Ulrich. Don’t you understand, my dear Jean? There they were in their own country, here they are in ours.[18]
Early in the first scene of The Changeling, by Thomas Middleton, Beatrice states clearly, and more than once, the physical repulsion De Flores causes her. Knowing full well, however, the dramatic value of illustrative action, Middleton handled the ending of the scene in this way. Beatrice turning to leave the room, starts as she finds De Flores close at hand.
Beatrice. (Aside.) Not this serpent gone yet? (Drops a glove.)
Vermandero. Look, girl, thy glove’s fallen,
Stay, stay! De Flores, help a little.
(Exeunt Vermandero, Alsemero and Servant.)
De Flores. Here, lady. (Offers her glove.)
Beatrice. Mischief on your officious forwardness!
Who bade you stoop? they touch my hand no more:
There! for the other’s sake I part with this;
(Takes off and throws down the other glove.)
Take ’em, and draw thine own skin off with ’em.
(Exit with Diaphanta and Servants.)