But hark you, my Lad.
Don't tell me a Lye; for you know that I hate a Liar. Do you know of
anything that hath pass'd between Captain Macheath and our Polly?
FILCH. I beg you, Madam, don't ask me; for I must either tell a Lye to
you or to Miss Polly; for I promis'd her I would not tell.
MRS. PEACHUM. But when the Honour of our Family is concern'd---
FILCH. I shall lead a sad Life with Miss Polly, if she ever comes to know
that I told you. Besides, I would not willingly forfeit my own Honour by
betraying any body.
MRS. PEACHUM. Yonder comes my Husband and Polly. Come, Filch, you shall
go with me into my own Room, and tell me the whole Story. I'll give thee a
most delicious Glass of a Cordial that I keep for my own drinking.
Scene 7.
PEACHUM, POLLY.
POLLY. I know as well as any of the fine Ladies how to make the most of
myself and of my Man too. A Woman knows how to be mercenary, though she
hath never been in a Court or at an Assembly. We have it in our Natures,
Papa. If I allow Captain Macheath some trifling Liberties, I have this
Watch and other visible Marks of his Favour to show for it. A Girl who
cannot grant some Things, and refuse what is most material, will make but a
poor hand of her Beauty, and soon be thrown upon the Common.
Air VI.--What shall I do to show how much I love her, &c.
Virgins are like the fair Flower in its Lustre,
Which in the Garden enamels the Ground;
Near it the Bees in play flutter and cluster,
And gaudy Butterflies frolick around.
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