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diff --git a/41949-8.txt b/41949-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index db45df2..0000000 --- a/41949-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12167 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Cyrano de Bergerac, by Edmond Rostand - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Cyrano de Bergerac - An Heroic Comedy in Five Acts - -Author: Edmond Rostand - -Translator: Charles Renauld - -Release Date: January 30, 2013 [EBook #41949] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CYRANO DE BERGERAC *** - - - - -Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Veronika Redfern and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - - [Illustration: PHOTO. BY PACH - _MANSFIELD AS CYRANO DE BERGERAC._] - - - - - CYRANO DE BERGERAC - - An Heroic Comedy in Five Acts - - _Translated from the French of_ - - EDMOND ROSTAND - - BY - - CHARLES RENAULD - - _With an introduction by_ - ADOLPHE COHN - _Professor of the Romance languages and literatures in Columbia - University._ - - [Illustration: Publisher's Device] - - NEW YORK - FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY - PUBLISHERS - - - - - COPYRIGHT, 1898 - BY CHARLES RENAULD - - COPYRIGHT, 1899 - BY FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY - - _All rights reserved._ - - - - - _INTRODUCTION._ - - -The phenomenal success of "Cyrano de Bergerac" is undoubtedly one of the -most important literary events of the last quarter of a century. It at -once placed Edmond Rostand, a young man of twenty-eight, at the head of -the small band of French dramatic writers, all men of marked ability, -Maurice Donnay, Georges de Porto-Riche, François de Curel, Paul Hervieu, -Henri Lavedan, etc., who had been struggling for supremacy since the -disappearance of the two great masters of modern French comedy, Émile -Augier and Alexandre Dumas, fils. There was no hesitation on the part of -the public. It was at once recognised that what had just been produced -upon the stage was not simply better than what had been seen for a long -time, but was also, to a certain extent, of a different nature. And the -verdict rendered by the French public in December, 1897, has since then -been approved by readers and theatre-goers in nearly every one of the -countries belonging to Western civilisation. - -Can it be said, however, that to an American, or an Englishman, "Cyrano" -is all that it is to a Frenchman, that its production would have been -possible outside of as well as in France, and its success as significant -in London as in Paris? If "Cyrano" is really a great work these -questions must be answered negatively, for it is in the nature of great -literary works that they consist of a combination of what is purely -human with what belongs to the time and place where they have had their -birth. They must have enough of what is purely human to make it possible -for them to be universally accepted, understood and admired. But they -must be also strongly national, so that their universal acceptance may -help in spreading all over the world part of the national ideal which -prevails in their birthplace. And to these elements may be joined a -third one, which is sure to add greatly to their success, and which -"Cyrano" possesses in a very high degree, viz: timeliness. - -As soon as "Cyrano" appeared it seemed to the French that this was just -what they had been waiting for. Two things especially appealed to them, -one of a purely literary nature, the other one a part of the basis of -moral feelings and ideas upon which the play is built. - -First of all, it was a clear play, full of light and sunshine. Edmond -Rostand hails from the South of France, and the atmosphere of his play -is as translucid as the atmosphere of his native Provence. It is as far -removed from symbolism and mysticism as the shores of the Mediterranean -are from the fogs of Scandinavia. Every incident in the play rests upon -some trait of character or combination of circumstances which has been -explained at some previous moment. Every one of the leading characters, -and "Cyrano" most of all, stands out in bold relief, and there is no -mistaking what they stand for. - -But this clearness is mainly for the countrymen of the author. It -depends partly upon the previous possession by the audience of a number -of notions which are part of the intellectual inheritance of the race. -The play, although quite modern in its style and construction, is in -some respects for the French a resurrection of a portion of their -glorious past. For them the _Hôtel de Bourgogne, les Précieuses_, -Cardinal de Richelieu, etc., are more than mere names. The earlier part -of the Seventeenth Century was for France a period of wonderful national -energy. It is then, and not later, that France acquired that supremacy -over the European Continent which is usually associated with the name of -Louis XIV, but which was already established when that monarch assumed -the reins of government. - -The timeliness of Rostand's great play was shown exactly in this, that -it called the attention of the French back to a time when the nation was -full of youthful and vigourous ambition, when a Frenchman would hardly -believe that there was anything that he could not do if he set his mind -to it, when it became the fashion to say that "Impossible was not a -French word." - -Ever since the war of 1870 the pall of defeat had hung over the French. -The stage showed this in a striking manner. The plays that were produced -presented on the whole a stern or a pessimistic conception of life. The -great periods of history, especially, in which French valour carried -everything before it, remained neglected, for fear of the painful -contrast which they would present with the humiliated condition of a -vanquished country. - -The men who wrote these plays belonged to a generation in which, using -the words of a French academician, "the mainspring of joy had been -broken." - -But the young men who now come to the front, and who have no more -brilliant representative than Edmond Rostand, belong to another -generation. They have not known the pangs of defeat; the mutilation of -the beloved Fatherland was an accomplished fact when they began to feel -and to think. They viewed French history not as concentrated in its last -and heart-rending episode, but as spreading through centuries of heroic -deeds, oftener illuminated by the dazzling sunshine of victory than -darkened by the gloom of defeat. They were growing tired of hearing it -repeated on all tones that life was not worth living, and they longed -for some one who would shout in a voice loud enough to be heard by the -whole world, "Let the dead past bury its dead." - -In the acclaim that greeted "Cyrano de Bergerac" on December 28th, 1897, -therefore, there was something more than applause for a great dramatic -work: there was gratitude for the poet who had dispelled at last the -atmosphere of sadness which had come to be stifling for the young -Frenchmen of our time. The period of deep mourning was proclaimed to be -over. Glances towards the past were again