TheProjectGutenbergEBookofTheBeggar'sOpera,byJohnGay

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Title:TheBeggar'sOpera
towhichisprefixedtheMusicktoeachSong
Author:JohnGay
Editor:ClaudLovatFraser
ReleaseDate:April13,2008[EBook#25063]
Language:English
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***STARTOFTHISPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOKTHEBEGGAR'SOPERA***

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THEBEGGARSOPERA

TitlePageText

Contents
(listaddedbytranscriber)
ListofPlates
ClaudLovatFraserbyJohnDrinkwater
NoteontheSceneandCostumes
CastofCharacters
ActI
SceneI:PeachumsHouse
AirsIXVIII

ActII
SceneI:ATavernnearNewgate
AirsXIXXXIV

SceneII:Newgate
AirsXXVXXXVIII

SceneIII:TheSame

AirXXXIX

ActIII
SceneI:Newgate
AirsXLXLII

SceneII:AGamingHouse
AirXLIII

SceneIII:PeachumsLock
AirsXLIV,XLV

SceneIV:Newgate
AirsXLVILVI

SceneV:TheCondemndHold
AirsLVIILXVII

ToJ.G.andtoG.L.F.,withoutwhomIshouldhavebeenpowerless,doIdedicate
myshareinthisbook.C.L.F.

Note.TheTextheregivenistakenfromtheeditionof1765.Thesceneshavebeen
renumberedinthemodernmethoddenotingactualchangesofplaceorintervalsof
time.

FirstpublishedSeptember1921
NewImpressionOctober1921
v

LISTOFTHEPLATES
I. THEBEGGAR
Frontispiece
II. MRS.PEACHUM
Tofacepage 6
III. POLLYPEACHUM

18
IV. SCENE:ATAVERNNEARNEWGATE

28
V. CAPTAINMACHEATH

40
VI. LUCYLOCKIT

56
VII. PEACHUM

70
VIII. LOCKIT

82
1

CLAUDLOVATFRASER
ThatwhenIdiethiswordmaystandforme
Hehadahearttopraise,aneyetosee,
Andbeautywashisking.

DEADattheageofthirtyoneafterasuddenoperation,ClaudLovatFraserwasas
surelyavictimofthewarasthoughhehadfalleninaction.Hewasfullofvigour

forhiswork,butshellshockhadlefthimwithaheartthatcouldnotstandastrain
ofthiskind,andallhisownfinecouragecouldnothelpthesurgeonsinalosing
fight.Wearenotsorryforhimwelearnthat,nottobesorryforthedead.Butfor
ourselves?Thisterrorisalwayssofresh,sounexampled.Ihadtelephonedtohimto
askwhetherhewouldhelpmeinacertaintheatricalenterprise.Iwastoldbyhis
servantthathewasill,butonehearsthesethingssooftenthatonegavebutlittle
thoughttoitbeyondsendingatelegramaskingfornewsandnowthis.Personal
griefsareofnopublicinterest,buthereisassadapubliclossashasbefallenus,if
theworldcanmeasuretruly,inourgeneration.
Butitisnot,Ithink,ofourlossthatweshouldspeaknow.Thesedesolations,
strangely,haveawayofbringingtheirownfortitude.Afewhoursafterhearing,
withoutanywarning,ofLovatFrasersdeath,IwaswalkingamongtheEnglish
landscapethathelovedsowell,andIfelttherehowpoorandinadequateathing
deathreallywas,howlittletobefeared.Thisapparentintentiontodestroyalife
andgeniussoyoung,soadmirable,andsorichinpromise,seemed,forallthehurt,
insomewaywhollytohavefailed.Weallknewthat,givenhealth,thenextten
yearswouldshowasplendidvolumeofworkfromthenewpowerand
understandingtowhichhehadbeencomingintheselaterdays.Butjustasitseems
tomenottheoccasiontolamentourownloss,sodoesitseemidletospeculate
withregretuponwhatartmayhavelostbythissuddenstroke.Itis,rather,wellto
begladthatsofewyearshavebornesoabundantly.NotonlyistheworkthatLovat
Fraserhasleftfullinvolume,itisdecisiveincharacterbeyondalllikelihoodinone
ofhisyears.Greatlyashewouldhaveaddedtoourdelight,andwiderashis
influencewouldhavegrown,nothinghemighthavedonecouldhaveaddedtoour
knowledgeofthekindofdistinctionthatwashisandthatwillalwaysmarkhis
fame.

Themanhimselfhadacharmofunusualdefinition.Onemightgotohisstudioat
fiveoclockandfindhimlumberingwithhisgreatframeamongachaosoftherare
andcuriousbooksthatheloved,stackedpellmellontotheshelves,litteredon
tablesandthefloor,hisclothesandfaceandfingersstreakedwithpaint.Andthen
anhourortwolaterhewouldcomedressedreadyforthetheatre,animmaculate
beauofthefifties,histopcoatwithwaistandskirts,hisoperahatmadetospecial
orderbyaBondStreetexpertonan1850last.Andthen,beforesettingoff,he
wouldtalkofsomefellowartistwhowasalittledownandout,andwonder
whethersomeofhisdrawingsmightnotbeboughtatafewguineasapiece.Thento
book,asitwere,suchanordergavesalttohisevening,andiftheeveningmeant
contactwithsomeofhisownexquisitework,awordofadmirationwastakenwith
thatwistfulgratitudethatitisnowalmostunbearabletoremember.
Thetheatreisacomplex,cooperativeaffair,anditisidletoinquirewhogives
morethananothertoit.Butononesideofitseffortnobodyintheselateryearshas
foughtforlightandbeautymoresurelyandcourageouslythanClaudLovatFraser.
Likeeveryfineartist,hewassometimesalittlepuzzled,alittlehurt,thatthecritics
couldnotseetheclearmotivesinspiringhiswork.Butthepurposeneverfaltered.
AsYouLikeIt,TheBeggarsOpera,If,theexquisitedesignsforMadame
Karsavinaslaterballetsthesemadeitplainenoughthatanewgeniusof
extraordinarypowerandfertilitywasatworkonthestage.Withaknowledgeof
traditionthatcombinedthewidestlearningwithprofoundintuition,LovatFraserin
hisdesigntouchedthelifeoffivehundredyearswiththeEnglishspiritofourown
time,withacertaintythateveryoneofhiscolleagues,Iknow,willbeproudto
allowwasbeyondthemall.ThefertilityofwhichIspeakwasperhapshispeculiar

distinction,andithadnotouchofcommonfacility.Hecouldnotdrawalinethat
wasnothardwiththoughtandrootedinimaginativedecision.Buthecouldinvent
withimmenserapidity.Itwastheold,thoughrare,story.Alikeinhistheatredesign
andhistenderlandscape,beautyofspiritflowedineverythinghedidintobeautyof
execution.Hewasamaninwhosepresenceeverythingmeanorslipshodwithered.
Butperhapsitismostfittingatthistimethatweshouldthinkofourdeadfriendin
yetanotherway.Wearegovernedbytwoinfluences,ourowncharacter,and
example.Foreachmanhisowncharacterisforhismeditationapart,butof
examplewemaysometimesspeaktogetherintheopenwithprofit.Thoseofus
wholivealwaysstrivingtowardscreativeeffortbelievepassionatelythatthething
towardswhichweaimmakesforallthatismostchivalrousandmostintelligentin
life,thatitisindeedtheonetruehonestyintheworld.Andyetweknowhoweasily
thateffortisbesetbyfearsandjealousiesandfailureingenerosity,howlightlywe
whoshouldtogethergiveallourenergytotheserviceofourart,wasteitinlittle
concernsofspiteandselfinterest.Anditisinjustsuchwaysasthisthatgreat
examplemayserveusnobly,andtherehassurelyneverlivedanartistinwhom
suchexamplemoreclearlyshone.Art,whichforhimembracedandcrystallisedall
thatwasbraveandadventurousandtender,wastheworshipofLovatFraserslife,
aworshipwhichhekeptwithanabsoluteloyalty.
Itismyprivilegetoknowmostofthebestartists,inallkinds,ofmyage.Onehas
thisdistinction,anotherthat.ButIthinkthathehadtheloveliestofthemall.Ihave
knownnobodywhobroughttohisartadevotionsopureandutterlyremovedfrom
selfinterest.Ifhecouldservethebeautythatheloved,hewaseageralwaystodo
sowithperfectindifferencetohisownreward.Nobodycouldbewithhimforten
minuteswithoutfeelingthatartwasathingfargreaterthananyartist.Hehadthe
lovely,humoroushumilitythatistheonesuresignofgreatness.Onefeltalways
thatifheshouldthinkthatanothermightdogivenworkbetterthanhe,therecould
beforhimnothingbutdistressifthebestwasnotdone,eventhoughitmeantthe
lossofpersonalopportunity.Butitisoneofthehappythingsofgeniusthatthis
exquisitehumilitycanonlylivewithgreatcreativegifts,sothatLovatFraserknew
fromdaytodaythesupremejoyofmastery.Thehumility,however,isourexample,
andthethoughtthatseemsmostworthytodayisthathestandsatthismoment,for
allhewasyoungerthanmostofus,asachallengingleadertousall.Itwill,Ithink,
alwaysbeimpossibletorememberhimwithoutfeelingthatanythingmeanor
grudginginthespiritinwhichwedoourworkisabetrayalandanintolerable
thing.Withallhisgaiety,hisfun,hissimplicities,andhispowers,heshowedusnot
onlywhatafineartistcandobutwhatafineartistcanbe.Andunderhisleadership
atthismomentmaywenotgobacktoourworkintheworldwithrenewedcourage
andfaith,
Wefew,wehappyfew,webandofbrothers.

Forhisfamenoneofushaveanyfear.Thereisinhispublicachievementandhis
portfoliosasolidbodyofworkthatmoreandmoremustestablishitself.However
futileprophecyinthesethingsmustbe,oneisconfidentthatahundredyearshence
hisnamewillbehighlyhonouredamongthelittlebandwhohelpedtobringback
somelifeandtruthtotheEnglishtheatreofthisage.Hewouldwishfornothing
betterthanthat.Andidlethoughitistoaskwhathisdeath,atlittlemorethan
youth,maymeaninthewayoflosstotheartthathelivedfor,hisfriendsknowthat
asdearalifeasanyofourtimehasgonesuddenly,inexplicably,takingwithitthe
tenderestloveofeveryonewhoknewhim.Andheleaveswithusanexample
withoutanystain.

JOHNDRINKWATER.
London,
Midsummer1921.
vii

THEBEGGARSOPERA
NOTEONTHESCENEANDCOSTUMESATTHELYRICTHEATRE,HAMMERSMITH

SUPERFICIALLYthetaskofstagingTheBeggarsOperawasoneofsupremeease.
Indeed,soeasywasitthatitbecameamatterofsomeembarrassmenttopruneand
selecttherequiredamountofdata.HerewasHogarthandhisactualsceneof
NewgatewithMacheathinchainsherewasLaroonsCriesofLondonfalling,inits
editionof1733,patintotheperiodherewastheNationalPortraitGalleryand,
addedtothese,herewasthebenefitofallMr.CharlesE.Pearcesresearch. 1After
amonthortwoofworkindesigning,theeasebecamesomarkedandapparentthat
itengenderedinmethebeginningsofmistrust.Still,Iperseveredinsceneand
costumewithhistoricallyaccuratereproductionand,untilthreeweeksbeforethe
actualworkwasduetobecarriedoutatthecostumiersandinthepaintingshops,
Ifeltcomparativelycheerful.ThenIreviewedmyforcesthelittlescalemodelsof
thescenes,thecharactersinpaintedcardboardallexactandaccurate.Something
waswrongandtheresultwas,Iconfess,appalling.Ihadnotmadeallowances
eitherformytheatreorformyaudience.Ihadforgottenthatitrequiredaspacious
Georgiantheatre,theintimacyofthesideboxes,thegreatpersonagessittingonthe
stage.TheDukeofBolton,MajorPauncefootandSirRobertFaggwerenotintheir
placesasinHogarthspaintingthepitwouldnotbefilledwithtyewigsandhoops
andtherewouldbeasharperlineofdivisionbetweentheactorsandthespectators
thaneverexistedin1728.Somethingelsehadtobedone.Asreproductionwasa
failureonewouldtrytogiveanimpressionofthesamething.Impressionism
provedevenworsethanaccuracy.Itwasneitheronethingnortheother.Itmerged
intomakingapictureofitacrimethatiswithoutparallelinthestagingofa
play.Tomakeaprettypictureattheexpenseofdramaismerelytopandertothe
voracityofthecostumierandscenepainter.
Whatwasthentobedone?Addedtoalltheseobjectionswastheimportantfactthat
Ihaddesignedscenesthatwouldhaveseriouslyhamperedtheresourcesat
Hammersmith.Thetheatrewouldhaverequiredmorespaceforstoragethancould
possiblyhavebeengivenand,inaddition,anarmyofstagehandswouldbewanted
forwhomtherewasnotinthislittletheatretheaccommodation.
Thesolutionwas,ofcourse,toforgetonespastwork,toscrapthemodels,andto
startfeverishlyafresh.Theonlymethodleftuntriedwasthesymbolic.Thatisto

viii

say,tohintattheeighteenthcenturyandtosuggestthatthroughthedoorsonthe
stageexistedtheLondonof1728.Thescenedemandedtobesimpleandonewhich,
withslightmodificationsindoorsandwindows,remainedbeforetheaudiencefor
thewholeactionoftheplay.Itwas,therefore,tobeasceneofwhichpeopledidnot
easilytireandthatremainedinteresting,unobtrusiveandformallyneat.Tofind
suchasceneitisnecessarytoreferbacktodayswhentheComicandtheTragic
sceneswerearchitecturalandpermanent.ThisIdidand,takingPalladios
magnificentsceneatVicenza,byashamelessprocessofreductioadabsurdum,
evolvedthescenethatisnowinuseatHammersmith.PalladioandGayhavemuch
toforgive.

ix

Sofarthescene,butitcalledforacorrespondingtreatmentinthedresses.InThe
BeggarsOperanooneisintheheightoffashion.MacheathandcertainLadiesof
theTownalonekeepCompanywithLordsandGentlemen,andeventhenthere
musthavebeenapparentadistinction.Macheathisunaltered.Hereitwasessential
tokeeptotradition.Macheathinabluecoatisunthinkable.Therestofthe
charactersarefranklyintheneighbourhoodofNewgate.TheclothesofPeachum
andLockitwouldbeasequallyunfashionableandjustaspossiblethirtyyears
beforeasthirtyyearsafter1728,whilstthefootpadsarecladinwhateverGeorgian
ragsthathappenedtocometheirway.WiththewomenIhavetakengreaterlicence.
Ihavekeptfaithfullytotheoutlinesoftheage,theclosefittingbodice,theflat
hoops,thesquaretoedshoes,butIhavetakenconsiderablelibertiesinthemanner
inwhichIhaveshornthemofribbonsandlacesandforthesakeofdramatic
simplicity,beitrememberedIhaveeliminatedyardsoftrimming.
Justsomuchexplanationis,Iconsider,duetothepublic,butwhetherIhavebeen
justifiedbyresultsorwhether,underthesacredmaskofDrama,Ihaveerred
unpardonably,arepointswhich,solongasthisrevivaldrawsattentiontoa
forgottenmasterpiece,canbeofnoverygreatimportance.
C.LOVATFRASER.
Chelsea,
February1921.
1.PollyPeachumandTheBeggarsOpera,byCharlesE.Pearce.Messrs.
StanleyPaul&Company,1913.

xi

DRAMATISPERSON.
MEN.

