Ser. Upon my soul, 'tis true, sir. 40
Luc. What a wicked beast was I to disfurnish myself
against such a good time, when I might ha' shown myself[2092]
honourable! how unluckily it happened, that I should purchase
the day before for a little part, and undo a great deal[2093]
of honour! Servilius, now, before the gods, I am not able 45
to do—the more beast, I say:—I was sending to use Lord[2094]
Timon myself, these gentlemen can witness; but I would
not, for the wealth of Athens, I had done't now. Commend
me bountifully to his good lordship; and I hope his
honour will conceive the fairest of me, because I have no 50
power to be kind: and tell him this from me, I count it
one of my greatest afflictions, say, that I cannot pleasure[2095]
such an honourable gentleman. Good Servilius, will you
befriend me so far as to use mine own words to him?[2096]
Ser. Yes, sir, I shall. 55
Luc. I'll look you out a good turn, Servilius.[2097]
[Exit Servilius.
True, as you said, Timon is shrunk indeed;
And he that's once denied will hardly speed. [Exit.
First Stran. Do you observe this, Hostilius?[2098]
Sec. Stran. Ay, too well.
First Stran. Why, this is the world's soul; and just of the same piece[2099][2100]60
Is every flatterer's spirit. Who can call him[2099][2100]
His friend that dips in the same dish? for, in[2099]
My knowing, Timon has been this lord's father,[2099]
And kept his credit with his purse;[2099][2101]
Supported his estate; nay, Timon's money 65
Has paid his men their wages: he ne'er drinks,
But Timon's silver treads upon his lip;
And yet—O, see the monstrousness of man[2102][2103]
When he looks out in an ungrateful shape!—[2103]
He does deny him, in respect of his, 70
What charitable men afford to beggars.
Third Stran. Religion groans at it.