PR Book , B4" THE / BEGGAR'S OPERA. IN THREE ACTS BY JOHN GAY As fierf armed at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, PHILADELPHIA PUBLISHED BY THOMAS H. PALMEB 1823. <£•**, /* DRAMATIS PERSONM. Peachum*.... Lockit* •••••< Macheath ••• Filch Jemmy Twitcher • • • Crookfingerea Jack* Wat Dreary* • • Robin of Bagshot* • • Nimming Ned •••••• "3arry Paddington. • - Mat of the Mint Ben Budge •••••••• Beggar ••••• Player* •• ....«••••• • Mr OS 09* a Drury-Lane, Moody. Bransby. Vernon. Parsons, Wright. Wrighten. JVorris. Carpenter. Griffith, JSfarr. Kear. Burton. Waldron. Whitfield, Mrs. Peachum.... Mrs. Love. Polly Peachum Lucy Lockit. • Diana Trapes* Mrs. Coaxer. • • Dolly Trull... Mrs. Vixen ••• •( | Betty Doxy.... Jenny Diver ... Mrs. Slammekin Suky Tawdry • • Molly Brazen. •• ft Smith. Wrighten. Bradsha-w. Millidge. Jlfusgrove, Miss. Piatt. Mrs. Palmer. Davies. Johnson. Smith. Brathivait, Constables, Drawers, Turnkey, &c. The passages distinguished by inverted commas, thus, f" "J are omitted in the representation. 7/ INTRODUCTION. Beggar, Plater. Beg. If poverty be a title to poetry, I'm sure nobody can dispute mine. I own myself of the company of beg- gars, and I make one at their weekly festivals at St. Giles's. I have a small yearly salary for my catches, and am welcome to a dinner there whenever I please, which is more than most poets can say. Play. As we live by the muses, it is but gratitude in us to encourage poetical merit wherever we find it. The muses, contrary to all other ladies, pay no distinc- tion to dress, and never partially mistake the pertness of embroidery for wit, nor the modesty of want for dul- ness. Be the author who he will, we push his play as far as it will go : so, (though you are in want,; I wish you success heartily. Beg. This piece, I own, was originally writ for the celebrating the marriage of James Chanter and Moll Lay, two most excellent ballad-singers. I have intro- duced the similes that are in all your celebrated operas, The Swallow, The Moth, The Bee, The Ship, The Flow- er, &c, : besides I have a prison scene, which the ladies always reckon charmingly pathetic. As to the parts, I have observed such a nice impartiality to our two ladies, that it is impossible for either of them to take offence. I hope that I may be forgiven that I have not made my opera throughout unnatural, like those in vogue, for I have no recitative excepting this. As I have consented to have neither prologue nor epilogue, it must be allow- ed an opera in all its forms. The piece indeed hath been heretofore frequently represented by ourselves in our great room at St. Giles's, so that I cannot too often ac- knowledge your charity in bringing it now on the stage. Play. But I see it is time for us to withdraw ; the ac- tors are preparing to begin. Play away the overture. [exeunt THE BEGGAR'S OPERA, ACT I. scene — Peachum's house. Peachum sitting at a table, -with a large book of accounts before him. AIR I. An old woman clothed in gray. Thro' all the employments of life, £ach neighbour abuses his brother ; Whore and rogue they call husband and wife, All professions berogue one another: The priest calls the lawyer a cheat, The lawyer beknaves the divine, And the statesman, because he's so great, Thinks his trade as honest as mine. A lawyer is an honest employment, so is mine : like me too he acts in a double capacity, both against rogues and for 'em, for 'tis but fitting that we should protect and encourage cheats, since we live by 'em, enter filch. Filch. Sir, black Moll hath sent word her trial comes on in the afternoon, and she hopes you will order matters so as to bring her off. Peach. Why, she may plead her belly ^t worst ; to my knowledge she hath taken care of thai security ; but as the wench is very active and industrious, you may satis- fy her that I'll soften the evidence. a2 6 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay Filch. Tom Gagg, sir, is found guilty. Peach. A lazy dog ! when I took him the time before, I told him what he would come to if he did not mend his hand. This is death without reprieve : I may ven- ture to book him : {-writes) for Tom Gagg, forty pounds. Let Betty Sly know that I'll save her from transportation, for 1 can get more by her staying in England. Filch. Betty hath brought more goods into our lock to-year than any five of the gang, and in truth 'tis pity to lose so good a customer. Peach. If none of the gang takes her off, she may in the common course of business live a twelvemonth longer. I love to let women 'scape. A good sports- man always lets the hen partridges fly, because the breed of the game depends upon them. Besides, here the law allows us no reward. There is nothing to be got by the death of women — except our wives. Filch. Without dispute she is a fine woman ! 'twas to her I was obliged for my education. To say a bold word, she hath trained up more young fellows to the business than the gaming table. Peach. Truly, Filch, thy observation is right. We and the surgeons are more beholden to women than all the professions besides. AIR II. The bonny grey-ey'd morn. Filch. 'Tis woman that seduces all mankind ; By her we first were taught the wheedling arts 5 Her very eyes can cheat : when most she's kind, She tricks us of our money with our hearts. For her like wolves by night we roam for prey, And practise ev'ry fraud to bribe her charms ; For suits of love, like law, are won by pay, And beauty must be fee'd into our arms, Peach. But make haste to Newgate, boy, and let my friends know what I intend ; for I love to make them easy one way or other. Filch. When a gentleman is long kept in suspense, penitence may break his spirit ever after. Besides, cer- tainty gives a man a good air upon his trial, and makes him risk another without fear or scruple. But I'll away, Act I] BEGGAR'S OPERA, 7 for 'tis a pleasure to be the messenger of comfort to friends in affliction. [exit Peach. But it is now high time to look about me for a decent execution against next sessions. I hate a lazy rogue, by whom one can get nothing till he is hanged. A register of the gang, {reading) Crookfinger'd Jack, a year and a half in the service : let me see how much the stock owes to his industry ; one, two, three, four, five, gold watches, and seven silver ones. A mighty clean-handed fellow ! sixteen snuff-boxes, five of them of true gold, six dozen of handkerchiefs, four silver- hilted swords, half a dozen of shirts, three tie-periwigs, and a piece of broad cloth. Considering these are only fruits of his leisure hours, I don't know a prettier fellow, for no man alive hath a more engaging presence of mind upon the road. Wat. Dreary, alias Brown Will ; an ir- regular dog, who hath an underhand way of disposing of his goods. I'll try him only for a sessions or two longer upon his good behaviour. Harry Paddington ; a poor petty -larceny rascal, without the least genius : that fel- low, though he were to live these six months, will never come to the gallows with any credit. Slippery Sam ; he goes off the next sessions, for the villain hath the impudence to have views of following his trade as a tailor, which he calls an honest employment. Mat of the Mint, listed not above a month ago ; a promising sturdy fellow, and diligent in his way ; somewhat too bold and hasty, and may raise good contributions on the public, if he does not cut himself short by murder. Tom Tipple, a guzzling soaking sot, who is always too drunk to stand himself or make others stand : a cart is absolutely neces- sary for him. Robin of Bagshot, alias Gorgon, alias Bluff Bob, alias Carbuncle, alias Bob Booty. enter Mrs. feachum. Mrs. Peach. What of Bob Booty, husband ? I hope nothing bad hath betided him. You know, my dear, he's a favourite customer of mine ; 'twas he made me a pre- sent of this ring. Peach. I've set his name down in the black-list, that's all, my dear : he spends his life among women, and as soon as his money is gone, one or other of the ladies will 8 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay hang him for the reward, and there's forty pounds lost to us for ever. Mrs. Peach. You know, my dear, I never meddle in matters of death ; I always leave those affairs to you. Women indeed are bitter bad judges in these cases, for they are so partial to the brave, that they think every man handsome who is going to the camp or the gallows. AIR III. Cold and raw, &c. If any