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THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
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 This edition first printed, June 1920. 
 
 Reprinted, July 1920. 
 
 Reprinted, August 1920. 
 
 Reprinted, September 1920. 
 
THE ^. 
 
 BEGGAR'S \ 
 OPERA. 
 
 Written by Mr. (JAY 
 
 lios hac novimus esse nihil. 
 
 Mart. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 Published by Martin Secker at his Office 
 Number Five John Street, in the Adelphi 
 
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NOTE 
 
 The Beggar's Opera was first 
 printed in 1728. The present text 
 follows that of the edition of 1765, 
 which has been collated with the 
 first. 
 
DRAMATIS PERSONS 
 
 MEN 
 
 Mr. Peachum. 
 
 LOCKIT. 
 
 Macheath. 
 
 Filch. 
 
 Jemmy Twitcher, 
 
 Crook-finger'd Jack, 
 
 Wat Dreary, 
 
 Robin of Bagshot, 
 
 NiMMiNG Ned, 
 
 Harry Padington, 
 
 Mat of the Mint, 
 
 Ben Budge, 
 
 Beggar. 
 
 Player. 
 
 Macheath's 
 Gang.^ 
 
 Constables, Drawers, Turnkey, &c. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. 
 Polly Peachum. 
 Lucy Lockit. 
 Diana Trapes. 
 Mrs. Coaxer, 
 Dolly Trull, 
 Mrs. Vixen, 
 Betty Doxy, 
 Jenny Diver, 
 Mrs. Slammekin, 
 SuKY Tawdry, 
 Molly Brazen, 
 
 WOMEN 
 
 Women of the 
 Town. 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 BEGGAR, PLAYER 
 
 Beggar. 
 
 If Poverty be a Title to Poetry, I am sure nobody 
 can dispute mine. I own myseK of the Company 
 of Beggars ; and I make one at their Weekly Fes- 
 tivals 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. 
 
 Player. As we live by the Muses, it is but 
 Gratitude in us to encourage Poetical Merit wherever 
 we find it. The Muses, contrary to aU other Ladies, 
 pay no Distinction to Dress, and never partially 
 mistake the Pertness of Embroidery for Wit, nor 
 the Modesty of Want for Dulness. 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 
 heartUy, 
 
 Beggar. This piece I own was originally writ for 
 the celebrating the Marriage of James Chanter and 
 MoU Lay, two most excellent Ballad-Singers. I 
 have introduced the Similes that are in all your 
 celebrated Operas ; The Swallow, the Moth, the 
 Bee, the Ship, the Flower, &c. Besides, I have a 
 Prison-Scene, which the Ladies always reckon 
 charmingly pathetick. 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 I may be forgiven, that I have not made my 
 
 9 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 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 allowed 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 acknowledge your 
 Charity in bringing it now on the Stage. 
 
 Player. But I see it is time for us to withdraw ; 
 the Actors are preparing to begin. Play away the 
 Overture. [Exeunt. 
 
 10 
 
THE 
 
 BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 ACT I SCENE 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, &c. 
 
 Through all the Employments of Life 
 
 Each Neighbour abuses his Brother ; 
 Whore and Rogue they call Husband and Wife : 
 
 All Professions be-rogue one another : 
 The Priest calls the Lawyer a Cheat, 
 
 The Lawyer be-knaves 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 them. 
 
 Scene 2. 
 
 Peachum, 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. 
 
 Peachum. Why, she may plead her BeUy at 
 worst ; to my Knowledge she hath taken care of 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 that Security. But, as the Wench is very active 
 and industrious, you may satisfy her that I'll 
 soften the Evidence. 
 
 Filch. Tom Gagg, Sir, is fourid guilty. 
 
 Peachum. 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 venture to Book him. [writes.l 
 For Tom Gagg, forty Pounds. Let Betty Sly 
 know that I'll save her from Transportation, for I 
 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 a pity to lose so good a Customer. 
 
 Peachum. If none of the Gang take her off, she 
 may, in the common course of Business, live a 
 Twelve-month longer. I love to let Women scape. 
 A good Sportsman 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 obhged for my Education, and 
 (to say a bold Word) she hath trained up more young 
 Fellows to the Business than the Gaming table. 
 
 Peachum. Truly, Filch, thy Observation is right. 
 We and the Surgeons are more beholden to Women 
 than all the Professions besides. 
 
 Air II. — ^The bonny gray-ey'd Mom, &c. 
 
 Filch. 
 'Tis Woman that seduces all Mankind, 
 
 By her we first were taught the wheedling Arts : 
 Her very Eyes can cheat ; when most she's kind. 
 
 She tricks us of our Money with our Hearts. 
 
 12 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 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. 
 
 Peachum. 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 sus- 
 pence. Penitence may break his Spirit ever after. 
 Besides, Certainty gives a Man a good Air upon his 
 Trial, and makes him risque another without Fear or 
 Scruple. But I'll away, for 'tis a Pleasure to be the 
 Messenger of Comfort to Friends in Affliction. 
 
 Scene 3. 
 Peachum. 
 
 But 'tis 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 
 hang'd. A Register of the Gang, [Reading] Crook- 
 finger'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 ! [Six- 
 teen Snuff-boxes, five of them of true Gold. Six 
 Dozen of Handkerchiefs, four silver-hilted Swords, 
 half a Dozen of Shirts, three Tye-Perimgs, and a 
 Piece of Broad-Cloth. Considering these are only 
 the 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, aUas Brown Will, an irregular Dog,*; who 
 hath an underhand way of disposing of his^Goods. 
 I'll try him only for a Sessions or two longer upon 
 
 13 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 his Good-behaviour. Harry. Padington, a poor 
 petty-larceny Rascal, without the least Genius ; 
 that Fellow, 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 follow- 
 ing his Trade as a Tailor, which he caUs an honest 
 Employment. Mat of the Mint ; listed not above a 
 Month ago, a promising sturdy Fellow, and diUgent 
 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 to make others stand. A Cart is 
 absolutely necessary for him. Robin of Bagshot, 
 alias Gorgon, alias Bluff Bob, alias Carbuncle, alias 
 Bob Booty. 
 
 Stem 4. 
 Peachum, Mrs. Peachum. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. 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 present of this Ring. 
 
 Peachum. I have 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 hang him for the Reward, 
 and there's forty Pounds lost to us for-ever. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. 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. 
 
 14 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Air hi. — Cold and raw, &c. 
 
 // any Wench Venus' s Girdle wear. 
 
 Though she be never so ugly ; 
 Lilies and Roses will quickly appear, 
 
 And her Face look wond'rous smugly. 
 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 hard- 
 hearted, 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. 
 
 Peachum. What a dickens is the Woman always 
 a whimpring about Murder for ? No Gentleman 
 is ever look'd 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. Peachum. If I am in the wrong, my Dear, 
 you must excuse me, for no body can help the 
 Frailty of an over-scrupulous Conscience. 
 
 Peachum. 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 1 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 Macheath here this Morning, 
 for the Bank-Notes he left with you last Week ? 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. Yes, my Dear ; and though the 
 Bank hath stopt Payment, he was so cheerful and 
 so agreeable ! Sure there is not a finer Gentleman 
 upon the Road than the Captain! If he comes 
 
 15 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 from Bagshot at any reasonable Hour, he hath 
 promis'd to make one this Evening with Polly and 
 me, and Bob Booty at a Party of Quadrille. Pray, 
 my Dear, is the Captain rich ? 
 
 Peachum. 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 train'd up to it from 
 his Youth. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. Really, I am sorry upon Polly's 
 Account the Captain hath not more Discretion, 
 What Business hath he to keep Company with Lords 
 and Gentlemen ? he should leave them to prey 
 upon one another. 
 
 Peachum. Upon Polly's Account ! What a Plague 
 does the Woman mean ? Upon Polly's Accoimt ! 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. Captain Macheath is very fond of 
 the Girl. 
 
 Peachum. And what then ? 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. If I have any Skill in the Ways of 
 Women, I am sure Polly thinks him a very pretty Man. 
 
 Peachum. And what then ? You would not be 
 so mad to have the Wench marry him ! Gamesters 
 and Highwaymen are generally very good to their 
 Whores, but they are very Devils to their Wives. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. But if Polly should be in Love, 
 how should we help her, or how can she help herself ? 
 Poor Girl, I am in the utmost Concern about her. 
 
 Air IV. — ^Why is your faithful Slave disdain'd ? &c,^ 
 
 // 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. 
 i6 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Peachum. Look ye. Wife. A handsome Wench 
 in our way of Business is as profitable as at the Bar 
 of a Temple Coffee-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 anything, but Marriage ! After that, my 
 Dear, how shall we be safe ? Are we not 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 complying with one, I should not 
 matter it ; but PoUy is Tinder, and a Spark will 
 at once set her on 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 Neigh- 
 bours. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. May-hap, my Dear, you may 
 injure the Girl. She loves to imitate the fine 
 Ladies, and she may only allow the Captain Liberties 
 in the view of Interest. 
 
 Peachum. 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 Cambric Handkerchiefs, for I can dispose 
 of them this Afternoon to a Chap in the City. 
 
 17 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Scene 5. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. 
 
 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 Observation, make her the less 
 followed by other Men ? All Men are Thieves in 
 Love, and Hke 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 ; 
 
 And is current in every House. 
 
 Scene 6. 
 Mrs. Peachum, Filch. 
 Mrs. Peachum. 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-finger'd 
 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 ply'd at the Opera, Madam ; and con- 
 sidering 'twas neither dark nor rainy, so that there 
 
 18 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 was no great Hurry in getting Chairs and Coaches, 
 made a tolerable Hand on't. These seven Handker- 
 chiefs, Madam. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. Colour'd ones, I see. They are 
 of sure Sale from our Warehouse at Redriff among 
 the Seamen. 
 
 Filch. And this Snuff-box. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. Set in Gold ! A pretty Encourage- 
 ment 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 forc'd to make my Escape under a Coach. 
 ReaUy, 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. Peachum. 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 Baily ! For the 
 first Fact I'll insure thee from being hang'd ; and 
 going to Sea, Filch, will come time enough upon a 
 Sentence of Transportation. But now, since you 
 have nothing better to do, ev'n 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 satisfactory Answer to his Questions. But, 
 hark you, my Lad. Don't tell me a Lye ; for you 
 know I hate a Liar. Do you know of anything that 
 hath pass'd between Captain Macheath and our 
 PoUy? 
 
 Filch. I beg you. Madam, don't ask me ; for I 
 must either tell a Lye to you or to Miss Polly ;, for 
 I promis'd her I would not teU. 
 
 19 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. But when the Honour of our 
 Family is concern' d 
 
 Filch. I shall lead a sad Life with Miss Polly, 
 if ever she comes to know that I told you. Besides, 
 I would not wiUingly forfeit my own Honour by 
 betraying any body. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. Yonder comes my HusTaand and 
 Polly. Come, Filch, you shall go with me into my 
 own Room, and tell me the whole Story. I'll give 
 thee a most delicious Glass of a Cordial that I keep 
 for my own drinking. 
 
 Scene 7. 
 
 Peachum, Polly. 
 
 Polly. I know as weU 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 Common. 
 
 Air VI. — ^What shall I do to show how much 
 I love her, &c. 
 
 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 frolick 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 enduring 
 
 Rots, stinks, and dies, and is trod under feet. 
 20 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Peachum. You know, Polly, I am not against 
 your toying 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 play'd the Fool and are 
 married, you Jade you, I'll cut your Throat, Hussy. 
 Now you know my Mind. 
 
