Page 3092 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

OLD ATHENIAN

If in her marriage my consent be missing,
I call the gods to witness, I will choose [140]
Mine heir from forth the beggars of the world,

And dispossess her all.

TIMON

How shall she be endow’d
If she be mated with an equal husband?

OLD ATHENIAN
Three talents on the present; in future, all.

TIMON
This gentleman of mine hath serv’d me long. [145]
To build his fortune I will strain a little,

For ’tis a bond in men. Give him thy daughter;
What you bestow, in him I’ll counterpoise,
And make him weigh with her.

OLD ATHENIAN
Most noble lord,

Pawn me to this your honour, she is his. [150]

TIMON

My hand to thee; mine honour on my promise.

LUCILIUS
Humbly I thank your lordship. Never may
That state or fortune fall into my keeping
Which is not owed to you.
[Exit]

POET

Vouchsafe my labour, and long live your lordship! [155]

TIMON