Timon of Athens Translation Act 1, Scene 1
Enter Poet, Painter, Jeweller, Merchant, and others, at several doors
POET
Good day, sir.
POET
Hello.
PAINTER
I am glad you're well.
PAINTER
It's good to see you.
POET
I have not seen you long: how goes the world?
POET
It's been a while. How is everything in your world?
Everything you need
for every book you read.
and presented is seamlessly smooth, innovative, and comprehensive."
Everything you need for every book you read.
Everything you need for every book you read.
Get LitCharts A+PAINTER
It wears, sir, as it grows.
PAINTER
Up and down, up and down.
POET
Ay, that's well known: But what particular rarity? what strange, Which manifold record not matches? See, Magic of bounty! all these spirits thy power Hath conjured to attend. I know the merchant.
POET
So they say. But how weird is this—have you ever seen anything like it? Look at how amazing wealth and generosity are, how they can summon all these people to attend to them. I know this merchant.
PAINTER
I know them both; th' other's a jeweller.
PAINTER
I know both of them. The other one is a jeweler.
MERCHANT
O, 'tis a worthy lord.
MERCHANT
Such a worthy man, this lord.
JEWELER
Nay, that's most fix'd.
JEWELER
Definitely.
MERCHANT
A most incomparable man, breathed, as it were,To an untirable and continuate goodness:He passes.
MERCHANT
There's no one like him, almost born to be forever generous. He exceeds everyone else.
Jeweler
I have a jewel here—
Jeweler
I have a jewel right here—
MERCHANT
O, pray, let's see't: for the Lord Timon, sir?
MERCHANT
Oh please, let's see it. Is it for the Lord Timon?
Jeweler
If he will touch the estimate: but, for that—
JEWELER
If he will pay the price. But for that—
POET
[Reciting to himself] 'When we for recompense have praised the vile, It stains the glory in that happy verse Which aptly sings the good.'
POET
[Reciting a poem to himself] "When we write poetry praising bad things for money, it ruins the better verse that rightly supports good things."
MERCHANT
'Tis a good form.
MERCHANT
[Looking at the jewel] It's beautiful.
JEWELLER
And rich: here is a water, look ye.
JEWELLER
And expensive from the looks of it. Look at how it shines!
PAINTER
You are rapt, sir, in some work, some dedicationTo the great lord.
PAINTER
You are captivated by some task, writing a poetic dedication to Lord Timon.
POET
A thing slipp'd idly from me. Our poesy is as a gum, which oozes From whence 'tis nourish'd: the fire i' the flint Shows not till it be struck; our gentle flame Provokes itself and like the current flies Each bound it chafes. What have you there?
POET
Something slipped my mind. Poetry is like sap that oozes from the tree it gets its nutrients from. The spark that illuminates in the flint does not reveal itself until the flint is hit with something, but our gentle flame lights itself up and runs like a current over every surface it touches. What is that right there?
PAINTER
A picture, sir. When comes your book forth?
PAINTER
A portrait. When will your book be published?
POET
Upon the heels of my presentment, sir.Let's see your piece.
POET
After I have presented my poem to Timon. Let me see your painting.
PAINTER
'Tis a good piece.
PAINTER
It's nice.
POET
So 'tis: this comes off well and excellent.
POET
Yes, it looks well made.
PAINTER
Indifferent.
PAINTER
It's not bad.
POET
Admirable: how this grace Speaks his own standing! what a mental power This eye shoots forth! how big imagination Moves in this lip! to the dumbness of the gesture One might interpret.
POET
It is incredible how its beauty reflects the dignity of its subject! Look at the intelligence that twinkles in the eye! There is a certain imagination that moves in its lip! Even though the painting is silent I feel like I could understand what the man is saying.
PAINTER
It is a pretty mocking of the life.Here is a touch; is't good?
PAINTER
It is a pretty good imitation of life. Here is a nice touch, do you like it?
