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Enter TIMON in the woods, with a spade.
Enter TIMON in the woods, with a spade.
TIMON
O blessèd breeding sun, draw from the Earth
Rotten humidity! Below thy sister’s orb
Infect the air! Twinned brothers of one womb,
Whose procreation, residence, and birth
5
Scarce is dividant, touch them with several fortunes,
The greater scorns the lesser. Not nature,
To whom all sores lay siege, can bear great fortune
But by contempt of nature.
Raise me this beggar, and deny ’t that lord;
10
The Senators shall bear contempt hereditary,
The beggar native honor.
It is the pasture lards the brother’s sides,
The want that makes him lean. Who dares, who
dares
15
In purity of manhood stand upright
And say “This man’s a flatterer”? If one be,
So are they all, for every grise of fortune
Is smoothed by that below. The learnèd pate
Ducks to the golden fool. All’s obliquy.
20
There’s nothing level in our cursèd natures
But direct villainy. Therefore be abhorred
All feasts, societies, and throngs of men.
His semblable, yea, himself, Timon disdains.
Destruction fang mankind! Earth, yield me roots!
25
Who seeks for better of thee, sauce his palate
With thy most operant poison!
( Digging, he finds gold.)
What is here?
Gold? Yellow, glittering, precious gold?
No, gods, I am no idle votarist.
30
Roots, you clear heavens! Thus much of this will           
make
Black white, foul fair, wrong right,
Base noble, old young, coward valiant.
Ha, you gods! Why this? What this, you gods? Why,
35
this
Will lug your priests and servants from your sides,
Pluck stout men’s pillows from below their heads.
This yellow slave
Will knit and break religions, bless th’ accursed,
40
Make the hoar leprosy adored, place thieves
And give them title, knee, and approbation
With senators on the bench. This is it
That makes the wappened widow wed again;
She whom the spital house and ulcerous sores
45
Would cast the gorge at, this embalms and spices
To th’ April day again. Come, damnèd earth,
Thou common whore of mankind, that puts odds
Among the rout of nations, I will make thee
Do thy right nature. ( March afar off.) Ha? A drum?
50
Thou ’rt quick,
But yet I’ll bury thee. Thou ’lt go, strong thief,
When gouty keepers of thee cannot stand.
Nay, stay thou out for earnest.
TIMON
O blessèd breeding sun, draw from the Earth
Rotten humidity! Below thy sister’s orb
Infect the air! Twinned brothers of one womb,
Whose procreation, residence, and birth
Scarce is dividant, touch them with several fortunes,
The greater scorns the lesser. Not nature,
To whom all sores lay siege, can bear great fortune
But by contempt of nature.
Raise me this beggar, and deny ’t that lord;
The Senators shall bear contempt hereditary,
The beggar native honor.
It is the pasture lards the brother’s sides,
The want that makes him lean. Who dares, who
dares
In purity of manhood stand upright
And say “This man’s a flatterer”? If one be,
So are they all, for every grise of fortune
Is smoothed by that below. The learnèd pate
Ducks to the golden fool. All’s obliquy.
There’s nothing level in our cursèd natures
But direct villainy. Therefore be abhorred
All feasts, societies, and throngs of men.
His semblable, yea, himself, Timon disdains.
Destruction fang mankind! Earth, yield me roots!
Who seeks for better of thee, sauce his palate
With thy most operant poison!
( Digging, he finds gold.)
What is here?
Gold? Yellow, glittering, precious gold?
No, gods, I am no idle votarist.
Roots, you clear heavens! Thus much of this will           
make
Black white, foul fair, wrong right,
Base noble, old young, coward valiant.
Ha, you gods! Why this? What this, you gods? Why,
this
Will lug your priests and servants from your sides,
Pluck stout men’s pillows from below their heads.
This yellow slave
Will knit and break religions, bless th’ accursed,
Make the hoar leprosy adored, place thieves
And give them title, knee, and approbation
With senators on the bench. This is it
That makes the wappened widow wed again;
She whom the spital house and ulcerous sores
Would cast the gorge at, this embalms and spices
To th’ April day again. Come, damnèd earth,
Thou common whore of mankind, that puts odds
Among the rout of nations, I will make thee
Do thy right nature. ( March afar off.) Ha? A drum?
Thou ’rt quick,
But yet I’ll bury thee. Thou ’lt go, strong thief,
When gouty keepers of thee cannot stand.
Nay, stay thou out for earnest.
He buries the gold, keeping some out.
He buries the gold, keeping some out.
Enter ALCIBIADES, with Drum and Fife, in warlike manner, and PHYRNIA and TIMANDRA.
Enter ALCIBIADES, with Drum and Fife, in warlike manner, and PHYRNIA and TIMANDRA.
ALCIBIADES
What art thou there? Speak.
ALCIBIADES
What art thou there? Speak.
TIMON
55
A beast, as thou art. The canker gnaw thy heart
For showing me again the eyes of man!
TIMON
A beast, as thou art. The canker gnaw thy heart
For showing me again the eyes of man!
ALCIBIADES
What is thy name? Is man so hateful to thee
That art thyself a man?
ALCIBIADES
What is thy name? Is man so hateful to thee
That art thyself a man?
TIMON
I am Misanthropos and hate mankind.
60
For thy part, I do wish thou wert a dog,
That I might love thee something.
TIMON
I am Misanthropos and hate mankind.
For thy part, I do wish thou wert a dog,
That I might love thee something.
ALCIBIADES
I know thee well.
But in thy fortunes am unlearned and strange.
ALCIBIADES
I know thee well.
But in thy fortunes am unlearned and strange.
TIMON
I know thee too, and more than that I know thee
65
I not desire to know. Follow thy drum.
With man’s blood paint the ground gules, gules!
Religious canons, civil laws are cruel.
Then what should war be? This fell whore of thine
Hath in her more destruction than thy sword,
70
For all her cherubin look.
TIMON
I know thee too, and more than that I know thee
I not desire to know. Follow thy drum.
With man’s blood paint the ground gules, gules!
Religious canons, civil laws are cruel.
Then what should war be? This fell whore of thine
Hath in her more destruction than thy sword,
For all her cherubin look.
PHRYNIA
Thy lips rot off!
PHRYNIA
Thy lips rot off!
TIMON
I will not kiss thee. Then the rot returns
To thine own lips again.
TIMON
I will not kiss thee. Then the rot returns
To thine own lips again.
ALCIBIADES
How came the noble Timon to this change?
ALCIBIADES
How came the noble Timon to this change?
TIMON
75
As the moon does, by wanting light to give.
But then renew I could not, like the moon;
There were no suns to borrow of.
TIMON
As the moon does, by wanting light to give.
But then renew I could not, like the moon;
There were no suns to borrow of.
ALCIBIADES
Noble Timon, what friendship may I do thee?
ALCIBIADES
Noble Timon, what friendship may I do thee?
TIMON
None, but to maintain my opinion.
TIMON
None, but to maintain my opinion.
ALCIBIADES
80
What is it, Timon?
ALCIBIADES
What is it, Timon?
TIMON
Promise me friendship, but perform none. If
thou wilt not promise, the gods plague thee, for
thou art a man. If thou dost perform, confound
thee, for thou art a man.
TIMON
Promise me friendship, but perform none. If
thou wilt not promise, the gods plague thee, for
thou art a man. If thou dost perform, confound
thee, for thou art a man.
ALCIBIADES
85
I have heard in some sort of thy miseries.
ALCIBIADES
I have heard in some sort of thy miseries.
TIMON
Thou saw’st them when I had prosperity.
TIMON
Thou saw’st them when I had prosperity.
ALCIBIADES
I see them now. Then was a blessèd time.
ALCIBIADES
I see them now. Then was a blessèd time.
TIMON
As thine is now, held with a brace of harlots.
TIMON
As thine is now, held with a brace of harlots.
TIMANDRA
Is this th’ Athenian minion whom the world
90
Voiced so regardfully?
TIMANDRA
Is this th’ Athenian minion whom the world
Voiced so regardfully?
TIMON
Art thou Timandra?
TIMON
Art thou Timandra?
TIMANDRA
Yes.
TIMANDRA
Yes.
TIMON
Be a whore still. They love thee not that use thee.
Give them diseases, leaving with thee their lust.
95
Make use of thy salt hours. Season the slaves
For tubs and baths. Bring down rose-cheeked youth
To the tub-fast and the diet.
TIMON
Be a whore still. They love thee not that use thee.
Give them diseases, leaving with thee their lust.
Make use of thy salt hours. Season the slaves
For tubs and baths. Bring down rose-cheeked youth
To the tub-fast and the diet.
TIMANDRA
Hang thee, monster!
TIMANDRA
Hang thee, monster!
ALCIBIADES
Pardon him, sweet Timandra, for his wits
100
Are drowned and lost in his calamities.—
I have but little gold of late, brave Timon,
The want whereof doth daily make revolt
In my penurious band. I have heard and grieved
How cursèd Athens, mindless of thy worth,
105
Forgetting thy great deeds when neighbor states,
But for thy sword and fortune, trod upon them—
ALCIBIADES
Pardon him, sweet Timandra, for his wits
Are drowned and lost in his calamities.—
I have but little gold of late, brave Timon,
The want whereof doth daily make revolt
In my penurious band. I have heard and grieved
How cursèd Athens, mindless of thy worth,
Forgetting thy great deeds when neighbor states,
But for thy sword and fortune, trod upon them—
TIMON
I prithee, beat thy drum and get thee gone.
TIMON
I prithee, beat thy drum and get thee gone.
ALCIBIADES
I am thy friend and pity thee, dear Timon.
ALCIBIADES
I am thy friend and pity thee, dear Timon.
TIMON
How dost thou pity him whom thou dost trouble?
110
I had rather be alone.
TIMON
How dost thou pity him whom thou dost trouble?
I had rather be alone.
ALCIBIADES
Why, fare thee well. Here is some gold for thee.
ALCIBIADES
Why, fare thee well. Here is some gold for thee.
TIMON
Keep it. I cannot eat it.
TIMON
Keep it. I cannot eat it.
ALCIBIADES
When I have laid proud Athens on a heap—
ALCIBIADES
When I have laid proud Athens on a heap—
TIMON
Warr’st thou ’gainst Athens?
TIMON
Warr’st thou ’gainst Athens?
ALCIBIADES
115
Ay, Timon, and have cause.
ALCIBIADES
Ay, Timon, and have cause.
TIMON
The gods confound them all in thy conquest,
And thee after, when thou hast conquered!
TIMON
The gods confound them all in thy conquest,
And thee after, when thou hast conquered!
ALCIBIADES
Why me, Timon?
ALCIBIADES
Why me, Timon?
TIMON
That by killing of villains
120
Thou wast born to conquer my country.
Put up thy gold. Go on. Here’s gold. Go on.
Be as a planetary plague when Jove
Will o’er some high-viced city hang his poison
In the sick air. Let not thy sword skip one.
125
Pity not honored age for his white beard;
He is an usurer. Strike me the counterfeit matron;
It is her habit only that is honest,
Herself’s a bawd. Let not the virgin’s cheek
Make soft thy trenchant sword, for those milk paps,
130
That through the window-bars bore at men’s eyes,
Are not within the leaf of pity writ,
But set them down horrible traitors. Spare not the
babe,
Whose dimpled smiles from fools exhaust their
135
mercy;
Think it a bastard whom the oracle
Hath doubtfully pronounced the throat shall cut,
And mince it sans remorse. Swear against objects;
Put armor on thine ears and on thine eyes,
140
Whose proof nor yells of mothers, maids, nor babes,
Nor sight of priests in holy vestments bleeding,
Shall pierce a jot. ( He offers gold.) There’s gold to
pay thy soldiers.
Make large confusion and, thy fury spent,
145
Confounded be thyself! Speak not. Begone.
TIMON
That by killing of villains
Thou wast born to conquer my country.
Put up thy gold. Go on. Here’s gold. Go on.
Be as a planetary plague when Jove
Will o’er some high-viced city hang his poison
In the sick air. Let not thy sword skip one.
Pity not honored age for his white beard;
He is an usurer. Strike me the counterfeit matron;
It is her habit only that is honest,
Herself’s a bawd. Let not the virgin’s cheek
Make soft thy trenchant sword, for those milk paps,
That through the window-bars bore at men’s eyes,
Are not within the leaf of pity writ,
But set them down horrible traitors. Spare not the
babe,
Whose dimpled smiles from fools exhaust their
mercy;
Think it a bastard whom the oracle
Hath doubtfully pronounced the throat shall cut,
And mince it sans remorse. Swear against objects;
Put armor on thine ears and on thine eyes,
Whose proof nor yells of mothers, maids, nor babes,
Nor sight of priests in holy vestments bleeding,
Shall pierce a jot. ( He offers gold.) There’s gold to
pay thy soldiers.
Make large confusion and, thy fury spent,
Confounded be thyself! Speak not. Begone.
ALCIBIADES
Hast thou gold yet? I’ll take the gold thou givest me,
Not all thy counsel.
