FILCH. I ply'd at the Opera, Madam; and considering 'twas neither
dark nor rainy, so that there was no great Hurry in getting Chairs
and Coaches, made a tolerable Hand on't. These seven Handkerchiefs,
Madam.

MRS. PEACHUM. Colour'd ones, I see. They are of sure Sale from our
Warehouse at Redriff among the Seamen.

FILCH. And this Snuff-box.

MRS. PEACHUM. Set in Gold! A pretty Encouragement this to a young
Beginner.

FILCH. I had a fair Tug at a charming Gold Watch. Pox take the
Tailors for making the Fobs so deep and narrow! It stuck by the way,
and I was forc'd to make my Escape under a Coach. Really, Madam, I
fear I shall be cut off in the Flower of my Youth, so that every now
and then (since I was pumpt) I have Thoughts of taking up and going
to Sea.

MRS. PEACHUM. You should go to Hockley in the Hole, and to Marybone,
Child, to learn Valour. These are the Schools that have bred so many
brave Men. I thought, Boy, by this time, thou hadst lost Fear as
well as Shame. Poor Lad! how little does he know as yet of the Old
Baily! For the first Fact I'll insure thee from being hang'd; and
going to Sea, Filch, will come time enough upon a Sentence of
Transportation. But now, since you have nothing better to do, ev'n
go to your Book, and learn your Catechism; for really a Man makes but
an ill Figure in the Ordinary's Paper, who cannot give a satisfactory
Answer to his Questions. But, hark you, my Lad. Don't tell me a