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  • William Shakespeare: Timon of Athens, Act III, Scene IV

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Scene IVThe same. A hall in Timon’s houseEnter two Servants of Varro, and the Servant of Lucius, meeting Titus, Hortensius, and other Servants of Timon’s creditors, waiting his coming outVarro’s First ServantWell met; good morrow, Titus and Hortensius.TitusThe like to you kind Varro.HortensiusLucius! What, do we meet together?Lucilius’ ServantAy, and I think One business does command us all; for mine Is money.TitusSo is theirs and ours.Enter PhilotusLucilius’ ServantAnd Sir Philotus too!PhilotusGood day at once.Lucilius’ ServantWelcome, good brother. What do you think the hour?PhilotusLabouring for nine.Lucilius’ ServantSo much?PhilotusIs not my lord seen yet?Lucilius’ ServantNot yet.PhilotusI wonder on’t; he was wont to shine at seven.Lucilius’ ServantAy, but the days are wax’d shorter with him: You must consider that a prodigal course Is like the sun’s; but not, like his, recoverable. I fear ’tis deepest winter in Lord Timon’s purse; That is one may reach deep enough, and yet Find little.PhilotusI am of your fear for that.TitusI’ll show you how to observe a strange event. Your lord sends now for money.HortensiusMost true, he does.TitusAnd he wears jewels now of Timon’s gift, For which I wait for money.HortensiusIt is against my heart.Lucilius’ ServantMark, how strange it shows, Timon in this should pay more than he owes: And e’en as if your lord should wear rich jewels, And send for money for ’em.HortensiusI’m weary of this charge, the gods can witness: I know my lord hath spent of Timon’s wealth, And now ingratitude makes it worse than stealth.Varro’s First ServantYes, mine’s three thousand crowns: what’s yours?Lucilius’ ServantFive thousand mine.Varro’s First Servant’Tis much deep: and it should seem by the sun, Your master’s confidence was above mine; Else, surely, his had equall’d. Enter Flaminius.TitusOne of Lord Timon’s men.Lucilius’ ServantFlaminius! Sir, a word: pray, is my lord ready to come forth?FlaminiusNo, indeed, he is not.TitusWe attend his lordship; pray, signify so much.FlaminiusI need not tell him that; he knows you are too diligent. [Exit] Enter Flavius in a cloak, muffledLucilius’ ServantHa! is not that his steward muffled so? He goes away in a cloud: call him, call him.TitusDo you hear, sir?Varro’s Second ServantBy your leave, sir,—FlaviusWhat do ye ask of me, my friend?TitusWe wait for certain money here, sir.FlaviusAy, if money were as certain as your waiting, ‘Twere sure enough. Why then preferr’d you not your sums and bills, When your false masters eat of my lord’s meat? Then they could smile and fawn upon his debts And take down the interest into their gluttonous maws. You do yourselves but wrong to stir me up; Let me pass quietly: Believe ’t, my lord and I have made an end; I have no more to reckon, he to spend.Lucilius’ ServantAy, but this answer will not serve.FlaviusIf ’twill not serve,’tis not so base as you; For you serve knaves.ExitVarro’s First ServantHow! what does his cashiered worship mutter?Varro’s Second ServantNo matter what; he’s poor, and that’s revenge enough. Who can speak broader than he that has no house to put his head in? such may rail against great buildings.Enter ServiliusTitusO, here’s Servilius; now we shall know some answer.ServiliusIf I might beseech you, gentlemen, to repair some other hour, I should derive much from’t; for, take’t of my soul, my lord leans wondrously to discontent: his comfortable temper has forsook him; he’s much out of health, and keeps his chamber.Lucilius’ ServantMany do keep their chambers are not sick: And, if it be so far beyond his health, Methinks he should the sooner pay his debts, And make a clear way to the gods.ServiliusGood gods!TitusWe cannot take this for answer, sir.FlaminiusWithinServilius, help! My lord! my lord!Enter Timon, in a rage, Flaminius followingTimonWhat, are my doors opposed against my passage? Have I been ever free, and must my house Be my retentive enemy, my gaol? The place which I have feasted, does it now, Like all mankind, show me an iron heart?Lucilius’ ServantPut in now, Titus.TitusMy lord, here is my bill.Lucilius’ ServantHere’s mine.HortensiusAnd mine, my lord.Both Varro’s ServantsAnd ours, my lord.PhilotusAll our bills.TimonKnock me down with ’em: cleave me to the girdle.Lucilius’ ServantAlas, my lord,-TimonCut my heart in sums.TitusMine, fifty talents.TimonTell out my blood.Lucilius’ ServantFive thousand crowns, my lord.TimonFive thousand drops pays that. What yours?—and yours?Varro’s First ServantMy lord,—Varro’s Second ServantMy lord,—TimonTear me, take me, and the gods fall upon you!ExitHortensius’Faith, I perceive our masters may throw their caps at their money: these debts may well be called desperate ones, for a madman owes ’em.ExeuntRe-enter Timon and FlaviusTimonThey have e’en put my breath from me, the slaves. Creditors? devils!FlaviusMy dear lord,—TimonWhat if it should be so?FlaviusMy lord,—TimonI’ll have it so. My steward!FlaviusHere, my lord.TimonSo fitly? Go, bid all my friends again, Lucius, Lucullus, and Sempronius: All, sirrah, all: I’ll once more feast the rascals.FlaviusO my lord, You only speak from your distracted soul; There is not so much left, to furnish out A moderate table.TimonBe’t not in thy care; go, I charge thee, invite them all: let in the tide Of knaves once more; my cook and I’ll provide.Exeunt

William Shakespeare: Timon of Athens, Act III

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William Shakespeare: Timon of Athens, Act II, Scene II

  • William Shakespeare: Timon of Athens, Act II, Scene II

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  • Did Birds Evolve from Dinosaurs?
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