there were women 
 and love in it. So now Shadwell introduces the characters of Evandra and 
 Melissa. Evandra is a highminded, beautiful woman, but who loved Timon 
 more than she loved her honor. Melissa is a fair daughter of a rich sena- 
 tor, and was a strickler for all the forms ; and so long as Timon was 
 wealthy and famous was ready to marry him ; but as soon as Timon's wealth 
 had flown, she discarded him with just as much readiness. It was a 
 crime, in the eyes of Melissa, to be poor. She had been, before her engage- 
 ment to Timon, in love with Alcibiades; and after Timon's wealth had 
 flown, she sought to return to Alcibiades, who, hearing of her treachery to 
 Timon, repudiated her entirely. And when Melissa afterwards learned that 
 Timon had found great wealth in the woods, she was very anxious to be 
 restored again to favor. Evandra, who like Timon reserved nothing from a 
 friend, had surrendered all to Timon ; and now when Timon was poor, she 
 gave up her own wealth to fdlow him into the desert. Knowing that he 
 was afflicted was more unbearable to her than all she had suffered from his 
 inconstancy; and having a small fortune of her own, she hastened with all 
 love and affection to lay it at his feet and once more reconcile him to the 
 world of which he has now grown weary. By her behavior he experienced 
 the difference in women, and reproached the inconstancy of his sex, which 
 led him to throw away a jewel of such inestimable worth in exchange for a 
 pebble, such as Melissa. Yet his character was such that it would not per- 
 mit him to accept any obligation from the person he had so greatly wronged. 
 He thanks Evandra; he praises, and vows an everlasting esteem for her 
 uncommon virtue; he pretends he has designs to re-establish himself again, 
 and promises to communicate them to her hereafter, and prevails upon her 
 to leave him. Looking afterwards into his affairs, and finding that all the 
 treasures of which he had lately been master were dissipated, and that of 
 the numbers he had obliged, not one had gratitude enough to do him even 
 ihe smallest service, he determined to quit Athens forever; but before he 
 goes he puts in practice a little strategem. He causes the report to be 
 spread, that by a new accession of fortune he has become more opulent 
 than ever. The mercenary troop who before had foisted themselves upon 
 his generosity, began again to flock around him, each one offering an excuse 
 for his past actions, and promising now, that their lives and fortunes were 
 
xvi Introduction 
 
 wholly at his service. He seems to give credit to what they say, and accepts 
 their excuses, and invites them again to his house at an appointed hour. 
 The supposed dinner is served in covered dishes, which, when they eagerly 
 lift up, they find, instead of food, only toads, snakes, scorpions and such 
 other venomous animals ; but evidently fearing that this would not be strong 
 enough to express his mind, he upbraids ingratitude, avarice and hypocrisy 
 on the part of all present ; and then, with the assistance of the servants who 
 had remained faithful to him, drives them out of the house in such a way 
 as their treatment of him had merited. After this entertainment Timon, 
 after cursing Athens, its senators and its citizens, turns his back upon the 
 ungrateful town and seeks refuge in the woods ; where Evandra, not hear- 
 ing from Timon, no sooner learns of his departure, than she disdains to stay 
 in a place so unworthy of her beloved lord, turns all her effects into money, 
 and follows him' to his retreat. And as she cannot persuade him to quit his 
 solitary life, she resolves to share it with him, exchanging the splendors of 
 the great city for the wilderness ; all the luxuries of life in the rich city of 
 Athens for roots, water and a cold mossy bed. Quite differently did 
 Melissa pass her days. Alcibiades having returned from his banishment, 
 without his sentence having been repealed by the senate — his return was 
 partly induced by his desire of seeing Melissa, and partly to obtain pardon for 
 a dear friend who had been condemned to die. When he returned to Athens, 
 Melissa, not doubting but that he would be reinstated in all of his grandeur, 
 received him with open arms, protesting that she had not enjoyed one 
 happy moment since his departure. But the Senate could not overlook his 
 return before the decree banishing him had been set aside, not only refused 
 him the life of his friend, but ordered him into a second retirement, or ban- 
 ishment; and on pain of death he was commanded to quit Athens in two 
 hours. This time he hoped to pass with his adored Melissa; but Melissa, 
 again hearing of his disgrace, treated him as she before had treated Timon. 
 And Alcibiades then left Athens feeling as much incensed against the City as 
 Timon had been. In the meantime it had been reported to the citizens of 
 Athens that Timon had come into possession of great wealth; and the 
 people and Senators of Athens came out to see him. He spumed them all, 
 3S he was resolved to shun mankind for ever. And he spent the rest of his 
 days in building a tomb with his own hands. When he found that death 
 was ready to seize him, he went into the tomb and there died. Evandra, no 
 sooner saw that life had left the body of Timon than she plunged a dagger 
 
Introduction xvii 
 
 in her breast, and died by his side. In the meantime also Alcibiades revenged 
 his cause on the Athenians, and would have laid the city level with the 
 earth, had not the senators, themselves unable to resist, entreated mercy, 
 which he refused to grant on any other terms then that all there appear before 
 him with halters around their necks ; and the senators were so abject that they 
 complied even with this ; and they sued to Alcibiades in the most pity-moving 
 words their orators could dictate. Melissa, now that Alcibiades's star was in 
 the ascendant, did not doubt but that her beauty still maintained its former 
 power over him, and she came there to meet him, attended and appareled 
 like a bride, with smiles, allurements and graces, and every soft and endear- 
 ing blandishments of love, she came to the place where she beholds Alcibiades 
 surrounded by an admiring crowd. But Alcibiades repels her proffered 
 embraces, throws her away from him like some loathsome thing, upbraids 
 her usage of Timon and of himself as well, and compels her, though too 
 late, to be sensible that no outward appearances can compensate for a base, 
 dishonorable and mercenary soul. 
 
 This is in brief how Shadwell's play of "Timon of Athens" differs 
 from that of Shakespeare. Shadwell gives Greek names to the characters 
 in place of the Latin names given by Shakespeare. Some new characters 
 are brought in; for instance, a musician is added to the number of those 
 living on the liberality of Timon. The character of Demetrius, who was the 
 Flavins of Shakespeare's "Timon," does not equal Flavius; and Shadwell 
 has spoiled Demetrius by making him faithless in the end. 
 
 There is considerable power in the scenes in which Melissa and Evan- 
 dra appear; for Shadwell was a great deal better dramatist than Dryden 
 would have us think; as a revision of Shakespeare, however, this play 
 is a failure; still it is not so bad as some manufactured by great men, 
 for example, by D'Avenant and Dryden. 
 
 One of Shakespeare's characters to suffer, in my judgment, is the char- 
 acter of ApeTiantus. Shakespeare makes him a snarling cynic, and I think 
 used him as a foil to Timon's open-heartedness, and generous nature. He 
 distinctly losses this character in Shadwell's play. 
 
 But here are the plays, both that of Shadwell, and that of Shakespeare, 
 put side by side; and the student can readily compare the merits and 
 demerits of the two. 
 
 Willis Vickery. 
 
THE LIFE OF TIMON OF ATHENS. 
 
 ^ 
 
THE 
 
 HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 Timon of Athens, 
 
 THE 
 
 M A N-H A T E R 
 
 As it is aded at the 
 IDVK^ES THEATRE. 
 
 Made into a 
 
 PLAY. 
 
 By THO. SHABWELL. 
 
 Licenfed, Feb, 1 8. 1 67?. Ro. LEjirange. 
 
 LONDON, 
 
 Printed by jf. M. for Henry Herringman^ at the Blue AttcboT% 
 in the Lower Walk of the New- Exchange^ 1678. 
 
To the Moft 
 ILLUSTRIOUS PRINCE 
 
 GEORGE 
 
 DUKE of BFCKINGHAM, &c. 
 
 May it pleafe your Grace, 
 
 Nothing could ever contribute more to my having a good 
 opinion of my felf , than the being favour'd by your Grace : 
 The thought of which has fo exalted me, that I can no 
 longer conceal my Pride from the World ; but muft publifh 
 the Joy I receive in having fo noble a Patron, and one fo 
 excelling in Wit and Judgment ; Qualities which even your 
 Enemies could never doubt of, or detradt from. And which make all good 
 men and men of fence admire you, and none but Fools and ill men fear 
 you for 'em. I am extream'ly fensible what honour it is to me that my 
 Writings are approved by your Grace ; who in your own have fo clearly 
 fhown the excellency of Wit and Judgment in your Self, and fo juftly the 
 defed of 'em in others, that they at once ferve for the greateft example, 
 and the fharpeft reproof. And no man who has perfectly underftood the 
 Rehearfal, and fome other of your Writings, if he has any Genius at all, 
 can write ill after it. 
 
 I pretend not of an Epiftle to make a Declamation upon thefe and your 
 other excellent Qualities. For naming the Duke of Buckingham is enough : 
 who cannot have greater commendations from me than all who have the 
 honor to know him already give him. Amongft which number I think it my 
 greateft happinefs to be one, and can never be prouder of any thing can 
 
1623 
 
 Timon of Athens 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 7 
 
 arrive to me, than of the honour of having been admitted fometimes into your 
 Graces Converfation, the moft charming in the World. I am now to 
 prefent your Grace with this Hiftory of Timon, which you were pleafed to 
 tell me you liked, and it is the more worthy of you, fince it has the inimitable 
 hand of Shakefpear in it, which never made more Mafterly ftrokes than 
 in this. Yet I can truly fay, I have made it into a Play. Which I humbly 
 lay at your feet, begging the continuance of your Favour, which no man can 
 value more than I fhall ever do, who am unfeignedly. 
 My Lord, 
 
 Your Graces 
 
 M'ost Obedient, 
 
 humble Servant, 
 
 Tho. Shadwell. 
 
1623 
 
 Timon of Athens 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 
 
 Prologue 
 
 TO 
 
 TIMON. 
 
 Since the bare gleanings of the ftage a/re grown \ 
 The only portion for brisk Wits o'th' Town \ 
 We mean fuch as haz>e iw crop of their own; \ 
 Methinks you fhould encourage them that fow, 
 Who are to mutch and gather what does grow. 
 Thus a poor Poet mMft maintain a Mufe, 
 As you do Miftreffes for others life: 
 The wittieft Play can ferve him but one day. 
 Though for three months it finds you what to fay. 
 Yet you your Creditors of wit will fail, 
 And never pay, hut borrow on and rail. 
 Poor Echo's can repeat wit, though they've none, \ 
 Like Bag-pipes they no found have of their own, | 
 Till fame into their emptinefs be blown. \ 
 
 Yet 
 
 To be thought Wits and Judges they're fo glad. 
 And labour for't, as if they Were Wit-mad. 
 Some will keep Tables for the Wits o'th'Nation, 
 And Poets eat them into reputation. 
 Some Scriblers will Wit their whole bus'nefs make. 
 For laboured dullnefs grievous pains will take; 
 And when with many Throes they've travail' d long. 
 They now and then bring forth a Foolifh Song. 
 One Fop all modern Poets will condemn. 
 And by this means a parlous Judg will feem. 
 
1623 
 
 Timon of Athens ivc^f 
 
1678 Timon of Athens li 
 
 IVit is a common Idol, and in vain 
 
 Fops try a thoufand wayes the name to gain. 
 
 Pray judge the naufeous Farces of the Age, 
 
 And middle not with fence upon the Stage; 
 
 To you our Poet no one line fubmits, 
 
 Who fuch a Coil will keep to he thought Wits: 
 
 'Tis you who truly are fo, he would pleafe; 
 
 But knows it is rwt to be done with eafe. 
 
 In the Art of Judging you as wife are grown. 
 
 As in their choice fome Ladies of the Town. 
 
 Your neat fhap't Barbary Wits you will defpife. 
 
 And none but lufty Sinewy Writers prize. 
 
 Old Englifh Shakefpear ftomahs you have to ftill. 
 
 And judge as our Fore-fathers writ with skill. 
 
 You Coin the Wit, the Witlings of the Town 
 
 Retailers are, that fpread it up and down; 
 
 Set but your ftamp upon't, though it be brafs. 
 
 With all the Wou'd-be-Wits, 'twill currant pafs. 
 
 Try it to day and we are jure 'twill hit. 
 
 All to your Sovereign Empire muft fubmit. 
 
12 
 
 Timon of Athens 
 
 1623 
 
 THE 
 
 ACTORS 
 
 NAMES. 
 
 TYMON of Athens. 
 Lucius, And 
 
 Lucullus, two Flattering Lords. 
 AppemantuSj a Churlifh Philofoplier. 
 Sempronlits another flattering Lord. 
 Alcihiades, an Athenian Captaine. 
 Poet. 
 Painter. 
 Jeweller. 
 Merchant. 
 Certaine Senatours. 
 Certaine Maiskers. 
 Certaine Theeu^s. 
 
 Seuerall Seruants to 
 Vfurers. 
 
 Flaminius, one of Tymons Seruants. 
 
 Serviliiis, another. 
 
 Caphis. I 
 
 Varro. \ 
 
 Philo. 
 
 Titus. 
 
 Lucius. I 
 
 Hortenfis | 
 
 Ventigius. one of Tymons falfeFriends 
 
 Cupid. 
 
 Sempronius. 
 
 With diuers other Seruants, 
 
 And Attendants. 
 
1678 
 
 Timon of Athens 
 
 1-? 
 
 Senators of Athens. 
 
 Timon of Athens. 
 
 Alcibiades, an Athenian Captain. 
 
 Apemantus, a Rigid Philofopher. 
 
 Nicias. 
 
 Phseax. 
 
 ^lius. 
 
 Cleon. 
 
 Ifander. 
 
 Ifidore. 
 
 Thrafillus. 
 
 Demetrius, Timons Steward. 
 
 Diphilus, Servant to Timon. 
 
 Old man. 
 
 Poet. 
 
 Painter. 
 
 Jeweller. 
 
 Mufician. 
 
 MercJiant. 
 
 Evandra. 
 
 Meliffa. 
 
 Chloe. 
 
 Thais. 
 
 Phrinias. 
 
 ServoMts. 
 
 Meffengers. 
 
 Several Mafqueraders. 
 
 Souldiers. 
 
 Miftreffes to Alcibiades. 
 
 Mr. Smith. 
 Mr. Harris. 
 Mr. Betterton. 
 Mr. Samdford. 
 Mr. Vnderhill. 
 Mr. Leigh. 
 Mr. N orris. 
 Mr. Percival. 
 Mr. Gillo. 
 
 Mr. Medburne. 
 Mr. Bowman. 
 Mr. Richards. 
 Mr. Jevon. 
 
 Mrs. Betterton. 
 Mrs. Shadwell. 
 Mrs. Gibbs. 
 
 Mrs. Seymor. 
 
 Mrs. Le-Grand. 
 
 Scene Athens. 
 
14 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 THE LIFE OF TYMON 
 
 OF ATHENS. 
 
 ABus Primus. Scaena Prima. 
 Enter Poet, Pcdnter, leweller, Merchant, and Mercer, at feuerall doores. 
 
 Poet. 
 
 GOod day Sir. 
 Pain. I am glad y'are well. 
 Poet. I haue not feene you long, how goes the World? 
 
 Pain. It weares fir, as it growes. 
 
 Poet. I that's well knowne : 
 But what particular Rarity? What ftrange, 
 Which manifold record not matches : lee 
 Magicke of Bounty, all thefe fpirits thy power 
 Hath coniur'd to attend. 
 I know the Merchant. 
 
 Pain. I know them both : th'others a leweller. 
 
 Mer. O 'tis a worthy Lord. 
 
 lew. Nay that's moft fixt. 
 
 Mer. A moft incomparable man, breath'd as it were. 
 To an vntyreable and continuate goodneffe: 
 He paffes. 
 
 lew. I haue a lewell heere. 
 
 Mer. O pray let's fee't. For the Lord Timon, fir? 
 
 lewel. If he will touch the eftimate. But for that 
 
 Poet. When we for recompence haue prais'd the vild. 
 It ftaines the glory in that happy Verfe, 
 Which aptly fings the good. 
 
 Mer. 'Tis a good forme. 
 
 lewel. And rich : heere is a Water looke ye. 
 
 Pain. You are rapt fir, in fome worke, fome Dedication to the great 
 Lord. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 15 
 
 Timon of Athens, 
 
 OR T H E 
 
 M A N=H A T E R. 
 
 ACT I. SCENE I. 
 
 H 
 
 Demetrius. 
 
 Dem. "^^ "^g^ Ow ftrange it is to lee my Riotous Lord 
 With carelels Luxury betray himfelf ! 
 To Feaft and Revel all his hours away; 
 Without account how faft his Treafure ebbs, 
 How flowly flows, and when I warn'd him of 
 His following dangers, with his rigorous frowns 
 
 He nipt my growing honefty i'th' Bud, 
 
 And kill'd it quite ; and well for me he did fo. 
 
 It was a barren Stock would yield no Fruit : 
 
 But now like Evil Councellours I comply, 
 
 And lull him in his foft Lethargick life. 
 
 And like fuch curfed Politicians can 
 
 Share in the head-long ruine, and will rife by't : 
 
 What vaft rewards to naufeous Flatterers^ 
 
 To Pimps, and Women, what Eftrates he gives ! 
 
 And fhall I have no fhare ? Be gon, all Honefty, 
 
 Thou foolifh, flender, threadbare, ftarving thing, be gon ! 
 
1 6 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Poet. A thing flipt idely from me. 
 Our Poefie is as a Gowne, which vfes 
 From whence 'tis nourifht: the fire i'th'Flint 
 Shewes not, till it be ftrooke : our gentle flame 
 Prouokes it felf, and like the currant flyes 
 Each bound it chafes. What haue you there? 
 
 Pain. Piflure fir: when comes your Booke forth? 
 
 Poet. Vpon the heeles of my prefentment fir. 
 Let's fee your peece. 
 
 Pain. 'Tis a good Peece. 
 
 Poet. So 'tis, this comes off well, and excellent. 
 
 Pain. Indifferent. 
 
 Poet. Admirable: How this grace 
 Speakes his owne ftanding: what a mentall power 
 This eye fhootes forth? How bigge imagination 
 Mbues in this Lip, to th'dumbneffe of the gefture, 
 One might interpret. 
 
 Pain. It is a pretty mocking of the life : 
 Heere is a touch : Is't good ? 
 
 Poet. I wll fay of it, 
 It Tutors Nature, Artificial ftrife 
 Lines in thefe toutches, liuerlier then life. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 17 
 
 Enter Poet. 
 
 Here's a fellow-horf eleech : How now Poet, how goes the world? 
 
 Poet. Why, it wears as it grows : but is Lord Timon vif ible ? 
 
 Dem. Hee'U come out fuddenly, what have you to prefent him? 
 
 Poet. A Httle Oif-fpring of my fruitful Mufe : She's in travel daily for 
 his honour. 
 
 Dem. For your own profit, you grofs flatterer. 
 By him damn'd Panegyricks he has written [Afide. 
 
 Himself up to my Lords Table, 
 Which he feldom fails ; nay, into his Chariot, 
 Where he in publick does not blufh to own 
 The fordid Scribler. 
 
 Poet. The laft thing I prefented my Noble Lord was Epigram : But this 
 is in Heroick ftyle. 
 
 Dem. What d'ye mean by ftyle ? that of good fence is all alike ; that is to 
 fay, with apt and eafie words, not one too little or too much : And this I 
 think good ftyle. 
 
 Poet. O Sir, you are wide o'th' matter ! apt and eafie ! 
 Heroicks muft be lofty and high founding; 
 No eafie language in Heroick Verfe; 
 'Tis moft unfit : for fhould I name a Lion, 
 I muft not in Heroicks call him fo ! 
 
 Dem. What then? 
 
 Poet. I'de as foon call him an Afs. No thus 
 
 The fierce Numidian Monarch of the Beafts. 
 
 Dem. That's lofty, is it? 
 
 Poet. O yes ! but a Lion would found fo badly, not to be 
 Endur'd, and a Bull too — but 
 The mighty Warriour of the h^'-ned Race: 
 Ah — how that founds! 
 
 Dem^ Then I perceive found'o the great matter in this way. 
 
 Poet. Ever while you live. 
 
 Dem. How would you found a Fox as you call it ? 
 
 Poet. A Fox is but a fcurvey Beaft for Heroick Verfe. 
 
 Dem. Hum — is it fo ? how will a Raven do in Heroick ? 
 
 Poet. Oh very well. Sir. 
 That black and dreadful fate-denouncing fowl. 
 
1623 
 
 jg Timon of Athens 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 19 
 
 Dem. An excellent found — But let me fee your Piece. 
 Poet. I'le read it — 'Tis a good morrow to the Lord Timon. 
 Dem. Do you make good morrow found loftily? 
 Poet. Oh very loftily! 
 
 The fringed Vallance of your eyes advance, 
 Shake off yowr Canopy' d and doumie trance: 
 PhcEbus already quaffs the morning dew, 
 Each does his daily leafe of life renew. 
 
 Now you fhall hear defcription, t'is the very life of Poetry. 
 
 He darts his beams on the Larks moffie-houfe, 
 And from his quiet tenement does rouse 
 The little charming and harmonious Fowl, 
 Which fings its lump of Body to a Soul: 
 Swiftly it clambers up in the fteep air 
 With marbling throat, and makes each nocat a ftair. 
 
 There's rapture for you ! hah ! 
 
 Dem. Very fine. 
 
 Poet. This the follicitous Lover ftraight alarms. 
 
 Who too long f lumber' d in his Coelia's arms : 
 And now the fwelling Spunges of the night 
 With aking heads f tagger from tlieir delight: 
 Slovenly Taylors to their needles haft: 
 Already now the moving fhops are plac'd 
 By thofe who crop the treafures of the fields. 
 And all thofe Gems the ripening Summer yields. 
 
 Who d'ye think are now ? Why Nothing but Herb-women : there are 
 
 fine lofty expref fions for Herb-women ! ha ! — Already now, &c. 
 
 Dem. But what's all this to my Lord ? 
 
 Poet. No, that's true, 'tis defcription though. 
 
 Dem. Yes, in twenty lines to defcribe to him that 'tis about 
 
1 goo 
 
 Timon of Athens 
 20 
 
■J 678 Timon of Athens 21 
 
 [Exit DemetriuSi 
 
 The fourth hour in the morning I'le in and let 
 
 Him know in three words 'tis the feventh. 
 
 Enter Mufician. 
 
 Poet. Good morning Sir: whither this way? 
 
 Muj. To prefent his Honour with a piece of Mufick. 
 
 Enter Demetrius. 
 
 Dem. My Lord will foon come out. 
 
 Poet. He's the very fpirit of Nobility 
 
 And like the Sun when ever he breaks forth, 
 His Univerfal bounty falls on all. 
 
 Enter Merchant, Jeweller, Painter, and feverat others. 
 
 Jewell. Good morrow Gentlemen. 
 
 Paint. Save you all. 
 
 Dem. Now they begin to fwarm about the houfe ! 
 
 Poet. What confluence the worthy Timon draws? 
 
 Magick of bounty Thefe familiar Spirits 
 
 Are conjur'd up by thee. 
 
 Merch. 'Tis a fplendid Jewel. 
 
 Jewel. 'Tis of an excellent water. 
 
 Poet. What have you there, Sir? 
 
 Paint. It is a Pidture Sir, a dumb piece of Poetry: but you prefent a 
 f peaking Poem. 
 
 Poet. I have a little thing f lipt idly from me : 
 The fire within the flint fhews not it felf 
 Till it be ftruck ; our gentle flame provokes 
 It felf 
 
 Dem. You write fo fcurvily, the Devil's in any man that provokes 
 You, but your felf. 
 
 Poet. It is a pretty mocking of the life. 
 
 Paint. So, fo. 
 
 Dem. Now muft thefe Rafcals be prefented all, 
 As if they had fav'd his honour or his life ; 
 And I muft have a feeling in the bufinefs. 
 
22 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Enter certaine Senators. 
 
 Pain. How this Lord is followed. 
 
 Poet. The Senators of Athens, happy men. 
 
 Pain. Looke moe. 
 
 Po. You fee this confluence, this great flood of vifitors, 
 I haue in this rough worke, fhap'd out a man 
 Whom this beneath world doth embrace and hugge 
 With ampleft entertainment : My free drift 
 Halts not particularly, but moues it felfe 
 In a wide Sea of wax, no leuell'd malice 
 Infe(fls one comma in the courfe I hold. 
 But flies an Eagle flight, bold, and forth on. 
 Leaning no Traft behinde. 
 
 Pain. How fhall I vnderftand you? 
 
 Poet. I will vnboult to you. 
 You fee how all Conditions, how all Mindes, 
 As well of glib and flipp'ry Creatures, as 
 Of Graue and auftere qualitie, tender downe 
 Their feruices to Lord Timon: his large Fortune, 
 Vpon his good and gracious Nature hanging. 
 Subdues and properties to his loue and tendance 
 AH forts of hearts; yea, from the glaffe-fac'd Flatterer 
 To Apemanttcs, that few things loues better 
 Then to abhorre himfeKe; euen hee drops downe 
 The knee before him, and returnes in peace 
 Moft rich in Timons nod. 
 
 Pain. I faw them fpeake together. 
 
 Poet. Sir, I haue vpyon a high and pleafant hill 
 Feign'd Fortune to be thron'd. 
 The Bafe o'thMount 
 
 Is rank'd with all deferts, all kinde of Natures 
 That labour on the bofome of this Sphere, 
 To propagate their ftates ; among' ft them all, 
 Whofe eyes are on this Soueraigne Lady fixt. 
 One do I perfonate of Lord Timons frame, 
 Whom Fortune wtih her luory hand wafts to her. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 23 
 
 Enter certain Senators going in to Timon. 
 
 Poet. How this Lord is follow'd! [Enter more who pafs over. 
 
 Paint. See more, well, he's a noble fpirit ! 
 
 Jewel. A moft worthy Lord! 
 
 Poet. What a flood of Vifitors his bounty draws ! 
 
 Dem. You fee how all conditions, how all minds. 
 As well of glib and flippery Creatures, as 
 Of grave and auftere quality, prefent 
 Their fervices to Lord Timons profp'rous fortune. 
 He to his good and gracious nature does fubdue 
 All forts of tempers, from the fmooth fac'd flatterer 
 To Apenumtus, that Philofophical Churle 
 Who hates the worlds and does almoft abhor 
 Himfelf 
 
 Pmnt. He is a moft excellent Lord, and makes the fineft Pidlure ! 
 
 Poet. The joy of all mankind ; deferves a Homer for his Poet. 
 
 Jewel. A moft accomplifht perfon! 
 
 Poet. The Glory of the Age ! 
 
 Paint. Above all parallel! 
 
 Dem. And yet thefe Rogues, were this man poor, would fly him, 
 As I would them, if I were he. 
 
 [Soft Mufick. 
 
 Poet. Here's excellent Mlufick! 
 In what delights he melts his hours away I 
 
24 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Whofe prefent grace, to prefent flaues and feruants 
 Tranflates his Riuals. 
 
 Pain. 'Tis conceyu'd, to Icope 
 This Throne, this Fortune, and this Hill me thinkes 
 With one man becken'd from the reft below. 
 Bowing his head againft the fteepy Mount 
 To climbe his happineffe, would be well expreft 
 In our Condition. 
 
 Poet. Nay Sir, but heare me on: 
 All thofe which were his Fellowes but of late. 
 Some better then his valew; on the moment 
 Follow his ftrides, his Lobbies fill with tendance, 
 Raine Sacrificial whifperings in his eare, 
 Make Sacred euen his ftyrrop, and through him 
 Drinks the free Ayre. 
 
 Pain. I marry, what of thefe? 
 
 Poet. When Fortune in her fhift and change of mood 
 Spurnes downe her late beloued; all his Dependants 
 Which labour'd after him to the Mountaines top, 
 Euen on their knees and hand, let him fit downe, 
 Not one accompanying his declining foot. 
 
 Pain. Tis common : 
 A thoufand morall Paintings I can fhew, 
 That fhall demonftrate thefe quicke blowes of Fortunes, 
 More pregnantly then words. Yet you do well. 
 To fhew Lord Timon, that meane eyes haue feene 
 The foot aboue the head. 
 
 Trumpets found. 
 Enter Lord Timon, addreffing himfelfe courteoufly to euery Sutor. 
 
 Tim. Imprifon'd is he, fay you? 
 
 Mef. I my good Lord, fiue Talents is his debt, 
 His meanes moft fhort, his Creditors moft ftraite: 
 Your Honourable Letter he defires 
 To thofe haue fhut him vp, which failing. 
 Periods his comfort. 
 
1 678 Timon of Athens 25 
 
 Enter Timon and Senators, Timon addreffing himfelf coiwteoufly to all. 
 
 Tim. My Lord, you wrong your felf, and 'bate too much 
 Of your own merits : 'Tis but a trifle. 
 ^lius. With more than common thanks I muft receive it. 
 Ifidore. Your Lordfhip has the very foul of bounty. 
 Phceax. You load us with too many Obligations. 
 Tim. I never can oblige my friends too much. 
 
26 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Tim. Noble Ventidius well : 
 I am not of that Feather, to fhake off 
 My Friend when he mult neede me. I do know him 
 A Gentleman, that well deferues a helpe. 
 Which he fhall haue. lie pay the debt, and free him. 
 
 Mef. Your Lordfhip euer bindes him. 
 
 Tim. Commend me to him, I will fend his ranfome. 
 And being enfranchized bid him come to me ; 
 'Tis not enough to helpe the Feeble vp, 
 But to fupport him after. Fare you well. 
 
 Mef. All happineffe to your Honor. Exit. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 27 
 
 My Lord, I remember you the other day 
 Commended a Bay Courfer which I rode on. 
 He's yours, becaufe you lik'd him. 
 
 Phwax. I befeech your Lordfhip pardon me in this. 
 
 Tim. My word is paft: is there ought elfe you like? 
 I know my Lord, no man can juftly praife 
 But what he does affedl; and I muft weigh 
 My Friends affedions with my own : 
 So kindly I receive your vifits, Lords: 
 My heart is not enough to give, me thinks, 
 I could deal Kingdoms to my Friends and ne're be weary. 
 
 Mlius. We all muft ftand amaz'd at your vaft bounty! 
 
 Cleon. The fpirit of Magnificence reigns in you! 
 
 Phceax. Your Bounty's as diffufive as the Sea. 
 
 Tim. My Noble Lords, you do me too much honour. 
 
 Ifcmd. There lives not fuch a Noble Lord on Earth. 
 
 Thrafil. None but the Sun and He oblige without 
 A prospect of Return. 
 
 Enter a Meffenger and whifpers Timon. 
 
 Tim. Lampridius imprifon'd! fay you? 
 
 Meff. Yes, my good Lord, five Talents is his debt : 
 His Means are fhort, his Creditors moft ftrid, 
 He begs your Letter to thofe cruel men, 
 That may preferve him from his utter ruine. 
 
 Tim>. I am not of that temper to fhake off 
 My Friend when moft he needs me : I know him, 
 A Gentleman that well deferves my help ; 
 Which he fhall have : I'le pay the debt and free him. 
 
 Meff. Your Lordfhip ever binds him to your fervice. 
 
 Tim. Commend me to him, I will fend his Ranfom, 
 And when he's free, bid him depend on me: 
 'Tis not enough to help the feeble up. 
 But to fupport him after tell him fo. 
 
 Meff. All happinefs to your honour. 
 
 [Exit Meffenger. 
 
28 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Enter an old Athenian. 
 
 01dm. Lord Timon,, heare me fpeake. 
 
 Tim. Freely good Father. 
 
 OUm. Thou haft a Seruant nam'd Lucillus. 
 
 Tim. I haue fo: What of him? 
 
 Oldm. Moft Noble Tim^on, call the man before thee. 
 
 Tim. Attends he heere, or no? Lucillius. 
 
 Luc. Heere at your Lx>rdfhips feruice. 
 
 Oldim. This Fellow heere, L. Timon, this thy Creature, 
 By night frequents my houfe. I am a man 
 That from my firft haue beene inclin'd to thrift, 
 And my eftate deferues an Heyre more rais'd, 
 Then one which holds a Trencher. 
 
 Tim. Well: what further? 
 
 Old. One onely Daughter haue I, no Kin elfe, 
 On whomi I may conferre what I haue got: 
 The Maid is faire, a'th'youngelt for a Bride, 
 And I haue bred her at my deereft coft 
 In Qualities of the beft. This man of thine 
 Attempts her loue: I prythee (Noble Lord) 
 loyne with me to forbid him her refort, 
 My felfe haue fpoke in vaine. 
 
 Tim. The man is honeft. 
 
 Oldm: Therefore he will be Timon, 
 His honefty rewards him in it felfe. 
 It muft not beare my Daughter. 
 
 Tim. Does fhe loue him? 
 
 Oldm. She is yong and apt: 
 Our owne precedent paffions do inftrucS vs 
 What leuities in youth. 
 
 Tim. Loue you the Maid? 
 
 Luc. I my good Lord, and fhe accepts of it. 
 
 Oldm. If in her Marriage my confent be miffing, 
 I call the Gods to witneffe, I will choofe 
 Mine heyre from forth the Beggers of the world. 
 And difpoffeffe her all. 
 
1 678 Titnon of Athens 29 
 
 Enter an Old Athenian. 
 
 Old Man. My Lord, pray hear rae ipeak. 
 
 Tim. Freely, good Father. 
 
 Old Man. You have a Servant nam'd Diphdlus. 
 
 Tim. I have fo, that is he. 
 
 Old Man. That fellow there by night frequents my houfe, 
 I am a man that from my firft have been 
 Inclin'd to thrift, and my Eftrate deferves 
 A nobler Heir than one that holds a trencher. 
 
 Tim. Go on. 
 
 Old Man. I have an only Daughter : no Kin elfe. 
 On whom I may confer what I have got : 
 The Maid is fair, o'th' youngeft for a Bride, 
 And I have bred her at my deareft coft. 
 This man attempts her love; pray my good Lord 
 Joyn with me to forbid him ; I have often 
 Told him my mind in vain. 
 
 Tim. The man is honeft. 
 
 Old Man. His honefty rewards him in himfelf ; 
 It muft not bear my Daughter. 
 
 Tim. Does fhe love him? 
 
 Old M'an. She is young and apt. 
 
 Tim. Do you love her ? 
 
 Diffil. Yes, my good Lord, and fhe accepts of mine. 
 
 Old Man. If to her marriage my content be wanting, 
 I call the gods to witnefs, I will make 
 The Beggars of the ftreet my Heirs e're fhe 
 Shall have a drachma. 
 
 Tim. This Gentleman of mine has ferv'd me long; 
 There is a duty from a Mafter too: 
 To build his Fortune I will ftrain a little, 
 Whate're your Daughters Portion weighs, this 
 Mans fhall counterpoife. 
 
 Old Man. Say you fo my Noble Lord ! upon your honour 
 This, and fhe is his. 
 
 Tim. Give me thy hand : my Honour on my promife. 
 
3° Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Tim. How fhall fhe be endowed. 
 If fhe be mated with an equal Husband? 
 
 Oldm. Three Talents on the prefent ; in future, all. 
 
 Tim. This Gentleman of mine 
 Hath feru'd me long: 
 
 To build his Fortune, I will ftraine a little. 
 For 'tis a Bond in men. Giue him thy Daughter, 
 What you beftow, in him He counterpoize. 
 And make him weigh with her. 
 
 Oldm. Moft Noble Lord, 
 Pawne me to this your Honour, fhe is his. 
 
 Tim. My hand to thee. 
 Mine Honour on my promife. 
 
 Luc. Humbly I thanke your Lordfhip, neuer may 
 That ftate or Fotune fall into my keeping. 
 Which is not owed to you. Exit. 
 
 Poet. Vouchfafe my Labour, 
 And long Hue your Lordfhip. 
 
 Tim. I thanke you, you fhall heare from me anon : 
 Go not away. What haue you there, my Friend? 
 
 Pain. A peace of Painting, which I do befeech 
 Your Lordfhip to accept. 
 
 Tim. Painting is welcome. 
 The Painting is almoft the Naturall man : 
 For fince Difhonor Trafhickes with mans Nature, 
 He is but out-fide : Thefe Penfil'd Figures are 
 Euen fuch as they giue out. I like your worke. 
 And you fhall finde I like it; Waite attendance 
 Till you heare further from me. 
 
 Pcdn. The Gods preferue ye. 
 
 Tim^ Well fare you Gentleman : giue me your hand. 
 We muft needs dine together : fir your lewell 
 Hath fuffered vnder praife. 
 
 lewel. What my Lord, dif praife? 
 
 Tim. A meere faciety of Commendations, 
 If I fhould pay you for't as 'tis extold. 
 It would vnclew me quite. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 3^ 
 
 Diffil. My Noble Lord, I thank you on my knees : 
 May I be as miferable as I fhall be ba£e 
 When I forget this moft furprizing favour: 
 No Fortune or Eftate fhaJl e're be mine. 
 Which I'le not humbly lay before your feet. 
 
 Tim. Rife. I ne're do good with profpedl of return, 
 That were but merchandizing, a mere trade 
 Of putting kindnefs out to ufe. 
 
 Poet Vouchfafe to accept my labours, and long live your Lordfhip. 
 
 Tim. I thank you ; you fhall hear from me anon : 
 What have you there my friend? 
 
 Paint. A piece of Limning for your Lordfhip. 
 
 Tim. 'Tis welcome. I like it, and you fhall find I do. 
 
 Jewel. My Lord, here is the Jewel! 
 
 Tim. 'Tis Excellent! 
 
32 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 lewel. My Lord, 'tis rated 
 As thofe which fell would giue : but you well know, 
 Things of like valew differing in the Owners, 
 Are prized by their Mafters. Beleeu't deere Lord, 
 You mend the lewell by the wearing it. 
 
 Tim. Well mock'd. Enter Apermantus. 
 
 Mer. No my good Lord, he fpeakes ye common toong 
 Which all men fpeake with him. 
 
 Tim. Looke who comes heere, will you be chid? 
 
 Jewel. Wee'l beare with your Lordfhip. 
 
 Mer. Hee'l fpare none. 
 
 Tim. Good morrow to thee, 
 Gentle Apermantus. 
 
 Ape. Till I be gentle, ftay thou for thy good morrow. 
 When thou art Timons dogge, and thefe Knaues honeft. 
 
 Tim. Why doft thou call them Knaues, thou know'ft them not? 
 
 Ape. Are they not Athenians? 
 
 Tim. Yes. 
 
 Ape. Then I repent not. 
 
 lew. You know me, Apemantus? 
 
 Ape. Thou know'ft I do, I call'd thee by thy name. 
 
 Tim. Thou art proud Apemantusf 
 
 Ape. Of nothing fo much, as that I am not like Timon 
 
 Tim. Whether art going? 
 
 Ape. To knocke out an honeft Athenians braines. 
 
 Tim. That's a deed thou't dye for. 
 
 Ape. Right, if doing nothing be death by th'Law. 
 
 Tim. How lik'ft thou this pidlure Apemantusf 
 
 Ape. The beft, for the innocence. 
 
 Tim. Wrought he not well that painted it. 
 
 Ape. He wrought better that made the Painter, and yet he's but a filthy 
 peece of worke. 
 
