Act III. Scene VI

SCENE VI. The same. A banqueting-room in Timon's house.

Music. Tables set out: Servants attending. Enter divers Lords, Senators and others, at several doors
First Lord
The good time of day to you, sir.

Second Lord
I also wish it to you. I think this honourable lord
did but try us this other day.

First Lord
Upon that were my thoughts tiring, when we
encountered: I hope it is not so low with him as
he made it seem in the trial of his several friends.

Second Lord
It should not be, by the persuasion of his new feasting.

First Lord
I should think so: he hath sent me an earnest
inviting, which many my near occasions did urge me
to put off; but he hath conjured me beyond them, and
I must needs appear.

Second Lord
In like manner was I in debt to my importunate
business, but he would not hear my excuse. I am
sorry, when he sent to borrow of me, that my
provision was out.

First Lord
I am sick of that grief too, as I understand how all
things go.

Second Lord
Every man here's so. What would he have borrowed of
you?

First Lord
A thousand pieces.

Second Lord
A thousand pieces!

First Lord
What of you?

Second Lord
He sent to me, sir,--Here he comes.

Enter TIMON and Attendants

TIMON
With all my heart, gentlemen both; and how fare you?

First Lord
Ever at the best, hearing well of your lordship.

Second Lord
The swallow follows not summer more willing than we
your lordship.

TIMON
[Aside] Nor more willingly leaves winter; such
summer-birds are men. Gentlemen, our dinner will not
recompense this long stay: feast your ears with the
music awhile, if they will fare so harshly o' the
trumpet's sound; we shall to 't presently.

First Lord
I hope it remains not unkindly with your lordship
that I returned you an empty messenger.

TIMON
O, sir, let it not trouble you.

Second Lord
My noble lord,--

TIMON
Ah, my good friend, what cheer?

Second Lord
My most honourable lord, I am e'en sick of shame,
that, when your lordship this other day sent to me,
I was so unfortunate a beggar.

TIMON
Think not on 't, sir.

Second Lord
If you had sent but two hours before,--

TIMON
Let it not cumber your better remembrance.

The banquet brought in

Come, bring in all together.

Second Lord
All covered dishes!

First Lord
Royal cheer, I warrant you.

Third Lord
Doubt not that, if money and the season can yield
it.

First Lord
How do you? What's the news?

Third Lord