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

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Scene 12.

[LUCY, MACHEATH.]

LUCY.

    Though the Ordinary was out of the way to-day, I hope, my Dear, you will upon the first Opportunity, quiet my Scruples -- -- Oh Sir! -- -- my Father's hard heart is not to be soften'd, and I am in the utmost Despair.


MACHEATH.

    But if I could raise a small Sum -- -- Would not twenty Guineas, think you, move him? -- -- Of all the Arguments in the way of Business, the Perquisite80 is the most prevailing -- -- Your Father's Perquisites for the Escape of Prisoners must amount to a considerable Sum in the Year. Money well tim'd, and properly apply'd, will do anything.


Air XXXIII. -- London Ladies.


If you at an Office solicit your Due,
      And would not have Matters neglected;
You must quicken the Clerk with the Perquisite too,
      To do what his Duty directed.
Or would you the Frowns of a Lady prevent,
      She too has this palpable Failing,
The Perquisite softens her into Consent:
      That Reason with all is prevailing.

LUCY.

    What Love or Money can do shall be done: for all my Comfort depends upon your Safety.