MISTRESS FORESIGHT.

Pshaw! But virtuous, I mean.

SCANDAL.

Yes, faith. I believe some women are virtuous too. But 'tis as I believe—some men are valiant through fear.—For why should a man court danger, or a woman shun pleasure? (Congreve, Love for Love.)

[142]:

We are as wicked as men, but our vices lie another way. They have more courage than we; so they commit more bold impudent sins. They quarrel, fight, swear, drink, blaspheme, and the like. Whereas we, being cowards, only backbite, tell lies, cheat cards, and so forth. (Vanbrugh, Provoked Wife.)

Voyez aussi dans cette pièce le caractère de Mademoiselle, femme de chambre française. Ils représentent le vice français comme plus impudent encore que le vice anglais.

[143]:

Give me a man that keeps his five senses keen and bright as his sword, that has them always drawn out in their just order and strength, with his reason as commander at the head of them, that detaches them by turns upon whatever party of pleasure agreeably offers, and commands them to retreat upon the least appearance of disadvantage or danger.

I love a fine house, but let another keep it; and so just I love a fine woman. (Acte I, scene i.)