wench Venus's girdle wear, Tho' she be never so ugly, Lilies and roses will quickly appear, And her face look wondrous smuggly. Beneath the left ear so fit but a cord, (A rope so charming a zone is !) The youth in his cart hath the air of a lord, And we cry, there dies an Adonis ! But really, husband, you should not be too hardhearted, for you never had a finer, braver set of men than at present. We have not had a murder among them all these seven months ; and, truly, my dear, that is a great blessing. Peach. What a dickens is the woman always a whim- pering about murder for ! No gentleman is ever looked upon the worse for killing a man in his own defence ; and if business cannot be carried on without it, what would you have a gentleman do ? Mrs. Peach. If 1 am in the wrong, my dear, you must excuse me, for nobody can help the frailty of an over- scrupulous conscience. Peach. Murder is as fashionable a crime as a man can be guilty of. How many fine gentlemen have we in Newgate every year purely upon that article ? If they have wherewithal to persuade the jury to bring it in manslaughter, what are they the worse for it ? so, my dear, have done upon this subject. Was Captain Mac- heath here this morning for the bank-notes he left with you last week ? Mrs. Peach. Yes, my dear, and though the bank hath stopped payment, he was so cheerful and so agreeable ! Sure there is not a finer gentleman on the road than the Act I] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 9 captain : if he comes from Bagshot at any reasonable hour, he hath promised to make one this evening with Polly, me, and Bob Booty, at a party at quadrille. Pray, my dear, is the captain rich ? Peach, The captain keeps too good company ever to grow rich. Marybone and the chocolate houses are his undoing. The man that proposes to get money by play should have the education of a fine gentleman, and be trained up to it from his youth. Mrs, Peach, Really, I am sorry upon Polly's account the captain hath not more discretion. >Vhat business hath he to keep company with lords and gentlemen ? he should leave them to prey upon one another. Peach. Upon Polly's account ! what a plague does the woman mean ? — upon Polly's account ! Mrs. Peach. Captain Macheath is very fond of the girl. Peach. And what then ? Mrs. Peach. If I have any skill in the ways of women, I am sure Polly thinks him a very pretty man. Peach. And what then ? you would not be so mad to have the wench marry him ? Gamesters and highway- men are generally very good to their whores, but they are very devils to their wives. Mrs. Peach. But if Polly should be in love, how should we help her, or how can she help herself ? Poor girl, I'm in the utmost concern about her. AIR IV. Why is your faithful slave disdain 9 d ? If love the virgin's heart invade, How like a moth the simple maid Still plays about the flame ; If soon she be not made a wife, Her honour's sing'd, and then for life She's what I dare not name. Peach. Look ye, wife, a handsome wench in our way of business is as profitable as at the bar of a Temple cof- fee-house, who looks upon it as her livelihood to grant every liberty but one. You see I would indulge the girl as far as prudently we can in any thing but marriage : after that, my dear, how shall we be safe ? are we not 10 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay then in her husband's power ? for a husband hath the absolute power over all a wife's secrets but her own. If the girl had the discretion of a court lady, who can have a dozen young fellows at her ear without comply- ing with one, I should not matter it ; but Polly is tinder, and a spark will at once set her in a flame. Married ! if the wench does not know her own profit, sure she knows her own pleasure better than to make herself a property ! My daughter to me should be like a court- lady to a minister of state, a key to the whole gang. Married ! if the affair is not already done, I'll terrify her from it by the example of our neighbours. JMrs. Peach. Mayhap, mydear, you may injure the girl : she loves to imitate the fine ladies, and she may only al- low the captain liberties in the view of interest. Peach. But 'tis your duty, my dear, to warn the girl against her ruin, and to instruct her how to make the most of her beauty. I'll go to her this moment and sift her. In the mean time, wife, rip out the coronets and marks of these dozen of cambrick handkerchiefs, for I can dispose of them this afternoon to a chap in the city. [exit Mrs. Peach. Never was a man more out of the way in an argument than my husband ! Why must our Polly, forsooth, differ from her sex, and love only her husband ? and why must Polly's marriage, contrary to all observa- tion, make her the less followed by other men ? All men are thieves in love, and like a woman the better for being another's property. AIR V. Of all the simple things -we do, &c> A maid is like the golden ore, Which hath guineas intrinsical in 't, Whose worth is never known before It is try'd and imprest in the mint. A wife's like a guinea in gold, Stampt with the name of her spouse, Now here, now there, is bought or is sold s And is current in every house. Act I] BEGGAR'S OPERA, 11 enter filch. Mrs. Peach. Come hither, Filch. I am as fond of this child as though my mind misgave me he were my own. He hath as fine a hand at picking a pocket as a woman, and is as nimble-fingered as a juggler. If an unlucky session does not cut the rope of thy life, I pronounce, boy, thou wilt be a great man in history. Where was your post last night, my boy ? Filch. I plied at the opera, madam, and considering it was neither dark nor rainy, so that there was no great hurry in getting chairs and coaches, made a tolerable hand on't. These seven handkerchiefs, madam. JVJrs. Peach. Coloured ones, I see. They are of sure sale from our ware -house at Redriff, among the seamen. Filch. And this snuff-box. Mrs, Peach. Set in gold ! a pretty encouragement this to a young beginner. Filch. I had a fair tug at a charming gold watch. Pox take the tailors for making the fobs so deep and narrow ! It stuck by the way, and I was forced to make my escape under a coach. Really, madam, I fear I shall be cut off in the flower of my youth, so that every now and then, since I was pumpt, I have thoughts of taking up, and going to sea. Mrs. Peach. You should go to Hockley in the hole, and to Marybone, child, to learn valour : these are the schools that have bred so many brave men. I thought, boy, by this time thou hadst lost fear as well as shame. Poor lad ! how little does he know as yet of the Old Bailey ! for the first fact I'll insure you from being hang- ed ; and going to sea, Filch, will come time enough up- on a sentence of transportation. But now, since you have nothing better to do, even go to your book and learn your catechism ; for really a man makes but an ill figure in the ordinary's paper who cannot give a sat- isfactory answer to his questions. But hark you, my lad, don't tell me a lie, for you know I hate a liar; do you know of any thing that hath passed between captain Macheath and our Polly ? ^ Filch. I beg you, madam, don't ask me, for I must cither tell a lie to you or to miss Polly, for I promised her I would not telL 12 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay Mrs. Peach. But when the honour of our family is concerned Filch. I shall lead a sad life with miss Polly if ever she comes to know that I told you. Besides, I would not willingly forfeit my own honour by betraying 1 any body. Mrs. Peach. Yonder comes my husband and Polly. Come, Filch, you shall go with me into my own room, and tell me the whole story. HI give thee a glass of a most delicious cordial that I keep for my own drinking. [exeunt enter peachum and polly. Polly. I know as well as any of the fine ladies how to make the most of myself and of my man too. A woman knows how to be mercenary, though she hath never been in a court or at an assembly : we have it in our natures, papa. If I allow captain Macheath some trifling liberties, I have this watch and other visible marks of his favour to show for it. A girl who cannot grant some things, and refuse what is most material, will make but a poor hand of her beauty, and soon be thrown upon the com- mon. AIR VI. What shall I do to show hoiv much I love her. Virgins are like the fair flower in its lustre, Which in the garden enamels the ground : Near it the bees