Plautus better, and the recurring mention of the _vetus poeta_ in his
prologues, who plagued him with the crusty critical view of his
productions, has in the end a comic effect on the reader.
{9} The exclamation of Lady Booby, when Joseph defends himself: '_Your
virtue_! I shall never survive it!' etc., is another instance.--Joseph
Andrews. Also that of Miss Mathews in her narrative to Booth: 'But such
are the friendships of women.'--Amelia.