Page 3129 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3
P. 3129

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,
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