MRS. CANDOUR. Nay but I vow you shall not carry the Laugh off so—for give me leave to say, that Mrs. Ogle——
SIR PETER. Madam—madam—I beg your Pardon—there's no stopping these good Gentlemen's Tongues—but when I tell you Mrs. Candour that the Lady they are abusing is a particular Friend of mine, I hope you'll not take her Part.
LADY SNEERWELL. Ha! ha! ha! well said, Sir Peter—but you are a cruel creature—too Phlegmatic yourself for a jest and too peevish to allow wit in others.
SIR PETER. Ah Madam true wit is more nearly allow'd [allied?] to good Nature than your Ladyship is aware of.
LADY SNEERWELL. True Sir Peter—I believe they are so near akin that they can never be united.
SIR BENJAMIN. O rather Madam suppose them man and wife because one seldom sees them together.
LADY TEAZLE. But Sir Peter is such an Enemy to Scandal I believe He would have it put down by Parliament.
SIR PETER. 'Fore heaven! Madam, if they were to consider the Sporting with Reputation of as much importance as poaching on manors—and pass an Act for the Preservation of Fame—there are many would thank them for the Bill.
LADY SNEERWELL. O Lud! Sir Peter would you deprive us of our Privileges—
SIR PETER. Aye Madam—and then no person should be permitted to kill characters or run down reputations, but qualified old Maids and disappointed Widows.—