If it is abuse,—why one is always sure to hear of it from one damned goodnatured friend or another! - Richard Brinsley Sheridan

SURFACE. The license of invention some people take is monstrous indeed. MARIA. ’Tis so but in my opinion, those who report such things are equally culpable.

LADY TEAZLE. And I am sure I was a Fooll to marry you — an old dangling Batchelor, who was single of [at] fifty — only because He never could meet with any one who would have him. SIR PETER. Aye — aye — Madam — but you were pleased enough to listen to me — you never had such an offer before — LADY TEAZLE. No — didn’t I refuse Sir Jeremy Terrier — who everybody said would have been a better Match — for his estate is just as good as yours — and he has broke his Neck since we have been married!

MARIA. Well I’ll not debate how far Scandal may be allowable — but in a man I am sure it is always contemtable. — We have Pride, envy, Rivalship, and a Thousand motives to depreciate each other — but the male-slanderer must have the cowardice of a woman before He can traduce one.