Flav. The gods are witness,
Ne'er did poor steward wear a truer grief
For his undone lord than mine eyes for you.
Tim. What, dost thou weep? come nearer; then I love thee,[2618][2619]480
Because thou art a woman, and disclaim'st
Flinty mankind, whose eyes do never give
But thorough lust and laughter. Pity's sleeping:[2620][2621]
Strange times, that weep with laughing, not with weeping![2621]
Flav. I beg of you to know me, good my lord, 485
To accept my grief, and whilst this poor wealth lasts
To entertain me as your steward still.
Tim. Had I a steward[2622][2623]
So true, so just, and now so comfortable?[2622]
It almost turns my dangerous nature mild.[2622][2624] 490
Let me behold thy face. Surely this man[2622]
Was born of woman.[2622]
Forgive my general and exceptless rashness,
You perpetual-sober gods! I do proclaim[2625]
One honest man—mistake me not—but one;[2626] 495
No more, I pray,—and he's a steward.[2626][2627]
How fain would I have hated all mankind!
And thou redeem'st thyself: but all, save thee,
I fell with curses.
Methinks thou art more honest now than wise; 500
For, by oppressing and betraying me,
Thou mightst have sooner got another service:
For many so arrive at second masters,
Upon their first lord's neck. But tell me true—
For I must ever doubt, though ne'er so sure— 505
Is not thy kindness subtle, covetous,[2628]
If not a usuring kindness and as rich men deal gifts,[2629]
Expecting in return twenty for one?
Flav. No, my most worthy master; in whose breast
Doubt and suspect, alas, are placed too late: 510
You should have fear'd false times when you did feast:
Suspect still comes where an estate is least.[2630]
That which I show, heaven knows, is merely love,
Duty and zeal to your unmatched mind,[2631]
Care of your food and living; and, believe it,[2632] 515
My most honour'd lord,[2633][2634]
For any benefit that points to me,[2634]
Either in hope or present, I'ld exchange[2634][2635]
For this one wish, that you had power and wealth[2634]
To requite me by making rich yourself.[2634] 520
Tim. Look thee, 'tis so! Thou singly honest man,[2636]
Here, take: the gods, out of my misery,
Have sent thee treasure. Go, live rich and happy;[2637]
But thus condition'd: thou shalt build from men,
Hate all, curse all, show charity to none, 525
But let the famish'd flesh slide from the bone
Ere thou relieve the beggar: give to dogs
What thou deniest to men; let prisons swallow 'em,[2638]
Debts wither 'em to nothing: be men like blasted woods,[2639]
And may diseases lick up their false bloods! 530
And so farewell, and thrive.
Flav. O, let me stay[2640]
And comfort you, my master.[2640]
Tim. If thou hatest curses[2641]
Stay not: fly, whilst thou art blest and free:[2641][2642]
Ne'er see thou man, and let me ne'er see thee.
[Exeunt severally.[2643]