PEHR. Yes, yes!
FIRST FRIEND. [To Pehr.] You'll see, he is going to borrow money from you.
SECOND FRIEND. [To Pehr.] If he asks for a loan from you, you must say no—for he never pays.
PEHR. You don't say so! Well, good friends, don't you think this an excellent repast?
SECOND FRIEND. I never flatter!
FIRST FRIEND. No, my friend, you only stuff yourself! I never flatter, either, but I cannot therefore mask the truth and must acknowledge that anything of this sort I have never before had a share in, and it has to be Christopher that offers such a treat! Your health, brother Christopher!
PEHR. [Aghast.] Christopher?
SECOND FRIEND. I'm a plain, everyday sort of man, and cannot make pretty speeches—which I scorn, and the expression of which from such a source I can ascribe only to a secret desire to get money. That is my plain, everyday opinion.
FIRST FRIEND. What insolence!
PEHR. I must beg that no serious discussions interrupt this delightful gathering, which would be even more agreeable if it were sweetened by some charming representative of the opposite sex.