can dispose of them this Afternoon to a Chap in the City. [Exit
Peachum.]

MRS. PEACHUM. Never was a Man more out of the way in an Argument
than my Husband! Why must our Polly, forsooth, differ from her Sex,
and love only her Husband? And why must Polly's Marriage, contrary
to all Observations, make her the less followed by other Men? All
Men are Thieves in Love, and like a Woman the better for being
another's Property.

AIR V. Of all the simple Things we do, &c.

A Maid is like the Golden Ore,
Which hath Guineas intrinsical in't,
Whose Worth is never known before
It is try'd and imprest in the Mint.
A Wife's like a Guinea in Gold,
Stampt with the Name of her Spouse;
Now here, now there; is bought, or is sold;
And is current in every House.

[Enter Filch.]

MRS. PEACHUM. Come hither, Filch. I am as fond of this Child, as
though my Mind misgave me he were my own. He hath as fine a Hand at
picking a Pocket as a Woman, and is as nimble-finger'd as a Juggler.
If an unlucky Session does not cut the Rope of thy Life, I pronounce,
Boy, thou wilt be a great Man in History. Where was your Post last
Night, my Boy?