in play flutter and cluster, And gaudy butterflies frolic around : But when once pluck'd 'tis no longer alluring, To Covent-garden 'tis sent, (as yet sweet,) There fades, and shrinks, and grows past all endur- ing, Rots, stinks, and dies, and is trod under feet. Peach. You know, Polly, I am not against your toy- ing and trifling with a customer in the way of business, or to get out a secret or so ; but if I find out that you have played the fool, and are married, you jade you, Til cut your throat, hussy. Now you know my mind. Act III] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 49 Trapes. Fill it up ; I take as large draughts of liquor a l s I did of love ; I hate a flincher in either. AIR XLVI. A shepherd kept sheep, &c. In the days of my youth I could bill like a dove, fa, la, la, &c. Like a sparrow at all times was ready for love, fa, la, la, &c. The life of all mortals in kissing should pass, Lip to lip while we're young, then the lip to the glass, fa, la, la, &c. But now, Mr. Peachum, to our business. If you have blacks of any kind brought in of late, mantuas, velvet scarfs, petticoats, let it be what it will, I am your chap, for all my ladies are very fond of mourning. Peach. Why look ye, Mrs. Dye, you deal so hard with us that we can afford to give the gentlemen who venture their lives for the goods little or nothing. Trapes. The hard times oblige me to go very near in my dealing. To be sure, of late years, I have been a great sufferer by the parliament ; three thousand pounds would hardly make me amends. The act for destroying the mint was a severe cut upon our business ; till then, if a customer stept out of the way, we knew where to have her. No doubt you know Mrs. Coaxer ; there's a wench now, (till to-day,) with a good suit of clothes of mine upon her back, and I could never set eyes upon her for three months together. Since the act, too, against imprisonment for small sums, my loss there too hath been very considerable ; and it must be so when a lady can borrow a handsome petticoat or a clean gown, and I not have the least hank upon her ; and, o' my con- science, now-a-days most ladies take delight in cheating when they can do it with safety. Peach. Madam, you had a handsome gold watch of us th' other day for seven guineas ; considering we must have our profit, to a gentleman upon the road a gold watch will be scarce worth the taking. Trapes. Consider, Mr. Peachum, that watch was rev. markable, and not of very safe sale. If you have any "Slack velvet scarfs — thev are a handsome winter wear$ 50 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay and take with most gentlemen who deal with my custo- mers. 'Tis I that put the ladies upon a good foot : 'tis not youth or beauty that fixes their price ; the gentle- men always pay according to their dress, from half a crown to two guineas, and yet those hussies make nothing of bilking of me. Then, too, allowing for accidents, — I have eleven fine customers now down under the surgeon's hand : what with fees and k other expenses there are great goings out and no comings in, and not a farthing to pay for at least a month's clothing. We run great risks, great risks indeed. Peach. As I remember, you said something just now of Mrs. Coaxer. Trapes. Yes, sir, to be sure, I stripped her of a suit of my own clothes about two hours ago, and have left her, as she should be, in her shift, with a lover of hers, at my house. She called him up stairs as he was going to Ma- rybone in a hackney-coach, and I hope, for her own sake and mine, she will persuade the captain to redeem her, for the captain is very generous to the ladies. Lock. What captain ? Trapes. He thought I did not know him; an intimate acquaintance of yours, Mr. Peachum ; only captain Mac- heath, as fine as a lord. Peach. To-morrow, dear mrs. Dye, you shall set your own price upon any of the goods you like. We have at least half a dozen velvet scarfs, and all at your service. Will you give me leave to make you a present of this suit of night-clothes for your own wearing ? — but are you sure it is captain Macheath ? Trapes. Though he thinks I have forgot him, nobody knows him better. I have taken a great deal of the cap- tain's money in my time at second-hand, for he always loved to have his ladies well dressed. Peach. Mr. Lockit and I have a little business with the captain — you understand me — and we will satisfy you for Mrs. Coaxer's debt. Lock. Depend upon it, we will deal like men of ho- nour. Trapes. I don't inquire after your affairs, so, whatever happens, I wash my hands on't. It hath always been my maxim that one friend should assist another. — But Act III] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 51 if you please, I'll take one of the scarfs home with me ; 'tis always good to have something in hand. [exeunt scene — Newgate. enter luct. Lucy. Jealousy, rage, love, and fear, are at once tear- ing me to pieces. How I am weather-beaten and shat- tered with distresses ? AIR XL VII. One evening having lost my -way, 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, Desertea and all forlorn. While thus I lie rolling and tossing all night, That Polly lies sporting on seas of delight, Revenge, revenge, revenge, Shall appease my restless sprite. I have the ratsbane ready : — I run no risk, for I can lay her death upon £he gin, and so many die of that natural- ly that I shall never be called in question. But say I were to be hanged, I never coujd be hanged for any thing that would give me greater comfort than the poi- soning that slut. * enter filch. Filch. Madam, here's Miss Polly come to wait upon you. Lucy. Show her in. enter polly. Dear Madam, your servant. I hope you will pardon my passion when I was so happy to see you last. I was so overrun with the spleen that I was perfectly out of my- self ; and, really, when one hath the spleen, every thing is to be excused by a friend. AIR XLVIII. JVow, Roger, FU tell thee, because thou 9 rt my son. When a wife's in her pout, (As she's sometimes, no doubt,) SZ BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay The good husband, as meek as a lamb, Her vapours to still, First grants 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 comfortable a re- conciliation. Polly. I have no excuse for my own behaviour, Ma- dam, but my misfortunes — and really, Madam, 1 suffer too much upon your account. Lucy. But, Miss Polly, in the way of friendship, will you give me leave to propose a glass of cordial to you ? 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. Polly. I am sorry, Madam, my health will 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 cru- elty, that I deserved your pity rather than your resent- ment. Lucy. But since his escape no doubt all matters are made up again. — Ah, Polly, Polly, 'tis I am the unhappy wife, and he loves you as if you were only his mistress. Polly. Sure, Madam, you cannot think me so happy as to be the object of your jealousy. A man is always afraid of a woman who loves him too well, so that I must expect to be neglected and avoided. Lucy. Then our cases, my dear Polly, are exactly- alike ; both of us indeed have been too fond. AIR XLIX. O Bessy Bell, &c. Polly. A curse attends that woman's love Who always would be pleasing. Lucy. The pertness of the billing dove* Like tickling, is but teasing. Act III] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 53 Polly. What then in love can woman do ? Lucy. If we grow fond they shun us ; Polly. And when we fly them they pursue, Lucy. But leave us when they've won us. Lucy, Love is so very whimsical in both sexes, that it is impossible to be lasting : but my heart is particular, and contradicts my own observation. Polly. But really, Mistress Lucy, by his last behaviour I think I ought to envy you. When I was forced from him he did not show the least tenderness : — but perhaps he hath a heart not capable of it. AIR L. Would fate to me Belinda give. Among the men coquettes we find, Who court by turns all womankind, And we grant all their hearts desired When they are flatter'd and admir'd. The coquettes of both sexes are self-lovers, and that is a love no other whatever can dispossess. I fear, my dear Lucy, our husband is one of those. Lucy. Away with these melancholy reflections. In- deed, my dear Polly, we are both of us a cup too low ; let me prevail upon you to accept of my offer. AIR LI. Come, sweet lass. Come, sweet lass, Let's