 Pain. Y'are a Dogge. 
 
 Ape. Thy Mothers of my generation : what's fhe, if I be a Dogge ? 
 
 Tim. Wilt dine with me Apemantus? 
 
 Ape. No: I eate not Lords. 
 
 Tim. And thou fhould'ft, thoud'ft anger Ladies. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 33 
 
 Enter Apemantus. 
 
 Jewel. Your Lordfhip mends the Jewel by the wearing. 
 
 Tim. Well mock't. 
 
 Poet. No, my good Lord, he fpeaks what all men think. 
 
 Apem. Scum of all flatterers, wilt thou ftill perfift 
 For filthy gain, to gild and vanifh o're 
 This great Man's Vanities ! 
 
 Tim. Nay, now we muft be chidden. 
 
 Poet. I can bear with your Lordfhip. 
 
 Apem. Yes, and without him too : vain credulovis Timon, 
 If thou believ'ft this Knave, thou'art a fool. 
 
 Tim. Well, gentle Apemantus, good morrow to thee. 
 
 Apem-. Till, I am gentle ; ftay for thy good morrow 
 Till thou art Timons dog, and thefe Knaves honeft. 
 
 Tim. Why doft thou call them Knaves? 
 
 Apem. They're Athenians, and I'le not recant; 
 Th'are all bafe Fawners ; what a coile is here 
 With fmiling, cringing, jutting out of Bums : 
 I wonder whether all the legs they make 
 Are worth the fummes they coft you ; friendfhip's full 
 Of dregs ; bafe filthy dregs. 
 Thus honeft fools lay out their wealth for cringes. 
 
 JElitis. Do you know us fellow? 
 
 Apem. Did I not call you by your names? 
 
 TimL Thou preacheft againft Vice, and thou thy felf art proud Apemantus. 
 
 Apem. Proud! that I am not Timon. 
 
 Tim. Why fo? 
 
 Apem. To give belief to flatt'ring Knaves and Poets, 
 And to be ftill my felf my greateft flatterer : 
 What fhould Great Men be proud of ftead of noife 
 And pomp and fhow, and holding up their heads, 
 And cocking of their nofes ; pleas'd to fee 
 
 3 
 
34 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Ape. O they eate Lords; 
 So they come by great bellies. 
 
 Tim. That's a lafciuious apptehenfion. 
 
 Ape. So, thou apprehend'ft it, 
 Take it for thy labor. 
 
 Tim. How doft thou like this lewell, Apemantus? 
 
 Ape. Not fo well as plain-dealing, which wil not caft a man a Doit. 
 
 Tim.. What doft thou thinke 'tis worth? 
 
 Ape. Not worth my thinking. 
 How now Poet? 
 
 Poet. How now Philbfopher? 
 
 Ape. Thou lyeft. 
 
 Poet. Art not one ? 
 
 Ape. Yes. 
 
 Poet. Then I lye not. 
 
 Ape. Art not a Poet? 
 
 Poet. Yes. 
 
 Ape. Then thou lyeft : 
 Looke in thy laft worke, where thou haft feign'd him a worthy Fellow. 
 
 Poet. That's not feign'd, he is fo. 
 
 Ape. Yes he is worthy of thee, and to pay thee for thy labour. He that 
 loues to be flattered, is worthy o'th flatterer. Heauens, that I were a Lord. 
 
 Tim. What wouldft do then Apermantus? 
 
 Ape. E'ne as Apemantus does now, | hate a Lord with my heart. 
 
 Tim. What thy felfe? 
 
 Ape. I. 
 
 Timi. Wherefore? 
 
 Ape. That I had no angry wit to be a Lord.| 
 Art not thou a Merchant ? 
 
 Mer. I Apermmitus. 
 
 Ape. Traffick confound thee, if the Gods will not. 
 
 Mer. If Trafficke do it, the Gods do it. 
 
 Ape. Traffickes thy God, & thy God confound thee. 
 Trumpet founds. Enter a Meffenger. 
 
 Tim. What Trumpets that? 
 
 Mef. 'Tis Alcibiades, and fome twenty Horfe 
 All of Companionfhip. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 35 
 
 Baf e f miling Knaves, and cringing fools bow to 'em ? 
 Did they but fee their own ridiculous folly. 
 Their mean and abfurd vanities; they'd hide 
 Their heads within fome dark and little corner. 
 And be afraid that every fool fhould find 'em. 
 
 Tim. Thou haft too much fowernefs in thy blood. 
 Poet. Hang him, n'er mind him 
 
 Apem. What is this foolifh animal man, that we 
 Should magnifie him fo ? a little warm, 
 And walking Earth that will be afhes foon; 
 We come into the world crying and fqualling, 
 And fo much of our time's confum'd in driv'ling infancy. 
 In ignorance fleep, difeafe and trouble, that 
 The remainder is not worth the being rear'd to. 
 
 Phosax. A preaching fool. 
 
 Apem. A fool ? if thou hadft half my wit thou'dft find 
 Thy f elf an Af s ! Is it not truth I f peak ? 
 Are not all the arts and fubtleties of men. 
 All their Inventions, all their Sciences, 
 All their Diverfions, all their Sports, littk enough 
 To pafs away their happieft hours with. 
 And make a heavy life be born with patience? 
 
 Tim. I with the help of friends will make mine eafier 
 Than what your melancholy frames. 
 
 Apem. How little doft thoui look before thee ! 
 Thou, who tak'ft fuch great feUcity in Fools and Knaves, 
 And in thy own enjoyments, wilt e're long 
 Find 'em fuch thin, fuch poor and empty fhadows. 
 That thou wilt wifh thou never hadft been born. 
 
 Tim. I do not think fo. 
 
 Phoeax. Hang him, fend him to the Areopagus, and let him 
 Be whipt ! 
 
 Apem. Thus innocence, truth and merit often fuffer. 
 Whil'ft injurers, oppreffors and defertlefs fools 
 Swell in their brief authority, look big 
 And ftrut in Furs ; 'tis a foul fhame, 
 But 'tis a loathfome Age, it has been long 
 
36 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Tim. Pray entertaine them, giue them guide to vs. 
 You muft needs dine with me : go not you hence 
 Till I haue thankt you: when dinners done 
 Shew me this peece, I am joyfull of your fights. 
 
 Enter Alcibiades with tlie reft. 
 Moft welcome Sir. 
 
 Ape. So, fo ; their Aches contract, and fterue your fupple ioynts : that 
 there fhould bee fmall loue amongeft thefe fweet Knaues, and all this 
 Curtefie. The ftraine of mans bred out into Baboon and Monkey. 
 
 Alio. Sir, you haue fau'd my longing, and I feed 
 Moft hungerly on your fight. 
 
 Tim. Right welcome Sir : 
 Ere we depatt, wee'l fliare a bounteous time 
 In diffrent pleafures. 
 
 Pray you let vs in. Exeunt. 
 
 Enter tzco Lords. 
 
 I Lord. What time a day is't Apemantnsf 
 
 Ape. Time to be honeft. 
 
 1 That time ferues ftill. 
 
 Ape. The moft accurfed thou that ftill omitft it. 
 
 2 Thou art going to Lord Timons Feaft. 
 
 Ape. I, to fee meate fill Knaues, and Wine heat fooles. 
 
 2 Farthee well, farthee well. 
 
 Ape. Thou art a Foole to bid me farewell twice. 
 
 2 Why Apemantnsf 
 
 Ape. Should'ft haue kept one to thy felfe, for I meane to giue thee none. 
 
 1 Hang thy felfe. 
 
 Ape. No I will do nothing at thy bidding : 
 Make thy requefts to thy Friend. 
 
 2 Away vnpeaceable Dogge, 
 Or He fpurne thee hence. 
 
 Ape. I will flye like a dogge, the heeles a'th'Affe. 
 
 I Hee's oppofite to humanity. 
 Comes fhall we in, 
 
 And tafte Lord Timons bountie : he out-goes 
 The verie heart of kindneffe. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 37 
 
 Impofthiimating with its villanie ; 
 
 And now the fwelHng's broken out 
 
 In moft contagious ulcers ; no place free 
 
 From the deftructive Peftilence of manners ; 
 
 Out upon't, 'tis time the world f hould end ! 
 
 Tim. Do not rail fo 'tis to little purpofe. 
 
 Apem. I fear it is, I have done my morning ledlure, 
 And rie be gone 
 
 Tim. Whither? 
 
 Apem. To knock out an honeft Athenimis brains. 
 
 Tim. Why? that's a deed thou'It die for Apemantus. 
 
 Apem. Yes, if doing nothing be death by the Law. 
 
 Tim. Will nothing pleafe thee? how doft thou like this Piflure? 
 
 Apem. Better than the thing 'twas drawn for, 'twill 
 Neither lie, drink, nor whore, 
 Flatter a man to his face, and cut his 
 Throat behind his back; 
 For fince falfe fmiles, and bafe 
 Difhonour traffique with mans nature, 
 He is but mere outfide ; Picflures are 
 Even fuch as they give out : Oh ! did you fee 
 The infides of thefe Fellows minds about you, 
 You'd loath the bafe corruptions more than all 
 The putrid Excrements their bodies hide. 
 
 .^lius. Silence the foul mouth'd villain. 
 
 Tim. He hurts not us. How lik'ft thou this Jewel? 
 
 Apem. Not fo well as plain dealing, which will not coft a 
 Man a doit. 
 
 Tim. What doft thou think this Jewel worth ? 
 
 Apem. What fools efteem it, it is not worth my thinking. 
 Lo, now the mighty ufe of thy great Riches ! 
 That muft fet infinite value on a Bawble ! 
 Will't keep thee warm, or fatisfie thy thirft. 
 Or hunger? No, it is comparifon 
 That gives it value ; then, thou look'ft uipon 
 Thy finger, and art very proud to think 
 A poor man cannot have it: Childifh pleafure! 
 
38 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 2 He powres it it out : Plutus the God of Gold 
 Is but his Steward : no meede but he repayes 
 Seuen-fold aboue it felfe: No guift to him, 
 But breeds the giuer a retume : exceeding 
 All vfe of quittance. 
 
 1 The Nobleft minde he carries, 
 That euer gouem'd man. 
 
 2 Long may he Hue in Fortunes. Shall we in? 
 
 He keepe you Company. Exeunt. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 39 
 
 What ftretcht inventions muft be found to make 
 Great wealth of ufe ? Oh ! that I were a Lord ! 
 
 Tim. What would'ft thou do? 
 
 Apen. I would cudgel two men a day for flattering me, 
 Till I had beaten the whole Senate. 
 
 Phceax. Let the Villain be foundly punifh'd for his 
 Licentious tongue. 
 
 Tim. No, the man is honeft, 'tis his humour : 'Tis odd. 
 And methinks pleafant. You muift dine with me 
 Apemanius. 
 
 Apem. I devour no Ia)rds. 
 
 Tim. No, if you did, the Ladies wou'd be angry. 
 
 Apem. Yet they with all their modeft fimperings. 
 And varnifh'd looks can fwallow Lords, and get 
 Great bellies by't, yet keep their virtuous 
 Vizors on, till a poor little Baftard fteals into 
 The world, and tells a tale. 
 
 Enter Nicius. 
 
 Tim. My Noble Lord, welcome ! moft welcom to my arms ! 
 You are the Fountain from which all my happinefs 
 Did fpring! your matchlefs Daughter, fair Melliffa. 
 
 Nic. Your honour us too much my Lord. 
 
 Tim. I cannot, fhe is the joy of Athens! the chief delight 
 Of Nature, the only life I live by : Oh, that her vows 
 Were once expir'd ; it is methinks an Age till that bleft day 
 When we fhall joyn our hands and hearts together. 
 
 Nic. 'Tis but a week, my Lord. 
 
 Tim. 'Tis a thoufand years. 
 
 Apem. Thou miferable Lord, haft thoui to compleat 
 All thy calamities, that plague of Love, 
 That moft unmanly madnefs of the mind. 
 That fpecious cheat, as falfe as friendfhip is ? 
 Did'ft thou but fee how like a fniveling thing 
 Thou look'ft and talk'ft, thoui would'ft abhor or laugh at 
 Thy own admir'd Image. 
 
40 Ti'mon of Athens 
 
 1623 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 41 
 
 Tim. Peace : I will hear no railing on this fubjed. 
 
 Apem. Oh vile corrupted time, that m,en fhould be 
 Deaf to good Counfel, not to Fhtterie. 
 
 Tim: Come nny dear friends^ let us now vifit our gardens, 
 And refrefh our felves with fome cool Wines and Fruit : 
 I am tranfported with your Vifits ! 
 There is not now a Prince whom I can envy, 
 Unlefs it be in that he can more beftow 
 Upon the men he loves. 
 
 JElius. My Noble Lord, who would not wed your friendfhip, though 
 without a Dowrie ? 
 
 If odor. Moft worthy Timon! who has a life you may not call your own? 
 
 Phceax. We are all your f laves. 
 
 Poet. The joy of all Mankind. , 
 
 Jewel. Great fpirit of Noblenefs. 
 
 Tim. We muft not part this day my Friends. 
 
 Apem. So, fo, crouching flaves aches contrad and make your fupple 
 Joynts to wither ; that there fhould be fo little 
 Love among thefe Knaves, yet all this courtefie I 
 They hate and fcorn each other, yet they kifs 
 As if they were of different Sexes : Villains, Villains. 
 
 Exeunt Omnes. 
 
 Enter Evandra. Re-enter Timon. 
 
 Tim. Hail to the fair Evandra! methinks your looks are chang'd. 
 And clouded with fome grief that misbecomes 'em. 
 
 Evan. My Lord, my ears this morning were faluted with 
 The moft unhappy news, the difmal'ft ftory 
 The only one cou'd have afHidted me; 
 My dream foretold it, and I wak'd affrighted 
 With a cold fweat o're all my limbs. 
 
 Tim. What was it Madam? 
 
 Evand. You fpeak not with the kindnefs you were wont, 
 I have been us'd to tenderer words than thefe : 
 It is too trucj and I am miferable ! 
 
 Tim. What is't difturbs you fo? too well I guefs. _ [Afide. 
 
1 R'?'^ 
 
 Timon of Athens 
 42 
 
1 678 Timon of Athens 43 
 
 Evan. I hear I am to lofe your Love, which was 
 The only earthly bleffing I enjoy'd, 
 And that on which my life depended. 
 
 Tim. No, I muft ever love my Excellent Evcmdra! 
 
 Evan. Meliffa will not fuffer it: Oh cruel Timon, 
 Thou well may'ft bluf h at thy ingratitude ! 
 Had I fo much towards thee, I ne're fhou'd fhow 
 My face without confufion : Such a guilt, 
 As if I had deftroy'd thy Race, and ruin'd 
 All thy Eftate, and made thee infamous ! 
 Thy Love to me I cou'd prefer before 
 All cold refepdls of Kindred, Wealth and Fame. 
 
 Tim. You have been kind fo far above return. 
 That 'tis beyond expreffion. 
 
 Evan. Call to mind 
 Whofe Race I fprung from, that of great Alcides, 
 Though not my Fortune, my Beauty and my Youth 
 And my unfpotted Fame yielded to none. 
 You on your knees a thoufand times have fworn. 
 That they exceeded all, and yet all thefe. 
 The only treafures a poor Maid poffelt, 
 I facrificed to you, and rather chofe 
 To throw my felf away, than you fhou'd be 
 Uneafie in your wifhes ; fince which happy 
 And yet unhappy time, you have been to me, 
 My Life, my Joy, my Earth, my Heaven, my All, 
 I never had one fingle wifh beyond you ; 
 Nay, every adion, every thought of mine. 
 How far foe're their large circumference 
 Stretcht out, yet center'd all in you : You were 
 My End, the only thing could fill my mind. 
 
 Tim. She ftrikes me to the heart ! I would I had 
 Not feen her. [Afide. 
 
 Evan. Ah Timon, I have lov'd you fo, that had 
 My eyes offended you, I with thefe fingers 
 Had pluck't 'em by the roots, and caft them from me : 
 Or had my heart contain'd one thought that was 
 
^ Timon of Athens ^ ^^3 
 
1 678 Timon of Athens 45 
 
 Not yours, I with this hand would rip it open : 
 Shew me a Wife in Alliens can fay this ; 
 And yet I am not one, but you are now to marry. 
 
 Tim. That I have lov'd you, you and Heav'n can witnefs 
 By many long repeated ads of Love, 
 And Bounty I have fhew'd you 
 
 Evan. Bounty! ah Timon t 
 I am not yet fo mean, but I contemn 
 Your tranfitory dirt, and all rewards, 
 But that of Love, your perfon was the bound 
 Of all my thoughts and wifhes, in return 
 You have lov'd me ! Oh miferable found ! 
 I would you never had, or always would. 
 
 Tim. Man is not mafter of his appetites, 
 Heav'n fwayes our mind to Love. 
 
 EvoM. But Hell to falfehood: 
 How many thoufand times y' have vow'd and fwom 
 Eternal Love; Heav'n has not yet abfolv'd 
 You of your Oaths to me ; nor can I ever. 
 My Love's as much too much as yours too little. 
 
 Tim. If you love me, you'l love my happinefs, 
 Meliffa; Beauty and her Love to me 
 Has so inflam'd me, I can have none without her. 
 
 Evan. If I had lov'd another, when you firft, 
 My dear, falfe Timon fwore to me, would you 
 Have wifht I might have found my happinefs 
 Within anothers arms? No, no, it is 
 To love a contradidlion. 
 
 Tim. 'Tis a truth I cannot anfwer. 
 
 Evan. Befides, Meliffa's beauty 
 Is not believ'd to exceed my little ftock, 
 Even modefty may priafe it felf when 'tis 
 Afpers'd : But her Love is mercenary, 
 Mof t mercenary, bafe, 'tis Marriage Love : 
 She gives her perfon, but in vile exchange 
 She does demand your liberty: But I 
 Could generoufly give without mean bargaining : 
 
^6 Timon of Athens '"23 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 47 
 
 I trufted to your honour, and loft mine. 
 
 Loft all my Friends and Kindred : but little thought 
 
 I fhould have loft my Love, and caft it on 
 
 A barren and ungrateful foil that would return no fruit. 
 
 Tim. This dose perplex me, I muft break it off. [Afide. 
 
 Evan. The firft ftorm of your Love did fhake me fo. 
 It threw down all my leaves, my hopeful bloffoms. 
 Pull down my branches ; but this latter tempef t of your hate 
 Strikes at my root, and I muft wither now. 
 Like a defertlefs, faplefs tree : muft fall 
 
 Tim. You are fecure againft all injuries 
 While I have breath 
 
 Evan. And yet you do the g^eateft. 
 
 Timon. You fhall be fo much partner of my fortune 
 As will fecure you full refped from all, 
 And may fupport your quality in what pomp 
 You can defire. 
 
 Evan. I am not of fo courfe a Mould, or have 
 So grofs a mind, as to partake of ought 
 
 That's yours without you 
 
 But, oh thou too dear perjur'd man, I could 
 
 With thee prefer a dungeon, a low and loathfome dungeon 
 
 Before the ftately guilded fretted Roofs, 
 
 The Pomp, the noife, the fhow, the revelling. 
 
 And all the glittering fplendor of a Palace. 
 
 Tim. I by refiftlefs fate am hurry'd on 
 
 Evan. A vulgar, mean excuie for doing ill. 
 
 Tim: If that were not, my honour is engag'd 
 
 Evan. It had a pre-engagement 
 
 Tim. All the great men of Athens urge me on 
 To marry and to preferve my Race. 
 
 Evan. Suppofe your Wife be falfe ; (as 'tis not new 
 In Athens;) and fuffer others to graft upon 
 Your ftock ; where is your Race ? weak vulgar reafon ! 
 
 Tim. Her honour will not fuffer her. 
 
 Evan. She may do it cunningly and keep her honour. 
 
 Tim. Her love will then fecure her ; which is as fervent 
 
48 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 49 
 
 Evan. As yours was once to me, and may continue 
 Perhaps as long, and yet you cannot know 
 She loves you. Since that bafe Cecropian Law 
 Made Love a merchandize, to traffick hearts 
 For marriage, and for Dowry, who's fecure? 
 Now her great fign of Love, is, fhe's content 
 To bind you in the ftrongest chains, and to 
 A flavery, nought can manumize you from 
 But death : And I could be content to be 
 A flave to you, without thofe vile conditions^ 
 
 Tim. Why are not our def ires within our power ? 
 Or why fhould we be punifht for obeying them? 
 But we cannot create our own affedions ; 
 They're mov'd by fome invifible adive Pow'r, 
 And we are only paffive, and whatfoever 
 Of imperfeftion follows from th' obedience 
 To our defires, we fuffer, not commit 
 And 'tis a cruel and a hard decree. 
 That we muft fuffer firft, and then be punifh't for't. 
 
 Evan. Your Philofophy is too fubtle but what 
 
 Security of Love from her can be like mine? 
 
 Is Marriage a bond of Truth, which does confift 
 
 Of a few trifling Ceremonies ? Or are thofe 
 
 Charms or Philters ? 'Tis true, my Lord, I was not 
 
 Firft lifted o're the Threfhold, and then 
 
 Led by my Parents to Minerva's Temple : 
 
 No young unyok'd Heifers blood was offer'd 
 
 To Diana; no invocation to Juno or the Parcae: 
 
 No Coachman drove me with a lighted torch ; 
 
 Nor was your houife adorn'd with Garlands then; 
 
 Nor had I Figs thrown on my head, or lighted 
 
 By my dear Mothers torches to your bed: 
 
 Are thefe flight things, the bonds of truth and conftancy? 
 
 I came all Love into your arms, unmixt 
 
 With other aims ; and you for this will caufe 
 
 My death. 
 
 Tim. I'de fooner feek my own, Evandra. 
 
20 Timon of Athens 1^23 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 51 
 
 Evan. Ah, my Lord, if that be true, then go not to Meliffa, 
 For I fhall die to fee another have 
 Poffeffion of all that e're I wifht for on earth. 
 
 Tim. I would I had not feen Meliffa: 
 
 Evan. Ah my dear Lord, there is feme comfort left; 
 Cherifh thofe noble thoughts, and they'l grow ftronger, 
 Your awful gratitude and Love will rife. 
 And quell the other rebel-paf fion in you ; 
 Ufe all the endeavours which you can, and if 
 They fail in my relief, I'le die to make you happy. 
 
 Tim. You have moved me to be womanifh ; pray retire, 
 I will love you. 
 
 Evan. Oh happy word ! Heav'n ever blef s my Dear ; 
 Farewell : but will you never fee Melliffa more ? 
 
 Tim. Sweet Excellence! Retire. 
 
 Evan. I will will you remember your Evandra? 
 
 Tim. Yes, I will. 
 How happy were Mankind in Conftancy, 
 'Twould equal us with the Celeftial Spirits ! 
 O could we meet with the fame tremblings ftill, 
 Thofe panting joyes, thofe furious defires, 
 Thofe happy trances which we found at firf t ! 
 But, oh ! 
 
 Unhappy man, whafe moft tranf porting joy 
 Feeds on fuch lufcious food as foon will cloy. 
 And that which fhou'd preferve, does it deftroy. 
 
 [Exit Timon. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Enter Meliffa and Chloe. 
 
 WHat think'ft thou Chloe? will this drefs become me! 
 Chlo. Oh, moft exceedingly! This pretty curie 
 Does give youi fuch a killing Grace, I fwear 
 That all the Youth at the Lord Timon's Mask 
 Will die for you. 
 
■leoq 
 
 .- Timon of Athens '"'*' 
 
 52 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 53 
 
 Mel. No : But doft thou think fo Chloe? I love 
 To make thole Fellows die for me, and I 
 All the while look fo fcornfully, and then with my 
 Head on one fide, with a languifhing eye I do fo 
 Kill 'em again : Prithee, what do they fay of me, 
 Chloe? 
 
 Chio. Say ! That you are the Queen of all their hearts. 
 Their Goddefs, their Deftiny, and talk of Cupids flames. 
 And darts, and Wounds ! Oh the rareft language, 
 'Twould make one die to hear it ; and ever now 
 And then fteal fome gold into my hand, 
 And then commend me too. 
 
 Mel. Dear Soul, do they, and do they die for me? 
 
 Chlo. Oh yes, the fineft, propereft Gentlemen 
 
 Mel. But there are not many that die for me? humh 
 
 Chlo. Oh yes, Lamachus, Theodorus, Theffalus, Eumolpides 
 Memnon, and indeed all that fee your Ladifhip. 
 
 Mel. rie fwear? how is my complexion to day? ha Chloe? 
 
 Chlo. O moft fragrant ! 'tis a rare white wafh this ! 
 
 Mel. I think it is the beft I ever bought ; had I not beft 
 Lay on fome more red Chloe? 
 
 Chlo. A little more would do well ; it makes you look 
 So pretty, and fo plump, Madam. 
 
 Mel. I have been too long this morning in dreffing. 
 
 Chlo. Oh no, I vow you have been but bare three hours. 
 
 Mel. No more ! well, if I were fure to be thus pretty but feven. 
 
 Years, I'de be content to die then on that condition. 
 
 Chlo. The gods forbid. 
 
 Mel. rie fwear I would; but doft thou think Timon will 
 Like me in this drefs ? 
 
 Chlo. Oh he dies for you in any drefs, Madam! 
 
 Mel. Oh this vile tailor that brought me not home my new 
 Habit to day ; he deferves the Oftracifme ! a Villain, 
 To diforder me fo ; I am afraid it has done harm 
 To my complexion : I have dreamt of it thefe two nights. 
 And fhall not recover it this week 
 
 Chlo. Indeed Madam he deferves death from your eyes. 
 
54 
 
 Tinwn of Athens 1623 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 55 
 
 Mel. I think I look pretty well ? will not Timon 
 Perceive my diforder? — ^hah — 
 
 Chlo. Oh no, but you fpeak as if you made this killing 
 Preparation for none but Timon. 
 
 Mel. O yes, Chloe, for every one, I love to have all the 
 Young Blades follow, kifs my hand, admire, adore me, 
 And die for me : but I muft have but one favour'd 
 Servant ; it is the game and not the quarry, I 
 Muft look after it in the reft. 
 
 CMo . Oh Lord, I would have as many admirers as I could. 
 
 Mel. Ay fo would I — but favour one alone. 
 No, I am ref olv'd nothing fhall corrupt my honef ty ; 
 Thofe admirers would make one a whore Chloe, 
 And that undoes us, 'tis our intereft to be honeft. 
 
 Chlo. Would they ? No I warrant you, I'de fain fee 
 Any of thofe admirers make me a Whore. 
 
 Mel. Timon loves me honeftly and is rich 
 
 Chlo. You have forgot your Alcibiades: 
 He is the rareft perfon ! 
 
 Mel. No, no, I could love him dearly : oh he was the beautiful'ft man. 
 The fineft wit in Athens, the beft companion, fuUeft of mirth 
 And pleafure, and the prettieft wayes he had to pleafe Ladies, 
 He would make his enemies rejoyce to fee him. 
 
 Chlo. Why? he is all this, and can do all this ftill. 
 
 Mel. Ay, but he has been long banifh'd for breaking Mercuries 
 Images, and profaning the myfteries of Proferpine; 
 Befides, the people took his Eftate from him. 
 And I hate a poor Fellow, from my heart I swear : 
 I vow methinks I look fo pretty to day, I could 
 Kifs my felf Chloe. 
 
 Chlo. Oh dear Madam — I could look on you for ever: oh 
 What a world of murder you'l commit to day ! 
 
 Mel. Doft thou think fo ? ha ! ha ! no, no 
 
 Enter a Servant. 
 Serv. The Lord Timon's come to wait on you, and begs 
 Admittance. 
 
56 
 
 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 57 
 
 Enter Timon. 
 
 Mel. Delire his prefence. 
 
 Tim. There is enchantment in her looks, 
 Afrefh I am wounded every time I fee her : 
 All happinels to beautiful Meliffa. 
 
 Mel. I fhall want none in you my deareft Lord. 
 
 Tim. Sweeteft of Creatures, in whom all th' excellence 
 Of heavn'ly Woman-kind is feen unmixt; 
 Nature has wrought thy mettle up without allay. 
 
 Mel. I have no value, but my love of you. 
 And that I am fure has no allay, 'tis of 
 So ftrong a temper, neither time nor death. 
 Nor any change can break it 
 
 Tim. Dear charming fweet, thy value is fo great. 
 No Kingdom upon Earth fhould buy thee from me : 
 But I have ftill an enemy with you. 
 That guards me from my happinef s ; a Vow 
 Againft the Law of Nature, againft Love, 
 The beft of Nature, and the higheft Law. 
 
 Mel. It will be but a week in force. 
 
 Tim. 'Tis a whole age : in all approaching joys. 
 The nearer they come to us, ftill the time 
 Seems longer to us : But my dear Meliffa, 
 Why fhould we bind our felves with vows and oaths? 
 Alas, by Nature we are too much confin'd. 
 Our Liberties fo narrow, that we need not 
 Find fetters for our felves : No, we fhould feize 
 On pleafure wherefoever we can find it. 
 Left at another time we mifs it there. 
 
 CMo. Madam, break your Vow, it was a rafh one. 
 
 Mel. Thou foolifh Wench, I cannot get my things 
 In order till that time ; dof t think I will 
 Be marri'd like fome vulgar Creature, which 
 Snatches at the firft offer, as if fhe 
 Were defperate of having any other? 
 
 Tim. Is there no hope that you will break your vow ? 
 
 Mel. If anything, one word of yours wou'd do't: 
 
58 
 
 Timon of Athens \oio 
 
1 678 Timon of Athens 59 
 
 But how can you be once fecure, I'le keep 
 A vow to you, that would not to my felf ? 
 
 Tim. Some dreadful accident may come Meliffa 
 To interrupt our joyes; let us make fure 
 O'th' prefent minute, for the reft perhaps 
 May not be ours. 
 
 Mel. It is not fit it f hou'd, if I f hou'd break a vow ; 
 No, you fhall never find a change in me, 
 All the fixt ftars fhall fooner ftray 
 With an irregular motion, than I change: 
 This may af fure you of my love, if not 
 
 Upon my knees I fwear 
 
 Were I the Queen of all the Univerfe, 
 And Timon were reduc'd to rags and mifery, 
 I would not change my love to him. 
 
 Tim. And here I vow. 
 Should all the frame of Nature be diffolv'd, 
 Should the firm Centre fhake, fhould Earthquakes rage 
 With fuch a fury to diforder all 
 The peaceful and agreeing Elements, 
 Till they were huddled into their firft Chaos, 
 As long as I could be, Fde be the fame. 
 The fame adorer of Meliffa! 
 
 Mel. This is fo great a bleffing Heav'n cann't add to it. 
 
 Tim. Thou art my Heav'n, Meliffa, the laft mark 
 Of all my hopes and wifhes, fo I prize thee. 
 That I could die for thee. 
 
 Enter a Servant of Timong. 
 
 Serv. My Lord, your dinner's ready, and your Lordfhips 
 Guefts wait your wifht prefence : the Lord 
 Nicias is already there. 
 
 Tim. Let's haft to wait on him Meliffa. 
 
 Mel. It is my duty to my Father. [Exeunt. 
 
^ Timon of Athens '"" 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 6x 
 
 Enter Poet, Apemantus, Servants jetting things in order for the Feaft. 
 
 Poet. His honour will foon be here, I have prepar'd the Mafkers ; 
 They are all ready. 
 
 Apem. How now Poet? what piece of foppery haft thou to 
 prefent to Timon? 
 
 Poet. Thou art a fencelefs fnarling Stoick, and haft no tafte of Poetry. 
 
 Apem. Thy Poetrie's infipid, none can tafte it : 
 Thou art a wordy foolifh Scribler, who 
 Writ' ft nothing but high- founding frothy ftuflf; 
 Thou fpread'ft, and beat'ft out thy poor little fence, 
 'Tis all leaf-gold, it has no weight in it. 
 Thou lov'ft impertinent defcription, 
 And when thou haft a rapture, it is not 
 The facred rapture of a Poet, but 
 Incoherent, extravagant, and unnatural, 
 Like mad-mens thoughts, and this thou call'ft Poetical. 
 
 Poet. You are judge! fhall dull Philofophers judge 
 Of us the nimble fancies, and quick fpirits 
 Of the Age ? 
 
 Apem. The Cox-combs of the Age : 
 Are there fuch eminent fopperies as in the 
 Poets of this time ? their moft unreafonable heads 
 Are whimfical, and fantaftick as Fidlers, 
 They are the fcorn and laughter of all witty men. 
 The folly of you makes the Art contemptible. 
 None of you have the judgement of a Gander. 
 
 Enter iElius, Nicias, Phaeax, and the other Senators. 
 
 Poet. You are a bafe fnarling Critick ; write your 
 Self, do and you dare. 
 
 Apem. I confess 'tis a daring piece of valour, for a man 
 Of fence to write to an Age that likes your fpurious ftuff. 
 
 Nici. What time of the day is't, Apemantus? 
 
 Apem. Time to be honeft. 
 
 Mlius. That time ferves alwayes. 
 
 Apem. Then what excufe haft thou, that would'ft thus long 
 Omit it? 
 
62 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 63 
 
 Ifid. You ftay to be at the Lord Timons feaft. 
 
 Apem. Yes, to fee Meat fill Knaves, and Wine heat Fools. 
 
 Clean. Well, fare thee well. 
 
 Apem. Thou art an Afs to bid me farewell. 
 
 Cleon. Why fo? 
 
 Apem. Becaufe I have not fo little reafon or honefty to 
 Return thee one good wifh for it. 
 
 Phceax. Go hang thy felf. 
 
 Apem,. rie do nothing at thy bidding, make thy requefts to 
 Thy friend, if there be fuch a wretch on earth. 
 
 Phceax. Be gon, unpeaceable dog, or I will fpurn thee from me. 
 
 Apem. Though I am none, I'le fly like a dog the heels of 
 The Afs. 
 
 Nici. He's oppofite to all humanity 
 
 JEltMS. Now we fhall tafte of Timons bounty. 
 
 PhcecDx. He hath a heart brimful of kindnefs and good will — 
 
 I fid. And pours it down on all his friends, as if Plutus 
 The god of Wealth were but his Steward. 
 
 Phceax. No Meed but he repayes fev'n-fold above 
 Its felf, no gift but breeds the giver fuch 
 Return as does exceed his wifhes. 
 
 Thrafil. He bears the nobleft mind that ever govem'd man, 
 
 Phceax. Long may he live with profperous fortunes. 
 But I fear it 
 
 JEHus. I hear a whifper, as though he fails his Creditors, 
 Even of their intereft. 
 
 Phceax. I fear it is too true well 'tis pity: but he's a good Lord! 
 
 Enter Timon with Meliffa, Chloe, Nicias, and a great train with him. 
 
 Here he comes my Noble Lord. 
 
 Nici. Moft worthy Timcn! 
 
 Mtius. My moft honour'd Lord. 
 
 Tim. You over-joy me with your prefence! is there 
 On Earth a fight fo fplendid, as Tables well 
 Fill'd with good and faithful friends, like you ? 
 Dear Meliffa! be pleas'd to know my friends : 
 Oh Apemantus! thou'rt welcome. 
 
 Apem. No, thou fhalt not make me welcome ; 
 
1 R23 
 
 Timon of Athens 
 04 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 65 
 
 I come to tell thee truth, and if thou hear'ft me not 
 
 I'le lock thy Heav'n from thee hereafter : think 
 
 On the ebb of your Eftate, and flow of debts; 
 
 How many prodigal bits to f laves and flatterers gorge? 
 
 And now 'tis noble Timon worthy Timon, royal Timon, 
 
 And when the means is gone that buyes this praife, 
 
 The breath is gone, whereof the praife is made. 
 
 Tim. It is not fo with my Eftate. 
 
 Apem. None are fo honeft to tell thee of thy vanities, 
 So the gods blefs me. 
 When all your Offices have been oppreft 
 With riotous feeders, when every Vault has wept 
 With drunken fplith of wine, when every room 
 Has blaz'd with lights, and bray'd with Minftrels, 
 Or roaring finging drunkards ; I have retir'd 
 To my poor homely Cell, and fet my eyes 
 At flow for thee, becaufe I find fomething in 
 
 Thee that might be worthy but as thou art I 
 
 Hate and fcorn thee. 
 
 Tim. Come, preach no more, had I no Eftate, I 
 Am rich in Friends, my Noble Friends here. 
 The deareft loving Friends that ever man 
 Was bleft with. 
 
 Nic. Oh might we have an happy opportunity to fhow how 
 We love and honour you ! 
 
 Mlius. That you wou'd once but ufe our hearts. 
 
 Ifand. We'd lay 'em out all in your fervice. 
 
 Phosax. Yes, all our felves, if you wou'd put us to a 
 Tryal, then we were perfecft. 
 
 Tim. I doubt it not, I know you'd f erve me all ; 
 Shall I diftruft my Friends ? I have often wifht 
 
 My felf poorer that I might ufe you We are 
 
 Born to do good one to another : Friends, 
 
 Unlets we ufe 'em, are like fweet inftruments hung 
 
 Up in cafes: But oh, what a precious comfort 
 
 'Tis to have fo many like Brothers, commanding 
 
 One anothers fortunes! Truft me, my joy brings water 
 
 5 
 
1623 
 
 gg Timon of Athens 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 67 
 
 To my eyes. 
 
 Phceax. Joy had the like conception in my eyes. 
 
 Apem. Ho, ho, ho 1 laugh to think that it conceiv'd a 
 
 Baftard. 
 
 Tim. What doft thou laugh for? 
 
 Apem. To hear thefe fmell-feafts lye and fawn fo. 
 Not only flattering thee, but thy Mutton and thy Partridge. 
 Thefe Flies, who at one cloud of winter-fhowers 
 Would drop from off you. 
 
 Clean. Silence, the dog. 
 
 Phceax. Let the fnarling Cur be kickt out. 
 
 Apem. Of what vile earth, of what mean dirt a Lord is 
 Kneaded ! 
 
 Tim. The man I think is honeft, and his humor hurts us not. 
 
 Apem,. I would my reafon wou'd do thee good, Timon. 
 
 Mel. This is an odd fnarling fellow ; I like him. 
 
 Apem. If I could without lying, I'de fay the fame of thee. 
 
 Mel. Why ? prethee what doft thou think of me ? 
 
 Tim. He'll fnarl at thee. 
 
 Mel. No matter. 
 
 Apem. I think thou art a piece of white and red Earth, 
 The Pidure of Vanity drawn to th'life ; 
 I am thinking how handfome that Skull will 
 Be when all the Fief h is off ; that face thou art 
 So proud of, is a poor vain, tranfitory thing. 
 And fhortly will be good for nothing. 
 
 Mel. Out on him, fcurvy poor Fellow. 
 
 Tim. No more of this, be not fo fiillen; I'l be kind 
 To thee and better thy Condition. 
 
 Apem. No, I'll have nothing ; fhould I be brib'd too. 
 There would be none left to rail at thee, and then 
 Thou'dft fin the fafter : Timon, thou giveft fo long, 
 Thou'll fhc'iy g^ve thy felf away. 
 
