EMILIA.
They might let it alone, and do something else to earn a livelihood.
CHARLES.
And what then would become of us all? They dig the gold out of the bowels of the earth, of which we are so proud; it is true we could do without it, as any thing that would lie in a small compass, might pass in exchange as money: but iron we could not spare; we should do every thing in a very clumsy manner without iron tools.—Only think of the various comforts which accrue to society from this one metal: and men must procure it.
EMILIA.
That is true.—And if we rightly consider it, we may say with truth, that iron is more valuable than gold.
CHARLES.
It is not only more valuable, but our abode on the earth would be uncomfortable without it:—it is apparently a necessary; and the great instrument of civilization.
WILLIAM.
We see greater respect paid to a goldsmith than a common mechanic, though the first we could do without.