declared to be indulged in -only as inspirations for the future. The glory, the joyfulness of action -again appeared as living realities, not as the deceptive dreams of -unsuspecting ignorance. Thus "Cyrano" presented to the French a play -such as they had not seen for a long time. There had been plenty of -problem plays, or _pieces à thése_, as the French say; "Cyrano" was a -_piece à panache_. - -Seldom has, indeed, the purpose of a dramatist been more clearly pointed -out than in "Cyrano." When the hero of the play breathes his last, after -an imaginary fight with all the unworthy traits of human nature and -society which he had antagonized during his checkered life, the one -thing which he informs his friends cannot be taken from him, which he -will proudly carry to the very presence of God, is his _panache_, and -this is the last word, and, as it were, the affabulation of the drama. - -Now, what is this _panache_ upon which "Cyrano" sets such a high value? -To understand it is to appreciate, to miss it is to miss the meaning of -the play. An explanation of it is, therefore, not out of place in this -introduction. - -The _panache_ is an external quality which adds colour and brilliancy to -internal things already worth having for their own intrinsic value. Its -main justification is personal bravery. To take an example, the generals -of the French Revolution, the marshals of Napoleon's army, all possessed -personal bravery to a high degree. They were not all distinguished by -the _panache_. Some of them, indeed, Marshal Davout, for instance, were -strikingly devoid of it. The representative of the _panache_ among them -was essentially Murat. The _panache_ is literally a high plume, or bunch -of plumes, that waves high above a commander's head-gear. Murat was -bravery itself. But he had to be as conspicuous as possible. He dressed -as gorgeously as he could. He rode a superb charger, and rode it -superbly. His fur cap was always surmounted by a high and richly -coloured plume, which was always discerned just where the battle most -fiercely raged. Not his the deeply laid and skilfully carried out plans, -but the brilliant and heroic cavalry charge. His eyes, his very voice, -irrespective of what he said, were an inspiration to his men, and -dispelled all fear of death. There is magnetism in the _panache_, and -readers may remember that a few years ago an American statesman whom his -friends proclaimed to be magnetic if nothing else, was known throughout -the land as the Plumed Knight. "Rally round my white panache," Henry the -Fourth said to his soldiers; "you will find it always on the path of -honour and duty." The _panache_, too, is essentially joyful. "Cyrano" is -joyful, in spite of a life that would breed discouragement and -bitterness in almost any heart but his. If reality denies him his share -of happiness, then he will find it in the domain the ideal. He will not -have to go without it. - -And here we strike another cause of "Cyrano's" success. It is not simply -a play, it is a poem, and poetry always leads us towards the ideal. This -is undoubtedly one of the reasons underlying the love of the French for -a verse play. The very swing of its verbal development lifts us above -the trivialities of daily life. - -One might almost say that the verse play is as characteristic of the -French as the Wagnerian lyric drama is of the Germans. - -Corneille, Racine, Hugo, Molière himself in such a play as _le -Misanthrope_, are idealists, and their message to the world at large, to -which must now be added that of the brilliant author of "Cyrano," tells -of things better than those we see around us, of things of beauty which -it lies in every one of us to bring somewhat nearer to our touch, if we -will only have the courage to live up to them. - -A few words now about the new rendering of the play which is here -presented to the English-reading public. A number of translations of -"Cyrano" have appeared before this one. If the facts were known, -however, it would perhaps appear that Mr. Charles Renauld's is the -earliest of all. It was undertaken by its author under the spell cast -upon the French mind by the sudden revelation of Rostand's genius, the -nature and causes of which it has been the purpose of this production to -elucidate. - -The Shakespearian character of the play, displayed in the freedom with -which the author brings in everything that seems to him likely to -complete the portrait of his hero, has been recognised by the -translator, as is shown by his use of a combination of prose and verse -passages. - -A real translator must be equally at home in the language of the work -translated and in the language into which he translates it. He must be -in thorough sympathy with the mental attitudes of the two nations whose -speeches he is transmuting one into the other. He must be able to be a -component atom of that collective being, the public, on one side as well -as on the other of the national frontiers that divide them. Thus only -will he be able to discover the means that will produce upon the reader -of the translation the impression first received by contact with the -original. - -The readers of Mr. Renauld's translation will, it is thought, -acknowledge that he possesses in a high degree the above-described -qualifications, and that he has been peculiarly felicitous, when the -text did not lend itself to translation proper, in devising what may be -termed adequate equivalents. - -Of the faithfulness of his rendering those acquainted with the French -language will easily judge, as they can have under the same cover the -English of the translator and the French of the dramatist, and they will -thus, it is hoped, acquire a clear and adequate conception of the -beautiful picture, which, thanks to Edmond Rostand, has restored life -and brilliancy to the somewhat faded features of that eccentric -philosopher, poet, hero and gentleman, Savinien Hercule de Cyrano -Bergerac. - - ADOLPHE COHN. - - - - - _PREFACE._ - - -The author of this translation trusts that he is not presuming too much -if, despite his aversion for anything akin to offensive thought and -mention of self, he claims the privilege of prefacing the result here -presented of his labours with a few remarks, not as a plea _pro domo -sua_, but as an explanation relating to the motives and to the methods -by which he was guided in his work. - -First of all, he desires to state that this, his version of Edmond -Rostand's "Cyrano de Bergerac" was written in the early part of 1898, -and copyrighted in Washington long before any other rendering in English -of the beautiful and now celebrated play was either published or -performed. Why did he withhold it until now? Simply because Mr. Edmond -Rostand, with whom he was not in touch, had innocently, or under -insufficient advice, neglected to copyright in the United States, and -had meanwhile made arrangements for the performance of the play in -America. Was the writer, who has long been, and is still, battling for a -better protection of literary property, to interfere with, or even seem -in any way to invade these arrangements? He thought not, despite -solicitations to the contrary. True that, armed with the valid copyright -of his own work, and with many technicalities at his disposal, he could -have brought about considerable litigation in his own behalf, that would -possibly have resulted in an indirect defence of Mr. Rostand's moral -rights still subsisting. But in the face of a very doubtful issue in the -courts, with a possible charge of officiousness out of them, he thought -it wiser to abstain, allowing time meanwhile to accomplish its work of -adjustment. - -Others, however, apparently satisfied with safety for a justification, -have not treated with the same respect Mr. Rostand's moral rights and -the arrangements made by him for the American production of his "Cyrano -de Bergerac." The play has been mutilated, adapted, or "improved" to -suit. There are just now, it is said, some twenty so-called stock -companies presenting it in different cities throughout the United -States. The original in French has been openly reprinted here, likewise -its British translation, and other translations (so-called) have been -offered to the public. Mr. Rostand did not copyright. Hence the result -of his labours, of his genius, belongs, it would seem, to whoever -chooses to pick it up! - -In these circumstances and now, there certainly can be no impropriety in -the publication of this work, the more so as Mr. Rostand is to receive -in this instance the royalties to which he is morally entitled. - -Further even. Who knows but that this royalty-paying version in book -form, or produced on the stage (the right to perform it having been -expressly reserved by the writer), may not assist in setting aside the -different versions that now interfere with Mr. Rostand's moral rights, -as well as with the arrangements he chose to make for stage production -in America? Diffidence would prevent the translator, were it not for the -valuable encouragement he has received, from adding that the present -version of "Cyrano de Bergerac" may, perchance, better than any of the -renderings in English now extant, lead to an adequate conception of the -beauties of the work in French. - -At all events, those who were consulted, including the eminent -publishers, and the distinguished writer of the Introduction to this -book, freely agreed with the author in his opinion that publication -under the foregoing conditions could do no harm, while it might effect -considerable good, were it only as an example in many respects, proving, -among other things, that there are those, even in America, for whom -impunity does not constitute right. - -But enough "talk of shop," perhaps too much, for the _genus irritabile -vatum_. - -At this point, the author feels that, if he expatiated on his methods of -translation, he might with some justice be accused of tiresome -insistence, or, to put it more gently, of obduracy in esoterism. He -will, therefore, confine himself to a few statements, and make them as -short as possible. - -This version of "Cyrano de Bergerac" was written originally for the -stage, where, according to opinion behind as well as before the curtain, -in America at least, verse may be acceptable for the expression of -occasional flights of thought, but not through the whole of a play, and -especially not for such portions of a play as are necessarily -colloquial. To explain this alleged distaste for verse on the stage -would lead us far beyond the limits of a preface. Suffice it, then, to -say, reserving developments for some future occasion, that, for poetic -emotion, English verse is more than the French dependent on form, on -expression. In other words, English verse is less than the French free -to consider only thought, or substance, irrespective of words, or -construction. As a rule, then, it would seem in English that dress comes -first and figure next; while in French the order appears to be reversed. -In consequence (and setting aside the fact that there exists a "magic of -words," that has been an all-time and frequent deceiver of men), the -average reader or listener instinctively expects from English verse a -somewhat conventional language, diversified with unusual words and -exceptional contractions, inversions, etc. It follows that, when this -special phraseology and peculiar construction are applied to everyday -thoughts, facts, occurrences and sentiments, the effect produced is not -an agreeable one, by reason of a sort of clash, the appearance of a -thing of prose, straight-laced and overdressed in verse, in a word, -unnaturalness. Further, the majority of English-speaking actors, -unavoidably imbued with the same spirit, so soon as they deal with -verse, unconsciously resort to a stilted diction that is distressingly -far-removed from the art that consists, through tedious and patient -work, in being natural. - -Natural, unconstrained verse can, with proper care, it is thought, be -written in English, and can certainly, with appropriate training, be -delivered with naturalness. This done, our audiences would no doubt take -kindly to the rhythm of plays in verse. But, as this does not yet seem -to have been fully accomplished, the undersigned translator of "Cyrano -de Bergerac" reluctantly decided to use both verse and prose. For this -liberty, though justified as above, he feels that he owes the French -poet an apology, adding, however, that the deed brought its own -punishment, since, strange as it may appear to some, it would have been -much easier to render the play all in verse. - -As to verse and metrics, on which, in this instance, a book could (and -later, may) be written, the author of this translation must now rest -satisfied with the following brief remarks. - -Enlightened by considerable experience, the result of many experiments -and after much thought, he adopted blank pentameter as the true -equivalent in English of French riming Alexandrine verse. First, because -in English, frequent elisions making many syllables heavy, and "run on" -lines practically adding to the number of syllables, the ten-syllable -line of English verse is in reality the counterpart of the -twelve-syllable verse in French. And second, because the object of rime -being, not to repeat a given sound, but to _beat time_, the strongly -accentuated syllables of English, as compared with the very much more -even enunciation of French, are quite sufficient, without rime or -assonance, to _mark rhythm_. Thus he avoided at least one criticism, to -wit: rime is monotonous! - -Touching metrics, the writer will here go only one step in the ways of -heresy, by stating that, in his opinion, such words as "our," "hour," -"fire," etc., should be, as in French, "duel," "hier," etc., counted for -one syllable, or for two syllables, according to rhythm as influenced -by the stronger or weaker emphasis called for by the _sense_ of the -word. This could be elucidated by examples, the place of which, however, -is not here. - -More generally as to methods, the writer makes free to state that, -exerting himself to avoid _literal_ translation (too often productive of -laughable nonsense), and _free_ translation (frequently a substitution -of the translator's for