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Contents

Front Matter |
ACT 1 |
ACT 2 |
ACT 3 |
ACT 4 |
ACT 5 |

From the Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library

It is hard to imagine a world without Shakespeare. Since their composition four hundred years ago, Shakespeare’s plays and poems have traveled the globe, inviting those who see and read his works to make them their own.

Readers of the New Folger Editions are part of this ongoing process of “taking up Shakespeare,” finding our own thoughts and feelings in language that strikes us as old or unusual and, for that very reason, new. We still struggle to keep up with a writer who could think a mile a minute, whose words paint pictures that shift like clouds. These expertly edited texts are presented to the public as a resource for study, artistic adaptation, and enjoyment. By making the classic texts of the New Folger Editions available in electronic form as Folger Digital Texts, we place a trusted resource in the hands of anyone who wants them.

The New Folger Editions of Shakespeare’s plays, which are the basis for the texts realized here in digital form, are special because of their origin. The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is the single greatest documentary source of Shakespeare’s works. An unparalleled collection of early modern books, manuscripts, and artwork connected to Shakespeare, the Folger’s holdings have been consulted extensively in the preparation of these texts. The Editions also reflect the expertise gained through the regular performance of Shakespeare’s works in the Folger’s Elizabethan Theater.

I want to express my deep thanks to editors Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine for creating these indispensable editions of Shakespeare’s works, which incorporate the best of textual scholarship with a richness of commentary that is both inspired and engaging. Readers who want to know more about Shakespeare and his plays can follow the paths these distinguished scholars have tread by visiting the Folger either in-person or online, where a range of physical and digital resources exists to supplement the material in these texts. I commend to you these words, and hope that they inspire.

Michael Witmore
Director, Folger Shakespeare Library

Textual Introduction
By Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine

Until now, with the release of the Folger Digital Texts, readers in search of a free online text of Shakespeare’s plays had to be content primarily with using the Moby™ Text, which reproduces a late-nineteenth century version of the plays. What is the difference? Many ordinary readers assume that there is a single text for the plays: what Shakespeare wrote. But Shakespeare’s plays were not published the way modern novels or plays are published today: as a single, authoritative text. In some cases, the plays have come down to us in multiple published versions, represented by various Quartos (Qq) and by the great collection put together by his colleagues in 1623, called the First Folio (F). There are, for example, three very different versions of Hamlet, two of King Lear, Henry V, Romeo and Juliet, and others. Editors choose which version to use as their base text, and then amend that text with words, lines or speech prefixes from the other versions that, in their judgment, make for a better or more accurate text.

Other editorial decisions involve choices about whether an unfamiliar word could be understood in light of other writings of the period or whether it should be changed; decisions about words that made it into Shakespeare’s text by accident through four hundred years of printings and misprinting; and even decisions based on cultural preference and taste. When the Moby™ Text was created, for example, it was deemed “improper” and “indecent” for Miranda to chastise Caliban for having attempted to rape her. (See The Tempest, 1.2: “Abhorred slave,/Which any print of goodness wilt not take,/Being capable of all ill! I pitied thee…”). All Shakespeare editors at the time took the speech away from her and gave it to her father, Prospero.

The editors of the Moby™ Shakespeare produced their text long before scholars fully understood the proper grounds on which to make the thousands of decisions that Shakespeare editors face. The Folger Library Shakespeare Editions, on which the Folger Digital Texts depend, make this editorial process as nearly transparent as is possible, in contrast to older texts, like the Moby™, which hide editorial interventions. The reader of the Folger Shakespeare knows where the text has been altered because editorial interventions are signaled by square brackets (for example, from Othello: “If she in chains of magic were not bound,”), half-square brackets (for example, from Henry V: “With blood and sword and fire to win your right,”), or angle brackets (for example, from Hamlet: “O farewell, honest soldier. Who hath relieved/you?”). At any point in the text, you can hover your cursor over a bracket for more information.

Because the Folger Digital Texts are edited in accord with twenty-first century knowledge about Shakespeare’s texts, the Folger here provides them to readers, scholars, teachers, actors, directors, and students, free of charge, confident of their quality as texts of the plays and pleased to be able to make this contribution to the study and enjoyment of Shakespeare.

Synopsis

In Timon of Athens, Lord Timon discovers the limits of wealth and friendship. He spends freely on others and hosts banquets for many guests. Despite his servants’ warnings, he spends so excessively that his money runs out—and the philosopher Apemantus condemns his flatterers as insincere.

Soon Timon’s creditors begin to call in their loans. Timon expects help from his friends, but they all refuse him money. Furious, he invites them again to a banquet, but serves only water and stones before he dismisses them, cursing Athens. He exiles himself to a wilderness.

There the embittered Timon finds gold. He gives some to enemies of Athens and to prostitutes and bandits. When senators beg him to return to Athens as a military leader to save the city from his banished friend Alcibiades, he refuses and retreats to a cave to die. Alcibiades defeats Athens but promises to protect the city and its citizens. Learning of the despairing inscription on Timon’s tombstone, he repeats his offer of bringing peace to the city.

Characters in the Play
Timon, a noble Athenian
Flavius, his steward
Lucilius
Flaminius
Servilius
servants of Timon
Other Servants of Timon
Apemantus, a Cynic philosopher
Alcibiades, an Athenian Captain
Phrynia
Timandra
his concubines
Soldier of Alcibiades
Senators and Lords of Athens
Lucius
Lucullus
Sempronius
Ventidius
friends of Timon
Other Friends of Timon
Caphis, servant to a Senator
Isidore’s Man
Varro’s two Men
Titus
Lucius’ Man
Hortensius
Philotus
servants of Timon’s creditors
A Poet
A Painter
A Jeweler
A Merchant
An Old Athenian
Fool
Page
Three Strangers, one called Hostilius
Banditti, theives
“Cupid” and other Maskers (as Amazons)
Soldiers, Servants, Messengers, Attendants, Musicians

ACT 1
Scene 1
Enter Poet, Painter, Jeweler, and Merchant, at several
doors.
POET FTLN 0001 Good day, sir.
PAINTER FTLN 0002 I am glad you’re well.
POET
FTLN 0003 I have not seen you long. How goes the world?
PAINTER
FTLN 0004 It wears, sir, as it grows.
POET FTLN 0005 5 Ay, that’s well known.
FTLN 0006 But what particular rarity, what strange,
FTLN 0007 Which manifold record not matches? See,
FTLN 0008 Magic of bounty, all these spirits thy power
FTLN 0009 Hath conjured to attend. I know the merchant.
PAINTER FTLN 0010 10 I know them both. Th’ other’s a jeweler.
MERCHANT , to Jeweler
FTLN 0011 O, ’tis a worthy lord!
JEWELER FTLN 0012 Nay, that’s most fixed.
MERCHANT
FTLN 0013 A most incomparable man, breathed, as it were,
FTLN 0014 To an untirable and continuate goodness.
FTLN 0015 15 He passes.
JEWELER FTLN 0016 I have a jewel here—
MERCHANT
FTLN 0017 O, pray, let’s see ’t. For the Lord Timon, sir?
7

9
Timon of Athens
ACT 1. SC. 1
JEWELER
FTLN 0018 If he will touch the estimate. But for that—
POET , to Painter
FTLN 0019 When we for recompense have praised the vile,
FTLN 0020 20 It stains the glory in that happy verse
FTLN 0021 Which aptly sings the good.
MERCHANT , looking at the jewel
FTLN 0022 ’Tis a good form.
JEWELER FTLN 0023 And rich. Here is a water, look ye.
PAINTER , to Poet
FTLN 0024 You are rapt, sir, in some work, some dedication
FTLN 0025 25 To the great lord.
POET FTLN 0026 A thing slipped idly from me.
FTLN 0027 Our poesy is as a gum which oozes
FTLN 0028 From whence ’tis nourished. The fire i’ th’ flint
FTLN 0029 Shows not till it be struck; our gentle flame
FTLN 0030 30 Provokes itself and, like the current, flies
FTLN 0031 Each bound it chases. What have you there?
PAINTER
FTLN 0032 A picture, sir. When comes your book forth?
POET
FTLN 0033 Upon the heels of my presentment, sir.
FTLN 0034 Let’s see your piece.
PAINTER FTLN 0035 35’Tis a good piece.
POET
FTLN 0036 So ’tis. This comes off well and excellent.
PAINTER
FTLN 0037 Indifferent.
POET FTLN 0038 Admirable! How this grace
FTLN 0039 Speaks his own standing! What a mental power
FTLN 0040 40 This eye shoots forth! How big imagination
FTLN 0041 Moves in this lip! To th’ dumbness of the gesture
FTLN 0042 One might interpret.
PAINTER
FTLN 0043 It is a pretty mocking of the life.
FTLN 0044 Here is a touch. Is ’t good?

11
Timon of Athens
ACT 1. SC. 1
POET FTLN 0045 45 I will say of it,
FTLN 0046 It tutors nature. Artificial strife
FTLN 0047 Lives in these touches livelier than life.
Enter certain Senators.
PAINTER FTLN 0048 How this lord is followed.
POET
FTLN 0049 The senators of Athens, happy men.
PAINTER FTLN 0050 50 Look, more.
POET
FTLN 0051 You see this confluence, this great flood of visitors.
FTLN 0052 (Indicating his poem.) I have in this rough work
FTLN 0053 shaped out a man
FTLN 0054 Whom this beneath world doth embrace and hug
FTLN 0055 55 With amplest entertainment. My free drift
FTLN 0056 Halts not particularly but moves itself
FTLN 0057 In a wide sea of wax. No leveled malice
FTLN 0058 Infects one comma in the course I hold,
FTLN 0059 But flies an eagle flight, bold and forth on,
FTLN 0060 60 Leaving no tract behind.
PAINTER FTLN 0061 How shall I understand you?
POET FTLN 0062 I will unbolt to you.
FTLN 0063 You see how all conditions, how all minds,
FTLN 0064 As well of glib and slipp’ry creatures as
FTLN 0065 65 Of grave and austere quality, tender down
FTLN 0066 Their services to Lord Timon. His large fortune,
FTLN 0067 Upon his good and gracious nature hanging,
FTLN 0068 Subdues and properties to his love and tendance
FTLN 0069 All sorts of hearts—yea, from the glass-faced flatterer
FTLN 0070 70 To Apemantus, that few things loves better
FTLN 0071 Than to abhor himself; even he drops down
FTLN 0072 The knee before him and returns in peace
FTLN 0073 Most rich in Timon’s nod.
PAINTER FTLN 0074 I saw them speak together.
POET
FTLN 0075 75 Sir, I have upon a high and pleasant hill

13
Timon of Athens
ACT 1. SC. 1
FTLN 0076 Feigned Fortune to be throned. The base o’ th’ mount
FTLN 0077 Is ranked with all deserts, all kind of natures
FTLN 0078 That labor on the bosom of this sphere
FTLN 0079 To propagate their states. Amongst them all
FTLN 0080 80 Whose eyes are on this sovereign lady fixed,
FTLN 0081 One do I personate of Lord Timon’s frame,
FTLN 0082 Whom Fortune with her ivory hand wafts to her,
FTLN 0083 Whose present grace to present slaves and servants
FTLN 0084 Translates his rivals.
PAINTER FTLN 0085 85 ’Tis conceived to scope.
FTLN 0086 This throne, this Fortune, and this hill, methinks,
FTLN 0087 With one man beckoned from the rest below,
FTLN 0088 Bowing his head against the steepy mount
FTLN 0089 To climb his happiness, would be well expressed
FTLN 0090 90 In our condition.
POET FTLN 0091 Nay, sir, but hear me on.
FTLN 0092 All those which were his fellows but of late,
FTLN 0093 Some better than his value, on the moment
FTLN 0094 Follow his strides, his lobbies fill with tendance,
FTLN 0095 95 Rain sacrificial whisperings in his ear,
FTLN 0096 Make sacred even his stirrup, and through him
FTLN 0097 Drink the free air.
PAINTER FTLN 0098 Ay, marry, what of these?
POET
FTLN 0099 When Fortune in her shift and change of mood
FTLN 0100 100 Spurns down her late beloved, all his dependants,
FTLN 0101 Which labored after him to the mountain’s top
FTLN 0102 Even on their knees and hands, let him slip down,
FTLN 0103 Not one accompanying his declining foot.
PAINTER FTLN 0104’Tis common.
FTLN 0105 105 A thousand moral paintings I can show
FTLN 0106 That shall demonstrate these quick blows of
FTLN 0107 Fortune’s
FTLN 0108 More pregnantly than words. Yet you do well
FTLN 0109 To show Lord Timon that mean eyes have seen
FTLN 0110 110 The foot above the head.

15
Timon of Athens
ACT 1. SC. 1
Trumpets sound. Enter Lord Timon, addressing himself
courteously to every suitor. He is accompanied by a
Messenger and followed by Lucilius and other
Servants.
TIMON FTLN 0111 Imprisoned is he, say you?
MESSENGER
FTLN 0112 Ay, my good lord. Five talents is his debt,
FTLN 0113 His means most short, his creditors most strait.
FTLN 0114 Your honorable letter he desires
FTLN 0115 115 To those have shut him up, which failing
FTLN 0116 Periods his comfort.
TIMON FTLN 0117 Noble Ventidius. Well,
FTLN 0118 I am not of that feather to shake off
FTLN 0119 My friend when he must need me. I do know him
FTLN 0120 120 A gentleman that well deserves a help,
FTLN 0121 Which he shall have. I’ll pay the debt and free him.
MESSENGER FTLN 0122 Your Lordship ever binds him.
TIMON
FTLN 0123 Commend me to him. I will send his ransom;
FTLN 0124 And, being enfranchised, bid him come to me.
FTLN 0125 125 ’Tis not enough to help the feeble up,
FTLN 0126 But to support him after. Fare you well.
MESSENGER FTLN 0127 All happiness to your Honor. He exits.
Enter an old Athenian.
OLD MAN
FTLN 0128 Lord Timon, hear me speak.
TIMON FTLN 0129 Freely, good father.
OLD MAN
FTLN 0130 130 Thou hast a servant named Lucilius.
TIMON FTLN 0131 I have so. What of him?
OLD MAN
FTLN 0132 Most noble Timon, call the man before thee.
TIMON
FTLN 0133 Attends he here or no?—Lucilius!

17
Timon of Athens
ACT 1. SC. 1
LUCILIUS FTLN 0134 Here, at your Lordship’s service.
OLD MAN
FTLN 0135 135 This fellow here, Lord Timon, this thy creature,
FTLN 0136 By night frequents my house. I am a man
FTLN 0137 That from my first have been inclined to thrift,
FTLN 0138 And my estate deserves an heir more raised
FTLN 0139 Than one which holds a trencher.
TIMON FTLN 0140 140 Well. What further?
OLD MAN
FTLN 0141 One only daughter have I, no kin else
FTLN 0142 On whom I may confer what I have got.
FTLN 0143 The maid is fair, o’ th’ youngest for a bride,
FTLN 0144 And I have bred her at my dearest cost
FTLN 0145 145 In qualities of the best. This man of thine
FTLN 0146 Attempts her love. I prithee, noble lord,
FTLN 0147 Join with me to forbid him her resort.
FTLN 0148 Myself have spoke in vain.
TIMON FTLN 0149 The man is honest.
OLD MAN FTLN 0150 150 Therefore he will be, Timon.
FTLN 0151 His honesty rewards him in itself;
FTLN 0152 It must not bear my daughter.
TIMON FTLN 0153 Does she love him?
OLD MAN FTLN 0154 She is young and apt.
FTLN 0155 155 Our own precedent passions do instruct us
FTLN 0156 What levity’s in youth.
TIMON , to Lucilius FTLN 0157 Love you the maid?
LUCILIUS
FTLN 0158 Ay, my good lord, and she accepts of it.
OLD MAN
FTLN 0159 If in her marriage my consent be missing—
FTLN 0160 160 I call the gods to witness—I will choose
FTLN 0161 Mine heir from forth the beggars of the world
FTLN 0162 And dispossess her all.
TIMON FTLN 0163 How shall she be endowed
FTLN 0164 If she be mated with an equal husband?

19
Timon of Athens
ACT 1. SC. 1
OLD MAN
FTLN 0165 165 Three talents on the present; in future, all.
TIMON
FTLN 0166 This gentleman of mine hath served me long.
FTLN 0167 To build his fortune, I will strain a little,
FTLN 0168 For ’tis a bond in men. Give him thy daughter.
FTLN 0169 What you bestow, in him I’ll counterpoise,
FTLN 0170 170 And make him weigh with her.
OLD MAN FTLN 0171 Most noble lord,
FTLN 0172 Pawn me to this your honor, she is his.
TIMON
FTLN 0173 My hand to thee; mine honor on my promise.
LUCILIUS
FTLN 0174 Humbly I thank your Lordship. Never may
FTLN 0175 175 That state or fortune fall into my keeping
FTLN 0176 Which is not owed to you.
He exits with the old Athenian.
POET , presenting his poem to Timon
FTLN 0177 Vouchsafe my labor, and long live your Lordship.
TIMON
FTLN 0178 I thank you. You shall hear from me anon.
FTLN 0179 Go not away.—What have you there, my friend?
PAINTER
FTLN 0180 180 A piece of painting which I do beseech
FTLN 0181 Your Lordship to accept.
TIMON FTLN 0182 Painting is welcome.
FTLN 0183 The painting is almost the natural man,
FTLN 0184 For, since dishonor traffics with man’s nature,
FTLN 0185 185 He is but outside; these penciled figures are
FTLN 0186 Even such as they give out. I like your work,
FTLN 0187 And you shall find I like it. Wait attendance
FTLN 0188 Till you hear further from me.
PAINTER FTLN 0189 The gods preserve you.
TIMON
FTLN 0190 190 Well fare you, gentleman. Give me your hand.

21
Timon of Athens
ACT 1. SC. 1
FTLN 0191 We must needs dine together.—Sir, your jewel
FTLN 0192 Hath suffered under praise.
JEWELER FTLN 0193 What, my lord? Dispraise?
TIMON
FTLN 0194 A mere satiety of commendations.
FTLN 0195 195 If I should pay you for ’t as ’tis extolled,
FTLN 0196 It would unclew me quite.
JEWELER FTLN 0197 My lord, ’tis rated
FTLN 0198 As those which sell would give. But you well know
FTLN 0199 Things of like value, differing in the owners,
FTLN 0200 200 Are prizèd by their masters. Believe ’t, dear lord,
FTLN 0201 You mend the jewel by the wearing it.
TIMON FTLN 0202 Well mocked.
MERCHANT
FTLN 0203 No, my good lord. He speaks the common tongue,
FTLN 0204 Which all men speak with him.
Enter Apemantus.
TIMON FTLN 0205 205 Look who comes here. Will you be chid?
JEWELER FTLN 0206 We’ll bear, with your Lordship.
MERCHANT FTLN 0207 He’ll spare none.
TIMON
FTLN 0208 Good morrow to thee, gentle Apemantus.
APEMANTUS
FTLN 0209 Till I be gentle, stay thou for thy good morrow—
FTLN 0210 210 When thou art Timon’s dog, and these knaves honest.
TIMON
FTLN 0211 Why dost thou call them knaves? Thou know’st
FTLN 0212 them not.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0213 Are they not Athenians?
TIMON FTLN 0214 Yes.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0215 215 Then I repent not.
JEWELER FTLN 0216 You know me, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS FTLN 0217 Thou know’st I do. I called thee by thy
FTLN 0218 name.
TIMON FTLN 0219 Thou art proud, Apemantus.

23
Timon of Athens
ACT 1. SC. 1
APEMANTUS FTLN 0220 220 Of nothing so much as that I am not like
FTLN 0221 Timon.
TIMON FTLN 0222 Whither art going?
APEMANTUS FTLN 0223 To knock out an honest Athenian’s brains.
TIMON FTLN 0224 That’s a deed thou ’lt die for.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0225 225 Right, if doing nothing be death by th’ law.
TIMON FTLN 0226 How lik’st thou this picture, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS FTLN 0227 The best, for the innocence.
TIMON FTLN 0228 Wrought he not well that painted it?
APEMANTUS FTLN 0229 He wrought better that made the painter,
FTLN 0230 230 and yet he’s but a filthy piece of work.
PAINTER FTLN 0231 You’re a dog.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0232 Thy mother’s of my generation. What’s
FTLN 0233 she, if I be a dog?
TIMON FTLN 0234 Wilt dine with me, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS FTLN 0235 235 No. I eat not lords.
TIMON FTLN 0236 An thou shouldst, thou ’dst anger ladies.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0237 O, they eat lords. So they come by great
FTLN 0238 bellies.
TIMON FTLN 0239 That’s a lascivious apprehension.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0240 240 So thou apprehend’st it. Take it for thy
FTLN 0241 labor.
TIMON FTLN 0242 How dost thou like this jewel, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS FTLN 0243 Not so well as plain-dealing, which will
FTLN 0244 not cost a man a doit.
TIMON FTLN 0245 245 What dost thou think ’tis worth?
APEMANTUS FTLN 0246 Not worth my thinking.—How now, poet?
POET FTLN 0247 How now, philosopher?
APEMANTUS FTLN 0248 Thou liest.
POET FTLN 0249 Art not one?
APEMANTUS FTLN 0250 250 Yes.
POET FTLN 0251 Then I lie not.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0252 Art not a poet?
POET FTLN 0253 Yes.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0254 Then thou liest. Look in thy last work,
FTLN 0255 255 where thou hast feigned him a worthy fellow.

