 | The Beggar's Opera |  |
Scene 12.
LUCY, MACHEATH.LUCY.
Though the Ordinary was out of the way to-day, I hope, my Dear, you will upon the first Opportunity, quiet my Scruples—Oh Sir!—my Father's hard heart is not to be soften'd, and I am in the utmost Despair.
MACHEATH.
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 Perquisite80 is the most prevailing—Your Father's Perquisites for the Escape of Prisoners must amount to a considerable Sum in the Year. Money well tim'd, and properly apply'd, will do anything.
Air XXXIII.—London Ladies.
If you at an Office solicit your Due,And would not have Matters neglected;
You must quicken the Clerk with the Perquisite too,
To do what his Duty directed.
Or would you the Frowns of a Lady prevent,
She too has this palpable Failing,
The Perquisite softens her into Consent:
That Reason with all is prevailing.
LUCY.
What Love or Money can do shall be done: for all my Comfort depends upon your Safety.
| The Beggar's Opera | |