Terence appear'd when Breeding was more exact, and the Town better polish'd; And he manages accordingly: He hasHeauton.[30] but one faulty bordering Expression, which is that of Chremes to Clitipho. This single Sentence apart, the rest of his Book is (I think) unsullied and fit for the nicest Conversation. I mean only in referrence to the Argument in Hand, for there are things in Him, which I have no intention to warrant. He is Extreamly careful in the Behaviour of his Women. Neither Glycerium in Andria, Pamphila in Eunuchus, or Pamphila in Adelphi, Phanium in Phormio, or Philumena in Hecyra, have any share of Conversation upon the Stage. such Freedom was then thought too much for the Reservedness of a Maiden-Character. 'Tis true in Heautontimoroumenos the Poets Plot obliged Antiphila, to go under the Disguise of Bacchis her Maid. Upon this Occasion they hold a little Discourse together. But then Bacchis tho' she was a Woman of the Town, behaves her self with all the Decency imaginable. She does not talk in the Language of her Profession. But commends Antiphila for her Virtue: Antiphila only says how constant she has been to Chinia, seems surprised at his Arrival, and salutes him civilly upon't, and we hear no more from her. Mr. Dryden seems to refer to this Conduct in his Dramatick Poesie. He censures the Romans for making Mutes of their single Women. This He calls the Breeding of the Old Elizabeth way, which was for Maids to be seen and not to be heard. Under Favour the old Discipline would be very serviceable upon the Stage. As matters go, the Mutes are much to few. For certainly 'tis better to say nothing, than talk out of Character, and to ill purpose.

To return. The Virgin injured by Chærea does nothing but weep, and won't so much as speak her misfortune to the Women.Eunuch.
Love Triump.[31] But Comedy is strangly improved since that time; For Dalinda[32] has a great deal more Courage, tho' the loss of her Virtue was her own Fault.

But Terence has that regard for Women, that he won't so much as touch upon an ill Subject before them. Thus Chremes was ashamed to mention any thing about his Sons Lewdness when his Wife was present.

Pudet dicere hac præsente verbum turpe.Heauton. A. 5. 4.[33]

The Slaves in this Comedian are kept in order and civilly bred. They Guard and Fence when occasion requires, and step handsomly over a dirty place.Eunuch A. 5. 4. 5.
Adelph. A. 2. 3.[34] The Poet did not think Littleness and low Education a good Excuse for Ribaldry. He knew Infection at the weakest, might seize on some Constitutions: Besides, the Audience was a Superior Presence, and ought to be considered. For how Negligent soever People may be at Home, yet when they come before their Betters 'tis Manners to look wholsom.

Now tho' Plautus might have the richer Invention; Terence was always thought the more judicious Comedian. His Raillery is not only finer, and his stile better polish'd; but his Characters are more just, and he seems to have reach'd farther into Life than the other. To take Leave of this Author, even his Strumpets are better behaved than our honest Women, than our Women of Quality of the English Stage. Bacchis in Heautontimoroumenos and Bacchis in Hecyra, may serve for example. They are both modest, and converse not unbecoming their Sex. Thais the most accomplish'd in her way,Eunuch.[35] has a great deal of Spirit and wheadling in her Character, but talks no Smut.

Thus we see with what Caution and Sobriety of Language Terence manages. 'Tis possible this Conduct might be his own Modesty, and result from judgment and Inclination. But however his Fancy stood, he was sensible the Coarse way would not do. The Stage was then under Discipline, the publick Censors formidable, and the Office of the Choragus was originally to prevent the Excesses of Liberty.

To this we may add the Nobless had no Relish for Obscenity; 'twas the ready way to Disoblige them.Casaub. Annot. in Curcul. Plauti.[36] And therefore 'tis Horaces Rule.

Nec immunda crepent ignominiosaque dicta.

Offenduntur enim quibus est Equus & Pater, & res.De A te Poet.[37]