 Tim. I'll hear no more: let him have a Table by 
 Himfelf. 
 
 Apem. Let me have fome Roots and Water, fuch as Nature intended for 
 our Meat and Drink before Eating and Drinking grew an Art. 
 
68 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Hoboyes Playing lowd Muficke. 
 
 A great Banquet feru'd in: and then, Enter Lord Timon, the States, the 
 Athenian Lords, Ventigius which Timon redeem'd from prifon. Then 
 com-es dropping after all Apemantus dif contentedly like himfelfe. 
 
 Ventig. Moft honoured Timon, 
 It hath pleas'd the Gods to remember my Fathers age, 
 And call him to long peace : 
 He is gone happy, and has left me rich: 
 Then, as in gratefull Vertue I am bound 
 To your free heart, I do returne thofe Talents 
 Doubled with thankes and feruice, from whofe helpe 
 I deriu'd libertie. 
 
 Tim. O by no means, 
 Honeft Ventigius : You miftake my loue, 
 I gaue it freely euer, and ther's none 
 Can truely fay he giues, if he receiues : 
 If our betters play at that game, we muft not dare 
 To imitate them: faults that are rich are faire. 
 
 Vint. A Nobfe fpirit. 
 
 Tim. Nay my Lords, Ceremony was but deuis'd at firft 
 To fet a gloffe on faint deeds, hollow welcomes, 
 Recanting goodneffe, forry ere 'tis fhowne: 
 But where there is true frienfliip, there needs none. 
 Pray fit, more welcome are ye to my Fortunes, 
 Then my Fortunes to me, 
 
 I. Lord. My Lord, we alwaies haue confeft it. 
 
 Aper. Ho ho, confeft it? Hang'd it? Haue you not? 
 
 Timo. O Apermantus, you are welcome. 
 
 Aper. No : You fhall not make me welcome : 
 I come to haue thee thruft me out of doores. 
 
 Tim. Fie, th'art a churle, ye'haue got a humour there 
 Does not become a man, 'tis much too blame : 
 They fay my Lords, Irafuror breuis eft, 
 But yond man is verie angrie. 
 Go, let him haue a Table by himfelfe : 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 69 
 
 [The Meat is ferv'd up with Kettle Drums, and Trumpets. 
 
 Tim. Sit Dear Meliffa, this is your Feaft : 
 And all you fee is yours. 
 And all that you can wifh for fhall be fo. 
 Come, fit Lords, no Ceremony, 
 That was devis'd at firft to fet a glofs 
 On feigned deeds, and hollow-hearted welcomes. 
 Recanting goodnefs, forry ere 'tis fhown : 
 True friendfhip needs 'em not : you're more welcome 
 To my Fortunes, than my Fortunes are to me. 
 
 [They fit. 
 
 Will you not have fome Meat Apenumtusf 
 
 Apem. I f corn thy Meat, 'twould choak me ; for I fhould 
 Ne'r flatter ye ; Ye Gods, what a number of men 
 Eat Timon! and yet he fees 'em not. 
 It grieves me to fee fo many dip their meat 
 In one man's Bloud^ and all the madnefs is 
 He cheers 'em to't^ and loves 'em for't : 
 I wonder men dare truft themf elves with men; 
 Mtethinks they fhould invite them without knives, 
 'Twere fafer far. That fellow that fits next him. 
 Now parts bread with him, pledges his breath 
 In a divided Draught, may next day kill him; 
 Such things have been. If I were a Huge Man 
 I fhou'd be afraid to drink at meals. 
 Left they fhou'd fpy my Wind Pipes dang'rous places. 
 Great Men fhould drink with Harnefs on their Throats. 
 
 Tim. Now my Lords, let Meliffa's health go round 
 
 ^lius. Let it flow ithis way 
 
 [Kettle-Drum^ and Trumpets found. 
 
 Apem. How this pomp fhows to a little Oyl and Roots ? 
 Thefe healths will make thee and thy State look ill. 
 
 Phosax. Peace Villain. 
 
 Apem. Here's that which is too weak to be a Sinner ; 
 Here's honeft Water ne'r left man i'th'mire. 
 This and my Root will ftill keep down 
 
7° Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 For he does neither affedl companie, 
 Nor is he fit for't indeed. 
 
 Aper. Let me ftay at thine apperill Tinwn, 
 I come to obferue, I giue thee warning on't. 
 
 Tim. I take no heede of thee: Th'art an Athenian, therefore welcome : I 
 my felfe would haue no power, prythee let my meate make thee filent. 
 
 Aper. I fcome thy meate, 'twould choake me : for I fhould nere flatter thee. 
 Oh you Gods ! What a number of men eats Timon, and he fees 'em not ? 
 It greeues me to fee fo many dip there meate in one mans blood, and all the 
 madneffe is, he cheers them up too. 
 I wonder men dare truft themfelues with men. 
 Me thinks they fhould enuite them without kniues, 
 Good for there meate, and fafer for their Hues. 
 
 There's much example for't, the fellow that fits next him, now parts bread 
 with him, pledges the breath of him in a diuided draught: is the readieft 
 man to kill him. 'Tas beene proud, if I were a| huge man I fhould feare to 
 drinke at meales, leaft they fhould fpie my wind-pipes dangerous noates, 
 great men fhould drinke with hameffe on their throates. 
 
 Tim). My Lord in heart : and let the health go round. 
 
 2. Lord. Let it flow this way my good Lord. 
 
 Aper. Flow this way? A braue fellow. He keepes his tides well, thofe 
 healths will make thee and thy ftate looke ill, Timon. 
 Heere's that which is too weake to be a finner, 
 Honeft water, which nere left man i'th'mire : 
 This and my food are equals, there's no ods, 
 Feafts are to proud to giue thanks to the Gods. 
 
 Apermantus Grace. 
 
 Immiortall Gods, I craue no pelfe, 
 
 I pray for no man but my felfe, 
 
 Gramnt I may neuer proue fo fond. 
 
 To truft man on his Oath or Bond. 
 
 Or a Harlot for her weeping. 
 
 Or a Dogge that feemes afleeping, 
 
 Or a keeper with my freedoms, 
 
 Or my friends if I fhould need 'em. 
 Amen. So fall too't: 
 Richmen fin, and I eat root. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 7^ 
 
 My fawcy and prefumptouous Flefh, 
 
 That it fhall never get the better of me 
 
 Apemantus'j Grace. 
 Immortal Gods I crave no Pelf, 
 I pray for no man but my felf, 
 Grant I may never be fo fond 
 To truft man on his Oath or Bond; 
 Or a Harlot for her weeping, 
 Or a Dog titat feems a fleeping. 
 Or a Gaoler with my freedom. 
 Or my Frieitds if I fhou'd need 'em. 
 Amen, Amen, and fo fall to't. 
 Great Men fin, and I eat Root. 
 
72 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Much gcx>d dich thy good heart, Apermantus 
 
 Tim. Captaine, 
 Alcibiades, your hearts in the field now. 
 
 Alci. My heart is euer at your feruice, my Lord. 
 
 Tim. You had rather be at a breakfaft of Enemies, then a dinner of 
 Friends. 
 
 Ale. So they were bleeding new my Lord, there's no meat like 'em, I 
 could wifh my beft friends at fuch a Feaft. 
 
 Aper. Would all thofe Flatterers were thine Enemies then, that then thou 
 might' ft kill 'em: & bid me to 'em. 
 
 1. Lord. Might we but haue that happineffe my Lord, that you would 
 once ufe our hearts, whereby we might expreffe fome part of our zeales, we 
 fhould thinke our felus for euer perfect. 
 
 Timon. Oh nO' doubt my good Friends, but the Gods themfelves haue 
 prouided that I fhall haue much helpe from you : how had you beene my 
 Friends elfe. Why haue you that charitable title from thoufands? Did 
 not you chief ely belong to my heart? I haue told more of you to my 
 felfe, then you can with modeftie fpeake in your owne behalfe. And thus 
 farre I confirme you. Oh you Gods (thinke I,) what need we have any 
 Friends ; if we fhould nere haue need of 'em ? They were the moft needlef fe 
 Creatures lining; fhould we nere haue vfe for 'em? And would moft 
 refemble fweete Inftruments hung vp in Cafes, that keepes there founds to 
 themfelues. Why I haue often wifht my felfe poorer, that I might come 
 neerer to you : we are borne to do benefits. And what better or properer 
 can we call our owne, then the riches of our Friends ? Oh what a pretious 
 comfort t'is, to haue fo many like Brothers commanding one anothers For- 
 tunes. Oh ioyes, e'en made away er't can be borne : mine eies cannot hold 
 out waterme thinks, to forget their Faults. I drinke to you. 
 
 Aper. Thou weep'ft to make them drinke, Timon. 
 
 2. Lord. loy had the like conception in our eies. 
 And at that inftant, Uke a babe fprung vp. 
 
 Aper. Ho, ho; I laugh to thinke that babe a baftard. 
 
 3. Lord. I promife you my Lord you mou'd me much. 
 Aper. Much. 
 
1 678 Timon of Athens 73 
 
 Much good may't do thee good Apemantus. 
 
 Nici. Our noble Lord Timon's health, let it go round, 
 And Drums, and Trumpets found. 
 
 [Kettle Drums, &c. 
 
 Apem. What madnefs is the pomp, the noife, the fplendor, 
 The frantick Glory of this foolifh life ! 
 We make our felves fools to difport our felves, 
 And vary a thoufand antick ugly fhapes 
 Of Folly and of Madnefs thefe fill up 
 The fcenes and empty fpaces of our lives. 
 Life's nothing but a dull repetition, 
 A vain fantaftick dream, and there's an end on't. 
 
 Tim. Now my good Lords and Friends, I fpeak to you. 
 You that are of the Council of four hundred, 
 In the behalf of a dear Friend of mine. 
 
 Nici. One word of yours muft govern all the Council, 
 And any thing in Athens. 
 
 Tim. I Speak chiefly 
 To you my Lord and Father ; and to Phoeax. 
 
 Phceax. My good Lord command me to my death and I'll obey. 
 
 Tim. I have receiv'd notice from Alcihiades, 
 (Whofe Enemies you have been, and whofe Friends 
 1 beg you will be now) that he in private 
 Will venture into Athens; 
 Not openly becaufe he will not truft 
 The Infolence of the tumultuous Rabble; 
 If he foUicites his recallment with you. 
 There lives not on this earth a man that has 
 Deferv'd fo well from the NobiUty ; 
 He has preferv'd ev'n Athens in his Exile, 
 By Tiffaphernes power he has kept us from 
 The Lacedemonian Rage, and other Foes 
 That might have laid this City low in afhes. 
 How many famous Battels has he won ? 
 But which is more, by his advice and power, 
 Even in his abfence he has wrefted 
 The Government from the infulting Vulgar ; 
 
1623 
 
 Timon of Athens 
 74 
 
1 678 Timon of Athens 75 
 
 Whole Wifedom's Blindnefs, and whofe Power is Madnefs : 
 And plac'd it in your noble Hands ; methinks 
 You in return fhould take oflf his hard fentence 
 Of Banifhment, and render back all his Eftate. 
 
 Phceax. Is there a thing on Earth you would command us 
 That we would dilobey? 
 
 Nici. I am abfolutely yours in all Commands. 
 
 Mli/us. How proud am I that I can ferve Lord Timon! 
 
 Apem. Thinkft thou thy lelf thy Countries friend now Timon? 
 His foul Riot and his inordinate Luft, 
 His wavering Palfions, and his headlong Will, 
 His felfish Principles, his contempt of others, 
 His Mockery, his various Sports, his Wantonnefs, 
 The Rage and Madnefs of his Luxury 
 WilT make the Athenians hearts ake, as thy own 
 Will foon make thine. 
 
 Ifod. Hang him, we never mind him. 
 
 If and. When will he feakp well of any man ? 
 
 Apem. When I can find a man that's better than 
 A beaft, I will fall down and worfhip him. 
 
 Tim. Thou art an Athenian, and I bear with thee. 
 Is the Mafque ready? 
 
 Poet. 'Tis, my noble Lord. 
 
 Apem. What odd and childifh folly Slaves find out 
 To pleafe and court all thy diftemper'd Appetites ! 
 They fpend their flatteries to devour thofe men 
 Upon whofe Age they'l void it up agen 
 With poyfonous fpite and envy. 
 Who lives that's not deprav'd, or elfe depraves ? 
 Who die that bear not fome fpums to their Graves 
 Of their friends giving? I fhould fear that thofe 
 Who now are going to dance before me, 
 Should one day ftamp on me : it has been done. 
 
 Tim. Nay, if you rail at all Society, 
 I'll hear no more be gone. 
 
 Apem. Thou may'ft be fure I will not ftay to fee 
 Thy folly any longer, fare thee well ; remember 
 
76 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Sound Tucket. Enter the Maskers of Amazons, with Lutes in their hands, 
 
 daunung and playing. 
 
 Tim. What meanes that Trumpe? How now? 
 
 Enter Seruant. 
 
 Ser. Pleafe you my Lord, there are certaine Ladies 
 Moft delirous of admittance. 
 
 Tim^. Ladies? what are their wils? 
 
 Ser. There comes with them a fore-runner my Lord, which beares that 
 office, to fignifie their pleafures. 
 
 Tim. I pray let them be admitted. 
 
 Enter Cupid with the Maske of Ladies. 
 
 Cup. Haile to thee worthy Timon and to all that of his Bounties tafte : 
 the fiue beft Sences acknowledge thee their Patron, and come freely to 
 gratulate thy plentious bofome. 
 There taft, touch all, pleas'd from thy Table rife: 
 They onely now come but to Feaft thine eies. 
 
 Timo. They're wecome all, let 'em haue kind admittance. Muficke make 
 their welcome. 
 
 Luc. You fee my Lord, how ample y'are belou'd. 
 
 Aper. Hoyday, 
 What a fweepe of vanitie comes this way. 
 They daunce? They are madwomen. 
 Like Madneffe is the glory of this life, 
 As this pompe fhewes to a little oyle and roote. 
 We make our felues Fooles, to difport our felues. 
 And fpend our Flatteries, to drinke thofe men, 
 Vpon whofe Age we voyde it vp agen 
 With poyfonous Spight and Enuy. 
 Who Hues, that's not depraued, or depraues; 
 Who dyes, that beares not one fpurne to their graues 
 Of their Friends guift: 
 
 I fhould feare, thofe that dance before me now. 
 Would one day ftampe vpon me : 'Tas bene done. 
 Men fhut their doores againft a fetting Sunne. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 77 
 
 Thou would'ft not hear me, thou wilt curfe thy felf for't. 
 
 Timi. I do not think fo fare thee well. 
 
 [EatU Apemantus. 
 Enter Servwiit. 
 
 Serv. My Lord, therefore fome Ladies mafqu'd defire admittance. 
 
 Tim. Have not my doors been always opento 
 Ev'ry Athenian? They do me honour, 
 Wait on 'em in, were I not bound to do 
 My duty here, I would. 
 
 Chtoe. I have not had the opportunity 
 To deliver this till now, it is a Letter 
 From Alcibiades. 
 
 Mel. Dear Alcibiades, Oh how fhall I love him. 
 When he's reftor'd to his Eftate and Country ! 
 He will be richer far than Timon is. 
 And I fhall chufe him firft of any man's. 
 How lucky 'tis I hould put off my Wedding. 
 
 Enter Evandra with Ladies mafqu'd. 
 
 Tim. Ladies, you do my houfe and me great honour ; 
 I fhould be glad you would unmask, that I 
 Might fee to whom I owe the Obligation. 
 
 I. Lad. We ask your pardon, we are ftoln out upon 
 Curiofity, and dare not own it. 
 
 Tim. Your pleafure Ladies, fhall be mine. 
 
 Evan. This is the fine gay thing fo much admit'd, 
 That's born to rob me of my happinefs. 
 And of my life ; her face is not her own. 
 Nor is her love, nor fpeech, nor motion fo : 
 Her fmiles, her amorous looks, fhe puts on all, 
 There's nothing natural : She always adls 
 And never fhews her felf ; How blind is Love 
 That cannot fee this Vanity! 
 
 [Mafque begins. 
 
78 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 The Lords rife from Table, with much adoring of Timon, and to fhew their 
 loues, each f ingle out an Amazon, and ail Dance, men with women, a loftie 
 ftraine or two to the Hoboyes, and ceafe. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 
 
 Enter Shepherds and Nymphs. 
 
 A Symphony of Pipes imitating the chirping of Birds. 
 
 Nymph Hark how the Songfters of the Grove 
 
 Sing Anthems to the God of Love. 
 
 Hark how each am'rous winged pair. 
 
 With Loves great praifes fill the Air. 
 Chorus. On every fide the charming found 
 
 Does from the hollow Woods rebound. 
 
 Nymph. Love in their little veins infpires 
 
 Their cheerful Notes, their foft Defires: 
 While Heat makes Buds or Bloffoms fpring, 
 Thefe pretty couples love and fing. 
 Chorus. But Winter puts out their defire, 
 with Flutes. And half the year they zvant Loves Hre. 
 
 79 
 
 Retomella 
 
 Retornella, 
 
 Full \But Ah how much are our delights more dear, 
 Chorus. \For only Humane Kind love all the year. 
 
 Enter the Manades and ASgipaiies. 
 
 1 Bach. Hence with your trifling Deitie 
 
 A greater we adore, 
 Bacchus, who always keeps us free 
 From that blind childifh power. 
 
 2 Bach. Love makes you languifh and look pale. 
 
 And fneak and figh, and whine; 
 But over us no griefs prevail. 
 While we have lufty Wine. 
 
 Chorus \Then hang the dull Wretch who has care in his foul, 
 with I Whom Love, or whom Tyrants, or Laws can controul, 
 Hout-boys \If within his right hand he can have a full Bowl. 
 
1fi23 
 
 g Tifnon of Athens 
 
1678 
 
 Nymph 
 
 Timon of Athens 
 
 8i 
 
 Go drivel and fnore with your fat God of Wine, 
 
 Your fwell'd faces with Pimples adorning, 
 Soak yoiirr Brains over night and your fnefes refign. 
 
 And forget all you did the next Morning. 
 Nymph. With dull aking Noddles live on in a mift. 
 
 And never dif cover true Joy: 
 Would Love tempt with Beauty, you could not refift. 
 
 The Empire he flights, he'd deftroy. 
 
 1 Bach. Better our heads, than hearts fhould ake, 
 
 His cMldifh Empire we defpife; 
 Good Wine of him a Slave can make. 
 
 And force a Lover to be wife. 
 Better, &c. 
 
 2 Bach. Wine fweetens all the cares of Peace, 
 
 And takes the Terrour off from War. 
 To Love afflidion it gives eafe. 
 
 And to its Joy does heft prepare. 
 It fweetens, &c. 
 Nymph. 'Tis Love that makes great M anarchs light. 
 The end of Wealth and Power is Love; 
 It makes tlie youthfid Poets write. 
 And does the Old to Youth improve. 
 
 Retornella of Hout-boys. 
 Bach. 'Tis Wine that Revels in their Veins 
 
 Makes Cowards valiant. Fools grow wife. 
 Provokes low Pens to lofty ftrains. 
 
 And makes the young Love Chains defpife. 
 
 Retornella. 
 Nymphs awrf | 
 
 Shepherds. \Love rules the World. 
 Maenades and\ 
 
 ^gipanes. \'Tis Wine, 'tis Wine. 
 Nymphs and | 
 
 Shepherds. \'Tis Love, 'tis Love. 
 Maenades and\ 
 ^gipanes. \'Tis Wine, 'tis Wine. 
 
82 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Tim. You haue done our pleafures 
 Much grace (faire Ladies) 
 Set a faire fafhion on our entertainment, 
 Which was not halfe fo iDeautiful, and kinde : 
 You haue added worth vintoo't, and lufter, 
 And entertain'd me with mine owne deuice. 
 I am to thanke you for't. 
 
 I Lord. My Lord you take vs euen at the beft. 
 
 A^er. Faith for the worft is filthy, and would not hold taking, I doubt me. 
 
 Tim. Ladies, there is an idle banquet attends you, 
 Pleafe you to difpofe your felues. 
 
 All La. Moft thankfully, my Lord. Exeunt. 
 
 Tim. Flamius. 
 
 FlcD. My Lord. 
 
 Tim. The little Casket bring me hither. 
 
 Flo. Yes, my Lord. More lewels yet? 
 There is no croffing him in's humor, 
 Elfe I fhould tell him well, yfaith I fhould; 
 When all's fpent, hee'ld be croft then, and he could : 
 'Tis pitty Bounty had not eyes behinde. 
 That man might ne're be wretched for his minde. Exit. 
 
 1 Lord. Where be our men? 
 
 Ser. Heere my Lord, in readineffe. 
 
 2 Lord. Our Horfes. 
 Tim. O my Friends: 
 
 I haue one word to fay to you : Looke you, my good L. 
 I muft intreat you honour me fo much. 
 As to aduance this lewell, accept it, and weare it, 
 Kinde my Lord. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 83 
 
 Enter Bacchus and Cupid. 
 Bacchus. Hold, Hold, our Forces are combin'd. 
 
 And we together rule Mankind. 
 General Then we with our Pipes, and our Voices will join 
 Chorus. To found the loud praife of Love and good Wine. 
 
 Wine gives vigour to Love, Love makes Wine go down. 
 
 And by Love and good Drinking, all the World is our own. 
 
 Tim. 'Tis well defign'd, and well perform'd, and I'll 
 Reward you well : let us retire into my next 
 Apartment, where I've devis'd new pleafures for you, 
 And where I will diftribute fome fmall Prefents, 
 To teftifie my Love and Gratitude. 
 
 Phceax. A noble Lord ! 
 
 JElius. Bounty it felf. 
 
 Tim. Thus my Meliffa will we always fpend 
 Our time in Pleafures ; but whoe're enjoys 
 Thee, has all this life affords fum'd up in that. 
 
 Evan. Thefe words did once belong to me, but Oh ! 
 My ftubborn hearty wilt thou not break at this ? 
 
 Tim^ Ladies I hope you'l honour me with your prefence. 
 And accept of a Collation. 
 
 I. Lady. We ask your pardon, and muft leave you. 
 
 Tim. Demetrius, wait on them. 
 
 EvoM. My Lord, I'd fpeak with you alone. 
 
 Tim Be pJeafed Miadam, to retire with your father, 
 I'l wait on you inftantly. [to Meliffa. 
 
 [Exeunt all but Timon and Evandra. 
 Who are you Madam? 
 
 Evan. One who is come to take her laft leave of you. 
 
 Tim. Evandra! What confufion am I in ! 
 
 Evan. I am forry in the midft of all your joys 
 I fhould difturb you thus : I had a mind 
 To fee you once before I dy'd ; I ne'r 
 Shall trouble you again. 
 
 Tim. Let me not hear thefe killing words. 
 
 Evamt. They'l be my laft, and therefore give'em room : 
 
84 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 I Lord. I am fo farre already in your guifts. 
 
 All. So are we all. 
 
 Enter a Seruant. 
 
 Ser. My Lord, there are certaine Nobles of the Senate newly alighted, and 
 come to vifit you. 
 
 Tim. They are fairely welcome. 
 
 Enter Flauius. 
 
 Fla. I befeech your Honor, vouchfafe me a word, it does concerne you 
 neere. 
 
 Tim. Neere? why then another time He heare thee. 
 I prythee let's be prouided to fhew them entertainment. 
 
 Fla. I fcarfe know how. 
 
 Enter another Seruant. 
 
 Ser. May it pleafe your Honor, Lord Lucius! 
 (Out of his free loue) hath prefented to you 
 Foure Milke-white Horfes, trapt in Siluer. 
 
 Tim. I fhall accept them fairely: let the Prefents 
 Be worthily entertain'd. 
 
1678 Tinion of Athens ^S 
 
 I am haftning to my death, then you'l be happy, 
 I ne'r fhall interrupt your joys again, 
 Unlefs the Memory of me fhould make 
 You drop fome tears upon my duft ; I know 
 Your noble Nature will remember that 
 Evandra was, and once was dear to you, 
 And lov'd you fo, that fhe cou'd dye to make 
 You happy. 
 
 Tim. Ah dear Evandra! that would make 
 Me wretched far below all mifery ; 
 I'd rather kill my felf than hear that news : 
 I call the gods to witnefs, there's not one 
 On Earth I more efteem. 
 
 Evan. Efteem ! alas ! 
 It is too weak a Cordial to preferve 
 My fading life, I fee your paffion's grown 
 Too headftrong for you. Oh my deareft Timon! 
 1, while I have any breath, muft call you fo ; 
 Had you once ftruggled for my fake. 
 And ftriven to oppofe the raging fury of 
 Your fatal Love, I fhould have dy'd contented. 
 But Oh ! falfe to your felf, to all my hopes. 
 And me ; you fuckt the fubtile poylon in 
 So greedily, you would not ftay to tafte it. 
 
 Tim. She moves me ftrongly; I have found from her 
 The trueft and the tendereft Love that e'r 
 Woman yet bore to Man. 
 
 Evan. I find you're gone too far in the difeafe 
 T' admit a Cure : I will perfwade no longer ; 
 Death is my remedy, and I'll embrace it. 
 
 Tim. Oh talk not of Death: I'll love you ftill: 
 I can love two at once, truft me I can. 
 
 Evan. No, Timon, I will have you whole, or nothing : 
 I love you f o, I cannot live to fee 
 That dear, that moft ador'd perfon in anothers arms : 
 My Love's too nice, 'twill not be fed with crumbs, 
 And broken meat, that falls from your Meliffa. 
 
86 
 
 Timon of Athens ^ 623 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 87 
 
 No dear falfe Man, you foon fhall be at reft, 
 I came but to receive a parting Kif s : 
 You'l not deny me that? 
 
 Tim. I will not part with you ; we'l be friends for ever. 
 
 Evan. No, no, it cannot be, forgive this trouble. 
 Since 'tis the laft, I'll never fee you more ; 
 And may Meliffa ever love you as 
 The Excellence of your form deferves ; and may 
 She pleafe you longer than th' unfortunate 
 Evandra could. 
 
 Tim. Gods ! Why f hould I not love this Woman beft ? 
 She has deferv'd beyond all meafure from me; | 
 
 She's beautiful, and good as Angels are; \Afide. 
 
 But I have had her Love already. | 
 
 Oh moft accurfed Charm, that thus perverts me ! 
 
 To Her. Y' have made a Woman of me. 
 
 Evan, ri have but one laft look of that 
 Bewitching Face that ruin'd me. 
 Oh, I could devour it with my eyes : but I'll 
 Remove it from thee. I ne're 
 Shall die contented while I look on thee. 
 
 Tim. Be patient till I give thee fatisfadion. 
 
 Evand. No, deareft Enemy, I'll remove the guilt 
 From thee, and thus I'll place it on my felf. 
 
 [Offers to ftab her felf. 
 
 Tim. Hold, dear Evandra, if thou lov'ft my life 
 Preferve thy own ; for here I fwear, that minute 
 When thou attemptft thy life, I will lofe mine. 
 Where's Diphilusf 
 
 Enter Diphilus. 
 
 Diph. Here my Lord. 
 
 Tim. Wait on Evandra home, and take a care 
 Sh' attempts not any mifchief on her felf : 
 Sh'is agitated by a dang'rous paffion. 
 My dear! let Diphilus wait on thee home; 
 
88 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Enter a third Seruant. 
 How now? What newes? 
 
 3. Ser. Pleafe you my Lord, that honourable Gentleman Lord Lucullus, 
 entreats your companie to morrow, to hunt with himi, and ha's fent your 
 Honour two brace of Grey-hounds. 
 
 Tim. He hunt with him. 
 And let them be receiu'd, not without faire Reward. 
 
 Fla. What will this come to? 
 He commands vs to prouide, and giue great guifts, and all out of an empty 
 
 Coffer : 
 Nor will he know his Purfe, or yield me this. 
 To fhew him what a Begger his heart is. 
 Being of no power to- make his wifhes good. 
 His promifes flye fo beyond his ftate. 
 That what he fpeaks is all in debt, he ows for eu'ry word : 
 He is fo kinde, that he now payes intereft for't ; 
 His Land's put tO' their Bookes. Well, would I were 
 Gently put out of Ofifice, before I were forc'd out: 
 Happier is he that has no' friend to feede. 
 Then fuch that do e'ne Enemies exceede. 
 I bleed inwardly for my Lord. Exit. 
 
 Tim. You do your felues much wrong. 
 You bate too much of your owne merits, 
 Heere my Lord, a trifle of our Loue. 
 
 2. Lord. With more then common thankes 
 I will receyue it. 
 
 3 Lord. O he's the very foule of Bounty. 
 
 Tim. And now I remember my Lord, you gaue good words the other day 
 of a Bay Courfer I rod on. Tis yours because you lik'd it. 
 
 I L. Oh, I befeech you pardon mee, my Lord, in that. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 89 
 
 As foon as ever my Company is gone, 
 
 I'll fee thee, and convince thee that I love thee. 
 
 Evand. No, no; I cannot hope farewell for ever. 
 
 [Ex. Diph. cmd Evand. 
 
 Tim. I muft refolve on fomething for her comfort ; 
 For the Empire of the Earth I wou'd not lofe her ; 
 There is not one of all her Sex exceeds her 
 In Love, or Beauty 
 
 milerable ftate of humane life! 
 
 We flight all the injoyments which we have ; 
 And thofe things only value which we have not : 
 Where is Demetrius? 
 
 Dem. My Lord ! 
 
 Tim. Where is the Casket which I fpoke for? 
 
 Dem. It is here my Lord : I beg your Lordfhip hear me fpeak. 
 
 1 have bufinefs that concerns you nearly 
 
 Tim. Some other time ; of late thou doft perplex me 
 Each moment with the hateful name of bufinefs, 
 That mortal Foe to pleafure, I'll not hear it. [Ex. Timon. 
 
 Dem. So ! all now is at an end ! 
 He does command us to provide great gifts, 
 And all out of an empty Coffer. 
 His promifes fly fo beyond his 'ftate. 
 That what he fpeaks is all in Debt ; He owes 
 For every word ; His Land is all engag'd. 
 His money gone; would I were gently turn'd 
 Out of my Office ; left he fhou'd borrow all 
 I have gotten in his fervice. Well! 
 
 Happier is he that has no friend to feed. 
 
 Than fuch who do ev'n Enemies exceed. 
 
 [Ex. Demet. 
 
9° Timon of Athens ~ 1 623 
 
 Tim. You may take my word my Lord : I know no man can juftiy praife, 
 but what he does affed. I weighe my Friends affedlion with mine owne : 
 He tell you true, He call to you. 
 
 All Lor. O none lo welcome. 
 
 Tim. I take all, and your feuerall vifitations 
 So kinde to heart, 'tis not enough to giue: 
 Me thinkes, I could deale Kingdomes to my Friends, 
 And nere be wearie. Alcibiades, 
 Thou art a Soldiour, therefore fildome rich, 
 It comes in Charitie to thee: for all thy liuing 
 Is mong'ft the dead : and all the Lands thou haft 
 Lye in a pitcht field. 
 
 Alic. I, defil'd Land, my Lord. 
 
 1. Lord. We are fo vertuoufly bound. 
 Tim. And fo am I to you. 
 
 2. Lord. So infinitely endeer'd. 
 
 Tim. All to you. Lights, more Lights. 
 
 I. Lord. The beft of Happines, Honor, and Fortunes 
 Keepe with you Lord Timon. 
 
 Tim. Ready for his Friends. Exeunt Lords. 
 
 Aper. What a coiles heere, feruing of beckes, and iutting put of bummes. 
 I doubt whether their Legges be worth the fummes that are giuen for 'em. 
 Friendfhips full of dregges, 
 
 Me thinkes falfe hearts, fhould neuer haue found legges. 
 Thus honeft Pooles lay out their wealth on Curtfies. 
 
 Tim. Now Apermantus (if thou wert not fullen) 
 I would be good to thee. 
 
 Aper. No, He nothing ; for if I fhould be brib'd too, there would be none 
 left to raile vpon thee, and then thou wouldft finne the fafter. Thou 
 giu'ft fo long Tim^on (I feare me) thou wilt giue away thy felfe in paper 
 fhortly. What needs thefe Feafts, pompes, and Vaine-glories ? 
 
 Tim. Nay, and you begin to raile on Societie once, I am fwome not to 
 giue regard to you. Farewell, & come with better Muficke. Exit 
 
 Aper. So: Thou wilt not heare mee, thou fhalt not then. He locke thy 
 heauen from thee : 
 Oh that mens eares fhould be 
 To Counfell deafe, but not to Flatterie. Exit 
 
' 678 Timon of Athens 
 
 91 
 
92 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Enter a Senator. 
 Sen. And late fiue thoufand : to Varro and to Ifidore 
 He owes nine thoufand, befides my former fumme, 
 Which makes it fiue and twenty. Still in motion 
 Of raging wafte? It cannot hold, it will not. 
 If I want Gold, fteale but a baggers Dogge, 
 And giue it Timon, why the Dogge coines Gold. 
 If I would fell my Horfe, and buy twenty moe 
 Better then he; why giue my Horfe to Timon. 
 Aske nothing, giue it him, it Poles me ftraight 
 And able Horfes : No Porter at his gate. 
 But rather one that fmiles, and ftill inuites 
 All that paffe by. It cannot hold, no reafon 
 Can found his ftate in fafety. Caphis hoa, 
 Caphis I fay. 
 
 Enter Caphis. 
 
 Ca. Heere fir, what is your pleafure. 
 
 Sen. Get on your cloake, & haft you to Lord Timon, 
 Importune him for my Moneyes, be not ceaft 
 With flight denial; nor then filenc'd, when 
 Commend me to your Mafter, and the Cap 
 Playes in the right hand, thus: but tell him. 
 My Vfes cry to me; I muft ferue my tume 
 Out of mine owne, his dayes and times are paft, 
 And my reliances on his fraded dates 
 Haue fmit my credit. I loue, and honour him. 
 But muft not breake my backe, to heale his finger. 
 Immediate are my needs, and my releefe 
 Muft not be toft and tum'd to me in words. 
 But finde fupply immediate. Get you gone. 
 Put on a moft importunate afpecft, 
 A vifage of demand: for I do feare 
 When euery Feather ftickes in his owne wing. 
 Lord Timon will be left a naked gull, 
 Which flafhes now a Phoenix, get you gone. 
 
 Ca. I go fir. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 93 
 
94 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Sen. I go fir? 
 Take the Bonds along with you. 
 And haue the dates in. Come. 
 
 Ca. I will Sir. 
 
 Sen. Go. Exeunt 
 
 Enter Steward, with many hilles in his hand. 
 Stew. No care, no ftop, fo fenfeilteffe of expence, 
 That he will neither know how to maintaine it. 
 Nor ceafe his flow of Riot. Takes no accorapt 
 How things go from him, nor refumie no care 
 Of what is to continue : neuer minde, 
 Was to be io vnwife, to be fo kinde. 
 What fhall be done, he will not heare, till feele: 
 I muft be round with him, now he comes from hunting. 
 Fye, fie, fie, fie. 
 
 Enter Caphis, Ijidore, and Vwro. 
 
 Cap. Good euen V arras what, you come for money? 
 
 Var. Is't not your bufinef fe too ? 
 
 Cap. It is, and yours too, Ifidore? 
 
 Ifid. It is fo. 
 
 Cap. Would we were all difcharg'd. 
 
 Var. I feare it. 
 
 Cap. Heere comes the Lord. 
 
 Enter Timon, and his Traine. 
 
 Tim. So foone as dinners done, wee'l forth againe 
 My Alcibiades. With me, what is your will? 
 
 Cap. My Lord, heere is a note of certain dues. 
 
 Tim. Dues? whence are you? 
 
 Cap. Of Athens heere, my Lord. 
 
 Tim. Go to my Steward. 
 
 Cap. Pleafe it your Lordfhip, he hath put me off 
 To the fucceffion of new dayes this moneth: 
 My Mafter is awak'd by great Occafion, 
 To call vpon his owne, and humbly prayes you, 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 
 
 95 
 
96 Timon of Athens 1 623 
 
 That with your other Noble parts, you'l fuite. 
 In giuing him: his right. 
 
 Tim. Mine honeft Friend, 
 I prythee but repaire to me next morning. 
 
 Cap. Nay, good my Lord. 
 
 Tim. Containe thy felfe, good Friend. 
 
 Var. One Varroes feruant, my good Lord. 
 
 I fid. From Ifidore, he humbly prayes your fpeedy payment. 
 
 Cap. If you did know my Lord, my Mafters wants. 
 
 Var. 'Twas due on forfeyture my Lord, fixe weekes, and paft. 
 
 Ifi. Your Steward puts me off my Lord, and I 
 Am fent expreffely to your Lordfhip. 
 
 Tim. Giue me breath : 
 I do beefeech you good my Lorde keepe on. 
 He waite vpon you inftantly. Come hither : pray you 
 How goes the world, that I am thus encountred 
 With clamorous demands of debt, broken Bonds, 
 And the detention of long fince due debts 
 Againft my Honor? 
 
 Stew. Pleafe you Gentlemen, 
 The time is vnagreeable to this bufineffe : 
 Your importunacie ceafe, till after dinner. 
 That I may make his Lordfhip vnderftandj 
 Wherefore you are not paid. 
 
 Tim. Do fo my Friends, fee them well entertain'd. 
 
 Stew. Pray draw neere. Exit. 
 
 Enter Apemantus and Poole. 
 Caph. Stay, ftay, here comes the Foole with Apemantus, let's ha fome 
 fport with 'em:. 
 
 Var. Hang him, hee'l abufe vs. 
 
 Ifid. A plague vpon him dogge. 
 
 Var. How doft Foole? 
 
 Ape. Doft Dailogue with thy fhadow? 
 
 Var. I fpeake not to thee. 
 
 Ape. No 'tis to thy felfe. Come away. 
 
 Ifi. There's the Foole hangs on your backe already. 
 
'"'8 Timon of Athens 
 
 97 
 
98 Timon of Athens 1 623 
 
 Ape. No thou ftand'ft angle, th'art not on him yet. 
 
 Cap. Where's the Foole now ? 
 
 Ape. He laft ask'd the queftion. Poore Rogues, and 
 Vfurers men, Bauds betweene Gold and want. 
 
 All. What are we Apemantus? 
 
 Ape. Affes. 
 
 All Why? 
 
 Ape. That you ask me what you are, & do not know your lelues. Speake 
 to 'em Foole. ' 
 
 Foole. How do you Gentlemen? 
 
 All. Gramercies good Foole: 
 How does your Miftris ? 
 
 Foole. She's e'ne fetting on water to fcal'd fuch Chickens as you are. 
 Would we could fee you at Corinth. 
 
 Ape. Good, Gramercy. 
 
 Enter Page. 
 
 Foole. Looke you, heere comes my Mafters Page. 
 
 Page. Why how now Captaine? what do you in this wife Company. 
 How doft thou Apermantus? 
 
 Ape. Would I had a Rod in my mouth, that I might anfwer thee profit- 
 ably. 
 
 Boy. Prythee Apemantus reade me the fuperfcription of thefe Letters, I 
 know not which is which. 
 
