Evan
“Nay, they shall all away: here, take the casket;
“Away with these unprofitable trinkets,
“They mock my wretchedness; get money, Flavius.
“Peace, man, reply not; these plain weeds will serve
“The daughter of so poor a man as Timon.
“Go, go; no more on't. [Exit Flavius. Servilius enters.
“Now Servilius—Well!
“What says Sempronius? Where are the five talents
“Due from Ventidius?

Servil.
“I have tried them both,
“And they have both denied him.

Evan.
“Hah, denied him?
“The Gods deny them, when they crave their blessing!”
Why he has been to these men as a father,
And kept their credit with a bounteous purse,
Now they deny him. “Scarce three days are past,
“Since he redeem'd Ventidius from a prison.
“Oh, the base soul of man—Come hither, Sir;
“Hortensius the Senator late gave me
“Six young Numidian slaves, let them be sold.
“Go, see it done. [Exit Servilius. Flaminius enters.
“Flaminius, you were sent
“To Lord Lucullus; come, tell out the talents.

Flam.
“A fruitless errand have I made, dear Lady,
“To a most thankless man.

Evan.
“Are you too empty?

Flam.
“Empty as air, as the false hollow heart
“Of him who has denied me.

Evan.
“Oh! the villain.”
This was my Lord's best hope; now all are fled,
Save the Gods only. Who can call him friend,
That dips in the same dish? This man ne'er drinks,
But Timon's silver treads upon his lip:
And yet, O see the monstrousness of man,
When he looks out in an ingrateful shape!
He does deny him in respect of his,
What charitable men afford to beggars.

Flam.
“Religion groans at it.

Evan.
“I have a picture,
“Apelles might have own'd it: 'tis my father:
“Lo, what a form he wears! A Cretan artist
“Trac'd out the living work. There was a time,
“Not all the treasures of the Ephesian fane,
“Had brib'd me to dispose on't. Here, Flaminius,
“Take it; get gold. Now I have nothing left. [Exit Flaminius.

Previous section

Next section