the author's thoughts), he endeavoured, as in -previous works of the same nature, to give what he has termed an -_equivalent_ translation. In other words, he strove to remain really -true to the original by creating in detail, as well as in a general way, -in English words on English minds the _impression_ caused by French -words on French minds. Some examples of the _equivalence_ at least -sought for will be found in the foot-notes on several pages of this -book. - -As to "le panache" that surmounts this masterpiece, "Cyrano de -Bergerac," of which it is the main feature, sending through it a breath -of joyful daring "quand même," the writer sought, as will be seen, to -describe it in triolets. These, too, might need to be explained, were it -not for the able commentary to be found in the Introduction so kindly -written for this book by one of the most learned and esteemed professors -of our Columbia University. - -The writer trusts that he may be pardoned for going at such length into -some of the minutiæ of his task, and he certainly should be acquitted if -he thereby succeeded in showing how much labour must be expended to -produce even a tolerable translation, and consequently, how little -justice is very often done to translators in general. He commends these -details to his friends as an inducement to think a while before they -leap, or rather jump at conclusions. Were he less charitably disposed, -or more eager for a practical demonstration, he could say to them -simply: "Try the task!" - - CHARLES RENAULD. - -NEW YORK, February, 1899. - - - - - "_LE PANACHE._" - - TRIOLETS. - - (_After the fashion of Rostand's in ACT II: "Ce sont les Cadets de - Gascogne."_) - - - O'er truth and daring floats a plume - That is no flaunting feather vain! - In knightly grace and flower's bloom, - O'er truth and daring floats a plume! - In festive hall, by silent tomb, - It waves aloft without a stain. - O'er truth and daring floats a plume - That is no flaunting feather vain! - - We'll call it, if you will, a broom; - But how it sweeps with proud disdain! - It sweeps the skies, and not a room! - We'll call it, if you will, a broom. - It is a symbol, not of gloom, - But of a dash that scorns to gain. - We'll call it, if you will, a broom; - But how it sweeps with proud disdain! - - O'er truth and daring floats a plume - That is no flaunting feather vain! - It marks for ay the hero's doom! - O'er truth and daring floats a plume. - It nods o'er chisel, brush and loom, - And consecrates the poet's strain. - O'er truth and daring floats a plume - That is no flaunting feather vain! - - CHARLES RENAULD. - - NEW YORK, 12th July, 1898. - - - - - _CAST OF CHARACTERS._ - - THÉÂTRE DE LA PORTE ST. MARTIN, PARIS, - 28th Dec., 1897 (_First night_). - - - CYRANO DE BERGERAC MR. COQUELIN. - CHRISTIAN DE NEUVILLETTE MR. VOLNY. - COUNT DE GUICHE MR. DESJARDINS. - RAGUENEAU MR. JEAN COQUELIN. - LE BRET MR. CASTILLAN. - CAPTAIN CARBON OF HAUGHTY-HALL[1] MR. GRAVIER. - { MR. PERICAUD. - { MR. DEMEY. - { MR. NOIZEUX. - CADETS OF GASCONY { MR. TERVAL. - { MR. KIRTAL. - { MR. ARMAND. - { MR. HOSSARD. - LIGNIÈRE MR. REBEL. - DE VALVERT MR. NICOLINI. - A MARQUIS MR. WALTER. - SECOND MARQUIS MR. LAUMONIER. - THIRD MARQUIS MR. HEMERY. - MONTFLEURY MR. PERICAUD. - BELLEROSE MR. DAVRIL. - JODELET MR. CARTEREAU. - CUIGY MR. GODEAU. - BRISSAILLE MR. BORGES. - AN INTRUDER MR. PERSON. - A MUSKETEER MR. CARLIT. - SECOND MUSKETEER MR. DURAND. - A SPANISH OFFICER MR. ALBERT. - A CAVALRYMAN MR. DOUBLEAU. - THE JANITOR MR. JOURDAN. - A TRADESMAN MR. LOISEAU. - TRADESMAN'S SON MR. BOURGEOIS. - A SPECTATOR MR. SAMSON. - A GUARD MR. DANNEQUIN. - BERTRANDOU, THE FIFE-PLAYER MR. G. MONPEURT. - A CAPUCHIN MONK MR. RAVART. - TWO MUSICIANS { MR. GASTON HENRY. - { MR. DAMON. - { MR. WILLIAMS. - THE POETS { MR. LEROY. - { ETC. - { MR. MALLET. - THE PASTRY-COOKS { MR. BERCHA. - { ETC. - - ROXANE MME. MARIE LEGAULT. - SISTER MARTHA MME. ESQUILAR. - LISE MME. BLANCHE MIROIR. - WAITING-GIRL MME. KERWICH. - MOTHER MARGARET OF JESUS MME. BOUCHETAL. - THE DUENNA MME. BOURGEOIS. - SISTER CLAIRE MME. PANNETIER. - A COMEDIENNE MME. LUCINNE. - A LADY'S MAID MME. VARENNES. - { MME. MARTHE MARTY. - THE PAGES { MME. LOISIER. - { MME. BERTHA. - { ETC. - THE FLOWER-GIRL - -The people, tradesmen, musketeers, thieves and pickpockets, -pastry-cooks, poets, Gascon cadets, comedians, violin-players, pages, -children, Spanish soldiers, spectators of both sexes, euphuistic ladies -("précieuses,") comediennes, tradeswomen, nuns, etc. - - (_The first four acts in 1640; the fifth in 1655._) - - [1] Note. As to translation of the name Carbon de Castel-Jaloux - (such _was_ the name of Cyrano's captain) see note page 77. - - [Illustration: _COQUELIN AS CYRANO DE BERGERAC._] - - - - - CYRANO DE BERGERAC. - - - - - _ACT I._ - - A PERFORMANCE AT THE HOTEL DE BOURGOGNE THEATRE. - - -_The interior of the Hotel de Bourgogne Theatre, in 1640. A sort of -Racket-Court arranged and decorated in view of performances. The -auditorium is a long square. It runs diagonally, and forms the -background, one of its sides beginning at first entrance, right, and -ending at last entrance, left, where it forms a right angle with the -stage, that is thus seen canted. On each side of this stage, benches -along the wings. The curtain is in two pieces of tapestry, that can be -drawn apart. Above the proscenium, the royal arms. Wide steps lead from -the stage to the auditorium. On either side of these steps, seats for -the violin-players. Foot-lights composed of candles._ - -_Two galleries, one above the other, running along the side of the -auditorium (that forms the diagonal background). The upper gallery is -divided into boxes. No seats in the pit. In the rear of this pit, really -front first entrance right, a few benches in tiers. Under a staircase -leading to the galleries, and only the lower part of which can be seen, -a refreshment side-board bearing lights, flowers, glasses, plates of -cakes, decanters, etc._ - -_In the rear, centre, under the galleries, the entrance to the house. A -wide door, half opened now and then to admit the audience. Near this -door, as well as near the side-board and in other places, red posters -giving the name of the play about to be performed: "La Clorise."