 Scene 8. 
 Peachum, Polly, Mrs. Peachum. 
 
 Air VII. — Oh London is a fine Town, 
 
 Mrs. Peachum, in a very great Passion. 
 
 Our Polly is a sad Slut ! nor heeds what we have taught 
 
 her. 
 I wonder any Man alive will ever rear a Daughter I 
 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 tempting, 
 
 fine and gay. 
 As Men should serve a Cowcumber, she flings herself 
 
 away. 
 
 Our Polly is a sad Slut ! &c. 
 
 You Baggage ! you Hussy ! you inconsiderate 
 Jade ! had you been hang'd, it would not have 
 vex'd me, for that might have been your Misfortune ; 
 but to do such a mad thing by Choice ! The Wench 
 is married. Husband. 
 
 Peachum. Married ! the Captain is a bold Man, 
 and will risk anything for Money ; to be sure he 
 believes her a Fortune. Do you think your Mother 
 and I should have liv'd comfortably so long together, 
 if ever we had been married ? Baggage ! 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. I knew she was always a proud 
 Slut ; and now the Wench hath play'd the Fool 
 
 21 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 and Married, because forsooth she would do like 
 the Gentry. Can you support the Expence of a 
 Husband, Hussy, in Gaming, Drinking and Whor- 
 ing ? Have you Money enough to carry 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 introduce no body into our 
 Family but a Highwayman ? Why, thou foolish 
 Jade, thou wilt be as ill-us'd, and as much neglected, 
 as if thou hadst married a Lord ! 
 
 Peachum. Let not your Anger, my Dear, break 
 through the Rules of Decency, for the Captain 
 looks upon himself in the MiUtary Capacity, as a 
 Gentleman by his Profession. Besides what he hath 
 already, I know he is in a fair way 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 ruin'd or no ? 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. With Polly's Fortune, she might 
 very well have gone off to a Person of Distinction, 
 Yes, that you might, you pouting Slut ! 
 
 Peachum. 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 liking ? [Pinches her. 
 
 Polly. Oh ! [Screaming. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. How the Mother is to be pitied 
 who hath handsome Daughters ! Locks, Bolts, 
 Bars, and Lectures of Morality are nothing to them : 
 They break through them all. They have as much 
 Pleasure in cheating a Father and Mother, as in 
 cheating at Cards. 
 
 Peachum. Why, Polly. I shall soon know if you 
 are married, by Macheath's keeping from our 
 House. 
 
 22 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Air VIII.— Grim King of the Ghosts, &c. 
 Polly. 
 
 Can Love be control' d by Advice ? 
 
 Will Cupid our Mothers obey ? 
 Though my Heart were as frozen as Ice, 
 
 At his Flame 'twould have melted away. 
 
 When he kist me so closely he prest, 
 '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. Peachum. Then all the Hopes of our Family 
 are gone for ever and ever ! 
 
 Peachum. And Macheath may hang his Father 
 and Mother-in-law, in hope to get into their Daugh- 
 ters' Fortune. 
 
 Polly. I did not marry him (as 'tis the Fashion) 
 coolly and deliberately for Honour or Money. But, 
 I love him. 
 
 ,Mrs. Peachum. Love him ! worse and worse ! 
 I thought the Girl had been better bred. Oh 
 Husband, Husband ! her Folly makes me mad I 
 my Head swims ! I'm distracted ! I can't support 
 myself Oh ! [Faints. 
 
 Peachum. See, Wench, to what a Condition you 
 have reduc'd your poor Mother ! a Glass of Cordial, 
 this instant. How the poor Woman takes it to 
 heart ! [Polly goes out, and returns with it. 
 
 Ah, Hussy, now this is the only Comfort your Mother 
 has left ! 
 
 Polly. Give her another Glass, Sir ! my Mama 
 drinks double the Quantity whenever she is out of 
 Order, This, you see, fetches her. 
 
 Mrs, Peachum, The Girl shows such a Readiness, 
 and so much Concern, that I could almost find in my 
 Heart to forgive her, 
 
 23 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Air IX. — O Jenny, O Jenny, where hast thou been. 
 Polly, you might have toy'd and kist. 
 By keeping Men off, you keep them on. 
 
 Polly. 
 
 But he so teaz'd me, 
 And he so pleas' d me. 
 What I did, you must have done. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. Not with a Highwayman. 
 
 You sorry Slut ! 
 
 Peachum. A Word with you, Wife. 'Tis no new 
 thing for a Wench to take Man without Consent of 
 Parents. You know 'tis the Frailty of Woman, my 
 Dear. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum, Yes, indeed, the Sex is frail. 
 But the first time a Woman is frail, she should be 
 somewhat nice methinks, 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. 
 
 Peachum. Make yoiurself a httle easy ; I have a 
 Thought shall soon set all Matters again to rights. 
 Why so melancholy, PoUy ? since what is done 
 cannot be undone, we must all endeavour to make 
 the best of it. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. Well, PoUy ; 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. Peachum. A mighty likely Speech in troth, 
 for a Wench who is just married ! 
 
 24 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Air X. — ^Thomas, I cannot, &c. 
 Polly. 
 
 /, like a Ship in Storms, was tost ; 
 Yet afraid to put in to Land : 
 For seiz'd in the Port the Vessel's lost, 
 Whose Treasure is contreband. 
 
 The Waves are laid, 
 
 My Duty's paid. 
 Joy beyond Expression ! 
 
 Thus, safe a-shore, 
 
 I ask no more, 
 My All is in my Possession. 
 
 Peachum. I hear Customers in t'other Room : 
 Go, talk with 'em, Polly ; but come to us again, as 
 
 soon as they are gone But, hark ye. Child, if 
 
 'tis the Gentleman who was here Yesterday about 
 the Repeating Watch ; say, you believe we can't 
 get Intelligence of it till to-morrow. For I lent it 
 to Suky Straddle, to make a figure with it to-night 
 at a Tavern in Drury-Lane. If t'other Gentleman 
 calls for the Silver-hilted Sword ; you know Beetle- 
 brow'd Jemmy hath it on, and he doth not come 
 from Timbridge 'tiU Tuesday Night ; so that it 
 cannot be had 'till then. 
 
 Scene 9. 
 Peachum, Mrs. Peachum. 
 
 Peachum. Dear Wife, be a httle pacified. Don't 
 let your Passion run away with your Senses. Polly, 
 I grant you, hath done a rash thing. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. If she had had only an Intrigue with 
 the Fellow, why the very best JFamilies have excus'd 
 and huddled up a Frailty of that sort. 'Tis Marriage, 
 Husband, that makes it a Blemish. 
 
 25 
 
THE BEGGAR- S OPERA 
 
 Peachum. 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. Peachum. I am very sensible. Husband, 
 that Captain 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. 
 
 Peachum. That, indeed,- is a Point which ought 
 to be consider'd. 
 
 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, 
 Your Wife may steal your Rest, Sir. 
 
 A Thief your Goods and Plate. 
 But this is all but picking. 
 With Rest, Pence, 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. 
 
 -Scene lo, 
 Mrs. Peachum, Peachum, Polly. 
 Polly. 'Twas only Nimming Ned. He brought 
 in a Damask Window-Curtain, a Hoop-Petticoat, 
 
 26 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 a pair of Silver Candlesticks, a Periwig, and one Silk 
 Stocking, from the Fire that happen'd last Night. 
 
 Peachum. 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 left as they are. You are 
 married then, it seems ? 
 
 Polly. Yes, Sir. 
 
 Peachum. And how do you propose to live. Child ? 
 
 Polly. Lijce other Women, Sir, upon the Industry 
 of my Husband. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. What, is the Wench tum'd Fool ? 
 A Highwayman's Wife, like a Soldier's, hath as 
 little of his Pay, as of his Company. 
 
 Peachum. And had not you the common Views 
 of a Gentlewoman in your Marriage, Polly ? 
 
 Polly. I don't know what you mean. Sir. 
 
 Peachum. Of a Jointure, and of being a Widow. 
 
 Polly. But I love him, Sir ; how then could I 
 have Thoughts of parting with him ? 
 
 Peachum. Parting with him ! Why, this is the 
 whole Scheme and Intention of all Marriage 
 Articles. The comfortable Estate of Widow-hood, 
 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 pleas'd ? If you have any Views of this sort, 
 Polly, I shall think the Match not so very unreason- 
 able. 
 
 Polly. How I dread to hear your Advice ! 
 Yet I must beg you to explain yourself. 
 
 Peachum. Secure what he hath got, have him 
 peach'd 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 I 
 
 27 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Peachum. Fie, Polly ! What hath Murder to do 
 in the Affair ? Since the thing sooner or later 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 'tis his Employment to rob, so 'tis ours to 
 take Robbers ; every Man in his Business. So that 
 there is no MaUce in the Case. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. Ay, Husband, now you have nick'd 
 the Matter. To have him peach'd is the only thing 
 could ever make me forgive her. 
 
 Air XII. — ^Now ponder well, ye Parents dear. 
 Polly. 
 
 ponder well ! he not severe ; 
 
 So save a wretched Wife ! 
 For on the Rope that hangs my Dear 
 
 Depends poor Polly's Life. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. 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 Widow-hood 
 to me ? I know my Heart. I cannot survive him. 
 
 Air XIII. — Le printemps rappelle aux 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 pair'd in Love. 
 
 Thus, Sir, it will happen to your poor Polly. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. 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. 
 
 28 
 

 THE 
 
 BEGGAR 
 
 'S 
 
 OPERA 
 
 
 Polly. 
 lov'd 
 
 But 
 
 hear 
 
 me. 
 
 Mother 
 
 . If 
 
 you 
 
 ever 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. Those cursed Play-Books she 
 reads have been her Ruin. One Word more. Hussy, 
 and I shall knock yoiu: Brains out, if you have any. 
 
 Peachum. Keep out of the way, PoUy, for fear 
 of Mischief, and consider of what is propos'd to you. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. Away, Hussy. Hang your Hus- 
 band, and be dutiful. 
 
 Scene ii. 
 Mrs. Peachum, Peachum. 
 [PoUy listning.] 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. The Thing, Husband, must and 
 shall be done. For the sake of Intelligence we 
 must take other Measures, and have him peach'd 
 the next Session without her Consent. If she will 
 not know her Duty, we know ours. 
 
 Peachum. But really, my Dear, it grieves one's 
 Heart to take off a great Man. When I consider his 
 Personal Bravery, his fine Stratagem, how much we 
 have already got by him, and how much more we 
 may get, methinks I can't find in my Heart to have 
 a hand in his Death. I wish you could have made 
 Polly undertake it. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. But in a Case of Necessity our 
 
 own Lives are in danger. 
 
 Peachum. Then, indeed, we must comply with 
 the Customs of the World, and make Gratitude give 
 way to Interest. He shall be taken off. 
 
 Mrs. Peachum. I'll undertake to manage Polly. 
 
 Peachum. And I'll prepare Matters for the Old 
 Baily. 
 
 2g 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Scene 12. 
 Polly. 
 
 Now I'm a Wretch, indeed. Methinks I see 
 
 him aheady in the Cart, sweeter and more lovely 
 
 than the Nosegay in his Hand ! 1 hear the Crowd 
 
 extoUing his Resolution and Intrepidity ! What 
 
 VoUies of Sighs are sent from the Windows of 
 Holborn, that so comely a Youth should be brought 
 to Disgrace ! — I see him at the Tree ! The whole 
 
 Circle are in Tears ! even Butchers weep ! 
 
 Jack Ketch himself hesitates to perform his Duty, 
 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 keep out of the way, my Papa and Mama may 
 
 in time relent, and we may be happy. If he 
 
 stays, he is hang'd, and then he is lost for ever ! 
 
