Why, Boy, thou lookest as if thou wert half starv'd, like a shotten Herring⁸⁶.

    One had need have the Constitution of a Horse to go through with the Business. -- -- Since the favourite Child-getter was disabled by a Mishap, I have pick'd up a little Money by helping the Ladies to a Pregnancy⁸⁷ against their being call'd down to Sentence. -- -- But if a Man cannot get an honest Livelihood any easier way, I am sure, 'tis what I can't undertake for another Session.

    Truly, if that great Man⁸⁸ should tip off, 'twould be an irreparable Loss. The vigor and Prowess of a Knight-Errant never sav'd half the Ladies in Distress that he hath done. -- -- But, Boy, canst thou tell me where thy Master is to be found?

    At his Lock, Sir, at the Crooked Billet.

    Very well. -- I have nothing more with you. [Exit Filch.]
I'll go to him there, for I have many important Affairs to settle with him; and in the way of these Transactions, I'll artfully get into his Secret -- -- So that Macheath shall not remain a Day longer out of my Clutches.