Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/480

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450
LUCIAN

though old acquaintances of Timon's, companions of his in youth and of the same township, are nevertheless moderate in our demands, that we may not appear to be rushing upon him full tilt. {Addressing TIMON.) Good-day, my lord! Take care and be on your guard against these foul parasites, mere trencher friends, who, for the rest, differ not at all from carrion-crow. 'T won't do to trust any of the men of the present day any more. They are all base ingrates. / was en route with a talent for you, that you might have it to use for your pressing wants, and when almost here, I heard that you had become immensely wealthy. I 've come, accordingly, to give you this piece of advice. And yet you are so vdse that perhaps you don't need any words from me, for you could recommend even to Nestor what should be done.

Timon. Thank you, Philiades ! Only come for- ward, and I 'll give you an affectionate greeting with my mattock. {Strikes him.)

Philiades. Ο sirs, I 've got my skull cracked by this ingrate, all because I was for giving him some good advice.

[Exit Philiades.

Timon. See, there 's the third one coming, the orator, Demeas, with a decree in his right hand and affirming that he is a kinsman of mine. This man in one day paid the city in full of all demands sixteen talents out of my purse — for he had had judgment given against him, and in default of payment, had been bound with fetters, and I took pity on him and set him free. But when recently it fell to his lot to ap- portion the theoric fund to the tribe of Ereehthe'is, and I went and asked him for my proper share, he declared he did n't recognize me as a citizen.