Timon of Athens Quote. by Jimbee68 posted Jul 8, 2024 at 11:18 AM Timon tells the soldier Alcibiades that he enjoys all his visits. And although his aides are complaining Timon is spending too much on his friends and the needy, there's never enough to give. Because when it comes to those groups, even if he gave all he had and more, how could it ever be enough? Because Timon is so wealthy. And people like Alcibiades are so poor by comparison. Giving to people like Alcibiades is charity in the truest sense, Timon says. Because Timon has palaces, mansions and vast swathes of land. But all of Alcibiades' lands consist of graveyards in battlefields.
“I am not of that feather to shake off My friend when he must need me.” -Timon of Athens, Act I, Scene 1. “’Tis not enough to help the feeble up, But to support him after.” -Act I, Scene 1. “There’s none Can truly say he gives if he receives.” -Act I, Scene 2. “Why, I have often wished myself poorer that I might come nearer to you. We are born to do benefits. And what better or properer can we call our own than the riches of our friends?” -Act I, Scene 2. “Ne’er speak or think That Timon’s fortunes ’mong his friends can sink.” -Act II, Scene 2. “Come, sermon me no further: No villanous bounty yet hath pass'd my heart; Unwisely, not ignobly, have I given.” -Act II, Scene 2. “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.” -Act II, Scene 2. “’Tis lack of kindly warmth they are not kind; And nature, as it grows again toward earth, Is fashion'd for the journey, dull and heavy.” -Act II, Scene 2.
Also, Alcibiades the soldier, is a guest of honor at Timon's party, because he is a general. But unlike Timon's other guests, he is not wealthy. We put people who work in professions like generals in the same class. But their lives are very different, as Timon points out. Because they sometimes have to sacrifice their life for their profession. Or all their living is "’mongst the dead", as he puts it.