25
Timon of Athens
ACT 1. SC. 1
POET FTLN 0256 That’s not feigned. He is so.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0257 Yes, he is worthy of thee, and to pay thee
FTLN 0258 for thy labor. He that loves to be flattered is worthy
FTLN 0259 o’ th’ flatterer. Heavens, that I were a lord!
TIMON FTLN 0260 260 What wouldst do then, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS FTLN 0261 E’en as Apemantus does now—hate a lord
FTLN 0262 with my heart.
TIMON FTLN 0263 What? Thyself?
APEMANTUS FTLN 0264 Ay.
TIMON FTLN 0265 265 Wherefore?
APEMANTUS FTLN 0266 That I had no angry wit to be a lord.—Art
FTLN 0267 not thou a merchant?
MERCHANT FTLN 0268 Ay, Apemantus.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0269 Traffic confound thee, if the gods will not.
MERCHANT FTLN 0270 270 If traffic do it, the gods do it.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0271 Traffic’s thy god, and thy god confound
FTLN 0272 thee!
Trumpet sounds. Enter a Messenger.
TIMON FTLN 0273 What trumpet’s that?
MESSENGER
FTLN 0274 ’Tis Alcibiades and some twenty horse,
FTLN 0275 275 All of companionship.
TIMON
FTLN 0276 Pray, entertain them. Give them guide to us.
Some Servants exit with Messenger.
FTLN 0277 You must needs dine with me. Go not you hence
FTLN 0278 Till I have thanked you.—When dinner’s done
FTLN 0279 Show me this piece.—I am joyful of your sights.
Enter Alcibiades with the rest.
FTLN 0280 280 Most welcome, sir. They bow to each other.
APEMANTUS , apart FTLN 0281 So, so, there!
FTLN 0282 Aches contract and starve your supple joints!
FTLN 0283 That there should be small love amongst these sweet
FTLN 0284 knaves,

27
Timon of Athens
ACT 1. SC. 1
FTLN 0285 285 And all this courtesy! The strain of man’s bred out
FTLN 0286 Into baboon and monkey.
ALCIBIADES , to Timon
FTLN 0287 Sir, you have saved my longing, and I feed
FTLN 0288 Most hungerly on your sight.
TIMON FTLN 0289 Right welcome, sir.
FTLN 0290 290 Ere we depart, we’ll share a bounteous time
FTLN 0291 In different pleasures. Pray you, let us in.
All but Apemantus exit.
Enter two Lords.
FIRST LORD FTLN 0292 What time o’ day is ’t, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS FTLN 0293 Time to be honest.
FIRST LORD FTLN 0294 That time serves still.
APEMANTUS
FTLN 0295 295 The most accursèd thou, that still omit’st it.
SECOND LORD FTLN 0296 Thou art going to Lord Timon’s feast?
APEMANTUS
FTLN 0297 Ay, to see meat fill knaves, and wine heat fools.
SECOND LORD FTLN 0298 Fare thee well, fare thee well.
APEMANTUS
FTLN 0299 Thou art a fool to bid me farewell twice.
SECOND LORD FTLN 0300 300 Why, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS
FTLN 0301 Shouldst have kept one to thyself, for I mean to give
FTLN 0302 thee none.
FIRST LORD FTLN 0303 Hang thyself.
APEMANTUS
FTLN 0304 No, I will do nothing at thy bidding.
FTLN 0305 305 Make thy requests to thy friend.
SECOND LORD
FTLN 0306 Away, unpeaceable dog, or I’ll spurn thee hence.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0307 I will fly, like a dog, the heels o’ th’ ass.
He exits.
FIRST LORD
FTLN 0308 He’s opposite to humanity. Come, shall we in

29
Timon of Athens
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0309 And taste Lord Timon’s bounty? He outgoes
FTLN 0310 310 The very heart of kindness.
SECOND LORD
FTLN 0311 He pours it out. Plutus, the god of gold,
FTLN 0312 Is but his steward. No meed but he repays
FTLN 0313 Sevenfold above itself. No gift to him
FTLN 0314 But breeds the giver a return exceeding
FTLN 0315 315 All use of quittance.
FIRST LORD FTLN 0316 The noblest mind he carries
FTLN 0317 That ever governed man.
SECOND LORD
FTLN 0318 Long may he live in fortunes. Shall we in?
FTLN 0319 I’ll keep you company.
They exit.
Scene 2
Hautboys playing loud music. A great banquet served
in, and then enter Lord Timon, the States, the Athenian
Lords (including Lucius), Alcibiades, and Ventidius
(which Timon redeemed from prison). Flavius and others
are in attendance. Then comes dropping after all
Apemantus discontentedly like himself.
VENTIDIUS FTLN 0320 Most honored Timon,
FTLN 0321 It hath pleased the gods to remember my father’s age
FTLN 0322 And call him to long peace.
FTLN 0323 He is gone happy and has left me rich.
FTLN 0324 5 Then, as in grateful virtue I am bound
FTLN 0325 To your free heart, I do return those talents,
FTLN 0326 Doubled with thanks and service, from whose help
FTLN 0327 I derived liberty. He offers a purse.
TIMON FTLN 0328 O, by no means,
FTLN 0329 10 Honest Ventidius. You mistake my love.
FTLN 0330 I gave it freely ever, and there’s none
FTLN 0331 Can truly say he gives if he receives.

31
Timon of Athens
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0332 If our betters play at that game, we must not dare
FTLN 0333 To imitate them. Faults that are rich are fair.
VENTIDIUS FTLN 0334 15 A noble spirit!
TIMON
FTLN 0335 Nay, my lords, ceremony was but devised at first
FTLN 0336 To set a gloss on faint deeds, hollow welcomes,
FTLN 0337 Recanting goodness, sorry ere ’tis shown;
FTLN 0338 But where there is true friendship, there needs none.
FTLN 0339 20 Pray, sit. More welcome are you to my fortunes
FTLN 0340 Than my fortunes to me. They sit.
FIRST LORD FTLN 0341 My lord, we always have confessed it.
APEMANTUS
FTLN 0342 Ho, ho, “confessed it”? Hanged it, have you not?
TIMON FTLN 0343 O Apemantus, you are welcome.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0344 25 No, you shall not make me welcome.
FTLN 0345 I come to have thee thrust me out of doors.
TIMON
FTLN 0346 Fie, thou ’rt a churl. You’ve got a humor there
FTLN 0347 Does not become a man. ’Tis much to blame.—
FTLN 0348 They say, my lords, Ira furor brevis est, but yond
FTLN 0349 30 man is ever angry. Go, let him have a table by
FTLN 0350 himself, for he does neither affect company, nor is
FTLN 0351 he fit for ’t indeed.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0352 Let me stay at thine apperil, Timon. I
FTLN 0353 come to observe; I give thee warning on ’t.
TIMON FTLN 0354 35 I take no heed of thee. Thou ’rt an Athenian,
FTLN 0355 therefore welcome. I myself would have no power;
FTLN 0356 prithee, let my meat make thee silent.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0357 I scorn thy meat. ’Twould choke me, for I
FTLN 0358 should ne’er flatter thee. (Apart.) O you gods,
FTLN 0359 40 what a number of men eats Timon, and he sees ’em
FTLN 0360 not! It grieves me to see so many dip their meat in
FTLN 0361 one man’s blood; and all the madness is, he cheers
FTLN 0362 them up too.
FTLN 0363 I wonder men dare trust themselves with men.
FTLN 0364 45 Methinks they should invite them without knives.

33
Timon of Athens
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0365 Good for their meat, and safer for their lives.
FTLN 0366 There’s much example for ’t. The fellow that sits
FTLN 0367 next him, now parts bread with him, pledges the
FTLN 0368 breath of him in a divided draft, is the readiest
FTLN 0369 50 man to kill him. ’T ’as been proved. If I were a huge
FTLN 0370 man, I should fear to drink at meals,
FTLN 0371 Lest they should spy my wind-pipe’s dangerous
FTLN 0372 notes.
FTLN 0373 Great men should drink with harness on their
FTLN 0374 55 throats.
TIMON , responding to a toast
FTLN 0375 My lord, in heart! And let the health go round.
SECOND LORD FTLN 0376 Let it flow this way, my good lord.
APEMANTUS , apart FTLN 0377“Flow this way”? A brave fellow.
FTLN 0378 He keeps his tides well. Those healths will make
FTLN 0379 60 thee and thy state look ill, Timon.
FTLN 0380 Here’s that which is too weak to be a sinner,
FTLN 0381 Honest water, which ne’er left man i’ th’ mire.
FTLN 0382 This and my food are equals. There’s no odds.
FTLN 0383 Feasts are too proud to give thanks to the gods.
Apemantus’ grace.
FTLN 0384 65 Immortal gods, I crave no pelf.
FTLN 0385 I pray for no man but myself.
FTLN 0386 Grant I may never prove so fond
FTLN 0387 To trust man on his oath or bond,
FTLN 0388 Or a harlot for her weeping,
FTLN 0389 70 Or a dog that seems a-sleeping,
FTLN 0390 Or a keeper with my freedom,
FTLN 0391 Or my friends if I should need ’em.
FTLN 0392 Amen. So fall to ’t.
FTLN 0393 Rich men sin, and I eat root.
He eats and drinks.
FTLN 0394 75 Much good dich thy good heart, Apemantus!
TIMON FTLN 0395 Captain Alcibiades, your heart’s in the field now.
ALCIBIADES FTLN 0396 My heart is ever at your service, my lord.

35
Timon of Athens
ACT 1. SC. 2
TIMON FTLN 0397 You had rather be at a breakfast of enemies
FTLN 0398 than a dinner of friends.
ALCIBIADES FTLN 0399 80 So they were bleeding new, my lord,
FTLN 0400 there’s no meat like ’em. I could wish my best
FTLN 0401 friend at such a feast.
APEMANTUS , apart FTLN 0402 Would all those flatterers were
FTLN 0403 thine enemies, then, that then thou mightst kill
FTLN 0404 85 ’em and bid me to ’em.
FIRST LORD FTLN 0405 Might we but have that happiness, my
FTLN 0406 lord, that you would once use our hearts, whereby
FTLN 0407 we might express some part of our zeals, we
FTLN 0408 should think ourselves forever perfect.
TIMON FTLN 0409 90 O, no doubt, my good friends, but the gods
FTLN 0410 themselves have provided that I shall have much
FTLN 0411 help from you. How had you been my friends else?
FTLN 0412 Why have you that charitable title from thousands,
FTLN 0413 did not you chiefly belong to my heart? I have told
FTLN 0414 95 more of you to myself than you can with modesty
FTLN 0415 speak in your own behalf. And thus far I confirm
FTLN 0416 you. O you gods, think I, what need we have any
FTLN 0417 friends if we should ne’er have need of ’em? They
FTLN 0418 were the most needless creatures living, should we
FTLN 0419 100 ne’er have use for ’em, and would most resemble
FTLN 0420 sweet instruments hung up in cases, that keeps
FTLN 0421 their sounds to themselves. Why, I have often
FTLN 0422 wished myself poorer that I might come nearer to
FTLN 0423 you. We are born to do benefits. And what better or
FTLN 0424 105 properer can we call our own than the riches of
FTLN 0425 our friends? O, what a precious comfort ’tis to
FTLN 0426 have so many, like brothers, commanding one
FTLN 0427 another’s fortunes. O, joy’s e’en made away ere ’t
FTLN 0428 can be born! Mine eyes cannot hold out water,
FTLN 0429 110 methinks. To forget their faults, I drink to you.
APEMANTUS , apart FTLN 0430 Thou weep’st to make them drink,
FTLN 0431 Timon.

37
Timon of Athens
ACT 1. SC. 2
SECOND LORD
FTLN 0432 Joy had the like conception in our eyes
FTLN 0433 And, at that instant, like a babe sprung up.
APEMANTUS , apart
FTLN 0434 115 Ho, ho! I laugh to think that babe a bastard.
THIRD LORD
FTLN 0435 I promise you, my lord, you moved me much.
APEMANTUS , apart FTLN 0436 Much! Sound tucket.
TIMON FTLN 0437 What means that trump?
Enter Servant.
FTLN 0438 How now?
SERVANT FTLN 0439 120 Please you, my lord, there are certain ladies
FTLN 0440 most desirous of admittance.
TIMON FTLN 0441 Ladies? What are their wills?
SERVANT FTLN 0442 There comes with them a forerunner, my lord,
FTLN 0443 which bears that office to signify their pleasures.
TIMON FTLN 0444 125 I pray, let them be admitted. Servant exits.
Enter “Cupid.”
CUPID
FTLN 0445 Hail to thee, worthy Timon, and to all
FTLN 0446 That of his bounties taste! The five best senses
FTLN 0447 Acknowledge thee their patron, and come freely
FTLN 0448 To gratulate thy plenteous bosom. There
FTLN 0449 130 Taste, touch, all, pleased from thy table rise;
FTLN 0450 They only now come but to feast thine eyes.
TIMON
FTLN 0451 They’re welcome all. Let ’em have kind admittance.
FTLN 0452 Music, make their welcome!
LUCIUS
FTLN 0453 You see, my lord, how ample you’re beloved.
Music. Enter the masque of Ladies as Amazons,
with lutes in their hands, dancing and playing.
APEMANTUS , apart FTLN 0454 135 Hoy-day!

39
Timon of Athens
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0455 What a sweep of vanity comes this way.
FTLN 0456 They dance? They are madwomen.
FTLN 0457 Like madness is the glory of this life
FTLN 0458 As this pomp shows to a little oil and root.
FTLN 0459 140 We make ourselves fools to disport ourselves
FTLN 0460 And spend our flatteries to drink those men
FTLN 0461 Upon whose age we void it up again
FTLN 0462 With poisonous spite and envy.
FTLN 0463 Who lives that’s not depravèd or depraves?
FTLN 0464 145 Who dies that bears not one spurn to their graves
FTLN 0465 Of their friends’ gift?
FTLN 0466 I should fear those that dance before me now
FTLN 0467 Would one day stamp upon me. ’T ’as been done.
FTLN 0468 Men shut their doors against a setting sun.
The Lords rise from table, with much adoring of Timon,
and to show their loves each single out an Amazon, and
all dance, men with women, a lofty strain or two to the
hautboys, and cease.
TIMON
FTLN 0469 150 You have done our pleasures much grace, fair ladies,
FTLN 0470 Set a fair fashion on our entertainment,
FTLN 0471 Which was not half so beautiful and kind.
FTLN 0472 You have added worth unto ’t and luster,
FTLN 0473 And entertained me with mine own device.
FTLN 0474 155 I am to thank you for ’t.
FIRST LADY
FTLN 0475 My lord, you take us even at the best.
APEMANTUS , apart FTLN 0476 Faith, for the worst is filthy and
FTLN 0477 would not hold taking, I doubt me.
TIMON
FTLN 0478 Ladies, there is an idle banquet attends you.
FTLN 0479 160 Please you to dispose yourselves.
ALL LADIES FTLN 0480 Most thankfully, my lord.
Cupid and Ladies exit.
TIMON FTLN 0481 Flavius.

41
Timon of Athens
ACT 1. SC. 2
FLAVIUS
FTLN 0482 My lord?
TIMON FTLN 0483 The little casket bring me hither.
FLAVIUS FTLN 0484 165 Yes, my lord. (Aside.) More jewels yet?
FTLN 0485 There is no crossing him in ’s humor;
FTLN 0486 Else I should tell him well, i’ faith I should.
FTLN 0487 When all’s spent, he’d be crossed then, an he could.
FTLN 0488 ’Tis pity bounty had not eyes behind,
FTLN 0489 170 That man might ne’er be wretched for his mind.
He exits.
FIRST LORD FTLN 0490 Where be our men?
SERVANT FTLN 0491 Here, my lord, in readiness.
SECOND LORD
FTLN 0492 Our horses.
Enter Flavius, with the casket.
TIMON FTLN 0493 O my friends, I have one word
FTLN 0494 175 To say to you. Look you, my good lord,
FTLN 0495 I must entreat you, honor me so much
FTLN 0496 As to advance this jewel. Accept it and wear it,
FTLN 0497 Kind my lord.
FIRST LORD
FTLN 0498 I am so far already in your gifts—
ALL FTLN 0499 180 So are we all.
Enter a Servant.
SERVANT
FTLN 0500 My lord, there are certain nobles of the Senate
FTLN 0501 Newly alighted and come to visit you.
TIMON
FTLN 0502 They are fairly welcome. Servant exits.
FLAVIUS FTLN 0503 I beseech your Honor,
FTLN 0504 185 Vouchsafe me a word. It does concern you near.
TIMON
FTLN 0505 Near? Why, then, another time I’ll hear thee.

43
Timon of Athens
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0506 I prithee, let’s be provided to show them
FTLN 0507 entertainment.
FLAVIUS , aside FTLN 0508 I scarce know how.
Enter another Servant.
SECOND SERVANT
FTLN 0509 190 May it please your Honor, Lord Lucius,
FTLN 0510 Out of his free love, hath presented to you
FTLN 0511 Four milk-white horses trapped in silver.
TIMON
FTLN 0512 I shall accept them fairly. Let the presents
FTLN 0513 Be worthily entertained. Servant exits.
Enter a third Servant.
FTLN 0514 195 How now? What news?
THIRD SERVANT FTLN 0515 Please you, my lord, that honorable
FTLN 0516 gentleman Lord Lucullus entreats your company
FTLN 0517 tomorrow to hunt with him and has sent your
FTLN 0518 Honor two brace of greyhounds.
TIMON
FTLN 0519 200 I’ll hunt with him; and let them be received,
FTLN 0520 Not without fair reward. Servant exits.
FLAVIUS , aside FTLN 0521 What will this come to?
FTLN 0522 He commands us to provide, and give great gifts,
FTLN 0523 And all out of an empty coffer.
FTLN 0524 205 Nor will he know his purse or yield me this—
FTLN 0525 To show him what a beggar his heart is,
FTLN 0526 Being of no power to make his wishes good.
FTLN 0527 His promises fly so beyond his state
FTLN 0528 That what he speaks is all in debt; he owes
FTLN 0529 210 For ev’ry word. He is so kind that he
FTLN 0530 Now pays interest for ’t. His land’s put to their books.
FTLN 0531 Well, would I were gently put out of office
FTLN 0532 Before I were forced out.
FTLN 0533 Happier is he that has no friend to feed

45
Timon of Athens
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0534 215 Than such that do e’en enemies exceed.
FTLN 0535 I bleed inwardly for my lord. He exits.
TIMON , to Lords FTLN 0536 You do yourselves much wrong.
FTLN 0537 You bate too much of your own merits.
FTLN 0538 (Offering a gift.) Here, my lord, a trifle of our love.
SECOND LORD
FTLN 0539 220 With more than common thanks I will receive it.
THIRD LORD FTLN 0540 O, he’s the very soul of bounty!
TIMON FTLN 0541 And now I remember, my lord, you gave good
FTLN 0542 words the other day of a bay courser I rode on. ’Tis
FTLN 0543 yours because you liked it.
FIRST LORD
FTLN 0544 225 O, I beseech you, pardon me, my lord, in that.
TIMON
FTLN 0545 You may take my word, my lord. I know no man
FTLN 0546 Can justly praise but what he does affect.
FTLN 0547 I weigh my friends’ affection with mine own.
FTLN 0548 I’ll tell you true, I’ll call to you.
ALL LORDS FTLN 0549 230 O, none so welcome.
TIMON
FTLN 0550 I take all and your several visitations
FTLN 0551 So kind to heart, ’tis not enough to give.
FTLN 0552 Methinks I could deal kingdoms to my friends
FTLN 0553 And ne’er be weary.—Alcibiades,
FTLN 0554 235 Thou art a soldier, therefore seldom rich.
FTLN 0555 It comes in charity to thee, for all thy living
FTLN 0556 Is ’mongst the dead, and all the lands thou hast
FTLN 0557 Lie in a pitched field.
ALCIBIADES FTLN 0558 Ay, defiled land, my lord.
FIRST LORD FTLN 0559 240 We are so virtuously bound—
TIMON FTLN 0560 And so am I to you.
SECOND LORD FTLN 0561 So infinitely endeared—
TIMON FTLN 0562 All to you.—Lights, more lights.
FIRST LORD
FTLN 0563 The best of happiness, honor, and fortunes
FTLN 0564 245 Keep with you, Lord Timon.