 He iritended to lie conceal'd in my Room, 'tiU 
 
 the Dusk of the Evening : If they are abroad, I'll 
 this Instant let him out, lest some Accident should 
 prevent him. [Exit, and returns. 
 
 Scene 13. 
 Polly, Macheath 
 Air XIV.— Pretty Parrot, say 
 
 Macheath. 
 
 Pretty Polly, say. 
 When I was away, 
 
 Did your Fancy never stray 
 To some newer Lover ? 
 30 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Polly. 
 
 Without Disguise, 
 Heaving Sighs, 
 Doting Eyes, 
 My constant Heart discover. 
 Fondly let me loll ! 
 
 Macheath. 
 pretty, pretty Poll. 
 
 Polly. And are you as fond as ever, my Dear ? 
 
 Macheath. 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 pursu'd, if I ever forsake 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 
 
 Macheath. 
 
 My Hearfwas so free. 
 
 It rov'd like the Bee, 
 'Till Polly my Passion requited ; 
 
 I sipt each Flower, 
 
 I chang'd ev'ry Hour, 
 But here ev'ry Flow'r is united. 
 
 Polly. Were you sentence'd to Transportation, 
 sure, my Dear, you could not leave me behind you 
 could you ? 
 
 Macheath. 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 Quadrille. But to tear me 
 
 from thee is impossible ! 
 
 31 
 
THE BEGGAR' S OPERA 
 
 Air XVI. — Over the Hills and far away. 
 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. 
 
 Macheath. And I would love you all the Day, 
 Polly. Every Night would kiss and play, 
 
 Macheath. // with me you'd fondly stray 
 Polly. Over the Hills and far away. 
 
 Polly. Yes, I would go with thee. But oh ! 
 
 how shall I speak it ? I must be torn from thee. 
 We must part. 
 
 Macheath. How ! Part ! 
 
 Polly. We must, we must. My Papa and 
 
 Mama 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 XVIL — Gin thou wert mine awn thing 
 
 Oh 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. 
 32 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 One Kiss and then — one Kiss — begone — farewell. 
 
 Macheath. My Hand, my Heart, my Dear, is so 
 riveted 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 ? 
 
 Macheath. Must I then go ? 
 
 Polly. And will not Absence change your Love ? 
 
 Macheath. If you doubt it, let me stay — and 
 be hang'd. 
 
 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 XVIII.— the Broom, &c. 
 
 [Parting, and looking back at each other with 
 fondness ; he at one Door, she at the other. 
 
 Macheath. 
 
 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. 
 
 33 
 
ACT II SCENE I 
 
 A Tavern near Newgate. 
 
 Jemmy Twitcher, Crook-finger'd Jack, Wat 
 
 Dreary, Robin of Bagshot, Nimming Ned, 
 
 "Henry Padington, Matt of the Mint, Ben 
 
 Budge, and the rest of the Gang, at the Table, 
 
 with Wine, Brandy and Tobacco. 
 
 Ben. But pr'ythee. Matt, what is become of thy 
 Brother Tom ? I have not seen him since my 
 Return from Transportation. 
 
 Matt. Poor Brother Tom had an Accident this 
 time Twelvemonth, and so clever a made fellow he 
 was, that I could not save him from those fleaing 
 Rascals the Surgeons ; and now, poor Man, he is 
 among the Otamys at Surgeons Hall. 
 
 Ben. So it seems, his Time was come." 
 
 Jemmy. But the present Time is ours, and no 
 body alive hath more. Why are the Laws levell'd 
 at us ? are we more dishonest than the rest of 
 Mankind ? What we win. Gentlemen, is our own 
 by the Law of Arms, and the Right of Conquest. 
 
 Crook. Where shall we find such another Set 
 of Practical Philosophers, who to a Man are above 
 the Fear of Death ? 
 
 Wat. Sound Men, and true ! 
 
 Robin. Of try'd Courage, and indefatigable In- 
 dustry ! 
 
 Ned. Who is there here that would not die for 
 his Friend ? 
 
 34 
 
THE BEGGAR' S OPERA 
 
 Harry. Who is there here that would betray 
 him for his Interest ? 
 
 Matt. 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. 
 
 Matt. We retrench the Superfluities of Mankind. 
 The World is avaritious, and I hate Avarice. A 
 covetous fellow, hke 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 ? 
 
 Jemmy. Our several Stations for the Day are 
 fixt. Good luck attend us all. Fill the Glasses. 
 
 Air XIX. — ^Fill every Glass, && 
 
 Matt. 
 
 Fill ev'ry Glass, or 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 every Glass, &c. 
 
 Scene 2. 
 To them enter Macheath. 
 
 Macheath. Gentlemen, well met. My Heart 
 hath been with you this Hour ; but an unexpected 
 Affair hath detain'd me. No Ceremony, I beg you. 
 
 Matt. We were just breaking up to go upon Duty. 
 Am I to have the Honour of taking the Air with you, 
 
 35 
 
THE BEGGAR' S OPERA 
 
 Sir, this Evening upon the Heath ? I drink a Dram 
 now and then with the Stage-coachmen in the way 
 of Friendship and Intelligence ; and I know that 
 about this Time there will be Passengers upon the 
 Western Road, who are worth speaking with. 
 
 Macheath. I was to have been of that Party 
 
 but 
 
 Matt. But what, sir ? 
 
 Macheath. Is there any Man who suspects my 
 Courage ? 
 
 Matt. We have all been Witnesses of it. 
 
 Macheath. My Honour and Truth to the Gang ? 
 
 Matt. I'll be answerable for it. 
 
 Macheath. In the Division of our Booty, have 
 I ever shewn the least Marks of Avarice or Injustice ? 
 
 Matt. By these Questions something seems to 
 have ruffled you. Are any of us suspected ? 
 
 Macheajh. 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. 
 
 Matt. Is he about to play us any foul Play ? 
 I'll shoot him through the Head. 
 
 Macheath. I beg you. Gentlemen, act with Con- 
 duct and Discretion. A Pistol is your last Resort. 
 
 Matt. He knows nothing of this Meeting. 
 
 Macheath. 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 accommodated I shall be oblig'd 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 Direction, for the moment 
 we break loose from him, our Gang is ruin'd. 
 
 Matt. As a Bawd to a Whore, I grant you, he is 
 to us of great Convenience. 
 
 Macheath. Make him believe I have quitted 
 36 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 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 us. 
 
 Matt. Your Instructions shall be observ'd. 'Tis 
 now high tinae for us to repair to our several Duties ; 
 so 'till the Evening at our Quarters in Moor-Fields 
 we bid you farewell. 
 
 Macheath. I shall wish myself with you. Suc- 
 cess attend you. \Sits down melancholy at the Table. 
 
 Air XX. — ^March in Rinaldo, with Drums and Trumpets. 
 Matt. 
 
 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, rang'd in the Front of the Stage, load 
 their Pistols, and stick them under their 
 Girdles ; then go off singing the first Part in 
 Chorus. 
 
 Scene 3. 
 
 Macheath, drawer. 
 
 Macheath. What a Fool is a fond Wench ! 
 Polly is most confoundedly bit. — I love the Sex, 
 And a Man who loves Money, might as well be con- 
 tented with one Guinea, as I with one Woman. 
 The Town perhaps have been as much obliged to 
 me, for recruiting it with free-hearted Ladies, as to 
 
 37 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 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. — ^Would you have a young Virgin, &c. 
 // ihe Heart of a Man is deprest 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 hke 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 Direc- 
 tions ? 
 
 Drawer. 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 show 
 them up. Coming, Coming. 
 
 Scene 4. 
 
 Macheath, Mrs. Coaxer, Dolly Trull, Mrs. Vixen, 
 Betty Doxy, Jenny Diver, Mrs. Slammekin, 
 SuKY Tawdry, and Molly Brazen. 
 
 Macheath. Dear Mrs. Coaxer, you are welcome 
 You look charmingly to-day. I hope you don't 
 
 38 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 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 anything else. Ah Dolly, thou wilt 
 
 ever be a Coquette ! Mrs. Vixen, I'm yours, I 
 
 always lov'd a Woman of Wit and Spirit ; they make 
 
 charming Mistresses, but plaguy Wives. Betty 
 
 Doxy ! Come hither. Hussy. Do you drink as 
 hard as ever ? You had better stick to good whole- 
 som Beer ; for in troth, Betty, Strong- Waters will 
 in time ruin your Constitution. You should leave 
 those to your Betters. — ^What ! and my pretty 
 Jenny Diver too ! As prim and demure as ever ! 
 There is not any Prude, though ever so high bred, 
 hath a more sanctify'd Look, with a more mis- 
 chievous 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 
 sa3dng. Everything she gets one way she lays out 
 upon her Back. Why, Suky, you must keep at 
 least a Dozen Talljmien. MoUy Brazen ! {She Msses 
 him.] 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 your- 
 selves. Ladies, what think you of a Dance ? Come 
 in. [Enter Harper.'] Play the French Tune, that 
 Mrs. Slammekin was so fond of. 
 
 [A dance a la ronde in the French manner ; near the 
 end of it this Song and Chorus. 
 
 39 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Air XXII.— CotiUon. 
 Youth's the Season made jor 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 Flower, despis'd in Decay, 
 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. 
 
 Macheath. Now, pray Ladies, take your Places. 
 Here Fellow. {Pays the Harper^ Bid the Drawer 
 bring us more Wine. [Exit Harper.} If any of the 
 Ladies choose Ginn, 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- Waters, but when I have the ChoHc. 
 
 Macheath. 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. 
 
 Coaxer. We have so many interlopers Yet 
 
 with Industry, one may still have a httle Picking. 
 I carried a silver-fiower'd Lutestring, and a Piece of 
 black Padesoy to Mr. Peachmn's Lock but last Week, 
 
 Vixen. There's Molly Brazen hath the Ogle of a 
 Rattle-Snake. She rivetted a Linen-Draper's Eye 
 
 40 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 so fast upon her, that he was nick'd of three Pieces 
 of Cambric before he could look off. 
 
 Brazen. Oh dear Madam ! But sure nothing 
 
 can come up to your handhng 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. 
 
 Vixen. Lace, Madam, lies in a small Compass, and 
 is of easy Conveyance. But you are apt. Madam, 
 to think too well of your Friends. 
 
 CoAXER. 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- 
 
 Macheath. Have done with your Comphments, 
 Ladies ; and drink about : You are not so fond 
 of me, Jenny, as you use 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 
 wiU determine you. 
 
 Air XXIII. — AU in a misty Morning, &Ci 
 Before the Barn-Door crowing, 
 
 The Cock by Hens attended, 
 His Eyes around him throwing. 
 
 Stands for a while suspended. 
 Then One he singles from the Crew, 
 
 And cheers the happy Hen ; 
 With how do you do, and how do you do, 
 
 And how do you do again. 
 
 41 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Macheath. Ah Jenny ! thou art a dear Slut. 
 
 Trull. Pray, Madam, were you ever in keeping ? 
 
 Tawdry. I hope. Madam, I han't been so long 
 upon the Town, but I have met with some good- 
 fortune as well as my Neighbours. 
 
 Trull. Pardon me. Madam, I meant no harm 
 by the Question ; 'Twas only in the way of Conversa- 
 tion. 
 
 Tawdry. Indeed, Madam, if I had not been a 
 Fool, I might have liv'd very handsomely with my 
 last Friend. But upon his missing five Guineas, 
 he turn'd me off. Now I never suspected he had 
 counted them. 
 
