“Your reputation, Madam!—rest secure:
That will all scandal and reproach endure,
And be the same in worth; it is like him
Who floats, but finds he cannot sink or swim;
Half raised above the storm, half sunk below,
It just exists, and that is all we know.
Such the good name that you so much regard,
And yet to keep afloat find somewhat hard.
Nay, no reply! in future I decline 310
Dispute, and take my way.”—