SERVILIUS.
But in the meantime he wants less, my lord.
If his occasion were not virtuous,
I should not urge it half so faithfully.
LUCIUS.
Dost thou speak seriously, Servilius?
SERVILIUS.
Upon my soul, ’tis true, sir.
LUCIUS.
What a wicked beast was I to disfurnish myself against such a good time, when I might ha’ shown myself honourable! How unluckily it happened that I should purchase the day before for a little part, and undo a great deal of honour! Servilius, now before the gods, I am not able to do—the more beast, I say—I was sending to use Lord Timon myself, these gentlemen can witness; but I would not for the wealth of Athens I had done it now. Commend me bountifully to his good lordship, and I hope his honour will conceive the fairest of me, because I have no power to be kind. And tell him this from me: I count it one of my greatest afflictions, say, that I cannot pleasure such an honourable gentleman. Good Servilius, will you befriend me so far as to use mine own words to him?
SERVILIUS.
Yes, sir, I shall.
LUCIUS.
I’ll look you out a good turn, Servilius.
[Exit Servilius.]
True, as you said, Timon is shrunk indeed,
And he that’s once denied will hardly speed.
[Exit.]
FIRST STRANGER.
Do you observe this, Hostilius?