47
Timon of Athens
ACT 1. SC. 2
TIMON FTLN 0565 Ready for his friends.
All but Timon and Apemantus exit.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0566 What a coil’s here,
FTLN 0567 Serving of becks and jutting-out of bums!
FTLN 0568 I doubt whether their legs be worth the sums
FTLN 0569 250 That are given for ’em. Friendship’s full of dregs.
FTLN 0570 Methinks false hearts should never have sound legs.
FTLN 0571 Thus honest fools lay out their wealth on court’sies.
TIMON
FTLN 0572 Now, Apemantus, if thou wert not sullen,
FTLN 0573 I would be good to thee.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0574 255 No, I’ll nothing, for if I should be bribed
FTLN 0575 too, there would be none left to rail upon thee, and
FTLN 0576 then thou wouldst sin the faster. Thou giv’st so
FTLN 0577 long, Timon, I fear me thou wilt give away thyself
FTLN 0578 in paper shortly. What needs these feasts, pomps,
FTLN 0579 260 and vainglories?
TIMON FTLN 0580 Nay, an you begin to rail on society once, I am
FTLN 0581 sworn not to give regard to you. Farewell, and
FTLN 0582 come with better music. He exits.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0583 So. Thou wilt not hear me now, thou shalt
FTLN 0584 265 not then. I’ll lock thy heaven from thee.
FTLN 0585 O, that men’s ears should be
FTLN 0586 To counsel deaf, but not to flattery!
He exits.

ACT 2
Scene 1
Enter a Senator, with papers.
SENATOR
FTLN 0587 And late five thousand. To Varro and to Isidore
FTLN 0588 He owes nine thousand, besides my former sum,
FTLN 0589 Which makes it five-and-twenty. Still in motion
FTLN 0590 Of raging waste! It cannot hold; it will not.
FTLN 0591 5 If I want gold, steal but a beggar’s dog
FTLN 0592 And give it Timon, why, the dog coins gold.
FTLN 0593 If I would sell my horse and buy twenty more
FTLN 0594 Better than he, why, give my horse to Timon—
FTLN 0595 Ask nothing; give it him—it foals me straight,
FTLN 0596 10 And able horses. No porter at his gate
FTLN 0597 But rather one that smiles and still invites
FTLN 0598 All that pass by. It cannot hold. No reason
FTLN 0599 Can sound his state in safety.—Caphis, ho!
FTLN 0600 Caphis, I say!
Enter Caphis.
CAPHIS FTLN 0601 15 Here, sir. What is your pleasure?
SENATOR
FTLN 0602 Get on your cloak and haste you to Lord Timon.
FTLN 0603 Importune him for my moneys. Be not ceased
FTLN 0604 With slight denial, nor then silenced when
FTLN 0605 “Commend me to your master” and the cap
FTLN 0606 20 Plays in the right hand thus; but tell him
FTLN 0607 My uses cry to me. I must serve my turn
51

53
Timon of Athens
ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 0608 Out of mine own. His days and times are past,
FTLN 0609 And my reliances on his fracted dates
FTLN 0610 Have smit my credit. I love and honor him
FTLN 0611 25 But must not break my back to heal his finger.
FTLN 0612 Immediate are my needs, and my relief
FTLN 0613 Must not be tossed and turned to me in words
FTLN 0614 But find supply immediate. Get you gone.
FTLN 0615 Put on a most importunate aspect,
FTLN 0616 30 A visage of demand, for I do fear
FTLN 0617 When every feather sticks in his own wing
FTLN 0618 Lord Timon will be left a naked gull,
FTLN 0619 Which flashes now a phoenix. Get you gone.
CAPHIS FTLN 0620 I go, sir.
SENATOR
FTLN 0621 35 “I go, sir”? Take the bonds along with you
FTLN 0622 And have the dates in. Come.
He hands Caphis papers.
CAPHIS FTLN 0623 I will, sir.
SENATOR FTLN 0624 Go.
They exit.
Scene 2
Enter Steward Flavius, with many bills in his hand.
FLAVIUS
FTLN 0625 No care, no stop, so senseless of expense
FTLN 0626 That he will neither know how to maintain it
FTLN 0627 Nor cease his flow of riot. Takes no account
FTLN 0628 How things go from him nor resumes no care
FTLN 0629 5 Of what is to continue. Never mind
FTLN 0630 Was to be so unwise to be so kind.
FTLN 0631 What shall be done? He will not hear till feel.
FTLN 0632 I must be round with him, now he comes from
FTLN 0633 hunting.
FTLN 0634 10 Fie, fie, fie, fie!

55
Timon of Athens
ACT 2. SC. 2
Enter Caphis, and the Men of Isidore and Varro.
CAPHIS
FTLN 0635 Good even, Varro. What, you come for money?
VARRO’S MAN FTLN 0636 Is ’t not your business too?
CAPHIS FTLN 0637 It is. And yours too, Isidore?
ISIDORE’S MAN FTLN 0638 It is so.
CAPHIS FTLN 0639 15 Would we were all discharged!
VARRO’S MAN FTLN 0640 I fear it.
CAPHIS FTLN 0641 Here comes the lord.
Enter Timon, and his train, with Alcibiades.
TIMON
FTLN 0642 So soon as dinner’s done we’ll forth again,
FTLN 0643 My Alcibiades. (To Caphis.) With me? What is your
FTLN 0644 20 will?
CAPHIS , offering Timon a paper
FTLN 0645 My lord, here is a note of certain dues.
TIMON FTLN 0646 Dues? Whence are you?
CAPHIS FTLN 0647 Of Athens here, my lord.
TIMON FTLN 0648 Go to my steward.
CAPHIS
FTLN 0649 25 Please it your Lordship, he hath put me off
FTLN 0650 To the succession of new days this month.
FTLN 0651 My master is awaked by great occasion
FTLN 0652 To call upon his own and humbly prays you
FTLN 0653 That with your other noble parts you’ll suit
FTLN 0654 30 In giving him his right.
TIMON FTLN 0655 Mine honest friend,
FTLN 0656 I prithee but repair to me next morning.
CAPHIS
FTLN 0657 Nay, good my lord—
TIMON FTLN 0658 Contain thyself, good friend.
VARRO’S MAN , offering a paper FTLN 0659 35 One Varro’s servant,
FTLN 0660 my good lord—

57
Timon of Athens
ACT 2. SC. 2
ISIDORE’S MAN , offering a paper
FTLN 0661 From Isidore. He humbly prays your speedy
FTLN 0662 payment.
CAPHIS
FTLN 0663 If you did know, my lord, my master’s wants—
VARRO’S MAN
FTLN 0664 40 ’Twas due on forfeiture, my lord, six weeks and past.
ISIDORE’S MAN
FTLN 0665 Your steward puts me off, my lord, and I
FTLN 0666 Am sent expressly to your Lordship.
TIMON FTLN 0667 Give me breath.—
FTLN 0668 I do beseech you, good my lords, keep on.
FTLN 0669 45 I’ll wait upon you instantly.
Alcibiades and Timon’s train exit.
To Flavius. FTLN 0670 Come hither. Pray you,
FTLN 0671 How goes the world that I am thus encountered
FTLN 0672 With clamorous demands of debt, broken bonds,
FTLN 0673 And the detention of long-since-due debts
FTLN 0674 50 Against my honor?
FLAVIUS , to the creditors’ Men FTLN 0675 Please you, gentlemen,
FTLN 0676 The time is unagreeable to this business.
FTLN 0677 Your importunacy cease till after dinner,
FTLN 0678 That I may make his Lordship understand
FTLN 0679 55 Wherefore you are not paid.
TIMON FTLN 0680 Do so, my friends.—
FTLN 0681 See them well entertained.
FLAVIUS FTLN 0682 Pray, draw near.
Timon and Flavius exit.
Enter Apemantus and Fool.
CAPHIS FTLN 0683 Stay, stay, here comes the Fool with Apemantus.
FTLN 0684 60 Let’s ha’ some sport with ’em.
VARRO’S MAN FTLN 0685 Hang him! He’ll abuse us.
ISIDORE’S MAN FTLN 0686 A plague upon him, dog!
VARRO’S MAN FTLN 0687 How dost, Fool?
APEMANTUS FTLN 0688 Dost dialogue with thy shadow?
VARRO’S MAN FTLN 0689 65 I speak not to thee.

59
Timon of Athens
ACT 2. SC. 2
APEMANTUS FTLN 0690 No, ’tis to thyself. (To the Fool.) Come
FTLN 0691 away.
ISIDORE’S MAN , to Varro’s Man FTLN 0692 There’s the fool hangs
FTLN 0693 on your back already.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0694 70 No, thou stand’st single; thou ’rt not on
FTLN 0695 him yet.
CAPHIS , to Isidore’s Man FTLN 0696 Where’s the fool now?
APEMANTUS FTLN 0697 He last asked the question. Poor rogues
FTLN 0698 and usurers’ men, bawds between gold and want.
ALL THE MEN FTLN 0699 75 What are we, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS FTLN 0700 Asses.
ALL THE MEN FTLN 0701 Why?
APEMANTUS FTLN 0702 That you ask me what you are, and do not
FTLN 0703 know yourselves.—Speak to ’em, Fool.
FOOL FTLN 0704 80 How do you, gentlemen?
ALL THE MEN FTLN 0705 Gramercies, good Fool. How does your
FTLN 0706 mistress?
FOOL FTLN 0707 She’s e’en setting on water to scald such chickens
FTLN 0708 as you are. Would we could see you at Corinth!
APEMANTUS FTLN 0709 85 Good. Gramercy.
Enter Page.
FOOL FTLN 0710 Look you, here comes my master’s page.
PAGE , to Fool FTLN 0711 Why, how now, captain? What do you in
FTLN 0712 this wise company?—How dost thou, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS FTLN 0713 Would I had a rod in my mouth that I
FTLN 0714 90 might answer thee profitably.
PAGE FTLN 0715 Prithee, Apemantus, read me the superscription
FTLN 0716 of these letters. I know not which is which.
He shows some papers.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0717 Canst not read?
PAGE FTLN 0718 No.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0719 95 There will little learning die, then, that
FTLN 0720 day thou art hanged. This is to Lord Timon, this to
FTLN 0721 Alcibiades. Go. Thou wast born a bastard, and
FTLN 0722 thou ’lt die a bawd.

61
Timon of Athens
ACT 2. SC. 2
PAGE FTLN 0723 Thou wast whelped a dog, and thou shalt famish
FTLN 0724 100 a dog’s death. Answer not. I am gone. He exits.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0725 E’en so thou outrunn’st grace.—Fool, I
FTLN 0726 will go with you to Lord Timon’s.
FOOL FTLN 0727 Will you leave me there?
APEMANTUS FTLN 0728 If Timon stay at home.—You three serve
FTLN 0729 105 three usurers?
ALL THE MEN FTLN 0730 Ay. Would they served us!
APEMANTUS FTLN 0731 So would I—as good a trick as ever hangman
FTLN 0732 served thief.
FOOL FTLN 0733 Are you three usurers’ men?
ALL THE MEN FTLN 0734 110 Ay, fool.
FOOL FTLN 0735 I think no usurer but has a fool to his servant.
FTLN 0736 My mistress is one, and I am her Fool. When men
FTLN 0737 come to borrow of your masters, they approach
FTLN 0738 sadly and go away merry, but they enter my master’s
FTLN 0739 115 house merrily and go away sadly. The reason
FTLN 0740 of this?
VARRO’S MAN FTLN 0741 I could render one.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0742 Do it then, that we may account thee a
FTLN 0743 whoremaster and a knave, which notwithstanding,
FTLN 0744 120 thou shalt be no less esteemed.
VARRO’S MAN FTLN 0745 What is a whoremaster, fool?
FOOL FTLN 0746 A fool in good clothes, and something like thee.
FTLN 0747 ’Tis a spirit; sometime ’t appears like a lord, sometime
FTLN 0748 like a lawyer, sometime like a philosopher,
FTLN 0749 125 with two stones more than ’s artificial one. He is
FTLN 0750 very often like a knight, and generally in all shapes
FTLN 0751 that man goes up and down in from fourscore to
FTLN 0752 thirteen, this spirit walks in.
VARRO’S MAN FTLN 0753 Thou art not altogether a Fool.
FOOL FTLN 0754 130 Nor thou altogether a wise man. As much foolery
FTLN 0755 as I have, so much wit thou lack’st.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0756 That answer might have become Apemantus.
ALL THE MEN FTLN 0757 Aside, aside! Here comes Lord Timon.

63
Timon of Athens
ACT 2. SC. 2
Enter Timon and Steward Flavius.
APEMANTUS FTLN 0758 Come with me, fool, come.
FOOL FTLN 0759 135 I do not always follow lover, elder brother, and
FTLN 0760 woman; sometime the philosopher.
Apemantus and the Fool exit.
FLAVIUS , to the creditors’ Men
FTLN 0761 Pray you, walk near. I’ll speak with you anon.
The Men exit.
TIMON
FTLN 0762 You make me marvel wherefore ere this time
FTLN 0763 Had you not fully laid my state before me,
FTLN 0764 140 That I might so have rated my expense
FTLN 0765 As I had leave of means.
FLAVIUS FTLN 0766 You would not hear me.
FTLN 0767 At many leisures I proposed—
TIMON FTLN 0768 Go to.
FTLN 0769 145 Perchance some single vantages you took
FTLN 0770 When my indisposition put you back,
FTLN 0771 And that unaptness made your minister
FTLN 0772 Thus to excuse yourself.
FLAVIUS FTLN 0773 O, my good lord,
FTLN 0774 150 At many times I brought in my accounts,
FTLN 0775 Laid them before you. You would throw them off
FTLN 0776 And say you found them in mine honesty.
FTLN 0777 When for some trifling present you have bid me
FTLN 0778 Return so much, I have shook my head and wept—
FTLN 0779 155 Yea, ’gainst th’ authority of manners prayed you
FTLN 0780 To hold your hand more close. I did endure
FTLN 0781 Not seldom nor no slight checks when I have
FTLN 0782 Prompted you in the ebb of your estate
FTLN 0783 And your great flow of debts. My lovèd lord,
FTLN 0784 160 Though you hear now too late, yet now’s a time.
FTLN 0785 The greatest of your having lacks a half
FTLN 0786 To pay your present debts.
TIMON FTLN 0787 Let all my land be sold.

65
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ACT 2. SC. 2
FLAVIUS
FTLN 0788 ’Tis all engaged, some forfeited and gone,
FTLN 0789 165 And what remains will hardly stop the mouth
FTLN 0790 Of present dues. The future comes apace.
FTLN 0791 What shall defend the interim? And at length
FTLN 0792 How goes our reck’ning?
TIMON
FTLN 0793 To Lacedaemon did my land extend.
FLAVIUS
FTLN 0794 170 O my good lord, the world is but a word.
FTLN 0795 Were it all yours to give it in a breath,
FTLN 0796 How quickly were it gone!
TIMON FTLN 0797 You tell me true.
FLAVIUS
FTLN 0798 If you suspect my husbandry of falsehood,
FTLN 0799 175 Call me before th’ exactest auditors,
FTLN 0800 And set me on the proof. So the gods bless me,
FTLN 0801 When all our offices have been oppressed
FTLN 0802 With riotous feeders, when our vaults have wept
FTLN 0803 With drunken spilth of wine, when every room
FTLN 0804 180 Hath blazed with lights and brayed with minstrelsy,
FTLN 0805 I have retired me to a wasteful cock
FTLN 0806 And set mine eyes at flow.
TIMON FTLN 0807 Prithee, no more.
FLAVIUS
FTLN 0808 Heavens, have I said, the bounty of this lord!
FTLN 0809 185 How many prodigal bits have slaves and peasants
FTLN 0810 This night englutted. Who is not Timon’s?
FTLN 0811 What heart, head, sword, force, means, but is Lord
FTLN 0812 Timon’s?
FTLN 0813 Great Timon, noble, worthy, royal Timon!
FTLN 0814 190 Ah, when the means are gone that buy this praise,
FTLN 0815 The breath is gone whereof this praise is made.
FTLN 0816 Feast-won, fast-lost. One cloud of winter showers,
FTLN 0817 These flies are couched.
TIMON FTLN 0818 Come, sermon me no further.

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ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 0819 195 No villainous bounty yet hath passed my heart;
FTLN 0820 Unwisely, not ignobly, have I given.
FTLN 0821 Why dost thou weep? Canst thou the conscience lack
FTLN 0822 To think I shall lack friends? Secure thy heart.
FTLN 0823 If I would broach the vessels of my love
FTLN 0824 200 And try the argument of hearts by borrowing,
FTLN 0825 Men and men’s fortunes could I frankly use
FTLN 0826 As I can bid thee speak.
FLAVIUS FTLN 0827 Assurance bless your thoughts!
TIMON
FTLN 0828 And in some sort these wants of mine are crowned,
FTLN 0829 205 That I account them blessings. For by these
FTLN 0830 Shall I try friends. You shall perceive how you
FTLN 0831 Mistake my fortunes. I am wealthy in my friends.—
FTLN 0832 Within there! Flaminius!—Servilius!
Enter three Servants, Flaminius, Servilius, and another.
SERVANTS FTLN 0833 My lord, my lord.
TIMON FTLN 0834 210 I will dispatch you severally. (To Servilius)
FTLN 0835 You to Lord Lucius, (to Flaminius) to Lord
FTLN 0836 Lucullus you—I hunted with his Honor today; (to
the third Servant) FTLN 0837 you to Sempronius. Commend
FTLN 0838 me to their loves, and I am proud, say, that my
FTLN 0839 215 occasions have found time to use ’em toward a
FTLN 0840 supply of money. Let the request be fifty talents.
FLAMINIUS FTLN 0841 As you have said, my lord. Servants exit.
FLAVIUS , aside FTLN 0842 Lord Lucius and Lucullus? Humh!
TIMON FTLN 0843 Go you, sir, to the Senators,
FTLN 0844 220 Of whom, even to the state’s best health, I have
FTLN 0845 Deserved this hearing. Bid ’em send o’ th’ instant
FTLN 0846 A thousand talents to me.
FLAVIUS FTLN 0847 I have been bold—
FTLN 0848 For that I knew it the most general way—
FTLN 0849 225 To them to use your signet and your name,
FTLN 0850 But they do shake their heads, and I am here
FTLN 0851 No richer in return.

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ACT 2. SC. 2
TIMON FTLN 0852 Is ’t true? Can ’t be?
FLAVIUS
FTLN 0853 They answer in a joint and corporate voice
FTLN 0854 230 That now they are at fall, want treasure, cannot
FTLN 0855 Do what they would, are sorry. You are honorable,
FTLN 0856 But yet they could have wished—they know not—
FTLN 0857 Something hath been amiss—a noble nature
FTLN 0858 May catch a wrench—would all were well—’tis pity.
FTLN 0859 235 And so, intending other serious matters,
FTLN 0860 After distasteful looks and these hard fractions,
FTLN 0861 With certain half-caps and cold-moving nods
FTLN 0862 They froze me into silence.
TIMON FTLN 0863 You gods, reward them!
FTLN 0864 240 Prithee, man, look cheerly. These old fellows
FTLN 0865 Have their ingratitude in them hereditary.
FTLN 0866 Their blood is caked, ’tis cold, it seldom flows;
FTLN 0867 ’Tis lack of kindly warmth they are not kind;
FTLN 0868 And nature, as it grows again toward earth,
FTLN 0869 245 Is fashioned for the journey, dull and heavy.
FTLN 0870 Go to Ventidius. Prithee, be not sad.
FTLN 0871 Thou art true and honest—ingeniously I speak—
FTLN 0872 No blame belongs to thee. Ventidius lately
FTLN 0873 Buried his father, by whose death he’s stepped
FTLN 0874 250 Into a great estate. When he was poor,
FTLN 0875 Imprisoned, and in scarcity of friends,
FTLN 0876 I cleared him with five talents. Greet him from me.
FTLN 0877 Bid him suppose some good necessity
FTLN 0878 Touches his friend, which craves to be remembered
FTLN 0879 255 With those five talents. That had, give ’t these fellows
FTLN 0880 To whom ’tis instant due. Ne’er speak or think
FTLN 0881 That Timon’s fortunes ’mong his friends can sink.
He exits.
FLAVIUS FTLN 0882 I would I could not think it.
FTLN 0883 That thought is bounty’s foe;
FTLN 0884 260 Being free itself, it thinks all others so.
He exits.

