Timon of Athens — Act 5, Scene 2: Before the walls of Athens.

Two senators meet a messenger and ask whether Alcibiades’ forces are as large and as close as reported. The messenger says the advance is even worse than he first described, and adds that he met an old friend riding from Alcibiades to Timon’s cave with letters asking Timon to join the attack on Athens. The first senator is troubled, and the second fears they are in real danger if Timon does not support them. Then more senators arrive and report that there is no time to speak of Timon now, because the enemy drum can already be heard and dust fills the air. They all hurry off to prepare for battle.

Thou hast painfully discover'd: are his files

As full as thy report?

have spoke the least:

Besides, his expedition promises

Present approach.

We stand much hazard, if they bring not Timon.

I met a courier, one mine ancient friend;

Whom, though in general part we were opposed,

Yet our old love made a particular force,

And made us speak like friends: this man was riding

From Alcibiades to Timon's cave,

With letters of entreaty, which imported

His fellowship i' the cause against your city,

In part for his sake moved.

Here come our brothers.

No talk of Timon, nothing of him expect.

The enemies' drum is heard, and fearful scouring

Doth choke the air with dust: in, and prepare:

Ours is the fall, I fear; our foes the snare.