MR.PEACHUM
LOCKIT
MACHEATH
FILCH

JEMMYTWITCHER

CROOKFINGERDJACK

WATDREARY

ROBINOFBAGSHOT
MacheathsGang.
NIMMINGNED

HARRYPADDINGTON
MATOFTHEMINT
BENBUDGE

BEGGAR
PLAYER

WOMEN.

MRS.PEACHUM
POLLYPEACHUM
LUCYLOCKIT
DIANATRAPES
MRS.COAXER
DOLLYTRULL
MRS.VIXEN
BETTYDOXY
JENNYDIVER
MRS.SLAMMEKIN
SUKYTAWDRY
MOLLYBRAZEN

WomenoftheTown.

Constables,Drawers,Turnkey,etc.

xiii

INTRODUCTION
BEGGAR,PLAYER.
BEGGAR.
IFPovertybeaTitletoPoetry,Iamsurenobodycandisputemine.Iownmyselfof
theCompanyofBeggarsandImakeoneattheirWeeklyFestivalsatSt.Giless.
IhaveasmallYearlySalaryformyCatches,andamwelcometoaDinnerthere
wheneverIplease,whichismorethanmostPoetscansay.
Player. AswelivebytheMuses,itisbutGratitudeinustoencouragePoetical
Meritwhereverwefindit.TheMuses,contrarytoallotherLadies,payno
DistinctiontoDress,andneverpartiallymistakethePertnessofEmbroideryfor
Wit,northeModestyofWantforDulness.BetheAuthorwhohewill,wepushhis
Playasfarasitwillgo.So(thoughyouareinWant)Iwishyousuccessheartily.
Beggar. ThispieceIownwasoriginallywritforthecelebratingtheMarriageof

JamesChaunterandMollLay,twomostexcellentBalladSingers.Ihave
introducedtheSimilesthatareinallyourcelebratedOperas:TheSwallow,the
Moth,theBee,theShip,theFlower,&c.Besides,IhaveaPrisonScene,whichthe
Ladiesalwaysreckoncharminglypathetic.AstotheParts,Ihaveobservedsucha
niceImpartialitytoourtwoLadies,thatitisimpossibleforeitherofthemtotake
Offence.IhopeImaybeforgiven,thatIhavenotmademyOperathroughout
unnatural,likethoseinvogueforIhavenoRecitativeexceptingthis,asIhave
consentedtohaveneitherProloguenorEpilogue,itmustbeallowedanOperainall
itsForms.ThePieceindeedhathbeenheretoforefrequentlyrepresentedby
ourselvesinourGreatRoomatSt.Giless,sothatIcannottoooftenacknowledge
yourCharityinbringingitnowontheStage.
Player. ButIseeitistimeforustowithdrawtheActorsarepreparingtobegin.
PlayawaytheOverture.
[Exeunt.

OVERTURE

xiv

ACTI.SCENEI.
SCENE,PeachumsHouse.
PeachumsittingataTablewithalargeBookofAccountsbeforehim.
AIRI.AnoldWomanclothedinGray,&c.

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ThroughalltheEmploymentsofLife
EachNeighbourabuseshisBrother
WhoreandRoguetheycallHusbandandWife:
AllProfessionsberogueoneanother:
ThePriestcallstheLawyeraCheat,
TheLawyerbeknavestheDivine:
AndtheStatesman,becausehessogreat,
ThinkshisTradeashonestasmine.
ALawyerisanhonestEmployment,soismine.Likemetooheactsinadouble
Capacity,bothagainstRoguesandforemfortisbutfittingthatweshouldprotect
andencourageCheats,sincewelivebythem.
EnterFilch.
Filch. Sir,BlackMollhathsentwordherTrialcomesonintheAfternoon,andshe
hopesyouwillorderMatterssoastobringheroff.
Peachum. AstheWenchisveryactiveandindustrious,youmaysatisfyherthat
IllsoftentheEvidence.
Filch. TomGagg,Sir,isfoundguilty.
Peachum. AlazyDog!WhenItookhimthetimebefore,Itoldhimwhathewould
cometoifhedidnotmendhisHand.ThisisDeathwithoutReprieve.Imay

venturetoBookhim [writes.] ForTomGagg,fortyPounds.LetBettySlyknow

thatIllsaveherfromTransportation,forIcangetmorebyherstayinginEngland.
Filch. BettyhathbroughtmoreGoodsintoourLocktoyearthananyfiveofthe
Gangandintruth,tisapitytolosesogoodaCustomer.
Peachum. IfnoneoftheGangtakeheroff,shemay,inthecommoncourseof
Business,liveaTwelvemonthlonger.IlovetoletWomenscape.Agood
SportsmanalwaysletstheHenPartridgesfly,becausetheBreedoftheGame
dependsuponthem.Besides,heretheLawallowsusnoRewardthereisnothingto
begotbytheDeathofWomenexceptourWives.
Filch. Withoutdispute,sheisafineWoman!TwastoherIwasobligedformy
Education,and(tosayaboldWord)shehathtrainedupmoreyoungFellowstothe
BusinessthantheGamingtable.
Peachum. Truly,Filch,thyObservationisright.WeandtheSurgeonsaremore
beholdentoWomenthanalltheProfessionsbesides.

AIRII.ThebonnygrayeydMorn,&c.

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TisWomanthatseducesallMankind,
ByherwefirstweretaughtthewheedlingArts:
HerveryEyescancheatwhenmostsheskind,
ShetricksusofourMoneywithourHearts.
Forher,likeWolvesbyNightweroamforPrey,
AndpractiseevryFraudtobribeherCharms
ForSuitsofLove,likeLaw,arewonbyPay,
AndBeautymustbefeedintoourArms.

Peachum. ButmakehastetoNewgate,Boy,andletmyFriendsknowwhatI
intendforIlovetomakethemeasyonewayorother.
Filch. WhenaGentlemanislongkeptinsuspence,PenitencemaybreakhisSpirit
everafter.Besides,CertaintygivesaManagoodAiruponhisTrial,andmakeshim
riskanotherwithoutFearorScruple.ButIllaway,fortisaPleasuretobethe
MessengerofComforttoFriendsinAffliction.
[ExitFilch.

Peachum. ButtisnowhightimetolookaboutmeforadecentExecutionagainst
nextSessions.IhatealazyRogue,bywhomonecangetnothingtillheishangd.
ARegisteroftheGang, [Reading.] CrookfingerdJack.AYearandahalfinthe
ServiceLetmeseehowmuchtheStockowestohisindustryone,two,three,four,
fiveGoldWatches,andsevenSilverones.AmightycleanhandedFellow!Sixteen
Snuffboxes,fiveofthemoftrueGold.SixDozenofHandkerchiefs,foursilver
hiltedSwords,halfaDozenofShirts,threeTyePeriwigs,andaPieceofBroad
Cloth.ConsideringtheseareonlytheFruitsofhisleisureHours,Idontknowa
prettierFellow,fornoManalivehathamoreengagingPresenceofMinduponthe
Road.WatDreary,aliasBrownWill,anirregularDog,whohathanunderhandway
ofdisposingofhisGoods.IlltryhimonlyforaSessionsortwolongeruponhis
Goodbehaviour.HarryPaddington,apoorpettylarcenyRascal,withouttheleast
GeniusthatFellow,thoughheweretolivethesesixMonths,willnevercometo
theGallowswithanyCredit.SlipperySamhegoesoffthenextSessions,forthe
VillainhaththeImpudencetohaveViewsoffollowinghisTradeasaTailor,which
hecallsanhonestEmployment.MatoftheMintlistednotaboveaMonthago,
apromisingsturdyFellow,anddiligentinhiswaysomewhattooboldandhasty,
andmayraisegoodContributionsonthePublic,ifhedoesnotcuthimselfshortby
Murder.TomTipple,aguzzlingsoakingSot,whoisalwaystoodrunktostand
himself,ortomakeothersstand.ACartisabsolutelynecessaryforhim.Robinof
Bagshot,aliasGorgon,aliasBluffBob,aliasCarbuncle,aliasBobBooty.
EnterMrs.Peachum.
Mrs.Peachum. WhatofBobBooty,Husband?Ihopenothingbadhathbetided
him.Youknow,myDear,hesafavouriteCustomerofmine.Twashemademea
presentofthisRing.
Peachum. IhavesethisNamedownintheBlackList,thatsall,myDearhe
spendshisLifeamongWomen,andassoonashisMoneyisgone,oneorotherof
theLadieswillhanghimfortheReward,andtheresfortyPoundlosttousforever.
Mrs.Peachum. Youknow,myDear,InevermeddleinmattersofDeathIalways
leavethoseAffairstoyou.WomenindeedarebitterbadJudgesinthesecases,for
theyaresopartialtotheBravethattheythinkeveryManhandsomewhoisgoingto
theCamportheGallows.
AIRIII.Coldandraw,&c.

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IfanyWenchVenussGirdlewear,
Thoughshebeneversougly

LiliesandRoseswillquicklyappear,
AndherFacelookwondroussmugly.
BeneaththeleftEarsofitbutaCord,
(ARopesocharmingaZoneis!)
TheYouthinhisCarthaththeAirofaLord,
Andwecry,TherediesanAdonis!
Butreally,Husband,youshouldnotbetoohardhearted,foryouneverhadafiner,
braversetofMenthanatpresent.WehavenothadaMurderamongthemall,these
sevenMonths.Andtruly,myDear,thatisagreatBlessing.

Peachum. WhatadickensistheWomanalwaysawhimpringaboutMurderfor?
NoGentlemaniseverlookdupontheworseforkillingaManinhisownDefence
andifBusinesscannotbecarriedonwithoutit,whatwouldyouhavea
Gentlemando?
Mrs.Peachum. IfIaminthewrong,myDear,youmustexcuseme,fornobody
canhelptheFrailtyofanoverscrupulousConscience.
Peachum. MurderisasfashionableaCrimeasaMancanbeguiltyof.Howmany
fineGentlemenhaveweinNewgateeveryYear,purelyuponthatArticle!Ifthey
havewherewithaltopersuadetheJurytobringitinManslaughter,whataretheythe
worseforit?So,myDear,havedoneuponthisSubject.WasCaptainMacheath
herethisMorning,fortheBankNotesheleftwithyoulastWeek?
Mrs.Peachum. Yes,myDearandthoughtheBankhathstoptPayment,hewasso
chearfulandsoagreeable!SurethereisnotafinerGentlemanupontheRoadthan
theCaptain!ifhecomesfromBagshotatanyreasonableHour,hehathpromisdto
makeonethisEveningwithPollyandme,andBobBootyataPartyofQuadrille.
Pray,myDear,istheCaptainrich?
Peachum. TheCaptainkeepstoogoodCompanyevertogrowrich.Maryboneand
theChocolatehousesarehisUndoing.TheManthatproposestogetMoneyby
playshouldhavetheEducationofafineGentleman,andbetrainduptoitfromhis
Youth.
Mrs.Peachum. Really,IamsorryuponPollysAccounttheCaptainhathnotmore
Discretion.WhatBusinesshathhetokeepCompanywithLordsandGentlemen?
heshouldleavethemtopreyupononeanother.
Peachum. UponPollysAccount!What,aPlague,doestheWomanmean?Upon
PollysAccount!
Mrs.Peachum. CaptainMacheathisveryfondoftheGirl.
Peachum. Andwhatthen?
Mrs.Peachum. IfIhaveanySkillintheWaysofWomen,IamsurePollythinks
himaveryprettyMan.
Peachum. Andwhatthen?YouwouldnotbesomadtohavetheWenchmarry
him!GamestersandHighwaymenaregenerallyverygoodtotheirWhores,butthey
areveryDevilstotheirWives.
Mrs.Peachum. ButifPollyshouldbeinLove,howshouldwehelpher,orhow
canshehelpherself?PoorGirl,IamintheutmostConcernabouther.
AIRIV.WhyisyourfaithfulSlavedisdaind?&c.

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IfLovetheVirginsHeartinvade,
How,likeaMoth,thesimpleMaid
StillplaysabouttheFlame!
IfsoonshebenotmadeaWife,
HerHonourssingd,andthenforLife,
SheswhatIdarenotname.
Peachum. Lookye,Wife.AhandsomeWenchinourwayofBusinessisas
profitableasattheBarofaTempleCoffeeHouse,wholooksuponitasher
livelihoodtogranteveryLibertybutone.YouseeIwouldindulgetheGirlasfaras
prudentlywecan.Inanything,butMarriage!Afterthat,myDear,howshallwebe
safe?ArewenottheninherHusbandsPower?ForaHusbandhaththeabsolute
PoweroverallaWifesSecretsbutherown.IftheGirlhadtheDiscretionofa
CourtLady,whocanhaveaDozenyoungFellowsatherEarwithoutcomplying
withone,IshouldnotmatteritbutPollyisTinder,andaSparkwillatoncesether
onaFlame.Married!IftheWenchdoesnotknowherownProfit,suresheknows
herownPleasurebetterthantomakeherselfaProperty!MyDaughtertomeshould
be,likeaCourtLadytoaMinisterofState,aKeytothewholeGang.Married!If
theAffairisnotalreadydone,Illterrifyherfromit,bytheExampleofour
Neighbours.

Mrs.Peachum. Mayhap,myDear,youmayinjuretheGirl.Shelovestoimitate
thefineLadies,andshemayonlyallowtheCaptainLibertiesintheviewof
Interest.
Peachum. ButtisyourDuty,myDear,towarntheGirlagainstherRuin,andto
instructherhowtomakethemostofherBeauty.Illgotoherthismoment,andsift
her.Inthemeantime,Wife,ripouttheCoronetsandMarksoftheseDozenof
CambricHandkerchiefs,forIcandisposeofthemthisAfternoontoaChapinthe
City.
[ExitPeachum.
Mrs.Peachum. NeverwasaManmoreoutofthewayinanArgumentthanmy
Husband!WhymustourPolly,forsooth,differfromherSex,andloveonlyher
Husband?AndwhymustPollysMarriage,contrarytoallObservations,makeher
thelessfollowedbyotherMen?AllMenareThievesinLove,andlikeaWoman
thebetterforbeinganothersProperty.
AIRV.OfallthesimpleThingswedo,&c.

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AMaidisliketheGoldenOre,
WhichhathGuineasintrinsicalint,
WhoseWorthisneverknownbefore
ItistrydandimprestintheMint.
AWifeslikeaGuineainGold,
StamptwiththeNameofherSpouse
Nowhere,nowthereisbought,orissold
AndiscurrentineveryHouse.
EnterFilch.
Mrs.Peachum. Comehither,Filch.IamasfondofthisChild,asthoughmyMind
misgavemeheweremyown.HehathasfineaHandatpickingaPocketasa
Woman,andisasnimblefingerdasaJuggler.IfanunluckySessiondoesnotcut
theRopeofthyLife,Ipronounce,Boy,thouwiltbeagreatManinHistory.Where
wasyourPostlastNight,myBoy?
Filch. IplydattheOpera,Madamandconsideringtwasneitherdarknorrainy,
sothattherewasnogreatHurryingettingChairsandCoaches,madeatolerable
Handont.ThesesevenHandkerchiefs,Madam.
Mrs.Peachum. Colourdones,Isee.TheyareofsureSalefromourWarehouseat
RedriffamongtheSeamen.
Filch. AndthisSnuffbox.
Mrs.Peachum. SetinGold!AprettyEncouragementthistoayoungBeginner.
Filch. IhadafairTugatacharmingGoldWatch.PoxtaketheTailorsformaking
theFobssodeepandnarrow!Itstuckbytheway,andIwasforcdtomakemy
EscapeunderaCoach.Really,Madam,IfearIshallbecutoffintheFlowerofmy
Youth,sothateverynowandthen(sinceIwaspumpt)IhaveThoughtsoftakingup
andgoingtoSea.
Mrs.Peachum. YoushouldgotoHockleyintheHole,andtoMarybone,Child,to
learnValour.ThesearetheSchoolsthathavebredsomanybraveMen.Ithought,
Boy,bythistime,thouhadstlostFearaswellasShame.PoorLad!howlittledoes
heknowasyetoftheOldBaily!ForthefirstFactIllinsuretheefrombeing
hangdandgoingtoSea,Filch,willcometimeenoughuponaSentenceof
Transportation.Butnow,sinceyouhavenothingbettertodo,evngotoyourBook,
andlearnyourCatechismforreallyaManmakesbutanillFigureinthe
OrdinarysPaper,whocannotgiveasatisfactoryAnswertohisQuestions.But,
harkyou,myLad.DonttellmeaLyeforyouknowIhateaLiar.Doyouknowof
anythingthathathpassdbetweenCaptainMacheathandourPolly?