ALCIBIADES
Hast thou gold yet? I’ll take the gold thou givest me,
Not all thy counsel.
TIMON
Dost thou or dost thou not, heaven’s curse upon thee!
TIMON
Dost thou or dost thou not, heaven’s curse upon thee!
BOTH WOMEN
Give us some gold, good Timon. Hast thou more?
BOTH WOMEN
Give us some gold, good Timon. Hast thou more?
TIMON
150
Enough to make a whore forswear her trade,
And to make whores a bawd. Hold up, you sluts,
Your aprons mountant.
( He begins throwing gold into their aprons.)
You are not oathable,
Although I know you’ll swear—terribly swear
155
Into strong shudders and to heavenly agues
Th’ immortal gods that hear you. Spare your oaths.
I’ll trust to your conditions. Be whores still.
And he whose pious breath seeks to convert you,
Be strong in whore, allure him, burn him up.
160
Let your close fire predominate his smoke,
And be no turncoats. Yet may your pains six months
Be quite contrary. And thatch your poor thin roofs
With burdens of the dead—some that were hanged,
No matter; wear them, betray with them. Whore
165
still.
Paint till a horse may mire upon your face.
A pox of wrinkles!
TIMON
Enough to make a whore forswear her trade,
And to make whores a bawd. Hold up, you sluts,
Your aprons mountant.
( He begins throwing gold into their aprons.)
You are not oathable,
Although I know you’ll swear—terribly swear
Into strong shudders and to heavenly agues
Th’ immortal gods that hear you. Spare your oaths.
I’ll trust to your conditions. Be whores still.
And he whose pious breath seeks to convert you,
Be strong in whore, allure him, burn him up.
Let your close fire predominate his smoke,
And be no turncoats. Yet may your pains six months
Be quite contrary. And thatch your poor thin roofs
With burdens of the dead—some that were hanged,
No matter; wear them, betray with them. Whore
still.
Paint till a horse may mire upon your face.
A pox of wrinkles!
BOTH WOMEN
Well, more gold. What then?
Believe ’t that we’ll do anything for gold.
BOTH WOMEN
Well, more gold. What then?
Believe ’t that we’ll do anything for gold.
TIMON
170
Consumptions sow
In hollow bones of man; strike their sharp shins,
And mar men’s spurring. Crack the lawyer’s voice,
That he may never more false title plead
Nor sound his quillets shrilly. Hoar the flamen,
175
That scolds against the quality of flesh
And not believes himself. Down with the nose—
Down with it flat, take the bridge quite away—
Of him that, his particular to foresee,
Smells from the general weal. Make curled-pate
180
ruffians bald,
And let the unscarred braggarts of the war
Derive some pain from you. Plague all,
That your activity may defeat and quell
The source of all erection. There’s more gold.
185
Do you damn others, and let this damn you,
And ditches grave you all!
TIMON
Consumptions sow
In hollow bones of man; strike their sharp shins,
And mar men’s spurring. Crack the lawyer’s voice,
That he may never more false title plead
Nor sound his quillets shrilly. Hoar the flamen,
That scolds against the quality of flesh
And not believes himself. Down with the nose—
Down with it flat, take the bridge quite away—
Of him that, his particular to foresee,
Smells from the general weal. Make curled-pate
ruffians bald,
And let the unscarred braggarts of the war
Derive some pain from you. Plague all,
That your activity may defeat and quell
The source of all erection. There’s more gold.
Do you damn others, and let this damn you,
And ditches grave you all!
BOTH WOMEN
More counsel with more money, bounteous Timon.
BOTH WOMEN
More counsel with more money, bounteous Timon.
TIMON
More whore, more mischief first! I have given you
earnest.
TIMON
More whore, more mischief first! I have given you
earnest.
ALCIBIADES
190
Strike up the drum towards Athens.—Farewell,
Timon.
If I thrive well, I’ll visit thee again.
ALCIBIADES
Strike up the drum towards Athens.—Farewell,
Timon.
If I thrive well, I’ll visit thee again.
TIMON
If I hope well, I’ll never see thee more.
TIMON
If I hope well, I’ll never see thee more.
ALCIBIADES
I never did thee harm.
ALCIBIADES
I never did thee harm.
TIMON
195
Yes, thou spok’st well of me.
TIMON
Yes, thou spok’st well of me.
ALCIBIADES
Call’st thou that harm?
ALCIBIADES
Call’st thou that harm?
TIMON
Men daily find it. Get thee away, and take
Thy beagles with thee.
TIMON
Men daily find it. Get thee away, and take
Thy beagles with thee.
ALCIBIADES , to the WOMEN
We but offend him.—
200
Strike.
ALCIBIADES , to the WOMEN
We but offend him.—
Strike.
The drum sounds; all but TIMON exit.
The drum sounds; all but TIMON exit.
TIMON
That nature, being sick of man’s unkindness,
Should yet be hungry! ( He digs.) Common mother,
thou
Whose womb unmeasurable and infinite breast
205
Teems and feeds all; whose selfsame mettle—
Whereof thy proud child, arrogant man, is puffed—
Engenders the black toad and adder blue,
The gilded newt and eyeless venomed worm,
With all th’ abhorrèd births below crisp heaven
210
Whereon Hyperion’s quick’ning fire doth shine:
Yield him who all thy human sons do hate,
From forth thy plenteous bosom, one poor root!
Ensear thy fertile and conceptious womb;
Let it no more bring out ingrateful man.
215
Go great with tigers, dragons, wolves, and bears;
Teem with new monsters, whom thy upward face
Hath to the marbled mansion all above
Never presented. O, a root! Dear thanks!
Dry up thy marrows, vines, and plow-torn leas,
220
Whereof ingrateful man with liquorish drafts
And morsels unctuous greases his pure mind,
That from it all consideration slips—
Enter APEMANTUS.
More man? Plague, plague!
TIMON
That nature, being sick of man’s unkindness,
Should yet be hungry! ( He digs.) Common mother,
thou
Whose womb unmeasurable and infinite breast
Teems and feeds all; whose selfsame mettle—
Whereof thy proud child, arrogant man, is puffed—
Engenders the black toad and adder blue,
The gilded newt and eyeless venomed worm,
With all th’ abhorrèd births below crisp heaven
Whereon Hyperion’s quick’ning fire doth shine:
Yield him who all thy human sons do hate,
From forth thy plenteous bosom, one poor root!
Ensear thy fertile and conceptious womb;
Let it no more bring out ingrateful man.
Go great with tigers, dragons, wolves, and bears;
Teem with new monsters, whom thy upward face
Hath to the marbled mansion all above
Never presented. O, a root! Dear thanks!
Dry up thy marrows, vines, and plow-torn leas,
Whereof ingrateful man with liquorish drafts
And morsels unctuous greases his pure mind,
That from it all consideration slips—
Enter APEMANTUS.
More man? Plague, plague!
APEMANTUS
I was directed hither. Men report
225
Thou dost affect my manners and dost use them.
APEMANTUS
I was directed hither. Men report
Thou dost affect my manners and dost use them.
TIMON
’Tis, then, because thou dost not keep a dog,
Whom I would imitate. Consumption catch thee!
TIMON
’Tis, then, because thou dost not keep a dog,
Whom I would imitate. Consumption catch thee!
APEMANTUS
This is in thee a nature but infected,
A poor unmanly melancholy sprung
230
From change of future. Why this spade? This place?
This slavelike habit and these looks of care?
Thy flatterers yet wear silk, drink wine, lie soft,
Hug their diseased perfumes, and have forgot
That ever Timon was. Shame not these woods
235
By putting on the cunning of a carper.
Be thou a flatterer now, and seek to thrive
By that which has undone thee. Hinge thy knee,
And let his very breath whom thou ’lt observe
Blow off thy cap; praise his most vicious strain,
240
And call it excellent. Thou wast told thus.
Thou gav’st thine ears, like tapsters that bade
welcome,
To knaves and all approachers. ’Tis most just
That thou turn rascal. Had’st thou wealth again,
245
Rascals should have ’t. Do not assume my likeness.
APEMANTUS
This is in thee a nature but infected,
A poor unmanly melancholy sprung
From change of future. Why this spade? This place?
This slavelike habit and these looks of care?
Thy flatterers yet wear silk, drink wine, lie soft,
Hug their diseased perfumes, and have forgot
That ever Timon was. Shame not these woods
By putting on the cunning of a carper.
Be thou a flatterer now, and seek to thrive
By that which has undone thee. Hinge thy knee,
And let his very breath whom thou ’lt observe
Blow off thy cap; praise his most vicious strain,
And call it excellent. Thou wast told thus.
Thou gav’st thine ears, like tapsters that bade
welcome,
To knaves and all approachers. ’Tis most just
That thou turn rascal. Had’st thou wealth again,
Rascals should have ’t. Do not assume my likeness.
TIMON
Were I like thee, I’d throw away myself.
TIMON
Were I like thee, I’d throw away myself.
APEMANTUS
Thou hast cast away thyself, being like thyself—
A madman so long, now a fool. What, think’st
That the bleak air, thy boisterous chamberlain,
250
Will put thy shirt on warm? Will these moist trees,
That have outlived the eagle, page thy heels
And skip when thou point’st out? Will the cold brook,
Candied with ice, caudle thy morning taste
To cure thy o’ernight’s surfeit? Call the creatures
255
Whose naked natures live in all the spite
Of wreakful heaven, whose bare unhousèd trunks,
To the conflicting elements exposed,
Answer mere nature. Bid them flatter thee.
O, thou shalt find—
APEMANTUS
Thou hast cast away thyself, being like thyself—
A madman so long, now a fool. What, think’st
That the bleak air, thy boisterous chamberlain,
Will put thy shirt on warm? Will these moist trees,
That have outlived the eagle, page thy heels
And skip when thou point’st out? Will the cold brook,
Candied with ice, caudle thy morning taste
To cure thy o’ernight’s surfeit? Call the creatures
Whose naked natures live in all the spite
Of wreakful heaven, whose bare unhousèd trunks,
To the conflicting elements exposed,
Answer mere nature. Bid them flatter thee.
O, thou shalt find—
TIMON
260
A fool of thee. Depart.
TIMON
A fool of thee. Depart.
APEMANTUS
I love thee better now than e’er I did.
APEMANTUS
I love thee better now than e’er I did.
TIMON
I hate thee worse.
TIMON
I hate thee worse.
APEMANTUS
Why?
APEMANTUS
Why?
TIMON
Thou flatter’st misery.
TIMON
Thou flatter’st misery.
APEMANTUS
265
I flatter not but say thou art a caitiff.
APEMANTUS
I flatter not but say thou art a caitiff.
TIMON
Why dost thou seek me out?
TIMON
Why dost thou seek me out?
APEMANTUS
To vex thee.
APEMANTUS
To vex thee.
TIMON
Always a villain’s office or a fool’s.
Dost please thyself in ’t?
TIMON
Always a villain’s office or a fool’s.
Dost please thyself in ’t?
APEMANTUS
270
Ay.
APEMANTUS
Ay.
TIMON
What, a knave too?
TIMON
What, a knave too?
APEMANTUS
If thou didst put this sour cold habit on
To castigate thy pride, ’twere well, but thou
Dost it enforcedly. Thou ’dst courtier be again
275
Wert thou not beggar. Willing misery
Outlives incertain pomp, is crowned before;
The one is filling still, never complete,
The other at high wish. Best state, contentless,
Hath a distracted and most wretched being,
280
Worse than the worst, content.
Thou shouldst desire to die, being miserable.
APEMANTUS
If thou didst put this sour cold habit on
To castigate thy pride, ’twere well, but thou
Dost it enforcedly. Thou ’dst courtier be again
Wert thou not beggar. Willing misery
Outlives incertain pomp, is crowned before;
The one is filling still, never complete,
The other at high wish. Best state, contentless,
Hath a distracted and most wretched being,
Worse than the worst, content.
Thou shouldst desire to die, being miserable.
TIMON
Not by his breath that is more miserable.
Thou art a slave whom Fortune’s tender arm
With favor never clasped but bred a dog.
285
Hadst thou, like us from our first swathe, proceeded
The sweet degrees that this brief world affords
To such as may the passive drugs of it
Freely command, thou wouldst have plunged
thyself
290
In general riot, melted down thy youth
In different beds of lust, and never learned
The icy precepts of respect, but followed
The sugared game before thee. But myself—
Who had the world as my confectionary,
295
The mouths, the tongues, the eyes and hearts of
Men
At duty, more than I could frame employment,
That numberless upon me stuck as leaves
Do on the oak, have with one winter’s brush
300
Fell from their boughs and left me open, bare,
For every storm that blows—I to bear this,
That never knew but better, is some burden.
Thy nature did commence in sufferance. Time
305
Hath made thee hard in ’t. Why shouldst thou hate
men?
They never flattered thee. What hast thou given?
If thou wilt curse, thy father, that poor rag,
Must be thy subject, who in spite put stuff
To some she-beggar and compounded thee
310
Poor rogue hereditary. Hence, begone.
