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act. Come, come, said he, dry your tears, and prepare to laugh.
Phanor set the example, when he thought it was necessary to laugh. How humorous this is! how full of wit is that! cried he every instant; there are a few free strokes, and some double-entendres, but these are the taste of the age, and we cannot make folks laugh without them; to unite decency and wit is too hard a task; and, for my part, I only wish to please, therefore do not perplex myself about morality or good manners, but sacrifice them without scruple every time a stroke of wit or seductive description invites.
There is nothing wonderful in that, replied Learchus, we do the same; it is necessary, however, for form's sake, though a work may be licentious to excess, to scatter a certain quantity of sentiments through it, and moral phrases; after the most free and indecent traits, you are charmed to see an eulogium on virtue; such a thing is not expected in such a place, but the surprise is for this reason the more agreeable.
