ich. Since you provoke me to speak

Enter MACHEATH.

t tell you too, that Mrs. Coaxer charges Lucy. Though the ordinary was out of the vith defrauding her of her information way to-day, I hope, my dear, you will, upon for the apprehending of Curl-pated he first opportunity, quiet my scruples. -Oh, Indeed, indeed, brother, we must punct-sir! my father's hard heart is not to be softened, pay our spies, or we shall have no in- and I am in the utmost despair.

tion.

kit. Is this language to me, sirrah-who saved you from the gallows, sirrah!

[Collaring each other. ich. If I am hanged, it shall be for rid

he world of an arrant rascal.

kit. This hand shall do the office of the

you deserve, and throttle you-you dog!

ich. Brother, brother - we are both in
'rong
- we shall be both losers in the
for you know we have it in our
to hang each other. You should not
passionate.

e

kit. Nor you so provoking.

wh., 'Tis our mutual interest, 'tis for the st of the world, we should agree. If I ny thing, brother, to the prejudice of character, I ask pardon.

Mac. But if I could raise a small sumwould not twenty guineas, think you, move him? - Of all the arguments in the way of business, the perquisite is the most prevailing.Money, well-timed, and properly applied, will do any thing.

To do what his duty directed:

Or would you the frowns of a lady prevent,
She too has that palpable failing;

The perquisite softens her into consent,
That reason with all is prevailing.

Lucy. What love or money can do shall kit. Brother Peachum-I can forgive as be done; for all my comfort depends upon is resent-Give me your hand; suspicion your safety. not become a friend.

ch. I only meant to give you occasion

Enter POLLY.

tify yourself. But I must now step home, Polly Where is my dear husband?-Was expect the gentleman about this snuff- a rope ever intended for his neck! - Oh let at Filch nimmed 1) two nights ago in me throw my arms about it, and throttle thee ark. I appointed him at this hour. [Exit. with love!-Why dost thou turn away from

Enter LUCY.

ckit. Whence come you, hussy?
cy. My tears might answer that question.
kit. You have been whimpering and
ng like a spaniel, over the fellow that
abused you.

me? 'tis thy Polly-'tis thy wife.

Mac. Was ever such an unfortunate rascal as I am!

Lucy. Was there ever such another villain! Polly. Oh, Macheath! was it for this we parted? Taken! imprisoned! tried! hanged!Cruel reflection! I'll stay with thee till deathcy. One can't help love; one can't cure no force shall tear thy dear wife from thee is not in my power to obey you and now.-What means my love?-not one kind' him. word! not one kind look! Think what thy ckit. Learn to bear your husband's death Polly suffers to see thee in this condition! a reasonable woman; 'tis not the fashion Mac. I must disown her. [Aside] The wench -a-days so much as to affect sorrow upon is distracted!

occasions. No woman would ever marry Lucy. Am I then bilked of my virtue? Can → bad not the chance of mortality for aI have no reparation? Sure men were born Act like a woman of spirit, hussy, to lie, and women to believe them! Oh vilthank your father for what he is doing. lain! villain!

se.

AIR.-LUCY.

then his fate decreed, sir,

Such a man can I think of quitting?
Then first we met, so moves me yet,
O see how my heart is splitting!
ockit. Look ye, Lucy, there is no saving
-so I think you must even do like other
ows-buy yourself weeds, and be cheerful.

AIR.-LOCKIT.

ou'll think, ere many days ensue,
This sentence not severe;
hang your husband, child, 'tis true,
But with him hang your care.
Twang dang dillo dee.

Polly. Am I not thy wife?-Thy neglect of me, thy aversion to me, too severely proves it.-Look on me-Tell me, am I not thy wife? Lucy. Perfidious wretch! Polly. Barbarous husband!

Lucy. Hadst thou been hanged five months ago, I had heen happy.

Polly. If you had been kind to me till death, it would not have vexed me-and that's no very unreasonable request (though from a wife) to a man who hath not above seven or eight days to live.

Lucy. Art thou, then, married to another? Hast thou two wives, monster?

Mac. If woman's tongues can cease for an answer-hear me.

Lucy. I won't.-Flesh and blood can't bear

- a good wife, go moan over your dying
band; that, child, is your duty-Consider, my_usage!
, you can't have the man and the money

Polly. Shall not I claim my own? Justice

so make yourself as easy as you can, bids me speak. getting all you can from him. [Exit.

