]
Varinka, who is this gentleman?
VARINKA. A foreign captain: I cannot pronounce his name. I think
he is mad. He came to the Prince and said he must see your
Majesty. He can talk of nothing else. We could not prevent him.
EDSTASTON [overwhelmed by this apparent betrayal]. Oh! Madam: I
am perfectly sane: I am actually an Englishman. I should never
have dreamt of approaching your Majesty without the fullest
credentials. I have letters from the English ambassador, from the
Prussian ambassador. [Naively.] But everybody assured me that
Prince Patiomkm is all-powerful with your Majesty; so I naturally
applied to him.
PATIOMKIN [interrupts the conversation by an agonized wheezing
groan as of a donkey beginning to bray]!!!
CATHERINE [like a fishfag]. Schweig, du Hund. [Resuming her
impressive royal manner.] Have you never been taught, sir, how a
gentleman should enter the presence of a sovereign?
EDSTASTON. Yes, Madam; but I did not enter your presence: I was
carried.
CATHERINE. But you say you asked the Prince to carry you.
EDSTASTON. Certainly not, Madam. I protested against it with all
my might. I appeal to this lady to confirm me.
VARINKA [pretending to be indignant]. Yes, you protested.
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