POET
I will say of it,It tutors nature: artificial strifeLives in these touches, livelier than life.
POET
I will admit it does represent nature well. The purpose of art
lies in these touches. They're almost livelier than life itself.
Enter certain Senators, and pass over
PAINTER
How this lord is follow'd!
PAINTER
Look at all the people following the lord!
POET
The senators of Athens: happy man!
POET
They're Senators of Athens. How lucky is he!
PAINTER
Look, more!
PAINTER
And more too!
POET
You see this confluence, this great flood of visitors. I have, in this rough work, shaped out a man, Whom this beneath world doth embrace and hug With amplest entertainment: my free drift Halts not particularly, but moves itself In a wide sea of wax: no levell'd malice Infects one comma in the course I hold; But flies an eagle flight, bold and forth on, Leaving no tract behind.
POET
Look at this huge crowd of flooding visitors. I have in this draft of my poem drawn the outline of a man beloved and embraced by the earthly world. I do not mean to represent particular people, but work in generalities as if my tablet were an entire sea of wax. Personal grudges do not affect even the smallest details of my writing. My creative process flies forth, strong as an eagle in flight, and leaves no trace of its earthly inspirations.
PAINTER
How shall I understand you?
PAINTER
How could I possibly understand what you're talking about?
POET
I will unbolt to you. You see how all conditions, how all minds, As well of glib and slippery creatures as Of grave and austere quality, tender down Their services to Lord Timon: his large fortune Upon his good and gracious nature hanging Subdues and properties to his love and tendance All sorts of hearts; yea, from the glass-faced flatterer To Apemantus, that few things loves better Than to abhor himself: even he drops down The knee before him, and returns in peace Most rich in Timon's nod.
POET
I will unlock the meaning for you. Notice how people of all types and temperaments, whether smooth-talking and self-interested or serious and truthful, offer their services to Lord Timon. His immense wealth and his kind and gracious nature overwhelm people, and buy him the approval of all sorts of people eager to love and attend him, from the flatterer whose face mirrors the wishes of his counterpart, to Apemantus, who loves nothing more than hating himself. Even he bows down on his knees to Timon, and leaves peacefully after receiving Timon's approval.
PAINTER
I saw them speak together.
PAINTER
I did see them speaking to one another.
POET
Sir, I have upon a high and pleasant hill Feign'd Fortune to be throned: the base o' the mount Is rank'd with all deserts, all kind of natures, That labour on the bosom of this sphere To propagate their states: amongst them all, Whose eyes are on this sovereign lady fix'd, One do I personate of Lord Timon's frame, Whom Fortune with her ivory hand wafts to her; Whose present grace to present slaves and servants Translates his rivals.
POET
[Speaking of the content of his poem] I have written down here that the goddess Fortune is sitting high atop her throne on a beautiful hill. The base of the mountain is surrounded by men of all stations, all dispositions, all trying their hardest to get richer while on earth. Among all of these men, who watch Fortune attentively, I have one meant to represent Lord Timon, whom Fortune beckons to her, instantly transforming all of the other men, his rivals, into servants and slaves.
PAINTER
'Tis conceived to scope. This throne, this Fortune, and this hill, methinks, With one man beckon'd from the rest below, Bowing his head against the sleepy mount To climb his happiness, would be well express'd In our condition.
PAINTER
How well you've depicted the scene! This throne, this depiction of Fortune, and this hill—with one man beckoned from the rest below, bowing his head before the great mountain on which Fortune sits, the source of his happiness—perfectly captures the human condition.
POET
Nay, sir, but hear me on. All those which were his fellows but of late, Some better than his value, on the moment Follow his strides, his lobbies fill with tendance, Rain sacrificial whisperings in his ear, Make sacred even his stirrup, and through him Drink the free air.
