Act 3 — Scene III. A room in Sempronius' house.[2111]
Reading edition
Scene III. A room in Sempronius' house.[2111]
Enter Sempronius, and a Servant of Timon's.[2112]
Sem. Must he needs trouble me in 't,—hum!—'bove all others?[2113] He might have tried Lord Lucius or Lucullus; And now Ventidius is wealthy too, Whom he redeem'd from prison: all these Owe their estates unto him.[2114] Serv. My lord,[2115][2116] 5 They have all been touch'd and found base metal, for[2116][2117][2118] They have all denied him.[2116][2118][2119] Sem. How! have they denied him? Has Ventidius and Lucullus denied him?[2120] And does he send to me? Three? hum! It shows but little love or judgement in him:[2121] 10 Must I be his last refuge? His friends, like physicians,[2122][2123] Thrive, give him over: must I take the cure upon me?[2122][2124] Has much disgraced me in 't; I'm angry at him,[2125] That might have known my place: I see no sense for 't,[2126] But his occasions might have woo'd me first; 15 For, in my conscience, I was the first man That e'er received gift from him:[2127] And does he think so backwardly of me now,[2128] That I'll requite it last? No:[2129] So it may prove an argument of laughter 20 To the rest, and 'mongst lords I be thought a fool.[2130] I'd rather than the worth of thrice the sum,[2131] Had sent to me first, but for my mind's sake;[2132] I'd such a courage to do him good. But now return,[2133] And with their faint reply this answer join; 25 Who bates mine honour shall not know my coin. [Exit. Serv. Excellent! Your lordship's a goodly villain. The[2134] devil knew not what he did when he made man politic; he[2134][2135] crossed himself by 't: and I cannot think but in the end the[2134][2136] villanies of man will set him clear. How fairly this lord[2134][2137]30 strives to appear foul! takes virtuous copies to be wicked;[2134][2138] like those that under hot ardent zeal would set whole[2134][2139] realms on fire:[2134] Of such a nature is his politic love.[2140] This was my lord's best hope; now all are fled,[2141] 35 Save only the gods: now his friends are dead,[2142] Doors, that were ne'er acquainted with their wards Many a bounteous year, must be employ'd Now to guard sure their master. And this is all a liberal course allows; 40 Who cannot keep his wealth must keep his house. [Exit.