their knees.

CATHERINE. Obey your orders.

The soldiers seize Edstaston, and throw him roughly at the feet
of the Empress.

CATHERINE [looking down coldly on him]. Also [the German word],
you have put me to the trouble of sending for you twice. You had
better have come the first time.

EDSTASTON [exsufflicate, and pettishly angry]. I haven't come
either time. I've been carried. I call it infernal impudence.

CATHERINE. Take care what you say.

EDSTASTON. No use. I daresay you look very majestic and very
handsome; but I can't see you; and I am not intimidated. I am an
Englishman; and you can kidnap me; but you can't bully me.

NARYSHKIN. Remember to whom you are speaking.

CATHERINE [violently, furious at his intrusion]. Remember that
dogs should be dumb. [He shrivels.] And do you, Captain, remember
that famous as I am for my clemency, there are limits to the
patience even of an Empress.

EDSTASTON. How is a man to remember anything when he is trussed
up in this ridiculous fashion? I can hardly breathe. [He makes a
futile struggle to free himself.] Here: don't be unkind, your