William Shakespeare

Timon of Athens William Shakespeare

Enter Poet, Painter, Jeweller, Merchant, and others, at several doors Poet Good day, sir. Painter I am glad you're well. Poet I have not seen you long: how goes the world? Painter It wears, sir, as it grows. Poet Ay, that's well known: But what particular rarity? what strange, Which manifold record not matches? See, Magic of bounty! all these spirits thy powerHath conjured to attend. I know the merchant. Painter I know them both; th' other's a jeweller. Merchant O, 'tis a worthy lord. JewellerNay, that's most fix'd. Merchant A most incomparable man, breathed, as it were, To an untirable and continuate goodness: He passes. Jeweller: I have a jewel here- Merchant O, 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 jewel Jeweller And rich: here is a water, look ye. Painter You 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? Painter A picture, sir. When comes your book forth? Poet Upon the heels of my presentment, sir. Let's see your piece. Painter 'Tis a good piece. Poet So 'tis: this comes off well and excellent. Painter Indifferent. Poet Admirable: how this grace Speaks his own standing! what a mental power This eye shoots forth! how big imagination Moves in this lip! to the dumbness of the gesture One might interpret. Painter It is a pretty mocking of the life. Here is a touch; is't good