_Tim._ Had I a steward[2622][2623] So true, so just, and now so comfortable?[2622] It almost turns my dangerous nature mild.[2622][2624] 490 Let me behold thy face. Surely this man[2622] Was born of woman.[2622] Forgive my general and exceptless rashness, You perpetual-sober gods! I do proclaim[2625] One honest man--mistake me not--but one;[2626] 495 No more, I pray,--and he's a steward.[2626][2627] How fain would I have hated all mankind! And thou redeem'st thyself: but all, save thee, I fell with curses. Methinks thou art more honest now than wise; 500 For, by oppressing and betraying me, Thou mightst have sooner got another service: For many so arrive at second masters, Upon their first lord's neck. But tell me true-- For I must ever doubt, though ne'er so sure-- 505 Is not thy kindness subtle, covetous,[2628] If not a usuring kindness and as rich men deal gifts,[2629] Expecting in return twenty for one? _Flav._ No, my most worthy master; in whose breast Doubt and suspect, alas, are placed too late: 510 You should have fear'd false times when you did feast: Suspect still comes where an estate is least.[2630] That which I show, heaven knows, is merely love, Duty and zeal to your unmatched mind,[2631] Care of your food and living; and, believe it,[2632] 515 My most honour'd lord,[2633][2634] For any benefit that points to me,[2634] Either in hope or present, I'ld exchange[2634][2635] For this one wish, that you had power and wealth[2634] To requite me by making rich yourself.[2634] 520 _Tim._ Look thee, 'tis so! Thou singly honest man,[2636] Here, take: the gods, out of my misery, Have sent thee treasure. Go, live rich and happy;[2637] But thus condition'd: thou shalt build from men, Hate all, curse all, show charity to none, 525 But let the famish'd flesh slide from the bone Ere thou relieve the beggar: give to dogs What thou deniest to men; let prisons swallow 'em,[2638] Debts wither 'em to nothing: be men like blasted woods,[2639] And may diseases lick up their false bloods! 530 And so farewell, and thrive. _Flav._ O, let me stay[2640] And comfort you, my master.[2640] _Tim._ If thou hatest curses[2641] Stay not: fly, whilst thou art blest and free:[2641][2642] Ne'er see thou man, and let me ne'er see thee. [_Exeunt severally._[2643] FOOTNOTES: [2324] ACT IV. SCENE I.] Rowe. Without ...] Rowe. [2325] _thee. O ... wolves_,] Ff. _thee, O ... wolves!_ Pope. [2326] _girdlest_] Rowe. _girdles_ Ff.