Luc.

The good time of the day to you, Sir.

Lucul.

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

Semp.

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.

Luc.

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

Lucul.

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 conjur'd me beyond them, and I must needs appear.

Semp.

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.

Lucul.

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

Semp.

Every man here's so. What would he have borrow'd of you?

Luc.

A thousand pieces.

Semp.

A thousand pieces!

Lucul.

What of you?

Luc.

He sent to me, Sir—here he comes.

Enter Timon and attendants.

Tim.

With all my heart, gentlemen—and how fare you?

Semp.

Ever at the best, hearing well of your lordship.

Lucul.

The swallow follows not summer more willingly, than we your lordship.

Tim.

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, a while: if they will fare so harshly as on the trumpet's sound.

Lucul.

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

Tim.

O, Sir, let it not trouble you.

Semp.

My noble lord.

Tim.

Ah, my good friend, what cheer?

Semp.

Most honourable lord, I'm e'en sick of shame, that when your lordship t'other day sent to me, I was so unfortunate a beggar.

Tim.

Think not on't, Sir.

Semp.

If you had sent but two hours before—

Tim.

Let it not cumber your better remembrance. Come, bring in all together.

Lucul.

All covered dishes!

Semp.

Royal cheer, I warrant you.

Tim.

My worthy friends, will you draw near?

Lucul.

This is the old man still.

Semp.

Will't hold? will't hold?

Lucul.

It does, but time will, and so—

Semp.

I do conceive.

Tim.

Each man to his stool, with that spur as he would to the lip of his mistress: your diet shall be in all places alike. Make not a city-feast of it, to let the meat cool, ere we can agree upon the first place. Sit, sit.

You great benefactors, sprinkle our society with thankfulness. For your own gifts make yourselves prais'd; but reserve still to give, lest your Deities be despised. Lend to each man enough, that one need not lend to another. For were your Godheads to borrow of men, men would forsake the Gods. Make the meat beloved, more than the man that gives it. Let no assembly of twenty be without a score of villains. If there sit twelve women at the table, let a dozen of them be as they are—The rest of your fees, O Gods, the senators of Athens, together with the common lag of people, what is amiss in them, you Gods, make suitable for destruction. For these my friends—as they are to me nothing, so in nothing bless them, and to nothing are they welcome.

Lucul. and Semp.
What does his lordship mean?

Tim.
May you a better feast never behold,
You knot of mouth-friends: smoke, and lukewarm water
Is your perfect image. This is Timon's last;
Who stuck and spangled you with flatteries,
Washes it off, and sprinkles in your faces
Your reaking villany. Live loath'd, and long,
Most smiling, smooth, detested parasites,
Courteous destroyers, affable wolves, meek bears,
You fools of fortune, trencher-friends, time-flies,
Cap-and-knee slaves, vapours, and minute-jacks;
Of man and beast the infinite malady
Crust you quite o'er?—What, dost thou go?
Soft, take thy physic first—thou too—and thou— [Throwing the dishes at them, and driving 'em out.
Stay, I will lend thee money, borrow none.
What! all in motion? henceforth be no feast,
Whereat a villain's not a welcome guest.
Burn house, sink Athens, henceforth hated be
Of Timon man, and all humanity. [Exit. End of the Third ACT.

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