See Shakespeare's Timon of Athens, in which the rich Athenian invites his former friends who have deserted him to a banquet, only to serve them warm water ("Uncover, dogs, and lap" [III.vi]). He then retires to a misanthrope's cave outside the city.

[External link: the complete play]


Romantic Circles / Electronic Editions / The Last Man / Note: Timon's last feast