 Slammekin. Who do you look upon, Madam, as 
 your best sort of Keepers ? 
 
 Trull. That, Madam, is thereafter as they be. 
 
 Slammekin. I, Madam, was once kept by a Jew ; 
 and bating their Religion, to Women they are a 
 good sort of People. 
 
 Tawdry. Now for my Part, I own I like an old 
 Fellow : For we always make them pay for what 
 they can't do. 
 
 Vixen. A spruce Prentice, let me tell you, Ladies, 
 is no ill thing, they bleed freely. I have sent at 
 least two or three Dozen of them in my time to the 
 Plantations. 
 
 Jenny. But to be sure. Sir, with so much Good- 
 fortune as you have had upon the Road, you must 
 be grown immensely rich. 
 
 Macheath. The Road, indeed, hath done me 
 Justice, but the Gaming-Table hath been my Ruin. 
 
 42 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Air XXIV. — ^When once I lay with another 
 Man's Wife, &c. 
 
 Jenny. 
 
 The Gamesters and Lawyers are Jugglers alike, 
 If they meddle, your all is in Danger. 
 Like Gypsies, if once they can finger a Souse, 
 
 Your Pockets they pick, and they pilfer your House 
 And give your Estate to a Stranger. 
 
 A Man of Courage should never put any thing to the 
 Risque but his Life. These are the Tools of a Man of 
 Honour. Cards and Dice are only fit for cowardly 
 Cheats, who prey upon their Friends. 
 
 [She takes up his Pistol. Tawdry takes up the other. 
 
 Tawdry. This, Sir, is fitter for your Hand. 
 Besides your Loss of Money, 'tis a Loss to the Ladies. 
 Gaming takes you off from Women. How fond could 
 I be of you ! but before Company 'tis ill bred. 
 
 Macheath. Wanton Hussies ! 
 
 Jenny. I must and will have a Kiss to give my 
 Wine a Zest. 
 
 [They take him about the Neck and make signs to 
 Peachum and Constables, who rush in upon him. 
 
 Scene 5. 
 To them, Peachum and Constables. 
 
 Peachum. I seize you, Sir, as my Prisoner. 
 
 Macheath. Was this well done, Jenny ? — — 
 Women are Decoy Ducks ; who can trust them ! 
 Beasts, Jades, Jilts, Harpies, Furies, Whores ! 
 
 Peachum. Your Case, Mr. Macheath, is not 
 particular. The greatest Heroes have been ruin'd 
 by Women. But, to do them Justice, I must own 
 they are a pretty sort of Creatures, if we could trust 
 
 43 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 them. You must now. Sir, take your Leave of the 
 Ladies, and if they have a mind to make you a 
 Visit, they will be sure to find you at home. This 
 Gentleman, Ladies, lodges in Newgate. Constables, 
 wait upon^the^Captain to his Lodgings. 
 
 AirIXXV.— When first I laid Siege to my 
 Chloris, &c. 
 
 Macheath, 
 
 At the Tree I shall suffer with Pleasure, 
 At the Tree I shall suffer with Pleasure, 
 
 Let me go where I will, 
 
 In all kinds of III, 
 I shall find no such Furies as these are. 
 
 Peachum. Ladies, I'll take care the Reckoning 
 shall be discharg'd. 
 
 {Exit Macheath, guarded with Peachum and 
 Constables. 
 
 Scene 6. 
 The Women remain. 
 
 Vixen. Look ye, Mrs. Jemmy, though Mr. 
 Peachum may have made a private Bargain with 
 you and Suky Tawdry for betra5dng the Captain, 
 as we were all assisting, we ought all to share aUke. 
 
 CoAXER. I think Mr. Peachum, after so long an 
 Acquaintance, might have trusted me as weU as 
 Jenny Diver. 
 
 Slammekin. I am sure at least three Men of his 
 hanging, and in a Year's time too, (if he did me 
 Justice) should be set down to my Account. 
 
 Trull. Mrs. Slammekin, that is not fair. For you 
 know one of them was taken in Bed with me. 
 
 44 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Jenny. As far as a Bowl of Punch or a Treat, I 
 
 believe Mrs. Suky will join with me. Ks for 
 
 any thing else, Ladies, you cannot in Conscience 
 expect it. 
 
 Slammekin. Dear Madam 
 
 Trull. I would not for the World 
 
 Slammekin. 'Tis impossible for me 
 
 Trull. As I hope to be sav'd, Madam 
 
 Slammekin. Nay, then, I must stay here all 
 
 Night 
 
 Trull. Since you command me. 
 
 [Exeunt with great Ceremony. 
 
 Scene 7, Newgate. 
 LocKiT, Turnkeys, Macheath, Constables. 
 
 LocKiT. Noble Captain, you are welcome. You 
 have not been a Lodger of mine this Year and half. 
 You know the Custom, Sir. Garnish, Captain, 
 Garnish. Hand me down those Fetters there. 
 
 Macheath. Those, Mr. Lockit, seem to be the 
 heaviest of the whole Set. With your Leave, I 
 should hke the further Pair better. 
 
 LocKiT. Look ye, Captain, we know what is 
 fittest for our Prisoners. When a Gentleman uses 
 me with Civility, I always do the best I can to please 
 
 him. Hand them down I say. We have them 
 
 of all Prices, from one Guinea to ten, and 'tis fitting 
 every Gentleman should please himself. 
 
 Macheath. I understand you. Sir. {Gives Money.] 
 The Fees here are so many, and so exorbitant, that 
 few Fortunes can bear the Expense of getting off 
 handsomely, or of dying like a Gentleman. 
 
 Lockit. Those, I see, will fit the Captain better 
 — Take down the further Pair. Do but examine 
 them. Sir — Never was better work. Howgenteely 
 
 4.5 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 they are made ! They will fit as easy as a Glove, 
 
 and the nicest Man in England might not be asham'd 
 to wear them. [He puts on the Chainsi] If I had the 
 best Gentleman in the Land in my Custody I 
 could not equip him more handsomely. And so. 
 Sir — I now leave you to your private Meditations. 
 
 Scene 8. 
 
 Macheath. 
 
 Air XXVI. — Courtiers, Courtiers, think it no Harm, Sia. 
 
 Man may escape from Rope and Gun ; 
 Nay, some have out-liv'd the Doctor's Pill ; 
 Who takes a Woman must he undone. 
 
 That Basilisk is sure to kill. 
 The Fly that sips Treacle is lost in the Sweets, 
 So he that tastes Woman, Woman, Woman, 
 He that tastes Woman, ruin meets. 
 
 To what a woful Plight have I brought myself ! 
 Here must I (all Day long, 'till I am hang'd) be 
 confin'd to hear the Reproaches of a Wench who lays 
 
 her Ruin at my Door 1 am in the Custody of her 
 
 Father, and to be sure, if he knows of the matter, 
 I shall have a fine time on't betwixt this and my 
 
 Execution. But I promis'd the Wench Marriage 
 
 What signifies a Promise to a Woman ? Does 
 
 not Man in Marriage itself promise a hundred things 
 that he never means to perform? Do all we can, 
 Women will believe us ; for they look upon a Promise 
 as an Excuse for following their own Inchnations. 
 
 But here comes Lucy, and I cannot get from 
 
 her. Wou'd I were deaf ! 
 
 46 
 
THE BEG-GAR-S OPERA 
 
 Scene 9. 
 
 Macheath, Lucy, 
 
 Lucy. You base Man you, how can you look 
 
 me in the Face after what hath passed between us ? 
 
 See here, perfidious Wretch, how I am forc'd 
 
 to bear about the Load of Infamy you have laid 
 
 upon me O Macheath ! thou hast robb'd me of 
 
 my Quiet to see thee tortur'd would give me 
 
 Pleasure. 
 
 Air XXVII. — ^A lovely Lass to a Friar came, &c. 
 
 Thus when a good Housewife sees a Rat 
 
 In her Trap in the Morning taken. 
 
 With Pleasure her Heart goes pit-a-pat, 
 
 In Revenge for her Loss of Bacon. 
 
 Then she throws him 
 
 To the Dog or Cat 
 
 To be worried, crush' d and shaken. 
 
 Macheath. Have you no Bowels, no Tenderness, 
 my dear Lucy, to see a Husband in these Circum- 
 stances ? 
 
 Lucy. A Husband ! 
 
 Macheath. In ev'ry Respect but the Form, and 
 that, my Dear, may be said over us at any time. 
 
 Friends should not insist upon Ceremonies. 
 
 From a Man of Honour, his Word is as good as his 
 Bond. 
 
 Lucy. 'Tis the Pleasure of all you fine Men to 
 insult the Women you have ruin'd. 
 
 Air XXVIII. — 'Twas when the Sea was roaring, &c. 
 How cruel are the Traitors, 
 
 Who lye and swear in jest. 
 To cheat unguarded Creatures 
 Of Virtue, Fame and Rest ! 
 
 47 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Whoever steals a Shilling, 
 Through Shame the Guilt conceals : 
 
 In Love the perjur'd Villain 
 With Boasts the Theft reveals. 
 
 Macheath. The very first Opportunity, my Dear, 
 (have but Patience) you shall be my Wife in what- 
 ever manner you please. 
 
 Lucy. Insinuating Monster ! And so you think 
 I know nothing of the Affair of Miss Polly Peachum. 
 1 could tear thy Eyes out ! 
 
 Macheath. Sure, Lucy, you can't be such a Fool 
 as to be jealous of Polly ! 
 
 Lucy. Are you not married to her, you Brute, 
 you. 
 
 Macheath. Married ! Very good. The Wench 
 gives it out only to vex thee, and to ruin me in thy 
 good Opinion. 'Tis true, I go to the House ; I 
 chat with the Girl, I kiss her, I say a thousand things 
 to her (as all Gentlemen do) that mean nothing, 
 to divert myself ; and now the silly Jade hath set 
 it about that I am married to her, to let me know 
 what she would be at. Indeed, my dear Lucy, these 
 violent Passions may be of ill consequence to a 
 Woman in your Condition. 
 
 Lucy. Come, come. Captain, for all your Assur- 
 ance, you know that Miss Polly hath put it out of 
 your Power to do me the Justice you promis'd me. 
 
 Macheath. A jealous Woman believes everything 
 her Passion suggests. To convince you of my Sin- 
 cerity, if we can find the Ordinary, I shall have no 
 Scruples of making you my Wife ; and I know the 
 Consequence of having two at a time. 
 
 Lucy. That you are only to be hang'd, and so get 
 rid of them both. 
 
 Macheath. I am ready, my dear Lucy, to give 
 
 you Satisfaction if you think there is any in 
 
 48 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Marriage. ^What can a Man of Honour say 
 
 more ? 
 
 Lucy. So then, it seems, you are not married to 
 Miss Polly. 
 
 . Macheath. You know, Lucy, the Girl is prodi- 
 gioasly conceited. No Man can say a civil thing to 
 her, but (like other fine Ladies) her Vanity makes 
 her think he's her own for ever and ever. 
 
 Air XXIX. — ^The Sun had loos'd his weary Teams &c. 
 
 The first time at the Looking-glass 
 
 The Mother sets her Daughter, 
 The Image strikes the smiling Lass 
 
 With Self-love ever after, 
 Each time she looks, she, fonder grown. 
 
 Thinks ev'ry Charm grows stronger. 
 But alas, vain Maid, all Eyes but your own 
 
 Can see you are not younger. 
 
 When Women consider their own Beauties, they 
 are aU alike imreasonable in their Demands ; for 
 they expect their Lovers should like them as long 
 as they Uke themselves. 
 
