A jealous woman believes everything her passion suggests. To convince you of my sincerity, 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 hanged, 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 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 prodigiously conceited. No man can say a civil thing to her, but (like other fine ladies) her vanity makes her think he’s her own forever and ever.
Air XXVIII. The sun had loosed his weary teams, etc.
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 all alike unreasonable in their demands; for they expect their lovers should like them as long as they like themselves.
Lucy
Yonder is my father—perhaps this way we may light upon the ordinary, who shall try if you will be as good as your word.—For I long to be made an honest woman. Exeunt.
Peachum and 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?
Lockit
If you will run your eye over it, you’ll 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 employment may be reckoned dishonest, because, like great statesmen, we encourage those who betray their friends.
Lockit
Such language, brother, anywhere else, might turn to your prejudice. Learn to be more guarded, I beg you.
Air XXIX. How happy are we, etc.
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 levelled at me.
Peachum
Here’s poor Ned Clincher’s name, I see. Sure, brother Lockit, there was a little unfair proceeding in Ned’s case: for he told me in the condemned hold, that for value received, you had promised him a session or two longer without molestation.
Lockit
Mr. Peachum—this is the first time my honour was ever called in question.
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 livelihood.—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 shall have no information.
Lockit
Is this language to me, sirrah—who have saved you from the gallows, sirrah! Collaring each other.
Peachum
If I am hanged, it shall be for ridding the world of an arrant rascal.
Lockit
This hand shall 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 dispute—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 anything, brother, to the prejudice of your character, I ask pardon.
Lockit
Brother Peachum—I 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 expect the gentleman about this snuffbox, that Filch nimmed two nights ago in the park. I appointed him at this hour. Exit Peachum.
Enter 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 abused 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, nowadays, 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 XXX. Of a noble race was Shenkin.
Lucy
Is then his fate decreed, sir? Such a man can I think of quitting? When first we met, so moves me yet, O see how my heart is splitting!
Lockit
Look ye, Lucy—There is no saving him.—So, I think, you must ev’n do like other widows—buy yourself weeds, and be cheerful.
