To the dog or cat, To be worried, crush'd, and shaken. Mac. Have you no tenderness, my dear Lucy! to see a husband in these circumstances? Lucy. A husband! AIR. The first time at the looking-glass Each time she looks, she, fonder grown, Thinks every charm grows stronger; But, alas, vain maid! all eyes but your own Can see you are not younger. When wom omen consider their own beauties, they are all alike unreasonable in their demands; for they expect their lovers should like them as long as they like themselves. Lucy. Yonder is my father- Perhaps this way we may light upon the ordinary, who shall try if you will be as good as your wordfor I long to be made an honest woman. [Exeunt. Enter PEACHUM, and LOCKIT with an Account-book. Mac. In every respect but the form, and that, my dear, may be said over us at any Lockit. In this last affair, brother Peachum, time. Friends should not insist upon cere- we are agreed. You have consented to go monies. From a man of honour is word is halves in Macheath. as good as his bond. Lucy. It is the pleasure of all you fine men to insult the women you have ruined. Mac. The very first opportunity, my dear (but have patience), you shall be my wife in whatever manner you please. Peach. We shall never fall out about an execution. But as to that article, pray how stands your last year's account? Lockit. If you will run your eye over it, you'll find 'tis fair and clearly stated. Peach. This long arrear of the government Lucy. Insinuating monster! And so you is very hard upon us. Can it be expected think I know nothing of the affair of miss that we should hang our acquaintance for Polly Peachum?-I could tear thy eyes out. nothing, when our betters will hardly save Mac. Sure, Lucy, you can't be such a fool theirs without being paid for it? Unless the as to be jealous of Polly. people in employment pay better, I promise them for the future I shall let other rogues live beside their own. Lucy. Are you not married to her, you brute, you? Mac. Married! very good. The wench gives Lockit. Perhaps, brother, they are afraid it out only to vex thee, and to ruin me in those matters may be carried too far. We thy good opinion. Tis true I go to the house, are treated too by them with contempt, as if I chat with the girl, I kiss her, I say a thou-our profession were not reputable. sand things to her (as all gentlemen do) that Peach. In one respect indeed our employmean nothing, to divert myself; and now the ment may be reckoned dishonest, because, like silly jade hath set it about that I am married great statesmen, we encourage those who beto her, to let me know what she would be tray their friends. at. Indeed, my dear Lucy! those violent pas- Lockit. Such language, brother, any where sions may be of ill consequence to a woman else might turn to your prejudice. Learn to in your condition. be more guarded, I beg you. Lucy. Come, come, captain, for all your know that miss Polly hath put assurance, you it out of your power to do me the justice you promised me. Mac. A jealous woman believes every thing| her passion suggests. To convince you of my sincerity, if we can find the ordinary, I shall have no scruples of making you my wife; and 1 know the consequence of having two at a time. Lucy. That you are only to be hanged, so get rid of them both. and Mac. I am ready, my dear Lucy! to give you satisfaction-if you think there is any in marriage. What can a man of honour say more? Lucy. So then it seems you are not married to miss Polly? Mac. You know, Lucy, the girl is prodigiously conceited; no man can say a civil thing to her, but (like other fine ladies) her vanity makes her think he's her own for ever and ever. AIR.-LOCKIT. When you censure the age, Lest the courtiers offended should be: Each cries-That was levell'd at me. Peach. Here's poor Ned Clincher's name, I see: sure, brother Lockit, there was a little unfair proceeding in Ned's case; for he told me in the condemned hold, that, for value received, you had promised him a session or two longer without molestation. Lockit. Mr. Peachum-this is the first time my bonour was ever called in question. Peach. Business is at an end-if once we act dishonourably. Lockit. Who accuses me? Lockit. He that attacks my honour, attacks my livelihood-and this usage-sir-is not to be borne. Peach. Since you provoke me to speak formation. Enter MACHEATH. I must tell you too, that Mrs. Coaxer charges Lucy. Though the ordinary was out of the you with defrauding her of her information way to-day, I hope, my dear, you will, upon money for the apprehending of Curl-pated he first opportunity, quiet my scruples. -Oh, Hugh. Indeed, indeed, brother, we must punct- sir! my father's hard heart is not to be softened, ually pay our spies, or we shall have no in- and I am in the utmost despair. Mac. But if I could raise a small sumLockit. Is this language to me, sirrah-who would not twenty guineas, think you, move have saved you from the gallows, sirrah! him? Of all the arguments in the way of [Collaring each other. business, the perquisite is the most prevailing.Peach. If I am hanged, it shall be for rid-Money, well-timed, and properly applied, will ding the world of an arrant rascal. do any thing. Lockit. This hand shall do the office of the halter you deserve, and throttle you-you dog! Lockit. Nor you so provoking. Peach. 