_Leon._ Tell me truely, out of your free opinion without courting. How you like him. _Tim._ How I like him? _Leon._ Yes: for you in conversation may see more Than a Father. _Bac._ It works. _Timantus._ Your Grace has chosen out an ill observer. _Leon._ Yes, I mean of his ill: you talk rightly. _Tim._ But you take me wrong: All I know by him I dare deliver boldly: He is the storehouse And head of virtue; your great self excepted, That feeds the Kingdome. _Leon._ These are flatteries: speak me his vices, there you do a service worth a Fathers thanks. _Tim._ Sir, I cannot. If there be any, sure they are the times which I could wish less dangerous. But pardon me, I am too bold. _Leon._ [You] are not, forward and open what these dangers are. _Timan._ Nay, good Sir. _Leon._ Nay, fall not off again, I will have all. _Timan._ Alas Sir, what am I, you should believe My eyes or ears, so subtle to observe Faults in a State: all my main business Is service to your Grace, and necessaries For my poor life. _Leon._ Do not displease me Sirrah, But that you know tell me, and presently. _Timan._ Since your Grace will have it I'll speak it freely: Alwayes my obedience And love preserv'd unto the Prince. _Leon._ Prethee to the matter. _Tim._ For Sir, if you consider How like a Sun in all his great employments, How full of heat. _Leon._ Make me understand what I desire. _Tim._ And then at his return. _Leon._ Do not anger me. _Tim._ Then thus Sir: All mislike ye, As they would do the gods, if they did dwell with 'em. _Leon._ What? _Tim._ Talke and prate, as their ignorant rages Leads 'em without Alleageance or Religion. For Heavens sake have a care of your own person: I cannot tell, their wickedness may lead Farther than I dare think yet. _Leo._ O base people. _Tim._ Yet the Prince, for whom this is pretended may Persuade 'em, and no doubt will: virtue is ever watchfull, But be you still secur'd and comforted. _Leon._ Heaven how have I offended, that this rod So heavy and unnaturall, should fall upon me When I am old and helpless. _Tim._ Brave Gentl. that such a madding love should follow thee, to rob thee of a Father: All the Court is full of dangerous whispers. _Leon._ I perceive it, and 'spight of all their strengths Will make my safety: I'll cut him shorter. I'll cut him shorter first, then let him rule. _Bach._ What a foul Age is this, when Virtue is made a sword to smite the virtuous! Alas, alas: _Leon._ I'll teach him to fly lower.