If courtesans and strumpets were to be prosecuted with as much rigor as some silly people would have it, what locks or bars would be sufficient to preserve the honor of our wives and daughters?

Summary

This quote challenges the idea of excessively punishing those engaged in immoral activities, such as courtesans and strumpets. By asking what measures would need to be taken to protect the honor of wives and daughters if such individuals were rigorously prosecuted, the quote suggests that attempting to control or eliminate immorality through punishment is futile. It implies that instead of focusing on external factors, emphasis should be placed on fostering a sense of integrity and honor within individuals themselves.

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