POET
Sir, listen to some more of the poem. All of those men who were his equals, some of an even better rank, immediately follow him, so that his rooms are suddenly filled with attendants who shower his ears with whispers of their sacrificial devotion to him, and make sacred even his mounting of a horse, as if it were only because of him that they could breathe.
PAINTER
Ay, marry, what of these?
PAINTER
Indeed, and what do we make of these people?
POET
When Fortune in her shift and change of mood Spurns down her late beloved, all his dependants Which labour'd after him to the mountain's top Even on their knees and hands, let him slip down, Not one accompanying his declining foot.
POET
The moment Fortune changes her mind and spurns this newly chosen man, all of those who depended on him and who helped him on their hands and knees to reach the mountain top, they let him slip without even trying to save him.
PAINTER
'Tis common: A thousand moral paintings I can show That shall demonstrate these quick blows of Fortune's More pregnantly than words. Yet you do well To show Lord Timon that mean eyes have seen The foot above the head.
PAINTER
That is true. I can show you a thousand paintings of moral lessons that demonstrate Fortune's sudden victims more effectively than words ever could. But you'd do well nevertheless to show the Lord Timon that even we commoners can see that he is falling.
Trumpets sound. Enter TIMON, addressing himself courteously to every suitor; a Messenger from VENTIDIUS talking with him; LUCILIUS and other servants following
TIMON
Imprison'd is he, say you?
TIMON
You say that he is imprisoned?
MESSENGER
Ay, my good lord: five talents is his debt, His means most short, his creditors most strait: Your honourable letter he desires To those have shut him up; which failing, Periods his comfort.
MESSENGER
Yes, my good lord: he owes five talents, and even though he has such a small income, his creditors are insistent that he give it back right away. He wants a letter from you to those who have imprisoned him, without which he claims he'll have no comfort.
TIMON
Noble Ventidius! Well; I am not of that feather to shake off My friend when he must need me. I do know him A gentleman that well deserves a help: Which he shall have: I'll pay the debt, and free him.
TIMON
Great Ventidius! Well, I am not the type of man to neglect a friend in need. I know that he is a gentleman that deserves assistance, which he will get. I'll pay the debt for his freedom.
MESSENGER
Your lordship ever binds him.
MESSENGER
Your lordship always makes him grateful.
TIMON
Commend me to him: I will send his ransom; And being enfranchised, bid him come to me. 'Tis not enough to help the feeble up, But to support him after. Fare you well.
TIMON
Give him my regards. I will send his ransom and when he is free I will ask him to come to me. It is not enough simply to help the weak stand. One must also support them after helping them up. Farewell.
MESSENGER
All happiness to your honour!
MESSENGER
Goodbye. Be well!
Exit
Enter an old Athenian
OLD ATHENIAN
Lord Timon, hear me speak.
OLD ATHENIAN
Lord Timon, would you hear me speak?
TIMON
Freely, good father.
TIMON
Speak freely, good man.
OLD ATHENIAN
Thou hast a servant named Lucilius.
OLD ATHENIAN
You have a servant named Lucilius.
TIMON
I have so: what of him?
TIMON
I do. What of him?
OLD ATHENIAN
Most noble Timon, call the man before thee.
OLD ATHENIAN
Most noble Timon, would you call the man before you?
TIMON
Attends he here, or no? Lucilius!
TIMON
Is he here right now? Lucilius!
LUCILIUS
Here, at your lordship's service.
LUCILIUS
Here, at your lordship's service.
OLD ATHENIAN
This fellow here, Lord Timon, this thy creature, By night frequents my house. I am a man That from my first have been inclined to thrift; And my estate deserves an heir more raised Than one which holds a trencher.
OLD ATHENIAN
This man, Lord Timon, this dependent of yours, comes by my house at night. I am a man who has been thrifty from the start, and my estate deserves an heir of better rank than this lowly waiter here.
TIMON
Well; what further?
TIMON
Okay. What, then?
