JEWELLER
Nay, that's most fix'd.
MERCHANT
A most incomparable man; breath'd, as it were,
To an untirable and continuate goodness.
He passes.
JEWELLER
I have a jewel here —
MERCHANT
O, pray let's see't: for the Lord Timon, sir?
JEWELLER
If he will touch the estimate: but for that —
POET
When we for recompense have prais'd the vile,
It stains the glory in that happy verse
Which aptly sings the good.
MERCHANT
[Looking at the jewel.]
'Tis a good form.
JEWELLER
And rich: here is a water, look ye.
PAINTER
You are rapt, sir, in some work, some dedication
To the great lord.
POET
A thing slipp'd idly from me.
Our poesy is as a gum, which oozes
From whence 'tis nourish'd: the fire i' the flint
Shows not till it be struck; our gentle flame
Provokes itself, and like the current flies
Each bound it chafes. What have you there?
PAINTER
A picture, sir. When comes your book forth?
POET
Upon the heels of my presentment, sir.
Let's see your piece.
PAINTER
'Tis a good piece.
POET
So 'tis: this comes off well and excellent.
PAINTER
Indifferent.
POET
Admirable! How this grace
Speaks his own standing! what a mental power
This eye shoots forth! how big imagination
Moves in this lip! to the dumbness of the gesture
One might interpret.
PAINTER
It is a pretty mocking of the life.
Here is a touch; is't good?
POET
I'll say of it,
It tutors nature: artificial strife
Lives in these touches, livelier than life.
[Enter certain SENATORS, who pass over the stage.]
PAINTER
How this lord is followed!
POET