10

Filch. Ibegyou,Madam,dontaskmeforImusteithertellaLyetoyouorto
MissPollyforIpromisdherIwouldnottell.
Mrs.Peachum. ButwhentheHonourofourFamilyisconcernd
Filch. IshallleadasadLifewithMissPolly,ifevershecomestoknowthatItold
you.Besides,IwouldnotwillinglyforfeitmyownHonourbybetrayinganybody.

11

Mrs.Peachum. YondercomesmyHusbandandPolly.Come,Filch,youshallgo
withmeintomyownRoom,andtellmethewholeStory.IllgivetheeaGlassofa
mostdeliciousCordialthatIkeepformyowndrinking.
[Exeunt.
EnterPeachum,Polly.
Polly. IknowaswellasanyofthefineLadieshowtomakethemostofmyself
andofmyMantoo.AWomanknowshowtobemercenary,thoughshehathnever
beeninaCourtoratanAssembly.WehaveitinourNatures,Papa.IfIallow
CaptainMacheathsometriflingLiberties,IhavethisWatchandothervisible
MarksofhisFavourtoshewforit.AGirlwhocannotgrantsomeThings,and
refusewhatismostmaterial,willmakebutapoorhandofherBeauty,andsoonbe
thrownupontheCommon.
AIRVI.WhatshallIdotoshewhowmuchIloveher,&c.

MIDI

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VirginsarelikethefairFlowerinitsLustre,
WhichintheGardenenamelstheGround
NearittheBeesinplayflutterandcluster,
AndgaudyButterfliesfrolickaround.
But,whenoncepluckd,tisnolongeralluring,
ToCoventGardentissent(asyetsweet),
Therefades,andshrinks,andgrowspastallenduring,
Rots,stinks,anddies,andistrodunderfeet.
Peachum. Youknow,Polly,Iamnotagainstyourtoyingandtriflingwitha
CustomerinthewayofBusiness,ortogetoutaSecret,orso.ButifIfindoutthat
youhaveplaydtheFoolandaremarried,youJadeyou,IllcutyourThroat,
Hussy.NowyouknowmyMind.
EnterMrs.Peachum,inaverygreatPassion.

12

AIRVII.OhLondonisafineTown.

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OurPollyisasadSlut!norheedswhatwehavetaughther.
IwonderanyManalivewilleverrearaDaughter!
ForshemusthavebothHoodsandGowns,andHoopstoswellher
Pride,
WithScarfsandStays,andGlovesandLaceandshewillhaveMen
beside
AndwhenshesdrestwithCareandCost,alltempting,fineandgay,
AsMenshouldserveaCucumber,sheflingsherselfaway.
OurPollyisasadSlut!&c.
YouBaggage!youHussy!youinconsiderateJade!hadyoubeenhangd,itwould
nothavevexdme,forthatmighthavebeenyourMisfortunebuttodosuchamad
thingbyChoiceTheWenchismarried,Husband.

13

Peachum. Married!theCaptainisaboldMan,andwillriskanythingforMoney
tobesurehebelievesheraFortune.DoyouthinkyourMotherandIshouldhave
livdcomfortablysolongtogether,ifeverwehadbeenmarried?Baggage!
Mrs.Peachum. IknewshewasalwaysaproudSlutandnowtheWenchhath
playdtheFoolandMarried,becauseforsoothshewoulddoliketheGentry.Can
yousupporttheExpenceofaHusband,Hussy,inGaming,DrinkingandWhoring?
HaveyouMoneyenoughtocarryonthedailyQuarrelsofManandWifeaboutwho
shallsquandermost?TherearenotmanyHusbandsandWives,whocanbearthe
Chargesofplaguingoneanotherinahandsomway.Ifyoumustbemarried,could
youintroducenobodyintoourFamilybutaHighwayman?Why,thoufoolishJade,
thouwiltbeasillusd,andasmuchneglected,asifthouhadstmarriedaLord!
Peachum. LetnotyourAnger,myDear,breakthroughtheRulesofDecency,for
theCaptainlooksuponhimselfintheMilitaryCapacity,asaGentlemanbyhis
Profession.Besideswhathehathalready,Iknowheisinafairwayofgetting,orof
dyingandboththeseways,letmetellyou,aremostexcellentChancesforaWife.
Tellme,Hussy,areyouruindorno?
Mrs.Peachum. WithPollysFortune,shemightverywellhavegoneofftoa
PersonofDistinction.Yes,thatyoumight,youpoutingSlut!
Peachum. WhatistheWenchdumb?Speak,orIllmakeyoupleadbysqueezing
outanAnswerfromyou.AreyoureallyboundWifetohim,orareyouonlyupon
liking?
[Pinchesher.
Polly. Oh!

[Screaming.

Mrs.Peachum. HowtheMotheristobepitiedwhohathhandsomDaughters!
Locks,Bolts,Bars,andLecturesofMoralityarenothingtothem:Theybreak
throughthemall.TheyhaveasmuchPleasureincheatingaFatherandMother,as

14

incheatingatCards.
Peachum. Why,Polly,Ishallsoonknowifyouaremarried,byMacheaths
keepingfromourHouse.
AIRVIII.GrimKingoftheGhosts,&c.

MIDI

Polly.

PDF

CanLovebecontroldbyAdvice?
WillCupidourMothersobey?
ThoughmyHeartwereasfrozenasIce,
AthisFlametwouldhavemeltedaway.
Whenhekistmesocloselyheprest,
TwassosweetthatImusthavecomplyd:
SoIthoughtitbothsafestandbest
Tomarry,forfearyoushouldchide.

Mrs.Peachum. ThenalltheHopesofourFamilyaregoneforeverandever!
Peachum. AndMacheathmayhanghisFatherandMotherinlaw,inhopetoget
intotheirDaughtersFortune.
Polly. Ididnotmarryhim(astistheFashion)coollyanddeliberatelyforHonour
orMoney.But,Ilovehim.
Mrs.Peachum. Lovehim!worseandworse!IthoughttheGirlhadbeenbetter
bred.OhHusband,Husband!herFollymakesmemad!myHeadswims!Im
distracted!IcantsupportmyselfOh!
[Faints.
Peachum. See,Wench,towhataConditionyouhavereducdyourpoorMother!
aGlassofCordial,thisinstant.HowthepoorWomantakesittoheart!
[Pollygoesout,andreturnswithit.
Ah,Hussy,nowthisistheonlyComfortyourMotherhasleft!
Polly. GiveheranotherGlass,Sir!myMamadrinksdoubletheQuantity
wheneversheisoutofOrder.This,yousee,fetchesher.
Mrs.Peachum. TheGirlshewssuchaReadiness,andsomuchConcern,thatI
couldalmostfindinmyHearttoforgiveher.
AIRIX.OJenny,OJenny,wherehastthoubeen.

15

MIDI

Polly.

PDF

OPolly,youmighthavetoydandkist.
BykeepingMenoff,youkeepthemon.
Buthesoteazdme,
Andhesopleasdme,
WhatIdid,youmusthavedone.

Mrs.Peachum. NotwithaHighwayman.YousorrySlut!
Peachum. AWordwithyou,Wife.TisnonewthingforaWenchtotakeMan
withoutConsentofParents.YouknowtistheFrailtyofWomen,myDear.

16

Mrs.Peachum. Yes,indeed,theSexisfrail.ButthefirsttimeaWomanisfrail,
sheshouldbesomewhatnicemethinks,forthenorneveristhetimetomakeher
Fortune.Afterthat,shehathnothingtodobuttoguardherselffrombeingfound
out,andshemaydowhatshepleases.
Peachum. MakeyourselfalittleeasyIhaveaThoughtshallsoonsetallMatters
againtorights.Whysomelancholy,Polly?sincewhatisdonecannotbeundone,
wemustallendeavourtomakethebestofit.
Mrs.Peachum. Well,PollyasfarasoneWomancanforgiveanother,Iforgive
thee.YourFatheristoofondofyou,Hussy.
Polly. ThenallmySorrowsareatanend.
Mrs.Peachum. AmightylikelySpeechintroth,foraWenchwhoisjustmarried!
AIRX.Thomas,Icannot,&c.

MIDI

Polly.

PDF

I,likeaShipinStorms,wastost
YetafraidtoputintoLand:
ForseizdinthePorttheVesselslost,
WhoseTreasureiscontreband.
TheWavesarelaid,
MyDutyspaid.

17

OJoybeyondExpression!
Thus,safeashore,
Iasknomore,
MyAllisinmyPossession.
Peachum. IhearCustomersintotherRoom:Go,talkwithem,Pollybutcometo
usagain,assoonastheyaregone.But,harkye,Child,iftistheGentlemanwho
washereYesterdayabouttheRepeatingWatchsay,youbelievewecantget
Intelligenceofittilltomorrow.ForIlentittoSukyStraddle,tomakeafigurewith
ittonightataTaverninDruryLane.IftotherGentlemancallsfortheSilverhilted
SwordyouknowBeetlebrowdJemmyhathiton,andhedothnotcomefrom
TunbridgetillTuesdayNightsothatitcannotbehadtillthen.
[ExitPolly.
Peachum. DearWife,bealittlepacified,DontletyourPassionrunawaywith
yourSenses.Polly,Igrantyou,hathdonearashthing.
Mrs.Peachum. IfshehadonlyanIntriguewiththeFellow,whytheverybest
FamilieshaveexcusdandhuddledupaFrailtyofthatsort.TisMarriage,
Husband,thatmakesitaBlemish.
Peachum. ButMoney,Wife,isthetrueFullersEarthforReputations,thereisnot
aSpotoraStainbutwhatitcantakeout.ArichRoguenowadaysisfitCompany
foranyGentlemanandtheWorld,myDear,hathnotsuchaContemptforRoguery
asyouimagine.Itellyou,Wife,IcanmakethisMatchturntoourAdvantage.
Mrs.Peachum. Iamverysensible,Husband,thatCaptainMacheathisworth
Money,butIamindoubtwhetherhehathnottwoorthreeWivesalready,andthen
ifheshoulddieinaSessionortwo,PollysDowerwouldcomeintoDispute.
Peachum. That,indeed,isaPointwhichoughttobeconsiderd.
AIRXI.ASoldierandaSailor.

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AFoxmaystealyourHens,Sir,
AWhoreyourHealthandPence,Sir,
YourDaughterrobyourChest,Sir,
YourWifemaystealyourRest,Sir.
AThiefyourGoodsandPlate.
Butthisisallbutpicking,
WithRest,Pence,ChestandChicken

18

Iteverwasdecreed,Sir,
IfLawyersHandisfeed,Sir,
HestealsyourwholeEstate.
TheLawyersarebitterEnemiestothoseinourWay.Theydontcarethatanybody
shouldgetaclandestineLivelihoodbutthemselves.
EnterPolly.

19

Polly. TwasonlyNimmingNed.HebroughtinaDamaskWindowCurtain,
aHoopPetticoat,apairofSilverCandlesticks,aPeriwig,andoneSilkStocking,
fromtheFirethathappendlastNight.
Peachum. ThereisnotaFellowthatisclevererinhisway,andsavesmoreGoods
outoftheFirethanNed.Butnow,Polly,toyourAffairforMattersmustnotbeleft
astheyare.Youaremarriedthen,itseems?
Polly. Yes,Sir.
Peachum. Andhowdoyouproposetolive,Child?
Polly. LikeotherWomen,Sir,upontheIndustryofmyHusband.
Mrs.Peachum. What,istheWenchturndFool?AHighwaymansWife,likea
Soldiers,hathaslittleofhisPay,asofhisCompany.
Peachum. AndhadnotyouthecommonViewsofaGentlewomaninyour
Marriage,Polly?
Polly. Idontknowwhatyoumean,Sir.
Peachum. OfaJointure,andofbeingaWidow.
Polly. ButIlovehim,SirhowthencouldIhaveThoughtsofpartingwithhim?
Peachum. Partingwithhim!Why,thisisthewholeSchemeandIntentionofall
MarriageArticles.ThecomfortableEstateofWidowhood,istheonlyHopethat
keepsupaWifesSpirits.WhereistheWomanwhowouldscrupletobeaWife,if
shehaditinherPowertobeaWidow,whenevershepleasd?Ifyouhaveany
Viewsofthissort,Polly,IshallthinktheMatchnotsoveryunreasonable.
Polly. HowIdreadtohearyourAdvice!YetImustbegyoutoexplainyourself.
Peachum. Securewhathehathgot,havehimpeachdthenextSessions,andthen
atonceyouaremadearichWidow.
Polly. What,murdertheManIlove!TheBloodrunscoldatmyHeartwiththe
verythoughtofit.
Peachum. Fie,Polly!WhathathMurdertodointheAffair?Sincethethingsooner
orlatermusthappen,Idaresay,theCaptainhimselfwouldlikethatweshouldget
theRewardforhisDeathsoonerthanaStranger.Why,Polly,theCaptainknows,
thatastishisEmploymenttorob,sotisourstotakeRobberseveryManinhis
Business.SothatthereisnoMaliceintheCase.
Mrs.Peachum. Ay,Husband,nowyouhavenickdtheMatter.Tohavehim
peachdistheonlythingcouldevermakemeforgiveher.
AIRXII.Nowponderwell,yeParentsdear.

20

MIDI

Polly.

PDF

Oponderwell!benotsevere
SosaveawretchedWife!
ForontheRopethathangsmyDear
DependspoorPollysLife.

Mrs.Peachum. ButyourDutytoyourParents,Hussy,obligesyoutohanghim.
WhatwouldmanyaWifegiveforsuchanOpportunity!
Polly. WhatisaJointure,whatisWidowhoodtome?IknowmyHeart.Icannot
survivehim.
21

AIRXIII.Leprintemsrapelleauxarmes.

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TheTurtlethuswithplaintiveCrying,
HerLoverdying,
TheTurtlethuswithplaintiveCrying,
LamentsherDove.
DownshedropsquitespentwithSighing.
PairdinDeath,aspairdinLove.
Thus,Sir,itwillhappentoyourpoorPolly.
Mrs.Peachum. What,istheFoolinLoveinearnestthen?Ihatetheeforbeing
particular:Why,Wench,thouartaShametothyverySex.
Polly. Buthearme,Mother.Ifyoueverlovd
Mrs.Peachum. ThosecursedPlayBooksshereadshavebeenherRuin.OneWord
more,Hussy,andIshallknockyourBrainsout,ifyouhaveany.
Peachum. Keepoutoftheway,Polly,forfearofMischief,andconsiderofwhatis
proposedtoyou.
Mrs.Peachum. Away,Hussy.HangyourHusband,andbedutiful.
ReenterPolly,andlistensbehindcolumn.

[ExitPolly.

Mrs.Peachum. TheThing,Husband,mustandshallbedone.Forthesakeof
Intelligencewemusttakeothermeasures,andhavehimpeachedthenextSession
withoutherConsent.IfshewillnotknowherDuty,weknowours.