_ - -_As the curtain rises, the house is empty and rather dark._ - -_The chandeliers have been lowered into the pit, but are not yet -lighted._ - - - _SCENE I._ - -_The audience enters gradually. Gentlemen, tradesmen, lackeys, pages, -pickpockets, the janitor, etc._ THE MARQUISES, CUIGY, BRISSAILLE, _the -waiting girl, the violins, etc._ - -_Noise outside the door, then a gentleman bursts in._ - - THE JANITOR (_pursuing him_). - -Here! Your fifteen sols! - - THE GENTLEMAN. - -I pay nothing for admission. - - THE JANITOR. - -Why so? - - THE GENTLEMAN. - -King's guard! - - THE JANITOR (_to another gentleman just come in_). - -You, Sir? - - SECOND GENTLEMAN. - -Free admission. - - THE JANITOR. - -But .... - - SECOND GENTLEMAN. - -Musketeer! - - FIRST GENTLEMAN (_to second gentleman_). - -It's not two o'clock yet, and the pit is empty. Suppose we fence a bit? - - (_They begin fencing with foils they have brought along._) - - A LACKEY (_entering_). - -Pst----Flanquin! - - ANOTHER LACKEY (_just in_). - -Hallo, Champagne! - - FIRST LACKEY (_taking cards and dice from out his doublet_). - -Cards? Dice? Let's play. - - (_Seats himself on the floor._) - - SECOND LACKEY. - -Certainly, you rascal. - - (_Takes a candle out of his pocket, lights it, and after seating - himself near first lackey, plants it on the floor._) - - GUARD (_taking flower-girl by the waist_). - -How sweet in you to come before the lights do! - - ONE OF THE FENCERS. - -Touched! - - ONE OF THE CARD-PLAYERS. - -Clubs! - - GUARD (_to flower-girl trying to escape_). - -A kiss! - - A MAN (_sitting on the floor, with a basket of provisions_). - -I come early, so as to eat in peace. A knowing fellow, when he is at the -Hôtel de Bourgogne, should drink his Burgundy. (_Drinks._) - - TRADESMAN (_to his son_). - - It's as bad as a low tavern.--(_Showing the man drinking_): - Drunkards!--(_One of the fencers backs up against him_): - Cut throats!--(_He is pushed on to the card-players_): - Gamblers! - - GUARD (_still pursuing the flower-girl_). - -A kiss! - - TRADESMAN (_hearing him_). - -And worse!--For shame! To think that walls like these, my son, have seen -the plays of Rotrou! - - THE SON. - -And Corneille's! - - A TROOP OF PAGES (_coming in, dancing and singing, - holding each other by the hand, so as to - form a string_). - -Tra la la la la la la la la la la lère!.... - - JANITOR (_to Pages severely_). - -No practical jokes, mind! - - FIRST PAGE (_with great dignity_). - -Sir, your suspicion is an offense!.... - - SECOND PAGE (_to first Page_). - -I have some string. Haven't you a fish-hook? - - FIRST PAGE. - -Of course I have! We can do some fine angling from up stairs. - - (_To the other Pages who are already in the gallery_). - -We're coming! - - THIRD PAGE (_in gallery_). - -We're ready! (_Blows dried peas at him through hollow stick._) - - A PICKPOCKET (_drawing around him some - suspicious-looking characters_). - -Now, youngsters, try to learn something. You see, the first time you -steal.... - - (_Driven away by dried peas blown in showers by the Pages above._) - - TRADESMAN (_to his son_). - -The play we are going to see: "La Clorise" .... - - SON. - -The author, please? - - TRADESMAN. - -Balthazar Baro. - - PICKPOCKET (_continuing his instructions_). - -Mind the lace around the knees![2] How you cut it! - - TRADESMAN (_to his son_). - -I was at the first performance of "Le Cid,"--(_pointing up_)--There! - - PICKPOCKET. - -As to watches.... and kerchiefs.... - - TRADESMAN. - -You are going, my son, to see illustrious actors. (_Enumerating_) -Montfleury! - - THE PAGES. - -Light the chandeliers! - - WAITING-GIRL (_offering her refreshments_). - -Oranges! Milk! Raspberry water! Cedar water! - - A MARQUIS (_entering_). - -Make way there, fellows! - - A LACKEY. - -What! a Marquis in the pit! - - MARQUIS (_to other Marquises who have followed him in_). - -The house is empty! Why, we enter like tradesmen, disturbing nobody, -treading on nobody's toes! Disgraceful! - - (_Meeting other noblemen just come in_). - -Cuigy! Brissaille! - - (_They salute and embrace each other with great affectation._) - - CUIGY. - -Patrons of art so faithful, yes, that we get here even before the -candles are lighted! - - MARQUIS. - -Do not mention it! I'm terribly out of humour! - - CUIGY (_seeing lamplighter enter_). - -Be consoled! Here is the lamplighter. - - ALL THE HOUSE (_satisfied_). - -Ah.... - - (_Groups around the chandeliers while they are being lighted. - Lignière enters the pit, leaning on the arm of Christian de - Neuvillette. Lignière, somewhat untidy, has the appearance of a - gentlemanly drunkard. Christian, dressed with care, but somewhat - out of fashion, seems thoughtful, and examines the boxes._) - - [2] NOTE. "La dentelle des canons."--"Canons" were ornamental - lace, embroidery or ribbons around the lower edge of - knee-breeches.--Not, as one translation has it: "the canonical - gentlemen's lace." - - - _SCENE II._ - - _The same_, CHRISTIAN, LIGNIÈRE, _then_ RAGUENEAU _and_ LE BRET. - - CUIGY. - -Why, here's Lignière! - - BRISSAILLE (_laughing_). - -And not yet drunk?.... - - LIGNIÈRE (_aside to Christian_). - -Shall I present you? - - (_Christian nods assent. Lignière presents._) - - Baron de Neuvillette. - - (_General salutations._) - - THE AUDIENCE (_as the first chandelier goes up_). - -Ah!.... - - CUIGY (_to Brissaille, looking at Christian_). - -A beautiful head! - - FIRST MARQUIS (_who has overheard_). - -Oh! so, so!.... - - LIGNIÈRE (_presenting to Christian_). - -Mr. de Cuigy, Mr. de Brissaille. - - CHRISTIAN (_bowing_). - -Delighted! - - FIRST MARQUIS (_to second_). - -He is good looking, but not dressed according to the latest fashion. - - LIGNIÈRE (_to Cuigy_). - -Baron de Neuvillette has just arrived from Touraine. - - CHRISTIAN. - -Yes, I've been in Paris only a few days. To-morrow I join the guards, -the Cadets. - - FIRST MARQUIS (_looking up to the boxes_). - -There is the wife of President Aubry. - - THE WAITING-GIRL. - -Oranges, milk .... - - THE VIOLINS (_tuning_). - -La, la, la, la, la. - - CUIGY (_to Christian, looking around_). - -Quite an assemblage! - - CHRISTIAN. - -Yes, indeed! - - FIRST MARQUIS. - -The cream of fashion. - - (_He seems to give the names of the different ladies who occupy the - boxes, in full dress. Bows, nods, answers, smiles._) - - SECOND MARQUIS. - -Mesdames de Guéménée.... - - CUIGY. - -De Bois-Dauphin.... - - FIRST MARQUIS. - -Whom we loved .... - - BRISSAILLE. - -De Chavigny .... - - SECOND MARQUIS. - -For whom our hearts are toys! - - LIGNIÈRE. - -There is Monsieur de Corneille, just from Rouen. - - TRADESMAN'S SON (_to his father_). - -The Academy is here?.... - - TRADESMAN. - -I see several of its members. Here are Boudu, Boissat, Cureau de la -Chambre, Porchères, Colomby, Bourzeys, Bourdon, Arbaud .... So many -names that can never die! How grand! - - FIRST MARQUIS. - -Attention! here are our lovely "précieuses,"[3] they of wondrous names: -Barthénoïde, Urimédonte, Cassandace, Félixérie .... - - SECOND MARQUIS. - -Delightful names! Marquis, you know them all? - - FIRST MARQUIS. - -I know them all, Marquis. - - LIGNIÈRE (_aside to Christian_). - -I came in to do you service. The lady comes not. So I return to my -tavern. - - CHRISTIAN (_imploringly_). - -Do not. You, who in your songs depict both town and court, can tell me -the name of one for whom I am dying of love. Remain! - - (_The violins begin to play._) - -I fear she may be something of a coquette and too subtle in her -refinement. I dare not speak to her, for my wit is dull and the language -of to-day confuses me. I am but a good soldier. She generally occupies -that box to the right--that empty one. - - LIGNIÈRE (_as if to leave_). - -I must go. - - CHRISTIAN (_holding him_). - -Remain, please. - - LIGNIÈRE. - -I cannot. D'Assoucy expects me at the tavern. One might die of thirst -here. - - WAITING-GIRL (_passing_). - -Lemonade! - - LIGNIÈRE. - -Fie! - - WAITING-GIRL. - -Milk! - - LIGNIÈRE. - -Ugh! - - WAITING-GIRL. - -Wine! - - LIGNIÈRE. - -(_to Christian_). (_to waiting-girl_). - -I'll