We sent to thee to give thy rages balm,17
To wipe out our ingratitude with loves
Above their quantity.19
SECOND SENATOR So did we woo20
Transformed Timon to our city's love
By humble message and by promised means:22
We were not all unkind, nor all deserve
The common24 stroke of war.
FIRST SENATOR These walls of ours
Were not erected by their hands from whom
You have received your grief, nor are they27 such
That these great tow'rs, trophies and schools28 should fall
For private29 faults in them.
SECOND SENATOR Nor are they living
Who were the motives that you first went out:31
Shame that they wanted cunning, in excess,32
Hath broke their hearts. March, noble lord,
Into our city with thy banners spread:
By decimation and a tithed death35 --
If thy revenges hunger for that food36
Which nature loathes -- take thou the destined tenth,
And by the hazard of the spotted die38
Let die the spotted.39
FIRST SENATOR All have not offended.
For those that were, it is not square41 to take
On those that are42, revenge: crimes like lands
Are not inherited. Then, dear countryman,
Bring in thy ranks, but leave without44 thy rage.
Spare thy Athenian cradle and those kin
Which in the bluster46 of thy wrath must fall
With those that have offended: like a shepherd,
Approach the fold and cull48 th'infected forth,
But kill not all together.
SECOND SENATOR What thou wilt,50
Thou rather shalt enforce it with thy smile
Than hew to't with thy sword.
FIRST SENATOR Set but thy foot
Against our rampired gates, and they shall ope,54
So thou wilt send thy gentle55 heart before,
To say thou'lt enter friendly.
SECOND SENATOR Throw57 thy glove,
Or any token58 of thine honour else,
That thou wilt use the wars as thy redress
And not as our confusion: all thy powers60
Shall make their harbour61 in our town till we
Have sealed62 thy full desire.
Throws his glove
ALCIBIADES Then there's my glove.
Descend, and open your uncharged ports:64
Those enemies of Timon's and mine own
Whom you yourselves shall set out for reproof66
Fall and no more; and to atone67 your fears
With my more noble meaning68, not a man
Shall pass his quarter69 or offend the stream
Of regular justice in your city's bounds
But shall be remedied to71 your public laws
At heaviest answer.72
BOTH 'Tis most nobly spoken.
Exeunt Senators, above, and enter below Soldier from previous scene, carrying a tablet of wax
ALCIBIADES Descend, and keep your words.
Enter a Messenger
MESSENGER My noble general, Timon is dead:
Entombed upon the very hem o'th'sea.
And on his gravestone this insculpture77, which
With wax I brought away, whose soft impression
Interprets79 for my poor ignorance.
ALCIBIADES Reads the epitaph
'Here lies a wretched corpse, of wretched soul bereft.
Seek not my name. A plague consume you wicked caitiffs81 left!
Here lie I, Timon, who alive all living men did hate:
Pass by and curse thy fill, but pass and stay not here thy gait83.'
These well express in thee thy latter84 spirits.
Though thou abhorred'st in us our human griefs,
Scornedst our brains' flow86 and those our droplets which
From niggard nature fall, yet rich conceit87
Taught thee to make vast Neptune weep for aye88
On thy low grave, on faults forgiven89. Dead
Is noble Timon, of whose memory90
Hereafter more. Bring me into your city,
And I will use the olive92 with my sword,
Make war breed peace, make peace stint93 war, make each
Prescribe to other as each other's leech.94
Let our drums strike.