22

Peachum. Butreally,myDear,itgrievesonesHearttotakeoffagreatMan.
WhenIconsiderhisPersonalBravery,hisfineStratagem,howmuchwehave
alreadygotbyhim,andhowmuchmorewemayget,methinksIcantfindinmy
HearttohaveahandinhisDeath.IwishyoucouldhavemadePollyundertakeit.
Mrs.Peachum. ButinaCaseofNecessityourownLivesareindanger.
Peachum. Then,indeed,wemustcomplywiththeCustomsoftheWorld,and
makeGratitudegivewaytoInterest.Heshallbetakenoff.
Mrs.Peachum. IllundertaketomanagePolly.
Peachum. AndIllprepareMattersfortheOldBaily.
[Exeuntseverally.
Polly. NowImaWretch,indeed.MethinksIseehimalreadyintheCart,
sweeterandmorelovelythantheNosegayinhisHand!IheartheCrowd
extollinghisResolutionandIntrepidity!WhatVolliesofSighsaresentfromthe
WindowsofHolborn,thatsocomelyaYouthshouldbebroughttoDisgrace!
IseehimattheTree!ThewholeCircleareinTears!evenButchersweep!Jack
KetchhimselfhesitatestoperformhisDuty,andwouldbegladtolosehisFee,bya
Reprieve.WhatthenwillbecomeofPolly!AsyetImayinformhimoftheir
Design,andaidhiminhisEscape.ItshallbesoButthenheflies,absents
himself,andIbarmyselffromhisdeardearConversation!Thattoowilldistract
me.Ifhekeepoutoftheway,myPapaandMamamayintimerelent,andwe
maybehappy.Ifhestays,heishangd,andthenheislostforever!Heintended
tolieconcealdinmyRoom,tilltheDuskoftheEvening:IftheyareabroadIll
thisInstantlethimout,lestsomeAccidentshouldpreventhim.
[Exit,andreturnswithMacheath.
Macheath.
AIRXIV.PrettyParrot,say

MIDI

Macheath.

PrettyPolly,say,
WhenIwasaway,
Didyourfancyneverstray

PDF

23

TosomenewerLover?
Polly.

Macheath.

WithoutDisguise,
HeavingSighs,
DotingEyes,
MyconstantHeartdiscover.
Fondlyletmeloll!
Opretty,prettyPoll.

Polly. Andareyouasfondasever,myDear?
Macheath. SuspectmyHonour,myCourage,suspectanythingbutmyLove.
MaymyPistolsmissFire,andmyMareslipherShoulderwhileIampursud,ifI
everforsakethee!

24

Polly. Nay,myDear,IhavenoReasontodoubtyou,forIfindintheRomance
youlentme,noneofthegreatHeroeswereeverfalseinLove.
AIRXV.Pray,Fairone,bekind

MIDI

Macheath.

PDF

MyHeartwassofree,
ItrovdliketheBee,
TillPollymyPassionrequited
IsipteachFlower,
IchangdeveryHour,
ButhereeveryFlowerisunited.

Polly. WereyousentencdtoTransportation,sure,myDear,youcouldnotleave
mebehindyoucouldyou?
Macheath. IsthereanyPower,anyForcethatcouldtearmefromthee?Youmight
soonertearaPensionoutoftheHandsofaCourtier,aFeefromaLawyer,apretty
WomanfromaLookingglass,oranyWomanfromQuadrille.Buttotearme
fromtheeisimpossible!
25

AIRXVI.OvertheHillsandfaraway.

MIDI

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WereIlaidonGreenlandsCoast,
AndinmyArmsembracdmyLass
WarmamidsteternalFrost,
ToosoontheHalfYearsNightwouldpass.
Polly.

WereIsoldonIndianSoil,
SoonastheburningDaywasclosd,
IcouldmockthesultryToil
WhenonmyCharmersBreastreposd.

Macheath. AndIwouldloveyoualltheDay,
Polly.

EveryNightwouldkissandplay,

Macheath. Ifwithmeyoudfondlystray
Polly.

OvertheHillsandfaraway.

Polly. Yes,Iwouldgowiththee.Butoh!howshallIspeakit?Imustbetorn
fromthee.Wemustpart.
Macheath. How!Part!
Polly. Wemust,wemust.MyPapaandMamaaresetagainstthyLife.They
now,evennowareinSearchafterthee.TheyarepreparingEvidenceagainstthee.
ThyLifedependsuponamoment.
26

AIRXVII.Ginthouwertmineawnthing

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OhwhatPainitistopart!
CanIleavethee,canIleavethee?
Owhatpainitistopart!
CanthyPollyeverleavethee?
ButlestDeathmyLoveshouldthwart,
AndbringtheetothefatalCart,
ThusIteartheefrommybleedingHeart!
Flyhence,andletmeleavethee.
OneKissandthenoneKissbegonefarewel.
Macheath. MyHand,myHeart,myDear,issorivetedtothine,thatIcannot
unloosemyHold.
Polly. ButmyPapamayinterceptthee,andthenIshouldlosetheveryglimmering
ofHope.AfewWeeks,perhaps,mayreconcileusall.ShallthyPollyhearfrom
thee?
Macheath. MustIthengo?
Polly. AndwillnotAbsencechangeyourLove?
Macheath. Ifyoudoubtit,letmestayandbehangd.
Polly. OhowIfear!howItremble!GobutwhenSafetywillgiveyouleave,
youwillbesuretoseemeagainfortillthenPollyiswretched.
AIRXVIII.OtheBroom,&c.

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Macheath. TheMiserthusaShillingsees,
Whichhesobligdtopay,
Withsighsresignsitbydegrees,
Andfearstisgoneforay.
[Parting,andlookingbackateachotherwithfondnessheatoneDoor,sheat
theother.
Polly.
TheBoy,thus,whenhisSparrowsflown,
TheBirdinSilenceeyes
ButsoonasoutofSighttisgone,
Whines,whimpers,sobsandcries.

27

28

ACTII.SCENEI.
ATAVERNnearNewgate.
JemmyTwitcher,CrookfingerdJack,WatDreary,RobinofBagshot,
NimmingNed,HenryPaddington,MattoftheMint,BenBudge,and

therestoftheGang,attheTable,withWine,BrandyandTobacco.
Ben. Butprythee,Matt,whatisbecomeofthyBrotherTom?Ihavenotseenhim
sincemyReturnfromTransportation.
Matt. PoorBrotherTomhadanAccidentthistimeTwelvemonth,andsoclevera
madefellowhewas,thatIcouldnotsavehimfromthosefleaingRascalsthe
Surgeonsandnow,poorMan,heisamongtheOtamysatSurgeonsHall.
Ben. Soitseems,hisTimewascome.
Jemmy. ButthepresentTimeisours,andnobodyalivehathmore.Whyarethe
Lawslevelldatus?arewemoredishonestthantherestofMankind?Whatwewin,
Gentlemen,isourownbytheLawofArms,andtheRightofConquest.
Crook. WhereshallwefindsuchanotherSetofPracticalPhilosophers,whotoa
ManareabovetheFearofDeath?
Wat. SoundMen,andtrue!
Robin. OftrydCourage,andindefatigableIndustry!
Ned. WhoisthereherethatwouldnotdieforhisFriend?
Harry. WhoisthereherethatwouldbetrayhimforhisInterest?
Matt. ShewmeaGangofCourtiersthatcansayasmuch.
Ben. WeareforajustPartitionoftheWorld,foreveryManhathaRighttoenjoy
Life.
Matt. WeretrenchtheSuperfluitiesofMankind.TheWorldisavaritious,andI
hateAvarice.Acovetousfellow,likeaJackdaw,stealswhathewasnevermadeto
enjoy,forthesakeofhidingit.ThesearetheRobbersofMankind,forMoneywas
madefortheFreeheartedandGenerous,andwhereistheInjuryoftakingfrom
another,whathehathnottheHearttomakeuseof?
Jemmy. OurseveralStationsfortheDayarefixt.Goodluckattendusall.Fillthe
Glasses.
AIRXIX.FilleveryGlass,&c.

MIDI

Matt.

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FilleveryGlass,forWineinspiresus,
Andfiresus
WithCourage,LoveandJoy.
WomenandWineshouldlifeemploy.
IsthereoughtelseonEarthdesirous?

29

Chorus.

FilleveryGlass,&c.
TothementerMacheath.

30

Macheath. Gentlemen,wellmet.MyHearthathbeenwithyouthisHourbutan
unexpectedAffairhathdetaindme.NoCeremony,Ibegyou.
Matt. WewerejustbreakinguptogouponDuty.AmItohavetheHonourof
takingtheAirwithyou,Sir,thisEveningupontheHeath?IdrinkaDramnowand
thenwiththeStagecoachmeninthewayofFriendshipandIntelligenceandIknow
thataboutthisTimetherewillbePassengersupontheWesternRoad,whoare
worthspeakingwith.
Macheath. IwastohavebeenofthatPartybut
Matt. Butwhat,Sir?
Macheath. IsthereanyManwhosuspectsmyCourage?
Matt. WehaveallbeenWitnessesofit.
Macheath. MyHonourandTruthtotheGang?
Matt. Illbeanswerableforit.
Macheath. IntheDivisionofourBooty,haveIevershewntheleastMarksof
AvariceorInjustice?
Matt. BytheseQuestionssomethingseemstohaveruffledyou.Areanyofus
suspected?
Macheath. IhaveafixedConfidence,Gentlemen,inyouall,asMenofHonour,
andassuchIvalueandrespectyou.PeachumisaManthatisusefultous.
Matt. IsheabouttoplayusanyfoulPlay?IllshoothimthroughtheHead.
Macheath. Ibegyou,Gentlemen,actwithConductandDiscretion.APistolis
yourlastResort.
Matt. HeknowsnothingofthisMeeting.
Macheath. Businesscannotgoonwithouthim.HeisaManwhoknowsthe
World,andisanecessaryAgenttous.WehavehadaslightDifference,andtillit
isaccommodatedIshallbeobligdtokeepoutofhisway.AnyprivateDisputeof
mineshallbeofnoillconsequencetomyFriends.Youmustcontinuetoactunder
hisDirection,forthemomentwebreakloosefromhim,ourGangisruind.
Matt. AsaBawdtoaWhore,Igrantyou,heistousofgreatConvenience.
Macheath. MakehimbelieveIhavequittedtheGang,whichIcanneverdobut
withLife.AtourprivateQuartersIwillcontinuetomeetyou.AWeekorsowill
probablyreconcileus.
Matt. YourInstructionsshallbeobservd.Tisnowhightimeforustorepairto
ourseveralDutiessotilltheEveningatourQuartersinMoorFieldswebidyou
farewel.
Macheath. Ishallwishmyselfwithyou.Successattendyou.
[SitsdownmelancholyattheTable.
AIRXX.MarchinRinaldo,withDrumsandTrumpets.

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MIDI

Matt.

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LetustaketheRoad.
Hark!IheartheSoundofCoaches!
TheHourofAttackapproaches,
ToyourArms,braveBoys,andload.
SeetheBallIhold!
LettheChymiststoillikeAsses,
OurFiretheirFiresurpasses,
AndturnsallourLeadtoGold.
[TheGang,rangdintheFrontoftheStage,loadtheirPistols,andstickthem
undertheirGirdlesthengooffsingingthefirstPartinChorus.

32

Macheath. WhataFoolisafondWench!Pollyismostconfoundedlybit.Ilove
theSex.AndaManwholovesMoney,mightaswellbecontentedwithoneGuinea,
asIwithoneWoman.TheTownperhapshavebeenasmuchobligedtome,for
recruitingitwithfreeheartedLadies,astoanyRecruitingOfficerintheArmy.Ifit
werenotforus,andtheotherGentlemenoftheSword,DruryLanewouldbe
uninhabited.
AIRXXI.WouldyouhaveayoungVirgin,&c.

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IftheHeartofaManisdeprestwithCares,
TheMistisdispelldwhenaWomanappears
LiketheNotesofaFiddle,shesweetly,sweetly
RaisestheSpirits,andcharmsourEars,
RosesandLiliesherCheeksdisclose,

33

ButherripeLipsaremoresweetthanthose.
Pressher,
Caressher,
WithBlisses,
HerKisses
DissolveusinPleasure,andsoftRepose.
ImusthaveWomen.ThereisnothingunbendstheMindlikethem.Moneyisnotso
strongaCordialfortheTime.Drawer [EnterDrawer.] IsthePortergonefor
alltheLadiesaccordingtomyDirections?
Drawer. IexpecthimbackeveryMinute.Butyouknow,Sir,yousenthimasfar
asHockleyintheHoleforthreeoftheLadies,foroneinVinegarYard,andforthe
restofthemsomewhereaboutLewknersLane.Suresomeofthemarebelow,forI
heartheBarBell.AstheycomeIwillshewthemup.Coming,Coming.
EnterMrs.Coaxer,DollyTrull,Mrs.Vixen,BettyDoxy,JennyDiver,
Mrs.Slammekin,SukyTawdry,andMollyBrazen.
Macheath. DearMrs.Coaxer,youarewelcome.Youlookcharminglytoday.
IhopeyoudontwanttheRepairsofQuality,andlayonPaint.DollyTrull!kiss
me,youSlutareyouasamorousasever,Hussy?Youarealwayssotakenupwith
stealingHearts,thatyoudontallowyourselfTimetostealanythingelse.Ah
Dolly,thouwilteverbeaCoquette!Mrs.Vixen,Imyours,IalwayslovdaWoman
ofWitandSpirittheymakecharmingMistresses,butplaguyWivesBettyDoxy!
Comehither,Hussy.Doyoudrinkashardasever?Youhadbettersticktogood
wholesomBeerforintroth,Betty,StrongWaterswillintimeruinyour
Constitution.YoushouldleavethosetoyourBetters.What!andmyprettyJenny
Divertoo!Asprimanddemureasever!ThereisnotanyPrude,thougheverso
highbred,hathamoresanctifydLook,withamoremischievousHeart.Ah!thou
artadearartfulHypocrite.Mrs.Slammekin!ascarelessandgenteelasever!all
youfineLadies,whoknowyourownBeauty,affectanUndress.Butsee,heres
SukyTawdrycometocontradictwhatIwassaying.Everythingshegetsoneway
shelaysoutuponherBack.Why,Suky,youmustkeepatleastaDozenTallymen.
MollyBrazen! [Shekisseshim.] Thatswelldone.IloveafreeheartedWench.
ThouhastamostagreeableAssurance,Girl,andartaswillingasaTurtle.But
hark!IhearMusic.TheHarperisattheDoor.IfMusicbetheFoodofLove,play
on.Ereyouseatyourselves,Ladies,whatthinkyouofaDance?Comein. [Enter
Harper.] PlaytheFrenchTune,thatMrs.Slammekinwassofondof.
[ADancealarondeintheFrenchmannerneartheendofitthissongandChorus.
AIRXXII.Cotillon.

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YouthstheSeasonmadeforJoys,
LoveisthenourDuty,

34

Shealonewhothatemploys,
WelldeservesherBeauty.
Letsbegay,
Whilewemay,
BeautysaFlower,despisdinDecay.
YouthstheSeason,&c.
Letusdrinkandsporttoday,
Oursisnottomorrow.
LovewithYouthfliesswiftaway,
AgeisnoughtbutSorrow.
Danceandsing,
TimesontheWing.
LifeneverknowstheReturnofSpring.
Chorus.

35

Letusdrink,&c.

Macheath. Now,prayLadies,takeyourPlaces.HereFellow. [PaystheHarper.]

