Yes, he,
the man who takes the shirt from my back and possesses himself of all my
property.

ALEXANDER [_aside_]. I have my sister to thank for all this, who dragged
me into this house.

OSSEP [_ironically_]. Alexander, look for a dowry elsewhere, for I can
no longer give my daughter one.

ALEXANDER [_angry_]. What, you deride me as well! I don't belong to your
class, sir!

OSSEP. And has it come to this!

ALEXANDER [_taking his hat_]. I have not acquired my present dignity to
lose it through you.

OSSEP. Ha! ha! ha! His dignity!

ALEXANDER [_coming near Nato_]. I have loved you truly, Miss Nato, but I
must give you up. I am not to blame for it. Farewell.
[_Goes to the door_.

[_Barssegh laughs for joy_.

OSSEP [_approaching Salome, who stands dismayed, takes her by the arm
and points to the departing Alexander_]. There goes your official!

NATO [_standing at the left near the sofa_]. Alexander! Alexander!
[_Exit Alexander_.] Dear Alexander.
[_Sitting down on the sofa, begins to cry_.

SALOME [_in a low tone, striking her brow with both hands_].
Why doesn't the earth open and swallow me?

OSSEP [_to Salome_]. Now you are punished, are you not? [_Turning to
Barssegh_:] Take it all, now! Satisfy yourself! [_Takes off his coat_.]
Take this also! [_Throws it to Barssegh_.] Yes, take it! [_Takes his cap
from the table and throws it to Barssegh_.] Make off with this also; I
need it no longer.
[_Runs to and fro as if distracted_.

BARSSEGH [_in a low voice_]. Keep on giving!
[_Turns to sheriff and speaks softly to him_.

OSSEP [_taking up different articles from card table and throwing them
on the floor_]. Take these also! Take these also! [_Taking a lighted
candelabra and smashing it on the floor_] Stick that also down your
throat!

SEVERAL OF THE GUESTS. The poor fellow is losing his wits.
[_Nato crying; her friends comfort her. Salome faints_.

CHACHO. Ossep! My dear Ossep!

GEWO [_embracing Ossep_]. Be calm, dear Ossep. You behave like a madman.

OSSEP [_after a pause_]. Gewo, I was mad when I settled in this city.
This life is too much for me; it was not for me. I am ruined. I am a
beggar. He is to be praised who comes off better than I.
[_Exit._

SALOME [_with her hand on her brow sinks down on the sofa, groaning
loudly_]. Ah!

GEWO. Poor Ossep!

BARSS