_Peachum._ A lazy Dog! When I took him the time before, I told him what he would come to if he did not mend his Hand. This is Death without Reprieve. I may venture to Book him [writes.] For _Tom Gagg_, forty Pounds. Let _Betty Sly_ know that I'll save her from Transportation, for I can get more by her staying in _England_. _Filch._ _Betty_ hath brought more Goods into our Lock to-year than any five of the Gang; and in truth, 'tis a pity to lose so good a Customer. _Peachum._ If none of the Gang take her off, she may, in the common course of Business, live a Twelve-month longer. I love to let Women scape. A good Sportsman always lets the Hen Partridges fly, because the Breed of the Game depends upon them. Besides, here the Law allows us no Reward; there is nothing to be got by the Death of Women-- except our Wives. _Filch._ Without dispute, she is a fine Woman! 'Twas to her I was obliged for my Education, and (to say a bold Word) she hath trained up more young Fellows to the Business than the Gaming table. _Peachum._ Truly, _Filch_, thy Observation is right. We and the Surgeons are more beholden to Women than all the Professions besides. AIR II. The bonny gray-ey'd Morn, &c. [Music] _Filch._ 'Tis Woman that seduces all Mankind, By her we first were taught the wheedling Arts: Her very Eyes can cheat; when most she's kind, She tricks us of our Money with our Hearts. For her, like Wolves by Night we roam for Prey, And practise ev'ry Fraud to bribe her Charms; For Suits of Love, like Law, are won by Pay, And Beauty must be fee'd into our Arms. _Peachum._ But make haste to _Newgate_, Boy, and let my Friends know what I intend; for I love to make them easy one way or other. _Filch._ When a Gentleman is long kept in suspence, Penitence may break his Spirit ever after. Besides, Certainty gives a Man a good Air upon his Trial, and makes him risk another without Fear or Scruple. But I'll away, for 'tis a Pleasure to be the Messenger of Comfort to Friends in Affliction. [Exit _Filch_.