_Macheath_. Have done with your Compliments, Ladies; and drink about: You are not so fond of me, _Jenny_, as you use to be.
_Jenny_. ’Tis not convenient, Sir, to shew my Fondness among so many Rivals. ’Tis your own Choice, and not the Warmth of my Inclination that will determine you.
_Before the Barn-Door crowing_, _The Cock by Hens attended_, _His Eyes around him throwing_, _Stands for a while suspended_. _Then One he singles from the Crew_, _And cheers the happy Hen_; _With how do you do_, _and how do you do_, _And how do you do again_.
_Macheath_. Ah _Jenny_! thou art a dear Slut.
_Jenny_. A Man of Courage should never put any thing to the Risk but his Life. These are the Tools of a Man of Honour. Cards and Dice are only fit for cowardly Cheats, who prey upon their Friends.
[_She takes up his Pistol_. Tawdry _takes up the other_.
_Tawdry_. This, Sir, is fitter for your Hand. Besides your Loss of Money, ’tis a Loss to the Ladies. Gaming takes you off from Women. How fond could I be of you! but before Company ’tis ill bred.
_Jenny_. I must and will have a Kiss to give my Wine a Zest.
[_They take him about the Neck and make signs to_ Peachum _and Constables_, _who rush in upon him_.
_Peachum_. I seize you, Sir, as my Prisoner.
_Macheath_. Was this well done, _Jenny_?—Women are Decoy Ducks; who can trust them! Beasts, Jades, Jilts, Harpies, Furies, Whores!
_Peachum_. Your Case, Mr. _Macheath_, is not particular. The greatest Heroes have been ruin’d by Women. But, to do them Justice, I must own they are a pretty sort of Creatures, if we could trust them. You must now, Sir, take your Leave of the Ladies, and if they have a mind to make you a Visit, they will be sure to find you at home. This Gentleman, Ladies, lodges in _Newgate_. Constables, wait upon the Captain to his Lodgings.
AIR XXIV. When first I laid Siege to my _Chloris_, &c.
_Macheath_. _At the Tree I shall suffer with Pleasure_, _At the Tree I shall suffer with Pleasure_, _Let me go where I will_, _In all kinds of Ill_, _I shall find no such Furies as these are_.
_Peachum_. Ladies, I’ll take care the Reckoning shall be discharged.
[_Exit_ Macheath, _guarded with_ Peachum and Constables.
_Mrs. Vixen_. Look ye, Mrs. _Jenny_, though Mr. _Peachum_ may have made a private Bargain with you and _Suky Tawdry_ for betraying the Captain, as we were all assisting, we ought all to share alike.