The cause, however, was revealed when the lady explained how she had heard from John Rich that when "The Beggar's Opera" was put into rehearsal he was going to give her the part of Lucy.
"And you, my dear, are to play Polly." "So Mr.Gay says, but I don't know for certain." "Have you read the play ?" "No, I've only learned my songs." "And the duet with me ?"--"I'm bubbled." "No.

I know nothing about that." "It's terribly hard, but there's plenty of time to get it by heart.

I'm dreadfully nervous though.

We have to sing it without any instruments, not even a harpsichord.

All the songs are to be like that." "Oh....