A woman's honour does not hang on telling;
It is enough if she defend herself
 Molière, Tartuffe or The Impostor (1669). copy citation

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Author Molière
Source Tartuffe or The Impostor
Topic honour women
Date 1669
Language English
Reference
Note Translated by Curtis Hidden Page
Weblink https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Tartuffe_or_the_Hypocrite

Context

“Insisted that the thing should be concealed; But I will not condone such shamelessness, Nor so far wrong you as to keep it secret. ELMIRE Yes, I believe a wife should never trouble Her husband's peace of mind with such vain gossip; A woman's honour does not hang on telling; It is enough if she defend herself; Or so I think; Damis, you'd not have spoken, If you would but have heeded my advice. SCENE VI ORGON, DAMIS, TARTUFFE ORGON Just Heaven! Can what I hear be credited? TARTUFFE Yes, brother, I am wicked, I am guilty,” source