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.
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.
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