BidtheDrawerbringusmoreWine. [ExitHarper.] IfanyoftheLadieschoose
Ginn,Ihopetheywillbesofreetocallforit.
Jenny. Youlookasifyoumeantme.Wineisstrongenoughforme.Indeed,Sir,
IneverdrinkStrongWaters,butwhenIhavetheCholic.
Macheath. JusttheExcuseofthefineLadies!Why,aLadyofQualityisnever
withouttheCholic.Ihope,Mrs.Coaxer,youhavehadgoodSuccessoflateinyour
VisitsamongtheMercers.
Mrs.Coaxer. WehavesomanyInterlopersYetwithIndustry,onemaystillhave
alittlePicking.IcarriedasilverfloweredLutestring,andaPieceofblackPadesoy
toMr.PeachumsLockbutlastWeek.
Mrs.Vixen. TheresMollyBrazenhaththeOgleofaRattleSnake.Sherivetteda
LinenDrapersEyesofastuponher,thathewasnickdofthreePiecesofCambric
beforehecouldlookoff.
Brazen. OhdearMadam!Butsurenothingcancomeuptoyourhandlingof
Laces!AndthenyouhavesuchasweetdeludingTongue!TocheataManis
nothingbuttheWomanmusthavefinePartsindeedwhocheatsaWoman.
Mrs.Vixen. Lace,Madam,liesinasmallCompass,andisofeasyConveyance.
Butyouareapt,Madam,tothinktoowellofyourFriends.
Mrs.Coaxer. IfanywomanhathmoreArtthananother,tobesure,tisJenny
Diver.ThoughherFellowbeneversoagreeable,shecanpickhisPocketascoolly,
asifmoneywereheronlyPleasure.NowthatisaCommandofthePassions
uncommoninaWoman!
Jenny. InevergototheTavernwithaMan,butintheViewofBusiness.Ihave
otherHours,andothersortofMenformyPleasure.ButhadIyourAddress,
Madam
Macheath. HavedonewithyourCompliments,Ladiesanddrinkabout:Youare
notsofondofme,Jenny,asyouusetobe.
Jenny. Tisnotconvenient,Sir,toshewmyFondnessamongsomanyRivals.Tis
yourownChoice,andnottheWarmthofmyInclinationthatwilldetermineyou.

36

AIRXXIII.AllinamistyMorning,&c.

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BeforetheBarnDoorcrowing,
TheCockbyHensattended,
HisEyesaroundhimthrowing,
Standsforawhilesuspended.
ThenOnehesinglesfromtheCrew,
AndcheersthehappyHen
Withhowdoyoudo,andhowdoyoudo,
Andhowdoyoudoagain.

37

Macheath. AhJenny!thouartadearSlut.
Jenny. AManofCourageshouldneverputanythingtotheRiskbuthisLife.
ThesearetheToolsofaManofHonour.CardsandDiceareonlyfitforcowardly
Cheats,whopreyupontheirFriends.
[ShetakesuphisPistol.Tawdrytakesuptheother.
Tawdry. This,Sir,isfitterforyourHand.BesidesyourLossofMoney,tisaLoss
totheLadies.GamingtakesyouofffromWomen.HowfondcouldIbeofyou!but
beforeCompanytisillbred.
Macheath. WantonHussies!
Jenny. ImustandwillhaveaKisstogivemyWineaZest.
[TheytakehimabouttheNeckandmakesignstoPeachumandConstables,who
rushinuponhim.
Peachum. Iseizeyou,Sir,asmyPrisoner.
Macheath. Wasthiswelldone,Jenny?WomenareDecoyDuckswhocantrust
them!Beasts,Jades,Jilts,Harpies,Furies,Whores!
Peachum. YourCase,Mr.Macheath,isnotparticular.ThegreatestHeroeshave
beenruindbyWomen.But,todothemJustice,Imustowntheyareaprettysortof
Creatures,ifwecouldtrustthem.Youmustnow,Sir,takeyourLeaveoftheLadies,
andiftheyhaveamindtomakeyouaVisit,theywillbesuretofindyouathome.
ThisGentleman,Ladies,lodgesinNewgate.Constables,waitupontheCaptainto
hisLodgings.
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AIRXXIV.WhenfirstIlaidSiegetomyChloris,&c.

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Macheath. AttheTreeIshallsufferwithPleasure,
AttheTreeIshallsufferwithPleasure,
LetmegowhereIwill,
InallkindsofIll,
IshallfindnosuchFuriesastheseare.
Peachum. Ladies,IlltakecaretheReckoningshallbedischarged.
[ExitMacheath,guardedwithPeachumandConstables.
Mrs.Vixen. Lookye,Mrs.Jenny,thoughMr.Peachummayhavemadeaprivate
BargainwithyouandSukyTawdryforbetrayingtheCaptain,aswewereall
assisting,weoughtalltosharealike.
Mrs.Coaxer. IthinkMr.Peachum,aftersolonganAcquaintance,mighthave
trustedmeaswellasJennyDiver.
Mrs.Slammekin. IamsureatleastthreeMenofhishanging,andinaYearstime
too(ifhedidmeJustice)shouldbesetdowntomyAccount.
Trull. Mrs.Slammekin,thatisnotfair.Foryouknowoneofthemwastakenin
Bedwithme.
Jenny. AsfarasaBowlofPunchoraTreat,IbelieveMrs.Sukywilljoinwithme.
Asforanythingelse,Ladies,youcannotinConscienceexpectit.
Mrs.Slammekin. DearMadam
39

Trull. IwouldnotfortheWorld
Mrs.Slammekin. Tisimpossibleforme
Trull. AsIhopetobesavd,Madam
Mrs.Slammekin. Nay,thenImuststayhereallNight
Trull. Sinceyoucommandme.
[ExeuntwithgreatCeremony.

40

SCENEII.Newgate.
Lockit,Turnkeys,Macheath,Constables.
Lockit. NobleCaptain,youarewelcome.YouhavenotbeenaLodgerofminethis
Yearandhalf.YouknowtheCustom,Sir.Garnish,Captain,Garnish.Handme
downthoseFettersthere.
Macheath. Those,Mr.Lockit,seemtobetheheaviestofthewholeSet.Withyour
Leave,IshouldlikethefurtherPairbetter.
Lockit. Lookye,Captain,weknowwhatisfittestforourPrisoners.Whena
GentlemanusesmewithCivility,IalwaysdothebestIcantopleasehim.Hand
themdownIsay.WehavethemofallPrices,fromoneGuineatoten,andtis
fittingeveryGentlemanshouldpleasehimself.
Macheath. Iunderstandyou,Sir. [GivesMoney.] TheFeesherearesomany,
andsoexorbitant,thatfewFortunescanbeartheExpenceofgettingoffhandsomly,
orofdyinglikeaGentleman.

Lockit. Those,Isee,willfittheCaptainbetterTakedownthefurtherPair.Do
butexaminethem,Sir.Neverwasbetterwork.Howgenteelytheyaremade!
TheywillfitaseasyasaGlove,andthenicestManinEnglandmightnotbe
ashamdtowearthem. [HeputsontheChains.] IfIhadthebestGentlemanin
theLandinmyCustodyIcouldnotequiphimmorehandsomly.Andso,Sir
InowleaveyoutoyourprivateMeditations.

41

[ExeuntleavingMacheathsolus.
Macheath.
AIRXXV.Courtiers,Courtiers,thinkitnoHarm,&c.

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ManmayescapefromRopeandGun
Nay,somehaveoutlivdtheDoctorsPill
WhotakesaWomanmustbeundone,
ThatBasiliskissuretokill.
TheFlythatsipsTreacleislostintheSweets,
SohethattastesWoman,Woman,Woman,
HethattastesWoman,ruinmeets.
TowhatawofulPlighthaveIbroughtmyself!HeremustI(allDaylong,tillIam
hangd)beconfindtoheartheReproachesofaWenchwholaysherRuinatmy
DoorIamintheCustodyofherFather,andtobesure,ifheknowsofthematter,
IshallhaveafinetimeontbetwixtthisandmyExecution.ButIpromisdthe
WenchMarriageWhatsignifiesaPromisetoaWoman?DoesnotManin
Marriageitselfpromiseahundredthingsthathenevermeanstoperform?Doallwe
can,WomenwillbelieveusfortheylookuponaPromiseasanExcusefor
followingtheirownInclinations.ButherecomesLucy,andIcannotgetfromher.
WoudIweredeaf!
EnterLucy.
Lucy. YoubaseManyou,howcanyoulookmeintheFaceafterwhathath
passedbetweenus?Seehere,perfidiousWretch,howIamforcdtobearabout
theLoadofInfamyyouhavelaiduponmeOMacheath!thouhastrobbdmeof
myQuiettoseetheetorturdwouldgivemePleasure.
AIRXXVI.AlovelyLasstoaFriarcame,&c.

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ThuswhenagoodHousewifeseesaRat
InherTrapintheMorningtaken,
WithPleasureherHeartgoespitapat,
InRevengeforherLossofBacon.
Thenshethrowshim
TotheDogorCat,
Tobeworried,crushdandshaken.
Macheath. HaveyounoBowels,noTenderness,mydearLucy,toseeaHusband
intheseCircumstances?
Lucy. AHusband!
Macheath. InevryRespectbuttheForm,andthat,myDear,maybesaidoverus
atanytime.FriendsshouldnotinsistuponCeremonies.FromaManofHonour,
hisWordisasgoodashisBond.
Lucy. TisthePleasureofallyoufineMentoinsulttheWomenyouhaveruind.
AIRXXVII.TwaswhentheSeawasroaring,&c.

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HowcruelaretheTraitors,
Wholyeandswearinjest,
TocheatunguardedCreatures
OfVirtue,Fame,andRest!
WhoeverstealsaShilling,
ThroughShametheGuiltconceals:
InLovetheperjurdVillain
WithBoaststheTheftreveals.

43

Macheath. TheveryfirstOpportunity,myDear,(havebutPatience)youshallbe
myWifeinwhatevermanneryouplease.
Lucy. InsinuatingMonster!AndsoyouthinkIknownothingoftheAffairofMiss
PollyPeachum.IcouldtearthyEyesout!
Macheath. Sure,Lucy,youcantbesuchaFoolastobejealousofPolly!
Lucy. Areyounotmarriedtoher,youBrute,you.
Macheath. Married!Verygood.TheWenchgivesitoutonlytovexthee,andto
ruinmeinthygoodOpinion.Tistrue,IgototheHouseIchatwiththeGirl,Ikiss
her,Isayathousandthingstoher(asallGentlemendo)thatmeannothing,to
divertmyselfandnowthesillyJadehathsetitaboutthatIammarriedtoher,tolet
meknowwhatshewouldbeat.Indeed,mydearLucy,theseviolentPassionsmay
beofillconsequencetoaWomaninyourCondition.

44

Lucy. Come,come,Captain,forallyourAssurance,youknowthatMissPolly
hathputitoutofyourPowertodometheJusticeyoupromisdme.
Macheath. AjealousWomanbelieveseverythingherPassionsuggests.To
convinceyouofmySincerity,ifwecanfindtheOrdinary,IshallhavenoScruples
ofmakingyoumyWifeandIknowtheConsequenceofhavingtwoatatime.
Lucy. Thatyouareonlytobehangd,andsogetridofthemboth.
Macheath. Iamready,mydearLucy,togiveyouSatisfactionifyouthinkthere
isanyinMarriage.WhatcanaManofHonoursaymore?
Lucy. Sothen,itseems,youarenotmarriedtoMissPolly.
Macheath. Youknow,Lucy,theGirlisprodigiouslyconceited.NoMancansaya
civilthingtoher,but(likeotherfineLadies)herVanitymakesherthinkhesher
ownforeverandever.
AIRXXVIII.TheSunhadloosdhiswearyTeams,&c.

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ThefirsttimeattheLookingglass
TheMothersetsherDaughter,
TheImagestrikesthesmilingLass
WithSelfloveeverafter,
Eachtimeshelooks,she,fondergrown,
ThinksevryCharmgrowsstronger.
Butalas,vainMaid,allEyesbutyourown
Canseeyouarenotyounger.
WhenWomenconsidertheirownBeauties,theyareallalikeunreasonableintheir
DemandsfortheyexpecttheirLoversshouldlikethemaslongastheylike
themselves.

45

Lucy. YonderismyFatherperhapsthiswaywemaylightupontheOrdinary,
whoshalltryifyouwillbeasgoodasyourWord.ForIlongtobemadean
honestWoman.
[Exeunt.
EnterPeachumandLockitwithanAccountBook.
Lockit. InthislastAffair,BrotherPeachum,weareagreed.Youhaveconsentedto
gohalvesinMacheath.
Peachum. WeshallneverfalloutaboutanExecutionButastothatArticle,pray
howstandsourlastYearsAccount?
Lockit. IfyouwillrunyourEyeoverit,youllfindtisfairandclearlystated.
Peachum. ThislongArrearoftheGovernmentisveryharduponus!Canitbe
expectedthatwewouldhangourAcquaintancefornothing,whenourBetterswill
hardlysavetheirswithoutbeingpaidforit.UnlessthePeopleinEmploymentpay
better,Ipromisethemforthefuture,IshallletotherRogueslivebesidestheirown.
Lockit. Perhaps,Brother,theyareafraidtheseMattersmaybecarriedtoofar.We
aretreatedtoobythemwithContempt,asifourProfessionwerenotreputable.
Peachum. InonerespectindeedourEmploymentmaybereckonddishonest,
because,likeGreatStatesmen,weencouragethosewhobetraytheirFriends.
Lockit. SuchLanguage,Brother,anywhereelse,mightturntoyourPrejudice.
Learntobemoreguarded,Ibegyou.
AIRXXIX.Howhappyarewe,&c.

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WhenyoucensuretheAge,
Becautiousandsage,
LesttheCourtiersoffendedshouldbe:
IfyoumentionViceorBribe,
TissopattoalltheTribe
EachcriesThatwaslevelldatme.
Peachum. HerespoorNedClinchersName,Isee.Sure,BrotherLockit,therewas
alittleunfairProceedinginNedsCase:forhetoldmeintheCondemndHold,that
forValuereceivd,youhadpromisdhimaSessionortwolongerwithout
Molestation.
Lockit. Mr.PeachumthisisthefirsttimemyHonourwasevercalldin
Question.
Peachum. Businessisatanendifonceweactdishonourably.
Lockit. Whoaccusesme?

46

Peachum. Youarewarm,Brother.
Lockit. HethatattacksmyHonour,attacksmyLivelihood.AndthisUsageSir
isnottobeborne.

47

Peachum. SinceyouprovokemetospeakImusttellyoutoo,thatMrs.Coaxer
chargesyouwithdefraudingherofherInformationMoney,fortheapprehendingof
curlpatedHugh.Indeed,indeed,Brother,wemustpunctuallypayourSpies,orwe
shallhavenoInformation.
Lockit. IsthisLanguagetome,Sirrah,whohavesavdyoufromtheGallows,
Sirrah!
[Collaringeachother.
Peachum. IfIamhangd,itshallbeforriddingtheWorldofanarrantRascal.
Lockit. ThisHandshalldotheOfficeoftheHalteryoudeserve,andthrottleyou
youDog!
Peachum. Brother,BrotherWearebothintheWrongWeshallbebothLosers
intheDisputeforyouknowwehaveitinourPowertohangeachother.You
shouldnotbesopassionate.
Lockit. Noryousoprovoking.
Peachum. TisourmutualInteresttisfortheInterestoftheWorldweshould
agree.IfIsaidanything,Brother,tothePrejudiceofyourCharacter,Iaskpardon.
Lockit. BrotherPeachumIcanforgiveaswellasresent.GivemeyourHand.
SuspiciondoesnotbecomeaFriend.
Peachum. IonlymeanttogiveyouOccasiontojustifyyourself:ButImustnow
stephome,forIexpecttheGentlemanaboutthisSnuffbox,thatFilchnimmdtwo
NightsagointhePark.IappointedhimatthisHour.
[ExitPeachum.
EnterLucy.
Lockit. Whencecomeyou,Hussy?
Lucy. MyTearsmightanswerthatQuestion.
Lockit. Youhavethenbeenwhimperingandfondling,likeaSpaniel,overthe
Fellowthathathabusdyou.
Lucy. OnecanthelpLoveonecantcureit.TisnotinmyPowertoobeyyou,
andhatehim.
Lockit. LearntobearyourHusbandsDeathlikeareasonableWoman.Tisnotthe
fashion,nowadays,somuchastoaffectSorrowupontheseOccasions.No
Womanwouldevermarry,ifshehadnottheChanceofMortalityforaRelease.Act
likeaWomanofSpirit,Hussy,andthankyourFatherforwhatheisdoing.
AIRXXX.OfanobleRacewasShenkin.