OLD ATHENIAN
One only daughter have I, no kin else, On whom I may confer what I have got: The maid is fair, o' the youngest for a bride, And I have bred her at my dearest cost In qualities of the best. This man of thineAttempts her love: I prithee, noble lord,Join with me to forbid him her resort;Myself have spoke in vain.
OLD ATHENIAN
I have just one daughter, no other family, to whom I can give my estate. She is a good-looking girl, barely old enough to be a bride, and I have raised her well to possess the most desirable qualities. This man of yours keeps flirting with her. Please, my lord, help me forbid him from seeing her. Otherwise I might as well have said nothing.
TIMON
The man is honest.
TIMON
[Speaking of LUCILIUS] This man is honest.
OLD ATHENIAN
Therefore he will be, Timon:His honesty rewards him in itself;It must not bear my daughter.
OLD ATHENIAN
And because of that your man should be too, Timon. His honesty ought to reward him in and of itself. But it should not earn him my daughter too.
TIMON
Does she love him?
TIMON
Does she love him?
OLD ATHENIAN
She is young and apt:Our own precedent passions do instruct usWhat levity's in youth.
OLD ATHENIAN
She is young and impressionable. You and I know well from our past passions what lighthearted thoughtlessness there is in youth.
TIMON
[To LUCILIUS] Love you the maid?
TIMON
[To LUCILIUS] Do you love this young woman?
LUCILIUS
Ay, my good lord, and she accepts of it.
LUCILIUS
Yes, my lord, and she loves me back.
OLD ATHENIAN
If in her marriage my consent be missing, I call the gods to witness, I will choose Mine heir from forth the beggars of the world, And dispossess her all.
OLD ATHENIAN
If I do not consent to her marriage, with the gods as my witness, I will choose my heir from all the beggars of the world and deprive her of everything.
TIMON
How shall she be endow'd,if she be mated with an equal husband?
TIMON
What dowry should she have if she married a husband from the same social class?
OLD ATHENIAN
Three talents on the present; in future, all.
OLD ATHENIAN
About $6,000 immediately, and everything I have in the future.
TIMON
This gentleman of mine hath served me long: To build his fortune I will strain a little, For 'tis a bond in men. Give him thy daughter: What you bestow, in him I'll counterpoise, And make him weigh with her.
TIMON
This gentleman Lucilius has served me for a long time. I will make some efforts to build his fortune, such is the duty of friendship. If you give him your daughter I will match whatever you give and make him her equal.
OLD ATHENIAN
Most noble lord,Pawn me to this your honour, she is his.
OLD ATHENIAN
Most noble lord, if you swear this on your honor, she is his.
TIMON
My hand to thee; mine honour on my promise.
TIMON
I swear on my own honor.
LUCILIUS
Humbly I thank your lordship: never mayThe state or fortune fall into my keeping,Which is not owed to you!
LUCILIUS
I humbly thank you, my Lord. There is nothing that should come to me that I do not owe to you!
Exeunt LUCILIUS and Old Athenian
POET
Vouchsafe my labour, and long live your lordship!
POET
Accept this gift I made for you, and long live my lord!
TIMON
I thank you; you shall hear from me anon:Go not away. What have you there, my friend?
TIMON
Thank you. I will let you know when I'd like to hear your work. But don't go away.
[To the PAINTER] What do you have there, friend?
PAINTER
A piece of painting, which I do beseechYour lordship to accept.
PAINTER
A painting, which I'm begging you to accept as a gift from me.
TIMON
Painting is welcome. The painting is almost the natural man; or since dishonour traffics with man's nature, He is but outside: these pencill'd figures are Even such as they give out. I like your work; And you shall find I like it: wait attendance Till you hear further from me.
TIMON
I do like paintings, and this one is looks almost exactly like me. Sometimes, because men can be duplicitous, a man becomes only what he lets other people see from the outside. But these pencil marks in your painting are no more than they appear to be. I like your work, and I'll let you know soon how much I like it. Wait here until you hear from me.
