’Tis a Turn of Art, in many Cases, either of Deformity, or Mischance,
where a Man lies open to a Reproch to Anticipate an Abuse, and to make
Sport with Himself first. A Man may be Shame-Fac’d, and a Woman, Modest,
to the Degree of Scandalous. I knew a Lady had one of the most Bashful,
Scrupulous Persons to her Daughter that ever was Born. Well, says she,
_I am mightily afraid, This Girl will prove a Whore; for she is so
Infinitely Modest, that in my Conscience, if any Man should ever Ask her
the Question, she would not have the Face to Deny him_. A Frank Easy
way of Openness and Candor agrees Best with All Humours; and He that’s
Over-solicitous to Conceal a Thing, does as good as make Proclamation of
it. Wherefore the _Horse-man_ here _Laugh’d first_; and so Prevented the
_Jest_.