 Lucy. Yonder is my Father perhaps this way 
 
 we may Hght upon the Ordinary, who shall try if 
 
 you will be as good as your Word. For I long to 
 
 be made an honest Woman. 
 
 Scene lo. 
 Peachum, Lockit with an Account-Book. 
 LocKiT. In this last Affair, Brother Peachum, we 
 are agreed. You have consented to go halves in 
 Macheath. 
 Peachum. We shall never fall out about an 
 
 Execution But as to that Article, pray how 
 
 stands our last Year's Account ? 
 D 49 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 LocKiT. If you will run your Eye over it, you'U 
 find 'tis fair and clearly stated. 
 
 Peachum. This long Arrear of the Government is 
 very hard upon us ! Can it be expected that we 
 would hang our Acquaintance for nothing, when 
 our Betters will hardly save theirs without being 
 paid for it. Unless the People in Employment 
 pay better, I promise them for the future, I shall 
 let other Rogues live besides their own. 
 
 LocKiT. Perhaps, Brother, they are afraid these 
 Matters may be carried too far. We are treated 
 too by them with Contempt, as if our Profession 
 were not reputable. 
 
 Peachum. In one respect indeed our Emplo3m[ient 
 may be reckon'd dishonest, because, like Great 
 Statesmen, we encourage those who betray their 
 Friends. 
 
 LocKiT. Such Language, Brother, any where else, 
 might turn to your Prejudice. Learn to be more 
 guarded, I beg you. 
 
 AiK XXX. — ^How happy are we, &c. 
 
 When you censure the Age, 
 
 Be cautious and sage, 
 Lest the Courtiers offended should be : 
 
 If you mention Vice or Bribe, 
 
 'Tis so pat to all the Tribe ; 
 Each cries That was levelld at me. 
 
 Peachum. Here's poor Ned Clincher's Name, I 
 see. Sure, Brother Lockit, there was a Uttle unfair 
 Proceeding in Ned's Case: for he told me in the 
 Condemn'd Hold, that for Value receiv'd, you had 
 promis'd him a Session or two longer without 
 Molestation. 
 
 Lockit. Mr. Peachum this is the first time 
 
 my Honour was ever caU'd in Question. 
 
 50 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Peachum. Business is at an end — if once we act 
 dishonourably. 
 
 LocKiT. Who accuses me ? 
 
 Peachum. You are warm, Brother. 
 
 LocKiT. He that attacks my Honour, attacks my 
 
 LiveUhood And this Usage Sir ^is not to 
 
 be borne. 
 
 Peachum. Since you provoke me to speak — I 
 must tell you too, that Mrs. Coaxer charges you with 
 defrauding her of her Information-Money, for the 
 apprehending of curl-pated Hugh. Indeed, indeed. 
 Brother, we must punctually pay our Spies, or we 
 shaU have no Information. 
 
 LocKiT. Is this Language to me. Sirrah, ^who 
 
 have sav'd you from the Gallows, Sirrah ! 
 
 [Collaring each other. 
 
 Peachum. If I am hang'd, it shall be for ridding 
 the World of an arrant Rascal. 
 
 LocKiT. This Hand shaU do the Office of the Halter 
 you deserve, and throttle you^ you Dog ! 
 
 Peachum. Brother, Brother ^We are both in 
 
 the Wrong ^We shall be both Losers in the Dis- 
 pute for you know we have it in our Power to 
 
 hang each other. You should not be so passionate. 
 
 LocKiT. Nor you so provoking. 
 
 Peachum. 'Tis our mutual Interest ; 'tis for 
 the Interest of the World we should agree. If I 
 said any thing. Brother, to the Prejudice of your 
 Character, I ask pardon. 
 
 LocKiT. Brother Peachum 1 can forgive as 
 
 well as resent. Give me your Hand. Suspicion 
 
 does not become a Friend. 
 
 Peachum. I only meant to give you Occasion to 
 justify yourself. But I must now step home, for 
 I exjpect the Gentleman about this Snuff-box, that 
 Filch nimm'd two Nights ago in the Park. I 
 appointed him at this Hour. 
 
 51 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Scene ii. 
 LocKiT, Lucy. 
 
 LocKiT. Whence come you. Hussy ? 
 
 Lucy. My Tears might answer that Question. 
 
 LocKiT. You have then been whimpering and 
 fondling, like a Spaniel, over the Fellow that hath 
 abus'd you. 
 
 Lucy. One can't help Love; one can't cure it. 
 'Tis not in my Power to obey you, and hate him. 
 
 LocKiT. Learn to bear your Husband's Death 
 like a reasonable Woman. 'Tis not the fashion, 
 now-a-days, so much as to affect Sorrow upon these 
 Occasions. No Woman would ever marry, if she 
 had not the Chance of Mortality for a Release. 
 Act like a Woman of Spirit, Hussy, and thank your 
 Father for what he is doing. 
 
 Air XXXL — Of a noble Race was Shenkin. 
 
 Lucy. 
 
 7s then his Fate decreed,. Sir ? 
 
 Such a Man can I think of quitting ? 
 When first we met, so moves me yet, 
 
 see how my Heart is splitting ! 
 
 LocKiT. Look ye, Lucy — There is no saving him 
 
 So, I think, you must ev'n do Hke other Widows 
 
 buy yourself Weeds, and be cheerful. 
 
 Air XXX IL 
 
 You'll think ere many Days ensue 
 
 This Sentence not severe ; 
 I hang your Husband, Child, 'tis true, 
 
 But with him hang your Care. 
 Twang dang ditto dee. 
 
 52 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Like a good Wife, go moan over your d3dng Husband. 
 That, Child, is your Duty — Consider, Girl, you can't 
 have the Man and the Money too — so make yourself 
 as easy as you can, by getting all you can from him. 
 
 Scene 12. 
 Lucy, Macheath. 
 
 Lucy. Though the Ordinary was out of the way 
 to-day, I hope, my Dear, you wiU, upon the first 
 
 Opportunity, quiet my Scruples Oh Sir ! 
 
 my Father's hard heart is not to be soften'd, and I 
 am in the utmost Despair. 
 
 Macheath. But if I could raise a small Sum 
 
 Would not twenty Guineas, think you, move him ? 
 
 Of all the Arguments in the way of Business, 
 
 the Perquisite is the most prevaiUng Your 
 
 Father's Perquisites for the Escape of Prisoners 
 must amount to a considerable Sum in the Year. 
 Money well tim'd, and properly apply'd, will do 
 anything. 
 
 Air XXXIII. — London Ladies. 
 If you at an Office solicit your Due, 
 
 And would not have Matters neglected ; 
 You must quicken the Clerk with the Perquisite too, 
 
 To do what his Duty directed. 
 Or would you the Frowns of a Lady prevent. 
 
 She too has this palpable Failing, 
 The Perquisite softens her into Consent ; 
 
 That Reason with all is prevailing. 
 
 Lucy. What Love or Money can do shaU be done 1 
 for aU my Comfort depends upon your Safety. 
 
 53 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Scene 13. 
 Lucy, Macheath, Polly. 
 
 Polly. Where is my dear Husband ? Was~a 
 
 Rope ever intended for this Neck ! O let me 
 
 throw my Arms about it, and throttle thee with 
 
 Love ! ^Why dost thou turn away from^me ? 
 
 'Tis thy Polly ^'Tis thy Wife. 
 
 Macheath. Was ever such an unfortunate Rascal 
 as I am ! 
 
 Lucy. Was there ever such another Villain ! 
 
 Polly. O Macheath ! was it for this we parted ? 
 Taken ! Imprison'd ! Try'd ! Hang'd — cruel Re- 
 flection ! I'll stay with thee 'till Death — ^no Force 
 
 shall tear thy dear Wife from thee now. ^What 
 
 means my Love ? Not one kind Word ! not one 
 
 kind Look ! think what thy Polly suffers to see 
 thee in this Condition. 
 
 Air XXXIV.— AU in the Downs, &c. 
 Thus when the Swallow, seeking Prey, 
 
 Within the Sash is closely pent. 
 His Comfort, with bemoaning Lay, 
 
 Without sits pining for th' Event. 
 Her chatt'ring Lovers all around her skim ; 
 She heeds them not (poor Bird I) her Soul's with him. 
 
 Macheath. I must disown her. [Aside} The 
 Wench is distracted. 
 
 Lucy. Am I then bilk'd of my Virtue ? Can I 
 have no Reparation ? Sure Men were born to He, 
 and Women to beUeve them ! O Villain ! Villain ! 
 
 Polly. Am I not thy Wife ? Thy Neglect of 
 
 itie, thy Aversion to me too severely proves it. — — 
 Look on me. Tell me, am I not thy Wife ? 
 
 Lucy. Perfidious Wretch ! 
 
 54 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Polly. Barbarous Husband ! 
 
 Lucy. Hadst thou been hang'd five Months ago, 
 I had been happy. 
 
 Polly. And I too 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 Hve. 
 
 Lucy. Art thou then married to another ? Hast 
 thou two Wives, Monster ? 
 
 Macheath. If Women's Tongues can cease for 
 an Answer ^hear me. 
 
 Lucy. I won't. — Flesh and Blood can't bear my 
 Usage. 
 
 Polly. Shall I not claim my own ? Justice bids 
 me speak. 
 
 Air XXXV. — Have you heard of a frolicksome 
 Ditty, &c. 
 
 Macheath. 
 
 How happy could I he with either, 
 Were t'other dear Charmer away ! 
 
 But while you thus teaze me together. 
 To neither a Word will I say ; 
 But tol de rol, &c. 
 
 Polly. Sure, my Dear, there ought to be some 
 Preference shewn to a Wife ! At least she may claim 
 the Appearance of it. He must be distracted with 
 his Misfortunes, or he could not use me thus. 
 
 Lucy. O Villain, Villain ! thou hast deceiv'd 
 
 me 1 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. 
 
 55 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Air XXXVI.— Irish Trot. 
 Polly. / am bubbled. 
 Lucy. I'm bubbled. 
 
 Polly. how I am troubled ! 
 Lucy. Bambouzled, and bit ! 
 . Polly. My Distresses are doubled. 
 
 Lucy. When you come to the Tree'^ should the 
 
 Hangman refuse, 
 These Fingers, with Pleasure, could fasten 
 
 the Noose. 
 Polly. I'm bubbled, S-c. 
 
 Macheath. Be pacified, my dear Lucy ^This is 
 
 all a Fetch of PoUy's, to make me desperate with 
 you in case I get off. If I am hang'd, 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 ? 
 
 Macheath. And hast thou the Heart to persist 
 in persuading me that I am married ? Why, Polly, 
 dost thou seek to aggravate my Misfortunes ? 
 
 Lucy. Really, Miss Peachum, you but expose 
 yourself. Besides, 'tis barbarous in you to worry 
 a GentlemanTin his Circumstances. 
 
 Air XXXVII. 
 Polly, 
 Cease your Funning ; 
 Force or Cunning 
 Never shall my Heart trapan. 
 All these Sallies 
 Are but Malice 
 To seduce my constant Man. 
 56 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 'Tis most certain, 
 
 By their flirting 
 Women oft have Envy shown 
 
 Pleas' d, to ruin 
 
 Others wooing ; 
 Never happy in their own I 
 
 Polly. Decency, Madam, methinks might teach' 
 you to behave yourself with some Reserve with the 
 Husband, while his Wife is present. 
 
 Macheath. But seriously, Polly, this is carrying 
 the Joke a httle too far. 
 