Slang, for stole,

• AIR.- МАСНЕАТН.

How happy could be with either,
Were t'other dear charmer away!

But while ye thus tease me together,
To neither a word will I say;

But toll de roll, etc.

Polly. Sure, my dear, there ought to be some preference shown to a wife-at least she may claim the appearance of it. He must be distracted with misfortunes, or he could not use me thus.

Lucy. Oh villain! villain! thou hast deceived me!-I could even inform against thee with pleasure. Not a prude wishes more heartily to have facts against her intimate acquaintance, than I now wish to have facts against thee. I would have her satisfaction, and they should all out.

are doubled.

least, madam; and my duty, madam, obliger me to stay with my husband, madam.

AIR.

Lucy Why, how now, madam Flirt?
If you thus must chatter,
And are for flinging dirt,
Let's try who best can spalier,
Madam Fliri!

Polly. Why, how now, saucy jade?
Sure, the wench is tipsey!
How can you see me made [To him
The scoff of such a gipsy?
Saucy jade! [To hr

Enter PEACHUM.

Peach. Where's my wench? Ah, hus hussy!-Come home, you slut! and when ye fellow is hanged, hang yourself, to make y Oh, how family some amends.

My distresses

Lucy. When you come to the tree, should
the hangman refuse,

These fingers, with pleasure could
fasten the noose.

Polly. I'm bubbled, etc.
Mac. Be pacified, my dear Lucy-this is all
a fetch of Polly's, to make me desperate with
you, in case I get off. If I am hanged, she
would fain have the credit of being thought
my widow. Really, Polly, this is no time for
a dispute of this sort; for whenever you are
talking of marriage, I am thinking of hanging.
Polly. And hast thou the heart to persist in
disowning me?

Polly. Dear, dear father! do not lear from him.-I must speak-I have more to to him.-Oh, twist thy fetters about me, he may not haul me from thee!

Peach. Sure, all women are alike! if e they commit one folly, they are sure to c mit another, by exposing themselves.-A -not a word more.- -You are my prises now, hussy.

AIR. POLLY.

No pow'r on earth can e'er divide
The knot that sacred love hath tied;
When parents draw against our mind,
The truelove's knot they faster bind.

Oh, oh, ray, oh Amborah-Oh, oh, d [Holding Macheath, Peachum pulling b [Exeunt Peachum and P Mac. And hast thou the heart to persist in Mac. I am naturally compassionate, wi persuading me that I am married? Why, that I could not use the wench as she des Polly, dost thou seek to aggravate my mis-ved, which made you, at first, suspect t fortunes? was something in what she said.

Lucy. Really, miss Peachum, you do but expose yourself; besides, 'tis barbarous in you to worry a gentleman in his circumstances.

AIR. -POLLY.

Cease your funning,

Force or cunning
Never shall my heart trepan;
All these sallies
Are but malice,
To seduce my constant man.

'Tis most certain,
By their flirting,
Women oft have envy shown;
Pleased to ruin
Others' wooing,

Never happy in their own!

Lucy. Indeed, my dear, I was strang puzzled!

Mac. If that had been the case, her fa would never have brought me into this cumstance-No, Lucy, I had rather die t be false to thee!

Luc. How happy am I, if you say this fa your heart! for I love thee so, that I c sooner bear to see thee hanged, than in arms ot another.

Mac. But couldst thou bear to see me banged Luc. Oh, Macheath; I could never live see that day!

Mac. You see, Lucy, in the account of you are in my debt.-Make me, if poss love thee more, and let me owe my life thee-If you refuse to assist me, Peachum your father will immediately put me beys all means of escape.

Decency, madam, methinks, might teach you to behave yourself with some reserve to the Lucy. My father, I know, hath been drink husband, while his wife is present. ing hard with the prisoners, and I fancy, Mac. But, seriously, Polly, this is carrying is now taking his nap in his own roomthe joke a little to far. can procure the keys, shall I go off with the Luc. If you are determined, madam, to raise my dear? a disturbance in the prison, I shall be obliged Mac. If we are together, 'twill be imposs to send for the turnkey, to show you the door. [ble to lie concealed. As soon as the sea I am sorry, madam, you force me to be so begins to be a little cool, I will send to the ill bred. till then, my heart is thy prisoner. Polly. Give me leave to tell you, madam, Lucy. Come then, my dear husband, these forward airs don't become you in the thy life to me; and, though you love me

L

AIR. - LUCY.

