Lady Fid. Damned rascals, that we should be only wronged by 'em! To report a man has had a person, when he has not had a person, is the greatest wrong in the whole world that can be done to a person.
Mrs. Squeam. Well, 'tis an arrant shame noble persons should be so wronged and neglected.
Lady Fid. But still 'tis an arranter shame for a noble person to neglect her own honour, and defame her own noble person with little inconsiderable fellows, foh!
Mrs. Dain. I suppose the crime against our honour is the same with a man of quality as with another.
Lady Fid. How! no sure, the man of quality is likest one's husband, and therefore the fault should be the less.
Mrs. Dain. But then the pleasure should be the less.
Lady Fid. Fy, fy, fy, for shame, sister! whither shall we ramble? Be continent in your discourse, or I shall hate you.
Mrs. Dain. Besides, an intrigue is so much the more notorious for the man's quality.
Mrs. Squeam. 'Tis true that nobody takes notice of a private man, and therefore with him 'tis more secret; and the crime's the less when 'tis not known.
Lady Fid. You say true; i'faith, I think you are in the right on't: 'tis not an injury to a husband, till it be an injury to our honours; so that a woman of honour loses no honour with a private person; and to say truth—