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Lucy.

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IsthenhisFatedecreed,Sir?
SuchaMancanIthinkofquitting?
Whenfirstwemet,somovesmeyet,
OseehowmyHeartissplitting!

Lockit. Lookye,LucyThereisnosavinghim.So,Ithink,youmustevndo
likeotherWidowsbuyyourselfWeeds,andbechearful.
49

AIRXXXI.

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YoullthinkeremanyDaysensue
ThisSentencenotsevere
IhangyourHusband,Child,tistrue,
ButwithhimhangyourCare.
Twangdangdillodee.
LikeagoodWife,gomoanoveryourdyingHusband.That,ChildisyourDuty
Consider,Girl,youcanthavetheManandtheMoneytoosomakeyourselfas
easyasyoucan,bygettingallyoucanfromhim.
[ExitLockit.
EnterMacheath.
Lucy. ThoughtheOrdinarywasoutofthewaytoday,Ihope,myDear,youwill,
uponthefirstOpportunity,quietmyScruplesOhSir!myFathershardheartis
nottobesoftend,andIamintheutmostDespair.
Macheath. ButifIcouldraiseasmallSumWouldnottwentyGuineas,think
you,movehim?OfalltheArgumentsinthewayofBusiness,thePerquisiteisthe
mostprevailingYourFathersPerquisitesfortheEscapeofPrisonersmust
amounttoaconsiderableSumintheYear.Moneywelltimd,andproperlyapplyd,
willdoanything.
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AIRXXXII.LondonLadies.

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IfyouatanOfficesolicityourDue,
AndwouldnothaveMattersneglected
YoumustquickentheClerkwiththePerquisitetoo,
TodowhathisDutydirected.
OrwouldyoutheFrownsofaLadyprevent,
ShetoohasthispalpableFailing,
ThePerquisitesoftensherintoConsent
ThatReasonwithallisprevailing.
Lucy. WhatLoveorMoneycandoshallbedone:forallmyComfortdepends
uponyourSafety.
EnterPolly.
Polly. WhereismydearHusband?WasaRopeeverintendedforthisNeck!
OletmethrowmyArmsaboutit,andthrottletheewithLove!Whydostthou
turnawayfromme?TisthyPollyTisthyWife.
Macheath. WaseversuchanunfortunateRascalasIam!
Lucy. WasthereeversuchanotherVillain!
Polly. OMacheath!wasitforthisweparted?Taken!Imprisoned!Tryd!Hangd
cruelReflection!IllstaywiththeetillDeathnoForceshalltearthydearWife
fromtheenow.WhatmeansmyLove?NotonekindWord!notonekindLook!
thinkwhatthyPollysufferstoseetheeinthisCondition.
AIRXXXIII.AllintheDowns,&c.

51

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ThuswhentheSwallowseekingPrey,
WithintheSashiscloselypent,
HisConsort,withbemoaningLay,
WithoutsitspiningforthEvent.
HerchattringLoversallaroundherskim
Sheheedsthemnot(poorBird!)herSoulswithhim.
Macheath. [Aside.] Imustdisownher. [Aloud.] TheWenchisdistracted.
Lucy. AmIthenbilkdofmyVirtue?CanIhavenoReparation?SureMenwere
borntolie,andWomentobelievethem!OVillain!Villain!
Polly. AmInotthyWife?ThyNeglectofme,thyAversiontometooseverely
provesit.Lookonme.Tellme,amInotthyWife?
52

Lucy. PerfidiousWretch!
Polly. BarbarousHusband!
Lucy. HadstthoubeenhangdfiveMonthsago,Ihadbeenhappy.
Polly. AndItooIfyouhadbeenkindtometillDeath,itwouldnothavevexed
meAndthatsnoveryunreasonableRequest,(thoughfromaWife)toaManwho
hathnotabovesevenoreightDaystolive.
Lucy. Artthouthenmarriedtoanother?HastthoutwoWives,Monster?
Macheath. IfWomensTonguescanceaseforanAnswerhearme.
Lucy. Iwont.FleshandBloodcantbearmyUsage.
Polly. ShallInotclaimmyown?Justicebidsmespeak.
AIRXXXIV.HaveyouheardofafrolicksomeDitty,&c.

MIDI

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Macheath. HowhappycouldIbewitheither,
WeretotherdearCharmeraway!
Butwhileyouthusteazemetogether,
ToneitheraWordwillIsay
Buttolderol,&c.
Polly. Sure,myDear,thereoughttobesomePreferenceshewntoaWife!Atleast
shemayclaimtheAppearanceofit.HemustbedistractedwithhisMisfortunes,or
hecouldnotusemethus.

53

Lucy. OVillain,Villain!thouhastdeceivdme.Icouldeveninformagainstthee
withPleasure.NotaPrudewishesmoreheartilytohaveFactsagainstherintimate
Acquaintance,thanInowwishtohaveFactsagainstthee.Iwouldhaveher
Satisfaction,andtheyshouldallout.
AIRXXXV.IrishTrot.

MIDI

Polly.
Lucy.
Polly.
Lucy.
Polly.
Lucy.
Polly.

PDF

Iambubbled.
Imbubbled.
OhowIamtroubled!
Bambouzled,andbit!
MyDistressesaredoubled.
WhenyoucometotheTree,shouldtheHangmanrefuse,
TheseFingers,withPleasure,couldfastentheNoose.
Imbubbled,&c.

Macheath. Bepacified,mydearLucyThisisallaFetchofPollys,tomakeme
desperatewithyouincaseIgetoff.IfIamhangd,shewouldfainhavetheCredit
ofbeingthoughtmyWidowReally,Polly,thisisnotimeforaDisputeofthis
sortforwheneveryouaretalkingofMarriage,IamthinkingofHanging.
Polly. AndhastthoutheHearttopersistindisowningme?
Macheath. AndhastthoutheHearttopersistinpersuadingmethatIammarried?
Why,Polly,dostthouseektoaggravatemyMisfortunes?
Lucy. Really,MissPeachum,youbutexposeyourself.Besides,tisbarbarousin
youtoworryaGentlemaninhisCircumstances.
AIRXXXVI.

54

MIDI

Polly.

PDF

CeaseyourFunning
ForceorCunning
NevershallmyHearttrapan.
AlltheseSallies
ArebutMalice
ToseducemyconstantMan.
Tismostcertain,
Bytheirflirting
WomenofthaveEnvyshown.
Pleasd,toruin
Otherswooing
Neverhappyintheirown.

Polly. Decency,Madam,methinksmightteachyoutobehaveyourselfwithsome
ReservewiththeHusband,whilehisWifeispresent.

55

Macheath. Butseriously,Polly,thisiscarryingtheJokealittletoofar.
Lucy. Ifyouaredetermind,Madam,toraiseaDisturbanceinthePrison,Ishallbe
obligedtosendfortheTurnkeytoshewyoutheDoor.Iamsorry,Madam,you
forcemetobesoillbred.
Polly. Givemeleavetotellyou,Madam:TheseforwardAirsdontbecomeyouin
theleast,Madam.AndmyDuty,Madam,obligesmetostaywithmyHusband,
Madam.
AIRXXXVII.Goodmorrow,GossipJoan.

MIDI

Lucy.

Whyhownow,MadamFlirt?
Ifyouthusmustchatter
AndareforflingingDirt,
Letstrywhobestcanspatter
MadamFlirt.

Polly.

Whyhownow,saucyJade
SuretheWenchistipsy!
Howcanyouseememade
TheScoffofsuchaGipsy?
SaucyJade!

PDF

EnterPeachum.

[Tohim.
[Toher.
56

Peachum. WheresmyWench?AhHussy!Hussy!Comeyouhome,youSlut
andwhenyourFellowishangd,hangyourself,tomakeyourFamilysome
Amends.
Polly. Dear,dearFather,donottearmefromhimImustspeakIhavemoreto
saytohimOh!twistthyFettersaboutme,thathemaynothaulmefromthee!
Peachum. SureallWomenarealike!IfevertheycommittheFolly,theyaresure
tocommitanotherbyexposingthemselvesAwayNotaWordmoreYouare
myPrisoner,now,Hussy.
AIRXXXVIII.IrishHowl.

MIDI

Polly.

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NoPoweronEarthcaneerdivide
TheKnotthatsacredLovehathtyd.
WhenParentsdrawagainstourMind,
TheTrueLovesKnottheyfasterbind.
Oh,ohray,ohAmborahoh,oh,&c.
[HoldingMacheath,Peachumpullingher.

57

SCENEIII.TheSame.
Lucy,Macheath.
Macheath. Iamnaturallycompassionate,WifesothatIcouldnotusetheWench
asshedeservdwhichmadeyouatfirstsuspecttherewassomethinginwhatshe
said.
Lucy. Indeed,myDear,Iwasstrangelypuzzled.
Macheath. IfthathadbeentheCase,herFatherwouldneverhavebroughtmeinto
thisCircumstanceNo,Lucy,Ihadratherdiethanbefalsetothee.
Lucy. HowhappyamI,ifyousaythisfromyourHeart!ForIlovetheeso,thatI
couldsoonerbeartoseetheehangdthanintheArmsofanother.
Macheath. Butcouldstthoubeartoseemehangd?
Lucy. OMacheath,IcanneverlivetoseethatDay.
Macheath. Yousee,LucyintheAccountofLoveyouareinmyDebt,andyou
mustnowbeconvincd,thatIratherchoosetodiethanbeanothers.Makeme,if
possible,lovetheemore,andletmeowemyLifetotheeIfyourefusetoassist
me,PeachumandyourFatherwillimmediatelyputmebeyondallmeansof
Escape.
Lucy. MyFather,Iknow,hathbeendrinkinghardwiththePrisoners:andIfancy
heisnowtakinghisNapinhisownRoomIfIcanprocuretheKeys,shallIgooff
withthee,myDear?

Macheath. Ifwearetogether,twillbeimpossibletolieconceald.Assoonasthe
Searchbeginstobealittlecool,IwillsendtotheeTillthenmyHeartisthy
Prisoner.
Lucy. Comethen,mydearHusbandowethyLifetomeandthoughyoulove
menotbegrateful,butthatPollyrunsinmyHeadstrangely.
Macheath. AmomentofTimemaymakeusunhappyforever.
AIRXXXIX.TheLassofPatiesMill,&c.

MIDI

Lucy.

PDF

IliketheFoxshallgrieve,
WhoseMatehathleftherSide,
WhomHoundsfromMorntoEve,
ChaseoertheCountrywide.
WherecanmyLoverhide?
WherecheatthewaryPack?
IfLovebenothisGuide,
Heneverwillcomeback!
[Exeunt.

58

59

ACTIII.SCENEI.
SCENE,Newgate.
Lockit,Lucy.
Lockit. Tobesure,Wench,youmusthavebeenaidingandabettingtohelphimto
thisEscape.
Lucy. Sir,herehathbeenPeachumandhisDaughterPolly,andtobesurethey
knowtheWaysofNewgateaswellasiftheyhadbeenbornandbredinthePlace
alltheirLives.WhymustallyourSuspicionlightuponme?
Lockit. Lucy,Lucy,IwillhavenoneoftheseshufflingAnswers.
Lucy. WellthenIfIknowanythingofhimIwishImaybeburnt!

Lockit. KeepyourTemper,Lucy,orIshallpronounceyouguilty.
Lucy. Keepyours,Sir,IdowishImaybeburnt.IdoAndwhatcanIsaymore
toconvinceyou?
Lockit. Didhetiphandsomly?Howmuchdidhecomedownwith?Come,
Hussy,dontcheatyourFatherandIshallnotbeangrywithyouPerhaps,you
havemadeabetterBargainwithhimthanIcouldhavedoneHowmuch,mygood
Girl?
Lucy. Youknow,Sir,Iamfondofhim,andwouldhavegivenMoneytohavekept
himwithme.
Lockit. AhLucy!thyEducationmighthaveputtheemoreuponthyGuardfora
GirlintheBarofanAlehouseisalwaysbesiegd.

60

Lucy. DearSir,mentionnotmyEducationfortwastothatIowemyRuin.
AIRXL.IfLovesasweetPassion,&c.

MIDI

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WhenyoungattheBaryoufirsttaughtmetoscore,
AndbidmebefreeofmyLips,andnomore
IwaskissdbytheParson,theSquire,andtheSot,
WhentheGuestwasdeparted,theKisswasforgot.
ButhisKisswassosweet,andsocloselyheprest,
ThatIlanguishdandpindtillIgrantedtherest.
Ifyoucanforgiveme,Sir,IwillmakeafairConfession,fortobesurehehathbeen
amostbarbarousVillaintome.
Lockit. Andsoyouhavelethimescape,HussyHaveyou?
Lucy. WhenaWomanlovesakindLook,atenderWordcanpersuadehertoany
thingAndIcouldasknootherBribe.
Lockit. ThouwiltalwaysbeavulgarSlut,Lucy.Ifyouwouldnotbelookd
uponasaFool,youshouldneverdoanythingbutuponthefootofInterest.Those
thatactotherwisearetheirownBubbles.
Lucy. ButLove,Sir,isaMisfortunethatmayhappentothemostdiscreetWomen,
andinLoveweareallFoolsalikeNotwithstandingallheswore,Iamnowfully

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convincdthatPollyPeachumisactuallyhisWife.DidIlethimescape,(Fool
thatIwas!)togotoher?PollywillwheedleherselfintohisMoney,andthen
Peachumwillhanghim,andcheatusboth.
Lockit. SoIamtoberuind,because,forsooth,youmustbeinLove!avery
prettyExcuse!
Lucy. IcouldmurderthatimpudenthappyStrumpet:IgavehimhisLife,and
thatCreatureenjoystheSweetsofit.UngratefulMacheath!
AIRXLI.SouthSeaBallad.

MIDI

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MyLoveisallMadnessandFolly,
AloneIlie,
Toss,tumble,andcry,
WhatahappyCreatureisPolly!
WaseersuchaWretchasI!
WithrageIreddenlikeScarlet,
ThatmydearinconstantVarlet,
StarkblindtomyCharms,
IslostintheArms
OfthatJilt,thatinveiglingHarlot!
StarkblindtomyCharms,
IslostintheArms
OfthatJilt,thatinveiglingHarlot!
This,thismyResentmentalarms.

62

Lockit. Andso,afterallthisMischief,Imuststayheretobeentertaindwithyour
Catterwauling,Mrs.Puss!OutofmySight,wantonStrumpet!youshallfastand
mortifyyourselfintoReason,withnowandthenalittlehandsomDisciplineto
bringyoutoyourSenses.Go.
[ExitLucy.
PeachumthenintendstooutwitmeinthisAffairbutIllbeevenwithhim.The
DogisleakyinhisLiquor,soIllplyhimthatway,gettheSecretfromhim,and
turnthisAffairtomyownAdvantage.Lions,Wolves,andVulturesdontlive
togetherinHerds,DrovesorFlocks.OfallAnimalsofPrey,Manistheonly
sociableone.EveryoneofuspreysuponhisNeighbour,andyetweherdtogether.
PeachumismyCompanion,myFriend.AccordingtotheCustomoftheWorld,
indeed,hemayquotethousandsofPrecedentsforcheatingmeAndshallnotI
makeuseofthePrivilegeofFriendshiptomakehimaReturn.
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AIRXLII.PackingtonsPound.

