SWANWHITE. I cannot! One mother is as much as any human being ever had.
STEPMOTHER. Your father's wife must be your mother.
SWANWHITE. My father's second wife can only be my stepmother.
STEPMOTHER. You are a stiffnecked daughter, but my whip is pliant and will make you pliant too.
[She raises the whip to strike SWANWHITE.
DUKE. [Raising his sword] Take heed of the head!
STEPMOTHER. Whose head?
DUKE. Your own!
The STEPMOTHER turns pale at first, and then angry; but she controls herself and remains silent; long pause.
STEPMOTHER. [Beaten for the moment, she changes her tone] Then will Your Grace inform your daughter what is now in store for her?