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Timon of Athens

Altered from Shakespear. A tragedy
  
  
  
  

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SCENE III.
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SCENE III.

Lucius and Lucullus.
“Lucul.
How now, my Lord; in private?

“Luc.
Yes, I thought so,
“Till an unwelcome, intermedling Lord
“Stept in and ask'd the question.

“Lucul.
What, in anger?
“By Heav'ns I'll gall him; for he stands before me
“In the broad sunshine of Lord Timon's bounty,
“And throws my better merits into shade.

[aside.
“Luc.
Now would I kill him, if I durst.

[aside.
“Lucul.
Methinks
“You look but coldly: What has crost your suit?
“Alas, poor Lucius! but I read your fate
“In that unkind one's frown.


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Luc.
“No doubt, my Lord,
“You that receive them ever, are well vers'd
“In that unkind one's frowns; as the clear stream
“Reflects your person, so may you espy
“In the sure mirrour of her scornful brow
“The clouded picture of your own despair.

Lucul.
“Come, you presume too far: talk not thus idly
“To me that know you.

Luc.
“Know me?

Lucul.
“Ay, that know you,
“For one that courses up and down on errands,
“A stale retainer at Lord Timon's table;
“A man grown great by making legs and cringes,
“By winding round a wanton spendthrift's heart,
“And gulling him at pleasure. Now, do I know you?

Luc.
“Gods! must I bear this, bear it from Lucullus?
“I, who first brought thee to Lord Timon's stirrup,
“Set thee in sight, and breath'd into thy ear
“The breath of hope? What had'st thou been, ingrateful,
“But that I took up Jove's imperfect work,
“Gave thee a shape, and made thee into man?