MIDI

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ThusGamestersunitedinFriendshiparefound,
ThoughtheyknowthattheirIndustryallisaCheat
TheyflocktotheirPreyattheDiceBoxsSound,
AndjointopromoteoneanothersDeceit.
Butifbymishap
TheyfailofaChap,
TokeepintheirHands,theyeachotherentrap.
LikePikes,lankwithHunger,whomissoftheirEnds,
TheybitetheirCompanions,andpreyontheirFriends.
Now,Peachum,youandI,likehonestTradesmen,aretohaveafairTrialwhichof
ustwocanoverreachtheother.

64

SCENEII.AGamingHouse.
MacheathinafinetarnishdCoat,BenBudge,MattoftheMint.
Macheath. Iamsorry,Gentlemen,theRoadwassobarrenofMoney.Whenmy
FriendsareinDifficulties,IamalwaysgladthatmyFortunecanbeserviceableto
them. [GivesthemMoney.] Yousee,Gentlemen,IamnotamereCourtFriend,
whoprofesseseverythingandwilldonothing.
AIRXLIII.Lillibullero.

MIDI

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TheModesoftheCourtsocommonaregrown,
ThatatrueFriendcanhardlybemet
FriendshipforInterestisbutaLoan,
Whichtheyletoutforwhattheycanget.
Tistrue,youfind
SomeFriendssokind,
WhowillgiveyougoodCounselthemselvestodefend.
InsorrowfulDitty,
Theypromise,theypity,
ButshiftforyourMoney,fromFriendtoFriend.
Butwe,Gentlemen,havestillHonourenoughtobreakthroughtheCorruptionsof
theWorld.AndwhileIcanserveyou,youmaycommandme.

65

Ben. ItgrievesmyHeartthatsogenerousaManshouldbeinvolvdinsuch
Difficulties,asobligehimtolivewithsuchillCompany,andherdwithGamesters.
Matt. SeethePartialityofMankind!OneManmaystealaHorse,betterthan
anotherlookoveraHedge.OfallMechanics,ofallservileHandicraftsmen,
aGamesteristhevilest.Butyet,asmanyoftheQualityareoftheProfession,heis
admittedamongstthepolitestCompany.Iwonderwearenotmorerespected.
Macheath. TherewillbedeepPlaytonightatMarybone,andconsequently
MoneymaybepickdupupontheRoad.Meetmethere,andIllgiveyoutheHint
whoisworthSetting.
Matt. TheFellowwithabrownCoatwithanarrowGoldBinding,Iamtold,is
neverwithoutMoney.
Macheath. Whatdoyoumean,Matt?Sureyouwillnotthinkofmeddlingwith
him!HesagoodhonestkindofaFellow,andoneofus.
Ben. Tobesure,Sir,wewillputourselvesunderyourDirection.
Macheath. HaveanEyeupontheMoneyLenders.ARouleau,ortwo,would
proveaprettysortofanExpedition.IhateExtortion.
Matt. ThoseRouleausareveryprettyThings.IhateyourBankBills.Thereis
suchaHazardinputtingthemoff.
Macheath. ThereisacertainManofDistinction,whoinhisTimehathnickdme
outofagreatdealoftheReady.HeisinmyCash,BenIllpointhimouttoyou
thisEvening,andyoushalldrawuponhimfortheDebt.TheCompanyaremet
IheartheDiceBoxintheotherRoom.So,Gentlemen,yourServant.Youllmeet
meatMarybone.

66

67

SCENEIII.PeachumsLock.
ATablewithWine,Brandy,PipesandTobacco.
Peachum,Lockit.
Lockit. TheCoronationAccount,BrotherPeachum,isofsointricateanature,that
Ibelieveitwillneverbesettled.
Peachum. ItconsistsindeedofagreatVarietyofArticles.Itwasworthtoour
People,inFeesofdifferentkinds,abovetenInstalments.Thisispartofthe

Account,Brother,thatliesopenbeforeus.
Lockit. ALadysTailofrichBrocade.that,Isee,isdisposdof.
Peachum. ToMrs.DianaTrapes,theTallyWoman,andshewillmakeagood
HandontinShoesandSlippers,totrickoutyoungLadies,upontheirgoinginto
Keeping.
Lockit. ButIdontseeanyArticleoftheJewels.
Peachum. ThosearesowellknownthattheymustbesentabroadYoullfind
thementerdundertheArticleofExportation.AsfortheSnuffBoxes,Watches,
Swords,&c.IthoughtitbesttoenterthemundertheirseveralHeads.
Lockit. SevenandtwentyWomensPocketscompletewiththeseveralthings
thereincontaindallSeald,Numberd,andEnterd.
Peachum. But,Brother,itisimpossibleforusnowtoenteruponthisAffair,We
shouldhavethewholeDaybeforeus.Besides,theAccountofthelastHalfYears
PlateisinaBookbyitself,whichliesattheotherOffice.

68

Lockit. BringusthenmoreLiquorTodayshallbeforPleasureTomorrowfor
BusinessAh,Brother,thoseDaughtersofoursaretwoslipperyHussiesKeepa
watchfulEyeuponPolly,andMacheathinaDayortwoshallbeourownagain.
AIRXLIV.DownintheNorthCountry,&c.

MIDI

Lockit.

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WhatGudgeonsareweMen!
EvryWomanseasyPrey.
ThoughwehavefelttheHook,agen
Webiteandtheybetray.
TheBirdthathathbeentrapt,
WhenhehearshiscallingMate,
Toherheflies,againhesclapt
WithinthewiryGrate.

Peachum. ButwhatsignifiescatchingtheBird,ifyourDaughterLucywillset
opentheDooroftheCage?
Lockit. IfmenwereanswerablefortheFolliesandFrailtiesoftheirWivesand
Daughters,noFriendscouldkeepagoodCorrespondencetogetherfortwoDays.
Thisinunkindofyou,BrotherforamonggoodFriends,whattheysayordogoes
fornothing.
EnteraServant.
Servant. Sir,heresMrs.DianaTrapeswantstospeakwithyou.

69

Peachum. Shallweadmither,BrotherLockit?
Lockit. Byallmeans,ShesagoodCustomer,andafinespokenWomanAnda
Womanwhodrinksandtalkssofreely,willenliventheConversation.
Peachum. Desirehertowalkin.

[ExitServant.

Peachum,Lockit,Mrs.Trapes.
Peachum. DearMrs.Dye,yourServantOnemayknowbyyourKiss,thatyour
Ginnisexcellent.
Mrs.Trapes. IwasalwaysverycuriousinmyLiquors.
Lockit. ThereisnoperfumdBreathlikeitIhavebeenlongacquaintedwiththe
FlavourofthoseLipsHantI,Mrs.Dye.
Mrs.Trapes. FillitupItakeaslargeDraughtsofLiquor,asIdidofLove.
IhateaFlincherineither.
AIRXLV.AShepherdkeptSheep,&c.

MIDI

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IntheDaysofmyYouthIcouldbilllikeaDove,fa,la,la,&c.
LikeaSparrowatalltimeswasreadyforLove,fa,la,la,&c.
TheLifeofallMortalsinKissingshouldpass,
LiptoLipwhilewereyoungthentheLiptotheGlass,fa,la,&c.
Butnow,Mr.Peachum,toourBusiness.IfyouhaveBlacksofanykind,brought
inoflateMantoesVelvetScarfsPetticoatsLetitbewhatitwillIamyour
ChapforallmyLadiesareveryfondofMourning.
Peachum. Why,lookye,Mrs.Dyeyoudealsohardwithus,thatwecanafford
togivetheGentlemen,whoventuretheirLivesfortheGoods,littleornothing.
Mrs.Trapes. ThehardTimesobligemetogoverynearinmyDealing.Tobe
sure,oflateYearsIhavebeenagreatSuffererbytheParliament.Threethousand
Poundswouldhardlymakemeamends.TheActfordestroyingtheMint,wasa
severeCutuponourBusinessTillthen,ifaCustomersteptoutofthewaywe
knewwheretohaveherNodoubtyouknowMrs.CoaxertheresaWenchnow
(tilltoday)withagoodSuitofClothesofmineuponherBack,andIcouldnever
setEyesuponherforthreeMonthstogether.SincetheActtooagainst
ImprisonmentforsmallSums,myLosstheretoohathbeenveryconsiderable,and
itmustbeso,whenaLadycanborrowahandsomPetticoat,oracleanGown,andI
nothavetheleastHankuponher!And,omyConscience,nowadaysmostLadies
takeaDelightincheating,whentheycandoitwithSafety.

70

Peachum. Madam,youhadahandsomGoldWatchofustotherDayforseven
Guineas.ConsideringwemusthaveourProfit.ToaGentlemanupontheRoad,
aGoldWatchwillbescarceworththetaking.
Mrs.Trapes. Consider,Mr.Peachum,thatWatchwasremarkable,andnotofvery
safeSale.IfyouhaveanyblackVelvetScarfstheyareahandsomWinterwear,
andtakewithmostGentlemenwhodealwithmyCustomers.TisIthatputthe
LadiesuponagoodFoot.TisnotYouthorBeautythatfixestheirPrice.The
GentlemenalwayspayaccordingtotheirDress,fromhalfaCrowntotwoGuineas
andyetthoseHussiesmakenothingofbilkingofme.Thentoo,allowingfor
Accidents.IhaveelevenfineCustomersnowdownundertheSurgeonsHands
whatwithFeesandotherExpenses,therearegreatGoingsout,andnoComingsin,
andnotaFarthingtopayforatleastaMonthsClothing.WerungreatRisques
greatRisquesindeed.

71

Peachum. AsIremember,yousaidsomethingjustnowofMrs.Coaxer.
Mrs.Trapes. Yes,Sir.TobesureIstriptherofaSuitofmyownClothesabout
twoHoursagoandhaveleftherassheshouldbe,inherShift,withaLoverofhers
atmyHouse.ShecalldhimupStairs,ashewasgoingtoMaryboneinaHackney
Coach.AndIhope,forherownsakeandmine,shewillpersuadetheCaptainto
redeemher,fortheCaptainisverygeneroustotheLadies.
Lockit. WhatCaptain?
Mrs.Trapes. HethoughtIdidnotknowhimAnintimateAcquaintanceofyours,
Mr.PeachumOnlyCaptainMacheathasfineasaLord.
Peachum. Tomorrow,dearMrs.Dye,youshallsetyourownPriceuponanyof
theGoodsyoulikeWehaveatleasthalfaDozenVelvetScarfs,andallatyour
Service.WillyougivemeleavetomakeyouaPresentofthisSuitofNightclothes
foryourownwearing?ButareyousureitisCaptainMacheath.
Mrs.Trapes. ThoughhethinksIhaveforgothimnobodyknowshimbetter.
IhavetakenagreatdealoftheCaptainsMoneyinmyTimeatsecondhand,forhe
alwayslovdtohavehisLadieswelldrest.
Peachum. Mr.LockitandIhavealittleBusinesswiththeCaptainYou
understandmeandwewillsatisfyyouforMrs.CoaxersDebt.
Lockit. DependuponitwewilldeallikeMenofHonour.
Mrs.Trapes. IdontenquireafteryourAffairssowhateverhappens,Iwashmy
HandsontIthathalwaysbeenmyMaxim,thatoneFriendshouldassistanother
ButifyoupleaseIlltakeoneoftheScarfshomewithme.Tisalwaysgoodto
havesomethinginHand.

72

73

SCENEIV.Newgate.
Lucy. Jealousy,Rage,LoveandFearareatoncetearingmetopieces,HowIam
weatherbeatenandshatterdwithDistresses!
AIRXLVI.OneEvening,havinglostmyWay,&c.

MIDI

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ImlikeaSkiffontheOceantost,
Nowhigh,nowlow,witheachBillowborn,
WithherRudderbroke,andherAnchorlost,
Desertedandallforlorn.
WhilethusIlierollingandtossingallNight,
ThatPollyliessportingonSeasofDelight!
Revenge,Revenge,Revenge,
ShallappeasemyrestlessSpirit.
IhavetheRatsbaneready.IrunnoRisqueforIcanlayherDeathuponthe
Ginn,andsomanydieofthatnaturallythatIshallneverbecalldinquestion.
Butsay,Iweretobehangd.Inevercouldbehangdforanythingthatwould
givemegreaterComfort,thanthepoisoningthatSlut.
EnterFilch.
Filch. Madam,heresMissPollycometowaituponyou.
Lucy. Showherin.
EnterPolly.
DearMadam,yourServant.IhopeyouwillpardonmyPassion,whenIwasso
happytoseeyoulast.IwassooverrunwiththeSpleen,thatIwasperfectlyout
ofmyself.AndreallywhenonehaththeSpleen,everythingistobeexcusdbya
Friend.
AIRXLVII.NowRoger,IlltelltheebecausethourtmySon.

74

MIDI

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WhenaWifesinherPout,
(Asshessometimes,nodoubt)
ThegoodHusbandasmeekasaLamb,
HerVapourstostill,
FirstgrantsherherWill,
AndthequietingDraughtisaDram.PoorMan!
AndthequietingDraughtisaDram.

75

IwishallourQuarrelsmighthavesocomfortableaReconciliation.
Polly. IhavenoExcuseformyownBehaviour,Madam,butmyMisfortunes.
Andreally,Madam,IsuffertoouponyourAccount.
Lucy. But,MissPollyinthewayofFriendship,willyougivemeleaveto
proposeaGlassofCordialtoyou?
Polly. StrongWatersareapttogivemetheHeadacheIhope,Madam,youwill
excuseme.
Lucy. NotthegreatestLadyintheLandcouldhavebetterinherCloset,forher
ownprivatedrinking.YouseemmightylowinSpirits,myDear.
Polly. Iamsorry,Madam,myHealthwillnotallowmetoacceptofyourOffer.
IshouldnothaveleftyouintherudemannerIdidwhenwemetlast,Madam,had
notmyPapahauldmeawaysounexpectedlyIwasindeedsomewhatprovokd,
andperhapsmightusesomeExpressionsthatweredisrespectful.Butreally,
Madam,theCaptaintreatedmewithsomuchContemptandCruelty,thatIdeservd
yourPity,ratherthanyourResentment.
Lucy. ButsincehisEscape,nodoubtallMattersaremadeupagain.AhPolly!
Polly!tisIamtheunhappyWifeandhelovesyouasifyouwereonlyhis
Mistress.
Polly. Sure,Madam,youcannotthinkmesohappyastobetheobjectofyour
Jealousy.AManisalwaysafraidofaWomanwholoveshimtoowellsothatI
mustexpecttobeneglectedandavoided.
Lucy. ThenourCases,mydearPolly,areexactlyalike.Bothofusindeedhave
beentoofond.
AIRXLVIII.OBessyBell.

76

MIDI

Polly.
Lucy.
Polly.
Lucy.
Polly.
Lucy.

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ACurseattendthatWomansLove,
Whoalwayswouldbepleasing.
ThePertnessofthebillingDove,
LikeTickling,isbutteazing.
WhattheninLovecanWomando:
Ifwegrowfondtheyshunus.
Andwhenweflythem,theypursue:
Butleaveuswhentheyvewonus.

Lucy. LoveissoverywhimsicalinbothSexes,thatitisimpossibletobelasting.
ButmyHeartisparticular,andcontradictsmyownObservation.
Polly. Butreally,MistressLucy,byhislastBehaviour,IthinkIoughttoenvyyou.
WhenIwasforcdfromhim,hedidnotshewtheleastTenderness.But
perhaps,hehathaHeartnotcapableofit.
AIRXLIX.WouldFatetomeBelindagive.

