They dance! They are mad women.
Like madness is the glory of this life,
As this pomp shews to a little oil and root]
[Warburton conjectured some lines lost after the second verse] When I
read this passage, I was at first of the same opinion with this learned
man; but, upon longer consideration, I grew less confident, because I
think the present reading susceptible of explanation, with no more
violence to language than is frequently found in our author. _The glory
of this life is very near to madness_, as may be made appear from _this
pomp_, exhibited in a place where a philosopher is feeding on _oil and
roots_. When we see by example how few are the necessaries of life, we
learn what madness there is in so much superfluity.
I.ii.146 (296,5) who dies, that bears/Not one spurn to their graves, of
their friends gift?] That is, given them by their friends.(1773)
I.ii.155 (297,6) mine own device] The mask appears to have been design'd
by Timon to surprise his guests.
I.ii.157 (297,7) _L Lady_. My lord, you take us even at the best] This
answer seems rather to belong to one of the ladies. It was probably only
mark'd _L_ in the copy.
I.ii.169 (298,1) 'Tis pity, bounty has not eyes behind] To see the
miseries that are following her.
I.ii.170 (298,2) That man might ne'er be wretched for his mind] For
nobleness of soul.
I.ii.176 (298,3) to/Advance this jewel] To prefer it; to raise it to
honour by wearing it.