_Tim._ I have a tree, which grows here in my close, That mine own use invites me to cut down, And shortly must I fell it: tell my friends, 205 Tell Athens, in the sequence of degree[2742] From high to low throughout, that whoso please To stop affliction, let him take his haste,[2743] Come hither ere my tree hath felt the axe, And hang himself: I pray you, do my greeting. 210 _Flav._ Trouble him no further; thus you still shall find him.[2744] _Tim._ Come not to me again: but say to Athens, Timon hath made his everlasting mansion Upon the beached verge of the salt flood; Who once a day with his embossed froth[2745] 215 The turbulent surge shall cover: thither come, And let my grave-stone be your oracle. Lips, let sour words go by and language end:[2746] What is amiss, plague and infection mend! Graves only be men's works, and death their gain! 220 Sun, hide thy beams! Timon hath done his reign.[2747] [_Retires to his cave._ _First Sen._ His discontents are unremoveably[2748][2749] Coupled to nature.[2748][2750] _Sec. Sen._ Our hope in him is dead: let us return, And strain what other means is left unto us 225 In our dear peril.[2751] _First Sen._ It requires swift foot. [_Exeunt._ SCENE II. _Before the walls of Athens._[2752] _Enter two_ Senators _and a_ Messenger.[2753] _First Sen._ Thou hast painfully discover'd: are his files As full as thy report?[2754] _Mess._ I have spoke the least: Besides, his expedition promises[2755] Present approach.[2755] _Sec. Sen._ We stand much hazard, if they bring not Timon. 5 _Mess._ I met a courier, one mine ancient friend;[2756] Whom, though in general part we were opposed,[2757] Yet our old love made a particular force,[2758] And made us speak like friends: this man was riding[2759] From Alcibiades to Timon's cave, 10 With letters of entreaty, which imported His fellowship i' the cause against your city, In part for his sake moved.[2760] _First Sen._ Here come our brothers. _Enter_ Senators _from_ TIMON. _Third Sen._ No talk of Timon, nothing of him expect.[2761] The enemies' drum is heard, and fearful scouring[2762] 15 Doth choke the air with dust: in, and prepare: Ours is the fall, I fear, our foes the snare.[2763] [_Exeunt._ SCENE III. _The woods. Timon's cave, and a rude tomb seen._[2764] _Enter a_ Soldier, _seeking_ TIMON.[2765]