 Lucy. If you are determin'd. Madam, to raise a 
 Disturbance in the Prison, I shall be obHg'd to send 
 for the Turnkey to shew you the Door. I am sorry, 
 Madam, you force me to be so ill-bred. 
 
 Polly. Give me leave to teU you. Madam : 
 These forward Airs don't become you in the least. 
 Madam. And my Duty, Madam, obUges me to 
 stay with my Husband, Madam. 
 
 Air XXXVIII. — Good-morrow, Gossip Joan. 
 
 Lucy. Why how now, Madam Flirt ? 
 If you thus ntust chatter ; 
 And are for flinging Dirt, 
 
 Let's try who best can spatter ; 
 
 Madam Flirt ! 
 
 Polly. Why how now, saucy Jade ; 
 Sure the Wench is tipsy ! 
 How can you see me made [To him. 
 
 The Scoff of such a Gipsy ? 
 
 Saucy Jade ! [To her. 
 
 Scene 14. 
 Lucy, Macheath, Polly, Peachum. 
 Peachum. Where's my Wench? Ah, Hussy: 
 Hussy ! Come you home, you Slut ; and when 
 
 57 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 your Fellow is hang'd, hang yourself, to make your 
 Family some Amends. 
 Polly. Dear, dear Father, do not tear me from 
 
 him 1 must speak ; I have more to say to him 
 
 Oh ! twist thy Fetters about me, that he may 
 
 not haul me from thee ! 
 
 , Peachum. Sure all Women are ahke ! If ever 
 
 they commit the Folly, they are sure to commit 
 
 another by exposing themselves Away Not 
 
 a Word more You are my Prisoner, now, 
 
 Hussy. 
 
 Air XXXIX.— Irish Howl. 
 
 Polly. 
 
 No Power on Earth can e'er divide 
 The Knot that sacred Love hath ty'd. 
 When Parents draw against our Mind, 
 The True-Love's Knot they faster bind, 
 Oh, oh ray, oh Amborah — oh, oh, &c. 
 
 [Holding Macheath, Peachum pulHng her. 
 
 Scene 15. 
 Lucy, Macheath 
 
 Macheath. I am naturally compassionate. Wife ; 
 so that I could not use the Wench as she deserv'd ; 
 which made you at first suspect there was something 
 in what she said. 
 
 Lucy. Indeed, my Dear, I was strangely puzzled. 
 
 Macheath. If that had been the Case, her Father 
 would never have brought me into this Circum- 
 stance No, Lucy 1 had rather die than be 
 
 false to thee. 
 
 Lucy. How happy am I, if you say this from your 
 Heart ! For I love thee so, that I could sooner 
 bear to see thee hang'd than in the Arms of another. 
 
 58 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Macheath. But could'st thou bear to see me 
 hang'd ? 
 
 Lucy. O Macheath, I can never live to see that 
 Day. 
 
 Macheath. You see, Lucy ; in the Account of 
 Love you are in my Debt, and you must now be 
 convinc'd, that I rather choose to die than be 
 
 another's. Make me, if possible, love thee more, 
 
 and let me owe my Life to thee If you refuse 
 
 to assist me, Peachum and your Father will imme- 
 diately put me beyond all means of Escape. 
 
 Lucy. My Father, I know, hath been drinking 
 hard with the Prisoners ; and I fancy he is now 
 
 taking his Nap in his own Room If I can procure 
 
 the Keys, shall I go off with thee, my Dear ? 
 
 Macheath. If we are together, 'twiU be impossible 
 to he conceal'd. As soon as the Search begins to be 
 
 a httle cool, I will send to thee 'Till then my 
 
 Heart is thy Prisoner. 
 
 Lucy. Come then, my dear Husband owe thy 
 
 Life to me and though you love me not be 
 
 grateful, But that Polly runs in my Head 
 
 strangely. 
 
 Macheath. A moment of Time may make us 
 unhappy for ever. 
 
 Air XL.— The Lass of Patie's Mill, &c. 
 Lucy. 
 / 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 he not his Guide, 
 
 He never will come hack ! 
 
 59 
 
ACT III SCENE I 
 Scene, Newgate. 
 
 LocKiT, Lucy. 
 
 LocKiT. To be sure, Wench, you must have been 
 aiding and abetting to help him to this Escape. 
 
 Lucy. Sir, here hath been Peachum and his 
 Daughter Polly, and to be sure they know the Ways 
 of Newgate as well as if they had been born and bred 
 in the Place aU their Lives. Why must all your 
 Suspicion light upon me ? 
 
 LocKiT. Lucy, Lucy, I will have none of these 
 shuffling Answers. 
 
 Lucy. Well then If I know any thing of him 
 
 I wish I may be burnt ! 
 
 LocKiT. Keep your Temper, Lucy, or I shall 
 pronounce you guilty. 
 
 Lucy. Keep yours. Sir, 1 do wish I may be 
 
 burnt. I do And what can I say more to con- 
 vince you ? 
 
 LocKiT. Did he tip handsomely ? How much 
 
 did he come down with ? Come, Hussy, don't 
 cheat your Father ; and I shall not be angry with 
 
 you Perhaps, you have made a better Bargain 
 
 with him than I could have done How much, 
 
 my good Girl ? 
 
 Lucy. You know. Sir, I am fond of him, and 
 would have given Money to have kept him with me. 
 
 LocKiT. Ah Lucy ! thy Education might have 
 put thee more upon thy Guard ; for a Girl in the 
 Bar of an Ale-house is always besieg'd. 
 
 60 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Lucy. Dear Sir, mention not my Education — 
 for 'twas to that I owe my Ruin. 
 
 Air XLI. — If Love's a sweet Passion, &c. 
 
 When young at the Bar you first taught me to score. 
 And hid me be free of my Lips, and no more ; 
 I was Mss'd by the Parson, the Squire, and the Sot. 
 When the Guest was departed, the Kiss was forgot. 
 But his Kiss was so sweet, and so closely he prest. 
 That I languish' d and pin'd till I granted the rest. 
 
 If you can forgive me. Sir, I will make a fair Con- 
 fession, for to be sure he hath been a most bar- 
 barous Villain to me. 
 
 LocKiT. And so you have let him escape. Hussy 
 Have you ? 
 
 Lucy. When a Woman loves ; a kind Look, a 
 
 tender Word can persuade her to any thing And 
 
 I could ask no other Bribe. 
 
 LocKiT. Thou wUt always be a vulgar Slut, 
 Lucy. — If you would not be look'd upon as a Fool, 
 you should never do any thing but upon the foot of 
 Interest. Those that act otherwise are their own 
 Bubbles. 
 
 Lucy. But Love, Sir, is a Misfortune that may 
 happen to the most discreet Woman, and in Love 
 
 we are all Fools aUke Notwithstanding all he 
 
 swore, I am now fuUy convinc'd that PoUy Peachum 
 
 is actually his Wife. Did I let him escape (Fool 
 
 that I was !) to go to her ? PoUy wiU wheedle 
 
 herself into his Money, and then Peachum will 
 hang him, and cheat us both. 
 
 LocKiT, So I am to be ruin'd, because, forsooth, 
 you must be in Love ! a very pretty Excuse ! 
 
 Lucy. I could murder that impudent happy 
 Strumpet : — I gave him his Life, and that Creature 
 
 enjoys the Sweets of it. Ungrateful Macheath ! 
 
 6i 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Air XLII.— South-Sea BaUad. 
 
 My Love is all Madness and Folly, 
 
 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 entertain'd with your CatterwauUng, 
 Mistress Puss ! Out of my Sight, wanton Strum- 
 pet ! you shall fast and mortify yourself into Reason, 
 with now and then a little handsome Disciphne to 
 bring you to your Senses. Go. 
 
 Scene 2. 
 
 LOCKIT. 
 
 Peachum then intends to outwit me in this 
 
 Affair ; but I'll be even with him. The Dog is 
 
 leaky in his Liquor, so I'll ply him that way, get 
 the Secret from him, and turn this Affair to my own 
 
 Advantage. Lions, Wolves and Vultures don't 
 
 live together in Herds, Droves or Flocks. Of all 
 
 Animals of Prey, Man is the only sociable one. 
 Every one of us preys upon his Neighbour, and yet 
 
 we herd together. Peachum is my Companion, 
 
 my Friend. ^According to the Custom of the 
 
 62 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 World, indeed, he may quote thousands of Preced- 
 ents for cheating me And shall not I make use 
 
 of the Privilege of Friendship to make him a Return. 
 
 Air XLIII.— Packington's Pound. 
 Thus Gamesters united in Friendship are found, 
 Though they know that their Industry all is a Cheat ; 
 They flock to their Prey at the Dice-Box's Sound, 
 And join to promote one another's Deceit. 
 But if by mishap 
 They fail of a Chap, 
 To keep in their Hands, they each other entrap. 
 Like- Pikes, lank with Hunger, who miss of their 
 
 Ends, 
 They bite their Companions, and prey on their 
 Friends. 
 
 Now, Peachum, you and I, hke honest Tradesmen 
 are to have a fair Trial which of us two can over- 
 reach the other. Lucy. [Enter Lucy.] Are 
 
 there any of Peachum's People now in the House ? 
 
 Lucy. Filch, Sir, is drinking a Quartern of Strong- 
 Waters in the next Room with Black Moll. 
 
 LocKiT. Bid him come to me. 
 
 Scene 3. 
 LocKiT, Filch. 
 
 LocKiT. Why, Boy, thou lookest as if thou wert 
 half starv'd ; like a shotten Herring. 
 
 Filch. One had need have the Constitution of a 
 
 Horse to go through the Business. Since the 
 
 favourite Child-getter was disabled by a Mishap, 
 I have pick'd up a httle Money by helping the Ladies 
 to a Pregnancy against their being call'd down to 
 
 Sentence. But if a Man cannot get an honest 
 
 Livelihood any easier way, I am sure, 'tis what I 
 can't undertake for another Session. 
 
 63 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 LocKiT. Truly, if that great Man should tip off, 
 'twould be an irreparable Loss. The Vigor and 
 Prowess of a Knight-Errant never sav'd half the 
 
 Ladies in Distress that he hath done. But, Boy, 
 
 canst thou teU me where thy Master is to be found ? 
 
 Filch. At his Lock,* Sir, at the Crooked Billet. 
 
 LocKiT. Very well. — I have nothing more with 
 you. [Ex. Filch.] I'll go to him there, for I have many 
 important Affairs to settle with him ; and in the 
 way of those Transactions, I'll artfully get into his 
 
 Secret So that Macheath shall not remain a 
 
 Day longer out of my Clutches. 
 
 Scene 4, A Gaming-House. 
 
 Macheath in a fine tarnish'd Coat, Ben Budge, 
 Matt of the Mint. 
 
 Macheath. I am sorry. Gentlemen, the Road was 
 so barren of Money. When my Friends are in 
 Difficulties, I am always glad that my Fortune can 
 be serviceable to them. [Gives them Money.] You 
 see. Gentlemen, I am not a mere Court Friend, who 
 professes every thing and will do nothing. 
 
 Air XLIV.— LiUibullero. 
 
 The Modes of the Court so common are grown, 
 
 That a true Friend can hardly he met ; 
 Friendship for Interest is but a Loan, 
 Which they let out for what they can get, 
 
 'Tis true, you find 
 
 Some Friends so kind, 
 Who will give you good Counsel themselves to defend. 
 
 In sorrowful Ditty, 
 
 They promise, they pity. 
 But shift you for Money, from Friend to Friend. 
 
 * a Cant Word, signifying, a Warehouse where stolen Goods 
 are deposited. 
 