PAINTER
The gods preserve ye!
PAINTER
God bless you!
TIMON
Well fare you, gentleman: give me your hand;We must needs dine together. Sir, your jewelHath suffer'd under praise.
TIMON
Well goodbye, gentleman. Give me your hands. We must dine together sometime soon.
[To the JEWELER] Sir, your jewel has gotten too much praise!
JEWELLER
What, my lord! dispraise?
JEWELER
What? You don't like it?
TIMON
A more satiety of commendations.If I should pay you for't as 'tis extoll'd,It would unclew me quite.
TIMON
It's gotten too much praise. If I paid you based on how much it's been praised, I would go broke.
JEWELLER
My lord, 'tis rated As those which sell would give: but you well know, Things of like value differing in the owners Are prized by their masters: believe't, dear lord, You mend the jewel by the wearing it.
JEWELER
My lord, it is valued as much as its sellers would pay for it. But you know well that the value of things differs in the hands of different owners, and increases when they belong to masters of higher status. Believe me, dear lord, you would make this jewel more expensive just by wearing it.
TIMON
Well mock'd.
TIMON
That's a compelling sales pitch.
MERCHANT
No, my good lord; he speaks the common tongue,Which all men speak with him.
MERCHANT
No, my good lord. He says what everyone says. They all agree.
TIMON
Look, who comes here: will you be chid?
TIMON
Uh oh, look who's coming. Will we be mocked?
Enter APEMANTUS
Jeweller
We'll bear, with your lordship.
Jeweler
We'll bear the brunt of his insults with you.
MERCHANT
He'll spare none.
MERCHANT
He won't spare anyone.
TIMON
Good morrow to thee, gentle Apemantus!
TIMON
Good day to you, gentle Apemantus!
APEMANTUS
Till I be gentle, stay thou for thy good morrow;When thou art Timon's dog, and these knaves honest.
APEMANTUS
Save your "good morrow" until after I've been nice to you—
[To the Artisans] or maybe for when you are Timon's lapdog, or when either of these villains tell the truth.
TIMON
Why dost thou call them knaves? thou know'st them not.
TIMON
Why do you call them villains? You don't even know them.
APEMANTUS
Are they not Athenians?
APEMANTUS
Are they from Athens?
TIMON
Yes.
TIMON
Yes.
APEMANTUS
Then I repent not.
APEMANTUS
Then I don't feel bad for saying it.
Jeweller
You know me, Apemantus?
Jeweler
Do you know who I am, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS
Thou know'st I do: I call'd thee by thy name.
APEMANTUS
You know I do, because I called you by your name, "villain."
TIMON
Thou art proud, Apemantus.
TIMON
You are too arrogant, Apemantus.
APEMANTUS
Of nothing so much as that I am not like Timon.
APEMANTUS
I couldn't be less like you in that way, Timon.
TIMON
Whither art going?
TIMON
Where are you going?
APEMANTUS
To knock out an honest Athenian's brains.
APEMANTUS
To knock the brains out of an honest Athenian.
TIMON
That's a deed thou'lt die for.
TIMON
That is a deed that you will die for.
APEMANTUS
Right, if doing nothing be death by the law.
APEMANTUS
Only if doing nothing would be punishable by death under the law.
TIMON
How likest thou this picture, Apemantus?
TIMON
How do you like this portrait, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS
The best, for the innocence.
APEMANTUS
It's fine, but it's just a painting.
TIMON
Wrought he not well that painted it?
TIMON
Didn't the painter do a good job?
APEMANTUS
He wrought better that made the painter; and yethe's but a filthy piece of work.
APEMANTUS
Whoever made the painter did a better job, and he himself is a terribly flawed piece of work.
PAINTER
You're a dog.
PAINTER
You're a dog.
APEMANTUS
Thy mother's of my generation: what's she, if I be a dog?
APEMANTUS
Your mother is of the same species: what is she if I am a dog?
