_Macheath._ There is a certain Man of Distinction, who in his Time hath nick'd 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 _Mary-bone_. [Illustration] [Illustration] SCENE III. _Peachum's_ Lock. _A Table with Wine, Brandy, Pipes and Tobacco._ _Peachum_, _Lockit_. _Lockit._ The Coronation Account, Brother _Peachum_, is of so intricate a nature, that I believe it will never be settled. _Peachum._ It consists indeed of a great Variety of Articles. --It was worth to our People, in Fees of different kinds, above ten Instalments. --This is part of the Account, Brother, that lies open before us. _Lockit._ A Lady's Tail of rich Brocade. --that, I see, is dispos'd of. _Peachum._ To Mrs. _Diana Trapes_, the Tally-Woman, and she will make a good Hand on't in Shoes and Slippers, to trick out young Ladies, upon their going into Keeping.-- _Lockit._ But I don't see any Article of the Jewels. _Peachum._ Those are so well known that they must be sent abroad-- You'll find them enter'd under the Article of Exportation. --As for the Snuff-Boxes, Watches, Swords, &c. --I thought it best to enter them under their several Heads. _Lockit._ Seven and twenty Women's Pockets complete; with the several things therein contain'd; all Seal'd, Number'd, and Enter'd. _Peachum._ But, Brother, it is impossible for us now to enter upon this Affair, --We should have the whole Day before us. --Besides, the Account of the last Half Year's Plate is in a Book by itself, which lies at the other Office. _Lockit._ Bring us then more Liquor-- To-day shall be for Pleasure-- To-morrow for Business-- Ah, Brother, those Daughters of ours are two slippery Hussies-- Keep a watchful Eye upon _Polly_, and _Macheath_ in a Day or two shall be our own again. AIR XLIV. Down in the North Country, &c. [Music] _Lockit._ What Gudgeons are we Men! Ev'ry Woman's easy Prey. Though we have felt the Hook, agen We bite and they betray. The Bird that hath been trapt, When he hears his calling Mate, To her he flies, again he's clapt Within the wiry Grate. _Peachum._ But what signifies catching the Bird, if your Daughter _Lucy_ will set open the Door of the Cage? _Lockit._ If men were answerable for the Follies and Frailties of their Wives and Daughters, no Friends could keep a good Correspondence together for two Days. --This in unkind of you, Brother; for among good Friends, what they say or do goes for nothing. Enter _a Servant_. _Servant._ Sir, here's Mrs. _Diana Trapes_ wants to speak with you. _Peachum._ Shall we admit her, Brother _Lockit_? _Lockit._ By all means, --She's a good Customer, and a fine-spoken Woman-- And a Woman who drinks and talks so freely, will enliven the Conversation. _Peachum._ Desire her to walk in. [Exit Servant.