How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #4
FLAVIUS:
Happier is he that has no friend to feed
Than such that do e'en enemies exceed.
I bleed inwardly for my lord. (1.2.202-204)
Hmm… if Flavius is worried about Timon's extravagant spending, why does he still focus on his master's friendships? Try this on for size: it's clear to Flavius that all of these moochers aren't really Timon's friend; they are just posers.
Quote #5
TIMON:
And, in some sort, these wants of mine are crown'd,
That I account them blessings; for by these
Shall I try friends: you shall perceive how you
Mistake my fortunes; I am wealthy in my friends.
Within there! Flaminius! Servilius! (2.2.186-192)
If only the bank would cash out "friends," as Timon suggests. The thing is, Timon is fooling himself: he's sure he has friends, and he's sure these friends will give him money. As he tries to convince Flavius of the riches he has in life (instead of in the bank), we can't help but feel a little sorry for the guy.
Quote #6
LUCULLUS:
Thy lord's a
bountiful gentleman: but thou art wise; and thou knowest well
enough, although thou comest to me, that this is no
time to lend money, especially upon bare friendship,
without security. (3.1.39-43)
Here, Lucullus sums up what each one of Timon's friends has to say in response to his bid for money. Whereas Timon threw money around like there was no tomorrow just for the sake of friendship, Lucullus says that's unwise to give out money just for the sake of friendship... so he's not going to give it. In a way, he's right: Timon was unwise to give out all that money, but part of the problem is that he gave it to a bunch of nasty people who would never repay him. What would have happened if he had given it to his servants instead? Lucullus says that friendship and money shouldn't mix, and he gives us a little chill in the process. Even if Lucullus is right that they shouldn't mix, we know he's just using this as an excuse. He's only pretending to be principled; he had no trouble being on the receiving end of money.