I am your spaniel, and, Demetrius,
The more you beat me, I will fawn on you.
Use me but as your spaniel – spurn me, strike me,
Neglect me, lose me. Only give me leave,
Unworthy as I am, to follow you.
– William Shakespeare
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act 2, Scene 1. Helena literally throws herself at Demetrius, as she grovels to him and metaphorically calls herself his submissive "spaniel." Her absurd pleadings and willingness to humiliate and degrade herself reek of her desperate love. She says that the more he beats her, the more she will love him.