First Sen. Thou hast painfully discover'd: are his files As full as thy report?[2754] Mess. I have spoke the least: Besides, his expedition promises[2755] Present approach.[2755] Sec. Sen. We stand much hazard, if they bring not Timon. 5 Mess. I met a courier, one mine ancient friend;[2756] Whom, though in general part we were opposed,[2757] Yet our old love made a particular force,[2758] And made us speak like friends: this man was riding[2759] From Alcibiades to Timon's cave, 10 With letters of entreaty, which imported His fellowship i' the cause against your city, In part for his sake moved.[2760] First Sen. Here come our brothers.

Enter Senators from Timon.

Third Sen. No talk of Timon, nothing of him expect.[2761] The enemies' drum is heard, and fearful scouring[2762] 15 Doth choke the air with dust: in, and prepare: Ours is the fall, I fear, our foes the snare.[2763] [Exeunt.

Notes in this chapter

Note 1 · Scene II.] Dyce. Scene IV. Pope. Scene III. Capell. Before....] Edd. The walls.... Rowe. Athens. A Council-Chamber. Capell.Note 2 · two ... and....] two other ... with.... Ff.Note 3 · thy] they F2. I have] I've Dyce (ed. 2).Note 4 · Besides ... approach.] As in Pope. One line in Ff.Note 5 · courier] Rowe. currier Ff. one] once Upton conj.Note 6 · Whom] Ff. Who Pope. And Hanmer. When Singer (ed. 2). in general] on several Singer (ed. 2).Note 7 · made ... force] had ... force Hanmer. took ... truce Staunton conj.Note 8 · made] bade Jackson conj.Note 9 · Enter....] Capell. Enter the other Senators. Ff, after moved.Note 10 · Third. Sen.] 1. S. Capell.Note 11 · enemies'] Theobald (ed. 2). enemies Ff. enemy's Delius.Note 12 · foes] foe's Johnson.