Lucy. Come, come, Captain. For all your assurance you know that Miss Polly hath put it out of your power to do me the justice you promised me.

Mac. A jealous woman believes everything her passion suggests. To convince you of my sincerity, if we can find the Ordinary, I shall have no scruples of making you my wife; and I know the consequence of having two at a time.

Lucy. That you are only to be hanged, and so get rid of them both.

Mac. I am ready, my dear Lucy, to give you satisfaction —if you think there is any in marriage. What can a man of honour say more?

Lucy. So, then, it seems you are not married to Miss Polly?

Mac. You know, Lucy, the girl is prodigiously conceited. No man can say a civil thing to her, but (like other fine ladies) her vanity makes her think he’s her own for ever and ever.

Air.—The sun had loosed his weary teams

When women consider their own beauties, they are all alike unreasonable in their demands; for they expect their lovers should like them as long as they like themselves.

Lucy. Yonder is my father. Perhaps this way we may light upon the Ordinary, who shall try if you will be as good as your word—for I long to be made an honest woman.

[Exeunt.

Enter Peachum and Lockit, with an account-book

Lock. In this last affair, brother Peachum, we are agreed. You have consented to go halves in Macheath?

Peach. We shall never fall out about an execution. But as to that article, pray how stands our last year’s account?

Lock. If you will run your eye over it, you’ll find ’tis fair and clearly stated.

Peach. This long arrear of the government is very hard upon us. Can it be expected that we should hang our acquaintance for nothing, when our betters will hardly save theirs without being paid for it? Unless the people in employment pay better, I promise them for the future I shall let other rogues live besides their own.

Lock. Perhaps, brother, they are afraid these matters may be carried too far. We are treated, too, by them with contempt, as if our profession were not reputable.

Peach. In one respect, indeed, our employment may be reckoned dishonest, because, like great statesmen, we encourage those who betray their friends.

Lock. Such language, brother, anywhere else might turn to your prejudice. Learn to be more guarded, I beg you.

Air.—How happy are we, etc.