PEACHUM. Here's poor Ned Clincher's Name, I see. Sure Brother Lockit,
there was a little unfair Proceeding in Ned's Case: for he told me in the
Condemn'd Hold, that for Value receiv'd, you had promis'd him a Session
or two longer without Molestation.
LOCKIT. Mr. Peachum----this is the first time my Honour was ever call'd in
Question.
PEACHUM. Business is at an end--if once we act dishonourably.
LOCKIT. Who accuses me?
PEACHUM. You are warm, Brother.
LOCKIT. He that attacks my Honour, attacks my Livelihood----And this
Usage----Sir----is not to be borne.
PEACHUM. Since you provoke me to speak--I must tell you too, that Mrs.
Coaxer charges you with defrauding her of her Information-Money, for the
apprehending of curl-pated Hugh. Indeed, indeed, Brother, we must punctually
pay our Spies, or we shall have no Information.
LOCKIT. Is this Language to me, Sirrah,----who have sav'd you from the
Gallows, Sirrah! [Collaring each other.
PEACHUM. If I am hang'd it shall be for ridding the World of an arrant
Rascal.
LOCKIT. This Hand shall do the office of the Halter you deserve, and
throttle you----you Dog!----
PEACHUM. Brother, Brother----We are both in the Wrong----for you know we
have it in our Power to hang each other. You should not be so passionate.
LOCKIT. Nor you so provoking.
PEACHUM. 'Tis our mutual Interest; 'Tis for the Interest of the World we
should agree. If I said any thing, Brother, to the Prejudice of your
Character, I ask pardon.
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