 64 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 But we. Gentlemen, have still Honour enough to 
 
 break through the Corruptions of the World. 
 
 And while I can serve you, you may command me. 
 
 Ben. It grieves my Heart that so generous a 
 Man should be involv'd in such Difficulties, as 
 obhge him to live with such ill Company, and herd 
 with Gamesters. 
 
 Matt. See the PartiaUty of Mankind ! One 
 
 Man may steal a Horse, better than another look 
 
 over a Hedge. Of all Mechanics, of all servile 
 
 Handicrafts-men, a Gamester is the vilest. But 
 yet, as many of the QuaHty are of the Profession, 
 he is admitted amongst the politest Company. I 
 wonder we are not more respected. 
 
 Macheath. There will be deep Play to-night at 
 Mary-bone, and consequently Money may be pick'd 
 up upon the Road. Meet me there, and I'U give 
 you the Hint who is worth Setting. 
 
 Matt. The Fellow with a brown Coat with a 
 narrow Gold Binding, I am told, is never without 
 Money. 
 
 Macheath. What do you mean. Matt ? Sure 
 
 you will not think of meddling with him ! He's a 
 
 good honest kind of a Fellow, and one of us. 
 
 Ben. To be sure. Sir, we will put ourselves imder 
 your Direction. 
 
 Macheath. Have an Eye upon the Money- 
 
 Lenders. A Rouleau, or two, would prove a 
 
 pretty sort of an Expedition. I hate Extortion. 
 
 Matt. Those Rouleaus are very prettyThings. ■ 
 
 I hate your Bank Bills. ^There is such a Hazard 
 
 in putting them off. 
 
 Macheath. There is a certain Man of Distinction, 
 who in his Time hath nick'd me out of a great deal 
 
 of the Ready. He is in my Cash, Ben ; I'll 
 
 point him out to you this Evening, and you shall 
 
 draw upon him for the Debt. -The Company are 
 
 E 65 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 met ; I hear the Dice-Box in the other Room. So, 
 Gentlemen, your Servant. You'll meet me at 
 Mary-bone. 
 
 . Scene 5, Peachum's Lock. 
 A Table with Wine, Brandy, Pipes and Tobacco. 
 Peachum, Lockit. 
 
 LocKiT. The Coronation Account, Brother 
 Peachum, is of so intricate a nature, that I believe 
 it will never be settled. 
 
 Peachum. It consists indeed of a great Variety 
 
 of Articles. It was worth to our People, in Fees 
 
 of different kinds, above ten Instalments. This is 
 
 part of the Account, Brother, that lies open before 
 us. 
 
 i^ Lockit. A Lady's Tail of rich Brocade that, I 
 
 see, is dispos'd of. 
 
 Peachum. To Mrs. Diana Trapes, the Tally- 
 Woman, and she will make a good Hand on't in 
 Shoes and Slippers, to trick out young Ladies, upon 
 their going into Keeping 
 
 Lockit. But I don't see any Article of the Jewess 
 
 Peachum. Those are so well known that they mu 
 
 be sent abroad You'll find them enter'd und 
 
 the Article of Exportation. As for the Snuff 
 
 Boxes, Watches, Swords, &c. 1 thought it best 
 
 to enter them under their several Heads. 
 
 Lockit. Seven and twenty Women's Pockets 
 complete ; with the several things therein contain'd ; 
 all Seal'd, Number'd, and Enter'd. 
 
 Peachum. But, Brother, it is impossible for us 
 now to enter upon this Affair. — We should have the 
 
 whole Day before us. Besides, the Accoimt of the 
 
 last Half Year's Plate is in a Book by itself, which 
 lies at the other Office. 
 
 66 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 LocKiT. Bring us then more Liquor. ^To-day 
 
 shall be for Pleasure To-morrow for Business—* 
 
 Ah, Brother, those Daughters of ours are two 
 
 slippery Hussies Keep a watchful Eye upon 
 
 Polly, and Macheath in a Day or two shall be our 
 own again. 
 
 Air XLV. — ^Dowh in the North Country, &c. 
 LOCKIT. 
 What Gudgeons are we Men ! 
 Ev'ry Woman's easy Prey. 
 Though we have felt the Hook, agen 
 We bite and they betray. 
 
 The Bird that hath been trapt, 
 When he hears his calling Mate, 
 
 To her he flies, again he's daft 
 Within the wiry Grate. 
 
 Peachum. But what signifies catching the Bird, 
 if your Daughter Lucy will set open the Door of 
 the Cage ? 
 
 LocKiT. If Men were answerable for the Follies 
 and Frailties of their Wives and Daughters, no 
 Friends could keep a good Correspondence together 
 
 for two Days This is unkind of you, Brother ; 
 
 for among good Friends, what they say or do goes 
 for nothing. 
 
 Enter a Servant. 
 
 Servant, Sir, here's Mrs. Diana Trapes wants to 
 speak with you. 
 
 Peachum. Shall we admit her, Brother Lockit ? 
 
 LocKiT. By aU means, She's a good Customer, 
 
 and a fine-spoken Woman And a Woman who 
 
 drinks and talks so freely, will enliven the Conversa- 
 tion. 
 
 Peachum. Desire her to walk in. . [Exit Servant. 
 
 67 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Scene 6. 
 Peachum, Lockit, Mrs. Trapes. 
 Peachum. Dear Mrs. Dye, your Servant- 
 
 One may know by your Kiss, that your Ginn is 
 excellent. 
 
 Trapes. I was always very curious in my Liquors. 
 
 Lockit. There is no perfum'd Breath like it — 
 I have been long acquainted with the Flavour of 
 those Lips — Han't I, Mrs. Dye. 
 
 Trapes. Fill it up 1 take as large Draughts 
 
 of Liquor, as I did of Love. 1 hate a Flincher in 
 
 either. 
 
 Air XL VI. — A Shepherd kept Sheep, &c. 
 
 In the Days of my Youth I could hill 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, &c. 
 
 But now, Mr. Peachum, to our Business. If you 
 
 have Blacks of any kind, brought in of late ; Mantoes 
 
 — Velvet Scarfs Petticoats Let it be what it 
 
 will 1 am your Chap for all my Ladies are 
 
 very fond of Mourning. 
 
 Peachum. 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 obhge 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 
 
 68 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 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 Conscience, now-a-days most Ladies take a 
 DeUght in cheating, when they can do it with Safety. 
 
 Peachum. Madam, you had a handsome Gold 
 Watch of us t'other Day for seven Guineas. Con- 
 sidering we must have our Profit To a Gentle- 
 man upon the Road, a Gold Watch will be scarce 
 v/orth the taking. 
 
 Trapes. Consider, Mr. Peachum, that Watch was 
 
 remarkable, and not of verj/ safe Sale. If you 
 
 have any black Velvet Scarfs they are a handsome 
 
 Winter-wear, and take with most Gentlemen who 
 
 deal with my Customers. 'Tis I that put the 
 
 Ladies upon a . good Foot. 'Tis not Youth or 
 Beauty that fixes their Price. The Gentlemen 
 alv/ays pay according to their Dress, from half a 
 Crown to two Guineas ; and yet those Hussies 
 make nothing of billdng of me. Then too, allow- 
 ing for Accidents. 1 have eleven fine Customers 
 
 now down under the Surgeon's Hands what with 
 
 Fees and 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 
 
 Risques — great Risques indeed. 
 
 Peachum. As I remember, you said something 
 just now of Mrs. Coaxer. 
 
 69 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Trapes. Yes, Sir. ^To be sure I stript 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 caU'd him 
 up Stairs, as he was going to Mary-bone 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. 
 
 LoCKiT. What Captain ? 
 
 Trapes. He thought I did not know him An 
 
 intimate Acquaintance of yours, Mr. Peachum 
 
 Only Captain Macheath as fine as a Lord. 
 
 Peachum. To-morrow, dear Mrs. Dye, you shall 
 set your own Price upon any of the Goods you Mke 
 
 We have at least half a Dozen Velvet Scarfs, 
 
 and aU at your Service. WiU 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 ; 
 no body knows him better. I have taken a great 
 deal of the Captain's Money in my Time at second- 
 hand, for he always lov'd to have his Ladies well 
 drest. 
 
 Peachum. Mr. Lockit and I have a little Business 
 
 with the Captain ; You understand me and 
 
 we wiU satisfy you for Mrs. Coaxer's Debt. 
 
 Lockit. Depend upon it we wiU deal like 
 
 Men of Honour. 
 
 Trapes. I don't enquire 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 if you please— — I'll take 
 
 one of the Scarfs home with me. 'Tis always good 
 to have something in Hand. 
 
 70 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Scene 7, Newgate. 
 
 Lucy. 
 
 Jealousy, Rage, Love and Fear are at once tearing 
 
 me to pieces. How I am weather-beaten and shat- 
 
 ter'd with Distresses ! 
 
 Air XLVIL — One Evening, having lost my Way, &c. 
 
 I'm like a Skiff on the Ocean tost. 
 
 Now high, now low, with each Billow born. 
 With her Rudder broke, and her Anchor lost. 
 Deserted 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 Rats-bane ready. 1 run no Risque ; 
 
 for I can lay her Death upon the Ginn, and so many 
 die of that naturally that I shall never be call'd 
 
 in question. But say, I were to be hang'd.-- — 
 
 I never could be hang'd for any thing that would 
 give me greater Comfort, than the poisoning that 
 Slut. 
 
 Enter Filch. 
 
 Filch. Madam, here's Miss Polly come to wait 
 upon you. - 
 
 Lucy. Show her in. 
 
 Scene 8. 
 Lucy, Polly, 
 
 Lucy. Dear Madam, your Servant, 1 hope 
 
 you will pardon my Passion, when I was so happy 
 
 to see you last. 1 was so over-run with the 
 
 Spleen, that I was perfectly out of myself. And 
 really when one hath the Spleen, everything is to 
 be excus'd by a Friend. 
 
 71 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Air XLVIII.— Now Roger, I'll tell thee because thou'rt 
 my Son. 
 When a Wife's in her Pout, 
 
 {As she's sometimes, no doubt ;) 
 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 I 
 And the quieting Draught is a Dram. 
 
 -I wish all our Quarrels might have so comfort- 
 
 able a Reconciliation. 
 
 Polly. I have no Excuse for my own Behaviour, 
 
 Madam, but my Misfortunes. And really, Madam, 
 
 I suffer too upon your Account. 
 
 Lucy. But, Miss Polly in the way of Friend- 
 ship, will you give me leave to propose a Glass of 
 Cordial to you ? 
 
 Polly. Strong-Waters are apt to give me the 
 Head-Ache 1 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 1 should not 
 
 have left you in the rude manner I did when we 
 met last. Madam, had not my Papa haul'd me away 
 
 so unexpectedly 1 was indeed somewhat pro- 
 
 vok'd, and perhaps might use some Expressions 
 
 that were disrespectful. But really. Madam, the 
 
 Captain treated me with so much Contempt and 
 Cruelty, that I deserv'd your Pity, rather than your 
 Resentment. 
 
 Lucy. But since his Escape, no doubt all Matters 
 
 are made up again. ^Ah Polly ! Polly ! 'tis I 
 
 72 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 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.— Bessy BeU. 
 
 Polly. A Curse attend that Woman's Love, 
 Who always would be pleasing. 
 
 Lucy. The Pertness of the billing Dove, 
 Like Tickling, is but teasing. 
 
 Polly. What then in Love can Woman do ; 
 
 Lucy. // 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 forc'd from him, he did not shew the least 
 
 Tenderness. But perhaps, he hath a Heart not 
 
 capable of it. 
 