banish sorrow Till to-morrow ; Come, sweet lass, s Let's take a chirping glass. Wine can clear The vapours of despair, And make us light as air; Then drink and banish care. I can't bear, child, to see you in such low spirits, and I must persuade you to what I know will do you good. — I shall now soon be even with the hypocritical strum- pet. ( aside J [exit e2 54 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay Polly. All this wheedling of Lucy can't be for no- thing 1 ; — at this time too, when I know she hates me. — The dissembling of a woman is always the forerunner of mischief. By pouring strong waters down my throat she thinks to pump some secrets out of me. I'll be up- on my guard, and won't taste a drop of her liquor, I'm resolved. enter ltjcy, -with strong' waters. Lucy. Come, Miss Polly. Polly. Indeed, child, you have given yourself trouble to no purpose. You must, my dear, excuse me. Lucy. Really, Miss Polly, you are as squeamishly af- fected about taking a cup of strong waters as a lady be- fore company. I vow, Polly, I shall take it monstrously ill if you refuse me. Brandy and men, (though women love them never so well, are always taken by us with some reluctance — unless 'tis in private. Polly. I protest, madam, it goes against me. — What do I see — Macheath again in custody ? — now every glim- mering of happiness is lost ! ( drops the glass of liquor on the ground^) Lucy. Since things are thus, I'm glad the wench hath escaped, for by this event 'tis plain she was not happy enough to deserve to be poisoned, {aside) enter lockit, macheath, and peachum. Lock. Set your heart to rest, captain. You have nei- ther the chance of love or money for another escape, for you are ordered to be called down upon your trial imme- diately. Peach. Away, hussies ! this is not a time for a man to be hampered with his wives — you see the gentleman is in chains already. Lucy. O, husband, husband ! my heart longed to see thee, but to see thee thus distracts me ! Polly. Will not my dear husband look upon his Pol- ly ? — w hy hadst thou not flown to me for protection ? — with me thou hadst been safe. AIR lill. The last time I came o 9 er the moor. Polly. Hither, dear husband, turn your eyes, l/ucy. Bestow one glance to cheer me. Act III] BEGGARS OPERA. SS Polly. Think with that look thy Polly dies. 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. Mine too breaks. Lucy. Must I — Polly. Must I be slighted ? Mac. What would you have me say, ladies ? you see this affair will soon be at an end without my disobliging either of you. Peach. But the settling this point, captain, might pre- vent a law-suit between your two widows. AIR LIII. Tom Tinker's my true love, &c. Mac. Which way shall I turn me — how can I de- cide ? Wives the. day of our 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 bear. This way, and that way, and which way I will, What would comfort the one, t'other wife would take ill. Polly. But if his own misfortunes have made him in- sensible to mine, a father, sure, will be more compas- sionate. Dear, dear sir, sink the material evidence, and bring him off at his trial : — Polly upon her knees begs ft of you. AIR LIV. / am a poor shepherd undone* When my hero in court appears, And stands arraigned for his life, Then think of your Polly's tears, For ah, poor Polly's his wife. Like the sailor he holds up his hand, Distressed on the dashing wave ; To die a dry death at land Is as bad as a watery grave; And alas, poor Polly ! 56 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay Alack, and well-a-day ! Before I was in love, Oh, every month was May. r Lucy. If Peachum's heart is hardened, sure you, sir, will have more compassion on a daughter. I know the evidence is in your power. — How then can you be a ty- rant to me ? C kneeling J AIR LV. Ianthe the lovely, &c. . When he holds up his hand, arraigned for his life, think of your daughter, and think I'm his wife. What are cannons, or bombs, or clashing of swords ? For death is more certain by witnesses' words : Then nail up their lips, that dread thunder allay, And each month of my life will hereafter be May. Lock. Macheath's time is come, Lucy. We know our own affairs, therefore let us have no more whimper- ing or whining. AIR LVI. A cobler there -was, &c. Ourselves, like the great, to secure a retreat, W T hen matters require it, must give up our gang ; And good reason why, Or, instead of the fry, Even Peachum and 1 Like poor petty rascals might hang, hang, Like poor petty rascals might hang. Peach. Set your heart at rest, Polly — your husband is to die to-day, therefore if you are not already provU ded, 'tis high time to look about for another. There's comfort for you, you slut. Lock. We are ready, sir, to conduct you to the Old Bai- ley. AIR LVII. Bonny Dundee. Jllac. The charge is prepared, the lawyers are met, The judges all ranged, (a terrible show :) 1 go undismayed, for death is a debt, A debt on demand— so take what I owe. Act III] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 57 Then farewell, my love — clear charmers, adieu, Contented I die—'tis the better for you. Here ends all dispute the rest of our lives, For this way at once I, please all my wives. Now, gentlemen, I am ready to attend you. [exeunt Peacham, Lockit, and Macheaih Polly. Follow them, Filch, to the court, and when the trial is over bring 1 me a particular account of his beha- viour, and of every thing that happened. You'll find me here with Miss Lucy, {exit Filch) But why is all this music ? Lucy. The prisoners whose trials are put off till next session are diverting themselves. Polly. Sure there is nothing so charming as music. I'm fond of it to distraction : but, alas, now all mirth seems an insult upon my affliction. Let us retire, my dear Lucy, and indulge our sorrows ; the noisy crew, you see, are coming upon us. {exeunt a dance of prisoners in chains, &c, scene — the condemned hold, macheath in a melancholy posture* AIR LVIII. Happy groves. O cruel, cruel, cruel case ! Must I suffer this disgrace ? AIR L1X. Of all the girls that are so smart* Of all the friends in time of grief, When threatening death looks grimmer, Not one so sure can bring relief, As this best friend, a brimmer, {drinks) AIR LX. Britons strike home. Since I must swing, I scorn, I scorn to wince or whine, (rises) 58 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay AIR LXI. Chevy chase. But now again my spirits sink, I'll raise them high with wine, {drinks a glass of wine) AIR LXII. To old sir Simon the king* . Bat valour the stronger grows, The stronger liquor we're drinking, And how can we feel our woes, When we have lost the trouble of thinking ? {drinks) AIR LXIII. Joy to great Casar. If thus — a man can die Much bolder with brandy, (pours out a bumper of brandy J AIR LXIV. There was an old -woman, &c. So I drink off this bumper* — and now I can stand the test, And my comrades shall see that I die as brave as the best, {drinks) AIR LXV. Did you ever hear of a gallant sailor ? But can I leave my pretty hussies Without one tear or tender sigh ? AIR LXVI. Why are mine eyes still flowing ? Their eyes, their lips, their busses, Recall my love — ah, must I die ? I AIR LXVIL Green sleeves. Since laws were made for ev'ry degree, To curb vice in others, as well as in me, I wonder we haVt better company Upon Tyburn tree. But gold from law can take out the sting, And if rich men like us were to swing, 'T would thin the land such numbers to string Upon Tyburn tree, Act III] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 59 Jailor, Some friends of yours, captain, desire to be admitted — I leave you together. enter ben budge, and mat of the mint. Mac, For my having broke prison you see, gentlemen, I am ordered to immediate execution : the sheriff's offi- cers, I believe, are now at the door. That Jemmy Twitcher should peach me, I own, surprised me : 'tis a plain proof that the world is all alike, and that even our gang can no more {rust one another than other people ; therefore I beg you, gentlemen, look well to yourselves, for, in all probability, you may live some months longer. Mat. We are heartily sorry, captain, for your misfor- tune, 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, und I am satisfied. Mat. We'll do it. Jailor. Miss Polly and Miss Lucy intreat a word with you. Mac. Gentlemen, adieu. [exeunt ben Budge and Mat of the Mint enter xttcy aad