William Shakespeare

Timon of Athens William Shakespeare

A wealthy citizen of ancient Greece, Timon delights in entertaining his friends and lavishing them with extravagant gifts. His largesse ultimately exceeds his means, and when creditors begin to press him for repayment, the open-handed host is devastated to discover that the guests - who gladly accepted everything he had - have now turned their backs on him. Profoundly disillusioned, Timon forswears society and retreats to the wilderness, where further discoveries await. In this deeply cynical drama, Shakespeare tells a thought-provoking tale of conspicuous consumption, debt, ruin, and misanthropy. Combining elements of tragedy, satire, and farce, Timon of Athens poses ever-relevant questions about the meaning of friendship, generosity, and gratitude. Wealthy and popular, Timon of Athens helps his friends, gives many gifts, and holds a feast. After ignoring his true friends' warnings, Timon runs out of money, and none of his "friends" will help him. He runs away to a cave where he curses humanity, finds gold, funds someone to destroy Athens, and dies. Athens. A hall in Timon's house.[Enter Poet, Painter, Jeweller, Merchant, and others, at several doors]PoetGood day, sir. Painter I am glad you're well. PoetI have not seen you long: how goes the world?PainterIt wears, sir, as it grows. PoetAy, that's well known: But what particular rarity? what strange, Which manifold record not matches? See, Magic of bounty! all these spirits thy power Hath conjured to attend. I know the merchant. PainterI know them both; th' other's a jeweller. MerchantO, 'tis a worthy lord. JewellerNay, that's most fix'd. MerchantA most incomparable man, breathed, as it were, To an untirable and continuate goodness: He passes. Jeweller: I have a jewel here-MerchantO, pray, let's see't: for the Lord Timon, sir? Jeweller: If he will touch the estimate: but, for that-Poet[Reciting to himself] 'When we for recompense have praised the vile, It stains the glory in that happy verse Which aptly sings the good.'Merchant'Tis a good form. Looking at the jewelJewellerAnd rich: here is a water, look ye. PainterYou are rapt, sir, in some work, some dedication To the great lord. Poet A thing slipp'd idly from me. Our poesy is as a gum, which oozes From whence 'tis nourish'd: the fire i' the flint Shows not till it be struck; our gentle flame Provokes itself and like the current flies Each bound it chafes. What have you there?PainterA picture, sir. When comes your book forth?PoetUpon the heels of my presentment, sir. Let's see your piece. Painter'Tis a good piece. PoetSo 'tis: this comes off well and excellent.