University of Virginia Library

MACHEATH.

Be pacified, my dear Lucy—This is all a Fetch of Polly's to make me desperate with you in case I get off. If I am to be hang'd, she would fain have the Credit of being thought my Widow—Really, Polly, this is no time for a Dispute of this sort; for whenever you are talking of Marriage, I am thinking of Hanging.

POLLY.

And hast thou the Heart to persist in disowning me?

MACHEATH.

And hast thou the Heart to persist in persuading me that I am married? Why, Polly, dost thou seek to aggravate my Misfortunes?

LUCY.

Really, Miss Peachum, you but expose yourself. Besides, 'tis barbarous in you to worry a Gentleman in his Circumstances.

POLLY.

Decency, Madam, methinks might teach you to behave yourself with some Reserve with the Husband, while his Wife is present.

MACHEATH.

But seriously, Polly, this is carrying the Joke a little too far.

LUCY.

If you are determin'd, Madam, to raise a Disturbance in the Prison, I shall be oblig'd to send for the Turnkey to shew you the Door. I am sorry, Madam, you force me to be so ill-bred.

POLLY.

Give me leave to tell you, Madam: These forward Airs don't become you in the least, Madam. And my Duty, Madam, obliges me to stay with my Husband, Madam.

LUCY.

Why how now, Madam Flirt?

POLLY.

Why how now, saucy Jade; Sure the Wench is tipsy! How can you see me made [To him.
The scoff of such a Gipsy?

Saucy Jade!

[To her.