that fixes their Price. The Gentlemen always pay according to
their Dress, from half a Crown to two Guineas; and yet those Hussies
make nothing of bilking of me. --Then too, allowing for Accidents.
--I have eleven fine Customers now down under the Surgeon's Hands-- what
with Fees and other Expenses, there are great Goings-out, and no Comings
in, and not a Farthing to pay for at least a Month's Clothing. --We run
great Risques-- great Risques indeed.

_Peachum._ As I remember, you said something just now of Mrs. _Coaxer_.

_Mrs. Trapes._ Yes, Sir. --To be sure I stript her of a Suit of my own
Clothes about two Hours ago; and have left her as she should be, in her
Shift, with a Lover of hers at my House. She call'd him up Stairs, as he
was going to _Mary-bone_ in a Hackney Coach. --And I hope, for her own
sake and mine, she will persuade the Captain to redeem her, for the
Captain is very generous to the Ladies.

_Lockit._ What Captain?

_Mrs. Trapes._ He thought I did not know him-- An intimate Acquaintance
of yours, Mr. _Peachum_-- Only Captain _Macheath_-- as fine as a Lord.

_Peachum._ To-morrow, dear Mrs. _Dye_, you shall set your own Price upon
any of the Goods you like-- We have at least half a Dozen Velvet Scarfs,
and all at your Service. Will you give me leave to make you a Present of
this Suit of Night-clothes for your own wearing? --But are you sure it
is Captain _Macheath_.

_Mrs. Trapes._ Though he thinks I have forgot him; no body knows him
better. I have taken a great deal of the Captain's Money in my Time at
second-hand, for he always lov'd to have his Ladies well drest.

_Peachum._ Mr. _Lockit_ and I have a little Business with the Captain;--
You understand me-- and we will satisfy you for Mrs. _Coaxer's_ Debt.

_Lockit._ Depend upon it-- we will deal like Men of Honour.

_Mrs. Trapes._ I don't enquire after your Affairs-- so whatever happens,
I wash my Hands on't-- It hath always been my Maxim, that one Friend
should assist another-- But if you please-- I'll take one of the Scarfs
home with me. 'Tis always good to have something in Hand.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

SCENE IV. _Newgate._

_Lucy._ Jealousy, Rage, Love and Fear are at once tearing me to pieces,
How I am weather-beaten and shatter'd with Distresses!

AIR XLVI. One Evening, having lost my Way, &c.

[Music]

I'm like a Skiff on the Ocean tost,
Now high, now low, with each Billow born,
With her Rudder br