Vix. Look ye, Mrs. Jenny, though Mr. Peachum may have made a private bargain with you and Sukey Tawdry for betraying the Captain, as we were all assisting we ought all to share alike.

Coax. I think Mr. Peachum, after so long an acquaintance, might have trusted me as well as Jenny Diver.

Slam. I am sure at least three men of his hanging, and in a year’s time, too (if he did me justice), should be set down to my account.

Trull. Mrs. Slammekin, that is not fair; for you know one of them was taken in bed with me.

Fen. As for a bowl of punch or a treat, I believe Mrs. Sukey will join with me; as for anything else, ladies, you cannot in conscience expect it.

Slam. Dear madam—

Trull. I would not for the world—

Slam. ’Tis impossible for me—

Trull. As I hope to be saved, madam—

Slam. Nay, then I must stay here all night—

Trull. Since you command me—

[Exeunt with great ceremony.

Scene 2 - Newgate

Enter Lockit, Turnkeys, Macheath, and Constables

Lock. Noble Captain, you are welcome; you have not been a lodger of mine this year and half. You know the custom, sir. Garnish, Captain, garnish. Hand me down those fetters there.

Mac. Those, Mr. Lockit, seem to be the heaviest of the whole set. With your leave I should like the further pair better.

Lock. Look ye, Captain, we know what is fittest for our prisoners. When a gentleman uses me with civility, I always do the best I can to please him. Hand them down, I say. We have them of all prices, from one guinea to ten; and ’tis fitting every gentleman should please himself.

Mac. I understand you, sir. [Gives money.]—The fees here are so many and so exorbitant that few fortunes can bear the expense of getting off handsomely, or of dying like a gentleman.

Lock. Those I see will fit the Captain better. Take down the further pair. Do but examine them, sir. Never was better work. How genteelly they are made! They will fit as easy as a glove, and the nicest man in England might not be ashamed to wear them. [He puts on the chains.] If I had the best gentleman in the land in my custody, I could not equip him more handsomely. And so, sir—I now leave you to your private meditations.

[Exeunt Lockit, Turnkeys, and Constables.

Air.—Courtiers, courtiers, think it no harm

Mac. Man may escape from rope and gun,