Page:The Psychology of Shakespeare.pdf/209

194 In his table speech, his explanation of his own profuseness, and his reliance upon a return in kind from his friends, is almost communist in the expression of the idea, that the fortunes of all should be at the service of each:—

"Why, I have often wished myself poorer, that I might come nearer to you. We are born to do benefits: and what better or properer can we call our own than the riches of our friends? O, what a precious comfort 'tis to have so many, like brothers, commanding one another's fortunes! O joy, e'en made away ere it can be born! Mine eyes cannot hold out water, methinks; to forget their faults, I drink to you."

He gives more entertainment, distributes more jewels, showers presents on those who bring them and on those who do not, and, without knowing it, all "out of an empty coffer." What he speaks is all in debt, he owes for every word. Honest Flavius seeks to apprise him, but since "its a word which concerns him near," he will not listen. Even Apemantus, who seems to entertain a surly liking for him, and who seeks to inspire in him some suspicion that friendship has its dregs, tenders advice which this time is not quite railing. He admits him to be honest though a fool.

"Thus honest fools lay out their wealth in courtesies."

He'll not be bribed lest that should shut his mouth, and Timon would then sin the faster; Timon will give so long that soon he will give himself away in paper; but Timon will have none of his warning, it is railing on Society; and Apemantus rebuffed at the only moment when he is tolerable, turns on his heel with his rejected advice:

Timon's profuseness is pourtrayed in the steward's terse account of his debts, and the ever motion of his raging waste; but the desire which prompts it, is best given in his own words of farewell to his guests,