Beggar's Opera — Act III (Part 10 of 13)

Lock. We are ready, sir, to conduct you to the Old Bailey.

Air.—Bonny Dundee

Mac. The charge is prepared, the lawyers are met,
The judges all ranged (a terrible show!).
I go undismayed, for death is a debt,
A debt on demand—so take what I owe.
Then, farewell my love! dear charmers, adieu!
Contented I die, ’tis the better for you.
Here ends all dispute the rest of our lives,
For this way at once I please all my wives.

Now, gentlemen, I am ready to attend you.

[Exeunt Peachum, Lockit, and Macheath.

Polly. Follow them, Filch, to the court, and when the trial is over, bring me a particular account of his behaviour and of everything that happened. You’ll find me here with Miss Lucy. [Exit Filch.] But why is all this music?

Lucy. The prisoners, whose trials are put off till next session, are diverting themselves.

Polly. Sure there is nothing so charming as music. I’m fond of it to distraction. But, alas! now all mirth seems an insult upon my affliction. Let us retire, my dear Lucy, and indulge our sorrows. The noisy crew, you see, are coming upon us.

[Exeunt.

A dance of prisoners in chains, etc.

Scene 5 - The Condemned Hold

Macheath in a melancholy posture

Air.—Happy Groves

O cruel, cruel, cruel case!
Must I suffer this disgrace?

Air.—Of all the girls that are so smart

Of all the friends in time of grief,
   When threatening Death looks grimmer,
Not one so sure can bring relief
   As this best friend, a brimmer.

[Drinks.

Air.—Britons, strike home!

Since I must swing, I scorn, I scorn to wince or whine.

[Rises.

Air.—Chevy Chase

But now again my spirits sink,
I’ll raise them high with wine.

[Drinks a glass of wine.