'Tis our mutual interest, 'tis for the interest of the world, we should agree. If I said any thing, brother, to the prejudice of your character, I ask pardon. AIR. MACHEATH. To do what his duty directed: Or would you the frowns of a lady prevent, Lucy. What love or money can do shall Lockit. Brother Peachum-I can forgive as be done; for all my comfort depends upon well as resent-Give me your hand; suspicion your safety. does not become a friend. Peach. I only meant to give you occasion Enter POLLY. to justify yourself. But I must now step home, Polly Where is my dear husband?-Was for I expect the gentleman about this snuff- a rope ever intended for his neck! - Oh let box that Filch nimmed 1) two nights ago in the Park. I appointed him at this hour. [Exit. Enter LUCY. Lockit. Whenee come you, hussy? Lucy. My tears might answer that question. Lockit. You have been whimpering and fondling like a spaniel, over the fellow that hath abused you. me throw my arms about it, and throttle thee with love!-Why dost thou turn away from me?-'tis thy Polly-'tis thy wife. Mac. Was ever such an unfortunate rascal as I am! Lucy. Was there ever such another villain! Polly. Oh, Macheath! was it for this we parted? Taken! imprisoned! tried! hanged!Cruel reflection! I'll stay with thee till deathLucy. One can't help love; one can't cure no force shall tear thy dear wife from thee it is not in my power to obey you and now.-What means my love?-not one kind word! not one kind look! - Think what thy Lockit. Learn to bear your husband's death Polly suffers to see thee in this condition! like a reasonable woman; 'tis not the fashion Mac. I must disown her. [Aside] The wench now-a-days so much as to affect sorrow upon is distracted! these occasions. No woman would ever marry bate him. Lucy. Am I then bilked of my virtue? Can if she had not the chance of mortality for aI have no reparation? Sure men were born release. Act like a woman of spirit, hussy, to lie, and women to believe them! Oh viland thank your father for what he is doing lain! villain! AIR.-LUCY. Is then his fate decreed, sir, Such a man can I think of quitting? When first we met, so moves me yet, O see how my heart is splitting! Lockit. Look ye, Lucy, there is no saving him so I think you must even do like other widows-buy yourself weeds, and be cheerful. AIR.-LOCKIT. You'll think, ere many days ensue, This sentence not severe; I hang your husband, child, 'tis true, Like a good wife, go moan over your dying 1) Slang, for stole. Polly. Am I not thy wife?-Thy neglect of me, thy aversion to me, too severely proves it.-Look on me-Tell me, am I not thy wife? Lucy. Perfidious wretch! Polly. Barbarous husband! Lucy. Hadst thou been hanged five months ago, I had heen happy. Polly. If you had been kind to me till death, it would not have vexed me-and that's no very unreasonable request (though from a wife) to a man who hath not above seven or eight days to live. Lucy. Art thou, then, married to another? Hast thou two wives, monster? Mac. If woman's tongues can cease for an answerer-bear me. Lucy. I won't.-Flesh and blood can't bear my_usage! Polly. Shall not I claim my own? Justice bids me speak. AIR. MACHeath. How happy could I be with either, But while ye thus tease me together, Polly. Sure, my dear, there ought to be some preference shown to a wife-at least she may claim the appearance of it. He must be distracted with misfortunes, or he could not use me thus. Lucy. Oh villain! villain! thou hast deceived me!-I could even inform against thee with pleasure. Not a prude wishes more heartily to have facts against her intimate acquaintance, than I now wish to have facts against thee. I would have her satisfaction, and they should all out. ก are doubled. least, madam; and my duty, madam, obliges me to stay with my husband, madam. AIR. Lucy Why, how now, madam Flirt? Polly. Why, how now, saucy jade? Enter PEACHU M. Peach. Where's my wench? Ah, hussy, hussy!-Come home, you slut! and when your fellow is hanged, hang yourself, to make your Oh, how family some amends. My distresses Lucy. Bamboozled and bit! These fingers, with pleasure could Polly. Dear, dear father! do not tear me from him.-I must speak-I have more to say to him.-Oh, twist thy fetters about me, that he may not haul me from thee! Peach. Sure, all women are alike! if ever they commit one folly, they are sure to commit another, by exposing themselves.-Away -not a word more.