I can’t bear, child, to see you in such low spirits, and I must persuade you to what I know will do you good. [Aside.] I shall now soon be even with the hypocritical strumpet.

[Exit.

Polly. All this wheedling of Lucy cannot be for nothing, at this time too, when I know she hates me! The dissembling of a woman is always the forerunner of mischief. By pouring strong waters down my throat, she thinks to pump some secrets out of me. I’ll be upon my guard and won’t taste a drop of her liquor, I’m resolved.

Enter Lucy, with strong waters

Lucy. Come, Miss Polly.

Polly. Indeed, child, you have given yourself trouble to no purpose. You must, my dear, excuse me.

Lucy. Really, Miss Polly, you are so squeamishly affected about taking a cup of strong waters as a lady before company. I vow, Polly, I shall take it monstrously ill if you refuse me. Brandy and men (though women love them never so well) are always taken by us with some reluctance—unless ’tis in private.

Polly. I protest, madam, it goes against me. What do I see? Macheath again in custody! Now every glimmering of happiness is lost!

[Drops the glass of liquor on the ground.

Lucy. Since things are thus, I’m glad the wench hath escaped; for by this event ’tis plain she was not happy enough to deserve to be poisoned.

[Aside.

Enter Lockit, Macheath, and Peachum

Lock. Set your heart at rest, Captain. You have neither the chance of love or money for another escape, for you are ordered to be called down upon your trial immediately.

Peach. Away, hussies, this is not a time for a man to be hampered with his wives. You see the gentleman is in chains already.

Lucy. O husband, husband, my heart longed to see thee, but to see thee thus distracts me!

Polly. Will not my dear husband look upon his Polly? Why hadst thou not flown to me for protection? With me thou hadst been safe.

Air.—The last time I went o’er the moor

Polly. Hither, dear husband, turn your eyes.

Lucy. Bestow one glance to cheer me.

Polly. Think with that look thy Polly dies.

Lucy. O shun me not, but hear me.

Polly. ’Tis Polly sues.