TIMON
Wilt dine with me, Apemantus?
TIMON
Will you dine with me, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS
No; I eat not lords.
APEMANTUS
No, I do not eat lords.
TIMON
An thou shouldst, thou 'ldst anger ladies.
TIMON
If you did, you would anger the ladies.
APEMANTUS
O, they eat lords; so they come by great bellies.
APEMANTUS
Oh, they eat lords; that's how they get pregnant.
TIMON
That's a lascivious apprehension.
TIMON
That's a crude sentiment.
APEMANTUS
So thou apprehendest it: take it for thy labour.
APEMANTUS
That's how you've interpreted it: it's your fault then.
TIMON
How dost thou like this jewel, Apemantus?
TIMON
Do you like this jewel, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS
Not so well as plain-dealing, which will not cost aman a doit.
APEMANTUS
Not as much as I value telling the truth, which doesn't cost a penny.
TIMON
What dost thou think 'tis worth?
TIMON
What do you think it's worth?
APEMANTUS
Not worth my thinking. How now, poet!
APEMANTUS
It's not worth my thinking about it. What about you, poet?
POET
How now, philosopher!
POET
And you, philosopher!
APEMANTUS
Thou liest.
APEMANTUS
You lie.
POET
Art not one?
POET
Are you not a philosopher?
APEMANTUS
Yes.
APEMANTUS
Yes.
POET
Then I lie not.
POET
Then I do not lie.
APEMANTUS
Art not a poet?
APEMANTUS
Aren't you a poet?
POET
Yes.
POET
Yes.
APEMANTUS
Then thou liest: look in thy last work, where thouhast feigned him a worthy fellow.
APEMANTUS
Then you lie: look at your last poem, in which you pretended that you think Timon is a worthy man.
POET
That's not feigned; he is so.
POET
I wasn't faking that. He is a worthy man.
APEMANTUS
Yes, he is worthy of thee, and to pay thee for thylabour: he that loves to be flattered is worthy o'the flatterer. Heavens, that I were a lord!
APEMANTUS
Yes he is worthy of you, and to pay you for your labor. He who loves to be flattered is worthy of the flatterer. God, if only I were a lord!
TIMON
What wouldst do then, Apemantus?
TIMON
What would you do then, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS
E'en as Apemantus does now; hate a lord with my heart.
APEMANTUS
The same that I do right now: hate a lord with all my heart.
TIMON
What, thyself?
TIMON
What? Yourself?
APEMANTUS
Ay.
APEMANTUS
Yes.
TIMON
Wherefore?
TIMON
Why?
APEMANTUS
That I had no angry wit to be a lord.Art not thou a merchant?
APEMANTUS
Because I would have lost the angry wit I now have if I were a lord. Aren't you a merchant?
MERCHANT
Ay, Apemantus.
MERCHANT
Yes, Apemantus.
APEMANTUS
Traffic confound thee, if the gods will not!
APEMANTUS
I hope your business destroys you—that is, if the gods don't first!
MERCHANT
If traffic do it, the gods do it.
MERCHANT
If my business ruins me, the gods ruin me.
APEMANTUS
Traffic's thy god; and thy god confound thee!
APEMANTUS
Business is your god, and your god will ruin you.
Trumpet sounds. Enter a Messenger
TIMON
What trumpet's that?
TIMON
What's the trumpet for?
MESSENGER
'Tis Alcibiades, and some twenty horse,All of companionship.
MESSENGER
It is Alcibiades and twenty horsemen, all together.
TIMON
Pray, entertain them; give them guide to us.
TIMON
Welcome them and guide them to us.
Exeunt some Attendants
TIMON
You must needs dine with me: go not you henceTill I have thank'd you: when dinner's done,Show me this piece. I am joyful of your sights.
TIMON
[To the PAINTER] You must dine with me. Don't go until I have thanked you for your painting, and when dinner is over show me your latest work. I will be happy to see you.
