Summary Two sufficiently prosperous, mature friends, neighbors for many years, spend their time playing chess and grumbling about their age and health. At the same time, they both like a poor young woman, Rita, who has come to spend Easter with her family. Agisilaos, thinking of her poverty, decides, despite his age, to propose to her. Andreas would like to propose to her too, but doesn’t dare confess it. In a dream the devil appears – just like in Faust – and offers to exchange his soul for youth. Andreas accepts but soon realizes that youth on its own is not enough to make someone happy. However, the exchange (in his dream) has already taken place. Awake and after more sober reflection, he chooses to provide Rita with a dowry so that she can find happiness and lead a comfortable life with her beloved.