polly. Mac. My dear Lucy, my dear Polly, whatsoever hath past between us is now at an end. If you are fond of marrying again, the best advice I can give you is to ship yourselves off for the West Indies, where you'll have a fair chance of getting a husband a-piece, or, by good luck, two or three, as you like best. Polly. How can I support this sight ? Lucy. There is nothing moves one so much as a great man in distress. AIR LXVIII. All you that must take a leap. Lucy. Would I might be hanged. Polly. And I would so too. Lucy. To be hanged with you, Polly. My dear with you. Mac. O, leave me to thought ; I fear, I doubt ; 60 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay I tremble, I droop : — see, my courage is out. (turn? up the empty bottle) Polly. No token of love ? Mac. See, my courage is out. {turns up the emp- ty pot) Lucy. No token of love ? Polly. Adieu. Lucy. Farewell. Mac. But hark, I hear the toll of the bell. Chorum. Toll de rol lol, &c. Jailor. Four women more, captain, with a child a-piece. See, here they come. enter -women and children, Mac. What, four wives more ? — this is too much. — Here, tell the sheriff's officers I am ready. [exeunt enter beggar and player. Play. But, honest friend, I hope you don't intend that Macheath shall be really executed. Beg. Most certainly, sir : to make the piece perfect I was for doing strict poetical justice. M'acheath is to be hanged ; and for the other personages of the drama, the audience must suppose they were all either hanged or transported. Play. Why then, friend, this is a downright deep tra- gedy. The catastrophe is manifestly wrong, for an ope- ra must end happily. Beg. Your objection is very just, and is easily remov- ed ; for you must allow that in this kind of drama 'tis no matter how absurdly things are brought about : so, you rabble there, run and cry a reprieve. — Let the prisoner be brought back to his wives in triumph. Play. All this we must do to comply with the taste of the town. Beg. Through the whole piece you may observe such a similitude of manners in high and low life, that it is difficult to determine whether (in the fashionable vices) the fine gentlemen imitate the gentlemen of the road, or the gentlemen of the road the fine gentlemen. Had the play remained as I at first intended, it would have car Act III] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 61 ried a most excellent moral ; it would have shown that the lower sort of people have their vices in a degree as well as the rich, and that they are punished for them. enter to them macheath, -with rabble, &c. Mac. 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 now. Let us give this day to mirth, and I am sure she who thinks herself my wife will testify her joy by a dance. Ml. Come, a dance, a dance ! Mac, Ladies, I hope you will give me leave to pre- sent a partner to each of you ; and (if I may without of- fence) for this time I take Polly for mine — and for life, you slut, for we were really married. As for the rest — but at present keep your own secret, (to Polly J (a dance J AIR LXIX. Lumps of pudding, &c. Thus I stand like a Turk, with his doxies around; From all sides their, glances his passion confound ; For black, brown, and fair, his inconstancy burns, And the different beauties subdue him by turns ; Each calls forth her charms to provoke his desires* Though willing to all, with but one he retires. Then think of this maxim, and put off all sorrow, The wretch of to-day may be happy to-morrow Chorus. Then think of this maxim, &c. THE END OF THE BEGGAR'S OPERA-. TABLE OF THE SONGS. ACT I. A IE PAGE I. Through all the employments of life. 5 II. 'Tis woman that seduces all mankind. 6 III. If any wench Venus's girdle wear. 8 IV. If love the virgin's heart invade. 9 V. A maid is like the golden ore. 10 VI. Virgins are like the fair flower in its lustre. 12 VII. Our Polly is a sad slut, nor heeds what we have taught her. 13 VIII. Can love be controlled by advice ? 14 IX. Oh, Polly, thou might have toyed and kissed. 15 X. 1, like a ship, in storms was tossed. 15 XI. A fox may steal your hens, sir. 16 XII. Oh, ponder well, be not severe. 18 XIII. The turtle thus, with plaintive crying. 18 XIV. Pretty Polly, say-. 20 XV. My heart was so free. 20 XVI. Were I laid on Greenland's coast. XVII. Oh, what pain it is to part. 21 XVIII. The miser thus a shilling sees. 22 ACT II. XIX. Pill every glass, for wine inspires us. 23 XX. Let us take the road. 25 XXI. If the heart of a man is depressed with cares. 25 XXII. Youth's the season made for joys. 27 XXIII. Before the barn-door crowing. 28 XXIV. The gamesters and lawyers are jugglers alike. 29^ XXV. At the tree I shall suffer with pleasure, 30 XXVI. Man may escape from rope and gun* 31 TABLE OF THE SONGS. 6? AIR PAG1T XXVII. Thus, when a good huswife sees a rat. 32* XXVIII. How cruel are the traitors. 32 XXIX. The first time at the looking-glass. 34 XXX. When you censure the age. 35 XXXI. Is then his fate decreed, sir ? 36 XXXII. You'll think, ere many days ensiie. 36 XXXIII. If you at an office solicit your due. 37 XXXIV. Thus when the swallow seeking prey. 38 XXXV. How happy could I be with either. 3& XXXVI. I'm bubbled. 39 XXXVII. Cease your funning. 39 XXXVIII. Why, how now, Madam Flirt. 40 XXXIX. No power on earth can e'er divide. 41 XL. I, like the fox, shall grieve. 42 ACT III. XLI. When young, at the bar you first taught me to score. 43 XLII. My love is all madness and folly. 44 XLIII. Thus gamesters united in friendship, &c. '45 XLIV. The modes of the court so common are grown. 46 XLV. What gudgeons are we men. 48 XL VI. In the days of my youth I could bill like a dove. 49 XL VII. f m like a skiff on the ocean tossed. 51 XL VIII. When a wife's in her pout. 51 XLIX. A curse attends that woman's love. 5% L. Among the men coquettes we find. 53 LI. Come, sweet lass. 53 LII. Hither, dear husband, turn your eyes. 54 LIII. Which way shall I turn me ? 55 LIV. When my hero in court appears. 55 LV. When he holds up his hand, arraigned for his life. 56 LVI. Ourselves, like the great, to secure a re- treat. 56 LVII. The charge is prepared, the lawyers are met. 56 LVIII. Oh cruel, cruel, cruel case. 57 64 TABLE OF THE SONGS. „ I AIR PA6E LIX. Of all the friends in time of grief. 57 JLX. Since I must swing — I scorn, I acorn to wince or whine. 57 LXI. But now again my spirits sink. 58 LXII. But valour the stronger grows. 58 LXIII. If thus — a man can die. 58 LXIV. Sol drink off this bumper — and now I can stand the test. 58 LXV. But can I leave my pretty hussies. 58 LXVI; Their eyes, their lips, their busses. 58 LXVII. Since laws were made for every degree. 58 LXV1II. Would I might be hanged ! 59 LXIX. Thus I stand like a Turk with his doxies around.* 6.1 Act I] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 13 enter Mrs. peachum. AIR VII. O London is a fine to-wn ! Mrs. Peachum (in a very great passion) Our Polly is a sad slut 1 nor heeds what we have taught her ; I wonder any man alive will ever rear a daughter ! For she must have both hoods and gowns, and hoops to swell her pride, With scarfs and stays, and gloves and lace, and she will have men beside : And when she's drest with care and cost, all tempt- ing, fine, and gay, As men should serve a cucumber, she flings herself away. You baggage ! you hussy ! you inconsiderate jade ! had you been hanged it would not have vexed me, for that might have been your misfortune ; but to do such a mad thing by choice ! the wench is married, husband. Peach. Married ! the captain is a bold man, and will risk any thing for money : to be sure he believes her a fortune. Do you think your mother and I should have lived comfortably so long together if ever we had been married, baggage ? Mrs. Peach. I knew she was always a proud slut, and now the wench hath played the fool and married, be- cause, forsooth, she would do like the gentry. Can you support the expense of a husband, hussy, in gaming, drinking, and whoring ? have you money enough to car- ry on the daily quarrels of man and wife about who shall squander most ? there are not many husbands and wives who can bear the charges of plaguing one another in a handsome way. If you must be married, could you in- troduce nobody into our family but a highwayman ? why, thou foolish jade, thou wilt be as ill used and as much neglected as if thou hadst married a lord. Peach. Let not your anger, my dear, break through the rules of decency, for