Luc.

Who, the lord Timon? he is my very good friend, and an honourable gentleman.

1 Stran.

We know him for no less^{7 note}

Luc.

Fye no, do not believe it; he cannot want for money.

2 Stran.

But believe you this, my lord, that, not long ago, one of his men was with the lord Lucullus, to borrow so many talents^{8 note}

for't and showed what necessity belonged to't, and yet was denied.

Luc.

How?

2 Stran.

I tell you, denied, my lord.

Luc.

What a strange case was that? now, before the gods, I am ashamed on't. Denied that honourable man? there was very little honour showed in't. For my own part, I must needs confess, I have received some small kindnesses from him, as money, plate, jewels, and such like trifles, nothing comparing to his; yet, had he mistook him, and sent to me^{9 note}

Enter Servilius.

Ser.

See, by good hap, yonder's my lord; I have sweat to see his honour.—My honoured lord,—

Luc.

Servilius! you are kindly met, sir. Fare thee well:—Commend me to thy honourable-virtuous lord, my very exquisite friend.

Ser.

May it please your honour, my lord hath sent—

Luc.

Ha! what has he sent? I am so much endeared to that lord; he's ever sending: How shall I thank him, thinkest thou? And what has he sent now?

Ser.

He has only sent his present occasion now, my lord; requesting your lordship to supply his instant use with so many talents^{3 note}

Luc.

I know, his lordship is but merry with me; He cannot want fifty-five hundred talents.

Ser.
But in the mean time he wants less, my lord.
If his occasion were not virtuous^{4 note}

Luc.
Dost thou speak seriously, Servilius?

Ser.

Upon my soul, 'tis true, sir.

Luc.

What a wicked beast was I, to disfurnish myself against such a good time, when I might have shown myself honourable! how unluckily it happened, that I should purchase the day before for a little part, and undo a great deal of honour^{6 note}

Servilius, now before the gods, I am not able to do't; the more beast, I say.—I was sending to use lord Timon myself, these gentlemen can witness; but I would not, for the wealth of Athens, I had done it now. Commend me bountifully to his good lordship; and I hope, his honour will conceive the fairest of me, because I have no power to be kind: —And tell him this from me, I count it one of my greatest afflictions, say, that I cannot pleasure such an honourable gentleman. Good Servilius, will you befriend me so far, as to use mine own words to him?

Ser.

Yes, sir, I shall.

Luc.
I will look you out a good turn, Servilius.— [Exit Servilius.
True, as you said, Timon is shrunk, indeed;
And he, that's once denied, will hardly speed. [Exit Lucius.

1 Stran.
Do you observe this, Hostilius^{7 note}

?

2 Stran.
Ay, too well.

1 Stran.
Why this
Is the world's soul; and just of the same piece
Is every flatterer's spirit^{8 note}

When he looks out in an ungrateful shape!)
He does deny him, in respect of his^{1 note}

3 Stran.
Religion groans at it.

1 Stran.
For mine own part,
I never tasted Timon in my life,
Nor came any of his bounties over me,
To mark me for his friend; yet, I protest,
For his right noble mind, illustrious virtue,
And honourable carriage,
Had his necessity made use of me,
I would have put my wealth into donation,
And the best half should have return'd to him^{2 note}

So much I love his heart: But, I perceive,
Men must learn now with pity to dispense:
For policy sits above conscience. [Exeunt.

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