The Beggar's Opera; to Which is Prefixed the Musick to Each Song

INTRODUCTION

BEGGAR, PLAYER.

Beggar.

If Poverty be a Title to Poetry, I am sure no-body can dispute mine. I own myself of the Company of Beggars; and I make one at their Weekly Festivals at _St. Giles's_. I have a small Yearly Salary for my Catches, and am welcome to a Dinner there whenever I please, which is more than most Poets can say.

_Player._ As we live ...