WOMAN. Oh, the men! They are so sensitive to a little pain. You
should see a woman suffer!

PEHR. Ah, don't forsake me! I suffer so terribly!

FIRST FRIEND. I shall never forsake you! [Hand on door.] I'll run
for the dentist.

PEHR. No, stay!

SECOND FRIEND. [Near door.] No; as George's oldest friend it
devolves upon me to--

PEHR. You want to run away from me! Oh, I curse this gold! I curse
you, false friends! [Gold pieces in their hands turn black.]

ALL THREE FRIENDS. He has deceived us--look, look! [All three are
stricken with toothache and begin to moan.] Oh! Oh!

PEHR. [Recovered.] Oh, it's only a little toothache; it will soon
pass.--Take cold water in your mouth, old friend, and then it will
disappear. [Woman faints.] Surely a woman will not faint for such a
little pain! [Friends rush out.] Now run to the dentist and let him
draw all your teeth, foxes! After that you'll not bite any more sheep.

WOMAN. [Coming to.] Alfred! all have forsaken you; but I shall
remain with you.

PEHR. Yes, but why should you? I'm as poor as the poorest; soon the