the captain looks upon himself in the military capacity as a gentleman by his profession. Besides what he hath already, I know he is in a fair way B 14 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay of getting or of dying ; and both these ways, let me tell you, are most excellent chances for a wife. Tell me, hussy, are you ruined or no ? Mrs. Peach. With Polly's fortune she might very well have gone off to a person of distinction : yes, that you might, you pouting slut ! Peach. What, is the wench dumb ? speak, or I'll make you plead by squeezing out an answer from you. Are you really bound wife to him, or are you only upon lik- ing ? C pinches her J Polly. Oh ("screaming J Mrs. Peach. How the mother is to be pitied who hath handsome daughters ! locks, bolts, bars, and lec- tures of morality, are nothing to them ; they break through them all ; they have as much pleasure in cheat- ing a father and mother as in cheating at cards. Peach. Why, Polly, I shall soon know if you are mar- ried by Macheath's keeping from our house. AIR VIII. Grim king of the ghosts, &c. Polly. Can love be controll'd by advice ^ Will Cupid our mothers obey ? Tho' my heart were as frozen as ice, At his flame 'twould have melted away. When he kiss'd me, so sweetly he press'd, 'Twas so sweet that I must have comply'd, So I thought it both safest and best To marry, for fear you should chide. Mrs. Peach. Then all the hopes of our family are gone for ever and ever ! Peach. And Macheath may hang his father and mo- ther-in-law in hopes to get into their daughter's fortune. Polly. I did not marry him (as 'tis the fashion) coolly and deliberately for honour or money — but I love him. Mrs. Peach. Love him ! worse and worse ! I thought the girl had been better bred. Oh, husband, husband ! her folly makes me mad : my head swims, I'm distracted ! I can't support myself! — Oh ! ( faints J Peach. See, wench, to what a condition you have re- duced your poor mother; a glass of cordial this instant. How the poor woman takes it to heart ! [Polly goes out and returns ivith it Act I] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 15 Ah, hussy ! now this is the only comfort your mother has left. Polly. Give her another glass, sir ; my mamma drinks double the quantity whenever she is out of order. This you see fetches her. Mrs. Peach. The girl shows such a readiness, and so much concern, that I could almost find in my heart to forgive her. AIR IX. O Jenny, Jenny, ivhere hast thou been P O Polly ! thou might have toyed and kissed ; By keeping men off you keep them on. Polly. But he so teased me, And he so pleas'd me, What I did you must have done. Mrs. Peach, Not with a highwayman, you sorry slut ! Peach. A word with you, wife. 'Tis no new thing for a wench to take a man without consent of parents. You know 'tis the frailty of woman, my dear ! Mrs. Peach. Yes, indeed, the sex is frail ; but the first time a woman is frail she should be somewhat nice me- thinks, for then or never is the time to make her fortune : after that she hath nothing to do but to guard herself from being found out, and she may do what she pleases, Peach. Make yourself a little easy ; I have a thought shall soon set all matters again to rights. Why so mel- ancholy Polly ? since what is done cannot be undone, we must all endeavour to make the best of it. Mrs. Peach. Well, Polly, as far as one woman can forgive another I forgive thee. Your father is too fond of you, hussy. Polly. Then all my sorrows are at an end. Mrs. Peach. A mightly likely speech, in troth, for a wench who is just married. AIR X. Thomas, I cannot, &c. Polly. I, like a ship in storms, was tost, Yet afraid to put into land ; For seiz'd in the port, the vessel's lost s Whose treasure is contraband. 16 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay The waves are laid, My duty's paid, joy beyond expression ! Thus safe ashore, 1 ask no more, My all's in my possession. Peach. I hear customers in t'other room ; go talk with them, Polly, but come again as soon as they are gone. — But harkye, child, if 'tis the gentleman who was here yesterday about the repeating watch, say you be- lieve we cannot get intelligence of it till to-morrow, for I lent it to Suky Straddle to make a figure with to-night at a tavern in Drury-lane. If t'other gentleman calls for the silver-hilted sword, you know beetle-browed Jemmy hath it on, and he doth not come from Tunbridge till Tuesday night, so that it cannot be had till then, [ore* jPo%] Dear wife, be a little pacified ; don't let your pas- sion run away with your senses : Polly, I grant you, hath done a rash thing. Mrs. Peach. If she had had only an intrigue with the fellow, why the very best families have excused and huddled up a frailty of that sort. 'Tis marriage, husband, that makes it a blemish. Peach. But money, wife, is the true fuller's earth for reputations ; there is not a spot or a stain but what it can take out. A rich rogue now a days is fit company for any gentleman ; and the world, my dear, hath not such a contempt for roguery as you imagine. I tell you, wife, I can make this match turn to our advantage.' Mrs. Peach. I am very sensible, husband, that Cap- tain Macheath is worth money, but I am in doubt whether he hath not two or three wives already, and then if he should die in a session or two, Polly's dower would come into dispute. Peach. That indeed is a point which ought to be con- sidered. AIR XI. A soldier and a sailor. A fox may steal your hens, sir, A whore your health and pence, sir, Your daughter rob your chest, sir, Vet I] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 17 Your wife may steal your rest, sir, A thief your goods and plate ; But this is all but picking", With rest, peace, chest, and chicken : It ever was decreed, sir, If lawyer's hand is fee'd, sir, He steals your whole estate. The lawyers are bitter enemies to those in our way ; they don't care that any body should get a clandestine livelihood but themselves. enter polly. * Polly. 'Twas only NimmingNed ; he brought in a da- mask window-curtain, a hoop petticoat, a pair of silver candlesticks, a periwig, and one silk stocking, from the lire that happened last night. Peach. There is not a fellow that is cleverer in his way, and saves more goods out of the fire, than Ned. But now, Polly, to your affair ; for matters must not be as they are. You are married then, it seems. Polly. Yes, sir. Peach. And how do you propose to live, child ? Polly. Like other women, sir, upon the industry of my husband. Mrs. Peach. What, is the wench turned fool ? a high- wayman s wife, like a soldier's, hath as little of his pay as of his company. Peach. And had you not the common views of a gen- tlewoman in your marriage, Polly ? Polly. I don't know what you mean, sir. Peach. Of a jointure, and of being a widow. Polly. But I love him, sir ; how then could I have thoughts of parting with him ? Peach. Parting with him ! why that is the whole scheme and intention of all marriage articles. The com- fortable estate of widowhood is the only hope that keeps up a wife s spirits. Where is the woman who would scruple to be a wife if she had it in her power to be a widow whenever she pleased? if you have any views of tins sort, Polly, 1 shall think the match not so very un- sonable. 