Sheridan was not the only dramatist to satirize the salons and their scandalous talk. His comedy was imitated by Thomas Holcroft in Seduction,[186] a play whose popularity on the stage was equalled by its popularity in print. The conversation descriptive of an assembly at Lady Morden’s is in obvious imitation of the Scandal School.
Sir Frederic. Sir Nathan Neaptide, the yellow admiral, came.
Lord Morden. An agreeable guest!
Mrs. Modely. Oh! rude as his own boatswain.
Sir Frederic. Would teach a startling blasphemy, rather than want good conversation.
Lady Morden. He attempts satire.
Lord Morden. But utters abuse.
Mrs. Modely. That makes him so much respected.
Lady Morden. Yes; like a chimney-sweeper in a crowd, he makes his way by being dirty....