to have a statue, damn him! [she tickles him]. No! bless him!
save him victorious, happy and glorious! Oh, let eternal honors
crown his name: Voltaire thrice worthy on the rolls of fame!
[Exhausted.] Now will you let me up? And look here! I can see
your ankles when you tickle me: it's not ladylike.

CATHERINE [sticking out her toe and admiring it critically]. Is
the spectacle so disagreeable?

EDSTASTON. It's agreeable enough; only [with intense expression]
for heaven's sake don't touch me in the ribs.

CATHERINE [putting aside the pamphlet]. Captain Edstaston, why
did you refuse to come when I sent for you?

EDSTASTON. Madam, I cannot talk tied up like this.

CATHERINE. Do you still admire me as much as you did this
morning?

EDSTASTON. How can I possibly tell when I can't see you? Let me
get up and look. I can't see anything now except my toes and
yours.

CATHERINE. Do you still intend to write to the London Gazette
about me?

EDSTASTON. Not if you will loosen these straps. Quick: loosen me.
I'm fainting.