18 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay Polly. How I dread to hear your advice ! yet I must beg 1 you to explain yourself. Peach. Secure what he hath got, get him peached the next sessions, and then at once you are made a rich widow. Polly. What, murder the man I love ! the blood runs cold at my heart with the very thought of it. Peach. Fy, Polly ! what hath murder to do in the af- fair ? since the thing sooner orpater must happen, I dare say the captain himself would like that we should get the reward for his death sooner than a stranger. Why, Polly, the captain knows that as it is his employment to rob, so it is ours to take robbers ; every man in his business : so that there is no malice in the case. Mrs. Peach. Ay, husband, now you have nicked the matter. To have him peached is the only thing could ever make me forgive her. AIR XII. JVbw ponder well, ye parents dear. Polly. Oh ponder well ! be not severe ; To save a wretched wife, *\ For on the rope that hangs my dear, Depends poor Polly's life. Mrs. Peach. But your duty to your parents, hussy, obliges you to hang him. What would many a wife give for such an opportunity ? Polly. What is a jointure, what is widowhood to me ? I know my heart ; 1 cannot survive him. AIR XIII. Le print ems rappelle anx armes. The turtle thus with plaintive crying, Her lover dying, The turtle thus with plaintive crying, Laments her dove ; Down she drops quite spent with sighing, Pair'd in death as paired in love. Thus, sir, it will happen to your poor Polly. Mrs. Peach. What! is the fool in love in earnest then? I hate thee for being particular. Why, wench, thou art a shame to thy very sex. Point . But hear me, mother — if you ever loved-*- Act I] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 19 Mrs, Peach. Those cursed playbooks she reads have been her ruin. One word more, hussy, and I shall knock your brains out, if you have any. Peach. Keep out of the way, Polly, for fear of mis- chief, and consider of what is proposed to you. Mrs. Peach. Away, hussy ; hang your husband, and be dutiful. (Polly 'listening) The thing", husband, must and shall be done. For the sake of intelligence we must take other measures, and have him peached the next session, without her consent. If she will not know her duty, we know ours. Peach. But really, my dear, it grieves one's heart to take off a great man. When I consider his personal bravery, his fine stratagems, how much we have already got by him, and how much more we may get, methinks I cannot find it in my heart to have a hand in his death : I wish you could have made Polly undertake it. Mrs. Peach. But in a case of necessity — our own lives are in danger. Peach. Then, indeed, we must comply with the cus- toms of the world, and make gratitude give way to inte- rest. — He shall be taken off. Mrs. Peach. I'll undertake to manage Polly. Peach. And I'll prepare matters for the Old Bailey. [exeunt Peachum and Mrs. Peachum Polly. Now I'm a wretch indeed. — Methinks I see him already in the cart, sweeter and more lovely than the nosegay in his hand; —I hear the crowd extolling his resolution and intrepidity : — what vollies of sighs are sent from the windows of Holborn that so comely a youth should be brought to disgrace : — 1 see him at the tree ! — the whole circle are in tears ; — even butchers weep ; — Jack Ketch himself hesitates to perform his du- ty, and would be glad to lose his fee by a reprieve : what then will become of Polly ? as yet I may inform him of their design, and aid him in his escape. — It shall be so. — But then he flies, absents himself, and I bar myself from his dear, dear conversation : that too will distract me. If he keeps out of the way, my papa and mamma may in time relent, and we may be happy — if he stays he is hanged, and then he is lost for ever ! — he intended to lie concealed in my room till the dusk of the evening. 20 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay If they are abroad I'll this instant let him out, lest some accident should prevent him. [exit and returns -with Macheath AIR XIV. Pretty parrot, say, &c. Mac. Pretty Polly, say, When I was away, Bid your fancy never stray To some newer lover ? Polly. Without disguise, Heaving sighs, Doting eyes, My constant heart discover. Fondly let me loll. Mac, O pretty, pretty Poll ! Polly. And are you as fond of me as ever, my dear ? Mac. Suspect my honour, my courage, suspect any thing but my love. — May my pistols miss fire, and my mare slip her shoulder while I am pursued, if I ever for- sake thee ! Polly. Nay, my dear, I have no reason to doubt you, for I find in the romance you lent me none of the great heroes were ever false in love, AIR XV. Pray, fair one, be kind. Mac. My heart was so free, It rov'd like the bee, Till Polly my passion requited ; I sipp'd each flow'r, I chang'd ev'ry hour, But here ev'ry flow'r is united. Polly. Were you sentenced to transportation, sure, my dear, you could not leave me behind you — could you ? Mac. Is there any power, any force, that could tear me from thee ? you might sooner tear a pension out of the hands of a courtier, a fee from a lawyer, a pretty woman from a looking-glass, or any woman from quad- rille — but to tear me from thee is impossible ! Act I] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 21 AIR XVI. Over the hills an] far aivay, Mac, Were I laid on Greenland's coast, And in my arms embrac'd my lass, Warm amidst eternal frost, Too soon the half year's night would pass. Polly. Were I sold on Indian soil, Soon as the burning day was clos'd, I could mock the sultry toil, When on my charmer's breast repos'd. Mac. And I would love you all the day. Polly. Every night would kiss and play. Mac. If with me you'd fondly stray. Polly. Over the hills and far away. Polly. Yes, I would go with thee. But oh, how sha 11 I speak it ? I must be torn from thee — we must part ! Mac. How, part ! Polly. We must, we must : my papa and mamma are set against thy life : they now, even now, are in search after thee : they are preparing evidence against thee : thy life depends upon a moment. AIR XVII. Gin thou ivert my oivn thing. O what pain it is to part ! Can I leave thee, can I leave thee ? O what pain it is to part ! Can thy Polly ever leave thee ? But lest death my love should thwart, And bring thee to the fatal cart, Thus I tear thee from my bleeding heart ; Fly hence, and let me leave thee. One kiss, and then one kiss — begone — farewell ! Mac. My hand, my heart, my dear, is so rivetted to thine that I cannot unloose my hold. Polly. But my papa may intercept thee, and then I should lose the very glimmering of hope. A few weeks perhaps may reconcile us all. Shall thy Polly hear from thee ? Mac. Must I then go ? Polly. And will not absence change your love ? 22 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay Mac. If you cjoubt it let me stay — and be hanged. Polly. O, how I fear, how I tremble ! go, but when safety will give you leave, you will be sure to see me again, for till then Polly is wretched. AIR XVni. O, the broom, &c. ( parting, and looking bach at each other with fondness, he at one door, she at the other. J Mac. The miser thus a shilling sees, Which he's oblig'd to pay, With sighs resigns it by degrees, And fears 'tis gone for aye. Polly. The boy thus, when his sparrow's flown, The bird in silence eyes, But soon as out of sight 'tis gone, Whines, whimpers, sobs, and cries. ACT II. scene — a tavern near Newgate. Jemmy Twitcher, Crookfingered Jack, Wat Dreart, Robin of Bagshot, Nimming Ned, Harrt Padding- ton, Mat of the Mint, Ben Budge, and the rest of the gang, at the table, -with wine, brandy, and tobacco. Ben. But prithee, Mat, what is become of thy brother Tom ? I have not seen him since my return from trans- portation. Mat. Poor brother Tom had an accident this time twelvemonth, and so clever made a fellow he was that I could not save him from those fleaing rascals the sur- geons, and now, poor man, he is among the otamys at Surgeons' Hall. Ben. So it seems his time was come. Jem. But the present time is ours, and nobody alive hath more. Why are the laws levelled at us ? are we more dishonest than the rest of mankind ? what we win, gen- tlemen, is our own by the law of arms and the right of conquest. Act II] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 23 Crook. Where shall we find such another set of prac- tical philosophers, who, to a man, are above the fear of death ? Wat. Sound men and true ! Robin. Of tried courage and indefatigable industry ! Ned. Who is there here that would not die for his friend ? Harry. Who is there here that would betray him for his interest ? Mat. Show me a gang of courtiers that can say as much. Ben. We are for a just partition of the world, for every man hath a right to enjoy life. Mat. We retrench the superfluities of mankind. The world is avaricious, and I hate avarice, A covetous fel- low, like a jackdaw, steals what he was never made to enjoy, for the sake of hiding it. These are the robbers of mankind ; for money was made for the free-hearted and generous : and where is the injury of taking from another what he hath not the heart to make use of? Jem. Our several stations for the day are fixed. Good luck attend us all. Fill the glasses. AIR XIX. Fill ev'ry glass, &c. Mat. Fill ev'ry glass, for wine inspires us, And fires us With courage, love, and joy. Women and wine should life employ ; Is there ought else on earth desirous ? Chorus. Fill ev'ry glass, &c. enter macheath. Mac. Gentlemen, well met : my heart hath been with you