Part 5
_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 met; I hear the Dice-Box in the other Room. So, Gentlemen, your Servant. You'll meet me at _Mary-bone_.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
## SCENE III. _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.
_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 Jewels.
_Peachum._ Those are so well known that they must be sent abroad-- You'll find them enter'd under the Article of Exportation. --As for the Snuff-Boxes, Watches, Swords, &c. --I 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 Account of the last Half Year's Plate is in a Book by itself, which lies at the other Office.
_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 XLIV. Down in the North Country, &c.
[Music]
_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 clapt 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 in 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 all means, --She's a good Customer, and a fine-spoken Woman-- And a Woman who drinks and talks so freely, will enliven the Conversation.
_Peachum._ Desire her to walk in. [Exit Servant.
_Peachum_, _Lockit_, Mrs. _Trapes_.
_Peachum._ Dear Mrs. _Dye_, your Servant-- One may know by your Kiss, that your Ginn is excellent.
_Mrs. 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_.
_Mrs. Trapes._ Fill it up-- I take as large Draughts of Liquor, as I did of Love. --I hate a Flincher in either.
AIR XLV. A Shepherd kept Sheep, &c.
[Music]
In the Days of my Youth I could bill like a Dove, _fa, la, la, &c._ Like a Sparrow at all times was ready for Love, _fa, la, la, &c._ The Life of all Mortals in Kissing should pass, Lip to Lip while we're young-- then the Lip to the Glass, _fa, la, &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-- I 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.
_Mrs. Trapes._ The hard Times oblige me to go very near in my Dealing. --To be sure, of late Years I have been a great Sufferer by the Parliament. --Three thousand Pounds would hardly make me amends. --The Act for destroying the Mint, was a severe Cut upon our Business-- 'Till then, if a Customer stept out of the way-- we knew where to have her-- No doubt you know Mrs. _Coaxer_-- there's a Wench now ('till to-day) with a good Suit of Clothes of mine upon her Back, and I could never set Eyes upon her for three Months together. --Since the Act too against Imprisonment for small Sums, my Loss there too hath been very considerable, and it must be so, when a Lady can borrow a handsom 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 Delight in cheating, when they can do it with Safety.
_Peachum._ Madam, you had a handsom Gold Watch of us 'tother Day for seven Guineas. --Considering we must have our Profit. --To a Gentleman upon the Road, a Gold Watch will be scarce worth the taking.
_Mrs. Trapes._ Consider, Mr. _Peachum_, that Watch was remarkable, and not of very safe Sale. --If you have any black Velvet Scarfs-- they are a handsom 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 always pay according to their Dress, from half a Crown to two Guineas; and yet those Hussies make nothing of bilking of me. --Then too, allowing for Accidents. --I have eleven fine Customers now down under the Surgeon's 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_.
_Mrs. 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 call'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?
_Mrs. 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 like-- We have at least half a Dozen Velvet Scarfs, and all at your Service. Will you give me leave to make you a Present of this Suit of Night-clothes for your own wearing? --But are you sure it is Captain _Macheath_.
_Mrs. 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 will satisfy you for Mrs. _Coaxer's_ Debt.
_Lockit._ Depend upon it-- we will deal like Men of Honour.
_Mrs. 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.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
## SCENE IV. _Newgate._
_Lucy._ Jealousy, Rage, Love and Fear are at once tearing me to pieces, How I am weather-beaten and shatter'd with Distresses!
AIR XLVI. One Evening, having lost my Way, &c.
[Music]
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 Spirit.
I have the Rats-bane ready. --I 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.
Enter _Polly_.
Dear Madam, your Servant. --I hope you will pardon my Passion, when I was so happy to see you last. --I was so over-run with the Spleen, that I was perfectly out of myself. And really when one hath the Spleen, every thing is to be excus'd by a Friend.
AIR XLVII. Now _Roger_, I'll tell thee because thou 'rt my Son.
[Music]
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! And the quieting Draught is a Dram.
--I wish all our Quarrels might have so comfortable 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 Friendship, will you give me leave to propose a Glass of Cordial to you?
_Polly._ Strong-Waters are apt to give me the Head-ache-- I hope, Madam, you will excuse me.
_Lucy._ Not the greatest Lady in the Land could have better in her Closet, for her own private drinking. --You seem mighty low in Spirits, my Dear.
_Polly._ I am sorry, Madam, my Health will not allow me to accept of your Offer. --I should not have left you in the rude manner I did when we met last, Madam, had not my Papa haul'd me away so unexpectedly-- I was indeed somewhat provok'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 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 XLVIII. O _Bessy Bell_.
[Music]
_Polly._ A Curse attend that Woman's Love, Who always would be pleasing.
_Lucy._ The Pertness of the billing Dove, Like Tickling, is but teazing.
_Polly._ What then in Love can Woman do:
_Lucy._ If we grow fond they shun us.
_Polly._ And when we fly them, they pursue:
_Lucy._ But leave us when they've won us.
_Lucy._ Love is so very whimsical in both Sexes, that it is impossible to be lasting. --But my Heart is particular, and contradicts my own Observation.
_Polly._ But really, Mistress _Lucy_, by his last Behaviour, I think I ought to envy you. --When I was forc'd from him, he did not shew the least Tenderness. --But perhaps, he hath a Heart not capable of it.
AIR XLIX. Would Fate to me _Belinda_ give.
[Music]
Among the Men, Coquettes 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 Coquettes 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.
_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 L. Come, sweet Lass.
[Music]
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. [Aside.] I shall now soon be even with the hypocrytical Strumpet. [Exit.
