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Timon of Athens · Chapter

Scene I explained

Flaminius, a servant of Timon, visits Lucullus to request a loan of fifty talents on Timon's behalf.

What happens

Flaminius, a servant of Timon, visits Lucullus to request a loan of fifty talents on Timon's behalf. Lucullus, who has often benefited from Timon's hospitality, refuses to lend money without security and offers Flaminius a bribe to keep silent. Flaminius indignantly rejects the bribe and curses Lucullus for his ingratitude and betrayal of friendship.

Themes in this chapter

  • Ingratitude

    Lucullus, having enjoyed Timon's generosity, refuses to help him in need, demonstrating profound ingratitude.

  • Flattery and Deception

    Lucullus initially greets Flaminius with flattery, but his true deceptive and selfish nature is revealed when he refuses the loan and offers a bribe.

Characters to notice

  • Flaminius

    Timon's honest servant who is sent to request a loan from Lucullus; he is deeply offended by Lucullus's refusal and bribe.

  • Lucullus

    A lord who has frequently dined at Timon's expense but refuses to lend him money, offering a bribe to Flaminius instead.

Key passages

  • “Is't possible the world should so much differ, And we alive that lived?”

    How can the world be so changed from what it was, while we who witnessed it are still alive?

    Flaminius expresses shock at Lucullus's betrayal, contrasting past friendship with present selfishness.

  • “Has friendship such a faint and milky heart, It turns in less than two nights?”

    Is friendship so weak and cowardly that it can change in less than two days?

    Flaminius laments the fragility of friendship, which Lucullus has abandoned so quickly.

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