In "The Beggar's Opera" Gay had beyond all question lampooned Walpole, and in "Polly" he returned to the attack, there being no doubt that in the opening scene, Ducat, the West Indian planter, was intended for the Minister.

The production might well have led to disturbances if both political parties had been represented at the first performance.

Walpole was the least vindictive of men, as witness his generous attitude towards Sunderland and the other ministers involved in the scandal of the South Sea "Bubble," but he may well have thought that Gay was going too far.

Gay himself was harmless, but, as Walpole knew, the author, either consciously or unconsciously, was acting for the Opposition party; and Walpole, when he thought it worth while, had a short and effective way with his political enemies.
The prohibition being largely an affair of party, or at least being so regarded, a battle royal ensued.

"Polly" could not be performed in public, but, there being no censorship of books, it could be printed.
Gay's friends, therefore, decided that the Opera should be published by subscription.