-You are my prisoner, now, hussy, AIR. POLLY. No pow'r on earth can e'er divide Oh, oh, ray, oh Amborah-Oh, oh, etc. [Holding Macheath, Peachum pulling her. [Exeunt Peachum and Polly. Mac. And hast thou the heart to persist in Mac. I am naturally compassionate, wife, so persuading me that I am married? Why, that I could not use the wench as she deserPolly, dost thou seek to aggravate my mis-ved, which made you, at first, suspect there fortunes? was something in what she said. Lucy. Really, miss Peachum, you do but expose yourself; besides, 'tis barbarous in you to worry a gentleman in his circumstances. AIR. POLLY. Cease your funning, Force or cunning Never shall my heart trepan; To seduce my constant man. 'Tis most certain, Pleased to ruin Never happy in their own! Decency, madam, methinks, might teach to behave yourself with some reserve to husband, while his wife is present. Lucy. Indeed, my dear, I was strangely puzzled! Mac. If that had been the case, her father would never have brought me into this circumstance-No, Lucy, I had rather die than be false to thee! Luc. How happy am I, if you say this from your heart! for I love thee so, that I could sooner bear to see thee hanged, than in the arms ot another. Mac. But couldst thou bear to see me hanged? Luc. Ob, Macheath; 1 could never live to see that day! Mac. You see, Lucy, in the account of love, you are in my debt.-Make me, if possible, love thee more, and let me owe my life to thee-If you refuse to assist me, Peachum and your father will immediately put me beyond you all means of escape. the Lucy. My father, I know, hath been drinking hard with the prisoners, and I fancy be Mac. But, seriously, Polly, this is carrying is now taking his nap in his own roomthe joke a little to far. can procure the keys, shall I go off with thee, Luc. If you are determined, madam, to raise my dear? a disturbance in the prison, I shall be obliged Mac. If we are together, 'twill be imposs to send for the turnkey, to show you the door. ble to lie concealed. As soon as the search I am sorry, madam, you force me to be so begins to be a little cool, I will send to thee; till then, my heart is thy prisoner. Polly. Give me leave to tell you, madam, Lucy. Come then, my dear husband, owe these forward airs don't become you in the thy life to me; and, though you love me not ill bred. Lockit. And so, after all this mischief, I must stay here to be entertained with your caterwauling, mistress Puss!-Out of my sight, wanton strumpet!-Yon shall fast, and mortify yourself into reason, with, now and then, a little handsome discipline, to bring you to your Lockit. To be sure, wench, you must have senses.-Go!-[Exit Lucy] Peachum, then, been aiding and abetting to help him to this intends to outwit me in this affair, but I'll be escape? even with him!-The dog is leaky in his liLucy. Sir, here hath been Peachum, and quor, so I'll ply him that way, get the secret his daughter Polly, and, to be sure, they know from him, and turn this affair to my own adthe ways of Newgate as well as if they had vantage. Lucy! been born and bred in the place all their lives. Why must all your suspicion light upon me? Enter Lucr. Lockit. Lucy, Lucy, I will have none of Are there any of Peachum's people now in these shuffling answers! the house ? Lucy. Well then, if I know any thing of Lucy. Filch, sir, is drinking a quartern of him, I wish I may be burned! strong waters, in the next room, with Black Lockit. Keep your temper, Lucy, or I shall | Moll. pronounce you guilty. Lucy. Keep yours, sir-I do wish I may be burned, I do; and what can I say more to convince you? Lockit. Bid him come to me. Enter FILCH. [Exit. Why, boy, thou lookest as if thou wert half Lockit. Did he tip handsomely?-How much starved, like a shotten herring.-But, boy, did he come down with? Come, hussy, don't canst thou tell me where thy master is to be cheat your father, and I shall not be angry found ? with you-Perhaps, you have made a better bargain with him than I could have doneHow much, my good girl? Filch. At his lock, sir, at the Crooked Billet. Lockit. Very well-I have nothing more with you. [Exit Filch] I'll go to him there, Lucy. You know, sir, I am fond of him, for I have many important affairs to settle and would have given money to have kept with him, and in the way of those transactions, bim with me. I'll artfully get into his secret-so that Macheath shall not remain a day longer out of my clutches. [Exit. Lockit. Ah, Lucy! thy education might have put thee more upon thy guard : for a girl, in the bar of an alehouse, is always besieged. Lucy. If you can forgive me, sir, I will make a fair confession; for, to be sure, he hath been a most barbarous villain to me! Lockit. And so you have let him escape, hussy-have you? Lucy. When a woman loves, a kind look, a tender word, can persuade her to any thing, and I could ask no other bribe. Notwithstanding all he swore, I am now fully consinced, that Polly Peachum is actually his wife-Did I let him escape, fool that I was! to go to her? Polly will wheedle herself into his money; and then Peachum will hang him, and cheat us both. Enter LUCY. Lucy. Jealousy, rage, love, and fear, are at once tearing me to pieces. How am I weather-beaten and shattered with distresses. AIR. LUCY. I'm like a skiff on the ocean tost, With her rudder broke and her anchor lost, While thus Ilie rolling and tossing all night, Lockit. So I am to be ruined because, forsooth, you must be in love! - A very pretty I have the ratsbane ready-But say I were to excuse! be hanged-I never could be hanged for any Lucy. I could murder that impudent, happy thing that would give me greater comfort than strumpet!