Act I

Timon of Athens is set in ancient Greece. The first act takes place in Timon's palatial home. A poet, a painter, a jeweller, and a merchant enter a formal reception room in the house. Each of them has brought something they hope Timon will admire and want to purchase. Timon comes into the room, with several people crowding around him seeking his support or patronage. One of these is a messenger from Timon's friend Ventidius. When Timon hears that Ventidius has been thrown in jail because he can't repay a creditor, Timon quickly offers to pay the debt. An old man arrives, complaining that Timon's servant Lucilius is courting his daughter; Timon offers to put up as much money on behalf of Lucilius as the man means to bestow on his daughter, and the old Athenian agrees to the match. In the great banquet hall, Timon...