ACT 3
Scene 1
Enter Flaminius waiting to speak with Lucullus,
from his master.
Enter a Servant to him.
SERVANT FTLN 0885 I have told my lord of you. He is coming
FTLN 0886 down to you.
FLAMINIUS FTLN 0887 I thank you, sir.
Enter Lucullus.
SERVANT FTLN 0888 Here’s my lord.
LUCULLUS , aside FTLN 0889 5 One of Lord Timon’s men? A gift, I
FTLN 0890 warrant. Why, this hits right. I dreamt of a silver
FTLN 0891 basin and ewer tonight.—Flaminius, honest
FTLN 0892 Flaminius, you are very respectively welcome, sir.
FTLN 0893 (To Servant.) Fill me some wine. (Servant exits.)
FTLN 0894 10 And how does that honorable, complete, free-hearted
FTLN 0895 gentleman of Athens, thy very bountiful
FTLN 0896 good lord and master?
FLAMINIUS FTLN 0897 His health is well, sir.
LUCULLUS FTLN 0898 I am right glad that his health is well, sir.
FTLN 0899 15 And what hast thou there under thy cloak, pretty
FTLN 0900 Flaminius?
FLAMINIUS FTLN 0901 Faith, nothing but an empty box, sir, which
FTLN 0902 in my lord’s behalf I come to entreat your Honor
FTLN 0903 to supply; who, having great and instant occasion
73

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ACT 3. SC. 1
FTLN 0904 20 to use fifty talents, hath sent to your Lordship to
FTLN 0905 furnish him, nothing doubting your present assistance
FTLN 0906 therein.
LUCULLUS FTLN 0907 La, la, la, la. “Nothing doubting” says he?
FTLN 0908 Alas, good lord! A noble gentleman ’tis, if he would
FTLN 0909 25 not keep so good a house. Many a time and often I
FTLN 0910 ha’ dined with him and told him on ’t, and come
FTLN 0911 again to supper to him of purpose to have him
FTLN 0912 spend less, and yet he would embrace no counsel,
FTLN 0913 take no warning by my coming. Every man has his
FTLN 0914 30 fault, and honesty is his. I ha’ told him on ’t, but I
FTLN 0915 could ne’er get him from ’t.
Enter Servant with wine.
SERVANT FTLN 0916 Please your Lordship, here is the wine.
LUCULLUS FTLN 0917 Flaminius, I have noted thee always wise.
FTLN 0918 Here’s to thee. He drinks.
FLAMINIUS FTLN 0919 35 Your Lordship speaks your pleasure.
LUCULLUS FTLN 0920 I have observed thee always for a towardly
FTLN 0921 prompt spirit—give thee thy due—and one that
FTLN 0922 knows what belongs to reason and canst use the
FTLN 0923 time well, if the time use thee well. Good parts in
FTLN 0924 40 thee.—Get you gone, sirrah. Servant exits.
FTLN 0925 Draw nearer, honest Flaminius. Thy lord’s a bountiful
FTLN 0926 gentleman, but thou art wise and thou
FTLN 0927 know’st well enough, although thou com’st to me,
FTLN 0928 that this is no time to lend money, especially upon
FTLN 0929 45 bare friendship, without security. Here’s three solidares
FTLN 0930 for thee. (Gives him money.) Good boy,
FTLN 0931 wink at me, and say thou saw’st me not. Fare thee
FTLN 0932 well.
FLAMINIUS
FTLN 0933 Is ’t possible the world should so much differ,
FTLN 0934 50 And we alive that lived? Fly, damnèd baseness,
FTLN 0935 To him that worships thee!
He throws the money back at Lucullus.

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ACT 3. SC. 2
LUCULLUS FTLN 0936 Ha! Now I see thou art a fool and fit for thy
FTLN 0937 master. Lucullus exits.
FLAMINIUS
FTLN 0938 May these add to the number that may scald thee!
FTLN 0939 55 Let molten coin be thy damnation,
FTLN 0940 Thou disease of a friend and not himself!
FTLN 0941 Has friendship such a faint and milky heart
FTLN 0942 It turns in less than two nights? O you gods,
FTLN 0943 I feel my master’s passion. This slave
FTLN 0944 60 Unto his honor has my lord’s meat in him.
FTLN 0945 Why should it thrive and turn to nutriment
FTLN 0946 When he is turned to poison?
FTLN 0947 O, may diseases only work upon ’t,
FTLN 0948 And when he’s sick to death, let not that part of
FTLN 0949 65 nature
FTLN 0950 Which my lord paid for be of any power
FTLN 0951 To expel sickness, but prolong his hour.
He exits.
Scene 2
Enter Lucius, with three Strangers.
LUCIUS FTLN 0952 Who, the Lord Timon? He is my very good
FTLN 0953 friend and an honorable gentleman.
FIRST STRANGER FTLN 0954 We know him for no less, though we
FTLN 0955 are but strangers to him. But I can tell you one
FTLN 0956 5 thing, my lord, and which I hear from common
FTLN 0957 rumors: now Lord Timon’s happy hours are done
FTLN 0958 and past, and his estate shrinks from him.
LUCIUS FTLN 0959 Fie, no, do not believe it. He cannot want for
FTLN 0960 money.
SECOND STRANGER FTLN 0961 10 But believe you this, my lord, that
FTLN 0962 not long ago one of his men was with the Lord
FTLN 0963 Lucullus to borrow fifty talents, nay, urged
FTLN 0964 extremely for ’t, and showed what necessity
FTLN 0965 belonged to ’t, and yet was denied.

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ACT 3. SC. 2
LUCIUS FTLN 0966 15 How?
SECOND STRANGER FTLN 0967 I tell you, denied, my lord.
LUCIUS FTLN 0968 What a strange case was that! Now, before the
FTLN 0969 gods, I am ashamed on ’t. Denied that honorable
FTLN 0970 man? There was very little honor showed in ’t. For
FTLN 0971 20 my own part, I must needs confess I have received
FTLN 0972 some small kindnesses from him, as money, plate,
FTLN 0973 jewels, and suchlike trifles, nothing comparing to
FTLN 0974 his; yet had he mistook him and sent to me, I
FTLN 0975 should ne’er have denied his occasion fifty talents.
Enter Servilius.
SERVILIUS , aside FTLN 0976 25 See, by good hap, yonder’s my lord.
FTLN 0977 I have sweat to see his Honor. To Lucius. My
FTLN 0978 honored lord.
LUCIUS FTLN 0979 Servilius. You are kindly met, sir. Fare thee
FTLN 0980 well. Commend me to thy honorable virtuous lord,
FTLN 0981 30 my very exquisite friend. He turns to exit.
SERVILIUS FTLN 0982 May it please your Honor, my lord hath
FTLN 0983 sent—
LUCIUS FTLN 0984 Ha! What has he sent? I am so much endeared
FTLN 0985 to that lord; he’s ever sending. How shall I thank
FTLN 0986 35 him, think’st thou? And what has he sent now?
SERVILIUS FTLN 0987 Has only sent his present occasion now, my
FTLN 0988 lord, requesting your Lordship to supply his
FTLN 0989 instant use with fifty talents.
LUCIUS
FTLN 0990 I know his Lordship is but merry with me.
FTLN 0991 40 He cannot want fifty-five hundred talents.
SERVILIUS
FTLN 0992 But in the meantime he wants less, my lord.
FTLN 0993 If his occasion were not virtuous,
FTLN 0994 I should not urge it half so faithfully.
LUCIUS
FTLN 0995 Dost thou speak seriously, Servilius?
SERVILIUS FTLN 0996 45 Upon my soul, ’tis true, sir.

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ACT 3. SC. 2
LUCIUS FTLN 0997 What a wicked beast was I to disfurnish
FTLN 0998 myself against such a good time, when I might ha’
FTLN 0999 shown myself honorable! How unluckily it happened
FTLN 1000 that I should purchase the day before for a
FTLN 1001 50 little part, and undo a great deal of honor! Servilius,
FTLN 1002 now before the gods, I am not able to do—the
FTLN 1003 more beast, I say!—I was sending to use Lord
FTLN 1004 Timon myself, these gentlemen can witness; but I
FTLN 1005 would not for the wealth of Athens I had done ’t
FTLN 1006 55 now. Commend me bountifully to his good Lordship,
FTLN 1007 and I hope his Honor will conceive the fairest
FTLN 1008 of me, because I have no power to be kind. And tell
FTLN 1009 him this from me: I count it one of my greatest
FTLN 1010 afflictions, say, that I cannot pleasure such an honorable
FTLN 1011 60 gentleman. Good Servilius, will you
FTLN 1012 befriend me so far as to use mine own words to
FTLN 1013 him?
SERVILIUS FTLN 1014 Yes, sir, I shall.
LUCIUS FTLN 1015 I’ll look you out a good turn, Servilius.
Servilius exits.
FTLN 1016 65 True, as you said, Timon is shrunk indeed,
FTLN 1017 And he that’s once denied will hardly speed.
He exits.
FIRST STRANGER FTLN 1018 Do you observe this, Hostilius?
SECOND STRANGER FTLN 1019 Ay, too well.
FIRST STRANGER
FTLN 1020 Why, this is the world’s soul, and just of the same
FTLN 1021 70 piece
FTLN 1022 Is every flatterer’s sport. Who can call him his friend
FTLN 1023 That dips in the same dish? For, in my knowing,
FTLN 1024 Timon has been this lord’s father
FTLN 1025 And kept his credit with his purse,
FTLN 1026 75 Supported his estate, nay, Timon’s money
FTLN 1027 Has paid his men their wages. He ne’er drinks
FTLN 1028 But Timon’s silver treads upon his lip.
FTLN 1029 And yet—O, see the monstrousness of man

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Timon of Athens
ACT 3. SC. 3
FTLN 1030 When he looks out in an ungrateful shape!—
FTLN 1031 80 He does deny him, in respect of his,
FTLN 1032 What charitable men afford to beggars.
THIRD STRANGER
FTLN 1033 Religion groans at it.
FIRST STRANGER FTLN 1034 For mine own part,
FTLN 1035 I never tasted Timon in my life,
FTLN 1036 85 Nor came any of his bounties over me
FTLN 1037 To mark me for his friend. Yet I protest,
FTLN 1038 For his right noble mind, illustrious virtue,
FTLN 1039 And honorable carriage,
FTLN 1040 Had his necessity made use of me,
FTLN 1041 90 I would have put my wealth into donation,
FTLN 1042 And the best half should have returned to him,
FTLN 1043 So much I love his heart. But I perceive
FTLN 1044 Men must learn now with pity to dispense,
FTLN 1045 For policy sits above conscience.
They exit.
Scene 3
Enter a Third Servant of Timon’s with Sempronius,
another of Timon’s friends.
SEMPRONIUS
FTLN 1046 Must he needs trouble me in ’t? Hum! ’Bove all others?
FTLN 1047 He might have tried Lord Lucius or Lucullus;
FTLN 1048 And now Ventidius is wealthy too,
FTLN 1049 Whom he redeemed from prison. All these
FTLN 1050 5 Owes their estates unto him.
SERVANT FTLN 1051 My lord,
FTLN 1052 They have all been touched and found base metal,
FTLN 1053 For they have all denied him.
SEMPRONIUS FTLN 1054 How? Have they denied him?
FTLN 1055 10 Has Ventidius and Lucullus denied him,
FTLN 1056 And does he send to me? Three? Humh!

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Timon of Athens
ACT 3. SC. 3
FTLN 1057 It shows but little love or judgment in him.
FTLN 1058 Must I be his last refuge? His friends, like physicians,
FTLN 1059 Thrive, give him over. Must I take th’ cure upon me?
FTLN 1060 15 Has much disgraced me in ’t. I’m angry at him
FTLN 1061 That might have known my place. I see no sense for ’t
FTLN 1062 But his occasions might have wooed me first;
FTLN 1063 For, in my conscience, I was the first man
FTLN 1064 That e’er received gift from him.
FTLN 1065 20 And does he think so backwardly of me now
FTLN 1066 That I’ll requite it last? No.
FTLN 1067 So it may prove an argument of laughter
FTLN 1068 To th’ rest, and I ’mongst lords be thought a fool.
FTLN 1069 I’d rather than the worth of thrice the sum
FTLN 1070 25 Had sent to me first, but for my mind’s sake;
FTLN 1071 I’d such a courage to do him good. But now return,
FTLN 1072 And with their faint reply this answer join:
FTLN 1073 Who bates mine honor shall not know my coin.
He exits.
SERVANT FTLN 1074 Excellent! Your Lordship’s a goodly villain.
FTLN 1075 30 The devil knew not what he did when he made
FTLN 1076 man politic. He crossed himself by ’t, and I cannot
FTLN 1077 think but, in the end, the villainies of man will set
FTLN 1078 him clear. How fairly this lord strives to appear
FTLN 1079 foul! Takes virtuous copies to be wicked, like those
FTLN 1080 35 that under hot ardent zeal would set whole realms
FTLN 1081 on fire.
FTLN 1082 Of such a nature is his politic love.
FTLN 1083 This was my lord’s best hope. Now all are fled,
FTLN 1084 Save only the gods. Now his friends are dead,
FTLN 1085 40 Doors that were ne’er acquainted with their wards
FTLN 1086 Many a bounteous year must be employed
FTLN 1087 Now to guard sure their master.
FTLN 1088 And this is all a liberal course allows:
FTLN 1089 Who cannot keep his wealth must keep his house.
He exits.

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Timon of Athens
ACT 3. SC. 4
Scene 4
Enter Varro’s two Men, meeting Titus and others, all
being Men of Timon’s creditors to wait for his coming
out. Then enter Lucius’ Man and Hortensius.
VARRO’S FIRST MAN
FTLN 1090 Well met. Good morrow, Titus and Hortensius.
TITUS
FTLN 1091 The like to you, kind Varro.
HORTENSIUS FTLN 1092 Lucius!
FTLN 1093 What, do we meet together?
LUCIUS’ MAN FTLN 1094 5 Ay, and I think
FTLN 1095 One business does command us all,
FTLN 1096 For mine is money.
TITUS FTLN 1097 So is theirs and ours.
Enter Philotus.
LUCIUS’ MAN
FTLN 1098 And, sir, Philotus’ too.
PHILOTUS FTLN 1099 10 Good day at once.
LUCIUS’ MAN FTLN 1100 Welcome, good brother.
FTLN 1101 What do you think the hour?
PHILOTUS FTLN 1102 Laboring for nine.
LUCIUS’ MAN
FTLN 1103 So much?
PHILOTUS FTLN 1104 15 Is not my lord seen yet?
LUCIUS’ MAN FTLN 1105 Not yet.
PHILOTUS
FTLN 1106 I wonder on ’t. He was wont to shine at seven.
LUCIUS’ MAN
FTLN 1107 Ay, but the days are waxed shorter with him.
FTLN 1108 You must consider that a prodigal course
FTLN 1109 20 Is like the sun’s,
FTLN 1110 But not, like his, recoverable. I fear
FTLN 1111 ’Tis deepest winter in Lord Timon’s purse:

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ACT 3. SC. 4
FTLN 1112 That is, one may reach deep enough and yet
FTLN 1113 Find little.
PHILOTUS FTLN 1114 25 I am of your fear for that.
TITUS
FTLN 1115 I’ll show you how t’ observe a strange event.
FTLN 1116 Your lord sends now for money?
HORTENSIUS FTLN 1117 Most true, he does.
TITUS
FTLN 1118 And he wears jewels now of Timon’s gift,
FTLN 1119 30 For which I wait for money.
HORTENSIUS FTLN 1120 It is against my heart.
LUCIUS’ MAN FTLN 1121 Mark how strange it shows:
FTLN 1122 Timon in this should pay more than he owes,
FTLN 1123 And e’en as if your lord should wear rich jewels
FTLN 1124 35 And send for money for ’em.
HORTENSIUS
FTLN 1125 I’m weary of this charge, the gods can witness.
FTLN 1126 I know my lord hath spent of Timon’s wealth,
FTLN 1127 And now ingratitude makes it worse than stealth.
VARRO’S FIRST MAN
FTLN 1128 Yes, mine’s three thousand crowns. What’s yours?
LUCIUS’ MAN FTLN 1129 40 Five thousand mine.
VARRO’S FIRST MAN
FTLN 1130 ’Tis much deep, and it should seem by th’ sum
FTLN 1131 Your master’s confidence was above mine,
FTLN 1132 Else surely his had equaled.
Enter Flaminius.
TITUS FTLN 1133 One of Lord Timon’s men.
LUCIUS’ MAN FTLN 1134 45 Flaminius? Sir, a word. Pray, is my lord
FTLN 1135 ready to come forth?
FLAMINIUS FTLN 1136 No, indeed he is not.
TITUS FTLN 1137 We attend his Lordship. Pray, signify so much.
FLAMINIUS FTLN 1138 I need not tell him that. He knows you are
FTLN 1139 50 too diligent. He exits.
Enter Flavius, the Steward in a cloak, muffled.

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Timon of Athens
ACT 3. SC. 4
LUCIUS’ MAN
FTLN 1140 Ha! Is not that his steward muffled so?
FTLN 1141 He goes away in a cloud. Call him, call him.
TITUS FTLN 1142 Do you hear, sir?
VARRO’S SECOND MAN FTLN 1143 By your leave, sir.
FLAVIUS FTLN 1144 55 What do you ask of me, my friend?
TITUS
FTLN 1145 We wait for certain money here, sir.
FLAVIUS FTLN 1146 Ay,
FTLN 1147 If money were as certain as your waiting,
FTLN 1148 ’Twere sure enough.
FTLN 1149 60 Why then preferred you not your sums and bills
FTLN 1150 When your false masters eat of my lord’s meat?
FTLN 1151 Then they could smile and fawn upon his debts
FTLN 1152 And take down th’ int’rest into their glutt’nous maws.
FTLN 1153 You do yourselves but wrong to stir me up.
FTLN 1154 65 Let me pass quietly.
FTLN 1155 Believe ’t, my lord and I have made an end.
FTLN 1156 I have no more to reckon, he to spend.
LUCIUS’ MAN FTLN 1157 Ay, but this answer will not serve.
FLAVIUS
FTLN 1158 If ’twill not serve, ’tis not so base as you,
FTLN 1159 70 For you serve knaves. He exits.
VARRO’S FIRST MAN FTLN 1160 How? What does his cashiered
FTLN 1161 Worship mutter?
VARRO’S SECOND MAN FTLN 1162 No matter what. He’s poor, and
FTLN 1163 that’s revenge enough. Who can speak broader
FTLN 1164 75 than he that has no house to put his head in? Such
FTLN 1165 may rail against great buildings.
Enter Servilius.
TITUS FTLN 1166 O, here’s Servilius. Now we shall know some
FTLN 1167 answer.
SERVILIUS FTLN 1168 If I might beseech you, gentlemen, to repair
FTLN 1169 80 some other hour, I should derive much from ’t. For
FTLN 1170 take ’t of my soul, my lord leans wondrously to discontent.

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ACT 3. SC. 4
FTLN 1171 His comfortable temper has forsook him.
FTLN 1172 He’s much out of health and keeps his chamber.
LUCIUS’ MAN
FTLN 1173 Many do keep their chambers are not sick;
FTLN 1174 85 And if it be so far beyond his health,
FTLN 1175 Methinks he should the sooner pay his debts
FTLN 1176 And make a clear way to the gods.
SERVILIUS FTLN 1177 Good gods!
TITUS FTLN 1178 We cannot take this for answer, sir.
FLAMINIUS , within FTLN 1179 90 Servilius, help! My lord, my lord!
Enter Timon in a rage.
TIMON
FTLN 1180 What, are my doors opposed against my passage?
FTLN 1181 Have I been ever free, and must my house
FTLN 1182 Be my retentive enemy, my jail?
FTLN 1183 The place which I have feasted, does it now,
FTLN 1184 95 Like all mankind, show me an iron heart?
LUCIUS’ MAN FTLN 1185 Put in now, Titus.
TITUS FTLN 1186 My lord, here is my bill.
LUCIUS’ MAN FTLN 1187 Here’s mine.
HORTENSIUS FTLN 1188 And mine, my lord.
VARRO’S SECOND MAN FTLN 1189 100 And ours, my lord.
PHILOTUS FTLN 1190 All our bills.
TIMON
FTLN 1191 Knock me down with ’em! Cleave me to the girdle.
LUCIUS’ MAN FTLN 1192 Alas, my lord—
TIMON FTLN 1193 Cut my heart in sums!
TITUS FTLN 1194 105 Mine, fifty talents.
TIMON FTLN 1195 Tell out my blood.
LUCIUS’ MAN FTLN 1196 Five thousand crowns, my lord.
TIMON
FTLN 1197 Five thousand drops pays that.—What yours?—And
FTLN 1198 yours?
VARRO’S FIRST MAN FTLN 1199 110 My lord—
VARRO’S SECOND MAN FTLN 1200 My lord—

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Timon of Athens
ACT 3. SC. 4
TIMON
FTLN 1201 Tear me, take me, and the gods fall upon you!
Timon exits.
HORTENSIUS FTLN 1202 Faith, I perceive our masters may throw
FTLN 1203 their caps at their money. These debts may well be
FTLN 1204 115 called desperate ones, for a madman owes ’em.
They exit.
Enter Timon and Flavius.
TIMON
FTLN 1205 They have e’en put my breath from me, the slaves!
FTLN 1206 Creditors? Devils!
FLAVIUS FTLN 1207 My dear lord—
TIMON FTLN 1208 What if it should be so?
FLAVIUS FTLN 1209 120 My lord—
TIMON
FTLN 1210 I’ll have it so.—My steward!
FLAVIUS FTLN 1211 Here, my lord.
TIMON
FTLN 1212 So fitly? Go, bid all my friends again,
FTLN 1213 Lucius, Lucullus, and Sempronius, all.
FTLN 1214 125 I’ll once more feast the rascals.
FLAVIUS FTLN 1215 O my lord,
FTLN 1216 You only speak from your distracted soul.
FTLN 1217 There’s not so much left to furnish out
FTLN 1218 A moderate table.
TIMON FTLN 1219 130 Be it not in thy care. Go,
FTLN 1220 I charge thee, invite them all. Let in the tide
FTLN 1221 Of knaves once more. My cook and I’ll provide.
They exit.

