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British Dramatists from Dryden to Sheridan

By: George Henry Nettleton; Arthur Eillicot Case | Book details

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AIR XLIV. Lillibullero.

The modes of the court so common are grown
That a true friend can hardly be met;
Friendship for interest is but a loan,

Which they let out for what they can get. 10

'Tis true, you find Some friends so kind,
Who will give you good counsel themselves to defend.

In sorrowful ditty,

They promise, they pity, 15
But shift you, for money, from friend to friend.

But we, gentlemen, have still honor enough to break through the corruptions of the world. And while I can serve you, you may command me.

BEN. It grieves my heart that so generous a 20
man should be involved in such difficulties as oblige him to live with such ill company, and herd with gamesters.

MATT. See the partiality of mankind! One man

may steal a horse, better than another look over 25
a hedge. Of all mechanics, of all servile handicraftsmen, a gamester is the vilest. But yet, as many of the quality are of the profession, he is admitted amongst the politest company. I wonder we are
not more respected. 30

Mach. There will be deep play tonight at Marybone and consequently money may be picked up upon the road. Meet me there, and I'll give you the hint who is worth setting.1

MATT. The fellow with a brown coat with 35
a narrow gold binding, I am told, is never without money.

Mach. What do you mean, Matt? Sure you will not think of meddling with him! He's a good honest

kind of a fellow, and one of us. 40

BEN. To be sure, sir, we will put ourselves under your direction.

Mach. Have an eye upon the money-lenders. A rouleau2 or two would prove a pretty sort of an

expedition. I hate extortion. 45

MATT. Those rouleaus are very pretty things. I hate your bank bills -- there is such a hazard in putting them off.

Mach. There is a certain man of distinction

who in his time hath nicked me out of a great 50
deal of the ready.3 He is in my cash,4 Ben; I'll point him out to you this evening, and you shall draw upon him for the debt. -- 'The company are met; I hear the dice-box in the other room. So, gentlemen,
your servant! You'll meet me at Marybone. 55

[Exeunt.]


SCENE V

PEACHUM'S lock.

A table with wine, brandy, pipes and tobacco.

PEACHUM, Lockit.

Lock. The coronation account,5 brother Peachum, is of so intricate a nature that I believe it will never be settled.

Peach. It consists, indeed, of a great variety of

articles. It was worth to our people, in fees, of 5
different kinds, above ten instalments.6 This is part of the account, brother, that lies open before us.

Lock. A lady's tail7 of rich brocade -- that, I see, is disposed of.

Peach. To Mrs. Diana Trapes, the tally- 10
woman, and she will make a good hand on't in shoes and slippers, to trick out young ladies, upon their going into keeping.

Lock. But I don't see any article of the jewels.

Peach. Those are so well known that they 15
must be sent abroad. You'll find them entered under the article of exportation. As for the snuff-boxes, watches, swords, etc., I thought it best to enter them under their several heads.

Lock. Seven and twenty women's pockets820
complete, with the several things therein contained; all sealed, numbered, and entered.

Peach. But, brother, it is impossible for us now to enter upon this affair. We should have the whole

day before us. Besides, the account of the last 25
half-year's plate is in a book by itself, which lies at the other office.

Lock. Bring us then more liquor. Today shall be for pleasure -- tomorrow for business. -- Ah

brother, those daughters of ours are two slippery 30
hussies. Keep a watchful eye upon Polly, and Macheath in a day or two shall be our own again.

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____________________
1
Making a set at.
2
A roll of gold coins.
3
Money.
4
Indebted to me.
5
The crowds at the coronation of GeorgeII, about three months before the opera was first produced, had provided the usual harvest for pickpockets,
6
I.e., installations of the lord mayor. These annual ceremonies were beloved by the masses.
7
Train.
8
Pursm.

-560-

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