THE LIFE OF TIMON OF ATHENS
Page: 24

Thrice give him over; must I take the cure upon me?
Has much disgrac'd me in't; I'm angry at him,
That might have known my place. I see no sense for't,
But his occasions might have woo'd me first;
For, in my conscience, I was the first man
That e'er received gift from him:
And does he think so backwardly of me now,
That I'll requite it last? No:
So it may prove an argument of laughter
To the rest, and I 'mongst lords be thought a fool.
I had rather than the worth of thrice the sum,
Had sent to me first, but for my mind's sake;
I'd such a courage to do him good. But now return,
And with their faint reply this answer join;
Who bates mine honour shall not know my coin.

[Exit.]

SERVANT.
Excellent! Your lordship's a goodly villain. The devil
knew not what he did when he made man politic; he crossed
himself by't: and I cannot think but, in the end the villainies
of man will set him clear. How fairly this lord strives to appear
foul! takes virtuous copies to be wicked, like those that under
hot ardent zeal would set whole realms on fire:
Of such a nature is his politic love.
This was my lord's best hope; now all are fled
Save only the gods. Now his friends are dead,
Doors, that were ne'er acquainted with their wards
Many a bounteous year, must be employ'd
Now to guard sure their master:
And this is all a liberal course allows:
Who cannot keep his wealth must keep his house.

[Exit.]



Scene IV. A hall in TIMON'S House.

[Enter two Servants of VARRO, and the Servant of LUCIUS, meeting
TITUS, HORTENSIUS, and other Servants to TIMON's Creditors,
waiting his coming out.]

FIRST VARRO'S SERVANT.
Well met; good morrow, Titus and Hortensius.

TITUS.
The like to you, kind Varro.

HORTENSIUS.
Lucius! What! do we meet together!

LUCIUS' SERVANT.
Ay, and I think one business does command us all; for mine is
money.

TITUS.
So is theirs and ours.

[Enter PHILOTUS.]

LUCIUS' SERVANT.
And Sir Philotus too!

PHILOTUS.
Good day at once.

LUCIUS' SERVANT.
Wlcome, good brother.
What do you think the hour?

PHILOTUS.
Labouring for nine.