First Ban. 'Tis in the malice of mankind that he thus[2594]
advises us; not to have us thrive in our mystery.[2595] 450
Sec. Ban. I'll believe him as an enemy, and give over[2596]
my trade.[2596]
First Ban. Let us first see peace in Athens: there is no[2597]
time so miserable but a man may be true.[2597][2598] [Exeunt Banditti.
Enter Flavius.
Flav. O you gods![2599] 455
Is yond despised and ruinous man my lord?
Full of decay and failing? O monument[2600]
And wonder of good deeds evilly bestow'd![2600]
What an alteration of honour[2601][2602]
Has desperate want made![2601] 460
What viler thing upon the earth than friends[2603]
Who can bring noblest minds to basest ends!
How rarely does it meet with this time's guise,
When man was wish'd to love his enemies![2604]
Grant I may ever love, and rather woo[2605] 465
Those that would mischief me than those that do![2605][2606]
Has caught me in his eye: I will present[2607][2608]
My honest grief unto him, and, as my lord,[2608][2609]
Still serve him with my life. My dearest master![2608]
Tim. Away! what art thou?[2610]
Flav. Have you forgot me, sir?[2611] 470
Tim. Why dost ask that? I have forgot all men;[2612]
Then, if thou grant'st thou'rt a man, I have forgot thee.[2613]
Flav. An honest poor servant of yours.[2614]
Tim. Then I know thee not:[2615]
I never had honest man about me, I; all[2616] 475
I kept were knaves, to serve in meat to villains.[2617]