Page 3181 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

Let me behold thy face. Surely this man
Was born of woman. [495]
Forgive my general and exceptless rashness,
You perpetual-sober gods! I do proclaim

One honest man. Mistake me not, but one.
No more, I pray − and he’s a steward.
How fain would I have hated all mankind, [500]
And thou redeem’st thyself. But all, save thee,

I fell with curses.
Methinks thou art more honest now than wise;
For, by oppressing and betraying me,
Thou mightst have sooner got another service; [505]

For many so arrive at second masters
Upon their first lord’s neck. But tell me true −
For I must ever doubt, though ne’er so sure −
Is not thy kindness subtle, covetous,

A usuring kindness, and as rich men deal gifts, [510]
Expecting in return twenty for one?

STEWARD
No, my most worthy master, in whose breast
Doubt and suspect, alas, are plac’d too late!
You should have fear’d false times when you did feast;

Suspect still comes where an estate is least. [515]
That which I show, heaven knows, is merely love,
Duty and zeal to your unmatched mind,

Care of your food and living; and believe it,
My most honour’d lord,
For any benefit that points to me, [520]
Either in hope, or present, I’d exchange
For this one wish, that you had power and wealth

To requite me, by making rich yourself.

TIMON
Look thee, ’tis so. Thou singly honest man,
Here, take: the gods out of my misery [525]
Has sent thee treasure. Go, live rich and happy,

But thus condition’d: thou shalt build from men;