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‹Better GutenbergThe Beggar’s OperaAir VI. What Shall I Do to Shew How Much I Love Her, &c. · 11 of 75Contents›

The Beggar’s Opera

by John Gay

11 of 75 · Contents · Download EPUB

Air VI. What Shall I Do to Shew How Much I Love Her, &c.

Virgins are like the fair Flower in its Lustre,
 Which in the Garden enamels the Ground;
Near it the Bees in play flutter and cluster,
 And gaudy Butterflies frolick around.
But, when once pluck’d, ’tis no longer alluring,
 To Covent-Garden ’tis sent (as yet sweet),
There fades, and shrinks, and grows past all enduring,
 Rots, stinks, and dies, and is trod under feet.

Peachum. You know, Polly, I am not against your toying and trifling with a Customer in the way of Business, or to get out a Secret, or so. But if I find out that you have play’d the Fool and are married, you Jade you, I’ll cut your Throat, Hussy. Now you know my Mind.

Enter Mrs. Peachum, in a very great Passion.

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