# Scene III explained — Timon of Athens

> Chapter companion for Timon of Athens by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Sempronius learns that Timon has been denied by Lucullus, Lucius, and Ventidius, and is angered that he was not approached first. He refuses to help Timon, prioritizing his pride over gratitude. Timon's servant laments the betrayal and the loss of all friends.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ingratitude

Sempronius and the other lords, having benefited from Timon's generosity, refuse to help him in his need.

### Flattery and Deception

Sempronius disguises his selfish refusal as a matter of honor, revealing the hypocrisy of Timon's fair-weather friends.

## Character check-ins

### Sempronius

Refuses to help Timon, offended that he was not the first approached for aid.

### Timon

Referenced as the one seeking help; all his friends have denied him.

### Lucullus

Mentioned as one of the friends who denied Timon.

### Ventidius

Mentioned as a wealthy former debtor who also denied Timon.

### Lord Lucius

Mentioned as one of the friends who denied Timon.

## Key lines

> They have all been touch’d and found base metal, for They have all denied him.

They have all been tested and proven worthless, because they have all refused him.

_The servant reports that every friend Timon approached has failed him._

> Who bates mine honour shall not know my coin.

Anyone who diminishes my honor will not receive my money.

_Sempronius declares he will not help Timon because he feels slighted by not being asked first._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/timon_of_athens_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/timon_of_athens_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/timon_of_athens_se/chapters