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 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 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 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 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.