OFFICER. But you're bound by law to keep it alive.

GINX. Bound to keep it alive? How am I to do it? There's the
rest on 'em there (nodding towards his house) little better nor
alive now. If that's an act of Parleyment, why don't the act of
Parleyment provide for 'em? You know what wages is, and I can't
get more than is going.

CHORUS. Yes. Why don't Parleyment provide for 'em? You take
the child, Mr. Smug.

OFFICER (regardless of grammar). ME take the child! The parish
has enough to do to take care of foundlings and children whose
parents can't or don't work. You don't suppose we will look
after the children of those who can?

GINX. Jest so. You'll bring up bastards and beggars' pups, but
you won't help an honest man to keep his head above water. This
child's head is goin' under water anyhow!" --and he prepared to
bolt, amid fresh screams from the Chorus.



VII.--Malthus and Man.

Two gentlemen, who had been observing the excitement, here came
forward.

FIRST GENTLEMAN. This is our problem again, Mr. Philosopher.