Gay, John. The Beggar's Opera
Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library

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Scene 11.

[LOCKIT, LUCY.]

LOCKIT.

    Whence come you, Hussy?


LUCY.

    My Tears might answer that Question.


LOCKIT.

    You have then been whimpering and fondling, like a Spaniel, over that Fellow that hath abus'd you.


LUCY.

    One can't help Love; one can't cure it. 'Tis not in my Power to obey you, and hate him.


LOCKIT.

    Learn to bear your Husband's Death like a reasonable Woman. 'Tis not the fashion now-a-days, so much as to affect Sorrow upon these Occasions. No Woman would ever marry, if she had not the Chance of Mortality for a Release. Act like a Woman of Spirit, Hussy, and thank your Father for what he is doing.


LUCY.

Air XXXI. -- Of a noble Race was Shenkin.


Is then his fate decreed, Sir?
      Such a Man can I think of quitting?
When first we met, so moves me yet,
      See how my heart is splitting!

LOCKIT.

    Look ye, Lucy -- There is no saving him -- -- So, I think, you must ev'n do like other Widows -- -- buy yourself Weeds79, and be cheerful.


Air XXXII.


You'll think ere many Days ensue
      This Sentence not severe;
I hang your Husband, Child, 'tis true,
      But with him hang your Care.
      Twang dang dillo dee.

    Like a good Wife, go moan over your dying Husband. That, Child, is your Duty -- Consider, Girl, you can't have the Man and the Money too -- so make yourself as easy as you can, by getting all you can from him.