 Ape. Canft not read? 
 
 Page. No. 
 
 Ape. There will litle Learning dye then that day thou art hang'd. This 
 is to Lord Timon, this to Alcibiades. Go thou was't borne a Baftard, and 
 thou't dye a Bawd. 
 
 Page. Thou was't whelpt a Dogge, and thou fhalt famifh a Dogges death. 
 Anfwer not, I am gone. Exit 
 
 Ape. E'ne fo thou out-runft Grace, 
 Foole I will go with you to Lord Timons. 
 
 Foole. Will you I'eaue me there? 
 
 Ape. If Timon ftay at home. 
 You three feme three Vfurers? 
 
 All. I would they feru'd vs. 
 
'678 Timon of Athens 
 
 99 
 
lOO Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Ape. So would I : 
 As good a tricke as euer Hangman feru'd Theefe. 
 
 Foole. Are you three Vfurers men? 
 
 All. I Foole. 
 
 Foole. I think no Vfurer, but ha's a Foole to his Seruant. My Miftris is 
 one, and I am her Foole : when men come to borrow of your Mafters, they 
 approach fadly, and go away merry : but they enter my Mafters houfe mer- 
 rily, and go away fadly. The reafon of this ? 
 
 Var. I could render one. 
 
 Ap. Do it then, that we may account thee a Whoremafter, and a Knaue, 
 which notwithftanding thou fhalt be no lefe efteemed. 
 
 Varro. What is a Whoremafter Foole? 
 
 Poole. A Foole in good cloathes, and fomething like thee. 'Tis a fpirit, 
 fometime t'appeares like a Lord, fomtime like a Lawyer, fometime like a 
 Philofopher, with two ftones moe then's artificiall one. Hee is verie often 
 like a Knight; and generally, in all fhapes that man goes vp and downe in, 
 from fourefcore to thirteen, this fpirit walkes in. 
 
 Var. Thou art not altogether a Foole. 
 
 Foole. Nor thou altogether a Wife man, 
 As much foolerie as I haue, fo much wit thou lack'ft. 
 
 Ape. That anfwer might haue become Apemantus. 
 
 All. Afide, afide, heere comes Lord Timon. 
 
 Enter Timon and Steward. 
 
 Ape. Come with me (Foole) come. 
 
 Foole. I do not always follow Louer, ] elder Brother, and Woman, fome- 
 time the Philofopher. 
 
 Stew. Pray you walk e n eere. 
 He fpeake with you anon. Exeunt. 
 
 Tim>. You make me ruell wherefore ere this time 
 Plad you not fully laide my ftate before me. 
 That I might fo haue rated my expence 
 As I had leaue of meanes. 
 
 Stew. You would not heare me : 
 At many leyfures I propofe. 
 
 Tim. Go too : 
 Perchance fome fingle vantages you tooke. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 
 
 lOI 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 Enter Timon and Demetrius. 
 
 Tim. T~\Emetrius! 
 
 How comes it that I have been thus incounter'd 
 With clamorous demands of broken Bonds, 
 And the unjuft detention of money long fince due? 
 I knew I was in debt, but did not think 
 I had gone fo far; wherefore before this time 
 Did you not lay my ftate fully before me? 
 
 Dem. You would not hear me. 
 At many times I brought in my accounts, 
 
 Laid 'em before you you would throw 'em oil. 
 
 And fay, you found 'em in my Honefty. 
 
 I have beyond good manners, pray'd you often 
 
 To hold your hand more clofe and was rebuk't for't. 
 
102 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 When my indifpofition put you backe, 
 And that vnaptneffe made your minifter 
 Thus to excufe your felfe. 
 
 Stew. O my good Lord, 
 At many times I brought in my accompts, 
 Laid themi before you, you would throw them off, 
 And fay you found them in mine honftie. 
 When for fome trifling prefent you haue bid me 
 Retume fo much, I haue fhooke my head, and wept: 
 Yea 'gainft th'Authoritie of manners, pray'd you 
 To hold your hand more clofe : I did indure 
 Not fildome, nor no flight checkes, when I haue 
 Prompted you in the ebbe of your eftate. 
 And your great flow of debts; my lou'd Lord, 
 Though you heare now (too late) yet nowes a time, 
 The greateft of your hauing, lackes a halfe. 
 To pay your prefent debts 
 
 Tim. Let all my Land be fold. 
 
 Stew. 'Tis all engag'd, fome forfeyted and gone. 
 And what remaines will hardly ftop the mouth 
 Of prefent dues; the future comes apace: 
 What fhall defend the interim, and at length 
 How goes our reck'ning? 
 
 Tim. To Lacedemon did my Land extend. 
 
 Stew. O my good Lord, the world is but a word. 
 Were it all yours, to giue it in a breath. 
 How quickly were it gone. 
 
 Tim. You tell me true. 
 
 Stew. If you fufpeA my Husbandry or Falfhood, 
 Call me before th'exadeft Auditors, 
 And fet me on the proofe. So the Gods bleffe me. 
 When all our OiEces haue beene oppreft 
 With riotous Feeders, when our Vaults haue wept 
 With drunken fpilth of Wine; when euery roome 
 Hath blaz'd with Lights, and braid with Minftrelfie, 
 I haue retyr'd me to a wafteful cocke. 
 And fet mine eyes at flow. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 103 
 
 Tim. You fhould have preft it further. 
 
 Dem. What e're I durft I did, it was my intereft. 
 For if my Lord be poor, what then muft I be ? 
 Call me before the exadleft Auditors, 
 And let my life lie on the proof : 
 Oh my good Lord, the world is but a world. 
 If it were yours to give it in a breath. 
 How quickly were it gone? 
 
 Tim. Have you no money in the Treafury? 
 
 Dem. Not enough to fuppTy the riot of two meals. 
 
 Tim. Let all my Land be fold. 
 
 Dem. 'Tis all engag'd; 
 And fome already's forfeited and gone, 
 That which remains will fcarce pay prefent dues ; 
 The future comes apace. 
 
 Tim. To Lacedaemon did my Land extend. 
 
 Dem. How many times have I retir'd and wept. 
 To think what it would come to. 
 
 Tim. Prithee ! no more, I know thou'rt honeft. 
 
 Dem. It grieves me to confider 'mongft what Parafites 
 And trencher Friends your wealth has been divided. 
 I cannot but weep at the fad reflecSlion, 
 When every word of theirs was greedily 
 Attended to, as if they'd been pronounc'd 
 From Oracles. I never could be heard. 
 
 Tim. Come ; preach no more, thou foon f hall find that I 
 Have not mifplac'd my Bounty, why doft weep ? 
 I am rich in friends and can ufe all their wealth 
 Freely as I can bid thee fpeak. 
 
 Dem. I doubt it. 
 
 Tim. You foon fhall fee how you miftake my fortune. 
 Now I fhall try my friends. Who waits there? 
 
104 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Tim. Prythee no more. 
 
 Stew. Heauens, haue I faid, the bounty of this Lord: 
 How many prodigall bits haue Slaues and Pezants 
 This night englutted: who is not Timon, 
 What heart, head, fword, force, meanes, but it L. Timon: 
 Great Timon, Noble, Worthy, Royall Timon: 
 Ah, when the meanes are gone, that buy this praife. 
 The breath is gone, whereof this praife is made: 
 Feaft won, faft loft; one cloud of Winter fhowers, 
 Thefe flyes are coucht. 
 
 Tim. Come fermon me no further. 
 No villanous bounty yet hath paft my heart ; 
 Vnwifely, not ignobly haue I giuen. 
 Why doft thou weepe, canft thou the confcience lacke. 
 To thinke I f hall lacke friends ; f ecure thy heart, 
 If I would broach the veffels of my loue. 
 And try the argument of hearts, by borrowing, 
 Men, and mens fortunes could I frankely vfe 
 As I can bid thee fpeake. 
 
 Ste. Affurance bleffe your thoughts. 
 
 Tim. And in fome fort thefe wants of mine are crown'd, 
 That I account them bleffings. For by thefe 
 Shall I trie Friends. You fhall perceiue 
 How you mi f take my Fortunes: 
 I am wealthie in my Friends. 
 Within there, Ftauius, Seruilius? 
 
 Enter three Seruants. 
 
 Ser. My Lord, my Lord. 
 
 Tim. I will difpatch you feuerally. 
 You to Lord Lucius, to Lord Lucidlus you, I hunted with his Honor to day ; 
 you to Sempronius; commend me to their loues ; and I am proud fay, that 
 my occafions haue found time to vfe 'em toward a f upply of mony : let the 
 requeft be fifty Talents. 
 
 Flam. As you haue faid, my Lord. 
 
 Stew. Lord Lucius and Lucullus? Humh. 
 
1 678 Timon of Athens 105 
 
 Enter three Servants. 
 
 I Ser. My Lord! 
 
 Tim. Go you to Phwax and to Clean, you to I fonder. 
 And Mlius, you to If adore and Tkrafillus. 
 Commend me to their loves, and let them know, 
 I'm proud that my occafions make me ufe 'em 
 For a fupply of money. Let the requeft 
 Be fifty Talents from each man. 
 
 I Serv. We will, my Lord. 
 
io6 Timon of Athens 1 623 
 
 Tim. Go you fir to the Senators; 
 Of whom, euen to the States beft health; I haue 
 Deferu'd this Hearing : bid 'em fend o'th'inftant 
 A thoufand Talents to me. 
 
 Ste. I haue beene bold 
 (For that I knew it the moft generall way) 
 To them, to vfe your Signet, and your Name, 
 But they do fhake their heads, and I am heere 
 No richer in retume. 
 
 Tim. Is't true ? Can't be ? 
 
 Stew. They anfwar in a ioyant and corporate voice, 
 That now they are at fall, want Treature cannot 
 Do what they would, are forrie : you are Honourable, 
 But yet they could haue wifht, they know not. 
 Something hath beene amiffe; a Noble Nature 
 May catch a wrench ; would all were well ; tis pitty, 
 And fo intending other ferious matters. 
 After diftaftefull lookes; and thefe hard Fradions 
 With certaine halfe-caps, and cold mouing nods. 
 They froze me into Silence. 
 
 Tim. You Gods reward them: 
 Prythee man looke cheerely. Thefe old Fellowes 
 Haue their ingratitude in them Hereditary: 
 Their blood is cak'd, 'tis cold, it fildome flowes, 
 'Tis lacke of kindely warmth, they are not kinde; 
 And Nature, as it growes againe toward earth. 
 If fafhion'd for the iourney, dull and heauy. 
 Go to Ventiddius (prythee be not fad. 
 Thou art true, and honeft; Ingenioufly I fpeake, 
 No blame belongs to thee:) Ventiddius lately 
 Buried his Father, by whofe death hee's ftepp'd 
 Into a great eftate: When he was poore, 
 Imprifon'd, and in fcarfitie of Friends, 
 I cleer'd him with fiue Talents : Greet him from me. 
 Bid him fuppofe, fome good neceffity 
 Touches his Friend, which craues to be remembered 
 With thofe fiue Talents ; that had, giu't thefe Fellowes 
 
1 678 Timon of Athens 107 
 
 Tim. Thou, Demetrius, fhalt go to the Senate, from whom 
 Even to the States beft health I have deferv'd 
 This hearing. Petition them to fend me 500 Talents. 
 
 Dem. I muft obey. The next room's full of 
 Importunate flaves and hungry Creditors, go not to 'em. 
 
 [Ex. Dem. 
 
 Tim. What! muft my doors b' oppos'd againft my paffage? 
 Have I been ever free, and thofe been open 
 For all Athenians to go in and out 
 At their own pleafure ? My Porter at my Gate 
 Ne're kept man out, but fmil'd and did invite 
 All that paft by it, in, and muft he be 
 My Gaoler, and my Houfe my Prifon ! no, 
 I'll not defpair: my friends will never fail me. [Exit. 
 
io8 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 To whom 'tis inftant due. Neu'r fpeake, or thinke. 
 That Timons fortunes 'mong his Friends can finke. 
 
 Stew. I would I could not thinke it: 
 That thought is Bounties Foe; 
 Being free it felfe, it thinkes all others fo. Exeunt 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 109 
 
 Scene is the Porch or Cloifter of the Stoicks. 
 Apemantus f peaking to the people and feverat Senators. 
 
 Apem. 'Mongft all the loathfome and bafe difeafes of 
 Corrupted Nature, Pride is moft contagious. 
 Behold the pooreft miferable wretch 
 Which the Sun fhines on ; in the midft of all 
 Difeafes, rags, want, infamy and flavery. 
 The Fool will find out fomething to be proud of. 
 
 ^lius. This is all railing. 
 
 Apem. When you deferve my precepts, you fhall have 'em, 
 Mean while, if I'll be honeft, I muft rail at you. 
 
 Cleon. Let's walk, hang him-, hear him not rail. 
 
 Phosa-x. Our Government is too remifs in fuffering the 
 Licence of Philofophers, Orators, and Poets. 
 
 Apem. Show me a mighty Lordling, who's puft up, 
 y\.nd fwells with the opinion of his greatnefs ; 
 He's an Afs. For why does he refped himfelf fo. 
 But to make others do it ? wretched Afs ! 
 By the fame means he feeks refped, he lofes it. 
 Mean thing! does he not play the fool, and eat, 
 And drink, and void his excrements and ftink. 
 Like other men, and die and rot fo too? 
 What then fhou'd it be proud of ? 'Tis a Lord ; 
 And that's a word fome other men cannot 
 Prefix before their names : what then ? a word 
 That it was born to, and then it could not help it. 
 
 Or if made a Lord, perhaps it was [Enter Timons j Servants. 
 
 By blindnefs or partiality i'th' Government. 
 If for defert, he lofes it in Pride ; 
 Who ever's proud of his good deeds, performs 
 
no 
 
 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
1678 Timon of Athens m 
 
 Them for himf elf ; himf elf f hou'd then reward 'era. 
 
 Oh but perhaps he's rich. 'Tis a million to one 
 
 There was villany in the getting of that dirt, 
 
 And he has the Nobility to have knaves for his Anceftors. 
 
 Phoeax. Hang thee thou fnarling Rafcal, the Government's 
 To blame in fuffering thee to rail fo long, 
 
 Apem. The Government's to blame in fuffering the things 
 I rail at. 
 
 In fuffering Judges without Beards, or Law, Secretaries that 
 Can't write; 
 
 Generals that durft not fight, Ambaffadors that can't fpeak fence; 
 Block-heads to be great Minifters, and Lord it over witty men ; 
 Suffering great men to fell their Country for filthy bribes, 
 Old limping Senators to fell their Souls 
 For vile extortion : Matrons to turn incontinent ; 
 And Magiftrates to pimp for their own Daughters. 
 Ruine of Orphans, treachery, murther, rapes, 
 Incefts, adulteries and unnatural fins, 
 Fill all your dwellings, here's the fhame of Government, 
 And not my railing. Men of hardn'd foreheads. 
 And fear'd hearts. 'Tis a weak and infirm Government, 
 That is fo froward it cannot bear mens words. 
 
 Allius. Well, babling Philofophy, call Rafcal, we fhall make 
 You tremble one day. 
 
 Apem. Never. 
 Sordid great man ! it is not in your power, 
 I fear not man no inore than I can love him. 
 'Twere better for us that wild beafts poffeft 
 The Empire of the Earth, they'd ufe men better. 
 Than they do one another. They'd ne're prey 
 On man but for neceffity of Nature. 
 Man undoes man in wantonnefs and fport, 
 Bruits are much honefter than he ; my dog 
 When he fawns on me is no Courtier, 
 He is in eameft; but a man fhall fmile, 
 And wifh my throat cut. 
 
 Clean. Mto-ney of me, fay'ft thou? 
 
112 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Flaminius maiting to fpeake zmth a Lord from his Mafter, enters a feruant 
 
 tO' him. 
 
 Ser. I haue told my Lord of you, he is coming down to you. 
 
 Flam. I thanke you Sir. 
 
 Enter Lucullus. 
 
 Ser. Heere's my Lord. 
 
 Luc. One of Lord Timons men ? A Guift I warrant. Why this hits right : 
 I dreampt of a Siluer Bafon & Ewre to night. Flaminius, honeft Flaminius. 
 you are verie refpediuely welcome fir. Fill me fome Wine. And how 
 does that Honourable, Compleate, Free-hearted Gentleman of Athens, th>' 
 very bountifull good Lord and Mayfter? 
 
 Floim. His health is well fir. 
 
 Luc. I am right glad that his health is well fir : and what haft thou there 
 vnder thy Cloake, pretty Flaminius? 
 
 Flam. Faith, nothing but an empty box Sir, which in my Lords behalfe, 
 I come to intreat your Honor to fupply : who hauing great and inftant occa- 
 fion to vfe fiftie Talents, hath f ent to your Lordfhip to f urnifh him : nothing 
 doubting your prefent affiftance therein. 
 
 Luc. La, la, la, la: Nothing doubting fayes hee? Alas good Lord, a 
 Noble Gentleman 'tis, if he would not keep fo good a houfe. Many a time 
 and often I ha din'd with him, and told him on't, and come againe to fupper 
 to him of purpofe, to haue him fpend leffe, and yet he would embrace no 
 counfell, take no warning by my comming, euery man has his fault, and 
 honestly is his I ha told him on't, but I could nere get him from't. 
 
 Enter Seruant with Wine. 
 
 Ser. Pleafe your Lordfhip, heere is the Wine. 
 
 Luc. Flaminius, I haue noted thee alwayes wife. 
 Heere's to thee. 
 
 Flam. Your Lordfhip fpeake your pleafure. 
 
 Luc. I haue obferued thee adwayes for a towardlie prompt fpirit, giue 
 thee thy due, and one that knowes what belongs to reafon ; and canf t uf e 
 the time wel, if the time vfe thee well. Good parts in thee; get you gone 
 firrah. Draw neerer honeft Flaminius. Thy Lords a bountifull Gentlem.an, 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 113 
 
 I Serv. Yes ! he faies he's proud he has occafion to make 
 IJfe of you. 
 
 Clean. Is't come to that? [Afide. 
 
 Unfortunate man ! I have not half a Talent by me ! 
 But here are other Lords can do it. 
 I honour him fo, that if he will, I'll fell my Land for him ; 
 But prethee excufe me to him, I am in great hafte 
 At this time. [Ex. Cleon. 
 
 I Serv. 'Tis as I thought. How monftrous and deform'd a 
 Thing is bafe ingratitude! Here's Phoeax. My Lord? 
 
 Phceax. Oh! one of Lord Timons men? a gift I warrant you. 
 Why this hits right. I dreamt of a filver Bafon and 
 Ewer to night. How does that honourable, compleat, 
 Free-hearted Gentleman, thy very bountiful good Lord? 
 
 I Serv. Well in his health, my Lord. 
 
 Phceax. I am heairtily glad, what haft thou under thy 
 Cloak, honeft youth? 
 
 I Serv. An empty Box which by my Lords Command 
 I come to entreat your Honour to fupply with fifty Talents 
 He has inftant need of. He bids me fay he does not 
 Doubt your friendfhip. 
 
 Phceax. Hum! not doubt it! alas, good Lord! 
 He's a noble Gentleman! had he not kept fo good a Houfe, 
 'T would have been better : I've often din'd with him, 
 And told him of it, and come again to Supper for 
 That purpofe to have him fpend lefs, but 'twould not do : 
 I am forry for't : but good Lad thou art hopeful and of 
 Good parts. 
 
 I Serv. Your Lordfhip fpeaks your pleafure. 
 
 Phceax. A prompt fpirit, give thee thy due. Thou know'ft 
 What's reafon. And canft ufe thy time well, if the time ufe 
 
 Thee well 'Tis no time to lend money. Thou art wife. 
 
 Here's money for thee good Lad wink at me and fay 
 
 Thou faw'ft me not. 
 
 I Serv. Is't pof fible the World fhould differ fo, 
 And we alive that liv'd in't ? 
 
 8 
 
114 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 but thou art wife, and thou know'ft well enough (although thou com'ft to 
 me) that this is no time to lend money, efpecially vpon bare friendfhippe 
 without fecuritie. Here's three Solidares for thee, good Boy winke at me, 
 and fay thou faw'ft mee not. Fare thee well. 
 
 Flam. Is't poffible the world fhould fo much differ. 
 And we aliue that liued? Fly damned befeneffe 
 To him that worhips thee. 
 
 Luc. Ha? Now I fee thou art a Foole, and fit for thy Mafter. Exit L. 
 
 Flam. May thefe adde to the number yt may fcald thee: 
 Let moulten Coine be thy damnation, 
 Thou difeafe of a friend, and not himfelfe : 
 Has friendship fuch a faint and milkie heart. 
 It turnes in lef f e than two nights ? O you Gods ! 
 I feele my Mafters paffion. This Slave vnto his Honor, 
 Has my Lords meate in him : 
 Why fhould it thriue, and turne to Nutriment, 
 When he is turn'd to poyfon? 
 O may Difeafes onely worke vpon't : 
 And when he's ficke to death, let not that part of Nature 
 Which my Lord payd for, be of any power 
 To expell fickneffe, but prolong his hower. Exit. 
 
 Enter Lucius, with tlwee ftrangers. 
 Luc. Who the Lord Timon? He is my very good friend and an Honour- 
 able Gentleman. 
 
 1 We know him for no leffe, thogh we are but ftrangers to him. ButI can 
 tell you one thing my Lord, and which I heare from common rumours, now 
 Lord Timons happie hoyres are done and paft, and his eftate fhrinkes from 
 him. 
 
 Lucius. Fye no, doe not beleeue it : hee cannot want for money. 
 
 2 But beleeue you this my Lord, that not long agoe, one of his men was 
 with the Lord Lucullius, to borrow fo many Talents, nay vrg'd extreamly 
 for't, and fhewed what neceffity belong'd too't, and yet was deny'de. 
 
 Luci. How ? 
 
 2 I tell you, deny'de my Lord. 
 
 Luci. What a ftrange cafe was that ? Now before the Gods I am af ham'd 
 on't. Denied that honourable man? There was verie little Honour fhew'd 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 115 
 
 Apem. What art thou fent to invite thofe Knaves again 
 To feaft with thy luxurious Lord? 
 
 1 Serv. No : I came to borrow fifty Talents for him. 
 And this Lx>rd has given me this to fay, I did not fee him. 
 
 Apem. Is't come to that already? 
 Bafe flavifh Phaax, thou of the Nobility? 
 Let molten Coin be thy damnation. 
 
 Phceax. Peace Dog. 
 
 Apem. Thou worfe! thou trencher-fly, thou flatterer. 
 Thou haft Timons meat ftill in thy gluttonous paunch, 
 And doft deny him money. Why fhould it thrive, 
 And turn to nutriment when thou art poifon ? 
 
 2 Serv. My noble Lord. 
 
 I'fand. Oh how does thy brave Lord, my nobleft friend ? 
 2 Serv. May it pleafe your honour, he has fent 
 
 1 fan. Hah what has he fent ? I am fo much oblig'd 
 
 To him, he's ever fending. How fhall I thank him? hah. 
 What has he fent? 
 
 2 Serv. He has fent me to tell you he has occafion 
 To ufe your friendfhip, he has inftant need 
 
 Of fifty Talents 
 
 1 fan. Is that the bufinefs? hah! 
 
 I know his honour is but merry with me. 
 He cannot want as many hundreds. 
 
 2 Serv. Yes, he wants fifty, but is affur'd of your Honours 
 Friendfhip. 
 
 1 fan. Thou art not fure in earneft? 
 
 2 Serv. Upon my life I am. 
 
 I fan. What an unfortunate Wretch am I? to disfurnifh 
 My felf upon fo good a time. 
 When I might have fhown how much I love 
 And honour him : This is the grateft afflidion 
 E're fell upon me : the Gods can witnefs for me 
 I was juft fending to my Lord my felf: 
 T have no power to ferve him, my heart bleeds for't. 
 I hope his honour will conceive the beft ; 
 Beaft that I am, that the firft good occafion 
 
ii6 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 in't. For my owne part, I muft needes confeffe, I haue receyued fome fmall 
 kindneffes from him, as Money, Plate, lewels, and fuch like Trifles ; nothing 
 comparing to his : yet had hee miftooke him, and fent to me, I f hould ne're 
 haue denied his Occafion fo many Talents. 
 
 Enter Seruilius. 
 
 Seruil. See, by good hap yonders my Lord, I haue fwet to fee his Honor. 
 My Honor'd Lord. 
 
 Lucil. Seruilius? You are kindly met fir. Farthewell, commend me to 
 thy Honourable vertuous Lord, my very exquifite Friend. 
 
 Seruil. May it pleafe your Honour, my Lord hath fent 
 
 Luci. Ha ? what ha's he fent ? I am fo much endeered to that Lord ; hee's 
 euer fending: how fhall I thank him think'ft thou? And what has he fent 
 now? 
 
 Seruil. Has onely fent his pref ent Occafion now my Lord : requefting your 
 Lordfhip to fupply his instant ufe with fo many Talents. 
 
 Lucil. I know his Lordfhip is but merry with me. 
 He cannot want fifty fine hundred Talents. 
 
 Seruil. But in the mean time he wants leffe my Lord. 
 If his occafion were not vertuous, 
 I fhould not vrge it halfe fo faithfully. 
 
 Luc. Doft thou fpeake ferioufly Seruilius? 
 
 Seruil. Vpon my foule 'tis true Sir. 
 
 Luci. What a wicked Beaft was I to disfurnifh my felf againft fuch a good 
 time, when I might ha fhewn my felfe Honourable? How vnluckily it 
 hapned, that I fhold Purchaf e the day before for a little part, and vndo a great 
 deale of Honour? Seruilius, now before the Gods I am not able to do (the 
 more beaft I fay) I was fending to vfe Lord Timon my felfe, thefe Gentle- 
 men can witnef fe ; but I would not for the wealth of Athens I had done't 
 now. Commend me bountifully to his good Lordfhip, and I hope his Honor 
 will conceiue the faireft of mee, becaufe I haue no power to be kinde. And 
 tell him this from rae, I count it one of my greateft afflidions fay, that I cannot 
 pleafure fuch an Honourable Gentleman. Good Seruilius, will you befrieiid 
 mee fo farre, as to vfe mine owne words to him? 
 
 Ser. Yes fir, I fhall. Exit Seruil. 
 
 Lucil. He looke you out a good turne Seruilius. 
 True as vou faid, Timon is fhrunke indeede. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens n? 
 
 Shou'd not be in my power to ufe ; I beg 
 
 A thoufand pardons. Tell him fo 
 
 Apem.. Thou art an excellent Summer friend ! 
 How often haft thou dip i'th' dif h with him ? 
 He has been a Father to thee with his purfe, 
 Supported thyeftate; when e're thou drink'ft, 
 His filver kiffes thy bafe Lips, thou rid'ft upon 
 His Horfes, ly'ft on his Beds. 
 
 Ifan. Peace, or I'll knock thy brains out. [Ex. Ifan. 
 
 2 Serv. My Lord, Thrajillus 
 
 Thra. He's comes to borrow, I muft fhun him. 
 I hope your Lord is well. 
 
 2 Serv. Yes, my Lord, and has fent me 
 
 Thra. To invite me to Dinner. I am in great haft 
 
 But I'll wait on him if I can poffible. {Ex. Thra. 
 
 Apem. Good Fool, go home. Doft think to find a grateful 
 Man in Athens? 
 
 3 Serv. If my Lord's occafions did not prefs him very much 
 I would not urge it. 
 
 ^lius. Why would he fend to me? I am poor. There's 
 Phoeax, Clean, Ijodore, Thrajillus, and Ifander, and many 
 Men that owe their fortunes to him. 
 
 3 Serv. They have been toucht and found bafe mettle. 
 
 ^lius. Have they deny'd him ; and muft you come to me ? 
 Muft I be his laft refuge ? 'tis a great flight, 
 Muft I be the laft fought to? he might have 
 Confider'd who I am. 
 
 3 Serv. I fee he did not know you. 
 
 Mlms. I was the firft that e're receiv'd gift from him. 
 And I will keep it for his honours fake, 
 But at prefent I cannot poffibly fupply him: 
 Befides, my Father made me fwear upon 
 His Death, I never fhould lend money. 
 I've kept the Oath e're fince. Fare thee well. [Ex. ^lius. 
 
 3 Sen'. They all fly us ! 
 
 Apem. The barbarous Herd of mankind fhun 
 One in afiflidon, and turn him out as 
 
Ii8 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 And he that's once deny'de, will hardly fpeede. Exit. 
 
 1 Do you obferue this Hoftilius? 
 
 2 I, to well. 
 
 I Why this is the worlds foule, 
 And iuft of the fame peece 
 
 Is euery Flatterers fport: who can call him his Friend 
 That dips in the fame difh? For in my knowing 
 Timon has bin this Lords Father, 
 And kept his credit with his purfe: 
 Supported his eftate, may Timons money 
 Has paid his men their wages. He ne're drinkes, 
 But Timons Siluer treads vpon his Lip, 
 And yet, oh fee the monftroufneffe of man. 
 When he lookes out in an vngratefull fhape; 
 He does deny him (in refped of his) 
 What charitable men afifoord to Beggers. 
 
 3 Religion grones at it. 
 
 I For mine owne part, I neuer tafted Timon in my life 
 Nor came any of his bounties ouer me. 
 To marke me for his Friend. Yet I proteft. 
 For his right Noble minde, illuftrious Vertue, 
 And Honourable Carriage, 
 Had his neceffity made vfe of me, 
 I would haue put my wealth into Donation, 
 And the beft halfe fhould haue retum'd to him. 
 So much I loue his heart: But I perceiue. 
 Men muft learne now with pitty to difpence, 
 For Policy fits aboue Confcience. Exeunt. 
 
 Enter a third feruant with SemproniiM, another of Timons Friends. 
 
 Semp. Muft he needs trouble me in't? Hum. 
 'Boue all others? 
 
 He might haue tried Lord Lucius, or Lucullus, 
 And now V entidgius is wealthy too. 
 Whom he redeem'd from prifon. All thefe 
 Owes their eftates vnto him. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 119 
 
 Deer do one that's hunted, go, go home 
 
 To thy fond Lord, and bid him Curfe himfelf , 
 
 That would not hear me : bid him live on root 
 
 And water, and know himfelf; he had better 
 
 Have fhun'd Mankind than be deferted by them. [Ex. Onrnes. 
 
 Enter Melif fa and Chloe. 
 
 Mell. Who could have thought Timon fo loft i'th' world ? 
 With what amazement will the news of this 
 So fudden alteration be receiv'd by all Athenians ? 
 
 Chloe. Is it for certain true? 
 
 Mel. Certain as death or fate ! my father has af fur'd me 
 Of it, that he is a Bankrupt, his Credit gone, and all 
 His ravenous Creditors with open Jaws will fwallow him. 
 'Tis well I am inform'd, I'll ftand upon my guard. 
 
 Enter Page. 
 
 Page. Madam, a Gentleman below defires admittance. 
 
 Mel. See Chloe, if it be Lord Timon, or any one from him. 
 Say I am not well. I will not be feen : be fure I 
 Be not. 
 
 CMo. I warrant you. [Ex. Chloe. 
 
 Mel. Seen by a Bankrupt ! no, bafe poverty 
 Shall never enter here. Oh, were my Alcibades 
 Recall'd, he would adore me ftill, and wou'd be 
 Rich too. 
 
 Enter Alcibiades in difguife, and Chloe. 
 
 Chloe. It is a Gentleman in difguife, I know him not. 
 
 Alcib. But ray Mieliffa does. [Pulls off his Difguife. 
 
 Mel. My Alcibiades! my Hero \ 
 The Gods have hearkn'd to my vows for thee. 
 And have Crown'd all my wifhes. Thou'rt more welcome 
 To me than the return of the Suns heat 
 
120 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Ser. My Lord, 
 They haue all bin touch'd, and found Bafe-Mettle, 
 For they haue all denied him. 
 
 Semp. How ? Haue they deny'de him ? 
 Has Ventidgius and Lucullus deny'de him, 
 And does he fend to me ? Three ? Humh ? 
 It fhewes but little loue, or iudgment in him. 
 Muft I be his laft Refuge? His Friends (like Phyfitians) 
 Thriue, giue him' ouer : Muft I take th'Cure vpon me ? 
 Has much difgrac'd me in't, I'me angry at him. 
 That might haue knowne my place. I fee no fenfe for't, 
 But his Occafions might haue wooed me firft: 
 For in my confcience, I was the firft man 
 That ere receiued guift from him. 
 And does he thinke fo backwardly of me now. 
 That He requite it laft? No: 
 So it may proue an Argument of Laughter 
 To th'reft, and 'mong'ft Lords be thought a Foole: 
 I'de rather then the worth of thrice the fumme, 
 Had fent to me firft, but for my imindes fake: 
 I'de fuch a courage to do him good. But now returne. 
 And with their faint reply, this anfwer ioyne ; 
 Who bates mine Honor, fhall not know my Coyne. Exit 
 
 Ser. Excellent: Your Lordfhips a goodly Villain: the diuell knew not 
 what he did, when hee made man Politicke; he croffed himfelfe by't: and 
 I cannot thinke, but in the end, the Villaines of man will fet him' cleere. How 
 fairely this Lord ftriues to appeare foule? Takes Vertuous Copies to be 
 wicked: like thofe, that vnder hotte ardent zeale, would fet whole Realmes 
 on fire, of fuch a nature is his politike loue. 
 This was my Ix>rds beft hope, now all are fled 
 Saue onely the Gods. Now his Friends are dead, 
 Doores that were ne're acquainted with their Wards 
 Many a bounteous yeere, muft be imploy'd 
 Now to guard fure their Mafter: 
 And this is all a liberall courfe allowes. 
 Who cannot keepe his wealth, muft keep his houfe. Exit. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 121 
 
 Is to^ the frozen Region of the North, 
 
 That's cover'd half the year with Snow and Darknefs. 
 
 Alcib. My Joy, my life, my blood, my foul, my liberty, 
 Within my arms : This treafure far outweighs 
 The joys of Conqueft, or deliverance 
 From banifhment or flavery. 
 
 Mel. How proud am I of all thy vidlories ! 
 'Twas thou that Conquer'd, but I triumph'd for thee, 
 All day I figh'd and wifht, and pray'd for thee, 
 And in the night thou entertain 'dft my fleeps, 
 And whenfoe're I dreamt thou wert in danger, 
 I cry'd out, my Akibiades, and in my dreams 
 I was valiant, and methought I fought for thee. 
 
 Alcib. Oh my Divine Meliffa! the Cordial of thy love 
 Is of fo ftrong a fpirit, 'twill overcome me, 
 One kifs and take my foul; another and 
 'Twill fally out ; Oh, I could fix whole ages on 
 Thy tender lip; and pity all the Fools 
 That keep a fenfelefs pother in the world for pow'r. 
 And pomp, and noife, and lofe fubftantial blifs. 
 
 Mel. There is no blifs but love ; and but for that 
 The world would fall in pieces ! Oh, with what a grief 
 Have I fuftain'd thy abfence ! had not my Father 
 Prevented my efcape, I had come to thee. 
 
 Alcib. 'Twas well for Athens fafety that thou did'It not; 
 I had neglected all my Conquefts which 
 Preferved this bafe ungrateful town; for I 
 In thee fhou'd have all that I fought for ; Thou 
 Would'ft have been life, liberty. Country, and Eftate to me. 
 
 Mel. I have the end of all my hopes and wifhes, 
 If the ungrateful Senate will let me keep thee. 
 
 Alcib. 'Twas I that made them what they are, in hopes 
 They foon would call me home to thee. 
 It was the thought of that which fir'd my Soul, 
 At every ftroke the memory of Meliffa 
 Gave vigour to my arm, and made me conquer. 
 
 Mel. Oh, let ambition never more difturb 
 
122 
 
 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
1 678 Timon of Athens 123 
 
 Thy noble mind, let love in peace poffefs it. 
 Let not the noife of Drums and Trumpets clangor, ^ 
 Clafhing of arms, and neighing Steeds, and groans 
 Of bleeding men entice thee from me. 
 
 Alcib. The Senate fhall not dare remove me from thee. 
 Should they once offer it, I've an Army will 
 Tofs their ufurious bags about their ears. 
 Rifle their Houfes, deflour their Wives and Daughters, 
 And dafh their brains out of their doating heads. 
 But dear Meliffa, fince our hearts fo long 
 Have been united, let's not ftay for friends. 
 For ceremony, but come, compleat our joys ; 
 True love's above fenfelefs formalties. 
 
 Mel. If any thing from you could anger me, 
 This would; but know, none fhall invade my vertue 
 Without my life : but on my knees I vow 
 No other man, though Crown'd the Emperour 
 Of all the World, fhould ever have my love. 
 And though thy Country bafely fhould defert thee, 
 I would continue firm. 
 
 Alcib. And here 
 I fwear, that could I conquer all the Univerfe, 
 I'd lay the Crowns and Scepters at thy feet 
 For thee to tread on. By thy felf I fwear. 
 An Oath more f acred far to me, than all 
 Mock Deities which knavifh Priefts invent. 
 Are to the poor deluded Rabble. 
 
 Chloe. Madam! Your Father is come in. 
 
 Mel. Let us retire: my Father has not yet 
 Forgotten his enmity, the breaking of the 
 Peace with the Lacedemonians, and his foil 
 Which he thinks you caus'd in Sicily, 
 Hee'l not forgive. 
 
 Alcib. Had he injur'd me beyond all fufferance, 
 I would have forgotten him for begetting thee. [Exeunt. 
 
124 
 
 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 125 
 
 Enter Timon and Servant. 
 
 Tim. Is't poffible? deferted thus? what large profeffions 
 Did all thefe make but yefterday? did they all refufe to lend, 
 Say you? 
 
 I Serv. The rumour of your borrowing was foon 
 Difperft, and then at fight of one of us 
 They would ftop, ftart, turn fhort, pafs by, or feem 
 To overlook us, and avoided us, 
 As if we had been their mortal Enemies ; 
 And who fufpected not when they were mov'd, 
 Came off with bafe excufes. 
 
 Tim. Ye Gods ! what will become of Timon? I'll go to 'em 
 My felf, they will not have the face to ufe me fo. 
 
 Enter Demetrius. 
 Oh Demetrius! what news bring' ft thou from the Senate? 
 
 Dem. I am return'd no richer than I went. 
 
 Tim. Juft Gods! it cannot be. 
 
 Demi. They anfwer in a joint and corporate voice. 
 That now they are to ebb, want Treafure, cannot. 
 Do what they would, are forry ; y ou are Honourable ; 
 But yet they could have wifht ; they know not, 
 Something has been amifs ; a noble nature 
 May catch a wrench ; would all were well ; 'tis pity ; 
 And fo intending other ferious matters, 
 After diftateful looks, and thefe hard fradons, 
 With certain half caps and cold carelefs nods. 
 They froze me into filence. 
 
 Tim. The Gods reward their Villany, Old men 
 Have their ingratitude natural to 'em ; 
 Their blood is cak'd and cold, it feldom flows, 
 'Tis want of kindly warmth which makes 'em cruel. 
 And Nature as it grows again towards earth. 
 Is fafhion'd for the Journey, dull and heavy. 
 Heav'n keep my Wits ! or is't a blef fing to be mad ? 
 Demetrius follow me ; I'll try 'em all my felf. 
 
