Act 4 — Scene II. Athens. Timon's house.[2339]

First Serv. Hear you, master steward, where's our master?[2340] Are we undone? cast off? nothing remaining? Flav. Alack, my fellows, what should I say to you? Let me be recorded by the righteous gods, I am as poor as you.[2341] First Serv. Such a house broke![2342] 5 So noble a master fall'n! All gone! and not[2342] One friend to take his fortune by the arm,[2342] And go along with him![2342] Sec. Serv. As we do turn our backs[2343] From our companion thrown into his grave,[2344] So his familiars to his buried fortunes[2344][2345] 10 Slink all away; leave their false vows with him,[2346] Like empty purses pick'd; and his poor self, A dedicated beggar to the air, With his disease of all-shunn'd poverty,[2347] Walks, like contempt, alone. More of our fellows.[2348] 15

Flav. All broken implements of a ruin'd house. Third Serv. Yet do our hearts wear Timon's livery; That see I by our faces; we are fellows still,[2349] Serving alike in sorrow: leak'd is our bark, And we, poor mates, stand on the dying deck,[2350] 20 Hearing the surges threat: we must all part Into this sea of air.[2351] Flav. Good fellows all, The latest of my wealth I'll share amongst you. Wherever we shall meet, for Timon's sake Let's yet be fellows; let's shake our heads, and say,[2352] 25 As 'twere a knell unto our master's fortunes, 'We have seen better days.' Let each take some. Nay, put out all your hands. Not one word more: Thus part we rich in sorrow, parting poor.[2353]

O, the fierce wretchedness that glory brings us![2354] 30 Who would not wish to be from wealth exempt, Since riches point to misery and contempt? Who would be so mock'd with glory? or to live[2355] But in a dream of friendship?[2356] To have his pomp and all what state compounds[2356][2357] 35 But only painted, like his varnish'd friends?[2358] Poor honest lord, brought low by his own heart, Undone by goodness! Strange, unusual blood,[2359] When man's worst sin is, he does too much good! Who then dares to be half so kind again? 40 For bounty, that makes gods, does still mar men.[2360] My dearest lord, blest to be most accursed, Rich only to be wretched, thy great fortunes Are made thy chief afflictions. Alas, kind lord![2361] He's flung in rage from this ingrateful seat[2362] 45 Of monstrous friends; nor has he with him to[2363][2364] Supply his life, or that which can command it.[2363] I'll follow, and inquire him out:[2365] I'll ever serve his mind with my best will; Whilst I have gold, I'll be his steward still. [Exit.50