Apem. To vex thee.

Tim. Always a villain's office, or a fool's.

Dost please thyself in't!

Apem. Ay.

Tim. What! a knave too?"

immediately after which, the unhappy Timon proceeds, with admirable discrimination, to contrast himself and his persecutor; a description

which, for strength and severity, as well as truth of censure, has never been exceeded:—

"Tim. Thou art a slave, whom Fortune's tender arm

With favour never clasp'd; but bred a dog.

Had'st thou like us, from our first swath, proceeded