University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

An apartment in Timon's house.
Lucius and Evanthe.
Luc.
“Two tedious years are past, since I have sigh'd
“In secret, and consum'd away with love
“Of fair Evanthe: is it much to ask
“A moment's patience?—On my knees I beg it.

Evan.
“Rise, rise, my Lord, you wrong your state too much:
“Doubt not you have my love; all that are friends
“To Timon have my love; and you the most;
“For you are inmost with his heart, and guide
“Those springs that put his bounty into action.
“You are no flatterer, you, to hug him close
“And hood-wink him with kisses, till he strikes
“The rocks and shallows, where his fortunes perish.

Luc.
“Who doubts my friendship?

Evan.
“Perish he that doubts it!
“You are not like the false ones of the world,
“Who, when the veering winds forsake their quarter,
“Turn from his worshipt side, where late they hung,
“And like the ebbing and unsteady waves,
“Fall back and leave him bare.

Luc.
“Enough of this;
“I pray you hear me now.

Evan.
“Your pardon, Sir.
“Do I not know your most uncommon virtue?
“And with what constancy you entertain
“The various gifts his bounty has shower'd on you,
“But as the untouch'd pledges of his love;
“Ready to deal them back with such addition,
“As grows in generous minds, when his necessities
“Shall challenge restitution. Would'st thou not
“Do all, give all for my dear father's sake?
[Lucullus enters.]
“Why here's Lucullus too; a worthy Lord:
“How can I chuse but prize such equal friends?
“Of this be both assur'd, such love as each
“To Timon bears, bear I to him. Farewel.

[Exit Evanthe.