Act III · Scene I
A room in Lucullus' house.
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FLAMINIUS waiting. Enter a Servant to him
Servant
I have told my lord of you; he is coming down to you.
FLAMINIUS
I thank you, sir.
Enter LUCULLUS
Servant
Here's my lord.
LUCULLUS
[Aside] One of Lord Timon's men? a gift, Iwarrant. Why, this hits right; I dreamt of a silverbasin and ewer to-night. Flaminius, honestFlaminius; you are very respectively welcome, sir.Fill me some wine.
Exit Servants
LUCULLUS
And how does that honourable, complete, free-heartedgentleman of Athens, thy very bountiful good lordand master?
FLAMINIUS
His health is well sir.
LUCULLUS
I am right glad that his health is well, sir: andwhat hast thou there under thy cloak, pretty Flaminius?
FLAMINIUS
'Faith, nothing but an empty box, sir; which, in mylord's behalf, I come to entreat your honour tosupply; who, having great and instant occasion touse fifty talents, hath sent to your lordship tofurnish him, nothing doubting your presentassistance therein.
LUCULLUS
La, la, la, la! 'nothing doubting,' says he? Alas,good lord! a noble gentleman 'tis, if he would notkeep so good a house. Many a time and often I ha'dined with him, and told him on't, and come again tosupper to him, of purpose to have him spend less,and yet he would embrace no counsel, take no warningby my coming. Every man has his fault, and honestyis his: I ha' told him on't, but I could ne'er gethim from't.
Re-enter Servant, with wine
Servant
Please your lordship, here is the wine.
LUCULLUS
Flaminius, I have noted thee always wise. Here's to thee.
FLAMINIUS
Your lordship speaks your pleasure.
LUCULLUS
I have observed thee always for a towardly promptspirit--give thee thy due--and one that knows whatbelongs to reason; and canst use the time well, ifthe time use thee well: good parts in thee.
To Servant
LUCULLUS
Get you gone, sirrah.
Exit Servant
LUCULLUS
Draw nearer, honest Flaminius. Thy lord's abountiful gentleman: but thou art wise; and thouknowest well enough, although thou comest to me,that this is no time to lend money, especially uponbare friendship, without security. Here's threesolidares for thee: good boy, wink at me, and saythou sawest me not. Fare thee well.
FLAMINIUS
Is't possible the world should so much differ,And we alive that lived? Fly, damned baseness,To him that worships thee!
Throwing the money back
LUCULLUS
Ha! now I see thou art a fool, and fit for thy master.
Exit
FLAMINIUS
May these add to the number that may scald thee!Let moulten coin be thy damnation,Thou disease of a friend, and not himself!Has friendship such a faint and milky heart,It turns in less than two nights? O you gods,I feel master's passion! this slave,Unto his honour, has my lord's meat in him:Why should it thrive and turn to nutriment,When he is turn'd to poison?O, may diseases only work upon't!And, when he's sick to death, let not that part of natureWhich my lord paid for, be of any powerTo expel sickness, but prolong his hour!
Exit