Timon of Athens: Act 5, Scene 2
tragedy
Before the walls of Athens.
Two senators, now frightened of Alcibiades' approaching army, go to beg Timon to return to Athens as its defender. Timon tells them he is preparing to die and has no interest in saving the city. He does offer one gift: a tree nearby, which Athenians may use to hang themselves before he has it cut down. The senators leave with nothing.
Rehearsing this scene?
Pick your part to highlight your lines and step through the scene one speech at a time. You can hide your lines to learn them from the cue.
Or read it aloud and let the page follow you (voice follow, beta)Enter two Senators and a Messenger
First Senator
Thou hast painfully discover'd: are his files
As full as thy report?
Messenger
have spoke the least:
Besides, his expedition promises
Present approach.
Second Senator
We stand much hazard, if they bring not Timon.
Messenger
I met a courier, one mine ancient friend;
Whom, though in general part we were opposed,
Yet our old love made a particular force,
And made us speak like friends: this man was riding
From Alcibiades to Timon's cave,
With letters of entreaty, which imported
His fellowship i' the cause against your city,
In part for his sake moved.
First Senator
Here come our brothers.
Enter the Senators from TIMON
Third Senator
No talk of Timon, nothing of him expect.
The enemies' drum is heard, and fearful scouring
Doth choke the air with dust: in, and prepare:
Ours is the fall, I fear; our foes the snare.
Exeunt