^sh Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Enter Varro's man, meeting others. All Timons Creditors to wait for his 
 coming out. Then enter Lucius and Hortenfius. 
 
 Var. man. Well met, goodmorrow Titus & Hortenfius 
 
 Tit. The like to you kinde Varro. 
 
 Hort. Lucius, what do we meet together ? 
 
 Luci. I, and I think one bufineffe do's command vs all. 
 For mine is money. 
 
 Tit. So is theirs, and ours. 
 
 Enter Philotus. 
 
 Luci. And fir Philotus too. 
 
 Phil. Good day at once. 
 
 Luci. Welcome good Brother. 
 What do you thinke the houre ? 
 
 Phil. Labouring for Nine. 
 
 Luci. So much? 
 
 Phil. Is not my Lord feene yet? 
 
 Lu£i. Not yet. 
 
 Phil. I wonder on't, he was wont to fhine at feauen. 
 
 Luci. I, but the dayes are waxt fhorter with him : 
 You muft confider, that a Prodigall courfe 
 Is like the Sunnes, but not like his recouerable, I feare: 
 "Tis deepeft Winter in Lord Timons purfe, that is : One may reach deepe 
 enough, and yet finde little. 
 
 Phil. I am of your feare, for that. 
 
 Tit. He fhew you how t'obferue a ftrange euent: 
 Your Lord fends now for Money? 
 
 Hort. Moit true, he doe's. 
 
 Tit. And he weares lewels now of Timons guift, 
 For which I waite for money. 
 
 Hort. It is againft my heart. 
 
 Luci. Marke how ftrange it fhowes, 
 Timon in this, fhould pay more then he owes : 
 And e'en as if your Lord fhould weare rich lewels, 
 And fend for money for 'em. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 127 
 
 Dem. The Senate is affembling again, 
 You'll find 'em in the Senate Houfe. [Exeunt. 
 
 Enter many Creditors with Bills and Papers, 
 Re-enter Demetrius. 
 
 Dem. How now, what makes this fwarm of Rafcals here? 
 Each looking big, and with the vifage of demand. 
 
 I Cred. We wait for certain fums of money due. 
 
 Dem. If money were as certain as your waiting. 
 Why then profifer'd you not your Bills and Bonds 
 When your falf e Mafters eat of my Lords meat ? 
 Then they would fmile and fawn upon him. 
 And fwallow the intereft down their greedy throats. 
 
 Enter Timon and Servants, 
 
 Tim. If Meliffa be at home, tell her I'll wait on her fuddenly. 
 
 1 Cred. Now, let's put in; my Lord, my Bill. 
 
 2 Cred. Here's mine. 
 
 3 Cred. And mine. 
 
 4 Cred. My M'after's. 
 
 Ti4n. Hold, hold, my wits. Knock me down; 
 Cleave me to the wafte. What would you have, you Harpyes? 
 
 1 Cred. We ask our due. 
 
 Tim. Cut my heart in pieces and divide it. 
 4 Cred. My Mafter's is thirty Talents. 
 Tim. Tell it out of my blood. 
 
 2 Cred. Five thoufand Crowns is mine. 
 Tim. Five thoufand drops pays that. 
 
 What yours, and yours ? 
 
 3 Cred. My Lord. 
 I Cred. My Lord. 
 
 Tim. Here, take me, pull me in pieces, will you? 
 The gods confume, confound, and rot you all. 
 
 1 Cred. What a Devil, is he mad? 
 
 2 Cred. Mercy on us, let us be gone. 
 
128 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Hort. I'me weary of this Charge, 
 The Gods can witneffe: 
 I know my Lord hath fpent of Timons wealth, 
 And now Ingratitude, makes it worfe then ftealth. 
 
 Varro. Yes, mine's three thoufand Crownes: 
 What's yours? 
 
 Luci. Fiue thoufand mine. 
 
 Varro. 'Tis much deepe, and it fhould|feem by th'fum 
 Your Mafters confidence was aboue mine, 
 Elfe fuTely his had equall'd. 
 
 Enter Flmninius. 
 
 Tit. One of Lord Timons men. 
 
 Luc. Flaminius ? Sir, a word : Pray is my Lx)rd readie to come forth ? 
 
 Flam. No, indeed he is not. 
 
 Tit. We attend his Lordfhip: pray fignifie fo much. 
 
 Flam. I need not tell him that, he knowes you are too diligent. 
 Enter Steward in a Cloake, muffled. 
 
 Luci._ Ha: is not that his Steward muffled fo? 
 He goes away in a Clowd: Call him, call him. 
 
 Tit. Do you heare, fir ? 
 
 2. Varro. By your leaue, fir. 
 
 Stew. What do ye aske of me, my Friend. 
 
 Tit. We waite for certaine Money heere, fir. 
 
 Stew. I, if Money were as certaine as your waiting, 
 'Twere fure enough. 
 
 Why then preferr'd you not your fummes and Billes 
 When your falfe Mafters eate of my Lords meat? 
 Then they could fmile, and fawne vpon his debts, 
 And take downe th'Intreft into their glutt'nous Mawes. 
 You do your felues but wrong, to ftirre me vp, 
 Let me paffe quietly: 
 
 Beleeu't, my Lord and I haue made an end, 
 I haue no more to reckon, he to fpend. 
 
 Luci. I, but this anfwer will not ferue. 
 
 Stew. If't 'twill not ferue, 'tis not fo bafe as you. 
 For you ferue Knaues. 
 
 I. Varro. How? What does his cafheer'd Worfhip mutter? 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 129 
 
 3 Cred. Let's go, hee'll murder fome of us. 
 
 Tim. They have e'en taken my breath from me. Slaves, 
 Creditors, Dogs, preferve my wits, you Gods. 
 
 Dem. My Lord, be patient ; paf fion mends it not. 
 
 [Lampridius, croffes the ftage and fhuns Timon. 
 
 Tim. See Lampridius, whom I redeem'd out of Prifon. 
 His Father dead fince, and he rich. Now the Villain 
 Shuns me. 
 
 Enter Phaeax. 
 
 Oh my good Friend Phaax. 
 
 Phaax. Oh my Lord I am glad to fee your Lordfhip. 
 
 I have a fudden occafion calls me hence, 
 
 I'll wait on you inftantly. [Ex. Phseax. 
 
 Tim. I could not have believ'd this. 
 
 Enter Cleon. 
 
 My Lord. 
 
 Cleon. Oh my good Lord, I am going to fee 
 If I can ferve your Lordfhip in the Command 
 I receiv'd fromi you by your Servant. [Ex. Cleon. 
 
 Tim. Oh black Ingratitude ! that Villain has 
 A Jewel at this moment on, which I prelented him, 
 Coft me three thoufand Crowns. 
 
 Dem. You'll find 'em all like thefe. 
 
 Tmw. There are not many fure fo bad. 
 How have I lov'd thefe men, and fhewn 'em kindnefs, 
 As if they had been my Brothers, or my Sons ! 
 
 [Enter Diphilus, feeing Timon, mwftes his face and turns away. 
 Look, is not that my Servant Diphilus, whom I marrj^'d to 
 The old Man's Daughter, and gave him an eftate too; 
 And now he hides himfelf, and fteals from me? 
 How much is a Dog more generous than a man; 
 Oblige him once, hee'l keep you Company, 
 Ev'n in your utmoft want and mifery. 
 
 » 
 
I30 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 2. Varra. No matter what, |hee's poore, and that's reuenge enough. Who 
 can Ipeake broader, then hee that has no houfe to put his head in? Such 
 may rayle againft great buildings. 
 
 Enter Seruilius. 
 
 Tit. Oh heere's Seruilius : now wee fhal know fome anfwere. 
 
 Seru. If I might befeech you Gentlemen, to repayre fome other houre, 
 I fhould deriue much from't. For tak't of my foule, my Lord leanes won- 
 droufly to difcontent : His comfortable temper has forfooke him, he's much 
 out of health, and keepes his Chamber. 
 
 Luci. Many do keepe their Chambers, are not ficke: 
 And if it be fo farre beyond his health. 
 Me thinkes he fhould the fooner pay his debts, 
 And make a cleere way to the Gods. 
 
 Seruil. Good Gods. 
 
 Titus. We cannot take this for anfwer, fir. 
 
 Flaminius within. Seruilius helpe, my Lord, my Lord. 
 
 Enter Timon in a rage. 
 
 Tim. What, are my dores oppos'd againft my paffage? 
 Haue I bin ever free, and muft my houfe 
 Be my retentiue Enemy? My Gaole? 
 The place which I haue Feafted, does it now 
 (Like all Mankinde) fhew me an Iron heart? 
 
 Luci. Put in now Titus. 
 
 Tit. My Lord, heere is my Bill. 
 
 Luci. Here's mine. 
 
 1. Var. And mine, my Lord. 
 
 2. Var. And ours, my Lord. 
 Pholo. All our Billes. 
 
 Tim. Knocke me downe with 'em, cleaue mee to the Girdle. 
 Luc. Alas, my Lord. 
 Tim. Cut my heart in fummes. 
 Tit. Mine, fifty Talents. 
 Tim. Tell out my blood. 
 Luc. Fine thoufand Crownes, my Lord. 
 Tim. Fine thoufand drops payes that. 
 What yours? and yours? 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 131 
 
 Enter ^lius. 
 
 Who's that? ^lius? my Lord £lius. 
 
 Demetrius, go let him know Timon would fpeak 
 
 With him [Dem. goes to him, he turns back. 
 
 Do you not know me ^lius? 
 
 Mlius. Not know my good Lord Timon! 
 
 Tim. Think you I have the Plague? 
 
 JEHus. No, my Lord. 
 
 Tim. Why do you fhun me then? 
 
 Mlius. I Ihun you ? I'd ferve your Lordfhip with my life. 
 
 Tim. I'll not believe, he who would refufe me money, 
 Wou'd venture his life for me. 
 
 ^lius. I am very unfortunate not to have it in my Power 
 To fupply you ; but I am going to the Forum, to a Debter, 
 If I receive any, your Lordfhip fhall command it. \Ex. 2EVms. 
 
 Tim. Had I fo lately all the Caps and Knees of th' Athenians, 
 And is't come to this ? Brains hold a little. 
 
 ■ Enter Thrafillus. 
 
 Thraf. Who's there? Timon f [runs back, 
 
 Tim. There's another Villain. 
 
 Enter Ifander. 
 
 How is't Ifander? 
 
 Ifcmd. Oh Heav'n! Tinvon! 
 
 Tim. What, did I fright you ? am I become f o dreadful 
 An Objedl ? is poverty contagious ? 
 
 If and. Your Lordfhip ever fhall be dear to me. 
 It makes me weep to think I cou'd not ferve you 
 When you fent your Servant. I am expedied at the Senate. 
 I humbly ask your pardon ; I'll fell all I have 
 But I'll fupply you foon. [Ex. Ifander. 
 
 Tim>. Smooth tongue, diffembling, weeping knave, farewel. 
 And farewel all Mankind! It fhall be fo Demetrius! 
 
132 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 1. Var. My Lord. 
 
 2. Var. My Lord. 
 
 Tim. Teare me, take me, and the Gods fall vpon you. Exit Timon. 
 
 Hort. Faith I perceiue our Mafters may throwe their caps at their money, 
 thefe debts may well be call'd defperate ones, for a madman owes 'em. 
 
 Enter Timon. Exeunt. 
 
 Timon. They haue e'ene put my breath from mee the llaues. Creditors? 
 Diuels. 
 
 Stew. My deere Lord. 
 
 Tim. What if it fhould be fo ? 
 
 Stew. My Lord. 
 
 Tim. He haue it fo. My Steward? 
 
 Stew. Heere my Lord. 
 
 Tim. So fitly? Go, bid all my Friends againe, 
 Lucius, Lucultus, and Setnpronius Vllorxa: All, 
 He once more feaft the Rafcals. 
 
 Stew. O my Lord, you onely fpeake from your diftraded foule; there's 
 not fo much left to| furnifh out a moderate Table. 
 
 Tim. Be it not in thy care : 
 Go I charge thee, inuite them all, let in the tide 
 Of Knaues once more: my Cooke and He prouide. Exeunt 
 
 Enter three Senators at one doore, Alcibiades meeting them, with Attendants. 
 
 I. Sen. My Lord, you haue my voyce, too't, 
 The faults Bloody : 
 'Tis necef fary he fhould dye : 
 Nothing imboldens finne fo much, as Mercy. 
 
 2 Moft true; the Law fhall bruife 'em. 
 
 Alio. Honor, health, and compaffion to the Senate. 
 
 I Now Captaine. 
 
 Ale. I am an humble Sutor to your Vertues ; 
 For pitty is the vertue of the Law, 
 And none but Tyrants vfe it cruelly. 
 It pleafes time and Fortune to lye heauie 
 ^''pon a Friend of mine, who in hot blood 
 Half ftept into the Law : which is paft depth 
 To thofe that (without heede) do plundge intoo't. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 133 
 
 Go to all thefe fellows. Tell 'em I'm fupply'd, I have no 
 Need of 'em. Set out my condition to be as good 
 As formerly it has been. That this was but a Tryal, 
 And invite 'em all to Dinner. 
 
 Dem. My Lord, there's nothing for 'em. 
 
 Tim. I have taken order about that. 
 
 Dem. What can this mean? [Ex. Demetrius. 
 
 Tim. I have one referve can never fail me, 
 And while Meliffa's kind I can't be miferable ; 
 She has a vaft fortune in her own difpofal. 
 The Sun will fooner leave his courfe than fhe 
 Defert me. 
 
134 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 He is a Man (fetting his Fate afide) of comely Vertues, 
 
 Nor did he foyle the fad with Cowardice, 
 
 (And Honour in him, which buyes out his fault) 
 
 But with a Noble Fury, and faire fpirit. 
 
 Seeing a Reputation touch'd to death, 
 
 He did oppofe his Foe: 
 
 And with fuch fober and vnnoted' paffion 
 
 He did behooue his anger ere 'twas fpent. 
 
 As if he had but prou'd an Argument. 
 
 I Sen. You vndergo too ftridl a Paradox, 
 Striuing to make an vgly deed looke faire: 
 Your words haue tooke fuch paines, as if they labour'd 
 To bring Man-flaughter into forme, and fet Quarrelling 
 Vpon the head of Valour; which indeede 
 Is Valour mif-begot, and came into the world. 
 When Sedls, and Fadions were newly borne. 
 Hee's truly Valiant, that can wifely fuffer 
 The worft that man can breath, 
 And make his Wrongs, his Out-fides, 
 To weare them like his Rayment, careleffly. 
 And ne're preferre his iniuries to his heart. 
 To bring it into danger. 
 If Wrongs be euilles, and inforce vs kill, 
 What Folly 'tis, to hazard life for 111. 
 
 Alci. My Lord. 
 
 I. Sen. You cannot make groffe finnes looke cleare. 
 To reuenge is no Valour, but to beare. 
 
 Alci. My Lords, then vnder fauor, pardon me. 
 If I fpeake like a Captaine. 
 Why do fond men expofe themfelues to Battell, 
 And not endure all threats? Sleepe vpon't, 
 And let the Foes quietly cut their Throats 
 Without repugnancy? If there be 
 Such Valour in the bearing, what make wee 
 Abroad? Why then, Women are more valiant 
 That ftay at home, if Bearing carry it: 
 And the Affe, more Captaine then the Lyon? 
 
1678 Timon of Athens I3S 
 
136 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 The fellow loaden with Irons, wifer then the ludge? 
 
 If Wifedome be in fuffering, Oh my Lords ! 
 
 As you are great, be pittifuUy Good, 
 
 Who cannot condemne rafhnelfe in cold blood? 
 
 To kill, I grant, is finnes extreameft Guft, 
 
 But in defence, by Mercy, 'tis moft iuft. 
 
 To be in Anger, is impietie : 
 
 But who is Man, that is not Angrie. 
 
 Weigh but the Crime with this. 
 
 2. Sen. You breath in vaine. 
 
 Alci. In vaine? 
 His feruice done at Lacedemon, and Bizantium, 
 Were a fufficient briber for his life. 
 
 1 What's that? 
 
 Ale. Why fay my Lords ha's done faire feruice, 
 And flaine in fight many of your enemies : 
 How full of valour did he beare himfelfe 
 In the laft conflict, and made plenteous wounds? 
 
 2 He has made too much plenty with him: 
 He's fworne Riotor, he has a finne 
 
 That often drownes him, and takes his valour prifoner. 
 
 If there were no Foes, that were enough 
 
 To ouercome him. In that Beaftly furie. 
 
 He has bin knowne to commit outrages. 
 
 And cherrifh Fadions. 'Tis inferr'd to vs. 
 
 His dayes are foule, and his drinke dangerous. 
 
 I He dyes. 
 
 Alci. Hard fate: he might haue dyed in warre. 
 My Lords, if not for any parts in him. 
 Though his right arme might purchafe his owne time, 
 And be in debt to none: yet more to moue you. 
 Take my deferts to his, and ioyne 'em both. 
 And for I know, your reuerend Ages loue Security, 
 lie pawne my Vidories, all my Honour to you 
 Vpon his good retumes. 
 If by this Crime, he owes the Law his life. 
 Why let the Warre receiue't in valiant gore. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 
 
 137 
 
138 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 For Law is ftrid, and Warre is nothing more. 
 
 1 We are for Law, he dyes, vrge it no more 
 On height of our difpleafure: Friend, or Brother, 
 He forfeits his owne blood, that fpilles another. 
 
 Ale. Muft it be fo? It muft not bee: 
 My Lords, I do befeech you know mee. 
 
 2 How? 
 
 Ale. Call me to your remembrances. 
 
 3 What. 
 
 Ale. I cannot thinke but your Age has forgot me, 
 It could not elfe be, I fhould proue fo bace, 
 To fue and be deny'de fuch common Grace. 
 My wounds ake at you. 
 
 I Do you dare our anger? 
 'Tis in few words, but fpacious in eifed: 
 We banifh thee for euer. 
 
 Ale. Banifh me? 
 Banifh your dotage, banifh vfurie, 
 That makes the Senate vgly. 
 
 I If after two dayes fhine, Athens containe thee. 
 Attend our weightier ludgment. 
 And not to fwell our Spirit, 
 He fhall be executed prefently. Exeunt. 
 
 Ale. Now the Gods keepe you old enough. 
 That you may Hue 
 
 Onely in bone, that none may looke on you. 
 I'm worfe then mad: I haue kept backe their Foes 
 While they haue told their Money, and let out 
 Their Coine vpon large intereft. I my lelfe. 
 Rich onely in large hurts. All thof e, for this ? 
 Is this the Balfome, that the vfuring Senat 
 Powres into Captaines wounds? Banifhment. 
 It comes not ill : I hate not to be banifht. 
 It is a caufe worthy my Spleene and Furie, 
 That I may ftrike at Athens. He cheere vp 
 M!y difcontented Troopes, and lay for hearts ; 
 'Tis Honour with moft Lands to be at ods, 
 Souldiers fhould brooke as little wrongs as Gods. Exit. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 139 
 
I40 
 
 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
1 678 Timon of Athens 141 
 
 Enter first Servant. 
 
 Is Meliffa at home? 
 
 I Serv. She is, my Lord ; but will not fee you. 
 
 Tim. What does the Rafcal fay? Damn'd Villain 
 To bely her fo? [Strikes him. 
 
 I Serv. By Heav'n 'tis truth. She faies fhe will not fee you. 
 Her woman told me firft fo. And when I would not 
 Believe her, fhe came and told me fo her felf ; 
 That fhe had no bufinefs with you ; defir'd you would 
 Not trouble her ; fhe had affairs of confequence ; S-c. 
 
 Tim. Now Timon thou art fain indeed ; fallen from all thy 
 Hopes of happinefs. Earth, open and fwallow the 
 Moft miferable wretch that thou did'ft ever bear. 
 
 Enter Meliffa. 
 
 I Serv. My Lord, Meliffo^s! paffing by. 
 Tim. Oh Dear Meliffa! 
 Mel. Is he here ? what luck is this ? 
 Tim. Will you not look on me? not fee your Timon? 
 And did not you fend me word fo? 
 
 Enter Evandra. 
 
 Mel. I was very bufy, and am fo now ; I muft obey my 
 Father; I am going to him. 
 
 Tim. Was it not, Meliffa, faid ; If Timon were r«duc'd 
 To rags and mifery, and fhe were Queen of all the Univerfe, 
 She would not change her love? 
 
 Mel. We can't command our wills; 
 Our fate muft be obey'd. [Ex. Mel. 
 
 Tim. Some Mountain cover me, and let my name. 
 My odious name be never heard of more. 
 O ftragling Senfes whither are you going? 
 Farewel, and may we never meet again. 
 Evandra! how does the fight of her perplex me! 
 
j^ Timon of Athens '623 
 
1678 Timon of Athens I43 
 
 I've been ungrateful to her, why fhould I 
 Blame Villains who are fo to me? 
 
 EvoM. Oh Timon! I have heard and felt all thy affli(flions ; 
 I thought I never f hou'd have f een thee more ; 
 Nor ever would had'ft thou contin'd profperous. 
 Let falfe Meliffa bafely fly from thee, 
 Evccndra is not made of that courfe ftuff. 
 
 Ti/m. Oh turn thy eyes from an ungrateful man ! 
 
 Evcm. No, fince I firft beheld my ador'd Timon, 
 They have been fixt upon thee prefent, and when abfent 
 I've each moment view'd thee in my mind. 
 And fhall they now remove? 
 
 Tim. Wilt thou not fly a wretched Caitif? who 
 Has fuch a load of mifery beyond 
 The ftrength of humane nature to fupport? 
 
 Evan. I am no bafe Athenian Parafite, 
 To fly from thy Calamities ; I'll help to bear 'em. 
 
 Tim. Oh my Evcmdra, they're not to be born. 
 Accurfed Athens! Foreft of two legg'd Beafts; 
 Plague, civil War, and famine, be thy lot : 
 Let propagation ceafe, that none of thy 
 Confounding fpurious brood may fpring 
 To infedl and damn fucceeding Generations ; 
 May every Infant like the Viper gnaw 
 A paffage through his mothers curfed Womb; 
 And kill the hag, or if they fail of it. 
 May then the Mothers like fel/ rav'nous Bitches 
 Devour their own bafe Wh0''ps. 
 
 Evan, Timon ! compof e thy tlioughts, I know thy wants, 
 And that thy Creditors like wild Beafts wait 
 To prey upon thee; and bafe Athens has 
 To its eternal Infamy deferted thee. 
 But thy unwearied bounty to Evandra 
 Has fo enrich'd her, fhe in wealth can vie 
 With any of th' extorting Senators, 
 And comes to lay it all at thy feet. 
 
 Tim.. Thy moft amazing generofity o'rewheltas me: 
 
144 Timon of Athens 1 623 
 
 Enter diners Friends at feuerall doores. 
 
 1 The good time of day to you, fir. 
 
 2 I alfo wif h it to you : I thinke this Honorable Lord did but try vs this 
 other day. 
 
 1 Vpon that were my thoughts trying when wee encountred. I hope it 
 is not fo low with him as he made it feeme in the triall of his feuerall 
 Friends. 
 
 2 It fhould not be, by the perfwafion of his new Feafting. 
 
 1 I fhould thinke fo. He hath fent mee an earneft inuiting, which many 
 my neere occafions did vrge mee to put off : but he hath coniur'd mee beyond 
 them, and I muft needs appeare. 
 
 2 In like manner was I in debt to my importunat bufineffe, but he would 
 not heare my excufe. I am forrie, when he fent to borrow of mee, that my 
 Prouifion was out. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 145 
 
 It ocvers me all o're with fhame and blufhes. 
 Thou haft oblig'd a wretch too much already, 
 And I have us'd thee ill for't ; fly, fly, Evandra! 
 I have rage and madnefs, and I fhall infed thee. 
 Earth ! take me to thy Center ; open quickly ! 
 Oh that the World were all on fire! 
 
 Evan. Oh my dear Lord ! this fight will break my heart ; 
 Take comfort to you, let your Creditors 
 Swallow their maws full ; we have yet enough. 
 Let us retire together and life free 
 From all the fmiles and frowns of humane kind ; 
 I fhall have all I wifh for, having thee. 
 
 Tim. My fenfes are not found, I never can 
 Deferve thee : I've us'd thee fcurvily. 
 
 Evan. No, my dear Timon, thou haft not. 
 Comfort thy felf, if thou haft been unkind. 
 Forgive thy felf and I forgive thee for it. 
 
 Tim. I never will; 
 Nor will I be oblig'd to one, 
 I have treated fo injurioufly as her [Afide. 
 
 Evan. Pray, my Lord, go home; ftrive to compofe 
 Your felf. All that I have was and is yours ; I wifh 
 It ne'er had been, that yet I might have fhewn 
 By ftronger proofs how much I love my Timon. 
 
 Tim. Moft Excellent of all the whole Creation, 
 Thou art too good that thou fhould'ft e're partake 
 
 Of my misfortunes 
 
 And I am refolv'd not to involve her in 'em. [Afide. 
 
 Prithee Evamdra go to thy own Houfe, 
 
 I am once more to give my flatt'ring Rogues 
 
 An entertainment but fuch a one as fhall befit 'em ; 
 
 And then I'll fee thee. 
 
 Evan. Heav'n ever blefs my Dear. [Ex. Timon and Evandra. 
 
 Enter Phaeax, Cleon, Ifander, Ifidore, ThrafiUus, .SUus. 
 Pha. I think my honourable Lord did but try us. 
 
 lU 
 
146 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 1 I am licke of that greefe too, as I vnderftand how all things go. 
 
 2 Euery man heares fo: what would hee haue borrowed of you? 
 
 1 A thoufand Peeces. 
 
 2 A thoufand Peeces? 
 
 1 What of you? 
 
 2 He fent to me fir Heere he comes. 
 
 Enter Timon and Attendants. 
 
 Tim. With all my heart Gentlemen both; and how fare you? 
 
 1 Euer at the beft, hearing well of your Lourdfhip. 
 
 2 The Swallow followes not Summer more willing, then we your Lord- 
 fhip. 
 
 Tim. Nor more willingly leaues Winter, fuch Summer Birds are men. 
 Gentlemen, our dinner will not recompence this long ftay : Feaft your eares 
 with the Miuf icke awhile : If they will fare fo harfhly o'th'Trumpets found : 
 we fhall too't prefently. 
 
 1 I hope it remaines not vnkindely with your Lordfhip, that I retum'd you 
 an empty Meffenger. 
 
 Tim. O fir, let it not trouble you. 
 
 2 My Noble Lord. 
 
 Timi Ah my good Friend, what cheere? The Banket brought in 
 
 2 My moft Honorable Lord, I am e'ne fick of fhame, that when your 
 Lordfhip this other day fent to me, I was fo vnfortunate a Beggar. 
 
 Tim. Thinke not on't, fir. 
 
 2 If you had fent but two houres before. 
 
 Tim. Let it not cumber your better remembrance. 
 Come bring it all together. 
 
 2 All couer'd Difhes. 
 
 I Royall Cheare, I warrant you. 
 
 3 Doubt not that, if money and the feafon can yield it 
 I How do you ? What's the newes ? 
 
 3 Akibiades is banifh'd: heare you of it? 
 Both. Akibiades banifh'd? 
 3 'Tis fo, be fure of it. 
 
 1 How? How? 
 
 2 I pray you vpon what? 
 
1678 Timon of Athens iA7 
 
 Clean. On my life it was no more. His Steward affur'd 
 Me his condition was near as good as ever. 
 
 liand. That I doubt but 'tis well at prefent 
 
 By his new feafting. 
 
 Mlius. I am lorry I was not furnifh'd when he fent to me. 
 
 I fid. I am fick of that grief, now I fee how all things go. 
 
 Enter Timon and Attendants. 
 
 Tim. Oh ! my kind friends ! how is't with you all ? 
 How I rejoice to fee you! Come, ferve in Dinner. 
 
 Pheeax. My noble Lord ! never fo well as when your 
 Lordfhip is fo. 
 
 Mlius. I am fick with fhame that I 
 Should be fo unfortunate a Beggar when you fent to me. 
 
 Tint. No more, no more, I did but make Tryal : I have 
 No need of any fums ; my Eftate is in good health ftill. 
 
 Phaax. Tryal my good Lord? Would any one refufe 
 Your Lordfhip were it in his power? Command half 
 My eftate! I am forry I was fo in haft, I could 
 Not fay to tell you this. I have receiv'd Bills even now. 
 Pray ufe me — I hope he will not take me at my word. [afide 
 
 Ifa/n. Take it not unkindly, my good Lord, that I could 
 Not ferve you. Now my Lord command me I am able. 
 
 Tim. I befeech you do not think on't: I know ye love me. 
 All of ye. 
 
 Phceax. Equal with our felves, my dear Lord. 
 
 Thra. If you had fent but two hours before to me? 
 
 Clean. Now I have money, pray command it. 
 
 Tim. No more, for Heav'ns fake ; think you I diftruft 
 My kind good friends ! you are the beft of friends. 
 My fortune ne're fhall drive me from you, and fhould 
 Mine fail, which I hope it never will, , 
 
 I know I may command all yours. 
 
 Phteax. I fhall think my felf happy enough if you would 
 But command my utmoft Drachma. 
 
 JElius. That we honour indeed; to ferve Lord Timon, 
 
148 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Tim. My worthy Friends, will you draw neere? 
 
 3 He tell you more anon. Here's a Noble feaft toward 
 
 2 This is the old man ftill. 
 
 3 Wilt hold? Wilt hold? 
 
 2 It do's : but time will, and fo. 
 
 3 I do conceyue. ^ 
 Tim. Each man to his ftoole, with that fpurre as bee would to the lip of 
 
 his Miftris : your dyet fhall bee in all places alike. Make not a Citie Feaft 
 of it, to let the meat coole, ere we can agree vpon the firft place. Sit, fit. 
 The Gods require our Thankes. 
 
 You great Benefactors, fprinkle our Society with Thankefulneffe. For 
 your oume guifts, make your felues prais'd: But referue ftill to giue, leaft 
 your Deities be defpifed. Lend to each man enough, that one neede not lend 
 to another. For were your Godheads to borrow of men, men would forfake 
 the Gods. Make the Meate be beloved, more then the Man that glues it. Let 
 no Affembly of Twenty, be without a fcore of Villaines. If there fit twelue 
 Women at the Table, let a dozen of them bee as they are. The reft of your 
 Fees, O Gods, the Senators of Athens, together with the common legge of 
 People, what is amiffe in them, you Gods, make futeable for deftruBion. 
 For thefe my prefent Friends, as they are to miee nothing, fo in nothing bleffe 
 them, and to nothing are they ivelcome. 
 Vancouer Dogges, and lap. 
 
 Some fpeake. What do's his Lordfhip meane? 
 
 So7ne other. I know not. 
 
 Timon. May you a better Feaft neuer behold 
 You knot of Mouth-Friends: Smoke, & luekwarm water 
 Is your perfedlion. This is Timons laft. 
 Who ftucke and fpangled you with Flatteries, 
 Wafhes it off, and fprinkles in your faces 
 Your reeking villany. Liue loath'd, and long 
 Moft fmiling, fmooth, detefted Parafites, 
 Curteous Deftroyers, affable Wolues, meeke Beares : 
 You Fooles of Fortune, Trencher-friends, Times Flyes, 
 Cap and knee-Slaues, vapours, and Minute lackes. 
 Of Man and Beaft, the infinite Maladie 
 Cruft you quite o're. What do' ft thou go? 
 Soft, take thy Phyficke firft; thou too, and thou: 
 
1678 Timon of Athens I49 
 
 I would with life and fortune. 
 
 I fan. Alas ! who would not be proud of it ? 
 
 I fid. Not a man in Athens. 
 
 Clean. There's no foot of my Eftate your Lordfhip 
 May not call your own. 
 
 Thra. Nor mine, my noble Lord. 
 
 Tim. Thanks to my worthy friends. Who has fuch 
 Kind, fuch hearty friends as I have? 
 
 Mlius. All cover'd Difhes. 
 
 If an. Royal chear I warrant you. 
 
 PhcBax. Doubt not of that ; if money or the f eafon 
 Can afford it. 
 
 Ifid. The fame good Lord ftill. 
 
 Tim. Come, my worthy Friends, let's fit! make it 
 Not a City feaft, to let the meat cool e're we agree 
 Upon our places. 
 
 The GRACE. 
 
 YOU great Benef odors, make your f elves prais'd for your own gifts, bafe 
 ungrateful man will not do it of himself; referve ftill to give, left your 
 Deities be defpis'd; were your Godheads to borrow of men, men 
 would for fake ye: make the meat belov'd more than the man that gives it. 
 Let no Affembly of twenty be zmthout a fcore of Villains. If there be 
 twelve women, let a dozen of'em be — as they are. Confound I befeech you, 
 all the Senators of Athens, together with the common people. What is amifs 
 make Ht for deftruction; for thefe my prefent friends, as they are to me noth- 
 ing, fo in nothing blefs them, and to nothing are they welcome, but Toads and 
 Snakes: A feaft fit for fuch venemous Knaves. 
 
 Phceax. What does he mean? 
 
 .^lius. He's mad I think. 
 
 Tim. May you a better feaft never behold. 
 You knot of mouth friends, vapours, lukewarm Knaves; 
 Moft fmiling, fmooth detefted Parafites, 
 Courteous deftroyers, affable Wolves, meek Bears, 
 You Fools of Fortune, Trencher Friends, Time Flies, 
 
ISO Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Stay I will lend thee money, borrow none. 
 
 What? All in Motion? Henceforth be no Feaft, 
 
 Whereat a Villaine's not a welcome Gueft. 
 
 Burne houfe, finke Athens, henceforth hated be 
 
 Of Timon Man, and all Humanity. Exit 
 
 Enter the Senators, with other Lords. 
 
 1 How now, my Lords? 
 
 2 Know you rhe quality of Lord Timons fury? 
 
 3 Pufh, did you fee my Cap? 
 
 4 I haue loft my Gowne. 
 
 1 He's but a mad Lord, & nought but humors fwaies him. He gaue me a 
 lewell th'other day, and now hee has beate it out of my hat. 
 
 Did you fee my lewell? 
 
 2 Did you fee my Cap. 
 
 3 Heere 'tis. 
 
 4 Heere lyes my Gowne. 
 
 1 Let's make no ftay. 
 
 2 Lord Timons mad. 
 
 3 I feel't vpon my bones . 
 
 4 One day he giues vs Diamonds, next day ftones. Exeunt the Senators. 
 
 Enter Timon. 
 
 Tim. Let me looke backe vpon thee. O thou Wall 
 That girdles in thofe Wolues, diue in the earth, 
 And fence not Athens. Matrons, turne incontinent. 
 Obedience fayle in Children: Slaues and Fooles 
 Plucke the graue wrinkled Senate from the Bench, 
 And minifter in their fteeds, to generall Filthes. 
 Conuert o'th'inftant greene Virginity, 
 Doo't in your Parents eyes. Bankrupts, hold faft 
 Rather then render backe; out with your Kniues, 
 And cut your Trufters throates. Bound Seruants, fteale. 
 Large-handed Robbers your graue Mafters are, 
 And pill by Law. Maide, to thy Matters bed. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 15 1 
 
 Cap and knee Slaves ; an everlafting Leprofie 
 
 Cruft you quite o're; what, doft thou fteal away? 
 
 Soft, take thy Phyfick firft, and thou, and thou ; ftay I will 
 
 Lend thee mony borrow none. 
 
 Phaax. What means your Lordfhip? I'll be gone. 
 Clean. And I. He'l murder us. 
 
 ^litis. This is raging madnefs; fly, fly. [They run oif. 
 
 Tim. What all in motion! henceforth be no feaft, 
 Whereat a Villain's not a welcome gueft. 
 Burn Houfe, fink Athens, henceforth hated be 
 Of Timon, mem and ail humanitie. [Ex. Timon. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 Timon Solus. 
 
 Tim. f ET me look back upon thee ! Oh thou wall 
 
 JL< That girdleft in thofe Wolves! Sink in the Earth, 
 And fence not Athens longer; that vile Den 
 Of favage Beafts ; ye Matrons all turn Whores ; 
 Obedience fail in Children ; Slaves and Fools 
 Pluck the grave wrinkled Senate from the Bench, 
 And minifter in their ftead. To general filths 
 Convert o'th' inftant green Virginity; 
 Do't in their Parents Eyes. Bankrupts hold faft, 
 Rather than render back, out with your Knives, 
 And cut your Trufters Throats. Bound Servants fteal; 
 Large handed Robbers your grave Mafters are. 
 
152 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Thy Miftris is o'th'Brothell. Some of fixteen, 
 
 Plucke the lyn'd Crutch from thy old Hmping Sire, 
 
 With it, beate out his Braines. Piety, and Feare, 
 
 Religion to the Gods, Peace, luftice. Truth, 
 
 Domefticke awe, Night-reft, and Neighbour-hood, 
 
 Inftrudlion, Manners, Myfteries, and Trades, 
 
 Degrees, Obferuances, Cuftomes, and Lawes, 
 
 Decline to your confounding contraries. 
 
 And yet Confufion Hue: Plagues incident to men, 
 
 Your potent and infedious Feauors, heape 
 
 On Athens ripe for ftroke. Thou cold Sciatica, 
 
 Cripple our Senators, that their limbes may halt 
 
 As lamely as their Manners. Luft, and Libertie 
 
 Creepe in the Mindes and Marrowes of our youth. 
 
 That 'gainft the ftreame of Vertue they may ftriue, 
 
 And drowne themfelues in Riot. Itches, Blaines, 
 
 Sowe all th' Athenian bofomes, and their crop 
 
 Be generall Leprofie : Breath, infedl breath. 
 
 That their Society (as their Friendfhip) may 
 
 Be meerely poyfon. Nothing He beare from thee 
 
 But nakedneffe, thou deteftable Towne, 
 
 Take thou that too, with multiplying Bannes : 
 
 Timon will to the Woods, where he fhall finde 
 
 Th'vnkindeft Beaft, more kinder than Mankinde. 
 
 The Gods confound (heare me you good Gods all) 
 
 Th'Athenians both within and out that Wall : 
 
 And graunt as Timon growes, his hate grow 
 
 To the whole race of Mankinde, high and low. 
 
 Amen. Exit. 
 
 Enter Steward ivith two or three Seruants. 
 
 I Heare you M. Steward, where's our Mafter? 
 Are we vndone, caft off, nothing remaining? 
 
 Stew. Alack my Fellowes, what fhould I fay to you? 
 Let me be recorded by the righteous Gods, 
 I am as poore as you. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 153 
 
 And pill by law. Maid to thy Mafters Bed, 
 
 Miftrefs to the Brothel. Son of twenty one, 
 
 Pluck the lin'd Crutch from thy old limping Sire: 
 
 And with it beat his brains out. Piety, Fear, 
 
 Religion to the Gods; Peace, Juftice, Truth, 
 
 Domeftick awe, night reft, and neighbourhood, 
 
 InftrucSion, Manners, Myfteries and Trades, 
 
 Degrees, Obfervations, Cuftoms and Laws, 
 
 Decline to your confounding contraries ; 
 
 And let confufion live. Plagues incident to men. 
 