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ACT 3. SC. 5
Scene 5
Enter three Senators at one door, Alcibiades meeting
them, with Attendants.
FIRST SENATOR , to the Second Senator
FTLN 1222 My lord, you have my voice to ’t. The fault’s
FTLN 1223 Bloody. ’Tis necessary he should die.
FTLN 1224 Nothing emboldens sin so much as mercy.
SECOND SENATOR FTLN 1225 Most true. The law shall bruise ’em.
ALCIBIADES
FTLN 1226 5 Honor, health, and compassion to the Senate!
FIRST SENATOR FTLN 1227 Now, captain?
ALCIBIADES
FTLN 1228 I am an humble suitor to your virtues,
FTLN 1229 For pity is the virtue of the law,
FTLN 1230 And none but tyrants use it cruelly.
FTLN 1231 10 It pleases time and fortune to lie heavy
FTLN 1232 Upon a friend of mine, who in hot blood
FTLN 1233 Hath stepped into the law, which is past depth
FTLN 1234 To those that without heed do plunge into ’t.
FTLN 1235 He is a man—setting his fate aside—
FTLN 1236 15 Of comely virtues.
FTLN 1237 Nor did he soil the fact with cowardice—
FTLN 1238 An honor in him which buys out his fault—
FTLN 1239 But with a noble fury and fair spirit,
FTLN 1240 Seeing his reputation touched to death,
FTLN 1241 20 He did oppose his foe;
FTLN 1242 And with such sober and unnoted passion
FTLN 1243 He did behave his anger, ere ’twas spent,
FTLN 1244 As if he had but proved an argument.
FIRST SENATOR
FTLN 1245 You undergo too strict a paradox,
FTLN 1246 25 Striving to make an ugly deed look fair.
FTLN 1247 Your words have took such pains as if they labored
FTLN 1248 To bring manslaughter into form and set quarreling
FTLN 1249 Upon the head of valor—which indeed

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ACT 3. SC. 5
FTLN 1250 Is valor misbegot, and came into the world
FTLN 1251 30 When sects and factions were newly born.
FTLN 1252 He’s truly valiant that can wisely suffer
FTLN 1253 The worst that man can breathe
FTLN 1254 And make his wrongs his outsides,
FTLN 1255 To wear them like his raiment, carelessly,
FTLN 1256 35 And ne’er prefer his injuries to his heart
FTLN 1257 To bring it into danger.
FTLN 1258 If wrongs be evils and enforce us kill,
FTLN 1259 What folly ’tis to hazard life for ill!
ALCIBIADES
FTLN 1260 My lord—
FIRST SENATOR FTLN 1261 40 You cannot make gross sins look clear.
FTLN 1262 To revenge is no valor, but to bear.
ALCIBIADES
FTLN 1263 My lords, then, under favor, pardon me
FTLN 1264 If I speak like a captain.
FTLN 1265 Why do fond men expose themselves to battle
FTLN 1266 45 And not endure all threats? Sleep upon ’t,
FTLN 1267 And let the foes quietly cut their throats
FTLN 1268 Without repugnancy? If there be
FTLN 1269 Such valor in the bearing, what make we
FTLN 1270 Abroad? Why, then, women are more valiant
FTLN 1271 50 That stay at home, if bearing carry it,
FTLN 1272 And the ass more captain than the lion, the felon
FTLN 1273 Loaden with irons wiser than the judge,
FTLN 1274 If wisdom be in suffering. O my lords,
FTLN 1275 As you are great, be pitifully good.
FTLN 1276 55 Who cannot condemn rashness in cold blood?
FTLN 1277 To kill, I grant, is sin’s extremest gust,
FTLN 1278 But in defense, by mercy, ’tis most just.
FTLN 1279 To be in anger is impiety,
FTLN 1280 But who is man that is not angry?
FTLN 1281 60 Weigh but the crime with this.
SECOND SENATOR FTLN 1282 You breathe in vain.
ALCIBIADES FTLN 1283 In vain? His service done

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FTLN 1284 At Lacedaemon and Byzantium
FTLN 1285 Were a sufficient briber for his life.
FIRST SENATOR FTLN 1286 65 What’s that?
ALCIBIADES
FTLN 1287 Why, I say, my lords, has done fair service
FTLN 1288 And slain in fight many of your enemies.
FTLN 1289 How full of valor did he bear himself
FTLN 1290 In the last conflict, and made plenteous wounds!
SECOND SENATOR
FTLN 1291 70 He has made too much plenty with ’em.
FTLN 1292 He’s a sworn rioter. He has a sin
FTLN 1293 That often drowns him and takes his valor prisoner.
FTLN 1294 If there were no foes, that were enough
FTLN 1295 To overcome him. In that beastly fury,
FTLN 1296 75 He has been known to commit outrages
FTLN 1297 And cherish factions. ’Tis inferred to us
FTLN 1298 His days are foul and his drink dangerous.
FIRST SENATOR
FTLN 1299 He dies.
ALCIBIADES FTLN 1300 Hard fate! He might have died in war.
FTLN 1301 80 My lords, if not for any parts in him—
FTLN 1302 Though his right arm might purchase his own time
FTLN 1303 And be in debt to none—yet, more to move you,
FTLN 1304 Take my deserts to his and join ’em both.
FTLN 1305 And, for I know your reverend ages love
FTLN 1306 85 Security, I’ll pawn my victories, all
FTLN 1307 My honor, to you, upon his good returns.
FTLN 1308 If by this crime he owes the law his life,
FTLN 1309 Why, let the war receive ’t in valiant gore,
FTLN 1310 For law is strict, and war is nothing more.
FIRST SENATOR
FTLN 1311 90 We are for law. He dies. Urge it no more,
FTLN 1312 On height of our displeasure. Friend or brother,
FTLN 1313 He forfeits his own blood that spills another.
ALCIBIADES FTLN 1314 Must it be so? It must not be.
FTLN 1315 My lords, I do beseech you, know me.

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SECOND SENATOR FTLN 1316 95 How?
ALCIBIADES FTLN 1317 Call me to your remembrances.
THIRD SENATOR FTLN 1318 What?
ALCIBIADES
FTLN 1319 I cannot think but your age has forgot me.
FTLN 1320 It could not else be I should prove so base
FTLN 1321 100 To sue and be denied such common grace.
FTLN 1322 My wounds ache at you.
FIRST SENATOR FTLN 1323 Do you dare our anger?
FTLN 1324 ’Tis in few words, but spacious in effect:
FTLN 1325 We banish thee forever.
ALCIBIADES FTLN 1326 105 Banish me?
FTLN 1327 Banish your dotage, banish usury,
FTLN 1328 That makes the Senate ugly!
FIRST SENATOR
FTLN 1329 If after two days’ shine Athens contain thee,
FTLN 1330 Attend our weightier judgment.
FTLN 1331 110 And, not to swell our spirit,
FTLN 1332 He shall be executed presently. Senators exit.
ALCIBIADES
FTLN 1333 Now the gods keep you old enough that you may live
FTLN 1334 Only in bone, that none may look on you!—
FTLN 1335 I’m worse than mad. I have kept back their foes
FTLN 1336 115 While they have told their money and let out
FTLN 1337 Their coin upon large interest, I myself
FTLN 1338 Rich only in large hurts. All those for this?
FTLN 1339 Is this the balsam that the usuring Senate
FTLN 1340 Pours into captains’ wounds? Banishment.
FTLN 1341 120 It comes not ill. I hate not to be banished.
FTLN 1342 It is a cause worthy my spleen and fury,
FTLN 1343 That I may strike at Athens. I’ll cheer up
FTLN 1344 My discontented troops and lay for hearts.
FTLN 1345 ’Tis honor with most lands to be at odds.
FTLN 1346 125 Soldiers should brook as little wrongs as gods.
He exits.

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ACT 3. SC. 6
Scene 6
Music. Enter divers Friends at several doors.
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 1347 The good time of day to you, sir.
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 1348 I also wish it to you. I think this honorable
FTLN 1349 lord did but try us this other day.
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 1350 Upon that were my thoughts tiring when
FTLN 1351 5 we encountered. I hope it is not so low with him as
FTLN 1352 he made it seem in the trial of his several friends.
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 1353 It should not be, by the persuasion of
FTLN 1354 his new feasting.
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 1355 I should think so. He hath sent me an
FTLN 1356 10 earnest inviting, which many my near occasions
FTLN 1357 did urge me to put off; but he hath conjured me
FTLN 1358 beyond them, and I must needs appear.
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 1359 In like manner was I in debt to my
FTLN 1360 importunate business, but he would not hear my
FTLN 1361 15 excuse. I am sorry, when he sent to borrow of me,
FTLN 1362 that my provision was out.
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 1363 I am sick of that grief too, as I understand
FTLN 1364 how all things go.
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 1365 Every man here’s so. What would he
FTLN 1366 20 have borrowed of you?
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 1367 A thousand pieces.
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 1368 A thousand pieces!
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 1369 What of you?
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 1370 He sent to me, sir—
Enter Timon and Attendants.
FTLN 1371 25 Here he comes.
TIMON FTLN 1372 With all my heart, gentlemen both! And how
FTLN 1373 fare you?
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 1374 Ever at the best, hearing well of your
FTLN 1375 Lordship.
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 1376 30 The swallow follows not summer
FTLN 1377 more willing than we your Lordship.

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ACT 3. SC. 6
TIMON , aside FTLN 1378 Nor more willingly leaves winter, such
FTLN 1379 summer birds are men.—Gentlemen, our dinner
FTLN 1380 will not recompense this long stay. Feast your ears
FTLN 1381 35 with the music awhile, if they will fare so harshly
FTLN 1382 o’ th’ trumpets’ sound. We shall to ’t presently.
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 1383 I hope it remains not unkindly with your
FTLN 1384 Lordship that I returned you an empty messenger.
TIMON FTLN 1385 O, sir, let it not trouble you.
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 1386 40 My noble lord—
TIMON FTLN 1387 Ah, my good friend, what cheer?
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 1388 My most honorable lord, I am e’en
FTLN 1389 sick of shame that when your Lordship this other
FTLN 1390 day sent to me, I was so unfortunate a beggar.
TIMON FTLN 1391 45 Think not on ’t, sir.
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 1392 If you had sent but two hours before—
TIMON FTLN 1393 Let it not cumber your better remembrance.
The banquet brought in.
FTLN 1394 Come, bring in all together.
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 1395 All covered dishes!
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 1396 50 Royal cheer, I warrant you.
THIRD FRIEND FTLN 1397 Doubt not that, if money and the season
FTLN 1398 can yield it.
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 1399 How do you? What’s the news?
THIRD FRIEND FTLN 1400 Alcibiades is banished. Hear you of it?
FIRST AND SECOND FRIENDS FTLN 1401 55 Alcibiades banished?
THIRD FRIEND FTLN 1402’Tis so. Be sure of it.
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 1403 How? How?
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 1404 I pray you, upon what?
TIMON FTLN 1405 My worthy friends, will you draw near?
THIRD FRIEND FTLN 1406 60 I’ll tell you more anon. Here’s a noble
FTLN 1407 feast toward.
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 1408 This is the old man still.
THIRD FRIEND FTLN 1409 Will ’t hold? Will ’t hold?
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 1410 It does, but time will—and so—
THIRD FRIEND FTLN 1411 65 I do conceive.

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ACT 3. SC. 6
TIMON FTLN 1412 Each man to his stool, with that spur as he
FTLN 1413 would to the lip of his mistress. Your diet shall
FTLN 1414 be in all places alike. Make not a city feast of it, to let
FTLN 1415 the meat cool ere we can agree upon the first place.
FTLN 1416 70 Sit, sit. (They sit.) The gods require our thanks:
FTLN 1417 You great benefactors, sprinkle our society with
FTLN 1418 thankfulness. For your own gifts make yourselves
FTLN 1419 praised, but reserve still to give, lest your deities be
FTLN 1420 despised. Lend to each man enough, that one need
FTLN 1421 75 not lend to another; for, were your godheads to
FTLN 1422 borrow of men, men would forsake the gods. Make
FTLN 1423 the meat be beloved more than the man that gives
FTLN 1424 it. Let no assembly of twenty be without a score of
FTLN 1425 villains. If there sit twelve women at the table, let a
FTLN 1426 80 dozen of them be as they are. The rest of your fees,
FTLN 1427 O gods, the Senators of Athens, together with the
FTLN 1428 common tag of people, what is amiss in them,
FTLN 1429 you gods, make suitable for destruction. For these
FTLN 1430 my present friends, as they are to me nothing, so
FTLN 1431 85 in nothing bless them, and to nothing are they
FTLN 1432 welcome.
FTLN 1433 Uncover, dogs, and lap.
The dishes are uncovered. They contain
only water and stones.
SOME SPEAK FTLN 1434 What does his Lordship mean?
SOME OTHER FTLN 1435 I know not.
TIMON
FTLN 1436 90 May you a better feast never behold,
FTLN 1437 You knot of mouth-friends! Smoke and lukewarm
FTLN 1438 water
FTLN 1439 Is your perfection. This is Timon’s last,
FTLN 1440 Who, stuck and spangled with your flatteries,
FTLN 1441 95 Washes it off and sprinkles in your faces
FTLN 1442 Your reeking villainy. (He throws water in their
faces.) FTLN 1443 Live loathed and long,

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ACT 3. SC. 6
FTLN 1444 Most smiling, smooth, detested parasites,
FTLN 1445 Courteous destroyers, affable wolves, meek bears,
FTLN 1446 100 You fools of fortune, trencher-friends, time’s flies,
FTLN 1447 Cap-and-knee slaves, vapors, and minute-jacks.
FTLN 1448 Of man and beast the infinite malady
FTLN 1449 Crust you quite o’er! (They stand.) What, dost thou
FTLN 1450 go?
FTLN 1451 105 Soft! Take thy physic first—thou too—and thou.—
FTLN 1452 Stay. I will lend thee money, borrow none.
He attacks them and forces them out.
FTLN 1453 What? All in motion? Henceforth be no feast
FTLN 1454 Whereat a villain’s not a welcome guest.
FTLN 1455 Burn, house! Sink, Athens! Henceforth hated be
FTLN 1456 110 Of Timon man and all humanity! He exits.
Enter Timon’s Friends, the Senators, with other Lords.
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 1457 How now, my lords?
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 1458 Know you the quality of Lord Timon’s
FTLN 1459 fury?
THIRD FRIEND FTLN 1460 Push! Did you see my cap?
FOURTH FRIEND FTLN 1461 115 I have lost my gown.
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 1462 He’s but a mad lord, and naught but
FTLN 1463 humors sways him. He gave me a jewel th’ other
FTLN 1464 day, and now he has beat it out of my hat. Did you
FTLN 1465 see my jewel?
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 1466 120 Did you see my cap?
THIRD FRIEND FTLN 1467 Here ’tis.
FOURTH FRIEND FTLN 1468 Here lies my gown.
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 1469 Let’s make no stay.
SECOND FRIEND
FTLN 1470 Lord Timon’s mad.
THIRD FRIEND FTLN 1471 125 I feel ’t upon my bones.
FOURTH FRIEND
FTLN 1472 One day he gives us diamonds, next day stones.
The Senators and the others exit.

ACT 4
Scene 1
Enter Timon.
TIMON
FTLN 1473 Let me look back upon thee. O thou wall
FTLN 1474 That girdles in those wolves, dive in the earth
FTLN 1475 And fence not Athens! Matrons, turn incontinent!
FTLN 1476 Obedience fail in children! Slaves and fools,
FTLN 1477 5 Pluck the grave wrinkled Senate from the bench
FTLN 1478 And minister in their steads! To general filths
FTLN 1479 Convert o’ th’ instant, green virginity!
FTLN 1480 Do ’t in your parents’ eyes! Bankrupts, hold fast!
FTLN 1481 Rather than render back, out with your knives
FTLN 1482 10 And cut your trusters’ throats! Bound servants, steal!
FTLN 1483 Large-handed robbers your grave masters are,
FTLN 1484 And pill by law. Maid, to thy master’s bed!
FTLN 1485 Thy mistress is o’ th’ brothel. Son of sixteen,
FTLN 1486 Pluck the lined crutch from thy old limping sire;
FTLN 1487 15 With it beat out his brains! Piety and fear,
FTLN 1488 Religion to the gods, peace, justice, truth,
FTLN 1489 Domestic awe, night rest, and neighborhood,
FTLN 1490 Instruction, manners, mysteries, and trades,
FTLN 1491 Degrees, observances, customs, and laws,
FTLN 1492 20 Decline to your confounding contraries,
FTLN 1493 And yet confusion live! Plagues incident to men,
FTLN 1494 Your potent and infectious fevers heap
FTLN 1495 On Athens, ripe for stroke! Thou cold sciatica,
115

117
Timon of Athens
ACT 4. SC. 2
FTLN 1496 Cripple our senators, that their limbs may halt
FTLN 1497 25 As lamely as their manners! Lust and liberty,
FTLN 1498 Creep in the minds and marrows of our youth,
FTLN 1499 That ’gainst the stream of virtue they may strive
FTLN 1500 And drown themselves in riot! Itches, blains,
FTLN 1501 Sow all th’ Athenian bosoms, and their crop
FTLN 1502 30 Be general leprosy! Breath infect breath,
FTLN 1503 That their society, as their friendship, may
FTLN 1504 Be merely poison! Nothing I’ll bear from thee
FTLN 1505 But nakedness, thou detestable town!
FTLN 1506 Take thou that too, with multiplying bans!
FTLN 1507 35 Timon will to the woods, where he shall find
FTLN 1508 Th’ unkindest beast more kinder than mankind.
FTLN 1509 The gods confound—hear me, you good gods all!—
FTLN 1510 Th’ Athenians both within and out that wall,
FTLN 1511 And grant, as Timon grows, his hate may grow
FTLN 1512 40 To the whole race of mankind, high and low!
FTLN 1513 Amen.
He exits.
Scene 2
Enter Steward Flavius with two or three Servants.
FIRST SERVANT
FTLN 1514 Hear you, Master Steward, where’s our master?
FTLN 1515 Are we undone, cast off, nothing remaining?
FLAVIUS
FTLN 1516 Alack, my fellows, what should I say to you?
FTLN 1517 Let me be recorded by the righteous gods,
FTLN 1518 5 I am as poor as you.
FIRST SERVANT FTLN 1519 Such a house broke?
FTLN 1520 So noble a master fall’n, all gone, and not
FTLN 1521 One friend to take his fortune by the arm
FTLN 1522 And go along with him?
SECOND SERVANT FTLN 1523 10 As we do turn our backs

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ACT 4. SC. 2
FTLN 1524 From our companion thrown into his grave,
FTLN 1525 So his familiars to his buried fortunes
FTLN 1526 Slink all away, leave their false vows with him,
FTLN 1527 Like empty purses picked; and his poor self,
FTLN 1528 15 A dedicated beggar to the air,
FTLN 1529 With his disease of all-shunned poverty,
FTLN 1530 Walks, like contempt, alone.
Enter other Servants.
FTLN 1531 More of our fellows.
FLAVIUS
FTLN 1532 All broken implements of a ruined house.
THIRD SERVANT
FTLN 1533 20 Yet do our hearts wear Timon’s livery.
FTLN 1534 That see I by our faces. We are fellows still,
FTLN 1535 Serving alike in sorrow. Leaked is our bark,
FTLN 1536 And we, poor mates, stand on the dying deck,
FTLN 1537 Hearing the surges threat. We must all part
FTLN 1538 25 Into this sea of air.
FLAVIUS FTLN 1539 Good fellows all,
FTLN 1540 The latest of my wealth I’ll share amongst you.
FTLN 1541 Wherever we shall meet, for Timon’s sake
FTLN 1542 Let’s yet be fellows. Let’s shake our heads and say,
FTLN 1543 30 As ’twere a knell unto our master’s fortunes,
FTLN 1544 “We have seen better days.” (He offers them
money.) FTLN 1545 Let each take some.
FTLN 1546 Nay, put out all your hands. Not one word more.
FTLN 1547 Thus part we rich in sorrow, parting poor.
The Servants embrace and part several ways.
FTLN 1548 35 O, the fierce wretchedness that glory brings us!
FTLN 1549 Who would not wish to be from wealth exempt,
FTLN 1550 Since riches point to misery and contempt?
FTLN 1551 Who would be so mocked with glory, or to live
FTLN 1552 But in a dream of friendship,
FTLN 1553 40 To have his pomp and all what state compounds
FTLN 1554 But only painted, like his varnished friends?