If thou hadst not been born the worst of men,
Thou hadst been a knave and flatterer.
TIMON
Not by his breath that is more miserable.
Thou art a slave whom Fortune’s tender arm
With favor never clasped but bred a dog.
Hadst thou, like us from our first swathe, proceeded
The sweet degrees that this brief world affords
To such as may the passive drugs of it
Freely command, thou wouldst have plunged
thyself
In general riot, melted down thy youth
In different beds of lust, and never learned
The icy precepts of respect, but followed
The sugared game before thee. But myself—
Who had the world as my confectionary,
The mouths, the tongues, the eyes and hearts of
Men
At duty, more than I could frame employment,
That numberless upon me stuck as leaves
Do on the oak, have with one winter’s brush
Fell from their boughs and left me open, bare,
For every storm that blows—I to bear this,
That never knew but better, is some burden.
Thy nature did commence in sufferance. Time
Hath made thee hard in ’t. Why shouldst thou hate
men?
They never flattered thee. What hast thou given?
If thou wilt curse, thy father, that poor rag,
Must be thy subject, who in spite put stuff
To some she-beggar and compounded thee
Poor rogue hereditary. Hence, begone.
If thou hadst not been born the worst of men,
Thou hadst been a knave and flatterer.
APEMANTUS
Art thou proud yet?
APEMANTUS
Art thou proud yet?
TIMON
Ay, that I am not thee.
TIMON
Ay, that I am not thee.
APEMANTUS
315
I, that I was no prodigal.
APEMANTUS
I, that I was no prodigal.
TIMON
I, that I am one now.
Were all the wealth I have shut up in thee,
I’d give thee leave to hang it. Get thee gone.
That the whole life of Athens were in this!
320
Thus would I eat it.
TIMON
I, that I am one now.
Were all the wealth I have shut up in thee,
I’d give thee leave to hang it. Get thee gone.
That the whole life of Athens were in this!
Thus would I eat it.
He gnaws a root.
He gnaws a root.
APEMANTUS , offering food
Here, I will mend thy feast.
APEMANTUS , offering food
Here, I will mend thy feast.
TIMON
First mend my company. Take away thyself.
TIMON
First mend my company. Take away thyself.
APEMANTUS
So I shall mend mine own by th’ lack of thine.
APEMANTUS
So I shall mend mine own by th’ lack of thine.
TIMON
’Tis not well mended so; it is but botched.
325
If not, I would it were.
TIMON
’Tis not well mended so; it is but botched.
If not, I would it were.
APEMANTUS
What wouldst thou have to Athens?
APEMANTUS
What wouldst thou have to Athens?
TIMON
Thee thither in a whirlwind. If thou wilt,
Tell them there I have gold. Look, so I have.
TIMON
Thee thither in a whirlwind. If thou wilt,
Tell them there I have gold. Look, so I have.
APEMANTUS
Here is no use for gold.
APEMANTUS
Here is no use for gold.
TIMON
330
The best and truest,
For here it sleeps and does no hired harm.
TIMON
The best and truest,
For here it sleeps and does no hired harm.
APEMANTUS
Where liest a-nights, Timon?
APEMANTUS
Where liest a-nights, Timon?
TIMON
Under that’s above me. Where feed’st thou
a-days, Apemantus?
TIMON
Under that’s above me. Where feed’st thou
a-days, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS
335
Where my stomach finds meat, or rather
where I eat it.
APEMANTUS
Where my stomach finds meat, or rather
where I eat it.
TIMON
Would poison were obedient and knew my
mind!
TIMON
Would poison were obedient and knew my
mind!
APEMANTUS
Where wouldst thou send it?
APEMANTUS
Where wouldst thou send it?
TIMON
340
To sauce thy dishes.
TIMON
To sauce thy dishes.
APEMANTUS
The middle of humanity thou never
knewest, but the extremity of both ends. When
thou wast in thy gilt and thy perfume, they
mocked thee for too much curiosity. In thy rags
345
thou know’st none, but art despised for the contrary.
There’s a medlar for thee. Eat it.
APEMANTUS
The middle of humanity thou never
knewest, but the extremity of both ends. When
thou wast in thy gilt and thy perfume, they
mocked thee for too much curiosity. In thy rags
thou know’st none, but art despised for the contrary.
There’s a medlar for thee. Eat it.
TIMON
On what I hate I feed not.
TIMON
On what I hate I feed not.
APEMANTUS
Dost hate a medlar?
APEMANTUS
Dost hate a medlar?
TIMON
Ay, though it look like thee.
TIMON
Ay, though it look like thee.
APEMANTUS
350
An thou ’dst hated meddlers sooner, thou
shouldst have loved thyself better now. What man
didst thou ever know unthrift that was beloved
after his means?
APEMANTUS
An thou ’dst hated meddlers sooner, thou
shouldst have loved thyself better now. What man
didst thou ever know unthrift that was beloved
after his means?
TIMON
Who, without those means thou talk’st of, didst
355
thou ever know beloved?
TIMON
Who, without those means thou talk’st of, didst
thou ever know beloved?
APEMANTUS
Myself.
APEMANTUS
Myself.
TIMON
I understand thee. Thou hadst some means to
keep a dog.
TIMON
I understand thee. Thou hadst some means to
keep a dog.
APEMANTUS
What things in the world canst thou nearest
360
compare to thy flatterers?
APEMANTUS
What things in the world canst thou nearest
compare to thy flatterers?
TIMON
Women nearest, but men—men are the things
themselves. What wouldst thou do with the world,
Apemantus, if it lay in thy power?
TIMON
Women nearest, but men—men are the things
themselves. What wouldst thou do with the world,
Apemantus, if it lay in thy power?
APEMANTUS
Give it the beasts, to be rid of the men.
APEMANTUS
Give it the beasts, to be rid of the men.
TIMON
365
Wouldst thou have thyself fall in the confusion
of men and remain a beast with the beasts?
TIMON
Wouldst thou have thyself fall in the confusion
of men and remain a beast with the beasts?
APEMANTUS
Ay, Timon.
APEMANTUS
Ay, Timon.
TIMON
A beastly ambition, which the gods grant thee
t’ attain to! If thou wert the lion, the fox would
370
beguile thee. If thou wert the lamb, the fox would
eat thee. If thou wert the fox, the lion would suspect
thee when peradventure thou wert accused by
the ass. If thou wert the ass, thy dullness would
torment thee, and still thou lived’st but as a breakfast
375
to the wolf. If thou wert the wolf, thy greediness
would afflict thee, and oft thou shouldst hazard
thy life for thy dinner. Wert thou the unicorn,
pride and wrath would confound thee and
make thine own self the conquest of thy fury. Wert
380
thou a bear, thou wouldst be killed by the horse.
Wert thou a horse, thou wouldst be seized by the
leopard. Wert thou a leopard, thou wert germane
to the lion, and the spots of thy kindred were
jurors on thy life. All thy safety were remotion, and
385
thy defense absence. What beast couldst thou be
that were not subject to a beast? And what a beast
art thou already that seest not thy loss in
transformation!
TIMON
A beastly ambition, which the gods grant thee
t’ attain to! If thou wert the lion, the fox would
beguile thee. If thou wert the lamb, the fox would
eat thee. If thou wert the fox, the lion would suspect
thee when peradventure thou wert accused by
the ass. If thou wert the ass, thy dullness would
torment thee, and still thou lived’st but as a breakfast
to the wolf. If thou wert the wolf, thy greediness
would afflict thee, and oft thou shouldst hazard
thy life for thy dinner. Wert thou the unicorn,
pride and wrath would confound thee and
make thine own self the conquest of thy fury. Wert
thou a bear, thou wouldst be killed by the horse.
Wert thou a horse, thou wouldst be seized by the
leopard. Wert thou a leopard, thou wert germane
to the lion, and the spots of thy kindred were
jurors on thy life. All thy safety were remotion, and
thy defense absence. What beast couldst thou be
that were not subject to a beast? And what a beast
art thou already that seest not thy loss in
transformation!
APEMANTUS
If thou couldst please me with speaking to
390
me, thou mightst have hit upon it here. The commonwealth
of Athens is become a forest of beasts.
APEMANTUS
If thou couldst please me with speaking to
me, thou mightst have hit upon it here. The commonwealth
of Athens is become a forest of beasts.
TIMON
How, has the ass broke the wall that thou art
out of the city?
TIMON
How, has the ass broke the wall that thou art
out of the city?
APEMANTUS
Yonder comes a poet and a painter. The
395
plague of company light upon thee! I will fear to
catch it and give way. When I know not what else
to do, I’ll see thee again.
APEMANTUS
Yonder comes a poet and a painter. The
plague of company light upon thee! I will fear to
catch it and give way. When I know not what else
to do, I’ll see thee again.
TIMON
When there is nothing living but thee, thou
shalt be welcome. I had rather be a beggar’s dog
400
than Apemantus.
TIMON
When there is nothing living but thee, thou
shalt be welcome. I had rather be a beggar’s dog
than Apemantus.
APEMANTUS
Thou art the cap of all the fools alive.
APEMANTUS
Thou art the cap of all the fools alive.
TIMON
Would thou wert clean enough to spit upon!
TIMON
Would thou wert clean enough to spit upon!
APEMANTUS
A plague on thee! Thou art too bad to curse.
APEMANTUS
A plague on thee! Thou art too bad to curse.
TIMON
All villains that do stand by thee are pure.
TIMON
All villains that do stand by thee are pure.
APEMANTUS
405
There is no leprosy but what thou speak’st.
APEMANTUS
There is no leprosy but what thou speak’st.
TIMON
If I name thee.
I’ll beat thee, but I should infect my hands.
TIMON
If I name thee.
I’ll beat thee, but I should infect my hands.
APEMANTUS
I would my tongue could rot them off!
APEMANTUS
I would my tongue could rot them off!
TIMON
Away, thou issue of a mangy dog!
410
Choler does kill me that thou art alive.
I swoon to see thee.
TIMON
Away, thou issue of a mangy dog!
Choler does kill me that thou art alive.
I swoon to see thee.
APEMANTUS
Would thou wouldst burst!
APEMANTUS
Would thou wouldst burst!
TIMON
Away, thou tedious rogue!
I am sorry I shall lose a stone by thee.
TIMON
Away, thou tedious rogue!
I am sorry I shall lose a stone by thee.
TIMON throws a stone at APEMANTUS.
TIMON throws a stone at APEMANTUS.
APEMANTUS
415
Beast!
APEMANTUS
Beast!
TIMON
Slave!
TIMON
Slave!
APEMANTUS
Toad!
APEMANTUS
Toad!
TIMON
Rogue, rogue, rogue!
I am sick of this false world, and will love nought
420
But even the mere necessities upon ’t.
Then, Timon, presently prepare thy grave.
Lie where the light foam of the sea may beat
Thy gravestone daily. Make thine epitaph,
That death in me at others’ lives may laugh.
( To his gold.)
425
O thou sweet king-killer and dear
divorce
’Twixt natural son and sire, thou bright defiler
Of Hymen’s purest bed, thou valiant Mars,
Thou ever young, fresh, loved, and delicate wooer,
430
Whose blush doth thaw the consecrated snow
That lies on Dian’s lap; thou visible god,
That sold’rest close impossibilities
And mak’st them kiss, that speak’st with every
tongue
435
To every purpose! O thou touch of hearts,
Think thy slave, man, rebels, and by thy virtue
Set them into confounding odds, that beasts
May have the world in empire!
TIMON
Rogue, rogue, rogue!
I am sick of this false world, and will love nought
But even the mere necessities upon ’t.
Then, Timon, presently prepare thy grave.
Lie where the light foam of the sea may beat
Thy gravestone daily. Make thine epitaph,
That death in me at others’ lives may laugh.
( To his gold.)
O thou sweet king-killer and dear
divorce
’Twixt natural son and sire, thou bright defiler
Of Hymen’s purest bed, thou valiant Mars,
Thou ever young, fresh, loved, and delicate wooer,
Whose blush doth thaw the consecrated snow
That lies on Dian’s lap; thou visible god,
That sold’rest close impossibilities
And mak’st them kiss, that speak’st with every
tongue
To every purpose! O thou touch of hearts,
Think thy slave, man, rebels, and by thy virtue
Set them into confounding odds, that beasts
May have the world in empire!
APEMANTUS
Would ’twere so!
440
But not till I am dead. I’ll say thou ’st gold;
Thou wilt be thronged to shortly.
APEMANTUS
Would ’twere so!
But not till I am dead. I’ll say thou ’st gold;
Thou wilt be thronged to shortly.
TIMON
Thronged to?
TIMON
Thronged to?
APEMANTUS
Ay.
APEMANTUS
Ay.
TIMON
Thy back, I prithee.
TIMON
Thy back, I prithee.
APEMANTUS
445
Live and love thy misery.
APEMANTUS
Live and love thy misery.
TIMON
Long live so, and so die. I am quit.
TIMON
Long live so, and so die. I am quit.
Enter the BANDITTI.