 Your potent and infectious feavours heap 
 
 On Athens ripe for vengeance. Cold Sciatica 
 
 Cripk the Senators, that their limbs may halt 
 
 As lamely as their manners. Luft and Liberty 
 
 Creep in the minds and marrows of your youth; 
 
 That 'gainft the ftream of virtue they may ftrive 
 
 And drown themfelves in riot. Itches, blains. 
 
 Sow all the Athenians bofoms, and their Crop 
 
 Be general Leprofie. Breath infed breath; 
 
 That their Society as their friendship, may 
 
 Be meerly poifon. Nothing, nothing I bear from thee: 
 
 Farewel, thou moft detefted Town, and fudden 
 
 Ruine fwallow thee. [Ex. Tim. 
 
154 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 1 Such a Houfe broke? 
 
 So Noble a Mafter falne, all gone, and not 
 One Friend to take his Fortune by the arnie, 
 And go along with him. 
 
 2 As we do tume our backes 
 
 From our Companion, throwne into his graue. 
 So his Familiars to his buried Fortunes 
 Slinke all away, leaue their falfe vowes with him 
 Like empty purfes pickt; and his poore felfe 
 A, dedicated Beggar to the Ayre, 
 With his difeafe, of all fhunn'd pouerty, 
 Walkes like contempt alone. More of our Fellowes. 
 
 Enter other Seruants. 
 Stew. All broken Implements of a ruin'd houfe. 
 
 3 Yet do our hearts weare Timons Liuery, 
 That fee I by our Faces : we are Fellowes ftill, 
 Seruing alike in forrow : Leak'd is our Barke, 
 And we poore Mates, ftand on the dyeing Decke, 
 Hearing the Surges threat: we muft all part 
 Into this Sea of Ayre. 
 
 Stew. Good Fellowes all. 
 The lateft of my wealth He fhare among'ft you. 
 Where euer we fhall meete, for Timons fake, 
 Let's yet be Fellowes. Let's fhake our heads, and fay 
 As 'twere a Knell vnto our Mafters Fortunes, 
 We haue feene better dayes. Let each take fome : 
 Nay put out all your hands : Not one word more. 
 Thus part we rich in forrow, parting poore. 
 
 Embrace and part feuerall wayes. 
 Oh the fierce wretchedneffe that Glory brings vs! 
 Who would not wifh to be from wealth exempt. 
 Since Riches point to Mifery and Contempt? 
 Who would be fo mock'd with Glory, or to Hue 
 But in a Dreame of Friendfhip, 
 To haue his pompe, and all what ftate compounds, 
 But onely painted like his varnilht Friends: 
 Poore honeft Lord, brought lowe by his owne heart. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 155 
 
156 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Vndone by Goodnef fe : Strange vnvfuall' blood, 
 
 When mans worft finne is, He do's too much Good. 
 
 Who then dares to be halfe fo kinde agen? 
 
 For Bounty that makes Gods, do ftill marre Men. 
 
 My deereft Lord, bleft to be moft accurft. 
 
 Rich onely to be wretched ; thy great Fortunes 
 
 Are made thy cheefe Afflictions. Alas (kinde Lord) 
 
 Hee's flung in Rage from this ingratefull Seate 
 
 Of monftrous Friends : 
 
 Nor ha's he with him to fupply his life. 
 
 Or that which can command it : 
 
 He follow and enquire him out. 
 
 He euer ferue his minde, with my beft will, 
 
 Whilft I haue Gold, He be his Steward ftill. Exit. 
 
 Enter Timon in the woods. 
 
 Tim. O blef fed breeding Sun, draw from the earth 
 Rotten humidity; below thy Sifters Orbe 
 Infefl the ayre. Twin'd Brothers of one womb, 
 Whofe procreation, refidence, and birth. 
 Scarf e is diuidant: touch them' with feuerall fortunes, 
 The greater fcornes the leffer. Not Nature 
 (To whom all fores lay fiege) can beare great Fortune 
 But by contempt of Nature. 
 Raife me this Begger, and deny't that Lord, 
 The Senators fhall beare contempt Hereditary, 
 The Begger Natiue Honor. 
 It is tjie Paftour Lards, the Brothers fides. 
 The want that makes him leaue : who dares ? who dares 
 In puritie of Manhood ftand vpright 
 And fay, this mans a Flatterer. If one be. 
 So are they all : for euerie grize of Fortune 
 Is fmooth'd by that below. The Learned pate 
 Duckes to the Golden Foole. All's obliquie: 
 There 'snothing leuell in our curfed Natures 
 But diredl villanie. Therefore be abhorr'd. 
 
1 678 Timon of Athens 
 
 157 
 
158 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 All Feafts, Societies, and Throngs of men. 
 
 His femblable, yea himfelfe Timon difdaines, 
 
 Deftrudlion phang mankinde; Earth yeeld me Rootes, 
 
 Who f eekes for better of thee, f awce his pallate 
 
 With thy moft operant Poyfon. What is heere? 
 
 Gold? Yellow, glittering, precious Gold? 
 
 No Gods, I am no idle Votarift, 
 
 Roots you cleere Heauens. Thus much of this will' make 
 
 Blacke, white; fowle, faire; wrong, right; 
 
 Bafe, Noble; Old, young; Coward, valiant. 
 
 Ha you Gods ! why this ? what this, you Gods ? why this 
 
 Will lugge your Priefts and Seruants from your fides: 
 
 Plucke ftout mens pillowes from below their heads. 
 
 This yellow Slaue, 
 
 Will knit and breake Religions, bleffe th'accurft. 
 
 Make the hoare Leprofie ador'd, place Theeues, 
 
 And giue them Title, knee, and approbation 
 
 With Senators on the Bench: This is it 
 
 That makes the wappen'd Widdow wed againe; 
 
 Shee, whom the Spittle-houfe, and vlcerous fores. 
 
 Would caft the gorge at. This embalmes and Spices 
 
 To'th'Aprill day againe. Come daron'd Earth, 
 
 Thou common whore of Mankinde, that puttes oddes 
 
 Among the rout of Nations, I will make thee 
 
 Do thy right Nature. March afarre o§. 
 
 Ha? A Drumme? Th'art quicke. 
 
 But yet He bury thee: Thou't go (ftrong Theefe) 
 
 When Gowty keepers of thee cannot ftand: 
 
 Nay ftay thou out for earneft. 
 
 Enter Akibiades with Drumme and Fife in warlike manner, and Phrynia 
 
 and Timamdra. 
 
 Ale. What art thou there? fpeake. 
 
 Tim. A Beaft as thou art. The Canker gnaw thy hart 
 For ihewing me againe the eyes of Man. 
 
 Ale. What is thy name? Is man fo hatefull to thee, 
 That art thy felfe a Man? 
 
1678 Timon of Athens i59 
 
 Scene the Senate Houfe, all the Senate fitting ■ 
 Alcibiades. 
 Nic. Haw dare you, Alcibiades, 
 Knowing your Sentence not recall'd, venture hither? 
 Alcih. You lee my reverend Lords what confidence 
 I place in you, that durft expofe my perfon 
 Before my fentence be recall'd: I am not now 
 
i6o Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Tim. I am Mifantropos, and hate Mankinde. 
 For thy part, I do wifh thou wert a dogge, 
 That I might loue thee fomething. 
 
 Ale. I know thee well : 
 But in thy Fortunes am vnleam'd, and ftrange. 
 
 Tim. I know thee too, and more then that I know thee 
 I do not delire to know. Follow thy Drumme, 
 With mans blood paint the ground Gules, Gules : 
 Religious Cannons, ciuill Lawes are cruell. 
 Then what fhould warre be? This fell whore of thine. 
 Hath in her more deftrudion then thy Sword, 
 For all her Cherubin looke. 
 
 Phrin. Thy lips rot off. 
 
 Tim. I will not kiffe thee, then the rot returnes 
 To thine owne lippes againe. 
 
 Ale. How came the Noble Timon to this change? 
 
 Tim. As the Moone do's, by wanting light to giue: 
 But then renew I could not like the Moone, 
 There were no Sunnes to borrow of. 
 
 Ale. Noble Timon, what f riendf hip may I do thee ? 
 
 Tim. None, but to maintaine my opinion. 
 
 Ale. What is it Timon? 
 
 Tim. Promife me Friendfhip, but performe none. 
 If thou wilt not promife, the Gods plague thee, for thou art a man : if thou 
 do'ft performe, confound thee, for thou art a man. 
 
 Ale. I haue heard in fome fort of thy Miferies. 
 
 Tim. Thou faw'ft them when I had profpertie. 
 
 Ale. I fee them now, then was a bleffed time. 
 
 Tim. As thine is now, held with a brace of Harlots. 
 
 Timon. Is this th'Athenian Minion, whom the world 
 Voic'd fo regardfully? 
 
 Tim-. Art thou Timcmdraf Timmt. Yes. 
 
 Tifn. Be a whore ftill, they loue thee not that vfe thee, giue them difeafes, 
 leauing with thee their Luft. Make vfe of thy fait houres, feafon the flaues 
 for Tubbes and Bathes, bring downe Rofe-cheekt youth to the Fubfaft, and 
 the Diet. 
 
 Timon. Hang thee Monfter. 
 
1 678 Timon. of Athens i6i 
 
 Petitioner for my felf ; I leave my cafe 
 
 To your good and generous natures, when you fhall 
 
 Think I've deferv'd your favour for my fervice. 
 
 I am an humble Suitor to your vertue, 
 
 For mercy is the vertue of the Law, 
 
 And none but Tyrants ufe it cruelly: 
 
 'Tis for a Gallant Officer of mine; 
 
 As brave a man as e're drew Sword for Athens. 
 
 'Tis Thrafibulus, who in heat of blood, 
 
 Has ftept into the Law above his depth. 
 
 Nic. True, he has kill'd a man. 
 
 Alcib. I've been before the Areopagus, and they refufe 
 All mercy. He is a man (fetting his Fate afide) of comely 
 Vertues, nor did he foil the fadl with Cowardife; 
 But with a noble fury did revenge 
 His injur'd reputation. 
 
 Phceax. You ftrive to make an ugly deed look fair. 
 
 Nic. As if you'd bring man-flaughter into form. 
 And valour did confift in quarrelling. 
 
 JElius. That is a bafe and illegitimate valour : 
 He's truly valiant that can wifely fuffer. 
 
 Ifan. All fingle Combates are deteftable. 
 And courage that's not warranted by law. 
 Is much too dangerous a vice to go unpunifhed. 
 
 I fid. If injuries be evil, death is moft ill. 
 And then what folly is it for the lefs ill 
 To hazard life the chiefeft good? 
 
 Cleon. There's no fuch courage, as in bearing wrong. 
 
 Alcib. If there be fuch valour in bearing, what 
 Do we abroad? Women are then more valiant 
 That ftay at home. And the Afs a better Captain 
 Than is the Lyon. The Malefaftor that is 
 Loaden with Irons, wifer than the Judge. 
 
 Nic. You cannot make grofs fins look clean 
 With eloquence. 
 
 Alcib. Why do fond men expofe themfelves to Battle, 
 And not endure all threats, and fleep upon e'm, 
 
 11 
 
i62 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Ale. Pardon him fweet Tiinandra, for his wits 
 Are drown'd and loft in his Calamities. 
 I haue but little Gold of late, braue Timon, 
 The want whereof, doth dayly make reuolt 
 In my penurious Band. I haue heard and greeu'd 
 How curfed Athens, mindeleffe of thy worth. 
 Forgetting thy great deeds, when Neighbour ftates 
 But for thy Sword and Fortune trod vpon them. 
 
 Tim. I pry thee beate thy Drum, and get thee gone. 
 
 Ale. I am thy Friend, and pitty thee deere Timon. 
 
 Tim. How doeft thou pitty him' whom yu doft troble, 
 I had rather be alone. 
 
 Ale. Why fare thee well : 
 Heere is fome Gold for thee. 
 
 Tim. K.eepe it, I cannot eate it. 
 
 Ale. When I haue laid proud Athens on a heape. 
 
 Tim. Warr'ft thou 'gainft Athens. 
 
 Ale. I Timon, and haue caufe. 
 
 Tim. The Gods confound them all in thy Conqueft, 
 And thee after, when thou haft Conquer'd. 
 
 Ale. Why me, Timon? 
 
 Tim. That by killing of Villaines 
 Thou was't borne to conquer my Country. 
 Put vp thy Gold. Go on, heeres Gold, go on; 
 Be as a Plannetary plague, when loue 
 Will o're fome high-Vic'd City, hang his poyfon 
 In the f icke ayre : let not thy fword skip one : 
 Pitty not honuor'd Age for his white Beard, 
 He is an Vfurer. Strike me the counterfet M'atron, 
 It is her habite onely, that is honeft. 
 Her felfe's a Bawd. Let not the Virgins cheeke 
 Make foft thy trenchant Sword : for thofe Milke pappes 
 That through the window Barne bore at mens eyes. 
 Are not within the Leafe of pitty writ. 
 But fet them down horrible Traitors. Spare not the Babe 
 Whofe dimpled f miles from Fooles exhauft their mercy; 
 Thinke it a Baftard, whom the Oracle 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 163 
 
 And let the foes quietly cut their throats? 
 Come my Lords be pitiful and good. 
 
 Nic. He that's more merciful than Law, is cruel. 
 
 Alcib. The utmoft law is downright Tyranny: 
 To kill I grant is the extreameft guilt. 
 But in defense of Honour. 
 
 Phce. Honour! is any Honour to be fought for 
 But the Honour of our Country? 
 
 Alcib. Who will not fight for's own, will never fight . 
 For that: Let him that has no anger judge him; 
 How many in their anger would commit 
 This Captains fault had they but courage for it? 
 
 Clean. You fpeak in vain. 
 
 Alcib. If you will not excufe his Crime, confider 
 Who he is, and what he has done; 
 His fervice at Lacedcemon and Byzantium, 
 Are bribes fufficient for his Life. 
 
 Nic. He did his duty, and was rewarded with 
 His pay, and if he had not done it, he fhould 
 Be punifht. 
 
 Alcib. How my Lords ! is that all the return 
 For Souldiers toils, fafting and watching; 
 The many cruel hardfhips which they fuflfer; 
 The multitude of hazards, blood, and lofs 
 Of Limbs? 
 
 If an. Come, you urge it too far, he dies. 
 
 Alcib. He has flain in fight hundreds of Enemies. 
 How ftill of valour did he bear himself 
 In the laft conflid! what death and wounds he gave! 
 
 Ifid. H' has given too many. 
 
 JElius. He is a known Rioter, he has a fin 
 That often drowns him; in that beaftly fury 
 He has committed outrages. 
 
 Ptue. Such as we Ihall not name, fince others were 
 Concem'd in 'em, you know. 
 
 Nic. In fhort. 
 His days are foul, and nights are dangerous; 
 And he muft die. 
 
164 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Hath doubtfully pronounced, the throat fhall cut, 
 And mince it fans remorfe. Sweare againft Obiedls, 
 Put Armour on thine cares, and on thine eyes, 
 Whofe proofe, nor yels of Mothers, Maides, nor Babes, 
 Nor fight of Priefts in holy Veftments bleeding. 
 Shall pierce a iot. There's Gold to pay thy Souldiers, 
 Make large confufion : and thy fury fpent. 
 Confounded be thy felfe. Speake not, be gone. 
 
 Ale. Haft thou Gold yet, He take the Gold thou giueft me, not all thy 
 Counfell. 
 
 Tim. Doft thou or doft thou not^ Heauens curfe vpon thee. 
 
 Both. Giue vs fome Gold good Timon, haft yu more? 
 
 Tim. Enough to make a Whore forfweare her Trade, 
 And to make Whores, a Bawd. Hold vp you Sluts 
 Your Aprons mountant; you are not Othable, 
 Although I know you'l fweare, terribly fweare 
 Into ftrong fhudders, and to heauenly Agues 
 Th'immortall Gods that heare you. Spare your Oathes: 
 He truft to your Conditions, be whores ftill. 
 And he whofe pious breath feekes to conuert you. 
 Be ftrong in Whore, allure him, burne hira vp. 
 Let your clofe fire predominate his fmoke. 
 And be no turn-coats : yet may your paines fix months 
 Be quite contrary. And Thatch 
 Your poore thin Roofes with burthens of the dead, 
 (Some that were hang'd) no matter: 
 Weare them, betray with them; Whore ftill. 
 Paint till a horf e may myre vpon your face : 
 A pox of wrinkles 
 
 Both. Well, more Gold, what then? 
 Beleeue't that wee'l do any thing for Gold. 
 
 Tim. Confumptions fowe 
 In hollow ones of man, ftrike their fharpe fhinnes. 
 And marre mens fpurring. Cracke the Lawyers voyce, 
 That he may neuer more falfe Title pleade. 
 Nor found his Quillets fhrilly: Hoare the Flamen, 
 That fcold'ft againft the quality of flefh. 
 
1 678 Timon of Athens 165 
 
 Alcib. Hard Fate ! he might have dy'd nobly in fight, 
 And done you fervice : if not for his deferts ; 
 Confider all my adions Lords, and join 'em 
 
 With his your reverend Ages love fecurity, 
 
 And therefore fhou'd cherif h thofe that give it you. 
 
 Phlcs. You are too bold — he dies. No more 
 
 Alcib. Too bold. Lord! do you know who I am? 
 
 Cleon. What faies he? 
 
 Alcib. Call me to your remembrances. 
 
 I fan. Confider well the place, and who we are? 
 
 Alcib. I cannot think but you have forgotten me. 
 Muft I fue for fuch common grace. 
 And be deny'd ? my wounds ake at you ! 
 
 Nic. Y'are infolent! we have not forgotten yet 
 Your riot and deftrudlive Vices ; whoredoms, 
 Prophanenefs, giddy headed paffions. 
 
 Phce. Your breaking Mercury's Statues, and mocking 
 The myfteries of facred Proferpine. 
 
 Alcib. Infolent! now you provoke me. I am vext to fee 
 Your private malice vented in a place 
 Where honeft men would only think 
 On publick Intereft. 'Tis bafe, and in another place 
 You would not fpeak thus. 
 
 Nic. How fay you ! 
 
 Alcib. I thought the Images of Mercury had only been 
 The Favourites of the Rabble, and the rites of 
 Proferpine: Thefe things are mockery to men 
 Of fence. What folly 'tis to worfhip Statues when 
 You'd kick the Rogues that made 'em! 
 
 Ph<e. How dare you talk thus ? you have been a Rebel ? 
 
 Alcib. Could any but the bafeft of mankind 
 Urge that to me by whom he keeps that head 
 That utters this againft me? my Rebellion! 
 It was 'gainft the common people. And you all 
 Are Rebels againft them. 
 
 Nic. Ceafe your Infolence! we fided not with Spartcms. 
 
1 66 Timon of Athens 1 623 
 
 And not beleeues himfelfe. Downe with the Nofe, 
 
 Downe with it flat, take the Bridge quite away 
 
 Of him, that his particular to forefee 
 
 Smds from the generall weale. Make curld'pate Ruffians bald 
 
 And let the vnfcarr'd Braggerts of the Warre 
 
 Deriue fome paine from you. Plague all. 
 
 That your AAiuity may defeate and quell 
 
 The fourfe of all Eredlion. There's more Gold. 
 
 Do you damne others, and let this damne you. 
 
 And ditches graue you all. 
 
 Both. More counfell with more Money, bounteous Timon. 
 
 Tim. More whore, more Mifcheefe firft, I haue giuen your eameft. 
 
 Ale. Strike vp the Drum towardes Athens, farewell Timon: if I thriue 
 well, He vifit thee againe. 
 
 Tim. If I hope well. He neuer fee thee more. 
 
 Ale. I neuer did thee harme. 
 
 Tim. Yes, thou fpok'ft well of me. 
 
 Ale. Call'ft thou that harme? 
 
 Tim. Men dayly finde it. Get thee away, 
 And take thy Beagles with thee. 
 
 Ale. We but offend him, ftrike. Exeunt. 
 
 Tim. That Nature being ficke of mans vnkindneffe 
 Should yet be hungry: Common Mother, thou 
 Whofe wombe vnmeafureable, and infinite breft 
 Teemes and feeds all: whofe felffame Mettle 
 Whereof thy proud Childe (arrogant man) is puft, 
 Engenders the blacke Toad, and Adder blew. 
 The gilded Newt, and eyeleffe venom'd Worme, 
 With all th'abhorred Births below Crifpe Heauen, 
 Whereon Hyperions quickening fire doth fhine: 
 Yeeld him> who all the humane Sonnes do hate. 
 From foorth thy plenteous bofome, one poore roote: 
 Enfeare thy Fertile and Conceptions wombe. 
 Let it no more bring out ingratefuU man. 
 Goe great with Tygers, Dragons, Wolues, and Beares, 
 Teeme with new Mbnfters, whom thy vpward face 
 Hath to the Marbled Manfion all aboue 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 167 
 
 Alcib. What means had I to humble th' Athenian 
 Rabble but that? 
 
 Pha. It was well done to get your friend King Agis 
 His Wife with Child in his abfence. 
 
 Alcib. He was a Bltockhead, and I mended his breed for him. 
 But what is that to'th' matter now in hand ? 
 You have provok'd me Lords, and I muft tell you, 
 It is by me you fit in fafety here. 
 
 PhKs. By you, bold man? 
 
 Alcib. Yes by me! fearful man! 
 You have incens'd me now beyond all patience, 
 And I muft tell you what ye owe me. Lords. 
 'Twas I that kept great Tiffaphernes from 
 The Spartans aid, by which Athens by this 
 Had been one heap of Rubbifh, I ftopt 
 A hundred and fifty Gallies from Phoenicia, 
 Which would have fallen upon you : 'Twas I made 
 This Tiffaphernes, Athens Friend, upon condition 
 That they would awe the common people, and take 
 The Government into the beft mens hands ; 
 Would you were f o ; I f ent Pifander then 
 To form this Ariftocracy, and promis'd 
 The Perfian Generals Forces to affift you; 
 And when you had this pow'r, you caft me off 
 That got it you. 
 
 Nic. My Lords! let him be filenc'd; 
 Shall he thus beard the Senate? 
 
 Alcib. I will be heard, and then your pleafure Lords. 
 Did not your Army in the Ifle of Samos, 
 Offended at your Government, chufe me General ? 
 And would have march't to your deftrudion. 
 Which I diverted ? in that time your Foes 
 Would foon have won the Country of Ionia, 
 Of th' Hellefpont and all the other Ifles, 
 While you had been employed at home 
 With Civil Wars. I kept fome back by force. 
 And by fair words others in which Thrafibulus, 
 
1 68 Timdn of Athens 1623 
 
 Neuer prefented. O, a Root, deare thankes : 
 Dry vp thy Morrowes, Vines, and Plough-torne Leas, 
 Whereof ingratefuU man with Licourifh draughts 
 And Morfels Vndions, greafes his pure minde. 
 That from all Confideration flippes 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 169 
 
 This man of Stiria, whom you thus condemn, 
 Having the loudeft voice of all the Athenians 
 Employ'd by me, cry'd out to all the Army ; 
 And thus we kept 'em fromi you, Lords, and now 
 Athens a fecond time was fav'd by me. 
 
 Ph(B. 'Tis a f harae that we Ihou'd fuffer this ! 
 
 Alcib. 'Tis a fhame thefe things are unrewarded. 
 Another time I kept five hundred Sail 
 Of the Phenicians from the aid 
 Of the Lacedemonians, won from 'em a Sea Battle, 
 Before the City of Abidus; 
 In fpite of Pharnabasus mighty Power. 
 Think on my Vidory all Cizicwm, where I 
 Slew Mendorus in the Field, and took the City; 
 I brought then the Bythinians to your yoke. 
 Won Silibrcea on the Hellefponf; 
 And then Byzantium: thus not only I 
 Diverted the Torrent of the Armies fury 
 From you, but turn'd it on the Enemies, 
 And all the while you falfely told your money. 
 And let it out upon extorted Intereft; 
 Muft I be after all poorly deny'd 
 His life who has fo often ventur'd it for you ? 
 
 Pha. He dies, and you deferve it, but our fentence 
 Is for your infolence, we banifh you; 
 If you be two hours more within thefe walls. 
 Your head is forfeited. Do you all confent? 
 
 All Sen. All, All ! 
 
 Alcib. All, all ! I am glad to know you all ! 
 Banifh me! Banifh your dotage! your extortion! 
 Banifh your foul corruptions and felf ends ! 
 Oh the bafe Spirit of a Common-wealth! 
 One Tyrant is much better than four hundred ; 
 The worft of Kings would be afham'd of this : 
 I am only rich in my large hurts from you. 
 Is this the Balfome the ill natur'd Senate 
 Pours into Captains wounds? ha! banifhment? 
 
170 
 
 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
1678 Timon of Athens I7i 
 
 A good man would not ftay with you, I embrace 
 
 My Sentence : 'Tis a caufe that's worthy of me. [Ex. Alcib. 
 
 Nic. Was ever heard fuch daring infolence? 
 
 Shall we break up the Senate? 
 
 All Sen. Ay, Ay. 
 
 Timon in the Woods digging. 
 
 Tim. O bleffed breeding Sun, draw from the Fens, 
 The Bogs and muddy Marifhes, and from 
 Corrupted ftanding Lakes, rotten humidity 
 Enough to infedl the Air with dire conf uming Peftilence, 
 And let the poifonous exhalations fall 
 Down on th' Athenians; they're all flatterers. 
 And fo is all mankind. 
 For every degree of fortune's fmooth'd 
 And footh'd by that below it; the learn'd pate 
 Ducks to the golden Fool; There's nothing level 
 In. our conditions, but bafe Villany; 
 Therefore be abhor'd each man and all Society; 
 Earth yields me roots; thou common whore of mankind. 
 That put'ft fuch odds amongft the rout of Nations ; 
 I'll make thee do thy right office. Ha, what's here? 
 Gold, yellow, glittering precious gold ! enough 
 To purchafe my eftate again : Let me fee further ; 
 What a vaft mafs of Treafure's here ! There ly, 
 1 will ufe none, 'twill bring me flatterers. 
 I'll fend a pattern on't to the Athenians, 
 And let 'em know what a vaft Mafs I've found. 
 Which I'll keep from 'em. I think I fee a Paffenger 
 Not far off, I'll fend it by him to the Senate. [Ex. Timon. 
 
 Enter Evandra. 
 
 Evan. How long fhall I feek my unhappy Lord? 
 But I will find him or will lofe my life. 
 Oh bafe and fhameful Villany of man, 
 
172 
 
 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
1678 Timon of Athens I73 
 
 Amongft fo many thoufands he has obHg'd, 
 
 Not one would follow him in his afflidlions ! 
 
 Ha! here is a Spade! lure this belongs to fome one 
 
 Who's not far off, I will enquire of him. 
 
 Enter Timon. 
 
 Tim. Who's there ? what beaft art thou that com'ft 
 To trouble me? 
 
 Eaam. Pray do not hurt me. I am come to feek 
 The poor diftreffed Timon, did you fee him? 
 
 Tim. If thou be'ft born of wicked humane race, 
 Why com'ft thou hither to difturb his mind? 
 He has forfworn all Company! 
 
 Evan. Is this my Lord ! oh dreadful transformation ! 
 My deareft Lord, do you not know me? 
 
 Tim. Thou walk' ft upon two legs, and haft a face 
 Eredl towards Heav'n; and all fuch Animals 
 I have abjur'd; they are not honeft, 
 Thof e Creatures, that are f o, walk on all four. 
 Prithee be gone. 
 
 Evan. He's much diftraded fure? Have you forgotten 
 Your poor Evandra? 
 
 Tim. No ! I remember there was fuch a one. 
 Whom I us'd ill ! why doft thou follow mifery ? 
 And add to it? prithee be gone. 
 
 Evcm. Thefe cruel words will break my heart, I come 
 Not to increafe thy mifery but mend it. 
 Ah, my dear Tim/on, why this Slave-like habit? 
 And why this Spade? 
 
 Tim. 'Tis to dig roots, and earn my dinner with. 
 
 Evan. I have converted part of my eftate 
 To money and to Jewels, and have brought 'em 
 To lay 'em at thy feet, and the remainder 
 Thou foon fhalt have. 
 
 Tim: I will not touch 'em ; no, I fhall be flatter'd. 
 
 Evan. Comfort thy felf and quit this favage life ; 
 
174 
 
 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
1678 Timon of Athem I7S 
 
 We have enough in fpite of all the bafenefs 
 Of th' Athenians, let not thofe Slaves 
 Triumph o're thy affidlons; wee'l live free. 
 
 Tim. If thou diffwad'ft me from this life. Thou hat'ft me; 
 For all the Principalities on earth, 
 I would not change this Spade! prithee be gone, 
 Thou temp'ft me but in vain. 
 
 Evan. Be not fo cruel. 
 Nothing but death fhall ever take me from thee. 
 
 Tim. I'll never change my life: what would'ft thou 
 Do with me? 
 
 Evan. I'd live the fame: Is there a time or place, 
 A temper or condition I would leave 
 My Timon in? 
 
 Tim. You muft not ftay with me? 
 
 Evan. Oh too unkind! 
 
 I offer'd thee all my profperity 
 
 And thou moft niggardly denieft me part 
 Of thy Afflidions. 
 
 Tim. Ah foft Evamdra! is not the bleak Air 
 Too boift'rous a Chamberlain for thee? 
 Or doft thou think thefe reverend trees that have 
 Outliv'd the Raven, will be Pages to thee? 
 And skip where thou appoint' ft 'em? Will the Brook 
 Candid with Morning Ice, be Caudle to thee? 
 
 Evan. Thou wilt be all to me. 
 
 Tim. 1 am lavage as a Satyr, and my temper 
 Is much unfound, my brain will be diftradled. 
 
 Evan. Thou wilt be Timon ftill, that's all I ask. 
 
 Tim. It was a comfort to me when I thought 
 That thou wer't profperous ; Thou art too good 
 To fuffer with me the rough boift'rous weather. 
 To mortifie thy felf with roots and water, 
 'Twill kill thee. Prithee be gone. 
 
 Evan. To Death if you command. 
 
 Tim. I have forfworn all humane converfation. 
 
 Evan. And fo have I but thine. 
 
176 
 
 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
1678 Timon of Athens i77 
 
 Tim. 'Twill then be mifery indeed to fee 
 Thee bear it. 
 
 Evan. On my knees I beg it. 
 If thou refufeth me, I'll kill my f elf . 
 I fwear by all the Gods. 
 
 Tim. Rife my Evandra! 
 I now pronounce to all the world, there is 
 One woman honeft; if they ask me more 
 I will not grant it : Come, my dear Evandra, 
 I'll fhew thee wealth enough I found with digging. 
 To purchafe all my land again, which I 
 Will hide from all mankind. 
 
 Evan. Put all my Gold and Jewels to't. 
 
 Tim. Well faid Evandra! look, here is enough 
 To make black white, foul fair, wrong right ; 
 Bafe noble, old young. Cowards valiant. 
 Ye Gods here is enough to lug your Priefts 
 And Servants from your Altars. This thing can 
 Make the Hoard'd Leprofie ador'd; place Thieves 
 And give 'em title, knee and approbation; 
 This makes the toothlefs, warp'd and wither'd Widows 
 Marry again. This can embalm and fweeten 
 Such as the Spittle-Houfe and ulcerous Creatures 
 Would caft the gorge at: this can defile 
 The pureft Bed, and make divorce 'twixt Son 
 And Father, Friends and Kindred, all Society; 
 Can bring up new Religions, and kill Kings. 
 
 Evan. Let the Earth that breeds it, hide it, there 'twill 
 Sleep, and do no hired mifchief. 
 
 Tim. Now Earth for a root. 
 
 Evan. 'Tis her unfathom'd Womb teems and feeds all, 
 And of fuch vile corrupting mettle, as 
 
 Man, her proud arrogant Child is made of, does 
 
 Engender black Toads, and Adders blue, the guilded Newt 
 
 And eye-lefs venom'd worm, with all 
 
 The loathfome Births the quickening Sun does fhine on. 
 
 Tim. Yield him', who all thy humane Sons does hate, 
 
 12 
 
178 Timon of Athens 1 623 
 
 Enter Apemantus. 
 
 More man? Plague, plague. 
 
 Ape. I was direded hither. Men report. 
 Thou doft affed my Manners, and doft vfe them. 
 
 Tim. 'Tis then, becaufe thou doft not keepe a dogge 
 Whom I would imitate. Conlumption catch thee. 
 
 Ape. This is in thee a Nature but infed:ed, 
 A poore vnmanly Melancholly fprung 
 From change of future. Why this Spade? this place? 
 This Slaue-like Habit, and thefe lookes of Care? 
 Thy Flatterers yet weare Silke, drinke Wine, lye foft, 
 Hugge their difeas'd Perfumes, and haue forgot 
 That euer Tinnon was. Shame not thefe Woods, 
 By putting on the cunning of a Carper. 
 Be thou a Flatterer now, and feeke to thriue 
 By that which ha's vndone thee; hindge thy knee. 
 And let his very breath whom thou'lt obferue 
 Blow off thy Cap : praife his moft vicious ftraine. 
 And call it excellent : thou waft told thus : 
 Thou gau'ft thine eares (like Tapfters, that bad welcom) 
 To Knaues, and all approaches : 'Tis moft iuft 
 That thou turne Rafcall, had'ft thou wealth againe, 
 Rafcals fhould haue't. Do not affume my likeneffe. 
 
 Tim. Were I like thee, I'de throw away my felfe. 
 
1678 Tifnon of Athens 179 
 
 From out thy plenteous bofom fome poor roots; 
 Sear up thy fertile Womb to all things elfe; 
 Dry up thy marrow, thy Veins, thy Tilth and pafture, 
 Whereof ungrateful man with liquorifh draughts 
 And unduous morfels greafes his pure mind, 
 That from it all confideration flips. 
 
 But hold a while I am faint and weary. 
 
 My tender hands not use'd to toil, are gaul'd. 
 
 Evan. Repofe your felf my deareft love thus your head 
 
 Upon my lap, and when thou haft refrefht 
 
 Thy felf, I'll gather Fruits and Berries for thee. 
 
 Enter Apemantus. 
 
 Tim. More Plague ! more man ! retire into my Cave. \Ex. Evan. 
 
 Apem. I was directed hither, men report 
 That thou affedt'ft my manners, and doft ufe 'em. 
 
 Tim. 'Tis then becaufe I would not keep a Dog 
 Should imitate thee. 
 
 Apem. This is in thee a nature but infedled, 
 A fXKjr unmanly melancholy, fprung 
 From change of fortune. Why this Spade ? this place ? 
 This flave-like Habit, and thefe looks of care ? 
 Thy fordid flatt'rers yet wear filk, lye foft, 
 Hug their difeas'd perfumes, and have forgotten 
 That ever Timon was. Shame not thefe woods, 
 By putting on the cunning of a Carper. 
 Be thou a flatt'rer now and feek to thrive 
 By that which has undone thee. Hinge thy knee. 
 And let each Great mans breath blow off thy Cap. 
 Praife his moft monftrous deformities, 
 And call his fouleft Vices excellent. 
 Thou wert us'd thus. 
 
 Tim. Doft thou love to hear thy felf prate ? 
 
 Apem. No; but thou fhould'ft hear me fpeak. 
 
 Tim. I hate thy fpeech and fpit at thee. 
 
 Apem. Do not affume my likenefs tO' difgrace it. 
 
i8o Timon of Athens 1 623 
 
 Ape. Thou haft caft away thy felfe, being like thy felf 
 A Madman fo long, now a Foole : what think'ft 
 That the bleake ayre, thy boyfterous Chamberlaine 
 Will put thy fhirt on warme? Will thefe moyft Trees, 
 That haue out-liu'd the Eagle, page thy heeles 
 And skip when thou point'ft out ? Will the cold brooke 
 Candied with Ice, Cawdle thy Morning tafte 
 To cure thy o' re-nights furfet? Call the Creatures, 
 Whofe naked Natures Hue in all the fpight 
 Of wrekefull Heauen, whofe bare vnhoufed Trunkes| 
 To the confliding Elements expos'd 
 Anfwer meere Nature ; bid them flatter thee. 
 O thou fhalt finde. 
 
 Tim. A Foole of thee: depart, 
 
 Ape. I loue thee better now, then ere I did. 
 
 Tint. I hate thee worfe. 
 
 Ape. Why? 
 
 Tim. Thou flatter'ft mifery. 
 
 Ape. I flatter not, but fay thou art a Caytiffe. 
 
 Tim. Why do'ft thou feeke me out? 
 
 Ape. To vex thee. 
 
 Tim. Alwayes a Villaines Office, or a Fooles. 
 Doft pleafe thy felfe in't? 
 
 Ape. I. 
 
 Tim. What, a Knaue too? 
 
 Ape. If thou did'ft put this fowre could habit on 
 To caftigate thy pride, 'twere well : but thou 
 Doft it enforcedly : Thou'dft Courtier be againe 
 Wert thou not Beggar : willing mifery 
 Out-Hues : incertaine pompe, is crown'd before : 
 The one is filling ftill, neuer compleat : 
 The other, at high wifh : beft ftate Contentleffe, 
 Hath a diftradled and moft wretched being, 
 Worfe then the worft, Content. 
 Thou fhould'ft defire to dye, being miferable. 
 
 Tim. Not by his breath, that is more miferable. 
 Thou art a Slaue, whom Fortunes tender arme 
 
1678 Timon of Athens i8l 
 
 Tim. Were I like thee, I'd ufe the Copy 
 As the Original fhou'd be us'd. 
 
 Apem. How fhould it be us'd? 
 
 Tim. It fhould be hang'd. 
 
 Apem. Before thou wert a Mad-man, now a Fool ; 
 Art thou proud ftill? call any of thofe Creatures 
 Whofe naked natures live in all the fpight 
 Of angry Heav'n, whofe bare un-houfed trunks 
 To the conflidng Elements expos'd, 
 Anfwer meer Nature, bid 'em flatter thee. 
 And thou fhalt find 
 
 Tim. An Afs of thee 
 
 Apewi. I love thee better now than e'er I did 
 
 Tim. I hate thee worfe 
 
 Apem. Why fo? 
 
 Tim. Thou flattereft mifery. 
 
 Apem. I flatter not, but fay thou art a Wretch 
 
 Tim,. Why doft thou feek me out? 
 
 Apem. Perhaps to vex thee. 
 
 Tim. Always a Villains office or a Fools. 
 
 Apem. If thou doft put on this four life and habit 
 To caftigate thy Pride, 'twere well, but thou 
 Doft it inforc'dly, wert thou not a Beggar, 
 Thou'd'ft be a Courtier again. 
 
 Timt. Slave thou ly'ft, 'tis next thee the laft thing 
 Which I would be on earth. 
 
 Apem^. How much does willing poverty excel 
 Uncertain pomp ! for this is filling ftill. 
 Never compleat, that always at high wifh; 
 But thou haft a contentlefs wretched being, 
 Thou fhou'd'ft defire to die being miferable. 
 