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ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 1555 Poor honest lord, brought low by his own heart,
FTLN 1556 Undone by goodness! Strange unusual blood
FTLN 1557 When man’s worst sin is he does too much good!
FTLN 1558 45 Who then dares to be half so kind again?
FTLN 1559 For bounty, that makes gods, do still mar men.
FTLN 1560 My dearest lord, blest to be most accursed,
FTLN 1561 Rich only to be wretched, thy great fortunes
FTLN 1562 Are made thy chief afflictions. Alas, kind lord!
FTLN 1563 50 He’s flung in rage from this ingrateful seat
FTLN 1564 Of monstrous friends,
FTLN 1565 Nor has he with him to supply his life,
FTLN 1566 Or that which can command it.
FTLN 1567 I’ll follow and inquire him out.
FTLN 1568 55 I’ll ever serve his mind with my best will.
FTLN 1569 Whilst I have gold, I’ll be his steward still.
He exits.
Scene 3
Enter Timon in the woods, with a spade.
TIMON
FTLN 1570 O blessèd breeding sun, draw from the Earth
FTLN 1571 Rotten humidity! Below thy sister’s orb
FTLN 1572 Infect the air! Twinned brothers of one womb,
FTLN 1573 Whose procreation, residence, and birth
FTLN 1574 5 Scarce is dividant, touch them with several fortunes,
FTLN 1575 The greater scorns the lesser. Not nature,
FTLN 1576 To whom all sores lay siege, can bear great fortune
FTLN 1577 But by contempt of nature.
FTLN 1578 Raise me this beggar, and deny ’t that lord;
FTLN 1579 10 The Senators shall bear contempt hereditary,
FTLN 1580 The beggar native honor.
FTLN 1581 It is the pasture lards the brother’s sides,
FTLN 1582 The want that makes him lean. Who dares, who
FTLN 1583 dares

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ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 1584 15 In purity of manhood stand upright
FTLN 1585 And say “This man’s a flatterer”? If one be,
FTLN 1586 So are they all, for every grise of fortune
FTLN 1587 Is smoothed by that below. The learnèd pate
FTLN 1588 Ducks to the golden fool. All’s obliquy.
FTLN 1589 20 There’s nothing level in our cursèd natures
FTLN 1590 But direct villainy. Therefore be abhorred
FTLN 1591 All feasts, societies, and throngs of men.
FTLN 1592 His semblable, yea, himself, Timon disdains.
FTLN 1593 Destruction fang mankind! Earth, yield me roots!
FTLN 1594 25 Who seeks for better of thee, sauce his palate
FTLN 1595 With thy most operant poison! (Digging, he finds
gold.) FTLN 1596 What is here?
FTLN 1597 Gold? Yellow, glittering, precious gold?
FTLN 1598 No, gods, I am no idle votarist.
FTLN 1599 30 Roots, you clear heavens! Thus much of this will
FTLN 1600 make
FTLN 1601 Black white, foul fair, wrong right,
FTLN 1602 Base noble, old young, coward valiant.
FTLN 1603 Ha, you gods! Why this? What this, you gods? Why,
FTLN 1604 35 this
FTLN 1605 Will lug your priests and servants from your sides,
FTLN 1606 Pluck stout men’s pillows from below their heads.
FTLN 1607 This yellow slave
FTLN 1608 Will knit and break religions, bless th’ accursed,
FTLN 1609 40 Make the hoar leprosy adored, place thieves
FTLN 1610 And give them title, knee, and approbation
FTLN 1611 With senators on the bench. This is it
FTLN 1612 That makes the wappened widow wed again;
FTLN 1613 She whom the spital house and ulcerous sores
FTLN 1614 45 Would cast the gorge at, this embalms and spices
FTLN 1615 To th’ April day again. Come, damnèd earth,
FTLN 1616 Thou common whore of mankind, that puts odds
FTLN 1617 Among the rout of nations, I will make thee
FTLN 1618 Do thy right nature. (March afar off.) Ha? A drum?
FTLN 1619 50 Thou ’rt quick,

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ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 1620 But yet I’ll bury thee. Thou ’lt go, strong thief,
FTLN 1621 When gouty keepers of thee cannot stand.
FTLN 1622 Nay, stay thou out for earnest.
He buries the gold, keeping some out.
Enter Alcibiades, with Drum and Fife, in warlike
manner, and Phrynia and Timandra.
ALCIBIADES FTLN 1623 What art thou there? Speak.
TIMON
FTLN 1624 55 A beast, as thou art. The canker gnaw thy heart
FTLN 1625 For showing me again the eyes of man!
ALCIBIADES
FTLN 1626 What is thy name? Is man so hateful to thee
FTLN 1627 That art thyself a man?
TIMON
FTLN 1628 I am Misanthropos and hate mankind.
FTLN 1629 60 For thy part, I do wish thou wert a dog,
FTLN 1630 That I might love thee something.
ALCIBIADES FTLN 1631 I know thee well.
FTLN 1632 But in thy fortunes am unlearned and strange.
TIMON
FTLN 1633 I know thee too, and more than that I know thee
FTLN 1634 65 I not desire to know. Follow thy drum.
FTLN 1635 With man’s blood paint the ground gules, gules!
FTLN 1636 Religious canons, civil laws are cruel.
FTLN 1637 Then what should war be? This fell whore of thine
FTLN 1638 Hath in her more destruction than thy sword,
FTLN 1639 70 For all her cherubin look.
PHRYNIA FTLN 1640 Thy lips rot off!
TIMON
FTLN 1641 I will not kiss thee. Then the rot returns
FTLN 1642 To thine own lips again.
ALCIBIADES
FTLN 1643 How came the noble Timon to this change?
TIMON
FTLN 1644 75 As the moon does, by wanting light to give.

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FTLN 1645 But then renew I could not, like the moon;
FTLN 1646 There were no suns to borrow of.
ALCIBIADES
FTLN 1647 Noble Timon, what friendship may I do thee?
TIMON
FTLN 1648 None, but to maintain my opinion.
ALCIBIADES FTLN 1649 80 What is it, Timon?
TIMON FTLN 1650 Promise me friendship, but perform none. If
FTLN 1651 thou wilt not promise, the gods plague thee, for
FTLN 1652 thou art a man. If thou dost perform, confound
FTLN 1653 thee, for thou art a man.
ALCIBIADES
FTLN 1654 85 I have heard in some sort of thy miseries.
TIMON
FTLN 1655 Thou saw’st them when I had prosperity.
ALCIBIADES
FTLN 1656 I see them now. Then was a blessèd time.
TIMON
FTLN 1657 As thine is now, held with a brace of harlots.
TIMANDRA
FTLN 1658 Is this th’ Athenian minion whom the world
FTLN 1659 90 Voiced so regardfully?
TIMON FTLN 1660 Art thou Timandra?
TIMANDRA FTLN 1661 Yes.
TIMON
FTLN 1662 Be a whore still. They love thee not that use thee.
FTLN 1663 Give them diseases, leaving with thee their lust.
FTLN 1664 95 Make use of thy salt hours. Season the slaves
FTLN 1665 For tubs and baths. Bring down rose-cheeked youth
FTLN 1666 To the tub-fast and the diet.
TIMANDRA FTLN 1667 Hang thee, monster!
ALCIBIADES
FTLN 1668 Pardon him, sweet Timandra, for his wits
FTLN 1669 100 Are drowned and lost in his calamities.—
FTLN 1670 I have but little gold of late, brave Timon,
FTLN 1671 The want whereof doth daily make revolt

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FTLN 1672 In my penurious band. I have heard and grieved
FTLN 1673 How cursèd Athens, mindless of thy worth,
FTLN 1674 105 Forgetting thy great deeds when neighbor states,
FTLN 1675 But for thy sword and fortune, trod upon them—
TIMON
FTLN 1676 I prithee, beat thy drum and get thee gone.
ALCIBIADES
FTLN 1677 I am thy friend and pity thee, dear Timon.
TIMON
FTLN 1678 How dost thou pity him whom thou dost trouble?
FTLN 1679 110 I had rather be alone.
ALCIBIADES
FTLN 1680 Why, fare thee well. Here is some gold for thee.
TIMON FTLN 1681 Keep it. I cannot eat it.
ALCIBIADES
FTLN 1682 When I have laid proud Athens on a heap—
TIMON
FTLN 1683 Warr’st thou ’gainst Athens?
ALCIBIADES FTLN 1684 115 Ay, Timon, and have cause.
TIMON
FTLN 1685 The gods confound them all in thy conquest,
FTLN 1686 And thee after, when thou hast conquered!
ALCIBIADES
FTLN 1687 Why me, Timon?
TIMON FTLN 1688 That by killing of villains
FTLN 1689 120 Thou wast born to conquer my country.
FTLN 1690 Put up thy gold. Go on. Here’s gold. Go on.
FTLN 1691 Be as a planetary plague when Jove
FTLN 1692 Will o’er some high-viced city hang his poison
FTLN 1693 In the sick air. Let not thy sword skip one.
FTLN 1694 125 Pity not honored age for his white beard;
FTLN 1695 He is an usurer. Strike me the counterfeit matron;
FTLN 1696 It is her habit only that is honest,
FTLN 1697 Herself’s a bawd. Let not the virgin’s cheek
FTLN 1698 Make soft thy trenchant sword, for those milk paps,
FTLN 1699 130 That through the window-bars bore at men’s eyes,

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ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 1700 Are not within the leaf of pity writ,
FTLN 1701 But set them down horrible traitors. Spare not the
FTLN 1702 babe,
FTLN 1703 Whose dimpled smiles from fools exhaust their
FTLN 1704 135 mercy;
FTLN 1705 Think it a bastard whom the oracle
FTLN 1706 Hath doubtfully pronounced the throat shall cut,
FTLN 1707 And mince it sans remorse. Swear against objects;
FTLN 1708 Put armor on thine ears and on thine eyes,
FTLN 1709 140 Whose proof nor yells of mothers, maids, nor babes,
FTLN 1710 Nor sight of priests in holy vestments bleeding,
FTLN 1711 Shall pierce a jot. (He offers gold.) There’s gold to
FTLN 1712 pay thy soldiers.
FTLN 1713 Make large confusion and, thy fury spent,
FTLN 1714 145 Confounded be thyself! Speak not. Begone.
ALCIBIADES
FTLN 1715 Hast thou gold yet? I’ll take the gold thou givest me,
FTLN 1716 Not all thy counsel.
TIMON
FTLN 1717 Dost thou or dost thou not, heaven’s curse upon thee!
BOTH WOMEN
FTLN 1718 Give us some gold, good Timon. Hast thou more?
TIMON
FTLN 1719 150 Enough to make a whore forswear her trade,
FTLN 1720 And to make whores a bawd. Hold up, you sluts,
FTLN 1721 Your aprons mountant. (He begins throwing gold
into their aprons.) FTLN 1722 You are not oathable,
FTLN 1723 Although I know you’ll swear—terribly swear
FTLN 1724 155 Into strong shudders and to heavenly agues
FTLN 1725 Th’ immortal gods that hear you. Spare your oaths.
FTLN 1726 I’ll trust to your conditions. Be whores still.
FTLN 1727 And he whose pious breath seeks to convert you,
FTLN 1728 Be strong in whore, allure him, burn him up.
FTLN 1729 160 Let your close fire predominate his smoke,
FTLN 1730 And be no turncoats. Yet may your pains six months
FTLN 1731 Be quite contrary. And thatch your poor thin roofs

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FTLN 1732 With burdens of the dead—some that were hanged,
FTLN 1733 No matter; wear them, betray with them. Whore
FTLN 1734 165 still.
FTLN 1735 Paint till a horse may mire upon your face.
FTLN 1736 A pox of wrinkles!
BOTH WOMEN FTLN 1737 Well, more gold. What then?
FTLN 1738 Believe ’t that we’ll do anything for gold.
TIMON FTLN 1739 170 Consumptions sow
FTLN 1740 In hollow bones of man; strike their sharp shins,
FTLN 1741 And mar men’s spurring. Crack the lawyer’s voice,
FTLN 1742 That he may never more false title plead
FTLN 1743 Nor sound his quillets shrilly. Hoar the flamen,
FTLN 1744 175 That scolds against the quality of flesh
FTLN 1745 And not believes himself. Down with the nose—
FTLN 1746 Down with it flat, take the bridge quite away—
FTLN 1747 Of him that, his particular to foresee,
FTLN 1748 Smells from the general weal. Make curled-pate
FTLN 1749 180 ruffians bald,
FTLN 1750 And let the unscarred braggarts of the war
FTLN 1751 Derive some pain from you. Plague all,
FTLN 1752 That your activity may defeat and quell
FTLN 1753 The source of all erection. There’s more gold.
FTLN 1754 185 Do you damn others, and let this damn you,
FTLN 1755 And ditches grave you all!
BOTH WOMEN
FTLN 1756 More counsel with more money, bounteous Timon.
TIMON
FTLN 1757 More whore, more mischief first! I have given you
FTLN 1758 earnest.
ALCIBIADES
FTLN 1759 190 Strike up the drum towards Athens.—Farewell,
FTLN 1760 Timon.
FTLN 1761 If I thrive well, I’ll visit thee again.
TIMON
FTLN 1762 If I hope well, I’ll never see thee more.
ALCIBIADES FTLN 1763 I never did thee harm.

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TIMON
FTLN 1764 195 Yes, thou spok’st well of me.
ALCIBIADES FTLN 1765 Call’st thou that harm?
TIMON
FTLN 1766 Men daily find it. Get thee away, and take
FTLN 1767 Thy beagles with thee.
ALCIBIADES , to the Women FTLN 1768 We but offend him.—
FTLN 1769 200 Strike. The drum sounds; all but Timon exit.
TIMON
FTLN 1770 That nature, being sick of man’s unkindness,
FTLN 1771 Should yet be hungry! (He digs.) Common mother,
FTLN 1772 thou
FTLN 1773 Whose womb unmeasurable and infinite breast
FTLN 1774 205 Teems and feeds all; whose selfsame mettle—
FTLN 1775 Whereof thy proud child, arrogant man, is puffed—
FTLN 1776 Engenders the black toad and adder blue,
FTLN 1777 The gilded newt and eyeless venomed worm,
FTLN 1778 With all th’ abhorrèd births below crisp heaven
FTLN 1779 210 Whereon Hyperion’s quick’ning fire doth shine:
FTLN 1780 Yield him who all thy human sons do hate,
FTLN 1781 From forth thy plenteous bosom, one poor root!
FTLN 1782 Ensear thy fertile and conceptious womb;
FTLN 1783 Let it no more bring out ingrateful man.
FTLN 1784 215 Go great with tigers, dragons, wolves, and bears;
FTLN 1785 Teem with new monsters, whom thy upward face
FTLN 1786 Hath to the marbled mansion all above
FTLN 1787 Never presented. O, a root! Dear thanks!
FTLN 1788 Dry up thy marrows, vines, and plow-torn leas,
FTLN 1789 220 Whereof ingrateful man with liquorish drafts
FTLN 1790 And morsels unctuous greases his pure mind,
FTLN 1791 That from it all consideration slips—
Enter Apemantus.
FTLN 1792 More man? Plague, plague!
APEMANTUS
FTLN 1793 I was directed hither. Men report
FTLN 1794 225 Thou dost affect my manners and dost use them.

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TIMON
FTLN 1795 ’Tis, then, because thou dost not keep a dog,
FTLN 1796 Whom I would imitate. Consumption catch thee!
APEMANTUS
FTLN 1797 This is in thee a nature but infected,
FTLN 1798 A poor unmanly melancholy sprung
FTLN 1799 230 From change of future. Why this spade? This place?
FTLN 1800 This slavelike habit and these looks of care?
FTLN 1801 Thy flatterers yet wear silk, drink wine, lie soft,
FTLN 1802 Hug their diseased perfumes, and have forgot
FTLN 1803 That ever Timon was. Shame not these woods
FTLN 1804 235 By putting on the cunning of a carper.
FTLN 1805 Be thou a flatterer now, and seek to thrive
FTLN 1806 By that which has undone thee. Hinge thy knee,
FTLN 1807 And let his very breath whom thou ’lt observe
FTLN 1808 Blow off thy cap; praise his most vicious strain,
FTLN 1809 240 And call it excellent. Thou wast told thus.
FTLN 1810 Thou gav’st thine ears, like tapsters that bade
FTLN 1811 welcome,
FTLN 1812 To knaves and all approachers. ’Tis most just
FTLN 1813 That thou turn rascal. Had’st thou wealth again,
FTLN 1814 245 Rascals should have ’t. Do not assume my likeness.
TIMON
FTLN 1815 Were I like thee, I’d throw away myself.
APEMANTUS
FTLN 1816 Thou hast cast away thyself, being like thyself—
FTLN 1817 A madman so long, now a fool. What, think’st
FTLN 1818 That the bleak air, thy boisterous chamberlain,
FTLN 1819 250 Will put thy shirt on warm? Will these moist trees,
FTLN 1820 That have outlived the eagle, page thy heels
FTLN 1821 And skip when thou point’st out? Will the cold brook,
FTLN 1822 Candied with ice, caudle thy morning taste
FTLN 1823 To cure thy o’ernight’s surfeit? Call the creatures
FTLN 1824 255 Whose naked natures live in all the spite
FTLN 1825 Of wreakful heaven, whose bare unhousèd trunks,

139
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FTLN 1826 To the conflicting elements exposed,
FTLN 1827 Answer mere nature. Bid them flatter thee.
FTLN 1828 O, thou shalt find—
TIMON FTLN 1829 260 A fool of thee. Depart.
APEMANTUS
FTLN 1830 I love thee better now than e’er I did.
TIMON
FTLN 1831 I hate thee worse.
APEMANTUS FTLN 1832 Why?
TIMON FTLN 1833 Thou flatter’st misery.
APEMANTUS
FTLN 1834 265 I flatter not but say thou art a caitiff.
TIMON FTLN 1835 Why dost thou seek me out?
APEMANTUS FTLN 1836 To vex thee.
TIMON
FTLN 1837 Always a villain’s office or a fool’s.
FTLN 1838 Dost please thyself in ’t?
APEMANTUS FTLN 1839 270 Ay.
TIMON FTLN 1840 What, a knave too?
APEMANTUS
FTLN 1841 If thou didst put this sour cold habit on
FTLN 1842 To castigate thy pride, ’twere well, but thou
FTLN 1843 Dost it enforcedly. Thou ’dst courtier be again
FTLN 1844 275 Wert thou not beggar. Willing misery
FTLN 1845 Outlives incertain pomp, is crowned before;
FTLN 1846 The one is filling still, never complete,
FTLN 1847 The other at high wish. Best state, contentless,
FTLN 1848 Hath a distracted and most wretched being,
FTLN 1849 280 Worse than the worst, content.
FTLN 1850 Thou shouldst desire to die, being miserable.
TIMON
FTLN 1851 Not by his breath that is more miserable.
FTLN 1852 Thou art a slave whom Fortune’s tender arm
FTLN 1853 With favor never clasped but bred a dog.
FTLN 1854 285 Hadst thou, like us from our first swathe, proceeded
FTLN 1855 The sweet degrees that this brief world affords

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FTLN 1856 To such as may the passive drugs of it
FTLN 1857 Freely command, thou wouldst have plunged
FTLN 1858 thyself
FTLN 1859 290 In general riot, melted down thy youth
FTLN 1860 In different beds of lust, and never learned
FTLN 1861 The icy precepts of respect, but followed
FTLN 1862 The sugared game before thee. But myself—
FTLN 1863 Who had the world as my confectionary,
FTLN 1864 295 The mouths, the tongues, the eyes and hearts of
FTLN 1865 men
FTLN 1866 At duty, more than I could frame employment,
FTLN 1867 That numberless upon me stuck as leaves
FTLN 1868 Do on the oak, have with one winter’s brush
FTLN 1869 300 Fell from their boughs and left me open, bare,
FTLN 1870 For every storm that blows—I to bear this,
FTLN 1871 That never knew but better, is some burden.
FTLN 1872 Thy nature did commence in sufferance. Time
FTLN 1873 Hath made thee hard in ’t. Why shouldst thou hate
FTLN 1874 305 men?
FTLN 1875 They never flattered thee. What hast thou given?
FTLN 1876 If thou wilt curse, thy father, that poor rag,
FTLN 1877 Must be thy subject, who in spite put stuff
FTLN 1878 To some she-beggar and compounded thee
FTLN 1879 310 Poor rogue hereditary. Hence, begone.
FTLN 1880 If thou hadst not been born the worst of men,
FTLN 1881 Thou hadst been a knave and flatterer.
APEMANTUS
FTLN 1882 Art thou proud yet?
TIMON FTLN 1883 Ay, that I am not thee.
APEMANTUS FTLN 1884 315 I, that I was no prodigal.
TIMON FTLN 1885 I, that I am one now.
FTLN 1886 Were all the wealth I have shut up in thee,
FTLN 1887 I’d give thee leave to hang it. Get thee gone.
FTLN 1888 That the whole life of Athens were in this!
FTLN 1889 320 Thus would I eat it. He gnaws a root.
APEMANTUS , offering food FTLN 1890 Here, I will mend thy feast.