Drums
Exeunt
TEXTUAL NOTES
F = First Folio text of 1623
F2 = a correction introduced in the Second Folio text of 1632
F3 = a correction introduced in the Third Folio text of 1663-64
F4 = a correction introduced in the Fourth Folio text of 1685
Ed = a correction introduced by a later editor
SD = stage direction
SH = speech heading (i.e. speaker's name)
List of parts adapted from "THE ACTORS NAMES" at end of F text
1.1.27 gum, which oozes = Ed. F = Gowne, which vses 101 hands = F2. F = hand fly = Ed. F = sit 200 SD Apemantus often spelled Apermantus in F 236 cost = F3. F = cast 310 I'll ... company. Later editors have assigned this line to FIRST LORD
1.2.0 SD Ventidius spelled Ventigius in F 28 ye've spelled ye'haue in F 31 ever = Ed. F = verie 37 thou'rt spelled Th'art in F 121 There = F. Sometimes emended to "Th'ear" 123 welcome = F2. F = wecome 125 SD Enter ... playing placed sixteen lines earlier in F 146 SH LADY = Ed. F = Lord. 163 SD Enter Flavius placed ten lines later in F 179 SH SECOND = Ed. Not in F
2.1.7 more spelled moe in F
2.2.1 SH FLAVIUS = Ed. F = Stew. (throughout rest of F) 11 SH VARRO'S SERVANT = Ed. F = Var. 13 SH ISIDORE'S SERVANT = Ed. F = Isid. 46 broken = Ed. F = debt, broken 69 SH ALL SERVANTS = Ed. F = Al. 84 SH PAGE = F4. F = Boy. 114 sometime't spelled sometime t' in F 127 walk near spelled walk en eere in F 133 proposed = F2. F = propose 140 accounts spelled accompts in F 142 found = F2. F = sound. Some editors emend to summed 198 Flaminius = Ed. F = Flavius
3.2.3 SH FIRST STRANGER = Ed. F = 1 (throughout scene) 9 SH SECOND STRANGER = Ed. F = 2 (throughout scene) 24 SH LUCIUS = F2. F = Lucil. 62 sport = F. Sometimes emended to spirit 73 SH THIRD STRANGER = Ed. F = 3
3.4.1 SH FIRST SERVANT = Ed. F = man 4 SH LUCIUS' SERVANT = Ed. F = Luci. 51 SH VARRO'S SECOND SERVANT = Ed. F = 2. Varro 94 SH HORTENSIUS = Ed. F = 1 Var. 95 VARRO'S FIRST and SECOND SERVANTS = Ed. F = 2 Var.
3.5.9 all luxurs = Ed. F = Vllorxa
3.6.22 behave = Ed. F = behooue 51 fellow = F. Sometimes emended to felon 66 Why, I = F2. F = Why 70 'em = F2. F = him 3.7.1 SH FIRST LORD = Ed. F = 1 (F provides only numerals for the Lords' speech headings throughout this scene) 51 SH FIRST and SECOND LORDS = Ed. F = Both 73 foes = Ed. F = Fees 74 tag = Ed. F = legge 79 SH SOME LORDS = Ed. F = Some speake 80 SH OTHER LORDS = Ed. F = Some other 84 with your = Ed. F = you with 106 SH THIRD LORD = Ed. F = 2 107 SH SECOND LORD = Ed. F = 3
4.1.13 Son = F2. F = Some 21 yet = F. Sometimes emended to let 4.2.44 does = F4. F = do
4.3.12 beggar's = Ed. F = Brothers 13 lean = F3. F = leaue 15 say = F2. F = fay 16 grece spelled grize in F 91 tub-fast = Ed. F = Fubfast 125 window-bars = Ed. F = window Barne 141 SH PHRYNIA and TIMANDRA = Ed. F = Both 165 scolds = Ed. F = scold'st 196 thy = Ed. F = the 215 fortune = Ed. F = future 271 command = Ed. F = command'st 302 my = Ed. F = thy 382 swoon spelled swoond in F 397 son and sire = Ed. F = Sunne and fire 416 them = Ed. F = then 417 SH FIRST BANDIT = Ed. F = 1 (F provides only numerals for the Bandits' speech headings throughout this scene) 427 SH OTHER BANDITTI = Ed. F = All. 453 villains = Ed. F = Villaine 495 grant'st = Ed. F. = grunt'st 513 wild = F. Sometimes emended to mild 5.1.5 Phrynia = Ed. F = Phrinica Timandra = F2. F = Timandylo 49 worship = Ed. F = worshipt 65 go naked, men = Ed. F = go, Naked men 122 in = F3. Not in F 134 chance = F3. F = chanc'd 159 sense = Ed. F = since 197 reverend'st spelled reuerends in F
5.2.1 SH THIRD SENATOR = Ed. F = 1 (F numbers afresh i
n this scene: thus the senator at line 6 is "2" and that at line 16 is "3") 5.3.4 read = F. Sometimes emended to reared 5.4.80 corpse spelled Coarse in F
SCENE-BY-SCENE ANALYSIS
ACT 1 SCENE 1
The Poet, Painter, Jeweller, and Merchant meet outside Timon's house, praising him and comparing what they have brought for him. The Poet's contribution is a moral exemplum depicting the goddess Fortune, Timon, and his followers. When she spurns him, they abandon him. Timon enters, and after greeting all his "suitors" he agrees with a Messenger to pay the debt of "five talents" owed by "Noble Ventidius." He is then approached by an Old Man who complains that one of Timon's servants, Lucilius, "frequents" his house, attempting to gain his only daughter's love, but that he is too poor and humble a match for her. Timon offers to give Lucilius enough money to satisfy the Old Man and allow him to marry and set up house with his daughter. The Poet, Painter, and Jeweller all present their offerings to Timon who accepts them, saying he will pay them all shortly. Apemantus enters, mocking and insulting all present. Alcibiades arrives and Timon invites him inside. Apemantus remains outside to insult two more Lords who arrive to the feast. They threaten him and he departs, after which they criticize Apemantus and compare him unfavorably with Timon and his generosity.
