FLAVIUS

the decent steward of Timon in Shakespeare's Timon of Athens. Flavius reflects the positive and humane attributes to which the wealthy Timon of the play's beginning aspires. Flavius' loyalty and generosity are evident in his speech to Timon in Act IV, scene 3: You should have feared false times when you did feast. Suspect still comes where an estate is least. That which I show, heaven knows, is merely love, Duty, and zeal to your unmatchd mind, Care of your food and living; and believe it, My most honored lord, For any benefit that points to me, Either in hope or present, I'd exchange For this one wish: that you had power and wealth To requite me by making rich yourself. (ancient Roman personal name, or praenomen): see under gens or family name or honorific (e.g., under Severus for Flavius Valerius Severus).