Enter the BANDITTI.
APEMANTUS
More things like men.—Eat, Timon, and abhor
them.
APEMANTUS
More things like men.—Eat, Timon, and abhor
them.
APEMANTUS exits.
APEMANTUS exits.
FIRST BANDIT
Where should he have this gold? It is
450
some poor fragment, some slender ort of his
remainder. The mere want of gold and the falling-from
of his friends drove him into this melancholy.
FIRST BANDIT
Where should he have this gold? It is
some poor fragment, some slender ort of his
remainder. The mere want of gold and the falling-from
of his friends drove him into this melancholy.
SECOND BANDIT
It is noised he hath a mass of treasure.
SECOND BANDIT
It is noised he hath a mass of treasure.
THIRD BANDIT
Let us make the assay upon him. If he
455
care not for ’t, he will supply us easily. If he covetously
reserve it, how shall ’s get it?
THIRD BANDIT
Let us make the assay upon him. If he
care not for ’t, he will supply us easily. If he covetously
reserve it, how shall ’s get it?
SECOND BANDIT
True, for he bears it not about him. ’Tis
hid.
SECOND BANDIT
True, for he bears it not about him. ’Tis
hid.
FIRST BANDIT
Is not this he?
FIRST BANDIT
Is not this he?
OTHERS
460
Where?
OTHERS
Where?
SECOND BANDIT
’Tis his description.
SECOND BANDIT
’Tis his description.
THIRD BANDIT
He. I know him.
THIRD BANDIT
He. I know him.
ALL
Save thee, Timon.
ALL
Save thee, Timon.
TIMON
Now, thieves?
TIMON
Now, thieves?
ALL
465
Soldiers, not thieves.
ALL
Soldiers, not thieves.
TIMON
Both, too, and women’s sons.
TIMON
Both, too, and women’s sons.
ALL
We are not thieves, but men that much do want.
ALL
We are not thieves, but men that much do want.
TIMON
Your greatest want is, you want much of meat.
Why should you want? Behold, the earth hath roots.
470
Within this mile break forth a hundred springs.
The oaks bear mast, the briars scarlet hips.
The bounteous huswife Nature on each bush
Lays her full mess before you. Want? Why want?
TIMON
Your greatest want is, you want much of meat.
Why should you want? Behold, the earth hath roots.
Within this mile break forth a hundred springs.
The oaks bear mast, the briars scarlet hips.
The bounteous huswife Nature on each bush
Lays her full mess before you. Want? Why want?
FIRST BANDIT
We cannot live on grass, on berries, water,
475
As beasts and birds and fishes.
FIRST BANDIT
We cannot live on grass, on berries, water,
As beasts and birds and fishes.
TIMON
Nor on the beasts themselves, the birds and fishes;
You must eat men. Yet thanks I must you con
That you are thieves professed, that you work not
In holier shapes, for there is boundless theft
480
In limited professions. Rascal thieves,
Here’s gold. ( He gives them gold.) Go, suck the
subtle blood o’ th’ grape
Till the high fever seethe your blood to froth,
And so ’scape hanging. Trust not the physician;
485
His antidotes are poison, and he slays
More than you rob. Take wealth and lives together.
Do, villainy, do, since you protest to do ’t,
Like workmen. I’ll example you with thievery.
The sun’s a thief and with his great attraction
490
Robs the vast sea. The moon’s an arrant thief,
And her pale fire she snatches from the sun.
The sea’s a thief, whose liquid surge resolves
The moon into salt tears. The earth’s a thief,
That feeds and breeds by a composture stol’n
495
From gen’ral excrement. Each thing’s a thief.
The laws, your curb and whip, in their rough power
Has unchecked theft. Love not yourselves. Away!
Rob one another. There’s more gold.
( He gives them gold.)
Cut throats.
500
All that you meet are thieves. To Athens go.
Break open shops. Nothing can you steal
But thieves do lose it. Steal less for this I give you,
And gold confound you howsoe’er! Amen.
TIMON
Nor on the beasts themselves, the birds and fishes;
You must eat men. Yet thanks I must you con
That you are thieves professed, that you work not
In holier shapes, for there is boundless theft
In limited professions. Rascal thieves,
Here’s gold. ( He gives them gold.) Go, suck the
subtle blood o’ th’ grape
Till the high fever seethe your blood to froth,
And so ’scape hanging. Trust not the physician;
His antidotes are poison, and he slays
More than you rob. Take wealth and lives together.
Do, villainy, do, since you protest to do ’t,
Like workmen. I’ll example you with thievery.
The sun’s a thief and with his great attraction
Robs the vast sea. The moon’s an arrant thief,
And her pale fire she snatches from the sun.
The sea’s a thief, whose liquid surge resolves
The moon into salt tears. The earth’s a thief,
That feeds and breeds by a composture stol’n
From gen’ral excrement. Each thing’s a thief.
The laws, your curb and whip, in their rough power
Has unchecked theft. Love not yourselves. Away!
Rob one another. There’s more gold.
( He gives them gold.)
Cut throats.
All that you meet are thieves. To Athens go.
Break open shops. Nothing can you steal
But thieves do lose it. Steal less for this I give you,
And gold confound you howsoe’er! Amen.
THIRD BANDIT
Has almost charmed me from my profession
505
by persuading me to it.
THIRD BANDIT
Has almost charmed me from my profession
by persuading me to it.
FIRST BANDIT
’Tis in the malice of mankind that he
thus advises us, not to have us thrive in our
mystery.
FIRST BANDIT
’Tis in the malice of mankind that he
thus advises us, not to have us thrive in our
mystery.
SECOND BANDIT
I’ll believe him as an enemy and give
510
over my trade.
SECOND BANDIT
I’ll believe him as an enemy and give
over my trade.
FIRST BANDIT
Let us first see peace in Athens. There is
no time so miserable but a man may be true.
FIRST BANDIT
Let us first see peace in Athens. There is
no time so miserable but a man may be true.
THIEVES exit.
THIEVES exit.
Enter FLAVIUS THE STEWARD, to TIMON.
Enter FLAVIUS THE STEWARD, to TIMON.
FLAVIUS
O you gods!
Is yond despised and ruinous man my lord?
515
Full of decay and flailing? O, monument
And wonder of good deeds evilly bestowed!
What an alteration of honor has desp’rate want
made!
What viler thing upon the Earth than friends,
520
Who can bring noblest minds to basest ends!
How rarely does it meet with this time’s guise,
When man was wished to love his enemies!
Grant I may ever love, and rather woo
Those that would mischief me than those that do!
525
Has caught me in his eye. I will present
My honest grief unto him and as my lord
Still serve him with my life.—My dearest master.
FLAVIUS
O you gods!
Is yond despised and ruinous man my lord?
Full of decay and flailing? O, monument
And wonder of good deeds evilly bestowed!
What an alteration of honor has desp’rate want
made!
What viler thing upon the Earth than friends,
Who can bring noblest minds to basest ends!
How rarely does it meet with this time’s guise,
When man was wished to love his enemies!
Grant I may ever love, and rather woo
Those that would mischief me than those that do!
Has caught me in his eye. I will present
My honest grief unto him and as my lord
Still serve him with my life.—My dearest master.
TIMON
Away! What art thou?
TIMON
Away! What art thou?
FLAVIUS
Have you forgot me, sir?
FLAVIUS
Have you forgot me, sir?
TIMON
530
Why dost ask that? I have forgot all men.
Then, if thou grant’st thou ’rt a man, I have forgot
thee.
TIMON
Why dost ask that? I have forgot all men.
Then, if thou grant’st thou ’rt a man, I have forgot
thee.
FLAVIUS
An honest poor servant of yours.
FLAVIUS
An honest poor servant of yours.
TIMON
Then I know thee not.
535
I never had honest man about me, I. All
I kept were knaves to serve in meat to villains.
TIMON
Then I know thee not.
I never had honest man about me, I. All
I kept were knaves to serve in meat to villains.
FLAVIUS
The gods are witness,
Ne’er did poor steward wear a truer grief
For his undone lord than mine eyes for you.
FLAVIUS
The gods are witness,
Ne’er did poor steward wear a truer grief
For his undone lord than mine eyes for you.
He weeps.
 
He weeps.
 
TIMON
540
What, dost thou weep? Come nearer, then. I love
thee
Because thou art a woman and disclaim’st
Flinty mankind, whose eyes do never give
But thorough lust and laughter. Pity’s sleeping.
545
Strange times that weep with laughing, not with
weeping!
TIMON
What, dost thou weep? Come nearer, then. I love
thee
Because thou art a woman and disclaim’st
Flinty mankind, whose eyes do never give
But thorough lust and laughter. Pity’s sleeping.
Strange times that weep with laughing, not with
weeping!
FLAVIUS
I beg of you to know me, good my lord,
T’ accept my grief, and, whilst this poor wealth lasts,
To entertain me as your steward still.
FLAVIUS
I beg of you to know me, good my lord,
T’ accept my grief, and, whilst this poor wealth lasts,
To entertain me as your steward still.
He offers money.
He offers money.
TIMON
550
Had I a steward
So true, so just, and now so comfortable?
It almost turns my dangerous nature mild.
Let me behold thy face. Surely this man
Was born of woman.
555
Forgive my general and exceptless rashness,
You perpetual-sober gods. I do proclaim
One honest man—mistake me not, but one;
No more, I pray!—and he’s a steward.
How fain would I have hated all mankind,
560
And thou redeem’st thyself. But all, save thee,
I fell with curses.
Methinks thou art more honest now than wise,
For by oppressing and betraying me
Thou mightst have sooner got another service;
565
For many so arrive at second masters
Upon their first lord’s neck. But tell me true—
For I must ever doubt, though ne’er so sure—
Is not thy kindness subtle, covetous,
A usuring kindness, and as rich men deal gifts,
570
Expecting in return twenty for one?
TIMON
Had I a steward
So true, so just, and now so comfortable?
It almost turns my dangerous nature mild.
Let me behold thy face. Surely this man
Was born of woman.
Forgive my general and exceptless rashness,
You perpetual-sober gods. I do proclaim
One honest man—mistake me not, but one;
No more, I pray!—and he’s a steward.
How fain would I have hated all mankind,
And thou redeem’st thyself. But all, save thee,
I fell with curses.
Methinks thou art more honest now than wise,
For by oppressing and betraying me
Thou mightst have sooner got another service;
For many so arrive at second masters
Upon their first lord’s neck. But tell me true—
For I must ever doubt, though ne’er so sure—
Is not thy kindness subtle, covetous,
A usuring kindness, and as rich men deal gifts,
Expecting in return twenty for one?
FLAVIUS
No, my most worthy master, in whose breast
Doubt and suspect, alas, are placed too late.
You should have feared false times when you did
feast.
575
Suspect still comes where an estate is least.
That which I show, heaven knows, is merely love,
Duty, and zeal to your unmatchèd mind,
Care of your food and living. And believe it,
My most honored lord,
580
For any benefit that points to me,
Either in hope or present, I’d exchange
For this one wish, that you had power and wealth
To requite me by making rich yourself.
FLAVIUS
No, my most worthy master, in whose breast
Doubt and suspect, alas, are placed too late.
You should have feared false times when you did
feast.
Suspect still comes where an estate is least.
That which I show, heaven knows, is merely love,
Duty, and zeal to your unmatchèd mind,
Care of your food and living. And believe it,
My most honored lord,
For any benefit that points to me,
Either in hope or present, I’d exchange
For this one wish, that you had power and wealth
To requite me by making rich yourself.
TIMON
Look thee, ’tis so. Thou singly honest man,
585
Here, take. ( TIMON offers gold.) The gods out of my
misery
Has sent thee treasure. Go, live rich and happy,
But thus conditioned: thou shalt build from men;
Hate all, curse all, show charity to none,
590
But let the famished flesh slide from the bone
Ere thou relieve the beggar; give to dogs
What thou deniest to men; let prisons swallow ’em,
Debts wither ’em to nothing; be men like blasted
woods,
595
And may diseases lick up their false bloods!
And so farewell and thrive.
TIMON
Look thee, ’tis so. Thou singly honest man,
Here, take. ( TIMON offers gold.) The gods out of my
misery
Has sent thee treasure. Go, live rich and happy,
But thus conditioned: thou shalt build from men;
Hate all, curse all, show charity to none,
But let the famished flesh slide from the bone
Ere thou relieve the beggar; give to dogs
What thou deniest to men; let prisons swallow ’em,
Debts wither ’em to nothing; be men like blasted
woods,
And may diseases lick up their false bloods!
And so farewell and thrive.
FLAVIUS
O, let me stay
And comfort you, my master.
FLAVIUS
O, let me stay
And comfort you, my master.
TIMON
If thou hat’st curses,
600
Stay not. Fly whilst thou art blest and free.
Ne’er see thou man, and let me ne’er see thee.
TIMON
If thou hat’st curses,
Stay not. Fly whilst thou art blest and free.
Ne’er see thou man, and let me ne’er see thee.
They exit.
They exit.

