_A Table with Wine_, _Brandy_, _Pipes and Tobacco_.
_Lockit_. The Coronation Account, Brother _Peachum_, is of so intricate a nature, that I believe it will never be settled.
_Peachum_. It consists indeed of a great Variety of Articles.—It was worth to our People, in Fees of different kinds, above ten Instalments.—This is part of the Account, Brother, that lies open before us.
_Lockit_. A Lady’s Tail of rich Brocade:—that, I see, is dispos’d of.
_Peachum_. To Mrs. _Diana Trapes_, the Tally-Woman, and she will make a good Hand on’t in Shoes and Slippers, to trick out young Ladies, upon their going into Keeping.—
_Lockit_. But I don’t see any Article of the Jewels.
_Peachum_. Those are so well known that they must be sent abroad—You’ll find them enter’d under the Article of Exportation.—As for the Snuff-Boxes, Watches, Swords, &c.—I thought it best to enter them under their several Heads.
_Lockit_. Seven and twenty Women’s Pockets complete; with the several things therein contain’d; all Seal’d, Number’d, and Enter’d.
_Peachum_. But, Brother, it is impossible for us now to enter upon this Affair,—We should have the whole Day before us.—Besides, the Account of the last Half Year’s Plate is in a Book by itself, which lies at the other Office.
_Lockit_. Bring us then more Liquor—To-day shall be for Pleasure—To-morrow for Business—Ah, Brother, those Daughters of ours are two slippery Hussies—Keep a watchful Eye upon _Polly_, and _Macheath_ in a Day or two shall be our own again.
Lockit. _What Gudgeons are we Men_! _Ev’ry Woman’s easy Prey_. _Though we have felt the Hook_, _agen_ _We bite and they betray_.
_The Bird that hath been trapt_, _When he hears his calling Mate_, _To her he flies_, _again he’s clapt_ _Within the wiry Grate_.
_Peachum_. But what signifies catching the Bird, if your Daughter _Lucy_ will set open the Door of the Cage?
_Lockit_. If men were answerable for the Follies and Frailties of their Wives and Daughters, no Friends could keep a good Correspondence together for two Days.—This in unkind of you, Brother; for among good Friends, what they say or do goes for nothing.
_Servant_. Sir, here’s Mrs. _Diana Trapes_ wants to speak with you.
_Peachum_. Shall we admit her, Brother _Lockit_?