Page 3105 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

ourselves for ever perfect. [85]

TIMON
O no doubt, my good friends, but the gods themselves have provided that I
shall have much help from you: how had you been my friends else? Why have
you that charitable title from thousands, did not you chiefly belong to my
heart? I have told more of you to myself [90] than you can with modesty

speak in your own behalf; and thus far I confirm you. O you gods, think I,
what need we have any friends, if we should ne’er have need of ’em? They
were the most needless creatures living should we ne’er have use for ’em,

and would most [95] resemble sweet instruments hung up in cases, that
keeps
their sounds to themselves. Why, I have often wish’d myself poorer that I
might come nearer to you. We are born to do benefits; and what better or
properer can we call our own than the riches of our friends? O what a [100]

precious comfort ’tis to have so many like brothers commanding one
another’s fortunes. O joy’s e’en made away ere’t can be born! Mine eyes
cannot hold out water, methinks. To forget their faults, I drink to you.

APEMANTUS
Thou weep’st to make them drink, Timon. [105]

SECOND LORD

Joy had the like conception in our eyes,
And at that instant like a babe sprung up.

APEMANTUS
Ho, ho: I laugh to think that babe a bastard.

THIRD LORD
I promise you, my lord, you mov’d me much.

APEMANTUS
Much.
[Tucket sounded]

TIMON