LADY SNEERWELL. Nay but we should make allowance[--]Sir Benjamin
is a wit and a poet.

MARIA. For my Part--I own madam--wit loses its respect with me,
when I see it in company with malice.--What do you think,
Mr. Surface?

SURFACE. Certainly, Madam, to smile at the jest which plants
a Thorn on another's Breast is to become a principal in the mischief.

LADY SNEERWELL. Pshaw--there's no possibility of being witty
without a little [ill] nature--the malice of a good thing
is the Barb that makes it stick.--What's your opinion, Mr. Surface?

SURFACE. Certainly madam--that conversation where the Spirit of
Raillery is suppressed will ever appear tedious and insipid--

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.

LADY SNEERWELL. I wish my Cousin Verjuice hadn't left us--she
should embrace you.

SURFACE. Ah! she's an old maid and is privileged of course.

Enter SERVANT