Polly

Polly is a novel written by John Gay, first published in 1729. The story follows the life of a young woman named Polly Peachum, who lives in the criminal underworld of London. Polly is the daughter of a notorious thief and a prostitute, and she is determined to make her own way in the world. She falls in love with a highwayman named Macheath, who is also the target of her father's criminal gang. Polly and Macheath's love is tested by the dangerous world they live in, as well as by the machinations of those around them. The novel is a satire of the society of the time, and it is filled with humor, wit, and social commentary. It is considered one of the most important works of 18th-century literature, and it has been adapted into numerous plays and operas over the years.Trapes. There it is now! Whoever heard a man of fortune in England talk of the necessaries of life? If the necessaries of life would have satisfy'd such a poor body as me, to be sure I had never come to mend my fortune to the Plantations. Whether we can afford it or no, we must have superfluities. We never stint our Expence to our own fortunes, but are miserable, if we do not live up to the profuseness of our neighbours.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.