PEHR. Yes, yes!

FIRST FRIEND. [To Pehr.] You'll see, he is going to borrow money from
you.

SECOND FRIEND. [To Pehr.] If he asks for a loan from you, you must say
no--for he never pays.

PEHR. You don't say so! Well, good friends, don't you think this an
excellent repast?

SECOND FRIEND. I never flatter!

FIRST FRIEND. No, my friend, you only stuff yourself! I never flatter,
either, but I cannot therefore mask the truth and must acknowledge that
anything of this sort I have never before had a share in, and it has
to be Christopher that offers such a treat! Your health, brother
Christopher!

PEHR. [Aghast.] Christopher?

SECOND FRIEND. I'm a plain, everyday sort of man, and cannot make pretty
speeches--which I scorn, and the expression of which from such a source
I can ascribe only to a secret desire to get money. That is my plain,
everyday opinion.

FIRST FRIEND. What insolence!

PEHR. I must beg that no serious discussions interrupt this delightful
gathering, which would be even more agreeable if it were sweetened by
some charming representative of the opposite sex.

[A Woman appears.]

PEHR. Behold!

WOMAN. So you couldn't wait for me! That was most impolite, but I
forgive you since you are my friend. There's my hand!

PEHR. [Kisses her hand.] I beg a thousand pardons, my beauty, but I must
have been mistaken as to the day? Meanwhile, be seated. Will my friends
make room at my side? [Friends crowd nearer to him.] No? Well, he who is
the younger must do so. That perhaps you do not know? Then he who is my
best friend will voluntarily give up his place, for he is always just as
near to my heart anyhow. [Both friends give up their places.] I see that
you are both my best friends.

WOMAN. And I your best friend among women. Am I not, Alonzo?

PEHR. Quite right. And now as I raise the bumper, I want to drain it to
Friendship! Friendship is like gold, for it is pure.

WOMAN. [To friends.] How prettily he speaks!

PEHR. Friendship is like the moon--

THREE FRIENDS. Bravo! Bravo!

PEHR. For it borrows its gold--[Three Friends exchange glances]--from
the sun. And it darkens when the sun departs; true, is it not?

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 friend