University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

A magnificent assembly room, finely decorated and illuminated.
Timon, Alcibiades, Lucius, Lucullus, Senators and Suitors.
Timon.
“So, so! why this is well. But where's my daughter?
“Where is Evanthe? she's the mistress spirit
“That conjures up these revels.

Lucius.
“Lo! she comes.—

Evanthe advances from the back scene, attended by a train of Ladies.
Timon.
“Give the flutes breath!

[flutes.
Luc
“Mark, how the general's rapt; I like not that.

Alcib.
“Hah! what new wonder; what enchantment holds me?
“All that I view is splendid, rare and noble:
“But she (great Gods!) oh, she—Henceforward, Timon,
“When I wou'd tell the sum of thy possessions,
“I'll say thou hast a daughter: all things else
“I hold not worth the naming.

Evanthe.
“Welcome, Sir!

Alcib.
“Thanks, matchless Lady; not the rosy morn,
“When she brings fame and victory on her wings,
“E'er blest me with such beauties.

Tim.
“Pray ye sit:
“And as, in honour of our warlike guest,
“The shrill-ton'd clarions in loud concert pour
“Their swelling peal, a band of Lydian dancers
“Shall all the while their airy measures tread
“Responsive to the strain.”

Here a grand dance is introduced to martial musick. The characters range on each side, some sitting, Alcibiades next to Evanthe; he discourses with her during the dance.
Tim.
You have done our pleasures much grace, gentle friends!
Set a fair fashion on our entertainment,
By adding worth unto't, and lively lustre,
I am to thank you for it. Flavius?

Flav.

My Lord.

Tim.

The little casket bring me hither.

Flav.

Yes, my Lord. More jewels yet? there is no
crossing him in's humour,

Else I could tell him—well—

Luc.
Where be our men?

Serv.
Here, my Lord, in readiness.

Tim.
O my good friends!
I have one word to say to you; look, my Lord,
I must intreat you, honour me so much
As to advance this jewel, accept, and wear it,
Kind my Lord!

Luc.
I am so far already in your gifts,—

All.
So are we all.

Tim.

You do yourselves much wrong, you bate too
much of your own merits. Here, my Lord, a trifle
of our love.

Luc.

With more than common thanks, I do receive
it.

Lucul.

He has the very soul of bounty.

Tim.

And now I remember, my Lord, you gave
good words the other day, of a bay courser I rode on.
'Tis yours, because you lik'd it.

Lucul.

Oh, I beseech you, pardon me, my Lord,
in that.

Tim.

You may take my word, my Lord: I know no
man can justly praise, but what he does affect. I weigh
my friend's affection with my own; I'll call on you.

All Lords.

O, none so welcome.

Tim.
I take all, and your several visitations
So kind to heart, 'tis not enough to give
My thanks; I could deal kingdoms to my friends,
And ne'er be weary. Alcibiades,
Thou art a soldier, therefore seldom rich,
It comes in charity to thee; thy living
Is 'mongst the dead; and all the lands thou hast
Lie in a pitcht field.

Alc.
I defy land, my Lord.

Luc.
We are so virtuously bound—

Tim.
And so am I to you.

Lucul.
So infinitely endear'd—

Tim.
All to you. Lights! more lights, more lights!
Come, Sirs, there is a trifling banquet waits you.

Luc.
The best of happiness, honour and fortunes,
Keep you, Lord Timon—

Tim.
Ready for his friends.

[Exeunt Lords.
Manent Timon and Flavius.
Flav.

I beseech your honour, vouchsafe me a word;
it does concern you near.

Tim.

Me near? Why then another time I'll hear thee;
I pry'thee let's be provided to shew them entertainment.

Flav.

I scarce know how.

[Exeunt.