Flam. His health is well, sir.
Lucul. I am right glad that his health is well, sir: and
what hast thou there under thy cloak, pretty Flaminius?
Flam. Faith, nothing but an empty box, sir; which, in 15
my lord's behalf, I come to entreat your honour to supply;
who, having great and instant occasion to use fifty talents,[2059]
hath sent to your lordship to furnish him, nothing doubting
your present assistance therein.
Lucul. La, la, la, la! 'nothing doubting,' says he? Alas, 20
good lord! a noble gentleman 'tis, if he would not keep so
good a house. Many a time and often I ha' dined with[2060]
him, and told him on't; and come again to supper to him,
of purpose to have him spend less; and yet he would[2061]
embrace no counsel, take no warning by my coming. 25
Every man has his fault, and honesty is his: I ha' told him[2062]
on't, but I could ne'er get him from 't.[2063]
Re-enter Servant, with wine.
Serv. Please your lordship, here is the wine.
Lucul. Flaminius, I have noted thee always wise.
Here's to thee.[2064] 30
Flam. Your lordship speaks your pleasure.
Lucul. I have observed thee always for a towardly
prompt spirit—give thee thy due—and one that knows
what belongs to reason; and canst use the time well, if the
time use thee well: good parts in thee. [To Serv.] Get[2065] 35
you gone, sirrah. [Exit Serv.] Draw nearer, honest Flaminius.[2066]
Thy lord's a bountiful gentleman: but thou art wise;
and thou knowest well enough, although thou comest to
me, that this is no time to lend money, especially upon
bare friendship, without security. Here's three solidares 40
for thee: good boy, wink at me, and say thou saw'st me
not. Fare thee well.
Flam. Is't possible the world should so much differ,
And we alive that lived? Fly, damned baseness,
To him that worships thee! [Throwing back the money.[2067]45