2 Se. He has made too much plenty with 'em : He's a sworn rioter; he has a sin that often Drowns him, and takes his valor prisoner. If there were no foes, that were enough alone To overcome him: in that beastly fury He has been known to commit outrages, And cherish factions. "Tis inferr'd to us, His days are foul, and his drink dangerous. 1 Se. He dies.

Alc. Hard fate! he might have died in war. My lords, if not for any parts in him,

(Though his right arm might purchase his own

time,

And be in debt to none) yet, more to move you,
Take my deserts to his, and join them both :
And, for I know, your reverend ages love
Security, I'll pawn my victories, all
My honor to you, upon his good returns.
If by this crime he owes the law his life,
Why, let the war receive 't in valiant gore;
For law is strict, and war is nothing more.

1 Se. We are for law; he dies: urge it no more, On height of our displeasure. Friend or brother, He forfeits his own blood, that spills another.

Alc. Must it be so? it must not be. My lords, I do beseech you, know me.

2 Se. How?

Alc. Call me to your remembrances.

3 Se.

What?

Alc. I cannot think, but your age has forgot

me:

It could not else be, I should prove so base,1
To sue, and be denied such common grace.
My wounds ache at you.

1 Se.

Do dare our anger?

you

'Tis in few words, but spacious in effect:

We banish thee for ever.

Alc.

Banish me?

Banish your dotage; banish usury,

That makes the senate ugly.

1 Se. If, after two days' shine, Athens contain thee,

Attend our weightier judgment: and, not to sweil our spirit,2

He shall be executed presently. [Exeunt Senators. Alc. Now the gods keep you old enough; that you may live

Only in bone, that none may look on you!

I am worse than mad: I have kept back their foes,
While they have told their money, and let out
Their coin upon large interest; I myself
Rich only in large hurts ;-all those for this?
Is this the balsam, that the usuring senate
Pours into captains' wounds? Banishment?
It comes not ill; I hate not to be banish'd:
It is a cause worthy my spleen and fury,
That I may strike at Athens. I'll cheer up
My discontented troops, and lay for hearts.3

For dishonored.

2 Without putting ourselves into a rage.

3 Endeavor to gain the affections of the people.

"Tis honor, with most lands to be at odds: Soldiers should brook as little wrongs as gods.

Music.

SCENE VI.

A magnificent room in Timon's house.

[Exit.

Tables set out; Servants attending. Enter divers LORDS, at several doors.

1 Lord. The good time of day to you, sir. 2 Lord. I also wish it to you. I think this honorable lord did but try us this other day.

1 Lord. Upon that were my thoughts tiring1 when we encountered. I hope, it is not so low with him, as he made it seem in the trial of his several friends.

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

1 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.

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

excuse.

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

1 Idly employed.

2 Lord. Every man here's so. have borrowed of you?

1 Lord. A thousand pieces. 2 Lord. A thousand pieces! 1 Lord. What of you ?

What would he

3 Lord. He sent to me, sir,

-Here he comes.

Enter TIMON and Attendants.

Timon. With all my heart, gentlemen both:and how fare you?

1 Lord. Ever at the best, hearing well of your lordship.

2 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 on the trumpet's sound: we shall to 't presently.

1 Lord. I hope, it remains not unkindly with your lordship, that I returned you an empty messenger. Timon. O, sir, let it not trouble you.

2 Lord. My noble lord,

Timon. Ah, my good friend! what cheer?

[the banquet brought in.

2 Lord. My most honorable lord, I am ev'n sick of shame, that, when your lordship this other day sent to me, I was so unfortunate a beggar.

Timon. Think not on 't, sir.

2 Lord. If you had sent but two hours before,

Timon. Let it not cumber your better remembrance.1-Come, bring in all together.

2 Lord. All covered dishes!

1 Lord. Royal cheer, I warrant you.

3 Lord. Doubt not that, if money and the season can yield it.

1 Lord. How do you? What's the news?

3 Lord. Alcibiades is banished: hear you of it? 1, 2 Lord. Alcibiades banished!

3 Lord. 'Tis so; be sure of it.

1 Lord. How? how?

2 Lord. I pray you, upon what?

Timon. My worthy friends, will you draw near? 3 Lord. I'll tell you more anon. Here's a

noble feast toward.2

2 Lord. This is the old man still.

3 Lord. Will 't hold? will 't hold?

2 Lord. It does: but time will-and so3 Lord. I do conceive.

Timon. 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. The gods require our thanks.

• You great benefactors, sprinkle our society with thankfulness. For your own gifts, make yourselves praised; but reserve still to give, lest your deities be despised. Lend to each man enough, that one

1 Your good memory.

2 In a state of readiness.