Each time she looks, she, fonder grown, your own 44I 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. Enter PEACHUM and LOCKIT, with an account book. Lock. In this last affair, brother Peachum, we are agreed. You have consented to go halves in Macheath. 452 Peach. We shall never fall out about an execution. -But as to that article, pray how stands our last year's account? Lock. If you will run your eye over it, you'll find 'tis fair and clearly stated. Peach. This long arrear of the government is very hard upon us. Can it be expected that we should 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 pro F mise them for the future I shall let other rogues live besides their own. 464 Lock. 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. Peach. In one respect indeed our employment may be reckoned dishonest, because, like great statesmen, we encourage those who betray their friends. 471 Lock. Such language, brother, any where else might turn to your prejudice. Learn to be more guarded, I beg you. Peach. 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. Lock. Mr. Peachum-this is the first time my honour was ever called in question. Peach. Business is at an end-if once we act disho nourably. Lock. Who accuses me? Peach. You are warm, brother. 490 Lock. He that attacks my honour, attacks my liveli-hood-And this usage-Sir-is not to be borne. Peach. 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. 499 Lock. Is this language to me, sirrah-who have sav'd you from the gallows, sirrah! [Collaring each other. Peach. If I am hanged, it shall be for ridding the world of an errant rascal. Lock. This hand shall do the office of the halter deserve, and throttle you—you dog! you Peach. 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. 510 Lock. Nor you so provoking. Peach. '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 par don. Lock. Brother Peachum-I can forgive as well as resent-Give me your hand: suspicion does not become a friend. Peach. I only meant to give you occasion to justify yourself. But I must now step home, for I expect the gentleman about this snuff-box that Filch nimmed two nights ago in the Park. I appointed him at this hour. [Exit. Enter Lucy. Lock. Whence come you, hussy? Lucy. My tears might answer that question. 523 Lock. 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. 529 Lock. 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. Of a noble race was Shenkin. Lucy. Is then his fate decreed, Sir? 539 Lock. Look ye, Lucy-there is no saving him-so I think you must even do like other widows-buy yourself weeds, and be cheerful. AIR. You'll think ere many days ensue This sentence not severe; I hang your husband, child, 'tis true, Like a good wife go moan over your dying 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. [Exit. Enter MACHEATH. Lucy. Though the Ordinary was out of the way today, I hope, my dear! you will upon the first opportunity quiet my scruples.-Oh, sir!-my father's hard heart is not to be softened, and I am in the utmost despair. Mac. 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 prevailing.-Your father's perquisites for the escape of prisoners must amount to a considerable |