[Polly goes out, and returns with it.
Ah, Hussy, now this is the only Comfort your Mother has left!
Polly. Give her another Glass, Sir! my Mama drinks double the Quantity whenever she is out of Order. This, you see, fetches her.
Mrs. Peachum. The Girl shews such a Readiness, and so much Concern, that I could almost find in my Heart to forgive her.
AIR IX. O Jenny, O Jenny, where hast thou been.
O Polly, you might have toy’d and kist.
By keeping Men off, you keep them on.
Polly. But he so teaz’d me,
And he so pleas’d me,
What I did, you must have done.
Mrs. Peachum. Not with a Highwayman.—You sorry Slut!
Peachum. A Word with you, Wife. ’Tis no new thing for a Wench to take Man without Consent of Parents. You know ’tis the Frailty of Women, my Dear.
Mrs. Peachum. Yes, indeed, the Sex is frail. But the first time a Woman is frail, she should be somewhat nice methinks, for then or never is the time to make her Fortune. After that, she hath nothing to do but to guard herself from being found out, and she may do what she pleases.
Peachum. Make yourself a little easy; I have a Thought shall soon set all Matters again to rights. Why so melancholy, Polly? since what is done cannot be undone, we must all endeavour to make the best of it.