Songs from The Beggar’s Opera: Air XVI-“Over the Hills, and Far Away”

Act I, Scene xiii, Air XVI—“Over the Hills, and Far Away”


Mac.  Were I laid on Greenland’s coast,
 And in my arms embraced my lass,
  Warm amidst eternal frost,
 Too soon the half-year’s night would pass.
Polly. Were I sold on Indian soil,
 Soon as the burning day was closed,
  I could mock the sultry toil
 When on my charmer’s breast reposed.
Mac.  And I would love you all the day,
Polly. Every night would kiss and play,
Mac.  If with me you’d fondly stray
Polly. Over the hills, and far away.