I couldn't help it. I fought
for all I was worth.
THE SERGEANT [at the curtains]. He fought with the strength of
lions and bears. God knows I shall carry a broken sweetbread to
my grave.
EDSTASTON. You can't mean to throw me over, Claire. [Urgently.]
Claire. Claire.
VARINKA [in a transport of sympathetic emotion, pleading with
clasped hands to Claire]. Oh, sweet little angel lamb, he loves
you: it shines in his darling eyes. Pardon him, pardon him.
PATIOMKIN [rushing from the Empress's side to Claire and falling
on his knees to her]. Pardon him, pardon him, little cherub!
little wild duck! little star! little glory! little jewel in the
crown of heaven!
CLAIRE. This is perfectly ridiculous.
VARINKA [kneeling to her]. Pardon him, pardon him, little
delight, little sleeper in a rosy cradle.
CLAIRE. I'll do anything if you'll only let me alone.
THE SERGEANT [kneeling to her]. Pardon him, pardon him, lest the
mighty man bring his whip to you. God knows we all need pardon!
CLAIRE [at the top of her voice]. I pardon him! I pardon him!
PATIOMKIN [springing up joyfully and going behind Claire, whom he
raises in his arms]. Embrace her, victor of Bunker's Hill. Kiss
her till she swoons.
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