Why this is the world's soul;
Of the same piece is every flatterer's sport.
Mr. Upton has not unluckily transposed the two final words, thus,
Why, this is the world's sport:
Of the same piece is ev'ry flatterer's soul.
The passage is not so obscure as to provoke so much enquiry. This, says he, is the soul or spirit of the world: every flatterer plays the same game, makes sport with the confidence of his friend. (see 1765, VI, 211, 4)
III.ii.81 (324,2) He does deny him, in respect of his, What charitable men afford to beggars] That is, in respect of his fortune, what Lucius denies to Timon is in proportion to what Lucius possesses, less than the ususal alms given by good men to beggars.
III.ii.90 (324,3) I would have put my wealth into donation, And the best half should ha' return'd to him] Hanmer reads,
I would have put my wealth into partition,
And the best half should have attorn'd to him.