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Act 5, Scene 3 — Before the walls of Athens
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Original
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Enter two other Senators, with a Messenger.
FIRST SENATOR ≋ verse [asking for confirmation—are the reports accurate?]

Thou hast painfully discovered. Are his files

As full as thy report?

You have discovered this with painful effort. Are his forces as strong as your report says?

You've worked hard to find this out. Is his army as big as you're saying?

you discovered this are his forces as strong as you report

MESSENGER ≋ verse [understating the danger—it's worse than reported]

I have spoke the least.

Besides, his expedition promises

Present approach.

I've said the least. Besides, his speed promises he'll arrive very soon.

I'm downplaying it. And he's moving so fast he'll be here any day.

i said the least it's worse he's coming soon very soon

SECOND SENATOR [fearful—they're doomed without Timon]

We stand much hazard if they bring not Timon.

We face great danger if they don't bring Timon.

We're in trouble if we can't get Timon to help.

we're in danger without timon great hazard

MESSENGER ≋ verse [reporting intelligence—Alcibiades seeks Timon's alliance]

I met a courier, one mine ancient friend,

Whom, though in general part we were opposed,

Yet our old love made a particular force

And made us speak like friends. This man was riding

From Alcibiades to Timon’s cave

With letters of entreaty, which imported

His fellowship i’ th’ cause against your city,

In part for his sake moved.

I met a messenger—an old friend of mine—whom though in general terms we opposed, yet our old love made a special bond and we spoke like friends. This man was traveling from Alcibiades to Timon's cave with letters asking for his aid, requesting that Timon join the cause against your city, partly moved by personal regard for Alcibiades.

I ran into a courier—someone I used to be close to—and even though we've been on opposite sides, our old friendship got us talking like friends again. He was on his way from Alcibiades to Timon with letters asking Timon to help fight against Athens. Timon's being asked to join the cause, partly because Alcibiades cares about him.

met a courier old friend from alcibiades to timon with letters asking timon to join the fight against athens

Enter the other Senators from Timon.
THIRD SENATOR [announcing—more senators arriving]

Here come our brothers.

Here come our colleagues.

Here come the other senators.

they're coming the other senators

FIRST SENATOR ≋ verse [giving orders—abandon hope, prepare for battle]

No talk of Timon, nothing of him expect.

The enemy’s drum is heard, and fearful scouring

Doth choke the air with dust. In, and prepare.

Ours is the fall, I fear, our foe’s the snare.

Don't speak of Timon. Expect nothing from him. The enemy's drums are heard, and fearful racing about is filling the air with dust. Go inside and prepare. I fear we're falling into their trap.

Don't mention Timon anymore. Don't expect anything from him. We can hear the enemy's drums, and everyone's panicking and kicking up dust. Get inside and get ready. I think we're done for—they're going to catch us.

don't talk of timon expect nothing enemy drums scurrying dust prepare we're trapped they've won

[_Exeunt._]

The Reckoning

If this happened today…

Continue to 5.4 →