ACT 1 SCENE 2
Timon gives a "great banquet," attended by Athenian lords and Senators, Alcibiades, Ventidius, and Apemantus. Ventidius, whose debt Timon repaid, has now inherited his father's fortune and offers to repay what he owes, but Timon refuses. Timon greets Apemantus who claims he has come only to "observe." He insults all and rails at the extravagance and all those who flatter Timon. Cupid enters with a masque of Ladies. The Lords dance with them. After Cupid and the Ladies exit, Timon calls Flavius to bring his casket. In an aside Flavius warns against the dangers of his excessive generosity. As the Lords are about to depart Timon gives them all rich jewels from his casket. Flavius attempts to speak to his master about his precarious financial situation, but Timon puts him off and asks for entertainment to be provided for more nobles who have just arrived bringing gifts of horses and greyhounds and an invitation to go hunting. Timon accepts everything and promises generous remuneration, although in another aside Flavius confesses that Timon's coffers are empty and he is deeply in debt. Meanwhile Timon continues to give gifts to the Lords. When they have all finally gone, Apemantus confronts Timon with his folly, but he refuses to listen.
ACT 2 SCENE 1
A Senator who has loaned Timon money concludes that Timon is living beyond his means and that the situation cannot continue. He tells his servant, Caphis, to go to Timon and explain that he now finds himself in need and requests Timon to repay what he owes.
ACT 2 SCENE 2
Lines 1-55: Flavius is lamenting Timon's situation and his refusal to listen to him but decides he must make him understand, when Caphis and two more Servants come to demand their masters' money. Timon enters with his party who have been hunting. Caphis asks Timon for the moneys owed and is referred to Flavius, but he replies that he's already applied to the steward and been put off. The other Servants complain of the same treatment. Timon sends his friends in while he demands an explanation from Flavius. Flavius suggests the Servants wait till after dinner while he makes Timon understand why they haven't been paid. He and Timon go inside.
Lines 56-205: The Servants are about to follow when Apemantus and the Fool arrive; they decide to stay and have "some sport" with them. There is a general exchange of insults. Timon's Page arrives and joins in. Timon and Flavius reenter and Apemantus and the Fool leave. Flavius asks the Servants to stay nearby and he will speak with them "anon." Timon then expostulates with Flavius as to why he hasn't explained his situation before, and Flavius explains that he has tried on many occasions but Timon always refused to listen. Timon suggests selling his land but Flavius confirms it is mortgaged or already lost. He explains how hard and honestly he has worked and how much sorrow he has felt. Timon, however, is optimistic that he can rely on his friends to assist him now and sends his Servants to Lucius, Lucullus, and Sempronius to ask for "fifty talents."
Lines 206-48: The Servants leave and Flavius confesses that he has previously approached Lord Lucius and Lucullus but they both refused; with their "cold-moving nods" he was frozen into silence. Timon refuses to be downcast and argues that that's because they're old, but that if he goes to Ventidius, who is now rich and whose debts Timon repaid when he was poor, he will give him the five talents owed. However, Flavius fears that Timon will be disappointed again.
ACT 3 SCENE 1
Timon's servant Flaminius is waiting for Lucullus. When Lucullus arrives and sees Flaminius, he assumes that Timon has another gift for him. When he understands that Flaminius is there to borrow money he refuses, flatters him and gives him "three solidares" to say he hasn't seen him. Flaminius is disgusted and throws the money back at Lucullus who tells him he's "a fool and fit for [his] master." Flaminius curses him and his ingratitude.
