be a Widow, whenever she pleas'd? If you have any Views of this
sort, Polly, I shall think the Match not so very unreasonable.

POLLY. How I dread to hear your Advice! Yet I must beg you to
explain yourself.

PEACHUM. Secure what he hath got, have him peach'd the next
Sessions, and then at once you are made a rich Widow.

POLLY. What, murder the Man I love! The Blood runs cold at my Heart
with the very thought of it.

PEACHUM. Fie, Polly! What hath Murder to do in the Affair? Since
the thing sooner or later must happen, I dare say, the Captain
himself would like that we should get the Reward for his Death sooner
than a Stranger. Why, Polly, the Captain knows, that as 'tis his
Employment to rob, so 'tis ours to take Robbers; every Man in his
Business. So that there is no Malice in the Case.

MRS. PEACHUM. Ay, Husband, now you have nick'd the Matter. To have
him peach'd is the only thing could ever make me forgive her.

AIR XII. Now ponder well, ye Parents dear.

POLLY. O ponder well! be not severe;
So save a wretched Wife!
For on the Rope that hangs my Dear
Depends poor Polly's Life.

MRS. PEACHUM. But your Duty to your Parents, Hussy, obliges you to