I seize you, Sir, as my Prisoner.

MACHEATH. Was this well done, Jenny? – Women are Decoy Ducks; who can trust them! Beasts, Jades, Jilts, Harpies, Furies, Whores!

PEACHUM. Your Case, Mr. Macheath, is not particular. The greatest Heroes have been ruin'd by Women. But, to do them justice, I must own they are a pretty sort of Creatures, if we could trust them. You must now, Sir, take your leave of the Ladies, and if they have a Mind to make you a Visit, they will be sure to find you at home. The Gentleman, Ladies, lodges in Newgate. Constables, wait upon the Captain to his Lodgings.

 

Air XXV. When first I laid Siege to my Chloris, etc.

MACHEATH.

At the Tree I shall suffer with pleasure,

At the Tree I shall suffer with pleasure,

Let me go where I will,

In all kinds of Ill,

I shall find no such Furies as these are.

 

PEACHUM. Ladies, I'll take care the Reckoning shall be discharg'd.

 

Exit Macheath, guarded with Peachum and Constables.

 

 

Scene VI

The Women remain.

 

MRS VIXEN. Look ye, Mrs. Jenny, though Mr. Peachum may have made a private Bargain with you and Suky Tawdry for betraying the Captain, as we were all assisting, we ought all to share alike.

MRS COAXER. I think Mr. Peachum, after so long an acquaintance, might have trusted me as well as Jenny Diver.

MRS SLAMMEKIN. I am sure at least three Men of his hanging, and in a Year's time too, (if he did me justice) should be set down to my account.

DOLLY TRULL. Mrs. Slammekin, that is not fair. For you know one of them was taken in Bed with me.

JENNY DIVER. As far as a Bowl of Punch or a Treat, I believe Mrs. Suky will join with me. – As for any thing else, Ladies, you cannot in conscience expect it.

MRS SLAMMEKIN. Dear Madam –

DOLLY TRULL. I would not for the World –

MRS SLAMMEKIN. 'Tis impossible for me –

DOLLY TRULL. As I hope to be sav'd, Madam –

MRS SLAMMEKIN. Nay, then I must stay here all Night –

DOLLY TRULL. Since you command me.

 

Exeunt with great Ceremony.

 

 

Scene VII

Newgate.

 

Lockit, Turnkeys, Macheath, Constables.

 

LOCKIT. Noble Captain, you are welcome. You have not been a Lodger of mine this Year and half.