Who goes to dine must take his Feast 1
Or find the Banquet mean－
The Table is not laid without
Till it is laid within.
For Pattern is the Mind bestowed 5
That imitating her
Our most ignoble Services
Exhibit worthier.
Or find the Banquet mean－
The Table is not laid without
Till it is laid within.
For Pattern is the Mind bestowed 5
That imitating her
Our most ignoble Services
Exhibit worthier.
(F.1219/J.1223)
[1] take his Feast:: Timon's last feast.
[2] find the Banquet mean:: "stuck and spangled you with Flatteries."
[7] most ignoble Services:: Timon treats his guests with lukewarm water.
TIMON.
May you a better Feast never behold
You knot of Mouth-Friends: Smoke, and lukewarm water
Is your perfection. This is Timon's last,
Who stuck and spangled you with Flatteries,
Washes it off and sprinkles in your faces
Your reeking villainy. ─ The Life of Timon of Athens by Shakespeare