reak my heart, I promise you: however, I am equally obliged to you
for the hint.

_Lady Teazle._--Then why will you endeavour to make yourself so
disagreeable to me, and thwart me in every little elegant expense.

_Sir Peter._--Oons! madam, I say, had you any of these little elegant
expenses when you married me?

_Lady Teazle._--Lud, Sir Peter! would you have me be out of the
fashion?

_Sir Peter._--The fashion, indeed! what had you to do with the fashion
before you married me?

_Lady Teazle._--For my part, I should think you would like to have
your wife thought a woman of taste.

_Sir Peter._--Ay--there again--taste! Zounds! madam, you had no taste
when you married me!

_Lady Teazle._--That's very true, indeed, Sir Peter! and, after
having married you, I should never pretend to taste again, I allow.
But now, Sir Peter, since we have finished our daily jangle, I presume
I may go to my engagement at Lady Sneerwell's.

_Sir Peter._--Ay, there's another precious circumstance--a charming
set of acquaintance you have made there.

_Lady Teazle._--Nay, Sir Peter, they are all people of rank and
fortune, and remarkably tenacious of reputation.

_Sir Peter._--Yes, they are tenacious of reputation with a vengeance;
for they don't choose anybody should have a character but themselves!
Such a crew! Ah! many a wretch has rid on a hurdle 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._--Ah! 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.

_Sir Peter._--Grace indeed!

_Lady Teazle._--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 the same 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. (_Exit_)

_Sir Peter._--So--I have gained much by my intended expostulation!
Yet with what a charming air she contradicts everything I say, and how
pleasantly she shows her contempt for my authority! Well, though I
can't make her love me, there is great satisfaction in quarrelling
with