SCENE I. The woods. Before Timon's cave.

Enter Poet and Painter; TIMON watching them from his cave

PAINTER
As I took note of the place, it cannot be far where
he abides.

POET
What's to be thought of him? does the rumour hold
for true, that he's so full of gold?

PAINTER
Certain: Alcibiades reports it; Phrynia and
Timandra had gold of him: he likewise enriched poor
straggling soldiers with great quantity: 'tis said
he gave unto his steward a mighty sum.

POET
Then this breaking of his has been but a try for his friends.

PAINTER
Nothing else: you shall see him a palm in Athens
again, and flourish with the highest. Therefore
'tis not amiss we tender our loves to him, in this
supposed distress of his: it will show honestly in
us; and is very likely to load our purposes with
what they travail for, if it be a just true report
that goes of his having.