-I gave him his life, and that crea- the poisoning that slut. ture enjoys the sweets of it-Ungrateful Macheath! AIR. -LUCY. My love is all madness and folly; Enter FILCH, Filch. Madam, here's miss Polly come to wait upon you. Lucy. Show her in. Enter POLLY. she hates me! The dissembling of a woman Dear madam! your servant.-I hope you will is always the forerunner of mischief-By pourpardon my passion when I was so happy to ing strong waters down my throat she thinks see you last-I was so overrun with the spleen, to pump some secrets out of me-I'll be upon that I was perfectly out of myself; and really my guard, and won't taste a drop of her li when one hath the spleen, every thing is to quor, I'm resolved. be excused by a friend. AIR. LUCY. When a wife's in the pout (As she's sometimes, no doubt), Re-enter Lucy, with strong Waters. Lucy. Come, miss Polly. Polly. Indeed, child, you have given yourself trouble to no purpose- You must, my The good husband, as meek as a lamb, dear, excuse me. First grant her her will, ---I wish all our quarrels might have so com- Polly. I have no excuse for my own behaviour, madam, but my misfortunes-and really, madam, I suffer too upon your account. Lucy. Really, miss Polly, you are as squeamishly affected about taking a cup of strong waters as a lady before company. Polly. What do I see? Macheath again in custody-now every glimmering of happiness is lost! [Drops the Glass of Liquor on the Ground. Enter LOCKIT, MACHEATH, and PEACHUM. Lucy. But, miss Polly-in the way of You have neither the chance of love or money friendship, will you give me leave to propose for another escape, for you are ordered to be a glass of cordial to you? called down upon your trial immediately. Polly. Strong waters are apt to give me the headache. I hope, madam, you will excuse me? Lucy. Not the greatest lady in the land could have better in her closet for her own private drinking. You seem mighty low in spirits, my dear! Peach. Away, hussies!—This is not a time for a man to be hampered with his wivesyou see the gentleman is in chains already. Lucy. O husband, husband! my heart longed to see thee, but to see thee thus distracts me! Polly. Will not my dear husband look upon his Polly? Why hadst thou not flown to me protection? with me thou hadst been safe. Polly. I am sorry, madam, my health will for not allow me to accept of your offer-I should not have left you in the rude manner I did when we met last, madam, had not my papa hauled me away so unexpectedly.-I was indeed somewhat provoked, and perhaps might use some expressions that were disrespectful -but really, madam, the captain treated me with so much contempt and cruelty, that I deserved your pity rather than your resentment. Lucy. But since his escape, no doubt, all matters are made up again-Ah Polly! Polly! 'tis I am the unhappy wife, and he loves you as if you were only his mistress. Polly. Sure, madam, you cannot think me so happy as to be the object of your jealousy -A man is always afraid of a woman who loves him too well-So that I must expect to be neglected and avoided. Lucy. Then our cases, my dear Polly, are exactly alike: both of us indeed have been too fond. Indeed, my dear Polly, we are both of us a cup too low; let me prevail upon you to accept of my, offer. DUET. - POLLY AND LUCY. Mine, too, breaks. Polly. Must I be slighted? Mac. What would you have me say, ladies? You see the affair will soon be at an end, without my disobliging either of you. Peach. But the settling of this point, captain, might prevent a lawsuit between your two ladies. AIR. MACHEATH. Which way shall I turn me? how can I decide? Wives, the day of your death, are as foad as a bride. One wife is too much for most husbands But two at a time, there's no mortal can bear. Polly. But, if his own misfortunes have made him insensible to mine, a father, sure, will be more compassionate!-Dear, dear sir! I can't bear, child, to see you in such low sink the material evidence, and bring him off spirits and I must persuade you to what at his trial-Polly, upon her knees, begs it of know will do you good. [Exit. you. Polly. All this wheedling of Lucy can't be for nothing at this time too, when I know! AIR. - POLLY. When my hero in court appears, |