Sempronius

Must he needs trouble me in't, — hum!

— 'bove all others?

He might have tried Lord Lucius or Lucullus;

And now Ventidius is wealthy too,

Whom he redeemed from prison: all these

Owes their estates unto him.

Servant

My lord,

They have all been touched and found base metal,

For they have all denied him.

Sempronius

How! have they denied him?

Has Ventidius and Lucullus denied him?

And does he send to me? Three? hum!

It shows but little love or judgement in him:

Must I be his last refuge? His friends, like physicians,

Thrive, give him over: must I take the cure upon me?

He's much disgraced me in't; I'm angry at him,

That might have known my place: I see no sense for't.

But his occasions might have wooed me first;

For, in my conscience, I was the first man

That e'er received gift from him:

And does he think so backwardly of me now,

That I'll requite it last? No:

So it may prove an argument of laughter

To the rest, and 'mongst lords I be thought a fool.

I'ld rather than the worth of thrice the sum,

H'ad sent to me first, but for my mind's sake;

I'd such a courage to do him good. But now return,

And with their faint reply this answer join;

Who bates mine honour shall not know my coin. Exit.

Servant

Excellent! Your lordship's a goodly villain. The devil knew not what he did when he made man politic; he crossed himself by't: and I cannot think but, in the end, the villainies of man will set him clear. How fairly this lord strives to appear foul! takes virtuous copies to be wicked, like those that under hot ardent zeal would set whole realms on fire:

Of such a nature is his politic love.

This was my lord's best hope; now all are fled,

Save only the gods: now his friends are dead,

Doors, that were ne'er acquainted with their wards

Many a bounteous year, must be employed

Now to guard sure their master.

And this is all a liberal course allows;

Who cannot keep his wealth must keep his house. Exit.