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!

FIRST FRIEND. Oh, a little toothache is not dangerous; it will soon
pass!

SECOND FRIEND. Take some cold water in your mouth, then you'll be
all right.