Explanation: Madam, said Joseph, I can’t see why her having no virtue should be a reason against my having any; or why, because I am a man, or because I am poor, my virtue must be subservient to her pleasure.

Answer: These lines have been taken from the eighth chapter of Joseph Andrews, a famous prose satire by Henry Fielding. How the honor and purity of the poor are ravished at times during the age of Fielding is evident here.

This chapter continues with the elaboration of Lady Booby’s lascivious designs on the innocent Joseph. The references to the virtue of Joseph become a matter of monotony for her. Therefore, she trickily informed him that she had dismissed the maid with whom he had gotten pregnant. Being surprised that Joseph claims that their relation was not more than kissing. Then the clever Booby turns the conversation to her and offers to kiss her tactfully. Seeing him in greater danger, Joseph declares his negative approach, which annoyed Booby. He mentions that he should not take the burden of ones being immoral. He also laments being a man as the charges always go against man. Besides, he sees that in this world it is too difficult for the poor to save their honor and prestige.

Thus, Fielding highlights the traditional practices of the landlords and landladies who used to mix with their young servants and maids. He praises the purity of the poor and blames the aristocrats for their immoral character.