The Beggar’s Opera
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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 Perquisite 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.
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