Previous
Act 5, Scene 1
Timon of Athens Translation Act 5, Scene 2
Enter two Senators and a Messenger
FIRST SENATOR
Thou hast painfully discover'd: are his filesAs full as thy report?
FIRST SENATOR
You have retrieved information at great cost. Does he have as many troops as you say?
MESSENGER
I have spoke the least:Besides, his expedition promisesPresent approach.
MESSENGER
My estimate is conservative. Plus, he approaches at a great speed.
SECOND SENATOR
We stand much hazard, if they bring not Timon.
SECOND SENATOR
We are in great danger if the others do not bring Timon with them.
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.
MESSENGER
I met with a messenger friend of mine who, despite having argued with me in public, held a strong love for me and approached me like the old friend he is. He was riding from Alcibiades to Timon with letters hoping he would join the cause against Athens, which was inspired partly by his poor treatment here.
FIRST SENATOR
Here come our brothers.
FIRST SENATOR
Here come our fellow Senators.
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.
THIRD SENATOR
Let's not talk about Timon. We can't expect any help from him. The drum of the enemy armies can be heard in the city, and their marching lifts dust into the air. We fall right into the enemies' trap.
Exeunt
