Enter Jack Ketch. He fixes a gibbet on the platform of the stage, and exit.
Punch. Well, I declare now, that very pretty! That must be a gardener. What a handsome three he has planted just opposite the window, for a prospect![1]
Enter the Constable. He places a ladder against the gibbet, and exit.
Punch. Stop thief! stop thief! There's one pretty rascal for you. He come back again and get up the ladder to steal the fruit out of the tree.
Enter two Men with a coffin. They set it down on the platform, and exeunt.
Punch. What that for, I wonder? Oh dear, I see now: what one fool I was! That is large basket for the fruit be put into.
Re-enter Jack Ketch.
J. Ketch. Now, Mr. Punch, you may come out, if you like it.
Punch. Thank you, kindly; but me very well where I am. This very nice place, and pretty prospect.
J. Ketch. What, won't you come out, and have a good dinner for nothing?
Punch. Much obliged, Mr. Ketch, but I have had my dinner for nothing already.[2]
- ↑ Of course Punch does not think what he says, but he only "plays with his fate;" as Racine remarks in "Athalie," (Act 2)
"Les malheurs n'avoient pas abattu sa fierté,"
although in the commencement of this scene the recollection of his mistress had a little "rebated the edge of his hilarity."
- ↑ Among the "Rime burlesche di varj Autori," originally collected by Grazzini, is a very humorous Capitolo, in praise of debt, (attributed by some to Berni, and by the editor of
Punch. If you don't know, you had better go and learn.
Chief Justice. That won't do, my fine fellow. You're a murderer, and you must come and be hanged.
Punch. I'll be hanged if I do. (knocks down the Chief Justice, and dances and sings)