ACT 3 SCENE 2
Lucius and three Strangers discuss Timon's affairs. Lucius cannot believe that Timon is really in need and is shocked when he hears that Lucullus refused him money when Timon asked. He claims that he would not behave so if Timon had applied to him. Servilius arrives with a note from Timon asking for five hundred talents. Lucius thinks he must be joking, but when he realizes he's in earnest, regrets that he's unable to help because only the day before he spent a sum of money. He sends his good wishes, however, and leaves. The Strangers discuss Lucius' ingratitude in the face of Timon's previous generosity.
ACT 3 SCENE 3
Sempronius tells another of Timon's Servants that he cannot understand why Timon has applied to him for money rather than Lucius, Lucullus, and Ventidius. The Servant explains that they have already refused his requests, and Sempronius then refuses on the grounds that Timon didn't apply to him first but to these others and leaves. The Servant sees through his excuse, calling him a "goodly villain."
ACT 3 SCENE 4
Timon's creditors' Servants are all waiting for him outside his house. Flavius appears and says he has nothing left. Timon enters "in a rage" and is immediately beset by the creditors calling in their debts. He exits cursing them and they believe he's mad.
ACT 3 SCENE 5
Timon enters, still angry. Flavius tries to calm him, but Timon tells him to invite all his "friends" to one more feast. When Flavius objects that there's hardly any food left, Timon tells him not to worry, just invite them and he and his cook will provide.
ACT 3 SCENE 6
Alcibiades pleads with the Senators to excuse a soldier friend for killing another man in anger. The Senators, however, refuse his request, even when he extols his friend's previous brave deeds in defense of Athens, and insist on the death penalty. Alcibiades then urges his own reputation and their debt to him. In response the Senators banish him and say that he will himself be executed if he doesn't leave Athens within two days. Alcibiades is furious and curses them for their ingratitude.
ACT 3 SCENE 7
The Lords have all gathered at Timon's for his feast. They presume he was merely testing them when he asked for money and they all make their excuses as to why they were unable to help him. When Timon arrives he dismisses their fears, telling them not to worry. The banquet is brought in covered dishes and the guests expect a pleasant feast. They discuss Alcibiades' banishment. Timon bids them all draw near and encourages them to sit down. He speaks a lengthy paradoxical grace, concluding that "these my present friends" are "nothing" to him "and to nothing are they welcome." He concludes bitterly "Uncover, dogs, and lap!" as the covers are removed from the serving dishes to reveal warm water and stones. Disillusioned Timon now rails at and curses his guests, throwing the water and stones at them. The Lords conclude that he has gone mad.
ACT 4 SCENE 1
Standing outside the walls of Athens, Timon looks back on the city and curses it and all the inhabitants, desiring misfortune for them and the growth of his own
hate "To the whole race of mankind, high and low! Amen."
ACT 4 SCENE 2
Timon's Servants question Flavius about Timon's change of fortune, scarcely able to believe the ingratitude shown by his previous friends. They are still loyal to Timon and embrace before parting "rich in sorrow, parting poor." Flavius says he will seek Timon out and continue to serve him.
ACT 4 SCENE 3
Lines 1-186: Alone in the woods, Timon reflects in disgust on the world and the nature of mankind. While digging for "roots" he finds gold and curses the terrible effects "This yellow slave" has on society. He hears a drum and Alcibiades enters, accompanied by Phrynia and Timandra. Although Timon calls himself "Misanthropos," Alcibiades recognizes him but doesn't know what has happened to him. He offers friendship, but Timon is scornful and bitter. He offers him gold, which Timon refuses, but when he learns that Alcibiades is marching against Athens he offers him the gold he has just found in the earth to destroy the city. Alcibiades takes it and Phrynia and Timandra ask for some. He tells them to lift up their aprons and then he throws it at them, cursing them and instructing them to ruin as many men as they can with venereal disease. The drum strikes up and Timon tells them all to be gone. He doesn't wish to see even Alcibiades again.
Lines 187-300: Timon continues to dig after they leave, asking nature to send him a root to eat and is delighted when he finds one. Apemantus enters, having heard that Timon is now behaving in the same way as he does, cursing and railing at society. Timon curses him and Apemantus tells him that his melancholy is merely a response to his misfortune, that such behavior isn't natural to him. He should now learn to behave like all those flatterers used to do to him and repay them in that way, rather than "assume my likeness." They argue and continue to insult each other. Apemantus says it's just Timon's pride; he'd be "courtier" again if he weren't a beggar. If his misery were real, he'd wish to die. Timon says that if Apemantus had been rich and fortunate, he'd have wasted and rioted everything away. He has no reason to hate people; his curses should be directed at his father.