_Polly._ All this Wheedling of _Lucy_ cannot be for nothing. --At this time too! when I know she hates me! --The Dissembling of a Woman is always the Forerunner of Mischief. --By pouring Strong-Waters down my Throat, she thinks to pump some Secrets out of me,-- I'll be upon my Guard, and won't taste a Drop of her Liquor, I'm resolv'd.
Re-enter _Lucy_, with Strong-Waters.
_Lucy._ Come, Miss _Polly_.
_Polly._ Indeed, Child, you have given yourself trouble to no purpose. --You must, my Dear, excuse me.
_Lucy._ Really, Miss _Polly_, you are as squeamishly 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! --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.
Enter _Lockit_, _Macheath_, _Peachum_.
_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 LI. The last time I went o'er the Moor.
[Music]
_Polly._ Hither, dear Husband, turn your Eyes.
_Lucy._ Bestow one Glance to cheer me.
_Polly._ Think with that Look, thy _Polly_ dies.
_Lucy._ O shun me not-- but hear me.
_Polly._ 'Tis _Polly_ sues.
_Lucy._ --'Tis _Lucy_ speaks.
_Polly._ Is thus true Love requited?
_Lucy._ My Heart is bursting.
_Polly._ --Mine too breaks.
_Lucy._ Must I
_Polly._ --Must I be slighted?
_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 LII. _Tom Tinker's_ my true Love.
[Music]
_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 would 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 material Evidence, and bring him off at his Trial-- _Polly_ upon her Knees begs it of you.
AIR LIII. I am a poor Shepherd undone.
[Music]
When my Heroe in Court appears, And stands arraign'd for his Life; Then think of poor _Polly's_ Tears; For Ah! poor _Polly's_ his Wife. Like the Sailor he holds up his hand, Distrest on the dashing Wave. To die a dry Death at Land, Is as bad as a watery 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, will have more Compassion on a Daughter. --I know the Evidence is in your Power. --How then can you be a Tyrant to me? [Kneeling.
AIR LIV. _Ianthe_ the lovely, &c.
[Music]
When he holds up his Hand arraign'd for his Life, O think of your Daughter, and think I'm his Wife! What are Canons, 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 LV. A Cobler there was, &c.
[Music]
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 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 LVI. Bonny _Dundee_.
[Music]
_Macheath._ The Charge is prepar'd; the Lawyers are met, The Judges all rang'd (a terrible Show!) I go, undismay'd. --For Death is a Debt, A Debt on Demand. --So take what I owe. Then farewell, my Love-- Dear Charmers, adieu. Contented I die-- 'Tis the better for you. 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.
[Exeunt _Macheath_, _Lockit_, and _Peachum_.
Enter _Filch_.
_Polly._ Follow them, _Filch_, to the Court. And when the Trial is over, bring me a particular Account of his Behaviour, and of every thing 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 Music! I'm fond of it to Distraction! --But alas! --now, all Mirth seems an Insult upon my Affliction. --Let us retire, my dear _Lucy_, and indulge our Sorrows. --The noisy Crew, you see, are coming upon us.
[Exeunt.
_A Dance of Prisoners in Chains, &c._
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
## SCENE V. _The _Condemn'd Hold_._
_Macheath_, in a melancholy Posture.
AIR LVII. Happy Groves.
[Music]
O cruel, cruel, cruel Case! Must I suffer this Disgrace?
AIR LVIII. Of all the Girls that are so smart.
[Music]
Of all the Friends in time of Grief, When threatning Death looks grimmer, Not one so sure can bring Relief, As this best Friend, a Brimmer. [Drinks.
AIR LIX. _Britons_ strike home.
[Music]
Since I must swing,-- I scorn, I scorn to wince or whine.
[Rises.
AIR LX. Chevy Chase.
[Music]
But now again my Spirits sink; I'll raise them high with Wine. [Drinks a Glass of Wine.
AIR LXI. To old Sir _Simon_ the King.
[Music]
But Valour the stronger grows, The stronger Liquor we'er drinking; And how can we feel our Woes, When we've lost the Trouble of Thinking? [Drinks.
AIR LXII. Joy to Great _Cæsar_.
[Music]
If thus-- A Man can die Much bolder with Brandy. [Pours out a Bumper of Brandy.
AIR LXIII. There was an old Woman.
[Music]
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 LXIV. Did you ever hear of a gallant Sailor.
[Music]
But can I leave my pretty Hussies, Without one Tear, or tender Sigh?
AIR LXV. Why are mine Eyes still flowing.
[Music]
Their Eyes, their Lips, their Busses Recall my Love,-- Ah must I die!
AIR LXVI. Green Sleeves.
[Music]
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-- I leave you together.
Enter _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 believe, are now at the Door. --That _Jemmy Twitcher_ should peach me, I own surpris'd me! --'Tis a plain Proof that the World is all alike, and that even our Gang can no more trust one another than other People. Therefore, I beg you, Gentlemen, look well to yourselves, for in all probability you may live some Months longer.
_Matt._ We are heartily sorry, Captain, for your Misfortune. --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.
[Exeunt _Ben Budge_ and _Matt_.
Enter _Lucy_ and _Polly_.
_Macheath._ My dear _Lucy_-- My dear _Polly_-- Whatsoever hath pass'd between us is now at an end-- If you are fond of marrying again, the best Advice I can give you, is to Ship yourselves off for the _West-Indies_, where you'll have a fair Chance of getting a Husband a-piece, or by good Luck, two or three, as you like best.
_Polly._ How can I support this Sight!
_Lucy._ There is nothing moves one so much as a great Man in Distress.
AIR LXVII. All you that must take a Leap, &c.
[Music]
_Lucy._ Would I might be hang'd!
_Polly._ --And I would so too!
_Lucy._ To be hang'd with you.
_Polly._ --My Dear, with you.
_Macheath._ O 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.
_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.