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TIMON
FTLN 1891 First mend my company. Take away thyself.
APEMANTUS
FTLN 1892 So I shall mend mine own by th’ lack of thine.
TIMON
FTLN 1893 ’Tis not well mended so; it is but botched.
FTLN 1894 325 If not, I would it were.
APEMANTUS FTLN 1895 What wouldst thou have to Athens?
TIMON
FTLN 1896 Thee thither in a whirlwind. If thou wilt,
FTLN 1897 Tell them there I have gold. Look, so I have.
APEMANTUS
FTLN 1898 Here is no use for gold.
TIMON FTLN 1899 330 The best and truest,
FTLN 1900 For here it sleeps and does no hired harm.
APEMANTUS FTLN 1901 Where liest a-nights, Timon?
TIMON FTLN 1902 Under that’s above me. Where feed’st thou
FTLN 1903 a-days, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS FTLN 1904 335 Where my stomach finds meat, or rather
FTLN 1905 where I eat it.
TIMON FTLN 1906 Would poison were obedient and knew my
FTLN 1907 mind!
APEMANTUS FTLN 1908 Where wouldst thou send it?
TIMON FTLN 1909 340 To sauce thy dishes.
APEMANTUS FTLN 1910 The middle of humanity thou never
FTLN 1911 knewest, but the extremity of both ends. When
FTLN 1912 thou wast in thy gilt and thy perfume, they
FTLN 1913 mocked thee for too much curiosity. In thy rags
FTLN 1914 345 thou know’st none, but art despised for the contrary.
FTLN 1915 There’s a medlar for thee. Eat it.
TIMON FTLN 1916 On what I hate I feed not.
APEMANTUS FTLN 1917 Dost hate a medlar?
TIMON FTLN 1918 Ay, though it look like thee.
APEMANTUS FTLN 1919 350 An thou ’dst hated meddlers sooner, thou
FTLN 1920 shouldst have loved thyself better now. What man
FTLN 1921 didst thou ever know unthrift that was beloved
FTLN 1922 after his means?

145
Timon of Athens
ACT 4. SC. 3
TIMON FTLN 1923 Who, without those means thou talk’st of, didst
FTLN 1924 355 thou ever know beloved?
APEMANTUS FTLN 1925 Myself.
TIMON FTLN 1926 I understand thee. Thou hadst some means to
FTLN 1927 keep a dog.
APEMANTUS FTLN 1928 What things in the world canst thou nearest
FTLN 1929 360 compare to thy flatterers?
TIMON FTLN 1930 Women nearest, but men—men are the things
FTLN 1931 themselves. What wouldst thou do with the world,
FTLN 1932 Apemantus, if it lay in thy power?
APEMANTUS FTLN 1933 Give it the beasts, to be rid of the men.
TIMON FTLN 1934 365 Wouldst thou have thyself fall in the confusion
FTLN 1935 of men and remain a beast with the beasts?
APEMANTUS FTLN 1936 Ay, Timon.
TIMON FTLN 1937 A beastly ambition, which the gods grant thee
FTLN 1938 t’ attain to! If thou wert the lion, the fox would
FTLN 1939 370 beguile thee. If thou wert the lamb, the fox would
FTLN 1940 eat thee. If thou wert the fox, the lion would suspect
FTLN 1941 thee when peradventure thou wert accused by
FTLN 1942 the ass. If thou wert the ass, thy dullness would
FTLN 1943 torment thee, and still thou lived’st but as a breakfast
FTLN 1944 375 to the wolf. If thou wert the wolf, thy greediness
FTLN 1945 would afflict thee, and oft thou shouldst hazard
FTLN 1946 thy life for thy dinner. Wert thou the unicorn,
FTLN 1947 pride and wrath would confound thee and
FTLN 1948 make thine own self the conquest of thy fury. Wert
FTLN 1949 380 thou a bear, thou wouldst be killed by the horse.
FTLN 1950 Wert thou a horse, thou wouldst be seized by the
FTLN 1951 leopard. Wert thou a leopard, thou wert germane
FTLN 1952 to the lion, and the spots of thy kindred were
FTLN 1953 jurors on thy life. All thy safety were remotion, and
FTLN 1954 385 thy defense absence. What beast couldst thou be
FTLN 1955 that were not subject to a beast? And what a beast
FTLN 1956 art thou already that seest not thy loss in
FTLN 1957 transformation!
APEMANTUS FTLN 1958 If thou couldst please me with speaking to

147
Timon of Athens
ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 1959 390 me, thou mightst have hit upon it here. The commonwealth
FTLN 1960 of Athens is become a forest of beasts.
TIMON FTLN 1961 How, has the ass broke the wall that thou art
FTLN 1962 out of the city?
APEMANTUS FTLN 1963 Yonder comes a poet and a painter. The
FTLN 1964 395 plague of company light upon thee! I will fear to
FTLN 1965 catch it and give way. When I know not what else
FTLN 1966 to do, I’ll see thee again.
TIMON FTLN 1967 When there is nothing living but thee, thou
FTLN 1968 shalt be welcome. I had rather be a beggar’s dog
FTLN 1969 400 than Apemantus.
APEMANTUS
FTLN 1970 Thou art the cap of all the fools alive.
TIMON
FTLN 1971 Would thou wert clean enough to spit upon!
APEMANTUS
FTLN 1972 A plague on thee! Thou art too bad to curse.
TIMON
FTLN 1973 All villains that do stand by thee are pure.
APEMANTUS
FTLN 1974 405 There is no leprosy but what thou speak’st.
TIMON FTLN 1975 If I name thee.
FTLN 1976 I’ll beat thee, but I should infect my hands.
APEMANTUS FTLN 1977 I would my tongue could rot them off!
TIMON
FTLN 1978 Away, thou issue of a mangy dog!
FTLN 1979 410 Choler does kill me that thou art alive.
FTLN 1980 I swoon to see thee.
APEMANTUS
FTLN 1981 Would thou wouldst burst!
TIMON FTLN 1982 Away, thou tedious rogue!
FTLN 1983 I am sorry I shall lose a stone by thee.
Timon throws a stone at Apemantus.
APEMANTUS FTLN 1984 415 Beast!
TIMON FTLN 1985 Slave!
APEMANTUS FTLN 1986 Toad!

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Timon of Athens
ACT 4. SC. 3
TIMON FTLN 1987 Rogue, rogue, rogue!
FTLN 1988 I am sick of this false world, and will love nought
FTLN 1989 420 But even the mere necessities upon ’t.
FTLN 1990 Then, Timon, presently prepare thy grave.
FTLN 1991 Lie where the light foam of the sea may beat
FTLN 1992 Thy gravestone daily. Make thine epitaph,
FTLN 1993 That death in me at others’ lives may laugh.
FTLN 1994 425 (To his gold.) O thou sweet king-killer and dear
FTLN 1995 divorce
FTLN 1996 ’Twixt natural son and sire, thou bright defiler
FTLN 1997 Of Hymen’s purest bed, thou valiant Mars,
FTLN 1998 Thou ever young, fresh, loved, and delicate wooer,
FTLN 1999 430 Whose blush doth thaw the consecrated snow
FTLN 2000 That lies on Dian’s lap; thou visible god,
FTLN 2001 That sold’rest close impossibilities
FTLN 2002 And mak’st them kiss, that speak’st with every
FTLN 2003 tongue
FTLN 2004 435 To every purpose! O thou touch of hearts,
FTLN 2005 Think thy slave, man, rebels, and by thy virtue
FTLN 2006 Set them into confounding odds, that beasts
FTLN 2007 May have the world in empire!
APEMANTUS FTLN 2008 Would ’twere so!
FTLN 2009 440 But not till I am dead. I’ll say thou ’st gold;
FTLN 2010 Thou wilt be thronged to shortly.
TIMON FTLN 2011 Thronged to?
APEMANTUS FTLN 2012 Ay.
TIMON
FTLN 2013 Thy back, I prithee.
APEMANTUS FTLN 2014 445 Live and love thy misery.
TIMON FTLN 2015 Long live so, and so die. I am quit.
Enter the Banditti.
APEMANTUS
FTLN 2016 More things like men.—Eat, Timon, and abhor
FTLN 2017 them. Apemantus exits.
FIRST BANDIT FTLN 2018 Where should he have this gold? It is

151
Timon of Athens
ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 2019 450 some poor fragment, some slender ort of his
FTLN 2020 remainder. The mere want of gold and the falling-from
FTLN 2021 of his friends drove him into this melancholy.
SECOND BANDIT FTLN 2022 It is noised he hath a mass of treasure.
THIRD BANDIT FTLN 2023 Let us make the assay upon him. If he
FTLN 2024 455 care not for ’t, he will supply us easily. If he covetously
FTLN 2025 reserve it, how shall ’s get it?
SECOND BANDIT FTLN 2026 True, for he bears it not about him. ’Tis
FTLN 2027 hid.
FIRST BANDIT FTLN 2028 Is not this he?
OTHERS FTLN 2029 460 Where?
SECOND BANDIT FTLN 2030’Tis his description.
THIRD BANDIT FTLN 2031 He. I know him.
ALL FTLN 2032 Save thee, Timon.
TIMON FTLN 2033 Now, thieves?
ALL
FTLN 2034 465 Soldiers, not thieves.
TIMON FTLN 2035 Both, too, and women’s sons.
ALL
FTLN 2036 We are not thieves, but men that much do want.
TIMON
FTLN 2037 Your greatest want is, you want much of meat.
FTLN 2038 Why should you want? Behold, the earth hath roots.
FTLN 2039 470 Within this mile break forth a hundred springs.
FTLN 2040 The oaks bear mast, the briars scarlet hips.
FTLN 2041 The bounteous huswife Nature on each bush
FTLN 2042 Lays her full mess before you. Want? Why want?
FIRST BANDIT
FTLN 2043 We cannot live on grass, on berries, water,
FTLN 2044 475 As beasts and birds and fishes.
TIMON
FTLN 2045 Nor on the beasts themselves, the birds and fishes;
FTLN 2046 You must eat men. Yet thanks I must you con
FTLN 2047 That you are thieves professed, that you work not
FTLN 2048 In holier shapes, for there is boundless theft
FTLN 2049 480 In limited professions. Rascal thieves,

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Timon of Athens
ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 2050 Here’s gold. (He gives them gold.) Go, suck the
FTLN 2051 subtle blood o’ th’ grape
FTLN 2052 Till the high fever seethe your blood to froth,
FTLN 2053 And so ’scape hanging. Trust not the physician;
FTLN 2054 485 His antidotes are poison, and he slays
FTLN 2055 More than you rob. Take wealth and lives together.
FTLN 2056 Do, villainy, do, since you protest to do ’t,
FTLN 2057 Like workmen. I’ll example you with thievery.
FTLN 2058 The sun’s a thief and with his great attraction
FTLN 2059 490 Robs the vast sea. The moon’s an arrant thief,
FTLN 2060 And her pale fire she snatches from the sun.
FTLN 2061 The sea’s a thief, whose liquid surge resolves
FTLN 2062 The moon into salt tears. The earth’s a thief,
FTLN 2063 That feeds and breeds by a composture stol’n
FTLN 2064 495 From gen’ral excrement. Each thing’s a thief.
FTLN 2065 The laws, your curb and whip, in their rough power
FTLN 2066 Has unchecked theft. Love not yourselves. Away!
FTLN 2067 Rob one another. There’s more gold. (He gives them
gold.) FTLN 2068 Cut throats.
FTLN 2069 500 All that you meet are thieves. To Athens go.
FTLN 2070 Break open shops. Nothing can you steal
FTLN 2071 But thieves do lose it. Steal less for this I give you,
FTLN 2072 And gold confound you howsoe’er! Amen.
THIRD BANDIT FTLN 2073 Has almost charmed me from my profession
FTLN 2074 505 by persuading me to it.
FIRST BANDIT FTLN 2075’Tis in the malice of mankind that he
FTLN 2076 thus advises us, not to have us thrive in our
FTLN 2077 mystery.
SECOND BANDIT FTLN 2078 I’ll believe him as an enemy and give
FTLN 2079 510 over my trade.
FIRST BANDIT FTLN 2080 Let us first see peace in Athens. There is
FTLN 2081 no time so miserable but a man may be true.
Thieves exit.
Enter Flavius the Steward, to Timon.
FLAVIUS FTLN 2082 O you gods!

155
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ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 2083 Is yond despised and ruinous man my lord?
FTLN 2084 515 Full of decay and flailing? O, monument
FTLN 2085 And wonder of good deeds evilly bestowed!
FTLN 2086 What an alteration of honor has desp’rate want
FTLN 2087 made!
FTLN 2088 What viler thing upon the Earth than friends,
FTLN 2089 520 Who can bring noblest minds to basest ends!
FTLN 2090 How rarely does it meet with this time’s guise,
FTLN 2091 When man was wished to love his enemies!
FTLN 2092 Grant I may ever love, and rather woo
FTLN 2093 Those that would mischief me than those that do!
FTLN 2094 525 Has caught me in his eye. I will present
FTLN 2095 My honest grief unto him and as my lord
FTLN 2096 Still serve him with my life.—My dearest master.
TIMON
FTLN 2097 Away! What art thou?
FLAVIUS FTLN 2098 Have you forgot me, sir?
TIMON
FTLN 2099 530 Why dost ask that? I have forgot all men.
FTLN 2100 Then, if thou grant’st thou ’rt a man, I have forgot
FTLN 2101 thee.
FLAVIUS FTLN 2102 An honest poor servant of yours.
TIMON FTLN 2103 Then I know thee not.
FTLN 2104 535 I never had honest man about me, I. All
FTLN 2105 I kept were knaves to serve in meat to villains.
FLAVIUS FTLN 2106 The gods are witness,
FTLN 2107 Ne’er did poor steward wear a truer grief
FTLN 2108 For his undone lord than mine eyes for you.
He weeps.
TIMON
FTLN 2109 540 What, dost thou weep? Come nearer, then. I love
FTLN 2110 thee
FTLN 2111 Because thou art a woman and disclaim’st
FTLN 2112 Flinty mankind, whose eyes do never give
FTLN 2113 But thorough lust and laughter. Pity’s sleeping.

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ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 2114 545 Strange times that weep with laughing, not with
FTLN 2115 weeping!
FLAVIUS
FTLN 2116 I beg of you to know me, good my lord,
FTLN 2117 T’ accept my grief, and, whilst this poor wealth lasts,
FTLN 2118 To entertain me as your steward still.
He offers money.
TIMON FTLN 2119 550 Had I a steward
FTLN 2120 So true, so just, and now so comfortable?
FTLN 2121 It almost turns my dangerous nature mild.
FTLN 2122 Let me behold thy face. Surely this man
FTLN 2123 Was born of woman.
FTLN 2124 555 Forgive my general and exceptless rashness,
FTLN 2125 You perpetual-sober gods. I do proclaim
FTLN 2126 One honest man—mistake me not, but one;
FTLN 2127 No more, I pray!—and he’s a steward.
FTLN 2128 How fain would I have hated all mankind,
FTLN 2129 560 And thou redeem’st thyself. But all, save thee,
FTLN 2130 I fell with curses.
FTLN 2131 Methinks thou art more honest now than wise,
FTLN 2132 For by oppressing and betraying me
FTLN 2133 Thou mightst have sooner got another service;
FTLN 2134 565 For many so arrive at second masters
FTLN 2135 Upon their first lord’s neck. But tell me true—
FTLN 2136 For I must ever doubt, though ne’er so sure—
FTLN 2137 Is not thy kindness subtle, covetous,
FTLN 2138 A usuring kindness, and as rich men deal gifts,
FTLN 2139 570 Expecting in return twenty for one?
FLAVIUS
FTLN 2140 No, my most worthy master, in whose breast
FTLN 2141 Doubt and suspect, alas, are placed too late.
FTLN 2142 You should have feared false times when you did
FTLN 2143 feast.
FTLN 2144 575 Suspect still comes where an estate is least.
FTLN 2145 That which I show, heaven knows, is merely love,
FTLN 2146 Duty, and zeal to your unmatchèd mind,

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Timon of Athens
ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 2147 Care of your food and living. And believe it,
FTLN 2148 My most honored lord,
FTLN 2149 580 For any benefit that points to me,
FTLN 2150 Either in hope or present, I’d exchange
FTLN 2151 For this one wish, that you had power and wealth
FTLN 2152 To requite me by making rich yourself.
TIMON
FTLN 2153 Look thee, ’tis so. Thou singly honest man,
FTLN 2154 585 Here, take. (Timon offers gold.) The gods out of my
FTLN 2155 misery
FTLN 2156 Has sent thee treasure. Go, live rich and happy,
FTLN 2157 But thus conditioned: thou shalt build from men;
FTLN 2158 Hate all, curse all, show charity to none,
FTLN 2159 590 But let the famished flesh slide from the bone
FTLN 2160 Ere thou relieve the beggar; give to dogs
FTLN 2161 What thou deniest to men; let prisons swallow ’em,
FTLN 2162 Debts wither ’em to nothing; be men like blasted
FTLN 2163 woods,
FTLN 2164 595 And may diseases lick up their false bloods!
FTLN 2165 And so farewell and thrive.
FLAVIUS FTLN 2166 O, let me stay
FTLN 2167 And comfort you, my master.
TIMON FTLN 2168 If thou hat’st curses,
FTLN 2169 600 Stay not. Fly whilst thou art blest and free.
FTLN 2170 Ne’er see thou man, and let me ne’er see thee.
They exit.

ACT 5
Scene 1
Enter Poet and Painter.
PAINTER FTLN 2171 As I took note of the place, it cannot be far
FTLN 2172 where he abides.
POET FTLN 2173 What’s to be thought of him? Does the rumor
FTLN 2174 hold for true that he’s so full of gold?
PAINTER FTLN 2175 5 Certain. Alcibiades reports it. Phrynia and
FTLN 2176 Timandra had gold of him. He likewise enriched
FTLN 2177 poor straggling soldiers with great quantity. ’Tis
FTLN 2178 said he gave unto his steward a mighty sum.
POET FTLN 2179 Then this breaking of his has been but a try for
FTLN 2180 10 his friends?
PAINTER FTLN 2181 Nothing else. You shall see him a palm in
FTLN 2182 Athens again, and flourish with the highest. Therefore
FTLN 2183 ’tis not amiss we tender our loves to him in
FTLN 2184 this supposed distress of his. It will show honestly
FTLN 2185 15 in us and is very likely to load our purposes with
FTLN 2186 what they travail for, if it be a just and true report
FTLN 2187 that goes of his having.
Enter Timon, behind them, from his cave.
POET FTLN 2188 What have you now to present unto him?
PAINTER FTLN 2189 Nothing at this time but my visitation. Only I
FTLN 2190 20 will promise him an excellent piece.
POET FTLN 2191 I must serve him so too—tell him of an intent
FTLN 2192 that’s coming toward him.
163

165
Timon of Athens
ACT 5. SC. 1
PAINTER FTLN 2193 Good as the best. Promising is the very air o’
FTLN 2194 th’ time; it opens the eyes of expectation. Performance
FTLN 2195 25 is ever the duller for his act, and but in the
FTLN 2196 plainer and simpler kind of people the deed of saying
FTLN 2197 is quite out of use. To promise is most courtly
FTLN 2198 and fashionable. Performance is a kind of will or
FTLN 2199 testament which argues a great sickness in his
FTLN 2200 30 judgment that makes it.
TIMON , aside FTLN 2201 Excellent workman! Thou canst not
FTLN 2202 paint a man so bad as is thyself.
POET FTLN 2203 I am thinking what I shall say I have provided
FTLN 2204 for him. It must be a personating of himself, a
FTLN 2205 35 satire against the softness of prosperity, with a discovery
FTLN 2206 of the infinite flatteries that follow youth
FTLN 2207 and opulency.
TIMON , aside FTLN 2208 Must thou needs stand for a villain in
FTLN 2209 thine own work? Wilt thou whip thine own faults
FTLN 2210 40 in other men? Do so. I have gold for thee.
POET FTLN 2211 Nay, let’s seek him.
FTLN 2212 Then do we sin against our own estate
FTLN 2213 When we may profit meet and come too late.
PAINTER FTLN 2214 True.
FTLN 2215 45 When the day serves, before black-cornered night,
FTLN 2216 Find what thou want’st by free and offered light.
FTLN 2217 Come.
TIMON , aside
FTLN 2218 I’ll meet you at the turn. What a god’s gold
FTLN 2219 That he is worshiped in a baser temple
FTLN 2220 50 Than where swine feed!
FTLN 2221 ’Tis thou that rigg’st the bark and plow’st the foam,
FTLN 2222 Settlest admirèd reverence in a slave.
FTLN 2223 To thee be worship, and thy saints for aye
FTLN 2224 Be crowned with plagues, that thee alone obey!
FTLN 2225 55 Fit I meet them. He comes forward.
POET
FTLN 2226 Hail, worthy Timon.