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AmongtheMen,Coquetteswefind,
WhocourtbyturnsallWomankind
AndwegrantalltheirHeartsdesird,
Whentheyareflatterd,andadmird.
TheCoquettesofbothSexesareSelflovers,andthatisaLovenootherwhatever
candispossess.Ihear,mydearLucy,ourHusbandisoneofthose.
Lucy. AwaywiththesemelancholyReflections,indeed,mydearPolly,weare

77

bothofusaCuptoolowLetmeprevailuponyoutoacceptofmyOffer.
AIRL.Come,sweetLass.

MIDI

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Come,sweetLass,
LetsbanishSorrow
TillTomorrow
Come,sweetLass,
LetstakeachirpingGlass.
Winecanclear
TheVapoursofDespair
AndmakeuslightasAir
Thendrink,andbanishCare.

78

Icantbear,Child,toseeyouinsuchlowSpirits.AndImustpersuadeyouto
whatIknowwilldoyougood. [Aside.] Ishallnowsoonbeevenwiththe
hypocryticalStrumpet.
[Exit.
Polly. AllthisWheedlingofLucycannotbefornothing.Atthistimetoo!whenI
knowshehatesme!TheDissemblingofaWomanisalwaystheForerunnerof
Mischief.BypouringStrongWatersdownmyThroat,shethinkstopumpsome
Secretsoutofme,IllbeuponmyGuard,andwonttasteaDropofherLiquor,
Imresolvd.
ReenterLucy,withStrongWaters.
Lucy. Come,MissPolly.
Polly. Indeed,Child,youhavegivenyourselftroubletonopurpose.Youmust,
myDear,excuseme.
Lucy. Really,MissPolly,youareassqueamishlyaffectedabouttakingaCupof
StrongWatersasaLadybeforeCompany.Ivow,Polly,Ishalltakeitmonstrously
illifyourefuseme.BrandyandMen(thoughWomenlovethemeversowell)are
alwaystakenbyuswithsomeReluctanceunlesstisinprivate.
Polly. Iprotest,Madam,itgoesagainstme.WhatdoIsee!Macheathagainin
Custody!NoweveryGlimmringofHappinessislost.
[DropstheGlassofLiquorontheGround.
Lucy. Sincethingsarethus,ImgladtheWenchhathescapd:forbythisEvent,
tisplain,shewasnothappyenoughtodeservetobepoisond.
EnterLockit,Macheath,Peachum.

79

Lockit. SetyourHearttorest,Captain.YouhaveneithertheChanceofLoveor
MoneyforanotherEscape,foryouareorderdtobecallddownuponyourTrial
immediately.
Peachum. Away,Hussies!ThisisnotaTimeforaMantobehamperdwithhis
Wives.Yousee,theGentlemanisinChainsalready.
Lucy. OHusband,Husband,myHeartlongdtoseetheebuttoseetheethus
distractsme?
Polly. WillnotmydearHusbandlookuponhisPolly?Whyhadstthounotflown
tomeforProtection?withmethouhadstbeensafe.
AIRLI.ThelasttimeIwentoertheMoor.

MIDI

Polly.
Lucy.
Polly.
Lucy.
Polly.
Lucy.
Polly.
Lucy.
Polly.
Lucy.
Polly.

PDF

Hither,dearHusband,turnyourEyes.
BestowoneGlancetocheerme.
ThinkwiththatLook,thyPollydies.
Oshunmenotbuthearme.
TisPollysues.
TisLucyspeaks.
IsthustrueLoverequited?
MyHeartisbursting.
Minetoobreaks.
MustI
MustIbeslighted?

Macheath. Whatwouldyouhavemesay,Ladies?Youseethisaffairwillsoon
beatanend,withoutmydisobligingeitherofyou.
Peachum. ButthesettlingthisPoint,Captain,mightpreventaLawSuitbetween
yourtwoWidows.
AIRLII.TomTinkersmytrueLove.

80

MIDI

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Macheath. WhichwayshallIturnmeHowcanIdecide?
Wives,theDayofourDeath,areasfondasaBride.
OneWifeistoomuchformostHusbandstohear,
Buttwoatatimetheresnomortalcanbear.
Thisway,andthatway,andwhichwayIwill,
Whatwouldcomforttheone,totherWifewouldtakeill.
Polly. ButifhisownMisfortuneshavemadehiminsensibletomineAFather
surewillbemorecompassionateDear,dearSir,sinkthematerialEvidence,and
bringhimoffathisTrialPollyuponherKneesbegsitofyou.
AIRLIII.IamapoorShepherdundone.

MIDI

PDF

WhenmyHeroeinCourtappears,
AndstandsarraigndforhisLife
ThenthinkofpoorPollysTears
ForAh!poorPollyshisWife.
LiketheSailorheholdsuphishand,
DistrestonthedashingWave.
TodieadryDeathatLand,
IsasbadasawateryGrave.
Andalas,poorPolly!
Alack,andwelladay!
BeforeIwasinLove,
Oh!everyMonthwasMay.
Lucy. IfPeachumsHeartishardendsureyou,Sir,willhavemoreCompassion
onaDaughter.IknowtheEvidenceisinyourPower.Howthencanyoubea

81

Tyranttome?

[Kneeling.
82

AIRLIV.Ianthethelovely,&c.

MIDI

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WhenheholdsuphisHandarraigndforhisLife,
OthinkofyourDaughter,andthinkImhisWife!
WhatareCanons,orBombs,orclashingofSwords?
ForDeathismorecertainbyWitnessesWords.
ThennailuptheirLipsthatdreadThunderallay
AndeachMonthofmyLifewillhereafterbeMay.
Lockit. MacheathsTimeiscome,Lucy.WeknowourownAffairs,thereforelet
ushavenomoreWhimperingorWhining.
AIRLV.ACoblertherewas,&c.

MIDI

PDF

Ourselves,liketheGreat,tosecureaRetreat,
WhenMattersrequireit,mustgiveupourGang:
Andgoodreasonwhy,
Or,insteadoftheFry,
EvnPeachumandI.
LikepoorpettyRascals,mighthang,hang
LikepoorpettyRascals,mighthang.
Peachum. SetyourHeartatrest,Polly.YourHusbandistodietoday.

83

Thereforeifyouarenotalreadyprovided,tishightimetolookaboutforanother.
TheresComfortforyou,youSlut.
Lockit. Weareready,Sir,toconductyoutotheOldBaily.
AIRLVI.BonnyDundee.

MIDI

PDF

Macheath. TheChargeisprepardtheLawyersaremet,
TheJudgesallrangd(aterribleShow!)
Igo,undismayd.ForDeathisaDebt,
ADebtonDemand.SotakewhatIowe.
Thenfarewell,myLoveDearCharmers,adieu.
ContentedIdieTisthebetterforyou.
HereendsallDisputestherestofourLives,
ForthiswayatonceIpleaseallmyWives.
Now,Gentlemen,Iamreadytoattendyou.
[ExeuntMacheath,Lockit,andPeachum.
84

EnterFilch.
Polly. Followthem,Filch,totheCourt.AndwhentheTrialisover,bringmea
particularAccountofhisBehaviour,andofeverythingthathappendYoullfind
meherewithMissLucy. [ExitFilch.] ButwhyisallthisMusick?
Lucy. ThePrisoners,whoseTrialsareputofftillnextSession,arediverting
themselves.
Polly. SurethereisnothingsocharmingasMusic!ImfondofittoDistraction!
Butalas!now,allMirthseemsanInsultuponmyAffliction.Letusretire,my
dearLucy,andindulgeourSorrows.ThenoisyCrew,yousee,arecomingupon
us.
[Exeunt.
ADanceofPrisonersinChains,&c.

85

SCENEV.TheCondemndHold.
Macheath,inamelancholyPosture.
AIRLVII.HappyGroves.

MIDI

PDF

Ocruel,cruel,cruelCase!
MustIsufferthisDisgrace?
AIRLVIII.OfalltheGirlsthataresosmart.

MIDI

PDF

OfalltheFriendsintimeofGrief,
WhenthreatningDeathlooksgrimmer,
NotonesosurecanbringRelief,
AsthisbestFriend,aBrimmer.

[Drinks.

AIRLIX.Britonsstrikehome.

MIDI

PDF

SinceImustswing,Iscorn,Iscorntowinceorwhine.

[Rises.
86

AIRLX.ChevyChase.

MIDI

PDF

ButnowagainmySpiritssink
IllraisethemhighwithWine.

[DrinksaGlassofWine.

AIRLXI.TooldSirSimontheKing.

MIDI

PDF

ButValourthestrongergrows,
ThestrongerLiquorweerdrinking
AndhowcanwefeelourWoes,
WhenwevelosttheTroubleofThinking?
AIRLXII.JoytoGreatCsar.

MIDI

PDF

[Drinks.

IfthusAMancandie
MuchbolderwithBrandy.

[PoursoutaBumperofBrandy.
87

AIRLXIII.TherewasanoldWoman.

MIDI

PDF

SoIdrinkoffthisBumper.AndnowIcanstandtheTest,
AndmyComradesshallsee,thatIdieasbraveastheBest.
[Drinks.
AIRLXIV.DidyoueverhearofagallantSailor.

MIDI

PDF

ButcanIleavemyprettyHussies,
WithoutoneTear,ortenderSigh?
AIRLXV.WhyaremineEyesstillflowing.

MIDI

PDF

TheirEyes,theirLips,theirBusses
RecallmyLove,AhmustIdie!
AIRLXVI.GreenSleeves.

MIDI

PDF

88

SinceLawsweremadeforevryDegree,
TocurbViceinothers,aswellasme,
IwonderwehantbetterCompany,
UponTyburnTree!
ButGoldfromLawcantakeouttheSting
AndifrichMenlikeusweretoswing,
TwoudthintheLand,suchNumberstostring
UponTyburnTree!
Jailor. SomeFriendsofyours,Captain,desiretobeadmittedIleaveyou
together.
EnterBenBudge,MattoftheMint.
Macheath. FormyhavingbrokePrison,yousee,Gentlemen,Iamorderd
immediateExecution.TheSheriffsOfficers,Ibelieve,arenowattheDoor.
ThatJemmyTwitchershouldpeachme,Iownsurprisdme!TisaplainProof
thattheWorldisallalike,andthatevenourGangcannomoretrustoneanother
thanotherPeople.Therefore,Ibegyou,Gentlemen,lookwelltoyourselves,forin
allprobabilityyoumaylivesomeMonthslonger.
Matt. Weareheartilysorry,Captain,foryourMisfortune.Buttiswhatwemust
allcometo.
Macheath. PeachumandLockit,youknow,areinfamousScoundrels.TheirLives
areasmuchinyourPower,asyoursareintheirs.RememberyourdyingFriend!
TismylastRequest.BringthoseVillainstotheGallowsbeforeyou,andIam
satisfied.
Matt. Welldot.
Jailor. MissPollyandMissLucyintreataWordwithyou.
Macheath. Gentlemen,adieu.
[ExeuntBenBudgeandMatt.
EnterLucyandPolly.
Macheath. MydearLucyMydearPollyWhatsoeverhathpassdbetweenusis
nowatanendIfyouarefondofmarryingagain,thebestAdviceIcangiveyou,
istoShipyourselvesofffortheWestIndies,whereyoullhaveafairChanceof
gettingaHusbandapiece,orbygoodLuck,twoorthree,asyoulikebest.
Polly. HowcanIsupportthisSight!
Lucy. ThereisnothingmovesonesomuchasagreatManinDistress.
AIRLXVII.AllyouthatmusttakeaLeap,&c.

89

MIDI

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Lucy.
WouldImightbehangd!
Polly.
AndIwouldsotoo!
Lucy.
Tobehangdwithyou.
Polly.
MyDear,withyou.
Macheath. OleavemetoThought!Ifear!Idoubt!
Itremble!Idroop!See,myCourageisout.
[TurnsuptheemptyBottle.
Polly.
NoTokenofLove?
Macheath.
See,myCourageisout.
[TurnsuptheemptyPot.
Lucy.
NoTokenofLove?
Polly.
Adieu.
Lucy.
Farewell.
Macheath. Buthark!IheartheTolloftheBell.
Chorus.
Tolderollol,&c.

90

Jailor. FourWomenmore,Captain,withaChildapiece!See,heretheycome.
[EnterWomenandChildren.
Macheath. WhatfourWivesmore!ThisistoomuchHeretelltheSheriffs
OfficersIamready.
[ExitMacheathguarded.
Tothem,EnterPlayerandBeggar.
Player. But,honestFriend,IhopeyoudontintendthatMacheathshallbereally
executed.
Beggar. Mostcertainly,Sir.TomakethePieceperfect,Iwasfordoingstrict
poeticalJustice.MacheathistobehangdandfortheotherPersonagesofthe
Drama,theAudiencemusthavesupposdtheywerealleitherhangdor
transported.
Player. Whythen,Friend,thisisadownrightdeepTragedy.TheCatastropheis
manifestlywrong,foranOperamustendhappily.
Beggar. YourObjection,Sir,isveryjust,andiseasilyremovd.Foryoumust
allow,thatinthiskindofDrama,tisnomatterhowabsurdlythingsarebrought
aboutSoyouRabblethererunandcry,AReprieve!letthePrisonerbe
broughtbacktohisWivesinTriumph.

91

Player. Allthiswemustdo,tocomplywiththeTasteoftheTown.
Beggar. ThroughthewholePieceyoumayobservesuchaSimilitudeofManners
inhighandlowLife,thatitisdifficulttodeterminewhether(inthefashionable
Vices)thefineGentlemenimitatetheGentlemenoftheRoad,ortheGentlemenof
theRoadthefineGentlemen.HadthePlayremained,asIatfirstintended,it
wouldhavecarriedamostexcellentMoral.TwouldhaveshewnthatthelowerSort
ofPeoplehavetheirVicesinadegreeaswellastheRich:Andthattheyare
punishdforthem.
Tothem,MacheathwithRabble,&c.
Macheath. So,itseems,IamnotlefttomyChoice,butmusthaveaWifeatlast.
Lookye,myDears,wewillhavenoControversynow.LetusgivethisDayto
Mirth,andIamsureshewhothinksherselfmyWifewilltestifyherJoybya
Dance.
All. Come,aDanceaDance.
Macheath. Ladies,IhopeyouwillgivemeleavetopresentaPartnertoeachof
you.And(ifImaywithoutOffence)forthistime,ItakePollyformine.Andfor
Life,youSlut,forwewerereallymarryd.Asfortherest.Butatpresentkeep
yourownSecret.
[ToPolly.

ADANCE.
AIRLXVIII.LumpsofPudding,&c.

MIDI

PDF

92

ThusIstandliketheTurk,withhisDoxiesaround
FromallSidestheirGlanceshisPassionconfound
ForBlack,Brown,andFair,hisInconstancyburns,
AndthedifferentBeautiessubduehimbyturns:
EachcallsforthherCharmstoprovokehisDesires:
Thoughwillingtoall,withbutoneheretires.
ButthinkofthisMaxim,andputoffyourSorrow,
TheWretchofToday,maybehappyTomorrow.
Chorus.

ButthinkofthisMaxim,&c.
FINIS.

P RINTEDINGREATBRITAINBY
RICHARDCLAY&S ONS ,LIMITED,
BUNGAY,S UFFOLK.

TitlePage

THE
BEGGARS
OPERA.
WRITTENbyMr.GAY.
TowhichisPrefixedthe
MUSICKtoeachSONG.
{Decoration}
Noshcnovimusessenihil.MART.
LONDON:
WILLIAMHEINEMANN
1921

AbouttheMusic
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93

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