_Ang._ If your words be real, 'tis in your power to raise an equal flame in me. _Sir H._ Nay, then, I seize---- _Ang._ Hold, sir; 'tis also possible to make me detest and scorn you worse than the most profligate of your deceiving sex. _Sir H._ Ha! a very odd turn this. I hope, madam, you only affect anger, because you know your frowns are becoming. _Ang._ Sir Harry, you being the best judge of your own designs, can best understand whether my anger should be real or dissembled; think what strict modesty should bear, then judge of my resentment. _Sir H._ Strict modesty should bear! Why, 'faith, madam, I believe, the strictest modesty may bear fifty guineas, and I don't believe 'twill bear one farthing more. _Ang._ What d'ye mean, sir? _Sir H._ Nay, madam, what do you mean? If you go to that. I think now, fifty guineas is a fine offer for your strict modesty, as you call it. _Ang._ I'm afraid you're mad, sir. _Sir H._ Why, madam, you're enough to make any man mad. 'Sdeath, are you not a---- _Ang._ What, sir? _Sir H._ Why, a lady of--strict modesty, if you will have it so. _Ang._ I shall never hereafter trust common report, which represented you, sir, a man of honour, wit, and breeding; for I find you very deficient in them all three. [_Exit._ _Sir H._ Now I find, that the strict pretences, which the ladies of pleasure make to strict modesty, is the reason why those of quality are ashamed to wear it. _Enter_ VIZARD. _Vizard._ Ah! Sir Harry, have I caught you? Well, and what success? _Sir H._ Success! 'Tis a shame for you young fellows in town here, to let the wenches grow so saucy. I offered her fifty guineas, and she was in her airs presently, and flew away in a huff. I could have had a brace of countesses in Paris for half the money, and _je vous remercie_ into the bargain. _Vizard._ Gone in her airs, say you! and did not you follow her? _Sir H._ Whither should I follow her? _Vizard._ Into her bedchamber, man; she went on purpose. You a man of gallantry, and not understand that a lady's best pleased when she puts on her airs, as you call it! _Sir H._ She talked to me of strict modesty, and stuff. _Vizard._ Certainly. Most women magnify their modesty, for the same reason that cowards boast their courage--because they have least on't. Come, come, Sir Harry, when you make your next assault, encourage your spirits with brisk Burgundy: if you succeed, 'tis well; if not, you have a fair excuse for your rudeness. I'll go in, and make your peace for what's past. Oh, I had almost forgot----Colonel Standard wants to speak with you about some business. _Sir H._ I'll wait upon him presently; d'ye know where he may be found? _Vizard._ In the piazza of Covent Garden, about an hour hence, I promised to see him: and there you may meet him--to have your throat cut. [_Aside._] I'll go in and intercede for you. _Sir H._ But no foul play with the lady, Vizard. [_Exit._