stay a while. Let me taste your wine. - - (_Takes a seat near the buffet. Waiting-girl serves wine to him._) - - SHOUTS IN THE AUDIENCE (_on the entrance of a - short, plump and jovial looking man_). - -Here's Ragueneau! - - LIGNIÈRE (_to Christian_). - -The celebrated poulterer and pastry-cook! - - RAGUENEAU (_in his best pastry-cook clothes, going - up to Lignière_). - -Sir, have you seen Monsieur de Cyrano? - - LIGNIÈRE (_presenting Ragueneau to Christian_). - -The caterer of comedians and poets! - - RAGUENEAU (_bowing low_). - -Flattered, indeed!.... - - LIGNIÈRE. - -Come, come, you Mæcenas! - - RAGUENEAU. - -They honour me with their custom .... - - LIGNIÈRE. - -But seldom pay. A good poet himself .... - - RAGUENEAU. - -They say so. - - LIGNIÈRE. - -Enthusiastic for verse! - - RAGUENEAU. - -The fact is that for a short poem .... - - LIGNIÈRE. - -You willingly give a pie. - - RAGUENEAU. - -A small tart only! - - LIGNIÈRE. - -Good fellow, he excuses himself!.... And for a triolet did you not give -.... - - RAGUENEAU. - -Only a few rolls! - - LIGNIÈRE (_sternly_). - -Milk-rolls!.... And the stage? You like it? - - RAGUENEAU. - -I love it. - - LIGNIÈRE. - -And you buy your way in with your cakes. - - RAGUENEAU. - -Oh, so few! (_Looking around._) But I am surprised not to see Monsieur -de Cyrano! - - LIGNIÈRE. - -Why so? - - RAGUENEAU. - -Because Montfleury plays! - - LIGNIÈRE. - -That talking hogshead? True. To-night he plays Phédon. But what cares -Cyrano? - - RAGUENEAU. - -Don't you know? Monsieur de Cyrano has taken an aversion for him, and, -gentlemen, has forbidden him to appear on the stage for a whole month. - - LIGNIÈRE (_emptying his fourth glass_). - -Well, then? - - RAGUENEAU. - -Oh! I only came to see what is going to happen. - - FIRST MARQUIS (_who has come up meanwhile with Cuigy_). - -Who is this Cyrano? - - CUIGY. - -A capital swordsman. - - SECOND MARQUIS. - -Of noble birth? - - CUIGY. - -Sufficiently so. He is a cadet in the guards. - - (_Indicating a gentleman who appears to be seeking somebody._) - -But here's his friend Le Bret.... - - (_Calling_) Le Bret! (_Le Bret comes down._) - -You are looking for Bergerac? - - LE BRET. - -Yes, and with some anxiety.... - - CUIGY. - -Am I not right in stating that he is no ordinary man? - - LE BRET (_moved_). - -He is the most exquisite of creatures sublunary. - - RAGUENEAU. - -A rimester! - - CUIGY. - -A swordsman! - - BRISSAILLE. - -A scientist! - - LE BRET. - -A musician! - - LIGNIÈRE. - -But how strange is his appearance! - - RAGUENEAU. - -No solemn painter, like Philip de Champaigne, probably, will ever give -us a portrait of him. But he is so odd, extravagant, wild and strange, -that he could well have served Jacques Callot as a model for the most -erratic of his fighting heroes. Three-plumed hat, astounding doublet, -cloak whose folds a sword draws up behind, in stateliness, like the -saucy tail of a cock.[4] Prouder than the proudest of Gascony's -numberless haughty sons, he wears, above his Pulcinella ruff, a -nose!.... Ah! mylords, what a nose is that nose! It is impossible, in -presence of such a nose-bearer[5] not to think: "This, really, is -exaggeration!" Then you will smile, and think: "Of course, he'll take it -off." But Monsieur de Bergerac never takes it off. - - LE BRET. - -Never--but whoever notices that nose he wears is sure to get a -swordthrust for the attention. - - RAGUENEAU. - -His sword is one of the two blades of the fatal sisters' scissors! - - FIRST MARQUIS (_shrugging his shoulders_). - -He will not come. - - RAGUENEAU. - -Oh! yes, he will. I'll bet.... a chicken....à la Ragueneau. - - (_Murmurs of admiration as Roxane appears in her box, where she - takes a seat in front, while her duenna sits behind her. Christian, - busy paying the waiter-girl, does not notice her entrance._) - - SECOND MARQUIS (_affectedly_). - -Oh! gentlemen, she is frightfully lovely! - - FIRST MARQUIS. - -A peach divine, smiling in a nest of strawberries.[6] - - SECOND MARQUIS. - -So refreshing that she might give one a cold in the heart! - - CHRISTIAN (_perceiving Roxane, and clutching - Lignière's arm_). - -It's she! - - LIGNIÈRE (_looking up_). - -So this is your deity! - - CHRISTIAN. - -Yes, speak quickly. I tremble. - - LIGNIÈRE (_slowly sipping his wine_). - -Magdeleine Robin, otherwise Roxane. Refined and quick. A "précieuse." - - CHRISTIAN. - -Alas! - - LIGNIÈRE. - -Independent. An orphan. Cousin of Cyrano, whom you heard mentioned just -now. - - (_A gentleman, very finely dressed, wearing a blue ribbon crosswise - from shoulder to waist, enters the box, and remains engaged in - conversation with Roxane._) - - CHRISTIAN (_starting_). - -That man?.... - - LIGNIÈRE (_slightly intoxicated, winking_). - -Ha, ha! The Count de Guiche. Very much in love with her. But he is the -husband of Richelieu's niece. And he is urging Roxane to marry rather a -sorry fellow, Monsieur de Valvert, who is both of noble birth and.... -accommodating. She resists, but Guiche has influence. I wrote a song on -the subject. No doubt he bears me a grudge for it. The end is cutting. -Just listen: - - (_He rises, holding up his glass, ready to sing._) - - CHRISTIAN. - -No, stop.--I must leave. - - LIGNIÈRE. - -And you are going?.... - - CHRISTIAN. - -To seek this Valvert. - - LIGNIÈRE. - -Take care. Perhaps it's he that might kill you. (_Indicating Roxane._) -See! she is looking at you. - - CHRISTIAN. - -True. (_He remains, looking up as if transfixed. The pickpockets get -close around him._) - - LIGNIÈRE. - -'Tis I who leave. I'm thirsty and I must be expected--in some tavern! - - (_Exit unsteadily._) - - LE BRET (_who has been walking, to Ragueneau_). - -I feel relieved. Cyrano has not come. - - RAGUENEAU (_incredulous_). - -I'd be astonished.... - - THE AUDIENCE. - -The play! The play! The play! - - [3] Query.--Might it not be argued that the "précieuses" were perhaps - spiritual daughters of the _euphuists_, disciples of John Lyly, - who flourished in England under Queen Elizabeth, about half a - century before the time of action here? - - [4] Note.--Not "an insolent cocktail," as one translation has it. - - [5] Note.--Literal translation of "nasigère," a word invented by - Ragueneau, would be euphuist. - - [6] Note.