Act III · Scene VI

The same. A banqueting-room in Timon's house.

Hover a speech to translate it — or press play to hear it performed.

Music. Tables set out: Servants attending. Enter divers Lords, Senators and others, at several doors

First Lord

The good time of day to you, sir.

Second Lord

I also wish it to you. I think this honourable lorddid but try us this other day.

First Lord

Upon that were my thoughts tiring, when weencountered: I hope it is not so low with him ashe made it seem in the trial of his several friends.

Second Lord

It should not be, by the persuasion of his new feasting.

First Lord

I should think so: he hath sent me an earnestinviting, which many my near occasions did urge meto put off; but he hath conjured me beyond them, andI must needs appear.

Second Lord

In like manner was I in debt to my importunatebusiness, but he would not hear my excuse. I amsorry, when he sent to borrow of me, that myprovision was out.

First Lord

I am sick of that grief too, as I understand how allthings go.

Second Lord

Every man here's so. What would he have borrowed ofyou?

First Lord

A thousand pieces.

Second Lord

A thousand pieces!

First Lord

What of you?

Second Lord

He sent to me, sir,--Here he comes.

Enter TIMON and Attendants

TIMON

With all my heart, gentlemen both; and how fare you?

First Lord

Ever at the best, hearing well of your lordship.

Second Lord

The swallow follows not summer more willing than weyour lordship.

TIMON

[Aside] Nor more willingly leaves winter; suchsummer-birds are men. Gentlemen, our dinner will notrecompense this long stay: feast your ears with themusic awhile, if they will fare so harshly o' thetrumpet's sound; we shall to 't presently.

First Lord

I hope it remains not unkindly with your lordshipthat I returned you an empty messenger.

TIMON

O, sir, let it not trouble you.

Second Lord

My noble lord,--

TIMON

Ah, my good friend, what cheer?

Second Lord

My most honourable lord, I am e'en sick of shame,that, when your lordship this other day sent to me,I was so unfortunate a beggar.

TIMON

Think not on 't, sir.

Second Lord

If you had sent but two hours before,--

TIMON

Let it not cumber your better remembrance.

The banquet brought in

TIMON

Come, bring in all together.

Second Lord

All covered dishes!

First Lord

Royal cheer, I warrant you.

Third Lord

Doubt not that, if money and the season can yieldit.

First Lord

How do you? What's the news?

Third Lord

Alcibiades is banished: hear you of it?

Second Lord

Alcibiades banished!

Third Lord

'Tis so, be sure of it.

First Lord

How! how!

Second Lord

I pray you, upon what?

TIMON

My worthy friends, will you draw near?

Third Lord

I'll tell you more anon. Here's a noble feast toward.

Second Lord

This is the old man still.

Third Lord

Will 't hold? will 't hold?

Second Lord

It does: but time will--and so--

Third Lord

I do conceive.

TIMON

Each man to his stool, with that spur as he would tothe lip of his mistress: your diet shall be in allplaces alike. Make not a city feast of it, to letthe meat cool ere we can agree upon the first place:sit, sit. The gods require our thanks.You great benefactors, sprinkle our society withthankfulness. For your own gifts, make yourselvespraised: but reserve still to give, lest yourdeities be despised. Lend to each man enough, thatone need not lend to another; for, were yourgodheads to borrow of men, men would forsake thegods. Make the meat be beloved more than the manthat gives it. Let no assembly of twenty be withouta score of villains: if there sit twelve women atthe table, let a dozen of them be--as they are. Therest of your fees, O gods--the senators of Athens,together with the common lag of people--what isamiss in them, you gods, make suitable fordestruction. For these my present friends, as theyare to me nothing, so in nothing bless them, and tonothing are they welcome.Uncover, dogs, and lap.

The dishes are uncovered and seen to be full of warm water

Some Speak

What does his lordship mean?

Some Others

I know not.

TIMON

May you a better feast never behold,You knot of mouth-friends I smoke and lukewarm waterIs your perfection. This is Timon's last;Who, stuck and spangled with your flatteries,Washes it off, and sprinkles in your facesYour reeking villany.

Throwing the water in their faces

TIMON

Live loathed and long,Most smiling, smooth, detested parasites,Courteous destroyers, affable wolves, meek bears,You fools of fortune, trencher-friends, time's flies,Cap and knee slaves, vapours, and minute-jacks!Of man and beast the infinite maladyCrust you quite o'er! What, dost thou go?Soft! take thy physic first--thou too--and thou;--Stay, I will lend thee money, borrow none.

Throws the dishes at them, and drives them out

TIMON

What, all in motion? Henceforth be no feast,Whereat a villain's not a welcome guest.Burn, house! sink, Athens! henceforth hated beOf Timon man and all humanity!

Exit

Re-enter the Lords, Senators, & c

First Lord

How now, my lords!

Second Lord

Know you the quality of Lord Timon's fury?

Third Lord

Push! did you see my cap?

Fourth Lord

I have lost my gown.

First Lord

He's but a mad lord, and nought but humour sways him.He gave me a jewel th' other day, and now he hasbeat it out of my hat: did you see my jewel?

Third Lord

Did you see my cap?

Second Lord

Here 'tis.

Fourth Lord

Here lies my gown.

First Lord

Let's make no stay.

Second Lord

Lord Timon's mad.

Third Lord

I feel 't upon my bones.

Fourth Lord

One day he gives us diamonds, next day stones.

Exeunt