THE LIFE OF TIMON OF ATHENS
Page: 30

Soldiers should brook as little wrongs as gods.

[Exit.]



Scene VI. A room of State in TIMON'S House.

[Music. Tables set out: Servants attending. Enter divers LORDS,
SENATORS, and Others, at several doors.]

FIRST LORD.
The good time of day to you, sir.

SECOND LORD.
I also wish it to you. I think this honourable lord
did but try us this other day.

FIRST LORD.
Upon that were my thoughts tiring when we encountered:
I hope it is not so low with him as he made it seem in the trial
of his several friends.

SECOND LORD.
It should not be, by the persuasion of his new feasting.

FIRST LORD.
I should think so: he hath sent me an earnest inviting,
which many my near occasions did urge me to put off; but he hath
conjured me beyond them, and I must needs appear.

SECOND LORD.
In like manner was I in debt to my importunate business, but he
would not hear my excuse. I am sorry, when he sent to borrow of
me, that my provision was out.

FIRST LORD.
I am sick of that grief too, as I understand how all things go.

SECOND LORD.
Every man here's so. What would he have borrowed you?

FIRST LORD.
A thousand pieces.

SECOND LORD.
A thousand pieces!

FIRST LORD.
What of you?

SECOND LORD.
He sent to me, sir--here he comes.

[Enter TIMON and Attendants.]

TIMON.
With all my heart, gentlemen both; And how fare you?

FIRST LORD.
Ever at the best, hearing well of your lordship.

SECOND LORD.
The swallow follows not summer more willing than we
your lordship.

TIMON. [Aside.]
Nor more willingly leaves winter; such summer-birds
are men. Gentlemen, our dinner will not recompense this long
stay: feast your ears with the music awhile, if they will fare so
harshly o' the trumpet's sound; we shall to't presently.

FIRST LORD.
I hope it remains not unkindly with your lordship that
I return'd you an empty messenger.

TIMON.
O! sir, let it not trouble you.

SECOND LORD.
My noble lord,--

TIMON.
Ah! my good friend, what cheer?

SECOND LORD.
My most honourable lord, I am e'en sick of shame, that
when your lordship this other day sent to me I was so