"No, but there's a woman with maid by him": Pompey's humorously corrects Mistress Overdone, that although Claudio did impregnate a woman, the woman can hardly be called a "maid" because she is clearly not a virgin. Her child, on the other hand, can be called a maid. This subtle play on words not only clarifies what Claudio's offense was, but also playfully brings the topic of sexuality versus chastity to the forefront. |