Page 3089 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

Spurns down her late beloved, all his dependants
Which labour’d after him to the mountain’s top
Even on their knees and hands, let him sit down,
Not one accompanying his declining foot. [90]

PAINTER
’Tis common.

A thousand moral paintings I can show
That shall demonstrate these quick blows of Fortune’s
More pregnantly than words. Yet you do well

To show Lord Timon that mean eyes have seen [95]
The foot above the head.

Trumpets sound. Enter Lord Timon, addressing himself courteously to
every suitor; a Messenger from Ventidius, talking with him; Lucilius and other
Servants.

TIMON

Imprison’d is he, say you?

MESSENGER

Ay, my good lord. Five talents is his debt;
His means most short, his creditors most strait.
Your honourable letter he desires [100]
To those have shut him up, which failing

Periods his comfort.

TIMON
Noble Ventidius. Well,
I am not of that feather to shake off
My friend when he must need me. I do know him

A gentleman that well deserves a help, [105]
Which he shall have: I’ll pay the debt, and free him.

MESSENGER
Your lordship ever binds him.

TIMON