--The play on the word "fraise" (both "strawberry" and - "ruff") could not be reproduced. - - - _SCENE III._ - - _The same, except_ LIGNIÈRE; GUICHE, VALVERT, _then_ MONTFLEURY. - - SECOND MARQUIS (_seeing Guiche, as he comes - from Roxane's box, crossing the pit, - surrounded with fawning friends, among - whom Valvert_). - -Guiche! Ff! Another Gascon! - - FIRST MARQUIS. - -Yes, of the cool and supple breed, the one that thrives. We had better -greet him, believe me. - - (_Both go up to meet Guiche. General salutations._) - - SECOND MARQUIS. - -Beautiful ribbons! What colour, Count? "Kiss-me-darling," or -"roe's-breast?" - - GUICHE. - -Colour? "Sickly-Spaniard." - - FIRST MARQUIS. - -The colour is fast and true; for soon, thanks to your valor, the -Spaniard will be worse than uneasy in Flanders! - - GUICHE. - -I am going to my seat on the stage. Are you coming? - - (_He and his followers walk up on to the stage. Guiche turns and - calls._) - -Come along, Valvert! - - CHRISTIAN (_who has heard, starting_). - -That viscount! Now I'll fling at him!.... - - (_Puts his hand to his pocket and finds there the hand of a - thief._) - - (_holding on to the pickpocket_). - -I was looking for a glove! - - PICKPOCKET (_smiling_). - -And you find a hand. (_Aside and rapidly._) Let me go and I'll tell you -a secret. - - CHRISTIAN (_still holding him_). - -What secret? - - PICKPOCKET. - -Lignière, who has just left you, is going to his death. A song of his -gave offence to.... some great man, and one hundred men, I know it, will -lie in wait for him to-night.... - - CHRISTIAN (_still holding on_). - -One hundred! Paid by whom? - - PICKPOCKET. - -Discretion.... - - CHRISTIAN (_shrugging his shoulders_). - -Oh! - - PICKPOCKET (_with great dignity_). - -Professional discretion.... - - CHRISTIAN. - -Where? - - PICKPOCKET. - -At the Porte de Nesle, his way home. Warn him in time. - - CHRISTIAN (_freeing the pickpocket_). - -Where can I find Lignière? - - PICKPOCKET. - -In one of the taverns near here: "The Golden Wine-Press," "The -Fir-Cone," "The Bursting-Belt," "The Two Torches," "The Three Funnels." -Go the rounds and leave a note in each. - - CHRISTIAN. - -I'll do it! The wretches! A hundred men against one! (_Looking up toward -Roxane._) But to leave her! (_With a look of fury toward Valvert._) And -him! But I must save Lignière! - - (_He rushes out. Guiche and his followers have gone on to the stage - behind the curtain, to take their seats. The pit is full; so are - the galleries and boxes._) - - THE AUDIENCE. - -The play! The play! Curtain! - - TRADESMAN (_whose wig flies up hooked by one - of the pages above_). - -My wig! (_Shaking his fist at the pages._) Scoundrels! - - (_All the audience laughs. Sudden silence._) - - LE BRET (_astonished_). - -What is it? - - TRADESMAN (_near Le Bret_). - -The Cardinal.... there.... in a screened box. - - A PAGE. - -Good-bye, fun! (_Raps on the stage. Order in the audience. Wait._) - - A MARQUIS (_behind the curtain, during silence_). - -Snuff that candle! - - OTHER MARQUIS (_passing through the split in the - curtain_). - -A chair, please! - - (_A chair is passed, from hand to hand, over the heads of the - audience. The marquis takes it and disappears behind the curtain, - after sending a few kisses up into the boxes._) - - (_Three raps on the stage. Curtain is drawn aside. Tableau. - Marquises seated on either side of the stage, in impertinent - attitudes. Drop represents a bluish pastoral scene. Low music by - the violins._) - - LE BRET (_aside to Ragueneau_). - -Montfleury comes in at once, does he not? - - RAGUENEAU (_aside to Le Bret_). - -Yes. Monsieur de Cyrano is not here, and I have lost my bet. - - LE BRET. - -I am glad of it. - - (_A bag-pipe air, and Montfleury appears, a very powerful man in a - poetic shepherd's dress: his hat ornamented with roses and his - bag-pipe with ribbons._) - - THE PIT (_applauding_). - -Bravo, Montfleury! Montfleury! - - MONTFLEURY (_after bowing, begins his part of Phédon_). - - "Oh! happy he who far from courts, in solitude,[7] - Self-banished, has cast off the chains of servitude, - And who, when zephyr sighs and rustles through the leaves...." - - A VOICE IN THE PIT. - -You rascal, did I not suspend you for a month? - - (_Astonishment. Everybody eager to see who spoke. Murmurs._) - - SEVERAL OF THE AUDIENCE. - -What? What is it? Who? Why? - - (_People in the boxes rise, to see better._) - - CUIGY. - -It's he! - - LE BRET (_frightened_). - -Cyrano! - - THE VOICE IN THE PIT. - -King of clowns, get off the stage! - - THE HOUSE. - -Oh! - - MONTFLEURY. - -But.... - - THE VOICE IN THE PIT. - -You recalcitrate?[8] - - VOICES IN THE PIT (_and in the boxes_). - -Silence! Enough! Go on, Montfleury! Montfleury, have no fear!.... - - MONTFLEURY (_in shaking tone_). - -"Oh! happy he who far from courts, in sol...." - - THE VOICE IN THE PIT (_more threatening_). - -Well, you king of knaves, shall I be forced to plant a grove of these -upon your shoulders? - - (_A stick is seen to rise in the pit._) - - MONTFLEURY (_in still weaker tones_). - -"Oh! happy he...." - - (_The stick is shaken threateningly._) - - THE VOICE IN THE PIT. - -Get off, I say! - - THE PIT. - -Oh! - - MONTFLEURY (_almost breathless_). - -"Oh! happy he who far ...." - - CYRANO (_in the pit, standing on his chair, arms - folded, hat cocked on the side of his head, - his mustache bristling and his nose terrible_). - -I am going to let my temper loose! - - (_Excitement in the audience._) - - [7] Note.--Alexandrine verse adopted here and further on (beginning - of Act II) as being more pompous. - - [8] Note.--The words "you kick," in the place of "tu récalcitres," - were suggested by a friend, as a better translation. But the good - critic failed to realise that Cyrano does not use slang, and is - almost always, on the contrary, somewhat hyperbolic, addicted to - willful oddity of speech.--"Récalcitrant," adj.-part. (doggedly - resisting), is frequently used in French. But the infinitive - "récalcitrer," though it exists, and the other forms of the verb - are seldom, if ever, heard.--Cyrano, therefore, calls up a smile, - if not a laugh, by resorting to the verb in the second person, - singular, present, indicative.--_To recalcitrate_ is a good - English word (see Longfellow), but it is so seldom used that it - creates on the English ear the same impression of amused surprise - that is induced by the original. - - - _SCENE IV._ - - _The same_, CYRANO, _then_ BELLEROSE, JODELET. - - MONTFLEURY (_to the Marquises_). - -Protect me, gentlemen! - - A MARQUIS (_languidly_). - -Play on! Play on! - - CYRANO. - -Now mind me, corpulence! If you play, I'll have to spank your cheeks. - - THE MARQUIS. - -Enough! Enough! - - CYRANO. - -Let the gentlemen remain silent on their benches. Otherwise their -ribbons will have a taste of my stick. - - ALL THE MARQUISES (_rising_). - -This is too much, indeed! Montfleury! - - CYRANO. - -Montfleury must go, or I shall crop his ears and disembowel him! - - A VOICE. - -But .... - - CYRANO. - -He must go! - - ANOTHER VOICE. - -We cannot .... - - CYRANO. - -What! Not gone yet! - - (_As if he were going to turn up his sleeves_). Then must I go upon - the stage to cut up this overgrown sausage into slices? - - MONTFLEURY (_with an attempt at dignity_). - -By insulting me, Sir, you insult the Muse Thalia! - - CYRANO (_with great courtesy_). - -If the Muse Thalia, with whom you are not related, Sir, had the honour -of your acquaintance and saw you so fat and so silly, she would -certainly give you a lift with her buskin. - - THE PIT. - -Montfleury! Montfleury! The play. - - CYRANO (_to the noisy ones around him_). - -Have pity on my scabbard! If you continue thus, it will lose control of -its blade. - - (_The circle around him widens._) - - (_to Montfleury_). - -Get off the stage! - - (_The crowd closes in on him, muttering._) - - (_Turning suddenly_). - -Any objection made? - - (_Crowd falls back again._) - - A VOICE (_in the rear_). - -Monsieur de Cyrano is a tyrant. "La Clorise" shall be played. - - THE AUDIENCE. - -"La Clorise!" "La Clorise!" - - CYRANO. - -If I hear that again, I'll slaughter you all. - - TRADESMAN. - -You are not Samson! - - CYRANO. - -I will be, my dear Sir, if you'll lend me your jaw. - - A LADY (_in one of the boxes_). - -Disgraceful disturbance! - - A GENTLEMAN. - -Scandalous! - - A PAGE. - -Oh! What fun! - - THE PIT. - -Kss! Kss! Montfleury! Cyrano! - - CYRANO. - -Silence! Such is my order. I challenge the whole pit! Now for the names! -Come up here, young heroes. Take the line, please; I'll distribute -numbers. Well, who'll be number one? You, Sir? No! You, then? No! I'll -favour number one by prompt attendance. Let any one who desires to die -hold up a hand. - - (_Silence around him._) - -Oh! I see. You are prudish and would not like to see a blade naked. Not -a name? Not a hand?