CLAIRE. Let go. You are undignified and ridiculous enough
yourself without making me ridiculous. [She snatches her train
away.]

EDSTASTON. Ow! You've nearly pulled my teeth out: you're worse
than the Star of the North. [To Catherine.] Darling Little
Mother: you have a kind heart, the kindest in Europe. Have pity.
Have mercy. I love you. [Claire bursts into tears.] Release me.

CATHERINE. Well, just to show you how much kinder a Russian
savage can be than an English one {though I am sorry to say I am
a German) here goes! [She stoops to loosen the straps.]

CLAIRE [jealously]. You needn't trouble, thank you. [She pounces
on the straps: and the two set Edstaston free between them.] Now
get up, please; and conduct yourself with some dignity if you are
not utterly demoralized.

EDSTASTON. Dignity! Ow! I can't. I'm stiff all over. I shall
never be able to stand up again. Oh Lord! how it hurts! [They
seize him by the shoulders and drag him up.] Yah! Agh! Wow! Oh!
Mmmmmm! Oh, Little Angel Mother, don't ever do this to a man
again. Knout him; kill him; roast him; baste him; head, hang, and
quarter him; but don't tie him up like that and tickle him.

CATHERINE. Your young lady still seems to think that you enjoyed
it.

CLAIRE. I know what I think. I will never speak to him again.
Your Majesty can keep him, as far as I am concerned.