Enter ALCIBIADES, with the rest
TIMON
Most welcome, sir!
TIMON
Welcome!
APEMANTUS
So, so, there! Aches contract and starve your supple joints! That there should be small love 'mongst these sweet knaves, And all this courtesy! The strain of man's bred out Into baboon and monkey.
APEMANTUS
Yes, yes! Pains flare up and wither your tender joints! That there can be so much disdain amongst these villains, who act with such politeness! All this politeness! The human species has bred itself into baboons and monkeys.
ALCIBIADES
Sir, you have saved my longing, and I feedMost hungerly on your sight.
ALCIBIADES
[To TIMON] Sir your presence has saved me from my longing, and I feed most hungrily at the sight of you.
TIMON
Right welcome, sir!Ere we depart, we'll share a bounteous timeIn different pleasures. Pray you, let us in.
TIMON
You are welcome, sir! Before you depart, you'll have a wonderful time filled with many pleasures. Please, let's go inside!
Exeunt all except APEMANTUS
Enter two Lords
FIRST LORD
What time o' day is't, Apemantus?
FIRST LORD
What time of day is it Apemantus?
APEMANTUS
Time to be honest.
APEMANTUS
Time to be honest.
FIRST LORD
That time serves still.
FIRST LORD
It is always that time.
APEMANTUS
The more accursed thou, that still omitt'st it.
APEMANTUS
Shame on you then for having failed to do so.
SECOND LORD
Thou art going to Lord Timon's feast?
SECOND LORD
Are you going to Lord Timon's feast?
APEMANTUS
Ay, to see meat fill knaves and wine heat fools.
APEMANTUS
Yes, to see idiots fill up on meat and fools get drunk on wine.
SECOND LORD
Fare thee well, fare thee well.
SECOND LORD
Farewell, farewell.
APEMANTUS
Thou art a fool to bid me farewell twice.
APEMANTUS
You are a fool to bid me farewell twice.
SECOND LORD
Why, Apemantus?
SECOND LORD
Why, Apemantus?
APEMANTUS
Shouldst have kept one to thyself, for I mean togive thee none.
APEMANTUS
You should have kept one for yourself, because I have no intention of giving you one.
FIRST LORD
Hang thyself!
FIRST LORD
Go kill yourself!
APEMANTUS
No, I will do nothing at thy bidding: make thyrequests to thy friend.
APEMANTUS
No, I won't do anything you ask me to do: go ask that of your friend.
SECOND LORD
Away, unpeaceable dog, or I'll spurn thee hence!
SECOND LORD
Go away you angry dog, or I'll kick you!
APEMANTUS
I will fly, like a dog, the heels o' the ass.
APEMANTUS
I will run away like a dog so your heels catch nothing but my ass!
Exit
FIRST LORD
He's opposite to humanity. Come, shall we in,And taste Lord Timon's bounty? he outgoesThe very heart of kindness.
FIRST LORD
Apemantus is inhuman. Come, shall we go in and taste Lord Timon's bounty? He exceeds the meaning of the word kindness.
SECOND LORD
He pours it out; Plutus, the god of gold, Is but his steward: no meed, but he repays Sevenfold above itself; no gift to him, But breeds the giver a return exceeding All use of quittance.
SECOND LORD
Kindness pours out of him. Even Plutus, the god of gold, seems like just a mere apprentice of Timon's. There is no service given him that he does not repay seven times in value. There is no gift he receives that doesn't return to the giver a sense of value exceeding the price paid for it.
FIRST LORD
The noblest mind he carriesThat ever govern'd man.
FIRST LORD
He has the noblest mind any man has ever had.
SECOND LORD
Long may he live in fortunes! Shall we in?
SECOND LORD
May he live a long and wealthy life! Shall we go in?
FIRST LORD
I'll keep you company.
FIRST LORD
I'll accompany you.
Exeunt
