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. _Merchant._ A most incomparable man; breathed as it were To an untirable and continuate goodness: He passes. _Jeweller. _I have a jewel here.
The Jeweller being known, the Merchant is; and, it will be noticed that the first speaks in a cautious manner.
_Merchant._ Oh, pray, let's see it! For the lord Timon, Sir? _Jeweller. _If he will touch the estimate; but, for that----
We begin to suspect who is the "magic of bounty" and the "incomparable man," and also to have an idea that all these people have come to his house to see him.--While the Merchant examines the jewel, the first who spoke, the high-flown individual, is pacing and talking to himself near the one he met:--
_Poet. When we for recompense have praised the vile, It stains the glory in that happy verse Which aptly sings the good._
Perhaps he is thinking of himself. The Merchant and Jeweller do not hear him;--they stand in twos at opposite sides of the stage.
Merchant. 'Tis a good form. [_Looking at the jewel._
He observes only that the stone is well cut; but the Jeweller adds,--
Jeweller. And rich: here is a water, look you.
While they are interested in this and move backward, the two others come nearer the front.
Painter. You are rapt, Sir, in some work, some dedication To the great lord.
This is said, of course, with reference to the other's recent soliloquy. And now we are going to know them.
Poet. A thing slipped idly from me. Our poesy is as a gum, which oozes From whence 'tis nourished. The fire i' the flint Shows not till it be struck; our gentle flame Provokes itself, and like the current files Each bound it chafes.--What have you there?
We perceive that he is a poet, and a rather rhetorical than sincere one. He has the art, but, as we shall see, not the heart.
Painter. A picture, Sir.--And when comes your book forth?
Poet. Upon the heels of my presentment, Sir-- Let's see your piece.