Thus Gamesters united in Friendship are found, Though they know that their Industry all is a Cheat; They flock to their Prey at the Dice-Box's Sound, And join to promote one another's Deceit. But if by mishap They fail of a Chap, To keep in their Hands, they each other entrap. Like Pikes, lank with Hunger, who miss of their Ends, They bite their Companions, and prey on their Friends. Now, _Peachum_, you and I, like honest Tradesmen, are to have a fair Trial which of us two can over-reach the other. [Illustration] [Illustration] SCENE II. _A Gaming-House._ _Macheath_ in a fine tarnish'd Coat, _Ben Budge_, _Matt of the Mint_. _Macheath._ 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 every thing and will do nothing. AIR XLIII. Lillibullero. [Music] The Modes of the Court so common are grown, 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 for your 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 involv'd in such Difficulties, as oblige him to live with such ill Company, and herd with Gamesters. _Matt._ See the Partiality of Mankind! --One Man may steal a Horse, better than another look over a Hedge. --Of all Mechanics, of all servile Handicrafts-men, 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. _Macheath._ There will be deep Play to-night at _Mary-bone_, and consequently Money may be pick'd up upon the Road. Meet me there, and I'll give you the Hint who is worth Setting. _Matt._ The Fellow with a brown Coat with a narrow Gold Binding, I am told, is never without Money. _Macheath._ What do you mean, _Matt_? --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. _Macheath._ Have an Eye upon the Money-Lenders. --A _Rouleau_, or two, would prove a pretty sort of an Expedition. I hate Extortion. _Matt._ Those Rouleaus are very pretty Things. --I hate your Bank Bills. --There is such a Hazard in putting them off.