Glen Collection of printed music > Printed music > Beggar's opera

34 The BEGGARs OPERA. Aft I«
But this is all but picking,
IVith Reft, Pence, Cbejl and Chicken j
It ever zvas decreed, Sir,
If Lawyer's Hand is fee 'd, Sir,
Hejleals your whole EJlate.
The Lawyers are bitter Enemies to thofe in our Way. They
don't care that any body fhould get a clandefiine Livelihood but
themfelves.
SCENE X.
Mrs. Peachum, Peachum, Polly.
Polly. 'Twas only Nimming Ned. He brought in a Damask
Window-Curtain, a Hoop-Petticoat, a pair of Silver Candlefticks,
a Periwig, and one Silk Stocking, from the Fire that happen'd
laft Night.
Peach. There is not a Fellow that is cleverer in his way, and
faves more Goods out of the Fire than Ned. But now, Polly, to
your Affair ; for Matters muft not be left as they are. You are
married then, it feems I ,
Polly. Yes, Sir.
Peach. And how do you propofe to live, Child ?
Polly. Likeother Women, Sir, upon the Induftryofmy HufbantJ.
Mrs. Peach. What, is the Wench turn'd Fool ? A Highway-
man's Wife, like a Soldier's, hath as little of his Pay, as of his
Company.
Peach. And had. not you the common Views of a Gentlewoman;
in your Marriage, Polly ?
Polly. I don't know what you mean, Sir.
Peach. Of a Jointure, and of being a Widow.
Polly. But I love him, Sir ; how then could I have Thoughts
of parting with him ?
Peach. Parting with him ! Why, this is the whole Scheme and-
Intention of all Marriage-Articles. The comfortable Eftate of
Widow-hood, is the only Hope that keeps up a Wife's Spirits.
Where is the Woman who would fcruple to be a Wife, if fhe had
it in her Power to be a Widow, whenever fhe pleas'd ? If you
have any Views of this fort, Polly, I fhall think the Match not
fo very unreafonable.
Polly. How I dread to hear your Advice ! Yet I muft beg you
e® explain yourfelf. Peach.