Page 3129 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

Faith, nothing but an empty box, sir, which, [15] in my lord’s behalf, I come
to entreat your honour to supply; who, having great and instant occasion to
use fifty talents, hath sent to your lordship to furnish him, nothing doubting
your present assistance therein.

LUCULLUS
La, la, la, la: “nothing doubting”, says he? [20] Alas, good lord; a noble

gentleman ’tis, if he would not keep so good a house. Many a time and often
I ha’ din’d with him, and told him on ’t, and come again to supper to him of
purpose to have him spend less; and yet he would embrace no counsel, take

no warning by my [25] coming. Every man has his fault, and honesty is his. I
ha’ told him on ’t, but I could ne’er get him from ’t.

Re-enter Servant, with wine.

SERVANT
Please your lordship, here is the wine.

LUCULLUS
Flaminius, I have noted thee always wise. Here’s to thee. [30]

FLAMINIUS
Your lordship speaks your pleasure.

LUCULLUS
I have observed thee always for a towardly prompt spirit, give thee thy due,

and one that knows what belongs to reason; and canst use the time well, if
the time use thee well. Good parts in thee. [To the Servant] [35] Get you
gone, sirrah. [Exit Servant] Draw nearer, honest Flaminius. Thy lord’s a
bountiful gentleman: but thou art wise, and thou know’st well enough,

although thou com’st to me, that this is no time to lend money, especially
upon bare friendship, without security. Here’s [40] three solidares for thee;
good boy, wink at me, and say thou saw’st me not. Fare thee well.

FLAMINIUS
Is’t possible the world should so much differ,

And we alive that lived? Fly, damned baseness,