Lure. Ay—why this is civil. ’Tis an insupportable toil though for women of quality to model their husbands to good breeding.
George Farquhar (1678–1707).
THE BORROWER.
Richmore. You may keep the letter.
Young Wou’d-be. But why would you trust it with me? You know I can’t keep a secret that has any scandal in ’t.
Rich. For that reason I communicate it. I know thou art a perfect Gazette, and will spread the news all over the town; for you must understand that I am now besieging another, and I would have the fame of my conquest upon the wing, that the town may surrender the sooner.
Y. W. But if the report of your cruelty goes along with that of your valour, you’ll find no garrison of any strength will open their gates to you.
Rich. No, no; women are cowards, terror prevails upon them more than clemency; my best pretence to my success with the fair is my using them ill; ’tis turning their own guns upon them, and I have always found it the most successful battery to assail one reputation by sacrificing another.
Y. W. I could love thee for thy mischief, did I not envy thee for thy success in it.
Rich. You never attempt a woman of figure.