I like the fox shall grieve,

Whose mate hath left her side;
Whom hounds, from morn to eve,
Chase o'er the country wide.
Where can my lover hide?
Where cheat the weary pack?
If love be not his guide,

He never will come back.

ACT III.

SCENE I.-NEWGATE.

LOCKIT, LUCY.

[Exeunt.

Alone I lie,

Toss, tumble, and cry,
What a happy creature is Polly!
Was e'er such a wretch as I?
With rage I redden like scarlet,
That my dear inconstant varlet,
Stark blind to my charms,
Is lost in the arms

Of that jilt, that inveigling harlot!
Stark blind to my charms,

Is lost in the arms

Of that jilt, that inveigling harlot!
This, this my resentment alarms.

Lockit. And so, after all this mischief, I must stay here to be entertained with your caterwauling, mistress Puss!-Out of my sight, wanton strumpet!-Yon shall fast, and mortify yourself into reason, with, now and then, a little handsome discipline, to bring you to your

Lockit. To be sure, wench, you must have senses.-Go!-[Exit Lucy] Peachum, then, en aiding and abetting to help him to this intends to outwit me in this affair, but I'll be cape? even with him!-The dog is leaky in his liLucy. Sir, here hath been Peachum, and quor, so I'll ply him that way, get the secret daughter Polly, and, to be sure, they know from him, and turn this affair to my own adways of Newgate as well as if they had vantage. Lucy!

en born and bred in the place all their lives.

'hy must all your suspicion light upon me?

Enter LUCY.

Lockit. Lucy, Lucy, I will have none of Are there any of Peachum's people now in se shuffling answers!

the house?

Lucy. Well then, if I know any thing of Lucy. Filch, sir, is drinking a quartern of n, I wish I may be burned! strong waters, in the next room, with Black

Lockit. Keep your temper, Lucy, or I shall Moll. nounce you guilty.

Lucy. Keep yours, sir-I do wish I may be ened, I do; and what can I say more to vince you?

Lockit. Bid him come to me.

Enter FILCH.

[Exit.

Why, boy, thou lookest as if thou wert half Lockit. Did he tip handsomely?-How much starved, like a shotten herring.-But, boy, he come down with? Come, hussy, don't canst thou tell me where thy master is to be at your father, and I shall not be angry found? th you-Perhaps, you have made

a better Filch. At his lock, sir, at the Crooked Billet. gain with him than I could have done— Lockit. Very well-I have nothing more w much, my good girl? with you. [Exit Filch] I'll go to him there, Lucy. You know, sir, I am fond of him, for I have many important affairs to settle 1 would have given money to have kept n with me. Lockit. Ah, Lucy! thy education might have tthee more upon thy guard: for a girl, in - bar of an alehouse, is always besieged. Lucy. If you can forgive me, sir, I will ke a fair confession; for, to be sure, he h been a most barbarous villain to me! Lockit. And so you have let him escape, sy-have you?

with him, and in the way of those transactions,
I'll artfully get into his secret-so that Mac-
heath shall not remain a day longer out of my
clutches.
[Exit.

Lucy. When a woman loves, a kind look, ender word, can persuade her to any thing, I could ask no other bribe. Notwithnding all he swore, I am now fully conced, that Polly Peachum is actually his e-Did I let him escape, fool that I was! go to her? Polly will wheedle herself into money; and then Peachum will hang him, cheat us both.

Enter LUCY.

Lucy. Jealousy, rage, love, aud fear, are at once tearing me to pieces. How am I weather-beaten and shattered with distresses.

AIR. LUCY.

I'm like a skiff on the ocean tost,
Now high, now low, with each billow
borne,

With her rudder broke and her anchor lost,
Deserted and all forlorn.

While thus Ilie rolling and tossing all night,
That Polly lies sporting on seas of delight!
Revenge, revenge, revenge,
Shall appease my restless sprite.

Lockit. So I am to be ruined because, forth, you must be in love! A very pretty I have the ratsbane ready-But say I were to use! be hanged-I never could be hanged for any Lucy. I could murder that impudent, happy thing that would give me greater comfort than umpet!-I gave him his life, and that crea- the poisoning that slut. e enjoys the sweets of it-Ungrateful Macth!

