If I allow Captain Macheath some trifling
Liberties, I have this Watch and other visible Marks of his Favour to
shew 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 shew 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.
But, when once pluck'd, 'tis no longer alluring,
To Covent-Garden 'tis sent (as yet sweet),
There fades, and shrinks, and grows past all enduring,
Rots, stinks, and dies, and is trod under feet.
PEACHUM. You know, Polly, I am not against your toying and trifling
with a Customer in the way of Business, or to get out a Secret, or
so. But if I find out that you have play'd the Fool and are married,
you Jade you, I'll cut your Throat, Hussy. Now you know my Mind.
[Enter Mrs. Peachum, in a very great Passion.
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