SIR PETER. Yes egad they are tenacious of Reputation with
a vengeance, for they don't chuse anybody should have a Character
but themselves! Such a crew! Ah! many a wretch has rid on hurdles
who has done less mischief than these utterers of forged Tales,
coiners of Scandal, and clippers of Reputation.

LADY TEAZLE. What would you restrain the freedom of speech?

SIR PETER. Aye they have made you just as bad [as] any one
of the Society.

LADY TEAZLE. Why--I believe I do bear a Part with a tolerable Grace--
But I vow I bear no malice against the People I abuse, when I say
an ill-natured thing, 'tis out of pure Good Humour--and I take it
for granted they deal exactly in the same manner with me,
but Sir Peter you know you promised to come to Lady Sneerwell's too.

SIR PETER. Well well I'll call in, just to look after my own
character.

LADY TEAZLE. Then, indeed, you must make Haste after me, or you'll
be too late--so good bye to ye.

SIR PETER. So--I have gain'd much by my intended expostulation--
yet with what a charming air she contradicts every thing I say--
and how pleasingly she shows her contempt of my authority--Well
tho' I can't make her love me, there is certainly a great satisfaction
in quarrelling with her; and I think she never appears to such
advantage as when she is doing everything in her Power to plague me.