Original Text

Modern Text
Enter TIMON in the woods, with a spade.
Enter TIMON in the woods, with a spade.
TIMON
O blessèd breeding sun, draw from the Earth
Rotten humidity! Below thy sister’s orb
Infect the air! Twinned brothers of one womb,
Whose procreation, residence, and birth
5
Scarce is dividant, touch them with several fortunes,
The greater scorns the lesser. Not nature,
To whom all sores lay siege, can bear great fortune
But by contempt of nature.
Raise me this beggar, and deny ’t that lord;
10
The Senators shall bear contempt hereditary,
The beggar native honor.
It is the pasture lards the brother’s sides,
The want that makes him lean. Who dares, who
dares
15
In purity of manhood stand upright
And say “This man’s a flatterer”? If one be,
So are they all, for every grise of fortune
Is smoothed by that below. The learnèd pate
Ducks to the golden fool. All’s obliquy.
20
There’s nothing level in our cursèd natures
But direct villainy. Therefore be abhorred
All feasts, societies, and throngs of men.
His semblable, yea, himself, Timon disdains.
Destruction fang mankind! Earth, yield me roots!
25
Who seeks for better of thee, sauce his palate
With thy most operant poison!
( Digging, he finds gold.)
What is here?
Gold? Yellow, glittering, precious gold?
No, gods, I am no idle votarist.
30
Roots, you clear heavens! Thus much of this will           
make
Black white, foul fair, wrong right,
Base noble, old young, coward valiant.
Ha, you gods! Why this? What this, you gods? Why,
35
this
Will lug your priests and servants from your sides,
Pluck stout men’s pillows from below their heads.
This yellow slave
Will knit and break religions, bless th’ accursed,
40
Make the hoar leprosy adored, place thieves
And give them title, knee, and approbation
With senators on the bench. This is it
That makes the wappened widow wed again;
She whom the spital house and ulcerous sores
45
Would cast the gorge at, this embalms and spices
To th’ April day again. Come, damnèd earth,
Thou common whore of mankind, that puts odds
Among the rout of nations, I will make thee
Do thy right nature. ( March afar off.) Ha? A drum?
50
Thou ’rt quick,
But yet I’ll bury thee. Thou ’lt go, strong thief,
When gouty keepers of thee cannot stand.
Nay, stay thou out for earnest.
TIMON
O blessèd breeding sun, draw from the Earth
Rotten humidity! Below thy sister’s orb
Infect the air! Twinned brothers of one womb,
Whose procreation, residence, and birth
Scarce is dividant, touch them with several fortunes,
The greater scorns the lesser. Not nature,
To whom all sores lay siege, can bear great fortune
But by contempt of nature.
Raise me this beggar, and deny ’t that lord;
The Senators shall bear contempt hereditary,
The beggar native honor.
It is the pasture lards the brother’s sides,
The want that makes him lean. Who dares, who
dares
In purity of manhood stand upright
And say “This man’s a flatterer”? If one be,
So are they all, for every grise of fortune
Is smoothed by that below. The learnèd pate
Ducks to the golden fool. All’s obliquy.
There’s nothing level in our cursèd natures
But direct villainy. Therefore be abhorred
All feasts, societies, and throngs of men.
His semblable, yea, himself, Timon disdains.
Destruction fang mankind! Earth, yield me roots!
Who seeks for better of thee, sauce his palate
With thy most operant poison!
( Digging, he finds gold.)
What is here?
Gold? Yellow, glittering, precious gold?
No, gods, I am no idle votarist.
Roots, you clear heavens! Thus much of this will           
make
Black white, foul fair, wrong right,
Base noble, old young, coward valiant.
Ha, you gods! Why this? What this, you gods? Why,
this
Will lug your priests and servants from your sides,
Pluck stout men’s pillows from below their heads.
This yellow slave
Will knit and break religions, bless th’ accursed,
Make the hoar leprosy adored, place thieves
And give them title, knee, and approbation
With senators on the bench. This is it
That makes the wappened widow wed again;
She whom the spital house and ulcerous sores
Would cast the gorge at, this embalms and spices
To th’ April day again. Come, damnèd earth,
Thou common whore of mankind, that puts odds
Among the rout of nations, I will make thee
Do thy right nature. ( March afar off.) Ha? A drum?
Thou ’rt quick,
But yet I’ll bury thee. Thou ’lt go, strong thief,
When gouty keepers of thee cannot stand.
Nay, stay thou out for earnest.
He buries the gold, keeping some out.
He buries the gold, keeping some out.
Enter ALCIBIADES, with Drum and Fife, in warlike manner, and PHYRNIA and TIMANDRA.
Enter ALCIBIADES, with Drum and Fife, in warlike manner, and PHYRNIA and TIMANDRA.
ALCIBIADES
What art thou there? Speak.
ALCIBIADES
What art thou there? Speak.
TIMON
55
A beast, as thou art. The canker gnaw thy heart
For showing me again the eyes of man!
TIMON
A beast, as thou art. The canker gnaw thy heart
For showing me again the eyes of man!
ALCIBIADES
What is thy name? Is man so hateful to thee
That art thyself a man?
ALCIBIADES
What is thy name? Is man so hateful to thee
That art thyself a man?
TIMON
I am Misanthropos and hate mankind.
60
For thy part, I do wish thou wert a dog,
That I might love thee something.
TIMON
I am Misanthropos and hate mankind.
For thy part, I do wish thou wert a dog,
That I might love thee something.
ALCIBIADES
I know thee well.
But in thy fortunes am unlearned and strange.
ALCIBIADES
I know thee well.
But in thy fortunes am unlearned and strange.
TIMON
I know thee too, and more than that I know thee
65
I not desire to know. Follow thy drum.
With man’s blood paint the ground gules, gules!
Religious canons, civil laws are cruel.
Then what should war be? This fell whore of thine
Hath in her more destruction than thy sword,
70
For all her cherubin look.
TIMON
I know thee too, and more than that I know thee
I not desire to know. Follow thy drum.
With man’s blood paint the ground gules, gules!
Religious canons, civil laws are cruel.
Then what should war be? This fell whore of thine
Hath in her more destruction than thy sword,
For all her cherubin look.
PHRYNIA
Thy lips rot off!
PHRYNIA
Thy lips rot off!
TIMON
I will not kiss thee. Then the rot returns
To thine own lips again.
TIMON
I will not kiss thee. Then the rot returns
To thine own lips again.
ALCIBIADES
How came the noble Timon to this change?
ALCIBIADES
How came the noble Timon to this change?
TIMON
75
As the moon does, by wanting light to give.
But then renew I could not, like the moon;
There were no suns to borrow of.
TIMON
As the moon does, by wanting light to give.
But then renew I could not, like the moon;
There were no suns to borrow of.
ALCIBIADES
Noble Timon, what friendship may I do thee?
ALCIBIADES
Noble Timon, what friendship may I do thee?
TIMON
None, but to maintain my opinion.
TIMON
None, but to maintain my opinion.
ALCIBIADES
80
What is it, Timon?
ALCIBIADES
What is it, Timon?
TIMON
Promise me friendship, but perform none. If
thou wilt not promise, the gods plague thee, for
thou art a man. If thou dost perform, confound
thee, for thou art a man.
TIMON
Promise me friendship, but perform none. If
thou wilt not promise, the gods plague thee, for
thou art a man. If thou dost perform, confound
thee, for thou art a man.
ALCIBIADES
85
I have heard in some sort of thy miseries.
ALCIBIADES
I have heard in some sort of thy miseries.
TIMON
Thou saw’st them when I had prosperity.
TIMON
Thou saw’st them when I had prosperity.
ALCIBIADES
I see them now. Then was a blessèd time.
ALCIBIADES
I see them now. Then was a blessèd time.
TIMON
As thine is now, held with a brace of harlots.
TIMON
As thine is now, held with a brace of harlots.
TIMANDRA
Is this th’ Athenian minion whom the world
90
Voiced so regardfully?
TIMANDRA
Is this th’ Athenian minion whom the world
Voiced so regardfully?
TIMON
Art thou Timandra?
TIMON
Art thou Timandra?
TIMANDRA
Yes.
TIMANDRA
Yes.
TIMON
Be a whore still. They love thee not that use thee.
Give them diseases, leaving with thee their lust.
95
Make use of thy salt hours. Season the slaves
For tubs and baths. Bring down rose-cheeked youth
To the tub-fast and the diet.
TIMON
Be a whore still. They love thee not that use thee.
Give them diseases, leaving with thee their lust.
Make use of thy salt hours. Season the slaves
For tubs and baths. Bring down rose-cheeked youth
To the tub-fast and the diet.
TIMANDRA
Hang thee, monster!
TIMANDRA
Hang thee, monster!
ALCIBIADES
Pardon him, sweet Timandra, for his wits
100
Are drowned and lost in his calamities.—
I have but little gold of late, brave Timon,
The want whereof doth daily make revolt
In my penurious band. I have heard and grieved
How cursèd Athens, mindless of thy worth,
105
Forgetting thy great deeds when neighbor states,
But for thy sword and fortune, trod upon them—
ALCIBIADES
Pardon him, sweet Timandra, for his wits
Are drowned and lost in his calamities.—
I have but little gold of late, brave Timon,
The want whereof doth daily make revolt
In my penurious band. I have heard and grieved
How cursèd Athens, mindless of thy worth,
Forgetting thy great deeds when neighbor states,
But for thy sword and fortune, trod upon them—
TIMON
I prithee, beat thy drum and get thee gone.
TIMON
I prithee, beat thy drum and get thee gone.
ALCIBIADES
I am thy friend and pity thee, dear Timon.
ALCIBIADES
I am thy friend and pity thee, dear Timon.
TIMON
How dost thou pity him whom thou dost trouble?
110
I had rather be alone.
TIMON
How dost thou pity him whom thou dost trouble?
I had rather be alone.
ALCIBIADES
Why, fare thee well. Here is some gold for thee.
ALCIBIADES
Why, fare thee well. Here is some gold for thee.
TIMON
Keep it. I cannot eat it.
TIMON
Keep it. I cannot eat it.
ALCIBIADES
When I have laid proud Athens on a heap—
ALCIBIADES
When I have laid proud Athens on a heap—
TIMON
Warr’st thou ’gainst Athens?
TIMON
Warr’st thou ’gainst Athens?
ALCIBIADES
115
Ay, Timon, and have cause.
ALCIBIADES
Ay, Timon, and have cause.
TIMON
The gods confound them all in thy conquest,
And thee after, when thou hast conquered!
TIMON
The gods confound them all in thy conquest,
And thee after, when thou hast conquered!
ALCIBIADES
Why me, Timon?
ALCIBIADES
Why me, Timon?
TIMON
That by killing of villains
120
Thou wast born to conquer my country.
Put up thy gold. Go on. Here’s gold. Go on.
Be as a planetary plague when Jove
Will o’er some high-viced city hang his poison
In the sick air. Let not thy sword skip one.
125
Pity not honored age for his white beard;
He is an usurer. Strike me the counterfeit matron;
It is her habit only that is honest,
Herself’s a bawd. Let not the virgin’s cheek
Make soft thy trenchant sword, for those milk paps,
130
That through the window-bars bore at men’s eyes,
Are not within the leaf of pity writ,
But set them down horrible traitors. Spare not the
babe,
Whose dimpled smiles from fools exhaust their
135
mercy;
Think it a bastard whom the oracle
Hath doubtfully pronounced the throat shall cut,
And mince it sans remorse. Swear against objects;
Put armor on thine ears and on thine eyes,
140
Whose proof nor yells of mothers, maids, nor babes,
Nor sight of priests in holy vestments bleeding,
Shall pierce a jot. ( He offers gold.) There’s gold to
pay thy soldiers.
Make large confusion and, thy fury spent,
145
Confounded be thyself! Speak not. Begone.
TIMON
That by killing of villains
Thou wast born to conquer my country.
Put up thy gold. Go on. Here’s gold. Go on.
Be as a planetary plague when Jove
Will o’er some high-viced city hang his poison
In the sick air. Let not thy sword skip one.
Pity not honored age for his white beard;
He is an usurer. Strike me the counterfeit matron;
It is her habit only that is honest,
Herself’s a bawd. Let not the virgin’s cheek
Make soft thy trenchant sword, for those milk paps,
That through the window-bars bore at men’s eyes,
Are not within the leaf of pity writ,
But set them down horrible traitors. Spare not the
babe,
Whose dimpled smiles from fools exhaust their
mercy;
Think it a bastard whom the oracle
Hath doubtfully pronounced the throat shall cut,
And mince it sans remorse. Swear against objects;
Put armor on thine ears and on thine eyes,
Whose proof nor yells of mothers, maids, nor babes,
Nor sight of priests in holy vestments bleeding,
Shall pierce a jot. ( He offers gold.) There’s gold to
pay thy soldiers.
Make large confusion and, thy fury spent,
Confounded be thyself! Speak not. Begone.
ALCIBIADES
Hast thou gold yet? I’ll take the gold thou givest me,
Not all thy counsel.
