The Beggar's Opera Part 16

[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 compa.s.sionate-- 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 das.h.i.+ng 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 Compa.s.sion 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 clas.h.i.+ng 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 s.l.u.t.

_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._

[Ill.u.s.tration]

[Ill.u.s.tration]

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.