AIR. LUCY.

My love is all madness and folly;

Enter FILCH.

Filch. Madam, here's miss Polly come to

wait upon you.

Lucy. Show her in.

Enter POLLY.

she hates me!-The dissembling of a woman Dear madam! your servant.-I hope you will is always the forerunner of mischief-By pourpardon my passion when I was so happy to ing strong waters down my throat she thinks see you last-I was so overrun with the spleen, to pump some secrets out of me- -I'll be upon that I was perfectly out of myself; and really my guard, and won't laste a drop of her li when one hath the spleen, every thing is to quor, I'm resolved. be excused by a friend.

AIR. LUCY.

When a wife's in the pout

(As she's sometimes, no doubt),

Re-enter LUCY, with strong Waters. Lucy. Come, miss Polly.

Polly. Indeed, child, you have given your self trouble to no purpose-You must, my

The good husband, as meek as a lamb, dear, excuse me,
Her vapours to still,

First grant her her will,
And the quieting draught is a dram;
Poor man! and the quieting draught is
a dram.

-I wish all our quarrels might have so com-
fortable a reconciliation.

Lucy. Really, miss Polly, you are as sques mishly affected about taking a cup of strong waters as a lady before company.

Polly. What do I see? Macheath again custody-now every glimmering of happines is lost! [Drops the Glass of Liquor on the

Ground.

Polly. I have no excuse for my own behaviour, madam, but my misfortunes-and reEnter LOCKIT, MACHEATH, and PEACHUE ally, madam, I suffer too upon your account. Lockit. Set your heart at rest, captainLucy. But, miss Polly-in the way of You have neither the chance of love or money friendship, will you give me leave to propose for another escape, for you are ordered to a glass of cordial to you? called down upon your trial immediately.

Polly. Strong waters are apt to give me the headache. I hope, madam, you will excuse me?

Lucy. Not the greatest lady in the land could have better in her closet for her own private drinking. You seem mighty low in spirits, my dear!

Peach. Away, hussies! This is not a time for a man to be hampered with his wivesyou see the gentleman is in chains already,

DUET.

-

POLLY AND LUCY.

Lucy. O husband, husband! my heart longed to see thee, but to see thee thus distracts me! Polly. Will not my dear husband look upon his Polly? Why hadst thou not flown to Polly. I am sorry, madam, my health will for protection? with me thou hadst been siz not allow me to accept of your offer-I should not have left you in the rude manner I did. when we met last, madam, had not my papa hauled me away so unexpectedly.-I was indeed somewhat provoked, and perhaps might use some expressions that were disrespectful -but really, madam, the captain treated me with so much contempt and cruelty, that I deserved your pity rather than your resentment.

Lucy. But since his escape, no doubt, ali matters are made up again-Ah Polly! Polly 'tis I am the unhappy wife, and he loves you as if you were only his mistress.

Polly. Sure, madam, you cannot think me so happy as to be the object of your jealousy -A man is always afraid of a woman who loves him too well-So that I must expect to be neglected and avoided.

Lucy. Then our cases, my dear Polly, are exactly alike: both of us indeed have been too fond. Indeed, my dear Pully, we are both of us a cup too low; let me prevail upon you to accept of my offer.

AIR. LUCY.

Come, sweet lass,
Let's banish sorrow
Till to-morrow;
Come, sweet lass,
Let's take a chirping glass.
Wine can clear

The vapours of despair,

Polly. Hither, dear husband, turn your ey
Lucy. Bestow one glance to cheer me
Polly. Think, with that look, thy Polly
Lucy. O shun me not, but hear me !
Polly. 'Tis Polly sues.
Lucy.
'Tis Lucy speaks
Polly. Is thus true love requited?
Lucy. My heart is bursting.
Polly.
Lucy. Must I-
Polly.
Must I be slighted?
Mac. What would you have me say,
dies? You see the affair will soon be of at
end, without my disobliging either of you.

Mine, too, break

Peach. But the settling of this point, ca tain, might prevent a lawsuit between you two ladies.

AIR.--MACHEATH.

Which way shall I turn me? how can
decide?
Wives, the day of your death, are as fond
as a bride.