ALCIBIADES
Hast thou gold yet? I’ll take the gold thou givest me,
Not all thy counsel.
TIMON
Dost thou or dost thou not, heaven’s curse upon thee!
TIMON
Dost thou or dost thou not, heaven’s curse upon thee!
BOTH WOMEN
Give us some gold, good Timon. Hast thou more?
BOTH WOMEN
Give us some gold, good Timon. Hast thou more?
TIMON
150
Enough to make a whore forswear her trade,
And to make whores a bawd. Hold up, you sluts,
Your aprons mountant.
( He begins throwing gold into their aprons.)
You are not oathable,
Although I know you’ll swear—terribly swear
155
Into strong shudders and to heavenly agues
Th’ immortal gods that hear you. Spare your oaths.
I’ll trust to your conditions. Be whores still.
And he whose pious breath seeks to convert you,
Be strong in whore, allure him, burn him up.
160
Let your close fire predominate his smoke,
And be no turncoats. Yet may your pains six months
Be quite contrary. And thatch your poor thin roofs
With burdens of the dead—some that were hanged,
No matter; wear them, betray with them. Whore
165
still.
Paint till a horse may mire upon your face.
A pox of wrinkles!
TIMON
Enough to make a whore forswear her trade,
And to make whores a bawd. Hold up, you sluts,
Your aprons mountant.
( He begins throwing gold into their aprons.)
You are not oathable,
Although I know you’ll swear—terribly swear
Into strong shudders and to heavenly agues
Th’ immortal gods that hear you. Spare your oaths.
I’ll trust to your conditions. Be whores still.
And he whose pious breath seeks to convert you,
Be strong in whore, allure him, burn him up.
Let your close fire predominate his smoke,
And be no turncoats. Yet may your pains six months
Be quite contrary. And thatch your poor thin roofs
With burdens of the dead—some that were hanged,
No matter; wear them, betray with them. Whore
still.
Paint till a horse may mire upon your face.
A pox of wrinkles!
BOTH WOMEN
Well, more gold. What then?
Believe ’t that we’ll do anything for gold.
BOTH WOMEN
Well, more gold. What then?
Believe ’t that we’ll do anything for gold.
TIMON
170
Consumptions sow
In hollow bones of man; strike their sharp shins,
And mar men’s spurring. Crack the lawyer’s voice,
That he may never more false title plead
Nor sound his quillets shrilly. Hoar the flamen,
175
That scolds against the quality of flesh
And not believes himself. Down with the nose—
Down with it flat, take the bridge quite away—
Of him that, his particular to foresee,
Smells from the general weal. Make curled-pate
180
ruffians bald,
And let the unscarred braggarts of the war
Derive some pain from you. Plague all,
That your activity may defeat and quell
The source of all erection. There’s more gold.
185
Do you damn others, and let this damn you,
And ditches grave you all!
TIMON
Consumptions sow
In hollow bones of man; strike their sharp shins,
And mar men’s spurring. Crack the lawyer’s voice,
That he may never more false title plead
Nor sound his quillets shrilly. Hoar the flamen,
That scolds against the quality of flesh
And not believes himself. Down with the nose—
Down with it flat, take the bridge quite away—
Of him that, his particular to foresee,
Smells from the general weal. Make curled-pate
ruffians bald,
And let the unscarred braggarts of the war
Derive some pain from you. Plague all,
That your activity may defeat and quell
The source of all erection. There’s more gold.
Do you damn others, and let this damn you,
And ditches grave you all!
BOTH WOMEN
More counsel with more money, bounteous Timon.
BOTH WOMEN
More counsel with more money, bounteous Timon.
TIMON
More whore, more mischief first! I have given you
earnest.
TIMON
More whore, more mischief first! I have given you
earnest.
ALCIBIADES
190
Strike up the drum towards Athens.—Farewell,
Timon.
If I thrive well, I’ll visit thee again.
ALCIBIADES
Strike up the drum towards Athens.—Farewell,
Timon.
If I thrive well, I’ll visit thee again.
TIMON
If I hope well, I’ll never see thee more.
TIMON
If I hope well, I’ll never see thee more.
ALCIBIADES
I never did thee harm.
ALCIBIADES
I never did thee harm.
TIMON
195
Yes, thou spok’st well of me.
TIMON
Yes, thou spok’st well of me.
ALCIBIADES
Call’st thou that harm?
ALCIBIADES
Call’st thou that harm?
TIMON
Men daily find it. Get thee away, and take
Thy beagles with thee.
TIMON
Men daily find it. Get thee away, and take
Thy beagles with thee.
ALCIBIADES , to the WOMEN
We but offend him.—
200
Strike.
ALCIBIADES , to the WOMEN
We but offend him.—
Strike.
The drum sounds; all but TIMON exit.
The drum sounds; all but TIMON exit.
TIMON
That nature, being sick of man’s unkindness,
Should yet be hungry! ( He digs.) Common mother,
thou
Whose womb unmeasurable and infinite breast
205
Teems and feeds all; whose selfsame mettle—
Whereof thy proud child, arrogant man, is puffed—
Engenders the black toad and adder blue,
The gilded newt and eyeless venomed worm,
With all th’ abhorrèd births below crisp heaven
210
Whereon Hyperion’s quick’ning fire doth shine:
Yield him who all thy human sons do hate,
From forth thy plenteous bosom, one poor root!
Ensear thy fertile and conceptious womb;
Let it no more bring out ingrateful man.
215
Go great with tigers, dragons, wolves, and bears;
Teem with new monsters, whom thy upward face
Hath to the marbled mansion all above
Never presented. O, a root! Dear thanks!
Dry up thy marrows, vines, and plow-torn leas,
220
Whereof ingrateful man with liquorish drafts
And morsels unctuous greases his pure mind,
That from it all consideration slips—
Enter APEMANTUS.
More man? Plague, plague!
TIMON
That nature, being sick of man’s unkindness,
Should yet be hungry! ( He digs.) Common mother,
thou
Whose womb unmeasurable and infinite breast
Teems and feeds all; whose selfsame mettle—
Whereof thy proud child, arrogant man, is puffed—
Engenders the black toad and adder blue,
The gilded newt and eyeless venomed worm,
With all th’ abhorrèd births below crisp heaven
Whereon Hyperion’s quick’ning fire doth shine:
Yield him who all thy human sons do hate,
From forth thy plenteous bosom, one poor root!
Ensear thy fertile and conceptious womb;
Let it no more bring out ingrateful man.
Go great with tigers, dragons, wolves, and bears;
Teem with new monsters, whom thy upward face
Hath to the marbled mansion all above
Never presented. O, a root! Dear thanks!
Dry up thy marrows, vines, and plow-torn leas,
Whereof ingrateful man with liquorish drafts
And morsels unctuous greases his pure mind,
That from it all consideration slips—
Enter APEMANTUS.
More man? Plague, plague!
APEMANTUS
I was directed hither. Men report
225
Thou dost affect my manners and dost use them.
APEMANTUS
I was directed hither. Men report
Thou dost affect my manners and dost use them.
TIMON
’Tis, then, because thou dost not keep a dog,
Whom I would imitate. Consumption catch thee!
TIMON
’Tis, then, because thou dost not keep a dog,
Whom I would imitate. Consumption catch thee!
APEMANTUS
This is in thee a nature but infected,
A poor unmanly melancholy sprung
230
From change of future. Why this spade? This place?
This slavelike habit and these looks of care?
Thy flatterers yet wear silk, drink wine, lie soft,
Hug their diseased perfumes, and have forgot
That ever Timon was. Shame not these woods
235
By putting on the cunning of a carper.
Be thou a flatterer now, and seek to thrive
By that which has undone thee. Hinge thy knee,
And let his very breath whom thou ’lt observe
Blow off thy cap; praise his most vicious strain,
240
And call it excellent. Thou wast told thus.
Thou gav’st thine ears, like tapsters that bade
welcome,
To knaves and all approachers. ’Tis most just
That thou turn rascal. Had’st thou wealth again,
245
Rascals should have ’t. Do not assume my likeness.
APEMANTUS
This is in thee a nature but infected,
A poor unmanly melancholy sprung
From change of future. Why this spade? This place?
This slavelike habit and these looks of care?
Thy flatterers yet wear silk, drink wine, lie soft,
Hug their diseased perfumes, and have forgot
That ever Timon was. Shame not these woods
By putting on the cunning of a carper.
Be thou a flatterer now, and seek to thrive
By that which has undone thee. Hinge thy knee,
And let his very breath whom thou ’lt observe
Blow off thy cap; praise his most vicious strain,
And call it excellent. Thou wast told thus.
Thou gav’st thine ears, like tapsters that bade
welcome,
To knaves and all approachers. ’Tis most just
That thou turn rascal. Had’st thou wealth again,
Rascals should have ’t. Do not assume my likeness.
TIMON
Were I like thee, I’d throw away myself.
TIMON
Were I like thee, I’d throw away myself.
APEMANTUS
Thou hast cast away thyself, being like thyself—
A madman so long, now a fool. What, think’st
That the bleak air, thy boisterous chamberlain,
250
Will put thy shirt on warm? Will these moist trees,
That have outlived the eagle, page thy heels
And skip when thou point’st out? Will the cold brook,
Candied with ice, caudle thy morning taste
To cure thy o’ernight’s surfeit? Call the creatures
255
Whose naked natures live in all the spite
Of wreakful heaven, whose bare unhousèd trunks,
To the conflicting elements exposed,
Answer mere nature. Bid them flatter thee.
O, thou shalt find—
APEMANTUS
Thou hast cast away thyself, being like thyself—
A madman so long, now a fool. What, think’st
That the bleak air, thy boisterous chamberlain,
Will put thy shirt on warm? Will these moist trees,
That have outlived the eagle, page thy heels
And skip when thou point’st out? Will the cold brook,
Candied with ice, caudle thy morning taste
To cure thy o’ernight’s surfeit? Call the creatures
Whose naked natures live in all the spite
Of wreakful heaven, whose bare unhousèd trunks,
To the conflicting elements exposed,
Answer mere nature. Bid them flatter thee.
O, thou shalt find—
TIMON
260
A fool of thee. Depart.
TIMON
A fool of thee. Depart.
APEMANTUS
I love thee better now than e’er I did.
APEMANTUS
I love thee better now than e’er I did.
TIMON
I hate thee worse.
TIMON
I hate thee worse.
APEMANTUS
Why?
APEMANTUS
Why?
TIMON
Thou flatter’st misery.
TIMON
Thou flatter’st misery.
APEMANTUS
265
I flatter not but say thou art a caitiff.
APEMANTUS
I flatter not but say thou art a caitiff.
TIMON
Why dost thou seek me out?
TIMON
Why dost thou seek me out?
APEMANTUS
To vex thee.
APEMANTUS
To vex thee.
TIMON
Always a villain’s office or a fool’s.
Dost please thyself in ’t?
TIMON
Always a villain’s office or a fool’s.
Dost please thyself in ’t?
APEMANTUS
270
Ay.
APEMANTUS
Ay.
TIMON
What, a knave too?
TIMON
What, a knave too?
APEMANTUS
If thou didst put this sour cold habit on
To castigate thy pride, ’twere well, but thou
Dost it enforcedly. Thou ’dst courtier be again
275
Wert thou not beggar. Willing misery
Outlives incertain pomp, is crowned before;
The one is filling still, never complete,
The other at high wish. Best state, contentless,
Hath a distracted and most wretched being,
280
Worse than the worst, content.
Thou shouldst desire to die, being miserable.
APEMANTUS
If thou didst put this sour cold habit on
To castigate thy pride, ’twere well, but thou
Dost it enforcedly. Thou ’dst courtier be again
Wert thou not beggar. Willing misery
Outlives incertain pomp, is crowned before;
The one is filling still, never complete,
The other at high wish. Best state, contentless,
Hath a distracted and most wretched being,
Worse than the worst, content.
Thou shouldst desire to die, being miserable.
TIMON
Not by his breath that is more miserable.
Thou art a slave whom Fortune’s tender arm
With favor never clasped but bred a dog.
285
Hadst thou, like us from our first swathe, proceeded
The sweet degrees that this brief world affords
To such as may the passive drugs of it
Freely command, thou wouldst have plunged
thyself
290
In general riot, melted down thy youth
In different beds of lust, and never learned
The icy precepts of respect, but followed
The sugared game before thee. But myself—
Who had the world as my confectionary,
295
The mouths, the tongues, the eyes and hearts of
Men
At duty, more than I could frame employment,
That numberless upon me stuck as leaves
Do on the oak, have with one winter’s brush
300
Fell from their boughs and left me open, bare,
For every storm that blows—I to bear this,
That never knew but better, is some burden.
Thy nature did commence in sufferance. Time
305
Hath made thee hard in ’t. Why shouldst thou hate
men?
They never flattered thee. What hast thou given?
If thou wilt curse, thy father, that poor rag,
Must be thy subject, who in spite put stuff
To some she-beggar and compounded thee
310
Poor rogue hereditary. Hence, begone.
