TATT. But how barbarous that is, and how unfortunate for him, that
the world shall think the better of any person for his calumniation!
I thank heaven, it has always been a part of my character to handle
the reputations of others very tenderly indeed.

SCAN. Ay, such rotten reputations as you have to deal with are to
be handled tenderly indeed.

TATT. Nay, but why rotten? Why should you say rotten, when you
know not the persons of whom you speak? How cruel that is!

SCAN. Not know 'em? Why, thou never had'st to do with anybody that
did not stink to all the town.

TATT. Ha, ha, ha; nay, now you make a jest of it indeed. For there
is nothing more known than that nobody knows anything of that nature
of me. As I hope to be saved, Valentine, I never exposed a woman,
since I knew what woman was.

VAL. And yet you have conversed with several.

TATT. To be free with you, I have. I don't care if I own that.
Nay more (I'm going to say a bold word now) I never could meddle
with a woman that had to do with anybody else.

SCAN. How?

VAL. Nay faith, I'm apt to believe him. Except her husband,
Tattle.