’Tis an Ordinary Thing for People to Boast of an Interest where they
have None, and then when they are Detected, ’tis a Stroak of Art to
Divert the Reproach, by Emproving a Spiteful Word, or Thing, to a Bodies
Own Advantage. This way of Dialogue, is a kind of _Tick-Tack_; Where
the One’s Bus’ness is to keep from making a Blot, and the Other’s is to
Hit it when ’tis made. It is a Happy Presence of Mind, to Anticipate
Another Man’s Thought, by Considering well beforehand what Construction,
or Allusion his own Words will bear; for Otherwise, the Casting out an
Inconsiderate Hint, is but the setting of a Trap to Catch Himself. As the
_Sow_’s Appealing to _Venus_ here, was as good as an Answer thrown into
the very Mouth of the _Dog_, which she might Easily have foreseen would
be turn’d back upon her in the Bitterness of a Reproche: For the Reply
lay so Open, the Other could not Well Miss it: But when all is done, Both
Parts are to keep themselves upon their Guard; Or if either of ’em has
Overshot himself, it is some sort of Reputation still, to make the Best
of a Bad Game: As the _Sow_ turn’d off the Scandal here with a jest.