If thou hadst not been born the worst of men,
Thou hadst been a knave and flatterer.
TIMON
Not by his breath that is more miserable.
Thou art a slave whom Fortune’s tender arm
With favor never clasped but bred a dog.
Hadst thou, like us from our first swathe, proceeded
The sweet degrees that this brief world affords
To such as may the passive drugs of it
Freely command, thou wouldst have plunged
thyself
In general riot, melted down thy youth
In different beds of lust, and never learned
The icy precepts of respect, but followed
The sugared game before thee. But myself—
Who had the world as my confectionary,
The mouths, the tongues, the eyes and hearts of
Men
At duty, more than I could frame employment,
That numberless upon me stuck as leaves
Do on the oak, have with one winter’s brush
Fell from their boughs and left me open, bare,
For every storm that blows—I to bear this,
That never knew but better, is some burden.
Thy nature did commence in sufferance. Time
Hath made thee hard in ’t. Why shouldst thou hate
men?
They never flattered thee. What hast thou given?
If thou wilt curse, thy father, that poor rag,
Must be thy subject, who in spite put stuff
To some she-beggar and compounded thee
Poor rogue hereditary. Hence, begone.
If thou hadst not been born the worst of men,
Thou hadst been a knave and flatterer.
APEMANTUS
Art thou proud yet?
APEMANTUS
Art thou proud yet?
TIMON
Ay, that I am not thee.
TIMON
Ay, that I am not thee.
APEMANTUS
315
I, that I was no prodigal.
APEMANTUS
I, that I was no prodigal.
TIMON
I, that I am one now.
Were all the wealth I have shut up in thee,
I’d give thee leave to hang it. Get thee gone.
That the whole life of Athens were in this!
320
Thus would I eat it.
TIMON
I, that I am one now.
Were all the wealth I have shut up in thee,
I’d give thee leave to hang it. Get thee gone.
That the whole life of Athens were in this!
Thus would I eat it.
He gnaws a root.
He gnaws a root.
APEMANTUS , offering food
Here, I will mend thy feast.
APEMANTUS , offering food
Here, I will mend thy feast.
TIMON
First mend my company. Take away thyself.
TIMON
First mend my company. Take away thyself.
APEMANTUS
So I shall mend mine own by th’ lack of thine.
APEMANTUS
So I shall mend mine own by th’ lack of thine.
TIMON
’Tis not well mended so; it is but botched.
325
If not, I would it were.
TIMON
’Tis not well mended so; it is but botched.
If not, I would it were.
APEMANTUS
What wouldst thou have to Athens?
APEMANTUS
What wouldst thou have to Athens?
TIMON
Thee thither in a whirlwind. If thou wilt,
Tell them there I have gold. Look, so I have.
TIMON
Thee thither in a whirlwind. If thou wilt,
Tell them there I have gold. Look, so I have.
APEMANTUS
Here is no use for gold.
APEMANTUS
Here is no use for gold.
TIMON
330
The best and truest,
For here it sleeps and does no hired harm.
TIMON
The best and truest,
For here it sleeps and does no hired harm.
APEMANTUS
Where liest a-nights, Timon?
APEMANTUS
Where liest a-nights, Timon?
TIMON
Under that’s above me. Where feed’st thou
a-days, Apemantus?
TIMON
Under that’s above me. Where feed’st thou
a-days, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS
335
Where my stomach finds meat, or rather
where I eat it.
APEMANTUS
Where my stomach finds meat, or rather
where I eat it.
TIMON
Would poison were obedient and knew my
mind!
TIMON
Would poison were obedient and knew my
mind!
APEMANTUS
Where wouldst thou send it?
APEMANTUS
Where wouldst thou send it?
TIMON
340
To sauce thy dishes.
TIMON
To sauce thy dishes.
APEMANTUS
The middle of humanity thou never
knewest, but the extremity of both ends. When
thou wast in thy gilt and thy perfume, they
mocked thee for too much curiosity. In thy rags
345
thou know’st none, but art despised for the contrary.
There’s a medlar for thee. Eat it.
APEMANTUS
The middle of humanity thou never
knewest, but the extremity of both ends. When
thou wast in thy gilt and thy perfume, they
mocked thee for too much curiosity. In thy rags
thou know’st none, but art despised for the contrary.
There’s a medlar for thee. Eat it.
TIMON
On what I hate I feed not.
TIMON
On what I hate I feed not.
APEMANTUS
Dost hate a medlar?
APEMANTUS
Dost hate a medlar?
TIMON
Ay, though it look like thee.
TIMON
Ay, though it look like thee.
APEMANTUS
350
An thou ’dst hated meddlers sooner, thou
shouldst have loved thyself better now. What man
didst thou ever know unthrift that was beloved
after his means?
APEMANTUS
An thou ’dst hated meddlers sooner, thou
shouldst have loved thyself better now. What man
didst thou ever know unthrift that was beloved
after his means?
TIMON
Who, without those means thou talk’st of, didst
355
thou ever know beloved?
TIMON
Who, without those means thou talk’st of, didst
thou ever know beloved?
APEMANTUS
Myself.
APEMANTUS
Myself.
TIMON
I understand thee. Thou hadst some means to
keep a dog.
TIMON
I understand thee. Thou hadst some means to
keep a dog.
APEMANTUS
What things in the world canst thou nearest
360
compare to thy flatterers?
APEMANTUS
What things in the world canst thou nearest
compare to thy flatterers?
TIMON
Women nearest, but men—men are the things
themselves. What wouldst thou do with the world,
Apemantus, if it lay in thy power?
TIMON
Women nearest, but men—men are the things
themselves. What wouldst thou do with the world,
Apemantus, if it lay in thy power?
APEMANTUS
Give it the beasts, to be rid of the men.
APEMANTUS
Give it the beasts, to be rid of the men.
TIMON
365
Wouldst thou have thyself fall in the confusion
of men and remain a beast with the beasts?
TIMON
Wouldst thou have thyself fall in the confusion
of men and remain a beast with the beasts?
APEMANTUS
Ay, Timon.
APEMANTUS
Ay, Timon.
TIMON
A beastly ambition, which the gods grant thee
t’ attain to! If thou wert the lion, the fox would
370
beguile thee. If thou wert the lamb, the fox would
eat thee. If thou wert the fox, the lion would suspect
thee when peradventure thou wert accused by
the ass. If thou wert the ass, thy dullness would
torment thee, and still thou lived’st but as a breakfast
375
to the wolf. If thou wert the wolf, thy greediness
would afflict thee, and oft thou shouldst hazard
thy life for thy dinner. Wert thou the unicorn,
pride and wrath would confound thee and
make thine own self the conquest of thy fury. Wert
380
thou a bear, thou wouldst be killed by the horse.
Wert thou a horse, thou wouldst be seized by the
leopard. Wert thou a leopard, thou wert germane
to the lion, and the spots of thy kindred were
jurors on thy life. All thy safety were remotion, and
385
thy defense absence. What beast couldst thou be
that were not subject to a beast? And what a beast
art thou already that seest not thy loss in
transformation!
TIMON
A beastly ambition, which the gods grant thee
t’ attain to! If thou wert the lion, the fox would
beguile thee. If thou wert the lamb, the fox would
eat thee. If thou wert the fox, the lion would suspect
thee when peradventure thou wert accused by
the ass. If thou wert the ass, thy dullness would
torment thee, and still thou lived’st but as a breakfast
to the wolf. If thou wert the wolf, thy greediness
would afflict thee, and oft thou shouldst hazard
thy life for thy dinner. Wert thou the unicorn,
pride and wrath would confound thee and
make thine own self the conquest of thy fury. Wert
thou a bear, thou wouldst be killed by the horse.
Wert thou a horse, thou wouldst be seized by the
leopard. Wert thou a leopard, thou wert germane
to the lion, and the spots of thy kindred were
jurors on thy life. All thy safety were remotion, and
thy defense absence. What beast couldst thou be
that were not subject to a beast? And what a beast
art thou already that seest not thy loss in
transformation!
APEMANTUS
If thou couldst please me with speaking to
390
me, thou mightst have hit upon it here. The commonwealth
of Athens is become a forest of beasts.
APEMANTUS
If thou couldst please me with speaking to
me, thou mightst have hit upon it here. The commonwealth
of Athens is become a forest of beasts.
TIMON
How, has the ass broke the wall that thou art
out of the city?
TIMON
How, has the ass broke the wall that thou art
out of the city?
APEMANTUS
Yonder comes a poet and a painter. The
395
plague of company light upon thee! I will fear to
catch it and give way. When I know not what else
to do, I’ll see thee again.
APEMANTUS
Yonder comes a poet and a painter. The
plague of company light upon thee! I will fear to
catch it and give way. When I know not what else
to do, I’ll see thee again.
TIMON
When there is nothing living but thee, thou
shalt be welcome. I had rather be a beggar’s dog
400
than Apemantus.
TIMON
When there is nothing living but thee, thou
shalt be welcome. I had rather be a beggar’s dog
than Apemantus.
APEMANTUS
Thou art the cap of all the fools alive.
APEMANTUS
Thou art the cap of all the fools alive.
TIMON
Would thou wert clean enough to spit upon!
TIMON
Would thou wert clean enough to spit upon!
APEMANTUS
A plague on thee! Thou art too bad to curse.
APEMANTUS
A plague on thee! Thou art too bad to curse.
TIMON
All villains that do stand by thee are pure.
TIMON
All villains that do stand by thee are pure.
APEMANTUS
405
There is no leprosy but what thou speak’st.
APEMANTUS
There is no leprosy but what thou speak’st.
TIMON
If I name thee.
I’ll beat thee, but I should infect my hands.
TIMON
If I name thee.
I’ll beat thee, but I should infect my hands.
APEMANTUS
I would my tongue could rot them off!
APEMANTUS
I would my tongue could rot them off!
TIMON
Away, thou issue of a mangy dog!
410
Choler does kill me that thou art alive.
I swoon to see thee.
TIMON
Away, thou issue of a mangy dog!
Choler does kill me that thou art alive.
I swoon to see thee.
APEMANTUS
Would thou wouldst burst!
APEMANTUS
Would thou wouldst burst!
TIMON
Away, thou tedious rogue!
I am sorry I shall lose a stone by thee.
TIMON
Away, thou tedious rogue!
I am sorry I shall lose a stone by thee.
TIMON throws a stone at APEMANTUS.
TIMON throws a stone at APEMANTUS.
APEMANTUS
415
Beast!
APEMANTUS
Beast!
TIMON
Slave!
TIMON
Slave!
APEMANTUS
Toad!
APEMANTUS
Toad!
TIMON
Rogue, rogue, rogue!
I am sick of this false world, and will love nought
420
But even the mere necessities upon ’t.
Then, Timon, presently prepare thy grave.
Lie where the light foam of the sea may beat
Thy gravestone daily. Make thine epitaph,
That death in me at others’ lives may laugh.
( To his gold.)
425
O thou sweet king-killer and dear
divorce
’Twixt natural son and sire, thou bright defiler
Of Hymen’s purest bed, thou valiant Mars,
Thou ever young, fresh, loved, and delicate wooer,
430
Whose blush doth thaw the consecrated snow
That lies on Dian’s lap; thou visible god,
That sold’rest close impossibilities
And mak’st them kiss, that speak’st with every
tongue
435
To every purpose! O thou touch of hearts,
Think thy slave, man, rebels, and by thy virtue
Set them into confounding odds, that beasts
May have the world in empire!
TIMON
Rogue, rogue, rogue!
I am sick of this false world, and will love nought
But even the mere necessities upon ’t.
Then, Timon, presently prepare thy grave.
Lie where the light foam of the sea may beat
Thy gravestone daily. Make thine epitaph,
That death in me at others’ lives may laugh.
( To his gold.)
O thou sweet king-killer and dear
divorce
’Twixt natural son and sire, thou bright defiler
Of Hymen’s purest bed, thou valiant Mars,
Thou ever young, fresh, loved, and delicate wooer,
Whose blush doth thaw the consecrated snow
That lies on Dian’s lap; thou visible god,
That sold’rest close impossibilities
And mak’st them kiss, that speak’st with every
tongue
To every purpose! O thou touch of hearts,
Think thy slave, man, rebels, and by thy virtue
Set them into confounding odds, that beasts
May have the world in empire!
APEMANTUS
Would ’twere so!
440
But not till I am dead. I’ll say thou ’st gold;
Thou wilt be thronged to shortly.
APEMANTUS
Would ’twere so!
But not till I am dead. I’ll say thou ’st gold;
Thou wilt be thronged to shortly.
TIMON
Thronged to?
TIMON
Thronged to?
APEMANTUS
Ay.
APEMANTUS
Ay.
TIMON
Thy back, I prithee.
TIMON
Thy back, I prithee.
APEMANTUS
445
Live and love thy misery.
APEMANTUS
Live and love thy misery.
TIMON
Long live so, and so die. I am quit.
TIMON
Long live so, and so die. I am quit.
Enter the BANDITTI.