this hour, but an unexpected affair hath detained me. No ceremony, I beg you. Mat. We were just breaking up to go upon duty, Am I to have the honour of taking the air with you, sir, this evening upon the Heath ? I drink a dram now and then with the stagecoachmen in the way of friendship and intelligence, and I know that about this time there 24 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay will be passengers upon the western road who are worth speaking with. Mac. I was to have been of that party, but Mat. But what, sir ? Mac. Is there any man who suspects my courage ? Mat. We have all been witnesses of it. Mac. My honour and truth to the gang ? Mat. I'll be answerable for it. Mac. In the division of our booty, have I ever shown the least marks of avarice or injustice ? Mat. By these questions something seems to have ruffled you. Are any of us suspected ? Mac. I have a fixed confidence, gentlemen, in you all as men of honour, and as such I value and respect you. Peachum is a man that is useful to us. Mat. Is he about to play us any foul play ? I'll shoot him through the head. Mac. I beg you, gentlemen, act with conduct and discretion. A pistol is your last resort. Mat. He knows nothing of this meeting. Mac. Business cannot go on without him : he is a man who knows the world, and is a necessary agent to us. We have had a slight difference, and till it is accommo- dated I shall be obliged to keep out of his way. Any private dispute of mine shall be of no ill consequence to my friends. You must continue to act under his di- rection, for the moment we break loose from him our gang is ruined. Mat. As a bawd to a whore, I grant you, he is to us of great convenience. Mac. Make him believe I have quitted the gang, which I can never do but with life. At our private quarters I will continue to meet you. A week or so will probably reconcile ns. Mat. Your instructions shall be observed. 'Tis now high time for us to repair to our several duties ; so, till the evening, at our quarters in Moorfields, we bid you farewell. Mac. I shall wish myself with you. Success attend you. C sits down melancholy at the table. ) Act II] . BEGGAR'S OPERA. 25 AIR XX. March in Rinaldo, with drums and trumpets. Mat. Let us take the road : Hark ! I hear the sound of coaches : The hour of attack approaches, To your arms, brave boys, and load. ~ See the ball I hold ; Let the chymists toil like asses, ' Our fire their fire surpasses, And turns all our lead to gold. {the gang, ranged in the front of the stage, load their pis- tols, and stick them under their girdles, then go off sing- ing the first part in chorus J Mac. What a fool is a fond wench ! Polly is most con- foundedly bit. I love the sex, and a man who loves mo- ney might as well be contented with one guinea as I with one woman. The town, perhaps, has been as much obliged to me for recruiting it with free-hearted ladies as to any recruiting officer in the army. If it were not for us and the other gentlemen of the sword, Drury-lane would be uninhabited. AIR XXI. Woidd you have a young virgin^ &c. If the heart of a man is depress'd with cares, The mist is dispell'd when a woman appears ; Like the notes of a fiddle she sweetly, sweetly, Raises the spirits and charms our ears, Roses and lilies her cheeks disclose, But her ripe lips are more sweet than those. Press her, Caress her, With blisses Her kisses Dissolve us in pleasure and soft repose. I must have women ; there is nothing unbends the mind like them ; money is not so strong a cordial for the time. Drawer ! enter drawer. Is the porter gone for all the ladies, according to my di- rections ? C 26 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay Draw, I expect him back every minute ; but you know* sir, you sent him as far as Hockley in the Hole for three of the ladies, for one in Vinegar-yard, and for the rest of them somewhere about Lewkner's lane. Sure some of them are below, for I hear the bar-bell. As they come I will shew them up. Coming*, coming ! [exit enter Mrs. coaxer, dolly trull, Mrs. vixen, betty BOXY, JENNY DIVER, Mrs. SLAMMEKIN, SUKY TAWDRY, and MOLLY BRAZEN. Mac. Dear Mrs. Coaxer, you are welcome ; you look charmingly to-day : I hope you don't want the repairs of quality, and lay on paint. — Dolly Trull, kiss me, you slut ! are you as amorous as ever, hussy ? you are always so taken up with stealing hearts, that you don't allow yourself time to steal any thing else : ah, Dolly, thou wilt ever be a coquette ! — Mrs. Vixen, I'm yours ; I al- ways loved a woman of wit and spirit ; they make charm- ing mistresses, but plaguy wives. — Betty Doxy, come hither, hussy ; do you drink as hard as ever ? you had bet- ter stick to good wholesome beer, for in troth, Betty, strong waters will in time ruin your constitution ; you should leave those to your betters. — What, and my pret- ty Jenny Diver too, as prim and demure as ever ! there is not any prude, though ever so high-bred, hath a more sanctified look, with a more mischievous heart : ah, thou art a dear artful hypocrite. — Mrs. Slammekin, as careless and genteel as ever; all you fine ladies who know your own beauty affect an undress. — But see, here's Suky Tawdry come to contradict what I was saying ; every thing she gets one way, she lays out upon her back : why, Suky, you must keep at least a dozen tallymen. — Molly Brazen ! (~she kisses him J " that's well done ; I love a free-hearted wench : thou hast a most agreeable assurance, girl, and art as willing as a turtle." — But hark, I hear music : "the harper is at the door. If music be the food of love play on." Ere you seat yourselves, la- dies, what think you of a dance ? come in. enter harper. Play the French tune that Mrs. Slammekin was so fond of. Act II] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 27 C" a dance a la ronde, in the French manner ; near the end of it this song and chorus" J AIR XXII. Cotillion. Youth's the season made for joys, Love is then our duty ; She alone who that employs, Well deserves her beauty. Let's be gay While we may, Beauty's a flow'r despis'd in decay. Chorus. Youth's the season, &c. Let us drink and sport to-day, Ours is not to-morrow ; Love with youth flies swift away, Age is nought but sorrow. Dance and sing, Time's on the wing, ^ Life never knows the return of spring. Chorus. Let us drink, &c. Mac. Now pray, ladies, take your places. Here fel- low. Cpays the harper J Bid the drawer bring us more wine, {exit harper) If any of the ladies chuse gin, I hope they will be so free to call for it. Jenny. You look as if you meant me. Wine is strong enough for me. Indeed, sir, I never drink strong wa- ters but when I have the cholic. Mac. Just the excuse of the fine ladies : why, a lady of quality is never without the cholic. I hope, Mrs. Coaxer, you have had good success of late in your visits among the mercers. Coax. We have so many interlopers ; yet with indus- try one may still have a little picking. I carried a sil- ver-flowered lute-string and a piece of black padesoy to Mr. Peachum's lock but last week. Vix. There's Molly Brazen hath the ogle of a rattle* snake : she rivetted a linen-draper's eye so fast upon her, that he was nicked of three pieces of cambrick before he could look off, 28 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay Braz. Oh, dear madam ! — but sure nothing' can come up to your handling* of laces ; and then you have such a sweet deluding tongue : to cheat a man is nothing ; but the woman must have fine parts indeed who cheats a woman. Vix. Lace, madam, lies in a small compass, and- is of easy conveyance. But you are apt, madam, to think too well of your friends. Coax. If any woman hath more art than another, to be sure 'tis Jenny Diver : though her fellow be never so agreeable, she can pick his pocket as coolly as if money were her only pleasure. Now that is a command of the passions uncommon in a woman. Jenny. I never go to the tavern with a man but in the view of business. I have other hours, and other sort of men, for my pleasure : but had I your address, madam — Mac. Have done with your compliments, ladies, and drink about. You are not so fond of me, Jenny, as you used to be. Jenny. 'Tis not convenient, sir, to shew my fondness among so many rivals. 'Tis your own choice, and not the warmth of my inclination, that will determine you* AIR XXIII. All in a misty morning. Before the barn-door crowing", The cock by hens attended, H