167
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ACT 5. SC. 1
PAINTER FTLN 2227 Our late noble master.
TIMON
FTLN 2228 Have I once lived to see two honest men?
POET FTLN 2229 Sir,
FTLN 2230 60 Having often of your open bounty tasted,
FTLN 2231 Hearing you were retired, your friends fall’n off,
FTLN 2232 Whose thankless natures—O, abhorrèd spirits!
FTLN 2233 Not all the whips of heaven are large enough—
FTLN 2234 What, to you,
FTLN 2235 65 Whose starlike nobleness gave life and influence
FTLN 2236 To their whole being? I am rapt and cannot cover
FTLN 2237 The monstrous bulk of this ingratitude
FTLN 2238 With any size of words.
TIMON
FTLN 2239 Let it go naked. Men may see ’t the better.
FTLN 2240 70 You that are honest, by being what you are
FTLN 2241 Make them best seen and known.
PAINTER FTLN 2242 He and myself
FTLN 2243 Have travailed in the great shower of your gifts
FTLN 2244 And sweetly felt it.
TIMON FTLN 2245 75 Ay, you are honest men.
PAINTER
FTLN 2246 We are hither come to offer you our service.
TIMON
FTLN 2247 Most honest men! Why, how shall I requite you?
FTLN 2248 Can you eat roots and drink cold water? No?
BOTH
FTLN 2249 What we can do we’ll do to do you service.
TIMON
FTLN 2250 80 You’re honest men. You’ve heard that I have gold.
FTLN 2251 I am sure you have. Speak truth. You’re honest men.
PAINTER
FTLN 2252 So it is said, my noble lord, but therefor
FTLN 2253 Came not my friend nor I.
TIMON
FTLN 2254 Good honest men. (To the Painter.) Thou draw’st a
FTLN 2255 85 counterfeit

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ACT 5. SC. 1
FTLN 2256 Best in all Athens. Thou ’rt indeed the best.
FTLN 2257 Thou counterfeit’st most lively.
PAINTER FTLN 2258 So-so, my lord.
TIMON
FTLN 2259 E’en so, sir, as I say. (To the Poet.) And for thy
FTLN 2260 90 fiction,
FTLN 2261 Why, thy verse swells with stuff so fine and smooth
FTLN 2262 That thou art even natural in thine art.
FTLN 2263 But for all this, my honest-natured friends,
FTLN 2264 I must needs say you have a little fault.
FTLN 2265 95 Marry, ’tis not monstrous in you, neither wish I
FTLN 2266 You take much pains to mend.
BOTH FTLN 2267 Beseech your Honor
FTLN 2268 To make it known to us.
TIMON FTLN 2269 You’ll take it ill.
BOTH FTLN 2270 100 Most thankfully, my lord.
TIMON FTLN 2271 Will you indeed?
BOTH FTLN 2272 Doubt it not, worthy lord.
TIMON
FTLN 2273 There’s never a one of you but trusts a knave
FTLN 2274 That mightily deceives you.
BOTH FTLN 2275 105 Do we, my lord?
TIMON
FTLN 2276 Ay, and you hear him cog, see him dissemble,
FTLN 2277 Know his gross patchery, love him, feed him,
FTLN 2278 Keep in your bosom. Yet remain assured
FTLN 2279 That he’s a made-up villain.
PAINTER FTLN 2280 110 I know none such, my lord.
POET FTLN 2281 Nor I.
TIMON
FTLN 2282 Look you, I love you well. I’ll give you gold.
FTLN 2283 Rid me these villains from your companies,
FTLN 2284 Hang them or stab them, drown them in a draft,
FTLN 2285 115 Confound them by some course, and come to me,
FTLN 2286 I’ll give you gold enough.
BOTH FTLN 2287 Name them, my lord, let ’s know them.

171
Timon of Athens
ACT 5. SC. 1
TIMON
FTLN 2288 You that way and you this, but two in company.
FTLN 2289 Each man apart, all single and alone,
FTLN 2290 120 Yet an archvillain keeps him company.
FTLN 2291 (To one.) If where thou art, two villains shall not be,
FTLN 2292 Come not near him. (To the other.) If thou wouldst
FTLN 2293 not reside
FTLN 2294 But where one villain is, then him abandon.—
FTLN 2295 125 Hence, pack. There’s gold. You came for gold, you
FTLN 2296 slaves.
FTLN 2297 (To one.) You have work for me. There’s payment.
FTLN 2298 Hence.
FTLN 2299 (To the other.) You are an alchemist; make gold of
FTLN 2300 130 that.
FTLN 2301 Out, rascal dogs!
Timon drives them out and then exits.
Enter Steward Flavius, and two Senators.
FLAVIUS
FTLN 2302 It is vain that you would speak with Timon,
FTLN 2303 For he is set so only to himself
FTLN 2304 That nothing but himself which looks like man
FTLN 2305 135 Is friendly with him.
FIRST SENATOR FTLN 2306 Bring us to his cave.
FTLN 2307 It is our part and promise to th’ Athenians
FTLN 2308 To speak with Timon.
SECOND SENATOR FTLN 2309 At all times alike
FTLN 2310 140 Men are not still the same. ’Twas time and griefs
FTLN 2311 That framed him thus. Time, with his fairer hand
FTLN 2312 Offering the fortunes of his former days,
FTLN 2313 The former man may make him. Bring us to him,
FTLN 2314 And chance it as it may.
FLAVIUS FTLN 2315 145 Here is his cave.—
FTLN 2316 Peace and content be here! Lord Timon! Timon!
FTLN 2317 Look out, and speak to friends. Th’ Athenians
FTLN 2318 By two of their most reverend Senate greet thee.
FTLN 2319 Speak to them, noble Timon.

173
Timon of Athens
ACT 5. SC. 1
Enter Timon out of his cave.
TIMON
FTLN 2320 150 Thou sun that comforts, burn!—Speak and be
FTLN 2321 hanged!
FTLN 2322 For each true word a blister, and each false
FTLN 2323 Be as a cauterizing to the root o’ th’ tongue,
FTLN 2324 Consuming it with speaking.
FIRST SENATOR FTLN 2325 155 Worthy Timon—
TIMON
FTLN 2326 Of none but such as you, and you of Timon.
FIRST SENATOR
FTLN 2327 The Senators of Athens greet thee, Timon.
TIMON
FTLN 2328 I thank them and would send them back the plague,
FTLN 2329 Could I but catch it for them.
FIRST SENATOR FTLN 2330 160 O, forget
FTLN 2331 What we are sorry for ourselves in thee.
FTLN 2332 The Senators with one consent of love
FTLN 2333 Entreat thee back to Athens, who have thought
FTLN 2334 On special dignities which vacant lie
FTLN 2335 165 For thy best use and wearing.
SECOND SENATOR FTLN 2336 They confess
FTLN 2337 Toward thee forgetfulness too general gross;
FTLN 2338 Which now the public body, which doth seldom
FTLN 2339 Play the recanter, feeling in itself
FTLN 2340 170 A lack of Timon’s aid, hath sense withal
FTLN 2341 Of it own fall, restraining aid to Timon,
FTLN 2342 And send forth us to make their sorrowed render,
FTLN 2343 Together with a recompense more fruitful
FTLN 2344 Than their offense can weigh down by the dram—
FTLN 2345 175 Ay, even such heaps and sums of love and wealth
FTLN 2346 As shall to thee blot out what wrongs were theirs
FTLN 2347 And write in thee the figures of their love,
FTLN 2348 Ever to read them thine.
TIMON FTLN 2349 You witch me in it,

175
Timon of Athens
ACT 5. SC. 1
FTLN 2350 180 Surprise me to the very brink of tears.
FTLN 2351 Lend me a fool’s heart and a woman’s eyes,
FTLN 2352 And I’ll beweep these comforts, worthy senators.
FIRST SENATOR
FTLN 2353 Therefore, so please thee to return with us
FTLN 2354 And of our Athens, thine and ours, to take
FTLN 2355 185 The captainship, thou shalt be met with thanks;
FTLN 2356 Allowed with absolute power, and thy good name
FTLN 2357 Live with authority. So soon we shall drive back
FTLN 2358 Of Alcibiades th’ approaches wild,
FTLN 2359 Who like a boar too savage doth root up
FTLN 2360 190 His country’s peace.
SECOND SENATOR FTLN 2361 And shakes his threat’ning sword
FTLN 2362 Against the walls of Athens.
FIRST SENATOR FTLN 2363 Therefore, Timon—
TIMON
FTLN 2364 Well sir, I will. Therefore I will, sir, thus:
FTLN 2365 195 If Alcibiades kill my countrymen,
FTLN 2366 Let Alcibiades know this of Timon—
FTLN 2367 That Timon cares not. But if he sack fair Athens
FTLN 2368 And take our goodly agèd men by th’ beards,
FTLN 2369 Giving our holy virgins to the stain
FTLN 2370 200 Of contumelious, beastly, mad-brained war,
FTLN 2371 Then let him know, and tell him Timon speaks it
FTLN 2372 In pity of our agèd and our youth,
FTLN 2373 I cannot choose but tell him that I care not,
FTLN 2374 And let him take ’t at worst—for their knives care not,
FTLN 2375 205 While you have throats to answer. For myself,
FTLN 2376 There’s not a whittle in th’ unruly camp
FTLN 2377 But I do prize it at my love before
FTLN 2378 The reverend’st throat in Athens. So I leave you
FTLN 2379 To the protection of the prosperous gods
FTLN 2380 210 As thieves to keepers.
FLAVIUS , to Senators FTLN 2381 Stay not. All’s in vain.
TIMON
FTLN 2382 Why, I was writing of my epitaph.

177
Timon of Athens
ACT 5. SC. 1
FTLN 2383 It will be seen tomorrow. My long sickness
FTLN 2384 Of health and living now begins to mend,
FTLN 2385 215 And nothing brings me all things. Go, live still.
FTLN 2386 Be Alcibiades your plague, you his,
FTLN 2387 And last so long enough!
FIRST SENATOR FTLN 2388 We speak in vain.
TIMON
FTLN 2389 But yet I love my country and am not
FTLN 2390 220 One that rejoices in the common wrack,
FTLN 2391 As common bruit doth put it.
FIRST SENATOR FTLN 2392 That’s well spoke.
TIMON
FTLN 2393 Commend me to my loving countrymen.
FIRST SENATOR
FTLN 2394 These words become your lips as they pass through
FTLN 2395 225 them.
SECOND SENATOR
FTLN 2396 And enter in our ears like great triumphers
FTLN 2397 In their applauding gates.
TIMON FTLN 2398 Commend me to them
FTLN 2399 And tell them that, to ease them of their griefs,
FTLN 2400 230 Their fears of hostile strokes, their aches, losses,
FTLN 2401 Their pangs of love, with other incident throes
FTLN 2402 That nature’s fragile vessel doth sustain
FTLN 2403 In life’s uncertain voyage, I will some kindness do
FTLN 2404 them.
FTLN 2405 235 I’ll teach them to prevent wild Alcibiades’ wrath.
FIRST SENATOR , to Second Senator
FTLN 2406 I like this well. He will return again.
TIMON
FTLN 2407 I have a tree, which grows here in my close,
FTLN 2408 That mine own use invites me to cut down,
FTLN 2409 And shortly must I fell it. Tell my friends,
FTLN 2410 240 Tell Athens, in the sequence of degree
FTLN 2411 From high to low throughout, that whoso please
FTLN 2412 To stop affliction, let him take his haste,

179
Timon of Athens
ACT 5. SC. 2
FTLN 2413 Come hither ere my tree hath felt the ax,
FTLN 2414 And hang himself. I pray you, do my greeting.
FLAVIUS , to Senators
FTLN 2415 245 Trouble him no further. Thus you still shall find him.
TIMON
FTLN 2416 Come not to me again, but say to Athens,
FTLN 2417 Timon hath made his everlasting mansion
FTLN 2418 Upon the beachèd verge of the salt flood,
FTLN 2419 Who once a day with his embossèd froth
FTLN 2420 250 The turbulent surge shall cover. Thither come
FTLN 2421 And let my gravestone be your oracle.
FTLN 2422 Lips, let four words go by and language end.
FTLN 2423 What is amiss, plague and infection mend.
FTLN 2424 Graves only be men’s works, and death their gain.
FTLN 2425 255 Sun, hide thy beams. Timon hath done his reign.
Timon exits.
FIRST SENATOR
FTLN 2426 His discontents are unremovably
FTLN 2427 Coupled to nature.
SECOND SENATOR
FTLN 2428 Our hope in him is dead. Let us return
FTLN 2429 And strain what other means is left unto us
FTLN 2430 260 In our dear peril.
FIRST SENATOR FTLN 2431 It requires swift foot.
They exit.
Scene 2
Enter two other Senators, with a Messenger.
THIRD SENATOR
FTLN 2432 Thou hast painfully discovered. Are his files
FTLN 2433 As full as thy report?
MESSENGER FTLN 2434 I have spoke the least.
FTLN 2435 Besides, his expedition promises
FTLN 2436 5 Present approach.

181
Timon of Athens
ACT 5. SC. 3
FOURTH SENATOR
FTLN 2437 We stand much hazard if they bring not Timon.
MESSENGER
FTLN 2438 I met a courier, one mine ancient friend,
FTLN 2439 Whom, though in general part we were opposed,
FTLN 2440 Yet our old love made a particular force
FTLN 2441 10 And made us speak like friends. This man was riding
FTLN 2442 From Alcibiades to Timon’s cave
FTLN 2443 With letters of entreaty which imported
FTLN 2444 His fellowship i’ th’ cause against your city,
FTLN 2445 In part for his sake moved.
Enter the other Senators.
THIRD SENATOR FTLN 2446 15 Here come our brothers.
FIRST SENATOR
FTLN 2447 No talk of Timon; nothing of him expect.
FTLN 2448 The enemy’s drum is heard, and fearful scouring
FTLN 2449 Doth choke the air with dust. In, and prepare.
FTLN 2450 Ours is the fall, I fear, our foe’s the snare.
They exit.
Scene 3
Enter a Soldier in the woods, seeking Timon.
SOLDIER
FTLN 2451 By all description this should be the place.
FTLN 2452 Who’s here? Speak, ho! No answer? What is this?
He reads an epitaph.
FTLN 2453 Timon is dead, who hath out-stretched his span.
FTLN 2454 Some beast read this; there does not live a man.
FTLN 2455 5 Dead, sure, and this his grave. What’s on this tomb
FTLN 2456 I cannot read. The character I’ll take with wax.
FTLN 2457 Our captain hath in every figure skill,
FTLN 2458 An aged interpreter, though young in days.

183
Timon of Athens
ACT 5. SC. 4
FTLN 2459 Before proud Athens he’s set down by this,
FTLN 2460 10 Whose fall the mark of his ambition is.
He exits.
Scene 4
Trumpets sound. Enter Alcibiades with his Powers
before Athens.
ALCIBIADES
FTLN 2461 Sound to this coward and lascivious town
FTLN 2462 Our terrible approach. Sounds a parley.
The Senators appear upon the walls.
FTLN 2463 Till now you have gone on and filled the time
FTLN 2464 With all licentious measure, making your wills
FTLN 2465 5 The scope of justice. Till now myself and such
FTLN 2466 As slept within the shadow of your power
FTLN 2467 Have wandered with our traversed arms and breathed
FTLN 2468 Our sufferance vainly. Now the time is flush,
FTLN 2469 When crouching marrow in the bearer strong
FTLN 2470 10 Cries of itself “No more!” Now breathless wrong
FTLN 2471 Shall sit and pant in your great chairs of ease,
FTLN 2472 And pursy insolence shall break his wind
FTLN 2473 With fear and horrid flight.
FIRST SENATOR FTLN 2474 Noble and young,
FTLN 2475 15 When thy first griefs were but a mere conceit,
FTLN 2476 Ere thou hadst power or we had cause of fear,
FTLN 2477 We sent to thee to give thy rages balm,
FTLN 2478 To wipe out our ingratitude with loves
FTLN 2479 Above their quantity.
SECOND SENATOR FTLN 2480 20 So did we woo
FTLN 2481 Transformèd Timon to our city’s love
FTLN 2482 By humble message and by promised means.
FTLN 2483 We were not all unkind, nor all deserve
FTLN 2484 The common stroke of war.

185
Timon of Athens
ACT 5. SC. 4
FIRST SENATOR FTLN 2485 25 These walls of ours
FTLN 2486 Were not erected by their hands from whom
FTLN 2487 You have received your grief, nor are they such
FTLN 2488 That these great towers, trophies, and schools
FTLN 2489 should fall
FTLN 2490 30 For private faults in them.
SECOND SENATOR FTLN 2491 Nor are they living
FTLN 2492 Who were the motives that you first went out.
FTLN 2493 Shame, that they wanted cunning, in excess
FTLN 2494 Hath broke their hearts. March, noble lord,
FTLN 2495 35 Into our city with thy banners spread.
FTLN 2496 By decimation and a tithèd death,
FTLN 2497 If thy revenges hunger for that food
FTLN 2498 Which nature loathes, take thou the destined tenth
FTLN 2499 And, by the hazard of the spotted die,
FTLN 2500 40 Let die the spotted.
FIRST SENATOR FTLN 2501 All have not offended.
FTLN 2502 For those that were, it is not square to take,
FTLN 2503 On those that are, revenge. Crimes, like lands,
FTLN 2504 Are not inherited. Then, dear countryman,
FTLN 2505 45 Bring in thy ranks but leave without thy rage.
FTLN 2506 Spare thy Athenian cradle and those kin
FTLN 2507 Which in the bluster of thy wrath must fall
FTLN 2508 With those that have offended. Like a shepherd
FTLN 2509 Approach the fold and cull th’ infected forth,
FTLN 2510 50 But kill not all together.
SECOND SENATOR FTLN 2511 What thou wilt,
FTLN 2512 Thou rather shalt enforce it with thy smile
FTLN 2513 Than hew to ’t with thy sword.
FIRST SENATOR FTLN 2514 Set but thy foot
FTLN 2515 55 Against our rampired gates and they shall ope,
FTLN 2516 So thou wilt send thy gentle heart before
FTLN 2517 To say thou ’lt enter friendly.
SECOND SENATOR FTLN 2518 Throw thy glove,
FTLN 2519 Or any token of thine honor else,
FTLN 2520 60 That thou wilt use the wars as thy redress

187
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ACT 5. SC. 4
FTLN 2521 And not as our confusion, all thy powers
FTLN 2522 Shall make their harbor in our town till we
FTLN 2523 Have sealed thy full desire.
ALCIBIADES FTLN 2524 Then there’s my glove.
FTLN 2525 65 Descend and open your unchargèd ports.
FTLN 2526 Those enemies of Timon’s and mine own
FTLN 2527 Whom you yourselves shall set out for reproof
FTLN 2528 Fall, and no more. And to atone your fears
FTLN 2529 With my more noble meaning, not a man
FTLN 2530 70 Shall pass his quarter or offend the stream
FTLN 2531 Of regular justice in your city’s bounds
FTLN 2532 But shall be remedied to your public laws
FTLN 2533 At heaviest answer.
BOTH FTLN 2534 ’Tis most nobly spoken.
ALCIBIADES FTLN 2535 75 Descend and keep your words.
The Senators descend.
Enter a Soldier, with the wax tablet.
SOLDIER
FTLN 2536 My noble general, Timon is dead,
FTLN 2537 Entombed upon the very hem o’ th’ sea,
FTLN 2538 And on his gravestone this insculpture, which
FTLN 2539 With wax I brought away, whose soft impression
FTLN 2540 80 Interprets for my poor ignorance.
ALCIBIADES reads the epitaph.
FTLN 2541 Here lies a wretched corse, of wretched soul bereft.
FTLN 2542 Seek not my name. A plague consume you, wicked
FTLN 2543 caitiffs left!
FTLN 2544 Here lie I, Timon, who, alive, all living men did hate.
FTLN 2545 85 Pass by and curse thy fill, but pass and stay not here
FTLN 2546 thy gait.
FTLN 2547 These well express in thee thy latter spirits.
FTLN 2548 Though thou abhorred’st in us our human griefs,
FTLN 2549 Scorned’st our brains’ flow and those our droplets
FTLN 2550 90 which
FTLN 2551 From niggard nature fall, yet rich conceit

189
Timon of Athens
ACT 5. SC. 4
FTLN 2552 Taught thee to make vast Neptune weep for aye
FTLN 2553 On thy low grave, on faults forgiven. Dead
FTLN 2554 Is noble Timon, of whose memory
FTLN 2555 95 Hereafter more. Bring me into your city,
FTLN 2556 And I will use the olive with my sword,
FTLN 2557 Make war breed peace, make peace stint war, make
FTLN 2558 each
FTLN 2559 Prescribe to other as each other’s leech.
FTLN 2560 100 Let our drums strike.
Drums. They exit.