Enter the BANDITTI.
APEMANTUS
More things like men.—Eat, Timon, and abhor
them.
APEMANTUS
More things like men.—Eat, Timon, and abhor
them.
APEMANTUS exits.
APEMANTUS exits.
FIRST BANDIT
Where should he have this gold? It is
450
some poor fragment, some slender ort of his
remainder. The mere want of gold and the falling-from
of his friends drove him into this melancholy.
FIRST BANDIT
Where should he have this gold? It is
some poor fragment, some slender ort of his
remainder. The mere want of gold and the falling-from
of his friends drove him into this melancholy.
SECOND BANDIT
It is noised he hath a mass of treasure.
SECOND BANDIT
It is noised he hath a mass of treasure.
THIRD BANDIT
Let us make the assay upon him. If he
455
care not for ’t, he will supply us easily. If he covetously
reserve it, how shall ’s get it?
THIRD BANDIT
Let us make the assay upon him. If he
care not for ’t, he will supply us easily. If he covetously
reserve it, how shall ’s get it?
SECOND BANDIT
True, for he bears it not about him. ’Tis
hid.
SECOND BANDIT
True, for he bears it not about him. ’Tis
hid.
FIRST BANDIT
Is not this he?
FIRST BANDIT
Is not this he?
OTHERS
460
Where?
OTHERS
Where?
SECOND BANDIT
’Tis his description.
SECOND BANDIT
’Tis his description.
THIRD BANDIT
He. I know him.
THIRD BANDIT
He. I know him.
ALL
Save thee, Timon.
ALL
Save thee, Timon.
TIMON
Now, thieves?
TIMON
Now, thieves?
ALL
465
Soldiers, not thieves.
ALL
Soldiers, not thieves.
TIMON
Both, too, and women’s sons.
TIMON
Both, too, and women’s sons.
ALL
We are not thieves, but men that much do want.
ALL
We are not thieves, but men that much do want.
TIMON
Your greatest want is, you want much of meat.
Why should you want? Behold, the earth hath roots.
470
Within this mile break forth a hundred springs.
The oaks bear mast, the briars scarlet hips.
The bounteous huswife Nature on each bush
Lays her full mess before you. Want? Why want?
TIMON
Your greatest want is, you want much of meat.
Why should you want? Behold, the earth hath roots.
Within this mile break forth a hundred springs.
The oaks bear mast, the briars scarlet hips.
The bounteous huswife Nature on each bush
Lays her full mess before you. Want? Why want?
FIRST BANDIT
We cannot live on grass, on berries, water,
475
As beasts and birds and fishes.
FIRST BANDIT
We cannot live on grass, on berries, water,
As beasts and birds and fishes.
TIMON
Nor on the beasts themselves, the birds and fishes;
You must eat men. Yet thanks I must you con
That you are thieves professed, that you work not
In holier shapes, for there is boundless theft
480
In limited professions. Rascal thieves,
Here’s gold. ( He gives them gold.) Go, suck the
subtle blood o’ th’ grape
Till the high fever seethe your blood to froth,
And so ’scape hanging. Trust not the physician;
485
His antidotes are poison, and he slays
More than you rob. Take wealth and lives together.
Do, villainy, do, since you protest to do ’t,
Like workmen. I’ll example you with thievery.
The sun’s a thief and with his great attraction
490
Robs the vast sea. The moon’s an arrant thief,
And her pale fire she snatches from the sun.
The sea’s a thief, whose liquid surge resolves
The moon into salt tears. The earth’s a thief,
That feeds and breeds by a composture stol’n
495
From gen’ral excrement. Each thing’s a thief.
The laws, your curb and whip, in their rough power
Has unchecked theft. Love not yourselves. Away!
Rob one another. There’s more gold.
( He gives them gold.)
Cut throats.
500
All that you meet are thieves. To Athens go.
Break open shops. Nothing can you steal
But thieves do lose it. Steal less for this I give you,
And gold confound you howsoe’er! Amen.
TIMON
Nor on the beasts themselves, the birds and fishes;
You must eat men. Yet thanks I must you con
That you are thieves professed, that you work not
In holier shapes, for there is boundless theft
In limited professions. Rascal thieves,
Here’s gold. ( He gives them gold.) Go, suck the
subtle blood o’ th’ grape
Till the high fever seethe your blood to froth,
And so ’scape hanging. Trust not the physician;
His antidotes are poison, and he slays
More than you rob. Take wealth and lives together.
Do, villainy, do, since you protest to do ’t,
Like workmen. I’ll example you with thievery.
The sun’s a thief and with his great attraction
Robs the vast sea. The moon’s an arrant thief,
And her pale fire she snatches from the sun.
The sea’s a thief, whose liquid surge resolves
The moon into salt tears. The earth’s a thief,
That feeds and breeds by a composture stol’n
From gen’ral excrement. Each thing’s a thief.
The laws, your curb and whip, in their rough power
Has unchecked theft. Love not yourselves. Away!
Rob one another. There’s more gold.
( He gives them gold.)
Cut throats.
All that you meet are thieves. To Athens go.
Break open shops. Nothing can you steal
But thieves do lose it. Steal less for this I give you,
And gold confound you howsoe’er! Amen.
THIRD BANDIT
Has almost charmed me from my profession
505
by persuading me to it.
THIRD BANDIT
Has almost charmed me from my profession
by persuading me to it.
FIRST BANDIT
’Tis in the malice of mankind that he
thus advises us, not to have us thrive in our
mystery.
FIRST BANDIT
’Tis in the malice of mankind that he
thus advises us, not to have us thrive in our
mystery.
SECOND BANDIT
I’ll believe him as an enemy and give
510
over my trade.
SECOND BANDIT
I’ll believe him as an enemy and give
over my trade.
FIRST BANDIT
Let us first see peace in Athens. There is
no time so miserable but a man may be true.
FIRST BANDIT
Let us first see peace in Athens. There is
no time so miserable but a man may be true.
THIEVES exit.
THIEVES exit.
Enter FLAVIUS THE STEWARD, to TIMON.
Enter FLAVIUS THE STEWARD, to TIMON.
FLAVIUS
O you gods!
Is yond despised and ruinous man my lord?
515
Full of decay and flailing? O, monument
And wonder of good deeds evilly bestowed!
What an alteration of honor has desp’rate want
made!
What viler thing upon the Earth than friends,
520
Who can bring noblest minds to basest ends!
How rarely does it meet with this time’s guise,
When man was wished to love his enemies!
Grant I may ever love, and rather woo
Those that would mischief me than those that do!
525
Has caught me in his eye. I will present
My honest grief unto him and as my lord
Still serve him with my life.—My dearest master.
FLAVIUS
O you gods!
Is yond despised and ruinous man my lord?
Full of decay and flailing? O, monument
And wonder of good deeds evilly bestowed!
What an alteration of honor has desp’rate want
made!
What viler thing upon the Earth than friends,
Who can bring noblest minds to basest ends!
How rarely does it meet with this time’s guise,
When man was wished to love his enemies!
Grant I may ever love, and rather woo
Those that would mischief me than those that do!
Has caught me in his eye. I will present
My honest grief unto him and as my lord
Still serve him with my life.—My dearest master.
TIMON
Away! What art thou?
TIMON
Away! What art thou?
FLAVIUS
Have you forgot me, sir?
FLAVIUS
Have you forgot me, sir?
TIMON
530
Why dost ask that? I have forgot all men.
Then, if thou grant’st thou ’rt a man, I have forgot
thee.
TIMON
Why dost ask that? I have forgot all men.
Then, if thou grant’st thou ’rt a man, I have forgot
thee.
FLAVIUS
An honest poor servant of yours.
FLAVIUS
An honest poor servant of yours.
TIMON
Then I know thee not.
535
I never had honest man about me, I. All
I kept were knaves to serve in meat to villains.
TIMON
Then I know thee not.
I never had honest man about me, I. All
I kept were knaves to serve in meat to villains.
FLAVIUS
The gods are witness,
Ne’er did poor steward wear a truer grief
For his undone lord than mine eyes for you.
FLAVIUS
The gods are witness,
Ne’er did poor steward wear a truer grief
For his undone lord than mine eyes for you.
He weeps.
 
He weeps.
 
TIMON
540
What, dost thou weep? Come nearer, then. I love
thee
Because thou art a woman and disclaim’st
Flinty mankind, whose eyes do never give
But thorough lust and laughter. Pity’s sleeping.
545
Strange times that weep with laughing, not with
weeping!
TIMON
What, dost thou weep? Come nearer, then. I love
thee
Because thou art a woman and disclaim’st
Flinty mankind, whose eyes do never give
But thorough lust and laughter. Pity’s sleeping.
Strange times that weep with laughing, not with
weeping!
FLAVIUS
I beg of you to know me, good my lord,
T’ accept my grief, and, whilst this poor wealth lasts,
To entertain me as your steward still.
FLAVIUS
I beg of you to know me, good my lord,
T’ accept my grief, and, whilst this poor wealth lasts,
To entertain me as your steward still.
He offers money.
He offers money.
TIMON
550
Had I a steward
So true, so just, and now so comfortable?
It almost turns my dangerous nature mild.
Let me behold thy face. Surely this man
Was born of woman.
555
Forgive my general and exceptless rashness,
You perpetual-sober gods. I do proclaim
One honest man—mistake me not, but one;
No more, I pray!—and he’s a steward.
How fain would I have hated all mankind,
560
And thou redeem’st thyself. But all, save thee,
I fell with curses.
Methinks thou art more honest now than wise,
For by oppressing and betraying me
Thou mightst have sooner got another service;
565
For many so arrive at second masters
Upon their first lord’s neck. But tell me true—
For I must ever doubt, though ne’er so sure—
Is not thy kindness subtle, covetous,
A usuring kindness, and as rich men deal gifts,
570
Expecting in return twenty for one?
TIMON
Had I a steward
So true, so just, and now so comfortable?
It almost turns my dangerous nature mild.
Let me behold thy face. Surely this man
Was born of woman.
Forgive my general and exceptless rashness,
You perpetual-sober gods. I do proclaim
One honest man—mistake me not, but one;
No more, I pray!—and he’s a steward.
How fain would I have hated all mankind,
And thou redeem’st thyself. But all, save thee,
I fell with curses.
Methinks thou art more honest now than wise,
For by oppressing and betraying me
Thou mightst have sooner got another service;
For many so arrive at second masters
Upon their first lord’s neck. But tell me true—
For I must ever doubt, though ne’er so sure—
Is not thy kindness subtle, covetous,
A usuring kindness, and as rich men deal gifts,
Expecting in return twenty for one?
FLAVIUS
No, my most worthy master, in whose breast
Doubt and suspect, alas, are placed too late.
You should have feared false times when you did
feast.
575
Suspect still comes where an estate is least.
That which I show, heaven knows, is merely love,
Duty, and zeal to your unmatchèd mind,
Care of your food and living. And believe it,
My most honored lord,
580
For any benefit that points to me,
Either in hope or present, I’d exchange
For this one wish, that you had power and wealth
To requite me by making rich yourself.
FLAVIUS
No, my most worthy master, in whose breast
Doubt and suspect, alas, are placed too late.
You should have feared false times when you did
feast.
Suspect still comes where an estate is least.
That which I show, heaven knows, is merely love,
Duty, and zeal to your unmatchèd mind,
Care of your food and living. And believe it,
My most honored lord,
For any benefit that points to me,
Either in hope or present, I’d exchange
For this one wish, that you had power and wealth
To requite me by making rich yourself.
TIMON
Look thee, ’tis so. Thou singly honest man,
585
Here, take. ( TIMON offers gold.) The gods out of my
misery
Has sent thee treasure. Go, live rich and happy,
But thus conditioned: thou shalt build from men;
Hate all, curse all, show charity to none,
590
But let the famished flesh slide from the bone
Ere thou relieve the beggar; give to dogs
What thou deniest to men; let prisons swallow ’em,
Debts wither ’em to nothing; be men like blasted
woods,
595
And may diseases lick up their false bloods!
And so farewell and thrive.
TIMON
Look thee, ’tis so. Thou singly honest man,
Here, take. ( TIMON offers gold.) The gods out of my
misery
Has sent thee treasure. Go, live rich and happy,
But thus conditioned: thou shalt build from men;
Hate all, curse all, show charity to none,
But let the famished flesh slide from the bone
Ere thou relieve the beggar; give to dogs
What thou deniest to men; let prisons swallow ’em,
Debts wither ’em to nothing; be men like blasted
woods,
And may diseases lick up their false bloods!
And so farewell and thrive.
FLAVIUS
O, let me stay
And comfort you, my master.
FLAVIUS
O, let me stay
And comfort you, my master.
TIMON
If thou hat’st curses,
600
Stay not. Fly whilst thou art blest and free.
Ne’er see thou man, and let me ne’er see thee.
TIMON
If thou hat’st curses,
Stay not. Fly whilst thou art blest and free.
Ne’er see thou man, and let me ne’er see thee.
They exit.
They exit.
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