 Air L. — ^Would Fate to me Belinda give. 
 Among the Men, Coquets we find. 
 Who court by turns all Woman-kind ; 
 And we grant all their Hearts desir'd, 
 When they are flatter' d, and admir'd. 
 
 The Coquets of both Sexes are Self-lovers, and 
 that is a Love no other whatever can dispossess. 
 I hear, my dear Lucy, our Husband is one of those. 
 
 73 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Lucy. Away with these melancholy Reflections, — 
 — ^indeed, 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, 
 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. 1 shall now soon be even with the 
 
 hypocritical Strumpet. [Aside. 
 
 Scene 9. 
 Polly. 
 AU this Wheedling of Lucy cannot be for nothing. 
 
 ^At this time too ! when I know she hates me ! 
 
 -The Dissembhng 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 upon my Guard, and 
 
 won't taste a Drop of her Liquor, I'm resolv'd. 
 
 Scene 10. 
 Lucy, with Strong-Waters, Polly. 
 Lucy. Come, Miss Polly. 
 Polly. Indeed, Child, you have given yourself 
 
 trouble to no purpose. You must, my Dear, 
 
 excuse me. 
 
 74 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Lucy. Really, Miss Polly, you are as squeamishly 
 affected about taking a Cup of Strong- Waters as a 
 Lady before Company. I vow, Polly, I shall take 
 
 it monstrously ill if you refuse me. Brandy 
 
 and Men (though Women love them ever 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 t 
 
 Now every Glimm'ring of Happiness is lost. 
 
 [Drops the Glass of Liquor on the Ground. 
 
 Lucy. Since things are thus, I'm glad the Wench 
 hath escap'd ; for by this Event, 'tis plain, she was 
 not happy enough to deserve to be poison'd. [Aside. 
 
 Scene ii. 
 LocKiT, Macheath, Peachum, Lucy, Polly. 
 
 LoCKiT. Set your Heart to rest. Captain. You 
 
 have neither the Chance of Love or Money for another 
 
 Escape, for you are order'd to be call'd down 
 
 upon your Trial immediately. 
 
 Peachum. Away, Hussies ! This is not a Time 
 
 for a Man to be hamper'd with his Wives. You 
 
 see, the Gentleman is in Chains already. 
 
 Lucy. O Husband, Husband, my Heart long'd 
 to see thee ; but to see thee thus distracts me ? 
 
 Polly. Will not my dear Husband look upon' his 
 Polly ? Why hadst thou not flown to me^for 
 Protection ? with me thou hadst been safe. 
 
 Air LIL — 'The last time I went o'er the Moor. 
 
 Polly. Hither, dear Husband, turn your Eyes. 
 Lucy. Bestow one Glance to cheer me. 
 Polly. Think with that Look, thy Polly dies, 
 Lucy. shun me not hut hear me. 
 
 73 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 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 he slighted ? 
 
 Macheath. What would you have me say, 
 
 Ladies ? ^You see this Affair will soon be at an 
 
 end, without my disobliging either of you. 
 
 Peachum. But the settling this Point, Captain, 
 might prevent a Law-Suit between your two 
 Widows. 
 
 Air LIII. — ^Tom Tinker's my true Love. 
 Macheath. 
 
 Which way shall I turn me How can I decide ? 
 
 ■ 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 ivould 
 take ill. 
 
 Polly. But if his own Misfortunes have made him 
 
 insensible to mine A Father sure will be more 
 
 compassionate Dear, dear Sir, sink the m.aterial 
 
 Evidence, and bring him off at his Trial Polly, 
 
 upon her Knees begs it of you. 
 
 Air LIV. — I am a poor Shepherd undone. 
 When my Hero in Court appears. 
 
 And stands arraign' d for his Life ; 
 Then think of poor Polly's Tears ; 
 For Ah J poor Polly's his Wife. 
 76 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Like the Sailor he holds up his Hand, 
 
 Distrest 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 ! every Month was May. 
 
 Lucy. If Peachum's Heart is harden'd ; sure 
 you. Sir, wiU have more Compassion on a Daughter. 
 
 1 know the Evidence is in your Power. How 
 
 then can you be a T5T:ant to me ? [Kneeling. 
 
 Air LV. — lanthe the lovely, &c. 
 
 When. he holds up his Hand arraign' d 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. 
 
 LocKiT. Macheath's Time is come, Lucy We 
 
 know our own Affairs, therefore let us have no more 
 Whimpering or Whining. 
 
 Air LVL — ^A Cobler there was, &c. 
 
 Ourselves, like the Great, to secure a Retreat, 
 When Matters require it, must give up our Gang : 
 And good reason why, 
 Or, instead of the Fry, 
 Ev'n Peachum and I. 
 Like poor petty Rascals, might hang, hang ; 
 Like poor petty Rascals, might hang. 
 
 Peachum. Set your Heart at rest, Polly. Your 
 
 Husband is to die to-day. ^Therefore if you are 
 
 77 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 not already provided, 'tis high" time to look about 
 for another. There's Comfort for you, you Slut. 
 
 LocKiT. We are ready. Sir, to conduct you to the 
 Old Baily. 
 
 Air LVII. — •Bonny Dundee. 
 
 Macheath. 
 
 The Charge is prepar'd ; the Lawyers are met, 
 The Judges all rang'd {a terrible Show I) 
 
 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. 
 Here ends all Disputes the rest of our Lives, 
 For this way at once I please all my Wives. 
 
 Now, Gentlemen, I am ready to attend you. 
 
 Scene 12. 
 Lucy, Polly, Filch. 
 
 Polly. Follow them, Filch, to the Court. And 
 when the Trial is over, bring me a particular Account 
 of his Behaviour, and of everything that happen'd 
 
 You'll find me here with Miss Lucy. [Exit 
 
 Filch.] But why is all this Musick ? 
 
 Lucy. The Prisoners, whose Trials are put off 
 'till next Session, are diverting themselves. 
 
 Polly. Sure there is nothing so charming as 
 
 Musick ! 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. 
 78 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Scene 13. The Condemn'd Hold. 
 Macheath, in a melancholy Posture. 
 
 Air LVIII. — Happy Groves. 
 
 cruel, cruel, cruel Case ! 
 Must I suffer this Disgrace ? 
 
 Air LIX. — 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, / scorn, I scorn to wince or 
 
 whine. [Rises. 
 
 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. 
 
 But Valour the stronger grows, 
 
 The stronger Liquor we'er drinking ; 
 
 And how can me feel our Woes, 
 
 When we've lost the Trouble of Thinking ? 
 
 [Drinks. 
 
 Air LXIII. — Joy to Great Caesar. 
 
 // thus A Man can die 
 
 Much bolder with Brandy. 
 
 'Pours out a Bumper of Brandyi 
 
 79 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Air LXIV. — 'There was an old Woman. 
 
 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 ! 
 
 Air LXVII. — Green Sleeves. 
 Since Laws were made for ev'ry Degree, 
 To curb Vice in others, as well as me, 
 I wonder we han't better Company, 
 
 Upon Tyburn Tree ! 
 But Gold from Law can take out the Sting ; 
 And if rich Men like us were to swing, 
 'Twou'd thin the Land, such Numbers to string 
 
 Upon Tyburn Tree ! 
 
 Jailor. Some Friends of yours, Captain, desire 
 to be admitted 1 leave you together. * 
 
 Scene 14. 
 Macheath, Ben Budge, Matt of the Mint. 
 
 Macheath. For my having broke Prison, you see. 
 
 Gentlemen, I am order'd immediate Execution. ■ 
 
 The Sheriff's Officers, I beHeve, are now at the Door. 
 
 That Jemmy Twitcher should peach me, I 
 
 own surpris'd me ! 'Tis a plain Proof that the 
 
 80 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 World is all alike, and that even our Gang can no 
 more trust one another than other People. There- 
 fore, I beg you. Gentlemen, look well to yourselves, 
 for in all probability you may Uve some Months 
 longer. 
 
 Matt. We are heartily sorry, Captain, for your 
 Misfortime. But 'tis what we must all come to. 
 
 Macheath. 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. 
 
 Matt. We'll do't. 
 
 Jailor. Miss Polly and Miss Lucy intreat a Word 
 with you. 
 
 Macheath. Gentlemen, adieu. 
 
 Scene 15. 
 
 Lucy, Macheath, Polly. 
 
 Macheath. My dear Lucy My dear Polly- 
 
 Whatsoever hath pass'd between us is now at an 
 
 end If you are fond of raarr3dng 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, &c. 
 Lucy. Would I might be hang'd ! 
 Polly. And I would so too ! 
 
 Lucy. To he hang'd with you. 
 Polly. My Dear, with you. 
 
 F 81 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Macheath. leave me to Thought ! I fear ! I doubt ! 
 
 I tremble ! I droop ! See, my Courage is out. 
 
 [Turns up the empty Bottle. 
 Polly. No Token of Love ? 
 Macheath. See, my Courage is out. 
 
 [Turns up the empty Pot. 
 Lucy. No Token of Love ? 
 Polly. Adieu. 
 
 Lucy. Farewell. 
 
 Macheath. But hark ! I hear the Toll of the Bell. 
 Chorus. Tol de rol lol, &c. 
 
 Jailor. Four Women more, Captain, with a 
 Child apiece ! See, here they come. 
 
 [Enter Women and Children. 
 
 Macheath. What four Wives more ! This 
 
 is too much Here tell the Sheriff's Officers I 
 
 am ready. [Exit Macheath guarded. 
 
 Scene i6. 
 To them, Enter Player and Beggar. 
 
 Player. But, honest Friend, I hope you don't 
 intend that Macheath shall be really executed. 
 
 Beggar. Most certainly, Sir. To make the 
 
 Piece perfect, I was for doing strict poetical Justice 
 
 ■ Macheath is to be hang'd ; and for the other 
 
 Personages of the Drama, the Audience must have 
 suppos'd they were all either hang'd or transported. 
 
 Player. Why then. Friend, this is a downright 
 deep Tragedy. The Catastrophe is manifestly 
 wrong, for an Opera must end happily. 
 
 Beggar. Your Objection, Sir, is very just, and 
 is easily remov'd. For you must allow, that in 
 this kind of Drama, 'tis no matter how absurdly 
 
 82 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 things are brought about So ^you Rabble 
 
 there -run and cry, A Reprieve ! let the 
 
 Prisoner be brought back to his Wives in Triumph. 
 
 Player. AU this we must do, to comply with the 
 Taste of the Town. 
 
 Beggar. 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 re- 
 mained, as I at first intended, it would have carried 
 a most excellent Moral. 'Twould have shown that 
 the lower Sort of People have their Vices in a degree 
 as weU as the Rich : And that they are punish'd 
 for them. 
 
 Scene 17. 
 To them, Macheath mth Rabble, S-c. 
 
 Macheath. 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. 
 
 All. Come, a Dance a Dance. 
 
 Macheath. Ladies, I hope you wUl give me leave 
 to present a Partner to each of you. And (if I may 
 without Offence) for this time, I take Polly for mine. 
 
 And for Life, you Slut, for we were really 
 
 marry'd. As for the rest. But at present 
 
 keep your own Secret. [To Polly. 
 
 A DANCE. 
 83 
 
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA 
 
 Air LXIX. — Lumps of Pudding, &c. 
 
 Thus I stand like the 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. 
 But think of this Maxim, and put off your Sorrow, 
 The Wretch of To-day, may be happy To-morrow. 
 Chorus. But think of this Maxim, &c. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 tH» LONDON AND NORWICH PEISS, LIMITED, LONDON AND NORWICH, EHGtAND