 Tim. Not by his advice that is more miferable. 
 
 Apem. I am contented with my poverty. 
 
 Tim. Thou ly'ft. Thou would'ft not fnarl fo if thou wert. 
 But 'tis a burthen that is light to thee. 
 For thou haft been alwaies us'd to carry it. 
 Thou art a thing whom Fortunes tender arms 
 
i82 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 With fauor neuer clafpt: but bred a Dogge. 
 
 Had'ft thou Uke vs from our firft fwath proceeded, 
 
 The fweet degrees that this breefe world affords, 
 
 To fuch as may the paffiue drugges of it 
 
 Freely coftimand'ft: thou would'ft haue plung'd thy felf 
 
 In generall Riot, melted downe thy youth 
 
 In different beds of Luft, and neuer learn'd 
 
 The I cie precepts of refped, but followed 
 
 The Sugred game before thee. But my felfe, 
 
 Who had the world as my Confedtionarie, 
 
 The mouthes, the tongues, the eyes, and hearts of men. 
 
 At duty more then I could frame employment; 
 
 That numberleffe vpon me ftucke, as leaues 
 
 Do on the Oake^ haue with one Winters brufh 
 
 Fell from their boughes, and left me open, bare. 
 
 For euery ftonne that blowes. I to beare this. 
 
 That neuer knew but better, is fome burthen: 
 
 Thy Nature, did commence in fuffei^ance. Time 
 
 Hath made thee hard in't. Why fhould'ft yu hate Men ? 
 
 They neuer flatter'd thee. What haft thou giuen? 
 
 If thou wilt curfe; thy Father (that poore ragge) 
 
 Muft be thy f ubiedl ; who in fpight put ftuffe 
 
 To fome fhee-Begger, and compounded thee 
 
 Poore Rogue, hereditary. Hence, be gone, 
 
 If thou hadft not bene borne the worft of men. 
 
 Thou hadft bene a Knaue and Flatterer. 
 
 Ape. Art thou proud yet? 
 
 Tim. I, that I am not thee. 
 
 Ape. I, that I was no Prodigall. 
 
 Tim. I, that I am one now. 
 Were all the wealth I haue fhut vp in thee, 
 I'ld giue thee leaue to hang it. Get thee gone : 
 That the whole life of Athens were in this. 
 Thus would I eate it. 
 
 Ape. Heere, I will mend thy Feaft. 
 
 Tim. Firft mend thy company, take away thy felfe. 
 
 Ape. So I Ihall mend mine owne, by'th'lacke of thine 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 183 
 
 With favour never clafpt, but bred a Dog; 
 Hadft thou like me from thy firft fwath proceeded 
 To all the fweet, degrees, that this brief world 
 Afforded be; thou wou'd'ft have plung'd thy felf 
 In general riot, melted down thy youth 
 In different Beds of luft, and never learn't 
 The Icy precepts of Morality, 
 But had'ft purfu'd the alluring game before thee. 
 
 Apem. Thou ly'ft I would have liv'd juft as I do. 
 
 Tim. Poor Slave! thou doft not know thy felf! thou well 
 Can'ft bear what thou haft been bred to; 
 But for me, who had the world as my Confedlionary, 
 The Tongues, the Ey«s, the Ears, the hearts of all men, 
 At duty more than I cou'd frame Imployments for. 
 That numberlefs upon me ftuck as leaves 
 Upon the Oak, they'ave with one Winters brufh 
 Fain from their boughs and left me open, bare 
 To every ftorm that blows : for me to bear this 
 Who never knew but better, is a great burthen; 
 Thy nature did commence in fuff'rance. Time 
 Hath made thee hard in't. Why fhould'ft thou hate men? 
 They never flatter'd thee: If thou wilt Curfe, 
 Curfe then thy Father who in fpite put ftuff 
 To fome She-Beggar, and compounded thee, 
 A poor Hereditary Rogue. 
 
 Apem. Poor Afs! 
 The middle of humanity thou ne're 
 Did't know, but the extremity of both ends; 
 When thou wert in thy gilt and thy perfumes, 
 Men mockt thee for thy too much curio fity; 
 Thou in thy rags know'ft none. 
 
 Tim. Be gone thou tedious prating Fool. 
 That the whole life of Athens were in this 
 One root, thus would I eat it. 
 
 Apem. I'll mend thy Feaft. 
 
 Tim. Mend my condition, take thy felf away. 
 
 Apem. What would'ft thou have to Athens? 
 
184 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Tim. 'Tis not well mended fo, it is but botch ; 
 If not, I would it were. 
 
 Ape. What would'ft thou haue to Athens? 
 
 Tim: Thee thither in a whirlwind : if thou wilt, 
 Tell them there I haue Gold, looke, fo I haue. 
 
 Ape. Heere is no vfe for Gold. 
 
 Tim. The beft, and trueft : 
 For heere it fteepes, and do's no hyred harme. 
 
 Ape. Where lyeft a nights Timon? 
 
 Tim. Vnder that's aboue me. 
 Where feed' ft thou a-dayes Apemantusf 
 
 Ape. Where my ftomacke findes meate, or rather where I eate it. 
 
 Tim. Would poyfon were obedient, & knew my mind 
 
 Ape. Where would'ft thou fend it? 
 
 Tim. To fawce thy difhes. 
 
 Ape. The middle of Humanity thou neuer kneweft, but the extremitie of 
 both ends. When thou waft in thy Gilt, and thy Perfume, they mockt thee 
 for too much Curiofitie : in thy Ragges thou know'ft none, but art defpis'd 
 for the contrary. There's a medler for thee, eate it. 
 
 Tiw). On what I hate, I fepl not. 
 
 Ape. Do'ft hate a Medler? 
 
 Tim. I, though it looke like thee. 
 
 Ape. And th'hadft hated Medlers fooner, yu fhould'ft haue loued thy felfe 
 better now. What man did'ft thou euer know vnthrift, that was beloued 
 after his meanes ? 
 
 Tvm. Who without those meanes thou talk'ft of, didft thou euer know 
 belou'd ? 
 
 Ape. My felfe. 
 
 Tim>. I vnderftand thee : thou had'ft fome meanes to keepe a Dogge. 
 
 Apem. What things in the world canft thou neereft compare to thy 
 Flatterers ? 
 
 Tim. Women neereft, but men: men are the things themfelues. What 
 would'ft thou do with the world Apemanfus, if it lay in thy power? 
 
 Ape. Giue it the Beafts, to be rid of the men. 
 
 Tim. Would'ft thou haue thy felfe fall in the confufion of men, and 
 remaine a Beaft with the Beafts. 
 
 Ape. I Tim^n. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 185 
 
 Tim. Thee thither in a Whirlwind. 
 
 Apem. When I have nothing elfe to do, I'll fee thee again. 
 
 Tim. If there were nothing living but thy felf, 
 Thou fhould'ft not even then he welcome to me; 
 I had rather be a Beggars Dog than Apemantus. 
 
 Apem. Thou art a miferable Fool. 
 
 Tim. Would thou wert clean enough to fpit upon. 
 
 Apem>. Thou art too bad to Curfe : no mifery 
 That I could wifh thee but thou haft already. 
 
 Tim,. Be gone thou Iffue of a Mangy Dog. 
 I fwoun to fee thee. 
 
 Apem. Would thou would'ft burft. 
 
 Tim. Away, thou tedious Rogue, or I will cleave thy fcull. 
 
 Apem. Farewel Beaft. 
 
 Tim,. Be gone Toad. 
 
 Apem. The Athenians report thou haft found a Mafs 
 Of Treafure; they'll find thee out: The plague 
 Of Company light on thee. 
 
 Tim. Slave ! Dog ! Viper ! out of my fight. [Ex. Apem. 
 
 Choler will kill me if I fee mankind! 
 Come forth Evandra? Thou art kind and good. 
 
 Enter Evandra. 
 Canft thou eat roots and drink at that frefh fpring? 
 Our feafting's come to this. 
 
 Evan. Whate're I eat 
 Or drink with thee is f eaft enough to me ; 
 Would'ft thou compofe thy thoughts and be content, 
 I fhou'd be happy. 
 
 Tim. Let's quench our thirft at yonder murmuring Brook. 
 And then repofe a while. [Exeunt. 
 
i86 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Tim. A beaftly Ambition, which the Goddes graunt thee t'attaine to. If 
 thou wert the Lyon, the Fox would beguile thee : if thou wert the Larabe, the 
 Foxe would eate thee: if thou wert the Fox, the Lion would fulpedl thee, 
 when peraduenture thou wert accus'd by the Af fe : If thou wert the Affe, 
 thy dulnef f e would torment thee ; and ftill thou liu'dft but as a Breakefaft to 
 the Wolfe. If thou wert the Wolfe, thy greedineffe would afiflid thee, & 
 oft thou fhould'ft hazard thy life for thy dinner. Wert thou the Vnicorne, 
 pride and wrath would confound thee, and make thine owne felfe the con- 
 queft of thy fury. Wert thou a Beare, thou would'ft be kill'd by the Horfe : 
 wert thou a Horfe, thou would'ft be feaz'd by the Leopard: wert thou a 
 Leopard, thou wert Germane to the Lion, and the fpottes of thy Kindred, 
 were lurors on thy life. All thy fafety were remotion, and thy defence 
 abfence. What a Beaft could'ft thou bee, that were not fubiedl to a Beaft: 
 and what a Beaft art thou already, that feeft not thy lolfe in transforma- 
 tion. 
 
 Ape. If thou could'ft pleafe me 
 With fpeaking to me, thou might'ft 
 Haue hit vpon it heere. 
 The Commonwealth of Athens, is become 
 A Forreft of Beafts. 
 
 Tim*. How ha's the Affe broke the wall, that thou art out of the Citie. 
 
 Ape. Yonder comes a Poet and a Painter: 
 The plague of Company light vpon thee: 
 I will feare to catch it, and giue way. 
 When I know not what elfe to do. 
 He fee thee againe. 
 
 Tim. When there is nothing lining but thee. 
 Thou fhalt be welcome. 
 I had rather be a Beggers Dogge, 
 Then Apemanfus. 
 
 Ape. Thou art the Cap 
 Of all the Fooles aliue. 
 
 Tim. Would thou wert cleane enough 
 To fpit vpon. 
 
 Ape. A plague on thee, 
 Thou art too bad to curfe. 
 
1678 Timon af Athens 187 
 
1 88 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Tvm. All Villaines 
 That do Itand by thee, are pure. 
 
 Ape. There is no Leprofie, 
 But what thou fpeak'ft. 
 
 Tim. If I name thee. He beate thee; 
 But I fhould infed my hands. 
 
 Ape. I would my tongue 
 Could rot them off. 
 
 Tim. Away thou iffue of a mangie dogge, 
 ChoUer does kill me. 
 That thou art aliue, I fwooned to fee thee. 
 
 Ape. Would thou would'ft burft. 
 
 Tim. Away thou tedious Rogue, I am forry I fhall lofe a ftone by thee. 
 
 Ape. Beaft. 
 
 Tim. Slaue. 
 
 Ape. Toad. 
 
 Tim. Rogue, Rogue, Rogue. 
 I am ficke of this falfe world, and will loue nought 
 But euen the meere necef fities vpon't : 
 Then Timon prefently prepare thy graue : 
 Lye where the light Fome of the Sea may beate 
 Thy graue ftone dayly, make thine Epitaph, 
 That death in me, at others Hues may laugh. 
 O thou fweete King-killer, and deare diuorce 
 Twixt naturall Sunne and fire : thou bright defiler 
 of Himens pureft bed, thou valiant Mars, 
 Thou euer, yong, frefh, loued, and delicate wooer, 
 Whofe blufh doth thawe the confecrated Snow 
 That lyes on Dians lap, 
 Thou vifible God, 
 That fouldreft clofe Impoffibilities, 
 
 And mak'ft them kif fe ; that fpeak'ft with euerie Tongue 
 To euerie purpofe : O thou touch of hearts, 
 Thinke thy flaue-man rebels, and by thy vertue 
 Set them into confounding oddes, that Beafts 
 May haue the world in Empire. 
 
 Ape. Would 'twere fo, 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 189 
 
190 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 But not till I am dead. He fay th'haft Gold : 
 Thou wilt be throng'd too fhortly. 
 
 Tim. Throng'd too? 
 
 Ape. I. 
 
 T'-m. Thy backe I prythee. 
 
 Ape. Liue, and loue thy mi£ery. 
 
 Tim. Long liue fo, and fo dye. I am quit. 
 
 Ape. Mo things like men, 
 Eate Timon, and abhorre then. Exit Apemcm. 
 
 Enter the Bandetti. 
 
 1 Where fhould he haue this Gold? It is fome poore Fragment, feme 
 flender Ort of his remainder : the meere want of Gold, and the falling from 
 of his Friendes, droue him into this Melancholly. 
 
 2 It is nois'd 
 
 He hath a maffe of Treafure. 
 
 3 Let vs make the affay vpon him^, if he care not for't, he will fupply vs 
 eafily : if he couteoufly referue it, how fhall's get it ? 
 
 2 True : for he beares it not about him : 
 'Tis hid. 
 
 1 Is not this hee ? 
 All. Where? 
 
 2 'Tis his defcription. 
 
 3 He? I know him. 
 All. Saue thee Timxm. 
 Tim. Now Theeues. 
 
 All. Soldiers, not Theeues. 
 
 Tim. Both too, and womens Sonnes. 
 
 All. We are not Theeues, but men 
 That much do want. 
 
 Tim. Your greateft want is, you want much of meat: 
 Why fhould you want ? Behold, the Earth hath Rootes : 
 Within this Mile breake forth a hundred Springs: 
 The Oakes beare Maft, the Briars Scarlet Heps, 
 The bounteous Hufwife Nature, on each bufh, 
 Layes her full Meffe before you. Want? why Want? 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 
 
 191 
 
192 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 I We cannot Hue on Graffe, on Berries, Water, 
 As Beafts, and Birds, and Fifhes. 
 
 Ti. Nor on the Beafts themfelues, the Birds & Fifhes, 
 You muft eate men. Yet thankes I muft you con. 
 That you are Theeues profeft : that you worke not 
 In holier f hapes : For there is boundlef fe Theft 
 In limited Profeffions. Rafcall Theeues 
 Heere's Gold. Go, fucke the fubtle blood o'th Grape, 
 Till the high Feauor feeth your blood to froth. 
 And fo fcape hanging. Truft not the Phyfitian, 
 His Antidotes are poyfon, and he flayes 
 Moe then you Rob : Take wealth, and Hues together. 
 Do Villaine do, fince you proteft to doo't. 
 Like Workmen, He example you with Theeuery : 
 The Sunnes a Theefe, and with his great attradlion 
 Robbes the vafte Sea. The Moones an arrant Theefe, 
 And her pale fire, fhe fnatches from the Sunne. 
 The Seas a Theefe, whofe liquid Surge, refolues 
 The Moone into Salt teares. The Earth's a Theefe, 
 That feeds and breeds by a compofture ftolne 
 From gen'rall excrement: each thing's a Theefe. 
 The Lawes, your curbe and whip, in their rough power 
 Ha's vncheck'd Theft. Loue not your felues, away, 
 Rob one another, there's more Gold, cut throates. 
 All that you meete are Theeues : to Athens go, 
 Breake open fhoppes, nothing can you fteale 
 But Theeues do loofe it : fteale lef fe, for this I g^ue you. 
 And Gold confound you howfoere: Amen. 
 
 3 Has almoft charm'd me from my Profeffion, by perfwading me to it. 
 
 1 'Tis in the malice of mankinde, that he thus aduifes vs not to haue vs 
 thriue in our myftery. 
 
 2 He beleeue him as an Enemy, 
 And giue ouer my Trade. 
 
 I Let vs firft fee peace in Athens, there is no time fo miferable, but a man 
 may be true. Exit Theeues. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 193 
 
 13 
 
194 Timon of Athens 1 623 
 
 Enter the Steward to Timon. 
 
 Stem. Oh you Gods ! 
 Is yon'd defpis'd and ruinous man my Lord ? 
 Full of decay and fayling? Oh Monument 
 And wander of good deeds, euilly beftow'd ! 
 What an alteration of Honor has defp'rate want made ? 
 What vilder thing vpon the earth, then Friends, 
 Who can bring Nobleft mindes, to bafeft ends. 
 How rarely does it meete with this times guife, 
 When man was wifht to loue his Enemies : 
 Grant I may euer loue, and rather woo 
 Thofe that would mifcheefe me, then thofe that doo. 
 
 Has caught me in his eye, I will prefent my honelt griefe vnto him; and 
 as my Lord, ftill ferue him with my life. 
 My deereft Mafter. 
 
 Tim. Away: what art thou? 
 
 Stew. Haue you forgot me, Sir? 
 
 Tim. Why doft aske that? I haue forgot all men. 
 Then, if thou grunt'ft, th'art a man. 
 I haue forgot thee. 
 
 Steiv. An honeft poore feruant of yours. 
 
 Tim. Then I know thee not : 
 I neuer had honeft man about me, I all 
 I kept were Knaues, to ferue in meate to Villaines. 
 
 Stew. The Gods are witneffe, 
 Neu'r did poore Steward weare a truer greefe 
 For his vndone Lord, then mine eyes for you. 
 
 Tim. What, doft thou weepe? 
 Come neerer, then I loue thee 
 Becaufe thou art a woman, and difclaim'ft 
 Flinty mankinde: whofe eyes do neuer giue. 
 But thorow Luft and Laughter : pittie's fleeping :, 
 Strange times yt weepe with laughing, not with weeping. 
 
 Stew. I begge of you to know me, good my Lord, 
 T'accept my greefe, and whil'ft this poore wealth lafts, 
 To entertaine me as your Steward ftill. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 195 
 
196 Titnon of Athens 1623 
 
 Tim. Had I a Steward 
 So true, fo iuft, and now fo comfortable? 
 It almoft turnes my dangerous Nature wilde. 
 Let me behold thy face : Surely, this man 
 Was borne of woman. 
 
 Forgiue my generall, and exceptleffe rafhneffe 
 You perpetual! fober Gods. I do proclaime 
 One honeft man: Miftake me not, but one: 
 No more I pray, and hee's a Steward. 
 How faine would I haue hated all mankinde, 
 And thou redeem'ft thy felfe. But all faue thee, 
 I fell with Curfes. 
 
 Me thinkes thou art more honeft now, then wife: 
 For, by oppreffing and betraying mee, 
 Thou might'ft haue fooner got another Seruice: 
 For many fo arriue at fecond Mafters, 
 Vpon their firft Lords necke. But tell me true, 
 (For I muft euer doubt, though ne're fo fure) 
 Is not thy kindneffe fubtle, couetous. 
 If not a Vfuring kindneffe, and as rich men deale Guifts, 
 Expedling in returne twenty for one ? 
 
 Stew. No my moft worthy Mafter, in whofe breft 
 Doubt, and fufpedl (alas) are plac'd too late: 
 You fhould haue fear'd falfe times, when you did Feaft. 
 Sufpe<5l ftill comes, where an eftate is leaft. 
 That which I fhew, Heauen knowes, is meerely Loue, 
 Dutie, and Zeale, to your vnmatched minde; 
 Care of your Food and Lining, and beleeue it, 
 My moft Honour'd Lord, 
 For any benefit that points to mee, 
 
 Either in hope, or prefent, Fde exchange , 
 
 For this one wifh, that you had power and wealth 
 To requite me, by making rich your felfe. 
 
 Tim. Looke thee, 'tis fo: thou fingly honeft man, 
 Heere take : the Gods out of my miferie 
 Ha's fent thee Treafure. Go, Hue rich and happy. 
 But thus condition'd : Thou fhalt build from men : 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 197 
 
 MSg^- 
 
198 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Hate all, curfe all, fhew Charity to none. 
 But let the famifht flefh Aide from the Bone, 
 Ere thou releeve the Begger. Giue to dogges 
 What thou denyeft to men. Let Prifons fwallow 'em. 
 Debts wither 'em' to nothing, be men like blafted woods 
 And may Difeafes licke vp their falfe bloods. 
 And fo farewell, and thriue. 
 
 Stew. O let me ftay, and comfort you, my Mafter. 
 
 Tim. If thou hat'ft Curfes 
 Stay not : flye, whil'ft thou art bleft and free : 
 Ne're fee thou man, and let me ne're fee thee. Exit 
 
 Enter Poet and Painter. 
 
 Pain. As I tooke note of the place, it cannot be farre where he abides. 
 
 Poet. What's to be thought of him? 
 Does the Rumor hold for true. 
 That hee's fo full of Gold? 
 
 Painter. Certaine. 
 Alcibiades reports it : Phrinica and Timandylo 
 Had Gold of him. He likewife enrich'd 
 Poore ftraggling Souldiers, with great quantity. 
 'Tis faide, he gaue vnto his Steward 
 A mighty fumme. 
 
 Poet. Then this breaking of his, 
 Ha's beene but a Try for his Friends? 
 
 Painter. Nothing elfe: 
 You fhall fee him a Palme in Athens againe. 
 And flourifh with the higheft: 
 Therefore, 'tis not amiffe, we tender our loues 
 To him, in this fuppos'd diftreffe of his : 
 It will fhew honeftly in vs. 
 And is very likely, to loade our purpofes 
 With what they trauaile for. 
 If it be a iuft and true report, that goes 
 Of his hauing. 
 
 Poet. What haue you now 
 To prefent vnto him? 
 
1678 Timon of Athens I99 
 
 Enter Poet, Painter and Mufician. 
 
 Poet. As I took note o' the place it cannot be far ofif, 
 Where he abides. 
 
 Muf. Does the rumour hold for certain, that he's fo full of Gold ? 
 
 Poet. 'Tis true! H' found an infinite ftore of Gold, 
 He has fent a Pattern of it to the Senate; 
 You will fee him a Palm again in Athens, 
 And flourish with the higheft of 'em all. 
 Therefore 'tis fit in this fuppos'd diftrefs. 
 We tender all our fervices to him 
 
 Pcdnt. If the report be true we fhall fucceed. , 
 
 Muf. If we fhou'd not 
 
 Re-enter Timon and Evandra. 
 
 Poet. Wee'll venture our joint labours. Yon is he, 
 I know by the defcription. 
 
 Muf. Let's hide our felves and fee how he will take it. [A Symphony. 
 
 Evam. Here's Mufick in the Woods, whence comes it? 
 
 Tim. From flattering Rogues who have heard that I 
 Have Gold; but that their dif appointment would be greater, 
 In taking pains for nought, I'd fend 'em back 
 
 Poet. Hail worthy Timon 
 
 Muf. Our moft noble Mafter 
 
 Paint. My moft excellent Lord. 
 
 Timi. Have I once liv'd to fee three honeft men? 
 
200 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Padnter. Nothing at this time 
 But my Vifitation : onely I will protnife him 
 An excellent Peece. 
 
 Poet. I mult f erue him fo too ; 
 Tell him of an intent that's comiming toward him. 
 
 Painter. Good as the beft. 
 Promifing, is the verie Ayre o'th' Time ; 
 It opens the eyes of Expedlation. 
 Performance, is euer the duller for his adle, 
 And but in the plainer and fimpler kinde of people, 
 The deede of Saying is quite out of vfe. 
 To Promife, is molt Courtly and lalhionable; 
 Performance, is a kinde of Will or Teltament 
 Which argues a great licknelle in his iudgement 
 That makes it. 
 
 Enter Timon from his Co/ue. 
 
 Timon. Excellent Workeman, 
 Thou canlt not paint a man fo badde 
 As is thy lelfe. 
 
 Poet. I am thinking 
 What I IhaJl lay I haue prouided lor him: 
 It mult be a perlonating of himfelfe: 
 A Satyre againlt the .foftnefle of Prolperity, 
 With a Dilcouerie of the infinite Flatteries 
 That follow youth and opulencie. 
 
 Timon. Muft thou needes 
 Stand for a Villaine in thine owne Worke? 
 Wilt thou whip thine owne faults in other men? 
 Do lo, I haue Gold lor thee. 
 
 Poet. Nay let's leeke him. 
 Then do we linne againlt our owne eltate. 
 When we may profit meete, and come too late. 
 
 Painter. True: 
 When the day lerues before black-corner'd night; 
 Finde what thou want'lt, by Iree and offer'd light. 
 Come. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 201 
 
 Poet. Having fo often tafted of your bounty, 
 And hearing you were retir'd, your friends fain off, 
 For whofe ungrateful natures we are griev'd, 
 We come to do you fervice. 
 
 Muf. We are not of fo bafe a mold; we fhould 
 Defert our noble Patron! 
 
 Tim. Moft honeft men! oh, how fhall I requite you? 
 Can you eat roots, and drink cold water? 
 
 Poet. What're we can, we will to do you fervice. 
 
 Tim. Good men ! come you are honeft, you have heard 
 That I have gold enough ! fpeak truth, y'are honeft. 
 
 Poet. So it is faid: but therefore came not we. 
 
 Muf. Not we my Lord. 
 
 Paint. We thought not of it. 
 
 Tim. You are good men, but have one monftrous fault. 
 
 Poet. I befeech your honor, what is it? 
 
 Tim. Each of you trufts a damn'd notorious Knave. 
 
 Pamt. Who is that, my Lord? 
 
 Tim. Why one another, and each trufts himfelf. 
 Ye bafe Knaves, Tripartite ! begone ! make hafte ! 
 Or I will ufe you fo like Knaves. [He f tones 'em. 
 
 Poet. Fly, fly, [All run out. 
 
 Tim,. How fick am I of this falfe World ? I'll now 
 Prepare my Grave, to lie where the light foam 
 Of the outragious Sea may wafh my Corps. 
 
 Evan. My deareft Timon, do not talk of Death; 
 My Life and thine together muft determine. 
 
 Tvm. There is no reft without it; prithee leave 
 My wretched Fortune, and live long and happy. 
 Without thy Timon. There is wealth enough. 
 
 Evcm. I have no wealth but thee, let us lie down to reft ; 
 I am very faint and heavy [They lie down. 
 
 Enter Meliffa and Chloe. 
 Mel. Let the Chariot ftay there. 
 It is moft certain he has found a Mafs of money. 
 And he has fent word to the Senate he's richer than ever. 
 
202 Tinmn of Athens 1 623 
 
 Tim. He meete you at the turne : 
 What a Gods Gold, that he is worfhipt 
 In a bafer Temple, then where Swine feede? 
 'Tis thou that rigg'ft the Barke, and plow'ft the Fome, 
 Setleft admired reuerence in a Slaue, 
 To thee be worfhipt, and thy Saints for aye : 
 Be crown'd with Plagues, that thee alone obay. 
 Fit I meet them. 
 
 Poet Haile worthy Timon. 
 
 Padn. Our late Noble Mafter. 
 
 Timon. Haue I once liu'd 
 To fee two honeft men? 
 
 Poet. Sir: 
 Hauing often of your open Bounty tafted. 
 Hearing you were retyr'd, your Friends falne off, 
 Whofe thankleffe Natures (O abhorred Spirits) 
 Not all the Whippes of Heauen, are large enough 
 What, to you, 
 
 Whofe Starre-like Nobleneffe gaue life and influence 
 To their whole being? I am rapt, and cannot couer 
 The|monftrous bulke of this Ingratitude 
 With any fize of words. 
 
 Timon. Let it go. 
 Naked men may fee't the better: 
 You that are honeft, by being what you are. 
 Make thetn beft feene, and knowne. 
 
 Pain. He, and my felfe 
 Haue trauil'd in the great fhowre of your guifts. 
 And fweetly felt it. 
 
 Timon. I, you are honeft man. 
 
 Painter. We are hither come 
 To offer you our feruice. 
 
 Timon. Moft honeft men: 
 Why how fhall I requite you? 
 Can you eate Roots, and drinke cold water, no? 
 
 Both. What we can do, 
 Wee'l do to do you feruice. 
 
1 678 Timon of Athens 203 
 
 Chio. Sure were he rich, he would appear again. 
 
 Mel. If he be, I doubt not but with my love I'll charm 
 Him back to Athens, 'twas my deferting him has 
 Made him thus Melancholy. 
 
 Chio. If he be not, yoii'l promife love in vain. 
 
 Mel. If he be not, my promife fhall be vain; 
 For I'll be fure to break it : Thus you faw 
 When Alcibiades was banilh'd laft, 
 I would not fee him'; I am always true 
 To intereft and to my felf . There Lord Timon lies ! 
 
 Tim. What wretch art thou come to difturb me? 
 
 Mel. I am one that loves thee fo, I cannot lofe thee. 
 I am gotten from my Father and my Friends, 
 To call thee back to Athens, and her arms 
 Who cannot live without thee. 
 
 Evan. It is Meliffa! prithee liften not 
 To her deftructive Syrens voice. 
 
 Tim. Fear not. 
 
 Mel. Doft thou not know thy dear Meliffa? 
 To whom thou mad' ft fuch vows ! 
 
 Tim. O yes, I know that piece of vanity. 
 That frail, proud, inconftant foolifh thing. 
 I do remember once ujxyn a time, 
 She fwore eternal love to me, foon after 
 She would not fee me, fhun'd me, flighted me. 
 
 Mel. Ah now I fee thou never lov'dft me, Timon, 
 That was a tryal which I made of thee, 
 To find if thou did'ft love me, if thou hadft 
 Thou wouldft have born it: I lov'd thee then much more 
 
 Than all the World but thou art falfe I fee. 
 
 And any little change can drive thee from me. 
 And thou wilt leave me miferable. 
 
 Evan. Mind not that Crocodiles tears, 
 She would betray thee. 
 
 Mel. Is there no truth among Mankind? had I 
 So much ingratitude, I had left 
 Thy fallen fortune, and ne're feen thee more: 
 
204 Ttmon of Athens 1623 
 
 Tim. Y'are honeft men, 
 Y'haue heard that I haue Gold, 
 I am fure you haue, fpeake truth, y'are honeft men. 
 
 Pwin. So it is faid my Noble Lord, but therefore 
 Come not my Friend, nor I. 
 
 Timon. Good honeft men: Thou draw'ft a counterfet 
 Beft in all Athens, th'art indeed the beft. 
 Thou counterfet'ft moft liuely. 
 
 Pain. So, fo, my Lord. 
 
 Tim. E'ne fo fir as I fay. And for thy fiffion, * 
 Why thy Verfe fwels with ftufife fo fine and fmooth. 
 That thou art euen Naturall in thine Art. 
 But for all this (my honeft Natur'd friends) 
 I muft needs fay you haue a little fault. 
 Marry 'tis not monftrous in you, neither wifh I 
 You take much paines to mend. 
 
 Both. Befeech your Honour 
 To make it knowne to vs. 
 
 Tim. You'l take it ill. 
 
 Both. Moft thankefully, my Lord. 
 
 Timon. Will you indeed? 
 
 Both. Doubt it not worthy Lord. 
 
 Tim. There's neuer a one of you but trufts a Knaue, 
 That mightily deceiues you. 
 
 Both. Do we, my Lord? 
 
 Tim. I, and you heare him cogge. 
 See him diffemble, 
 
 Know his groffe patchery, loue him, feede him, 
 Keepe in your bofome, yet remaine affur'd 
 That he's a Imade-vp-Villaine. 
 
 Pain. I know none fuch, my Lord. 
 
 Poet. Nor I. 
 
 Timon. Looke you, 
 I loue you well. He giue you Gold 
 Rid me thefe Villaines from your companies; 
 Hang themi, or ftab them, drowne them in a draught, 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 205 
 
 Ah Timon! oould'lt thou have been kind, I could 
 Rather have beg'd with thee, than have enjoy'd 
 With any other all the Pomp of Greece; 
 But thou art loft and haft forgotten all thy Oaths. 
 
 Evan. Why fhou'd you ftrive to invade anothers right? 
 He's mine, for ever mine: Thefe arms 
 Shall keep him; from thee. 
 
 Mel. Thine ! poor mean Fool ! has marriage made him fo ? 
 
 No, Thou art his Concubine, difhoneft thing; 
 
 I would enjoy him honeftly. 
 
 Tim. Peace, fcreech Owl: There is much more honefty 
 In this one woman than in all thy Sex 
 Blended together ; our hearts are one ; 
 And fhe is mine for ever: wert thov^' the Queen 
 Of all the Univerfe, I would not chaj ge her for thee. 
 
 Evan. Oh my dear Lord ! this ■' cv better Cordial 
 Than all the World can give. 
 
 Tim. Falfe! proud! affedled! vain fantaftick thing; 
 Be gone, I would not fee thee, unlefs I were 
 A Bafilisk: thou boaft'ft that thou art honeft of thy Body, 
 As if the Body made one honeft: Thou haft a vile 
 Corrupted filthy mind 
 
 Mel. I am no Whore as fhe is. 
 
 Tim. Thou ly'ft, fhe's none: But thou art one in thy Soul: 
 Be gone, or thou'lt provoke me to do a thing unmanly. 
 And beat thee hence. 
 
 Mel. Farewel Beaft. [Ex. Mel. and Chlo. 
 
 Evan. Let me kifs thy hand my deareft Lord, 
 If it were poffible more dear than ever. 
 
 Tim. Lefs now go feek fom^e reft within my Cante, 
 If any we can have without the Grave. [Exeunt. 
 
2o6 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Confound them by fome courfe, and come to me, 
 He giue you Gold enough. 
 
 Both. Name them my Lord, let's know them. 
 
 Tim. You that way, and you this : 
 But two in Company: 
 Each man a part, all fingle, and alone. 
 Yet an arch Villaine keepes him company: 
 If where thou art, two Villaines fhall not be. 
 Come not neere him. If thou would'ft not recide 
 But where one Villaine is, then him abandon. 
 Hence, jjacke there's Gold, you came for Gold ye flaues : 
 You haue worke for me ; there's payment, hence. 
 You are an Alcumift, make Gold of that : 
 Out Rafcall dogges. Exeunt 
 
 Enter Steward, and two Senators. 
 
 Stew. It is vaine that you would fpeake Timon: 
 For he is fet fo onely to himfelfe. 
 That nothing but himfelfe, which lookes like man, 
 Is friendly with him. 
 
 1. Sen. Bring vs to his Caue. 
 
 It is our part and promife to th' Athenians 
 To fpeake with Timon. 
 
 2. Sen. At all times alike 
 
 Men are not ftill the fame: 'twas Time and Greefes 
 That fram'd himi thus. Time with his fairer hand. 
 Offering the Fortunes of his former dayes. 
 The former man may make hini : bring vs to him 
 And chac'd it as it may. 
 
 Stew. Heere is his Caue: 
 Peace and content be heere. Lord Timon, Timon, 
 Locke out, and fpeake to Friends : Th' Athenians 
 By two of their moft reuerened Senate greet thee : 
 Speake to them Noble Timon. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 
 
 207 
 
208 Tifnon of Athens 1623 
 
 Enter Timon out of his Caue. 
 
 Tim,. Thou Sunne that comforts burne,| 
 Speake and be hang'd : 
 For each true word, a blifter, and each falfe 
 Be as a Cantherizing to the root o'th'Tongue, 
 Confuming it with fpeaking. 
 
 I Worthy Timon. 
 
 Tim. Of noone but fuch as you. 
 And you of Timon. 
 
 I The Senators of Athens, greet thee Timon. 
 
 Tim,. I thanke them. 
 And would fend them backe the plague. 
 Could I but catch it for them. 
 
 1 O forget 
 
 What we are forry for our felues in thee : 
 The Senators, with one content of loue, 
 Intreate thee backe to Athens, who haue thought 
 On fpeciall Dignities, which vacant lye 
 For thy beft vfe and wearing. 
 
 2 They confeffe 
 
 Toward thee, forgetfulneffe too generall groffe; 
 
 Which now the publike Body, which doth fildome 
 
 Play the re-canter, feeling in it felfe 
 
 A lacke of Timon ayde, hath fince withall 
 
 Of it owne fall, reftraining ayde to Timon, 
 
 And fend forth vs, to make their forrowed render, 
 
 Together, with a recompence more fruitful! 
 
 Then their offence can weigh downe by the Dramme, 
 
 I euen fuch heapes and fummes of Loue and Wealth, 
 
 As fhall to thee blot out, what wrongs were theirs, 
 
 And write in thee the figures of their loue, 
 
 Euer to read them thine. 
 
 Tim. You witch me in it; 
 Surprize me to the very brinke of tears ; 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 209 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 Enter Timon and Evandra. 
 
 Tim. \] OW after all the follies of this life, 
 
 i N Timon has made his everlafting Manf ion ; 
 Upon the beached Verge of the Salt Flood; 
 Where every day the fwelling Surge fhall wafh him ; 
 There he fhalt reft from all the Villainies, 
 Betraying fmiles, or th' oppreffing frowns 
 Of proud and impotent Man. 
 
 Evcm. Speak not of death, I cannot lofe thee yet. 
 Throw off this dire confuming Melancholy. 
 Oh could'ft thou love as I do, thou'd'ft not have 
 Another wilh but me. There is no ftate on Earth 
 Which I can envy while I've thee within 
 
 Thefe Arms take comfort to thee, think not yet 
 
 Of Death leave not Evandra yet. 
 
 Tim. Thinkft thou in Death we fhall not think, 
 And know, and love, bettter than we can here? 
 Oh yes, Evandra! There our Happinefs 
 
 Will be without a wifh I feel my long ficknefs 
 
 Of health and living now begin to mend, 
 
 And nothing will bring me all things : thou Evandra 
 
 Art the thing alone on Earth would make me wifh 
 
 To play my part upon the troublefome Stage, 
 
 Where folly, madnefs, falfehood, and cruelty. 
 
 Are the only adlions reprefented. 
 
 Evan. That I have lov'd my Timon faithfully 
 Without one erring thought, the Gods can witnefs; 
 And as my life was true my death fhall be. 
 If I one minute after thee furvive. 
 The fcom and infamy of all my Sex 
 Light on me, and may I live to be 
 Meliffafs Slave. 
 
 Tim. Oh my ador'd Evcmdra! 
 Thy kindnefs covers me with fhame and grief, 
 
 u 
 
2IO Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Lend me a Fooles heart, and a womans eyes, 
 
 And He be weepe thefe comforts, worthy Senators. 
 
 1 Therefore fo pleafe thee to returne with vs, 
 And of our Athens, thine and ours to take 
 The Captainfhip, thou fhalt be met with thankes. 
 Allowed with abfolute power, and thy good name 
 Liue with Authoritie: fo foone we fhall driue backe 
 Of Alcibiades th'approaches wild, 
 
 Who like a Bore too fauage, doth root vp 
 His Countries peace. 
 
 2 And fhakes his threatening Sword 
 Againft the walks of Athens. 
 
 I Therefore Timon. 
 
 Tim. Well fir, I will : therefore I will fir thus : 
 If Alcibiades kill my Countrymen, 
 Let Alcibiades know this of Timon, 
 That Timon cares not. But if he facke faire Athens, 
 And take our goodly aged men by'th' Beards, 
 Giuing our holy Virgins to the ftaine 
 Of contumelious, beaftly, mad-brain'd warre: 
 Then let him know, and tell him Timon fpeakes it. 
 In pitty of our aged, and our youth, 
 I cannot choofe but tell him that I care not. 
 And let him- tak't at worft: For their Kniues care not, 
 While you haue throats to anfwer. For my felfe. 
 There's not a whittle, in th'vnruly Campe, 
 But I do prize it at my loue, before 
 The reuerends Throat in Athens. So I leaue you 
 To the protedion of the profperous Gods, 
 As Theeues to Keepers. 
 