One wife is too much for most husbands
to hear,

But two at a time, there's no mortal can be This way and that way, and which way I w What would comfort the one, t'other we would take ill. Polly. But, if his own misfortunes have made him insensible to mine, a father, will be more compassionate!-Dear, dear s I can't bear, child, to see you in such low sink the material evidence, and bring him spirits and I must persuade you to what I at his trial-Polly, upon her knees, begs it know will do you good.

And make us light as air;

Then drink and banish care.

[Exit. you.

Polly. All this wheedling of Lucy can't be for nothing at this time too, when I know!

AIR. POLLY.

When my hero in court appears,

sure

And stands arraign'd for his life,
Then think of poor Polly's tears,
For ah! poor Polly's his wife.
Like the sailor, he holds up his hand,
Distress'd on the dashing wave;
To die a dry death at land

Is as bad as a wat'ry grave.
And alas, poor Polly!

Alack, and well-a-day!
Before I was in love,

Oh! ev'ry month was May.

Upon Tyburn tree.
But gold from law can take out the sting;
And if rich men, like us, were to swing,
'Twould thin the land, such numbers to string
Upon Tyburn tree.

Enter GAOLer.

Gaoler. Some friends of yours, captain, desire to be admitted-I leave you together. Enter BEN BUDGE and MAT-O'THE-MINT. Mac. For my having broke prison, you see, sband is to die to-day; therefore, if you gentlemen, I am ordered immediate execution e not already provided, 'tis high time to -The sheriff's officers, I believe, are now at ok about for another.-There's comfort for the door. That Jemniy Twitcher should 'peach u, you slut!

Peach. Set your heart at rest, Polly-your

Lockit. We are ready, sir, to conduct you the Old Bailey.

AIR. MACHEATH.

The charge is prepared, the lawyers are met,
The judges all ranged; (a terrible show!)
I go undismay'd, for death is a debt-
A debt on demand, so take what I owe.
Then farewell, my love-dear charmers,
adieu!

Contented I die-'tis the better for you.
lere ends all dispute, for the rest of our lives,
or this way, at once, I please all my wives.
w, gentlemen, I am ready to attend you.
[Exeunt Peachum, Lockit, Macheath, etc.
ENE II.-Another Part of the Prison.
Dance of Prisoners in Fetters.
SCENE III. The condemned Hold.
MACHEATH in a melancholy Posture.

MEDLEY.

Oh, cruel, cruel, cruel case!
Must I suffer this disgrace?

f all the friends in time of grief,
When threat'ning death looks grimmer,
ot one so sure can bring relief,
As this best friend, a brimmer. [Drinks.
e I must swing-I scorn, I scorn to wince
or whine.
[Rises.

But now again, my spirits sink,
I'll raise them high with wine.

it valour the stronger grows,

The stronger liquor we're drinking; ad how can we feel our woes,

me, I own surprised me-'Tis a plain proof that the world is all alike, and that even our gang can no more trust one another than other people; therefore, I beg you, gentlemen, to look well to yourselves, for, in all probability, you may live some months longer.

Mat. We are all heartily sorry, captain, for your misfortune; but 'tis what we must all come to.

Mac. Peachum and Lockit, you know, are infamous scoundrels-their lives are as much in your power, as yours are in theirs-Remember your dying friend-Tis my last request-Bring those villains to the gallows before you, and I am satisfied. Mat. We'll do it.

[Drinks.

[Turns up the empty Pot.

Polly. No token of love?

Mac.

[Drinks.

See, my courage is out! [Turns up the empty Bottle. Lucy. No token of love?

When we've lost the trouble of thinking?

If thus a man can die,
Much bolder with brandy.

[Pours out a Bumper of Brandy.

drink off this bumper- and now I can stand the test,

my comrades shall see that I die as brave as the best.

[Drinks.

But can I leave my pretty hussies Without one tear, or tender sigh? Their eyes, their lips, their busses, Recall my love—Ah! must I die? ace laws were made for every degree, curb vice in others, as well as in me, von der we ha'n't better company

Mac. But hark! I hear the toll of the bell.

Re-enter GAOLER,

Gaoler. Four women more, captain, with a child a-piece.

Mac. Tell the sheriff's officers I am ready. [Exeunt Mob. [Within] A reprieve! a reprieve!

Re-enter MACheath, Polly, Lucy, etc. Mae. So, it seems, I am not left to my choice, but must have a wife at last - Look ye, my dears, we will have no controversy