 | Timon of Athens |  |
SCENE IV.
Alcibiades to them.Alcib.
“What, wrangling, Lords; like hungry curs for crusts?
“Away with this unmanly war of words!
“Pluck forth your shining rapiers from their shells,
“And level boldly at each other's heart!
“Hearts, did I say?—But they are gone from home,
“And hid in Timon's coffers—Fie upon it!
Luc.
“My Lord Lucullus, I shall find a time.
Alcib.
“Hah! find a time?—The brave make time and place:
“Gods, Gods! what things are men? You'll find a time?
“A time for what? To murder him in's sleep?—
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“I'll seize, yea drag him from the shelt'ring ægis
“Of stern Minerva.
Luc.
“Ay, 'tis your profession.
Alc.
“Down on your knees, and thank the gods for that;
“Or woe for Athens! was it left for such
“As you are to defend. Do ye not hate
“Each other heartily? yet neither dares
“To bare his trembling falchion to the sun:
“How tame they dangle on your coward thighs!
Lucul.
“We are no soldiers, Sir.
Alc.
“No, ye are Lords:
“A lazy, proud, unprofitable crew,
“The vermin, gender'd from the rank corruption
“Of a luxurious state.—No soldiers, say you?
“And wherefore are ye none? Have you not life,
“Friends, honour, freedom, country to defend?
“He that has these by nature is a soldier,
“And, when he weilds his sword in their defence,
“Instinctively fulfills the end he lives for.
“What then are ye? Hence, and avoid my sight.
[Exeunt Lucius and Lucullus
Alcibiades.
“Gods! that such triflers shou'd be call'd Athenians:
“O great Minerva, patroness of Athens,
“How is our fathers antient spirit fled!
“By heav'ns I'll strait betake me to Lord Timon
“And free him from these harpies—Hah! Evanthe?—
| Timon of Athens | |