SCAN. Why, thence it arises—the thing is proverbially spoken; but may be applied to him—as if we should say in general terms, he only is secret who never was trusted; a satirical proverb upon our sex. There’s another upon yours—as she is chaste, who was never asked the question. That’s all.
VAL. A couple of very civil proverbs, truly. ’Tis hard to tell whether the lady or Mr. Tattle be the more obliged to you. For you found her virtue upon the backwardness of the men; and his secrecy upon the mistrust of the women.
TATT. Gad, it’s very true, madam, I think we are obliged to acquit ourselves. And for my part—but your ladyship is to speak first.
ANG. Am I? Well, I freely confess I have resisted a great deal of temptation.
TATT. And i’Gad, I have given some temptation that has not been resisted.
VAL. Good.
ANG. I cite Valentine here, to declare to the court, how fruitless he has found his endeavours, and to confess all his solicitations and my denials.
VAL. I am ready to plead not guilty for you; and guilty for myself.
SCAN. So, why this is fair, here’s demonstration with a witness.
TATT. Well, my witnesses are not present. But I confess I have had favours from persons. But as the favours are numberless, so the persons are nameless.