 Stew. Stay not, all's in vaine. 
 
 Tim. Why I was writing of my Epitaph, 
 It will be feene to morrow. My long fickneffe 
 Of Health, and Liuing, now begins to mend. 
 And nothing brings me all things. Go, liue ftill, 
 Be Alcibiades your plague; you his. 
 And laft fo long enough. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 
 
 I have deferv'd fo little from thee; 
 
 Wer't not for thee I'd wifh the World on Fire. 
 
 Enter Nicias, Phaeax, Ifidore, Hander, Cleon, Thrafillus, and Mlins. 
 
 More Plagues yet! 
 
 Nici. How does the Worthy Timon? 
 It grieves our hearts to fee thy low condition, 
 And we are come to mend it. 
 
 PhcBax. We and the Afheniams cannot live without thee, 
 Caft from thee this fad grief, moft noble Timon, 
 The Senators of Athens greet thee with 
 Their love, and do with one confenting voice 
 Intreat thee back to Athens. 
 
 Tim. I thank 'em' and would fend 'em back the Plague, 
 Could I but catch it for 'em. 
 
 JElius. The Gods forbid, they love thee moft fincerely. 
 
 Tim. I will return 'em the fame love they bear me. 
 
 Nic. Forget, moft noble Timon: they are forry 
 They fhou'd deny thee thy requeft; they do 
 Confefs their fault; the publick body 
 Which feldom does recant, confeffes it. 
 
 Cleon. And has fent us 
 
 Tim. A very fcurvy fample of that Body. 
 
 Phaax. Oh my good Lord ! we have ever lov'd you beft 
 Of all mankind. 
 
 Thraf. And equal with our felves. 
 
 Ifid. Our hearts and fouls were ever fixt upon thee. 
 
 IfoM. We would ftake our lives for you. 
 
 Ph<E. We are all griev'd to think you fhould 
 So mif-interpret our beft loves. 
 
 Cleon. Which fhall continue ever firm to you. 
 
 Tim. Good men, you much furprife me, even to tears; 
 Lend me a Fools heart and Womens eyes. 
 And I'll beweep thefe Comforts, worthy Lords. 
 
 Nic. We beg your honour will interpret fairly. 
 
 Ph(B. The Senate has referv'd fome fpedal dignities 
 
 211 
 
212 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 I We fpeake in vaine. 
 
 Tim. But yet I loue my Country, and am not 
 One that reioyces in the common wracke, 
 As common bruite doth put it. 
 
 I That's well fpoke. 
 
 Tim. Commend me to my louing Countrymen. 
 
 I Thefe words, become your lippies as they paffe thorow them. 
 •2 And enter in our eares, like great Triumphers 
 In their applauding gates. 
 
 Tim. Commend me to them, 
 And tell them, that to eafe them of their greefes. 
 Their feares of Hoftile ftrokes, their Aches loffes, 
 Their pangs of Loue, with other incident throwes 
 That Natures fragile Veffell doth fuftaine 
 In lifes vncertaine voyage, I will fome kindnes do them, 
 He teach them to preuent wilde Alcibiades wrath. 
 
 I I like this well, he will returne againe. 
 
 Tim. I haue a Tree which growes heere in my Qofe, 
 That mine owne vfe inuites me to cut downe. 
 And fhortly muft I fell it. Tell my Friends, 
 Tell Athens, in the fequence of degree, 
 From' high to low throughout, that who fo pleafe 
 To ftop Afflidion, let him take his hafte; 
 Come hither ere my Tree hath felt the Axe, 
 And hang himfelfe. I pray you do my greeting. 
 
 Stew. Trouble him no further, thus you ftill fhall 
 Finde him. 
 
 Tim. Come not to me againe, but fay to Athens, 
 Timon hath made his euerlafting Manfion 
 Vpon the Beached Verge of the fait Flood, 
 Who once a day with his emboffed Froth 
 The turbulent Surge fhall couer ; thither come, 
 And let my graue-ftone be your Oracle: 
 Lippes, let foure words go by, and Language end : 
 What is amdffe. Plague and InfeAion mend. 
 Graues onely be mens workes, and Death their gaine; 
 Sunne, hide thy Beames, Timon hath done his Raigne. Exit Timon. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 213 
 
 Now vacant, to confer on you. They pray 
 You will return, and be their Captain, 
 Allow'd with abfolute Command. 
 
 Nic. Wild Alcibiades approaches Athens 
 With all his force ; and like a Savage Bear 
 Roots up his Countries peace; we humbly beg 
 Thy juft affiftance. 
 
 Phxz. We all know thou'rt worthy, 
 And haft oblig'd thy Country heretofore 
 Beyond return. 
 
 Mlms. Therefore, good noble Lord. 
 
 Tim. I tell j^u Lords, 
 If Alcibiades kill my Country-men, 
 Let Alcibiades know this of Timon, 
 That Timon cares not: But if he fack fair Athens, 
 And take our goodly aged men by th' Beards, 
 Giving up pureft Virgins to the ftain 
 Of beaftly mad-brain'd War; Then let him know. 
 In pity of the aged and the young, 
 I cannot chufe but tell him that I care not. 
 And let him take't at worft; for their Swords care not 
 While you have throats to anfwer: for my felf 
 There's not a Knife in all the unruly Camp, 
 But I do love and value more than the 
 Moft reverent Throat in Athens, tell 'em fo! 
 Be Alcibiades your Plague, ungrateful Villains. 
 
 Ph<B. Oh my good Lord, you think too hardly of us. 
 
 ^lius. Hang him! there's no hopes of him. 
 
 Nic. Hee'll ne'r return; he truly is Mifanthropos. 
 
 Ph(B. You have gold my Lord, will you not ferve 
 Your Country with fome of it? 
 
 Tim. Oh my dear Country ! I do recant, 
 Commend me kindly to the Senate, tell 'em 
 If they will come all in one Body to me, 
 And follow my advice, they fhall be welcome. 
 
 Nic. I am fure they will, my noble Lord. 
 
 Tiwi>. I will inftrud 'em how to eafe their griefs; 
 
214 Timon of Athens 1 623 
 
 1 His difcontents are vnremoueably coupled to Nature. 
 
 2 Our hope in him is dead : let vs retume, 
 And ftraine what other meanes is left vnto vs 
 In our deere perill. 
 
 It requires fwift foot. Exeunt. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 215 
 
 Their fears of Hoftile ftrokes, their Aches, Loffes, 
 Their covetous pangs, with other incident throes 
 That Natures fragil Veffels muft fuftain 
 In hfes uncertain Voyage. 
 
 Plus. How my good Lord! this kind care is noble. 
 
 Tim. Why even thus 
 
 I will point out the moft convenient Trees 
 
 In all this Wood, to hang themfelves upon. 
 
 And fo farewel, ye Covetous fawning Slaves be gone! 
 
 Let me not fee the face of man more, I 
 
 Had rather fee a Tiger fafting 
 
 Nic. He's loft to all our purpofes. 
 
 Ph<B. Let's fend a party out of Athens to him, 
 To force him to confef s his Treafure ; 
 And put him to the torture, if he will not. 
 
 Nic. It will do well, let's away. [Drums. 
 
 ^lius. What Drums are thofe? 
 
 Phz. They muft belong to Alcibiades! 
 To Horfe and fly, or we fhall chance be taken. [Exeunt. 
 
 Tim. Go fly, Evandraj to my Cave, or thou 
 Maift fuffer by the rage of luftful Villains. 
 
 Enter Alcibiades with Phryne and Thais, two Whores. 
 
 Alci. Command a halt, and fend a Meffenger 
 To fummon Athens from me! 
 What art thou there ? fpeak. 
 
 Tim. A two leg'd Beaft, as thou art. Cankers gnaw thee 
 For fhewing me the face of man again. 
 
 Alci. Is man fo hateful to thee ! what art thou ? 
 
 Tim. I am Mifanthropos ! I hate Mankind: 
 And for thy part, I wifh thou wer't a Dog, 
 That I might love thee fomething. 
 But now I think on't, thou art going 
 Againft yon Curfed Town : go on ! it is 
 A worthy caufe. 
 
 Aid. Oh Timon! now I know thee, I am forry 
 
2i6 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 217 
 
 For thy misfortunes ; and hope a little time 
 Will give me occafion to redrefs 'em. 
 
 Tim. I will not alter my condition 
 For all you e're fhall Conquer; no, go on. 
 Paint with man's blood the Earth : die it well. 
 Religious Canons, civil laws are cruel. 
 What then muft War be? 
 
 Alcib. How came the noble Timon by this change? 
 
 Tim. As the Moon does by wanting light to give, 
 And then renew I could not like the Moon, 
 There were no Suns to borrow of. 
 
 Alcib. What friendfhip fhall I do thee? 
 
 Tim. Why, promife me friendfhip and perform none ; 
 If thou wilt not promife, thou art no man : 
 If thou doft perform, thou art none neither. 
 
 Alcib. I am gjiev'd to fee thy mifery. 
 
 Tim. Thou faw'ft it when I was rich. 
 
 Alcib. Then was a happy time. 
 
 Tim. As thine is now, abus'd by a brace of Harlots, 
 What doft thou fight with women by thy fide ? 
 
 Alcib. No, but after all the toils and hazards of the day 
 With men, I refrefh my felf at night with Women. 
 
 Tim. Thefe falfe Whores of thine have more deftru6lion 
 In 'em than thy Sword. 
 
 Pkry. Thou art a Villain to fay fo 
 
 Thcds. Is this he, that was the Athenian Minion? 
 A fnarling Rafcal. 
 
 Tim. Be Whores ftill, they love you not that ufe you ; 
 Employ all your fait hours to ruine youth. 
 Soften their manners into a Lethargy 
 Of fenfe and adion. 
 
 Phry. Hang thee Monfter; we are not Whores, we 
 Are Miftreffes to Alcibiades. 
 
 Tim. The right name is Whore, do not mifcal it, 
 Ye have been fo to many. 
 
 Thcds. Out on you Dog. 
 
 Alcib. Pray pardon him; 
 
2i8 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 219 
 
 His wits are loft in his calamities; 
 
 I have but little gold, but here's fome for thee. 
 
 Tim. Keep it, I cannot eat it. 
 
 Alcib. Wilt thou go 'gainft Athens with me? 
 
 Tim. If ye were Beafts, I'd go with ye : 
 But I'll not herd with men; yet I love thee 
 Better than all men, becaufe thou wert born 
 To ruine thy bafe Country. 
 
 Alcib. I've lent to fummon Athens; if fhe obeys not, 
 I'll lay her on a heap. 
 
 Tim. It were a glorious a&; go on, go onf 
 Here's gold for thee; ftay, I'll fetch thee more. 
 
 Alcib. What myfteries is this ! where fhou'd he have this ? 
 
 Tim. Here's more Gold and Jewels ! go on, 
 Be a devouring Plague; let not 
 Thy Sword skip one, fpare thou no Sex or Age : 
 Pity not honour'd Age for his white Beard, 
 He's an Ufurer : ftrike the counterfeit Matron, 
 It is her habit only that is honeft. 
 Her felf 's a Bawd : Let not the Virgins Cheek 
 Make foft thy Sword, nor Milk-Paps giving fuck: 
 Spare not the Babe, whofe dimpled fmiles. 
 From Fools exhauft their mercy; think 'twill be 
 A Rogue or Whore e're long if thou fhouldft fpare it. 
 Put Armour on thy eyes and ears, whofe proof. 
 Nor yells of Mothers, Maids, nor crying Babes, 
 Nor fight of Priefts in Holy Veftments bleeding. 
 Shall pierce one jot. 
 
 Phryn. Haft thou more gold, good Timon? give us fome 
 
 Thais. What pity 'tis he fhould be thus Melancholy ! 
 He is a fine perfon now. 
 
 Tim. Oh flattering Whores ! but that I am fure you will 
 Do ftore of mifchief, I'd not gfive you any: 
 Here! be fure you be Whores ftill, 
 And who with pious breath feeks to convert ye. 
 Be ftrong in Whore, allure and bum him up; 
 Thatch your thin Sculls with burthens from the dead. 
 
220 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Enter two other Senators, with a Meffenger. 
 
 1 Thou haft painfully difcouer'd : are his Files 
 As full as thy report? 
 
 Mef. I haue fpoke the leaft. 
 Befides his expedition promifes prefent approach. 
 
 2 We ftand much hazard, if they bring not Timon. 
 Mef. I met a Currier, one mine ancient Friend, 
 
1 678 Timon of Athens 221 
 
 Some that were hang'd, no matter. 
 
 Wear them ! betray with them, Whore ftill ; 
 
 Paint till a Horfe may mire upon your faces 
 
 A Pox on Wrinkles, I fay. 
 
 Thais. Well, more Gold, fay what thou wilt. 
 
 Tim. Sow your Confumptions in the bones of men; 
 Dry up their Marrows, pain their fhins 
 And fhoulders : Crack the Lawyers voice, that he 
 May never bawl, and plead falfe title more. 
 Entice the luftful and diffembling Priefts, 
 That fcold againft the quality of flefh. 
 And not believe themfelves ; I am not well. 
 Here's more, ye proud, lafcivious, rampant Whores. 
 Do you damn others, and let this damn you; 
 And Ditches be all your Death-Beds and your Graves. 
 
 Phry. More counfel, and more money, bounteous Timon. 
 
 Tim. More Whore ! more mifchief firft, 
 I've given you earneft 
 
 Alcib. We but difturb hitn! farewel. 
 If I thrive well, I'll vifit thee again. 
 
 Tim. If I thrive well, I ne're fhall fee thee more : 
 I feel Death's happy ftroak upon me now. 
 He has laid his icy hands upon me at length ; 
 He will not let me go again, Farewel. 
 Confound Athens, and then thy felf. [Ex. Timon. 
 
 Alcib. Now march, found Trumpets and beat Drums, 
 And let the terrour of the noife invade 
 The ungrateful. Cowardly, ufurious Senate. [Exeunt. 
 
 Enter Nicias, iElius, Cleon, Thrafillus, Ifidore, Ifander, upon the works of 
 
 Athens. 
 
 Nic. What fhall we do to appeafe his rage? 
 He has an Army able to devour us. 
 
 Phce. We muft e'en humbly bow our necks, that he 
 May tread on 'em. 
 
 Mlius. He is a man of eafie nature, foon won by foothings. 
 
222 Timon of Athens 1 623 
 
 Whom though in generall part we were oppos'd, 
 
 Yet our old loue made a particular force. 
 
 And made vs fpeake like Friends. This man was riding 
 
 From Alcibiades to Timons Caue, 
 
 With Letters of intreaty, which imported 
 
 His Fellowfhip i'th'caufe againft your City, 
 
 In part for his fake mou'd. 
 
 Enter the other Senators. 
 
 I Heere come our Brothers. 
 
 3 No talke of Timon, nothing of him expedt. 
 The Enemies Drumme is heard, and fearefull fcouring 
 Doth choake the ayre with duft : In, and prepare, 
 Ours is the fall I feare, our Foes the Snare Exeunt 
 
 Enter a Souldier in the Woods, feeking Timon. 
 Sol. By all defcription this fhould be the place. 
 Whofe heere? Speake hoa. No anfwer? What is this? 
 Tymon is dead, who hath out-ftrecht his fpan. 
 Some Beaft reade this ; There do's not Hue a Man. 
 Dead fure, and this his Graue, what's on this Tomb, 
 I cannot read : the Charader He take with wax. 
 Our Captaine hath in euery Figure skill ; 
 An ag'd Interpreter, though yong in dayes : 
 Before proud Athens hee's fet downe by this, 
 Whofe fall the marke of his Ambition is. Exit. 
 
 Trumpets found. Enter Alcibiades with his Powers before Athens. 
 
 Ale. Sound to this Coward, and lafciuious Towne, 
 Our terrible approach. Sounds a Parly. 
 
 The Senators appeare vpon the wals. 
 Till now you haue gone on, and flll'd the time 
 With all Licentious meafure, making your willes 
 The fcope of luftice. Till now, my felfe and fuch 
 As flept within the fhadow of your power 
 Haue wander'd with our trauerft Armes, and breath'dl 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 223 
 
 Nic. I tremble left he fhould revenge our fentence. 
 
 Ifid. If we fhou'd refift, he'll level Athens. 
 
 I fan. And then woe tO' our felves, 
 Our Wives and Daughters. 
 
 Nic. What will become of you and me Phceax? 
 We have been Enemies to him long. I tremble for it. 
 
 PhcB. Let us appear moft forward in delivering up the 
 Town to him. 
 
 Nic. If we refift, hee'l ufe a Conquerours Power, 
 And nothng then will efcape the fury of 
 The Headftrong Souldiers, we muft all fubmit. 
 See, he approaches. Thefe Drums and Trumpets 
 Strike terrour in me ! Heav'n, help all. [Enter Herald. 
 
 Enter Alcibiades and his Army. 
 
 Alcib. What anfwer make they to my fummons? 
 
 Herald. They are on the works to treat with you. 
 
 Alcib. There's a white Flag! let us approach 'em. 
 Hoa ! you on the works ! give me and my Army entrance, 
 Or I'll let loofe the fury of my Souldiers, 
 And make you all a prey to fpoil and rapine; 
 And fuch a flame I'll light about your ears. 
 Shall make Greece tremble. 
 
 Nic. My noble Lord! we mean nothing lefs. 
 
 Phce. Only we beg your honour will forgive us. 
 
 Nic. W have been ungrateful, and are much afham'd on't ; 
 Your Lordfhip fhall tread upon our necks if you think good; 
 We cannot but condemn our felves ; 
 But we appeal to your known mercy and 
 Your Generofity. 
 
 Ph<B. March noble Lord into our City 
 With all the Banners fpread; we are thy Slaves. 
 
 Mlius. Your footf tools. 
 
 Ifid. What ever you will make us. 
 
 Thraf. Enter our City, noble Alcibiades: but leave 
 Your rage behind you. 
 
224 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
 Our fufferance vainly: Now the time is flufh. 
 When crouching Marrow in the bearer ftrong 
 Cries (of it f elfe) no more : Now breathlef fe wrong, 
 Shall fit and pant in your great Chaires of eafe, 
 And purfie Infolence fhall breake his winde 
 With feare and horrid flight. 
 
 I. Sen. Noble, and young; 
 When thy firft greefes were but a meere conceit. 
 Ere thou had'ft power, or we had caufe of feare. 
 We fent to thee, to giue thy rages Balme, 
 To wipe out our Ingratitude, with Loues 
 Aboue their quantitie. 
 
 2 So did we wooe 
 Transformed Timon, to our Citties loue 
 By humble Meffage, and by promift meanes : 
 We were not all vnkinde, nor all deferue 
 The common ftroke of warre 
 
 1 Thefe walles of ours. 
 
 Were not erecfled by rheir hands, from whom 
 You haue receyu'd your greefe : Nor are they fuch. 
 That thefe great Towers, Trophees, & Schools fhold fall 
 For priuate faults in them 
 
 2 Nor are thy lining 
 
 Who were the motiues that you firft went out, 
 
 (Shame that they wanted, cunning in exceffe) 
 
 Hath broke their hearts. Ma,rch, Noble Lord, 
 
 Into our City with thy Banners fpred. 
 
 By decimation and a tythed death; 
 
 If thy Reuenges hunger for that Food 
 
 Which Nature loathes, take thou the deftin'd tenth, 
 
 And by the hazard of the fpotted dye. 
 
 Let dye the fpotted. 
 
 I All haue not offended : 
 For thofe that were, it is not fquare to take 
 On thofe that are, Reuenge : Crimes, like Lands 
 Are not inherited, then deere Countryman, 
 Bring in thy rankes, but leaue without thy rage, 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 225 
 
 Ifan. Set but your Foot againft our Gates, and they 
 Shall open lo you will enter like a friend. 
 
 Akib. Open the Gates without Capitulations, 
 For if I fet my battering Rams to work. 
 You muft expe<Sl no mercy. 
 
 Nic. We will my good Lord 
 
 [They all come down, Nic. prefent Alcibiades the Keys upon his Knees 
 Our lives and Fortunes now are in thy hands ; 
 But we fly to thy mercy for protedlion. 
 
 Akib. You merit as much mercy as you fhow'd 
 To Thrafibulus, fuch monftrous ingratitude 
 Will make your villainous names grow odious 
 To all the race of men, but to your felves 
 To whom vertue is fo. 
 
 Ph(E. 'Twas the whole Senates voice. 
 
 Akib. A Senate, a Den of Thieves ! I little thought 
 When I wrefted the Pow'r from the Rabble, 
 To give it you, you would be worfe than they; 
 But moft of you deferve the Oftracifm: 
 Some of you are fuch Rogues you'd fhame ithe Gibbet, 
 
 Nic. Good my Lord! tread on our necks, but pardon us. 
 
 Ph<B. Wee'l be your Slaves if you'l forgive us. 
 
 Akib. Can you forgive Thrafibulus when he's dead? 
 Muf* we be us'd thus after our frequent hazards, and our 
 Toils, hard weary marching! watching! fafting! 
 Such dreadful hardfhips, lying out fuch nights 
 A Beaft could not abide without a Covert, 
 And all for Purfy^lazy knaves, that fnort 
 In peace at home, and wallow in their bags? 
 Muft we the BuUwarks of our Country be 
 Thus us'd ? 
 
 PhiB. Ceafe to reproach us, my good Lord. 
 
 Mlius. We are full of fhame and guilt. 
 
 Clean. Pardon us, good Alcibiades. 
 
 Thraf. We heartily repent. 
 
 Ifid. Wee'l kifs thy feet, good Lord. 
 
 Ifan. Do with us what thou wilt. 
 
 16 
 
226 Timon of Athens 1 623 
 
 Spare thy Athenian Cradle, and thof e Kin 
 Which in the blufter of thy wrath muft fall 
 With thole that haue offended, like a Shepheard, 
 Approach the Fold, and cull th'infeded forth, 
 But kill not altogether. 
 
 2 What thou wilt. 
 Thou rather fhalt inforce it with thy fmile, 
 Then hew too't, with thy Sword. 
 
 1 Set but thy foot 
 
 Againft our rampyr'd gates, and they fhall ope: 
 So thou wilt fend thy gentle heart before. 
 To fay thou't enter Friendly. 
 
 2 Throw thy Gloue, 
 
 Or any Token of thine Honour elfe. 
 That thou wilt vfe the warres as thy redreffe. 
 And not as our Confufion: All thy Powers 
 Shall make their harbour in our Towne, till wee 
 Haue feal'd thy full defire. 
 
 Ale. Then there's my Gloue, 
 Defend and open your vncharged Ports, 
 Thofe Enemies of Timons, and mine owne 
 Whom you your felues fhall fet out for reproofe, 
 Fall and no more; and to attone your feares 
 With my more Noble meaning, not a man 
 Shall paffe his quarter, or offend the ftreame 
 Of Regular luftice in your Cities bounds. 
 But fhall be remedied to your publique Lawes 
 At heauieft anfwer. 
 
 Both. 'Tis moft Nobly fpoken. 
 
 Ale. Defcend, and keepe your words. 
 
 Enter a Mcffenger. 
 Mef. My Noble Generall, Timon is dead, 
 Entomb'd vp)on the very hemme o'th Sea, 
 And on his Graueftone, this Infculpture which 
 With wax I brought away: whofe foft Impreffion 
 Interprets for my poore ignorance. 
 
1 678 Timon of Athens 227 
 
 Alcib. You fix of the foremoft here muft meet me 
 In the Arve, where I'll order the relayes 
 
 To Affemble all the peopJe 
 
 And on your Knees prefent your felves 
 With Halters 'bout your necks ! 
 
 PhcB. Oh my good Lord ! 
 
 Alcib. Difpute it not, for by the Gods if you 
 Fail in this point, I'll hang ye all, 
 Rifle your Houfes, and extirpate all 
 
 Your race March on. 
 
 Give order that not a man fhall break his ranks. 
 
 Or fhall ofifend the regular courfe of Juftice, 
 
 On penalty of Death March on — [Ex. Omnes. 
 
 Enter Tiroon and Evandra coming out of the Cave. 
 
 Evam. Oh my dear Lord ! why do you ftoop and bend 
 Like Flowers ore'charg'd with dew, who's yielding ftalks 
 Cannot fupport 'em? I have a Cordial which 
 Will much revive thy Spirits. 
 
 Tim. No, fweet Evandra. 
 I have taken the beft Cordial, Death, which now 
 Kindly begins to work about my Vitals ; 
 I feel him, he comforts me at heart. 
 
 Evan. Oh my dear Timon! muft we then part? 
 That I fhould live to fee this fatal day! 
 Had death but feiz'd me firft, I had been happy. 
 
 Tim. My poor Evandra I lead me to my Grave ! 
 
 Left Death o'retake me he purfues me hard : 
 
 He's clofe upon me. 'Tis the laft office thou 
 Can'ft do for Timon. 
 
 Evam. Hard, ftubborn Heart, 
 Wilt thou not break yet? Death, why art thou coy 
 To me that court thee? 
 
 Tim. Lay me gently down 
 In my laft tenement. Death's the trueft Friend, 
 That will not flatter, but deals plainly with us. 
 
228 Timon of Athens 1 623 
 
 Alcibiades reades the Epitaph. 
 
 Heere lies a wretched Coarfe, of wretched Soule bereft. 
 
 Seek not my name: A Plague confume yon, wicked Caitifs left: 
 
 Heere lye I Timon, who aliue, all Kiting men did hate, 
 
 Patffe by, and curfe thy fill, but paffe and ftay not here thy gate. : 
 
 Thefe well expref fe in thee thy latter fpirits : 
 
 Though thou abhorrd'ft in vs our humane griefes, 
 
 Scomd'ft our Braines flow, and thofe our droplets, which 
 
 From niggard Nature fall ; yet Rich Conceit 
 
 Taught thee to make vaft Neptune weepe for aye 
 
 On thy low Graue, on faults forgiuen. Dead 
 
 Is Noble Timon, of whofe Memorie 
 
 Heereafter more. Bring me into your Citie, 
 
 And I will vfe the Oliue, with my Sword : 
 
 Make war breed peace ; make peace ftint war, make each 
 
 Prefcribe to other, as each others Leach. 
 
 Let our Drummes ftrike. Exeunt. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 22gi 
 
 So, now my weary Pilgrimage on Earth 
 Is almoft finifht! Now my beft Evandra 
 I charge thee, by our loves, our mutual loves. 
 Live! and live happy after me: and if 
 A thought of Timon comes into thy mind. 
 And brings a tear from thee, let fome diverfion 
 Banifh it quickly, ftrive to forget me. 
 
 Evan. Oh! Timon! Thinklt thou! I am fuch a Coward, 
 I will not keep my word? Death fhall not part us. 
 
 Tim. If thou'lt not proimife me to live, I cannot 
 Refign my life in peace, I will be with thee 
 After my Death; my foul fhall follow thee. 
 And hover ftill about thee, and guard thee from 
 All harm. 
 
 Evan. Life is the greateft harm when thou art dead. 
 
 Tim. Can'ft thou forgive thy Timon who involv'd 
 Thee in his fad Calamities? 
 
 Evan. It is a bleffing to fhare anything 
 With thee ! oh thou look'ft pale ! thy countenance changes ! 
 Oh whither art thou going? 
 
 Tim. To my laft home. I charge thee live, Evandra! 
 Thou lov'ft me not, if thou wilt not obey me; 
 Thou only ! deareft ! kind ! conftant thing on earth, 
 Farewel. [Dies. 
 
 Evan. He's gone ! he's gone ! would all the world were fo, 
 I muft make hafte, or I fhall not o're-take 
 Him in his flight. Timon, I come, ftay for me, 
 Farewel bafe World. [Stabs her felf. Dies. 
 
 Enter Alcibiades, Phrinias, and Thais, his Officers and Souldiers, and his 
 Train, the Senators. The People by degrees affembling. 
 
 Enter Meliffa. 
 
 Mel. My Alcibiades, welcome! doubly welcome! 
 The Joys of Love and Conqueft ever blefs thee. 
 Wonder and terrour of Mankind, and Joy 
 
230 
 
 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 231 
 
 Of Woman-kind: now thy Meliffa's happy: 
 
 She has liv'd to fee the utmoft day fhe wifht for, 
 
 Her Alcibades return with Conqueft 
 
 O're this ungrateful City; and but that 
 
 I every day heard thou wert marching hither, 
 
 I had been with thee long e're this. 
 
 Alcib. What gay, vain, prating thing is this? 
 
 Mel. How my Lord! do you queftion who Meliffa is? 
 And give her fuch foul Titles? 
 
 Alcib. I know Meliffa, and therefore give her fuch 
 Titles: for when the Senate banifht me: 
 She would not fee me, tho' upon her knees 
 Before fhe had fworn eternal love to me; 
 I fee thy fnares too plain to be caught now. 
 
 Mel. I ne'r refus'd to fee you, Heav'n can witnefs ! 
 Who ever told you fo, betray'd m€ bafely: 
 Not fee you ! fure there's not a fight on earth 
 I'd chufe before you: You make me aftonifh'd! 
 
 Alcib. All this you fwore to Tifivon; and next day 
 
 Defpif'd him I have been inform'd 
 
 Of all your falfehood, and I hate thee for't; 
 I have Whores, goodhoneft faithful Whores! 
 
 Good Antidotes againft thy poifon Love; 
 
 Thy bafe falfe love; and tell me, is not one 
 Kind, faithful, loving Whore, better than 
 A thoufand bafe, ill-natur'd honeft Women? 
 
 Mel. I never thought I fhould have liv'd to hear 
 This from my Alcibiades. 
 
 Alcib. Do not weep. 
 Since I once lik'd thee, I'll do fomething for /thee : 
 I have a Corporal that has ferv'd me well, 
 I will prefer you to him. 
 
 Mel. How have I merited this fcorn Farewel, 
 
 I'll never fee you more. [Exit. 
 
 Alcib. I hope you will not. 
 
232 Timon of Athens 1 623 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 233 
 
 Enter S.ouMiers with draiwn Swords, haling in Apemantus. 
 
 How now ! what means this violence? 
 
 I Sould. My Lord ! this fnarling Villainous Philofopher, 
 With open mouth rail'd at the Army; 
 He faid the General was a Villain: fhall we 
 Cut his throat? 
 
 Alcib. No ! touch him not ! unhand him ! 
 Why Apemantiis didft thou call me Villain? 
 
 Apem. I always fpeak my thoughts : not all 
 The Swords o'th' Army bent againft my throat 
 Can fright me from the truth 
 
 Alcib. Why, doft thou think I am one ? 
 
 Apem. 'Tis true, this bafe Town deferves thy fcourge, 
 And all the Terror and the punifhment. 
 Thou can'ft inflid upon it : the deed is good, 
 But yet thou doft it ill; private revenge, 
 Bafe paffion, headftrong luft, incite thee to it; 
 Had they not banifh'd thee, thou wou'dft have fuffer'd 
 Wrong ftill to profper, and th' infulting Tyrants 
 To thrive, fwell and grow fat with their oppreffion. 
 And wouldft have join'd in them. 
 
 Alcib. Thou rail'ft too much for a Philofopher. 
 
 Apem. Nay frown not, Lord, I fear thee not, nor love thee. 
 All thy good parts thou drown'ft in vice and riot, 
 In paffion, and vain-glory: how proud art thou 
 
 Of all thy Conquefts when a poor rabble 
 
 Of idle Rogues who elfe had been in Jails, 
 Perform'd 'em for thee; How falfe is Souldiers honour 
 With Drums and Trumpets, and in the face of day 
 With daring impudence Men go to murther 
 
 Mankind but in the greateft adions of their Lives 
 
 The getting men, they fneak and hide themfelves i'th' dark ; 
 I fcom your folly and your madnefs. 
 
 Alcib. Thou art a fnarling Cur. 
 
 I Sould. Shall I run him through ? 
 
 Alcib. Hold. 
 
234 Timon of Athens 1 623 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 235 
 
 Apem. I fear thee not. 
 
 Alcib. My ever honoured Socrates favour'd thee. 
 And for his fake I fpare thee. 
 
 Apem. How much did Socrates lofe his pains in thee! 
 Hadft thou obferv'd his principles, thou'd'ft been honeft. 
 
 Enter Nicias, Thrafillua, Phseax, Ifidore, Ifander, .^lius, and C\eon,with 
 Halters about their necks. 
 
 Nicias. We come my noble Lord at thy Command, 
 And thus we humbly kneel before thy mercy. 
 
 Ph<B. Spare our lives, and wee'l employ 'em in 
 Thy fervice, worthy Alcibiades. 
 
 Alcib. Do you acknowledge, you are ungrateful Knaves? 
 
 All. We do. 
 
 Alcib. And that you have ufed me bafely. 
 
 All. We have, but we are very forry. 
 
 Alcib. I fhould do well to hang you for the Death 
 Of my brave Officer; but thoufand fuch bafe lives 
 As yours would not weigh with his! go, ye have 
 Your liberty. And now the people are affembled, 
 
 I will declare my intentions towards them. [He afcends the Pulpit. 
 
 My Fellow Citizens ! I will not now upbraid 
 You for the unjuft fentence paft upon me, 
 In the return of which I have fubdu'd 
 Your Enemies and all revolted places. 
 Made you Vidorious both at Land and Sea, 
 And have with continual toil and numberlefs dangers 
 Stretcht out the bounds of your Dominions far 
 Above your hopes or expedtations. 
 I will not recount the many enterprifes. 
 No Grecian can be ignorant of. 'Tis enough 
 You know how I have ferv'd you. Now it remains 
 I farther fhou'd declare my felf; I come 
 Fir ft to free you good Citizens of Athens 
 From the moft infupportable yoaks 
 Of your four hundred Tyrants; and then next 
 
236 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 237 
 
 To claim my own Eftate which has unjuftly 
 
 By them been kept from me that rais'd them. 
 
 I do confefs, I in revenge of your decree 
 
 Againft me, fet up them, but never thought 
 
 They would have been fuch Curfed Tyrants to you, 
 
 Till now, they have gone on and fill'd the time 
 
 With moft licentious adts; making their wills, 
 
 Their bafe corrupted wills, the fcope of Juftice, 
 
 While you in vain groan'd under all your fuff'rings. 
 
 Thus when a few fhall Lord it o're the reft. 
 
 They govern for themfelves and not the People. 
 
 They rob and pill from them, from thence t' increafe 
 
 Their private ftores; but when the Government 
 
 Is in the Body of the People, they 
 
 Will do themfelves no harm; therefore henceforth 
 
 I do pronounce the Government fhall devolve upon the 
 
 People, and may Heav'n profper 'em. 
 
 People fhout and cry, Alcibiades l Aldbiades! Long live Alcibiades, 
 Liberty, Liberty, &-c. [Alcib. Defcends. 
 
 Enter Meffenger. 
 
 Mef. My noble Lord! I went as you commanded, 
 And found Lord Timon dead, and his Evandra 
 Stab'd, and juft by him' lying in his Tomb, 
 On which was this Infcription. 
 
 Alcib. I'll read it. 
 
 Here lies a vuretched Corfe, of wretched Soul bereft, 
 Timon my ncmie, a. Plague confume you Caitiffs left. 
 
 Poor Timon! I once knew thee the moft flourifhing man 
 
 Of all th' Athenians, and thou ftill hadft been fo. 
 
 Had not thefe fmiling, flattering Knaves devour'd thee. 
 
 And murder'd thee with bafe ingratitude. 
 
 His death pull'd on the poor Evandra's too; 
 
 That Miracle of Conftancy in Love. 
 
 Now all repair to their refpedive homes, 
 
 Their feveral Trades, their bus'nefs and diverfions ; 
 
238 Timon of Athens 1 623 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 239 
 
 And whilft I guard you from your adive Foes, 
 And fight your Battels, be you fecure at home. 
 
 May Athens flourifh with a laftmg Peace; 
 
 And may its wealth and power ever increafe. 
 
 All the People fhout and cry, Alcihiades! Alcibiadesl 
 Liberty, Liberty, &c. 
 
240 
 
 Timon of Athens 1623 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 241 
 
 Epilogue. 
 
 IF there were hopes that ancient foUd Wit 
 Might pleafe within our new fantaftick Pit; 
 This Play might then fupport the Criticks fhock, 
 This Scien grafted upon Shakefpears ftock; 
 For join'd with his our Poets part might thrive, 
 Kept by the vertue of his fop dive. 
 Though now no more fuhftantial Englifh Playes, 
 Tham, good old Hofpitality you praife; 
 The time fhall come when true old fence fhall rife 
 In Judgment over all your vanities. 
 Slight kickshmv Wit o'th' Stage, French meat at Feafts, 
 Now daily Tantalize the hungry Guefts; 
 While the old Englifh Chine us'd to remain. 
 And many hungry onfets would fuftain. 
 At thefe thin Feafts each Morfel's fwallow'd down. 
 And ei/ry thing but the Guefts ftomach's gone. 
 At thefe new fafhion'd Feafts you' have but a Taft, 
 With Meat or Wit you fcarce can break as Faft. 
 This Jantee flightnefs to the French we owe. 
 And that makes all flight Wits admire 'em fo. 
 They're of one Level, and with little pains \ 
 
 The Frothy Poet good reception gcdns; | 
 
 But to hear Englifh Wit there's ufe of brains. \ 
 Though Sparks to imitate the French think fit | 
 In zvant of Learning, Affeiiion, Wit, \ 
 
 And which is moft, in Cloaths, wee'l ne'r fubmit. \ 
 Their Ships or Plays o're ours fhall ne're advance, 
 For our Third Rates fhall match the Fir ft of France 
 With Englifh Judges this may bear the Teft, 
 Who will for Shakefpear's part forgive the reft. 
 The Sparks judge but as they hear others fay. 
 They cannot think enough to mind the Play. 
 It 
 
243 
 
 Timon of Athens 
 
 1623 
 
 FINIS. 
 
1678 Timon of Athens 243 
 
 They to catch Ladies {which they drefs at) come. 
 Or 'caufe they cannot read or think at home; 
 Each here deux yeux and am'rous looks imparts, 
 Levells Crevats and Perriwigs at Hearts; 
 Yet they them^ elites more than the Ladies mind. 
 And but for vanity wou'd have 'em kind. 
 
 No paffion 
 
 But for their own Dear perfons them can move, 
 Th' admire themf elves too much to be in Love. 
 Nor Wit, nor Beauty, their hard Hearts can ftrik'e. 
 Who only their own fence or perfons like. 
 But to the men of Wit our Poet flies. 
 To fave him) from Wits mortal Enemies. 
 Since for his Friends he has the beft of thofe. 
 Guarded by them he fears not little Foes. 
 And with each Miftrefs we muft favour find, \ 
 They for Evandra's fake will fure be kind; \ 
 At leaft all thofe to conftant Love inclin'd. \ 
 
 FINIS.