ALL THREE FRIENDS. [Sullenly.] Very well said!
PEHR. But friendship is a fire; it must be fed if it is to be kept burning. You have given me your friendship, what have I to give you? [Three friends glance around.] You look on my gold. Alack, it is but dust as compared with your friendship!
WOMAN. [Adroitly.] One must not despise the temporal because the eternal exists.
FRIENDS. Admirably expressed!
PEHR. Very well, I wish to reward your faith. See—all this gold I give you!
ALL THREE FRIENDS. Ah! [They upset the table.]
PEHR. But remember, I have told you that gold is nothing but dross. [Puts hand to mouth and paces back and forth.] O my God! I believe I'm dying!
WOMAN. What's wrong with you, Alonzo?
PEHR. I've got the toothache—oh, my teeth! You see that the rich man, also, is exposed to the annoyances of life. [Friends, with gold pieces, move toward doors.]
PEHR. No, don't leave me alone in my misery—now, when I most need your company!