Sophistress

1677, Thomas D’Urfey, A Fond Husband, London: James Magnes & Richard Bentley, Act V, Scene 5, p. 61, Now the mighty Sophistress is o’erthrown!

VVhat vvill you ſay to Aſpatia Mileſia, vvho is Celebrated as a Sophiſtreſs, (you knovv the VVord Sophister vvas not then abus'd) a Teacher of Rethorick, and a Poeteſs?

“Every person,” replied Ellen, deeply blushing, “is warranted in giving their opinion of another. No human creature is perfect; but where the good qualities of any character predominate, I should certainly be inclined to overlook the lesser imperfections which might shade it.” “Admirable sophistress!” said the Signora archly […]