Scene 2 - A Gaming-House
Macheath in a fine tarnished coat, Ben Budge, Mat of the Mint
Mac. I am sorry, gentlemen, the road was so barren of money. When my friends are in difficulties, I am always glad that my fortune can be serviceable to them. [Gives them money.] You see, gentlemen, I am not a mere court-friend, who professes everything, and will do nothing.
Air.—Lillibullero
That a true friend can hardly be met;
Friendship for interest is but a loan,
Which they let out for what they can get.
’Tis true you find
Some friends so kind,
Who will give you good counsel themselves to defend.
In sorrowful ditty
They promise, they pity,
But shift you for money from friend to friend
But we, gentlemen, have still honour enough to break through the corruptions of the world—and, while I can serve you, you may command me.
Ben. It grieves my heart that so generous a man should be involved in such difficulties as oblige him to live with such ill company, and herd with gamesters.
Mat. See the partiality of mankind!—One man may steal a horse better than another look over a hedge.— Of all mechanics, of all servile handicraftsmen a gamester is the vilest; but yet, as many of the quality are of the profession, he is admitted amongst the politest company. I wonder we are not more respected.
Mac. There will be deep play to-night at Marylebone, and consequently money may be picked up upon the road. Meet me there, and I’ll give you the hint who is worth setting.
Mat. The fellow with a brown coat, with a narrow gold binding, I am told is never without money.
Mac. What do you mean, Mat? Sure you will not think of meddling with him! He’s a good honest kind of a fellow, and one of us.
Ben. To be sure, sir, we will put ourselves under your direction.
Mac. Have an eye upon the money-lenders. A rouleau or two would prove a pretty sort of an expedition. I hate extortion.
Mat. Those rouleaus are very pretty things. I hate your bank-bills; there is such a hazard in putting them off.
Mac. There is a certain man of distinction, who in his time hath nicked me out of a great deal of the ready. He is in my cash, Ben. I’ll point him out to you this evening, and you shall draw upon him for the debt. The company are met; I hear the dice-box in the other room. So, gentlemen, your servant. You’ll meet me at Marylebone.
[Exeunt.
A table with wine, brandy, pipes, and tobacco
Enter Peachum and Lockit
Lock. The Coronation account, brother Peachum, is of so intricate a nature that I believe it will never be settled.
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