--Very well, then, I continue. - - (_Turning again to the stage, on which Montfleury is waiting in - agony_). - -I desire to see the stage cured of a monstrous tumor. And, if necessary, -I'll use ... (_putting his hand to his sword_) a lancet! - - MONTFLEURY. - -But I .... - - CYRANO (_gets off his chair and sits down on it, - comfortably, with a wide circle around him_). - -Attention, full moon! I'll clap my hands thrice. The third time, there -must be an eclipse. - - THE PIT (_amused_). - -Ah! Good! - - CYRANO (_striking his hands together_). - -One! - - MONTFLEURY. - -But I .... - - A VOICE (_from the boxes_). - -Stay, Montfleury! - - THE PIT. - -Will stay, will not! Will stay, will not! - - MONTFLEURY. - -I believe, gentlemen .... - - CYRANO. - -Two! - - MONTFLEURY. - -It would be far better .... - - CYRANO. - -Three! - - (_Montfleury disappears as if by magic. General laughter, - whistling, etc._) - - CYRANO (_leaning back in his chair, and crossing - his legs_). - -Let him return if he dares! - - THE AUDIENCE. - -The company's orator! - - (_Bellerose advances and bows._) - - THE BOXES. - -Ah! here is Bellerose! - - BELLEROSE (_with great elegance_). - -Noble lords .... - - THE PIT. - -No! No! Jodelet! - - JODELET (_with a nasal twang_). - -Disturbers of the peace! The heavy tragedian whose bulk suits your -fancy, felt.... - - THE PIT. - -He is a coward! - - JODELET. - -Suddenly unwell ... and was compelled to retire. - - THE PIT. - -Let him return!--No!--Yes!-- - - A YOUNG MAN (_to Cyrano_). - -But, after all, Sir, what reason is there for your hating Montfleury? - - CYRANO (_very courteous, still seated_). - -Young gosling, there are two, either one of which is sufficient in -itself. First: he is a bad actor; he rants, and seems to lift with a -derrick lines that have wings of their own. Second: but that is _my_ -secret. - - TRADESMAN (_behind Cyrano_). - -But, Sir, you deprive us of the pleasure of hearing "La Clorise." I -insist.... - - CYRANO (_turning in his chair toward the - tradesman respectfully_). - -Venerable mule, Baro's verse is worthless. I interrupt without the -slightest remorse. - - THE "PRÉCIEUSES" (_in the boxes_). - -Baro! Our Baro! Heavens! Is it possible? - - CYRANO (_turning his chair to the boxes, with - great courtesy_). - - Fair beings .... - Irradiate and bloom, be Hebes, all, - Dispensing dream; with smile make death a feast - To us----inspire verse.... but judge it not! - - BELLEROSE. - -How about the money we'll have to return? - - CYRANO (_turning his chair toward the stage_). - -Bellerose, you have said the only intelligent thing yet heard to-day. I -would not for the world make holes in the cloak of Thespis. - - (_He rises and throws a small bag upon the stage_). - -Catch this purse and hold your tongue! - - THE AUDIENCE (_bewildered_). - -Ah!.... Oh!.... - - JODELET (_picking up the purse and weighing it_). - -For the same price, Sir, you may daily prevent the performance of "La -Clorise"!.... - - THE AUDIENCE. - -Hu!.... Hu!.... - - JODELET. - -Even if we are to be hooted .... Clear the house! - - (_The audience begins to leave. Cyrano looks on with great - satisfaction. The crowd, however, soon stops as the following - discussion begins. The ladies in the boxes, who had already risen - to go, and put on their wraps, resume their seats_). - - LE BRET (_to Cyrano_). - -You are insane! - - AN INTRUDER (_who has come up to Cyrano_). - -A comedian like Montfleury! Scandalous! Why! He is a favourite of the -Duke de Candale's! What powerful patron have you? - - CYRANO. - -None! - - THE INTRUDER. - -No patron? - - CYRANO. - -No! - - THE INTRUDER. - -What! no high-born gentleman whose name can shield you? - - CYRANO (_impatient_). - -I've said No twice already. A third time: No! I've no protector.... -(_his hand on his sword_) but this! - - THE INTRUDER. - -You are going to leave town, then? - - CYRANO. - -Hardly probable. - - THE INTRUDER. - -But the Duke has a long reach! - - CYRANO. - -Not so long as mine .... (_showing his sword_) with this extension! Now, -go about your business. - - THE INTRUDER. - -But allow me.... - - CYRANO. - -Go! Or, rather, tell me why you look so sharply at my nose. - - THE INTRUDER (_abashed_). - -What! I.... - - CYRANO. - -Is there anything extraordinary about it? - - THE INTRUDER. - -Your lordship mistakes.... - - CYRANO. - -Is it soft and swinging like an elephant's trunk? - - THE INTRUDER. - -I did not say.... - - CYRANO. - -Or crooked like the beak of an owl? - - THE INTRUDER. - -No; I.... - - CYRANO. - -Is there a wart on the end of it? Or a fly? What's amiss with it? Or is -it a phenomenon? - - THE INTRUDER. - -Why, I didn't even look at it! - - CYRANO. - -Why shouldn't you look at it? Is it repulsive? - - THE INTRUDER. - -My dear Sir.... - - CYRANO. - -In colour unhealthy? In shape indecent? - - THE INTRUDER. - -Not at all! - - CYRANO. - -Why, then, seem to revile it? Perhaps the gentleman finds it rather -large? - - THE INTRUDER (_stammering_). - -I find it small, very, very small. - - CYRANO. - -How small? Ridiculously then? My nose small! Why, my nose is enormous! -Remember, vile flat-nose and flat-head, that I am proud of such an -appendix! For a large nose properly indicates a man that is affable, -kind, courteous, witty, liberal and brave, such as I am, and such as -you, miserable knave! can never be; for the inglorious face that my hand -is about to seek above your collar is as destitute ..... (_he slaps -intruder's face_). - - THE INTRUDER. - -Oh! - - CYRANO. - -Of pride, of flight, of poesy, of picturesqueness, of fire, of -magnificence, of Nose, in fact, as the one.... (_Cyrano seizes the -Intruder by the shoulders and kicks him in the seat_) that my boot now -reaches at the base of your back. - - THE INTRUDER (_escaping_). - -Help! Guards! - - CYRANO. - - Fair warning, then, to idle lookers on - Who criticise the centre of my face! - The critic, if a gentleman, will get,-- - Before he flies,--in front and higher too, - My custom's such, some steel instead of leather! - - GUICHE (_who with the marquises, has come down - from the stage_). - -The gentleman is getting very tiresome! - - VICOMTE DE VALVERT (_shrugging his shoulders_). - -He is a braggart! - - GUICHE. - -And no one answers him?.... - - THE VICOMTE. - -No one? Just wait. Such a retort as I'm going to send him! - - (_He advances toward Cyrano, who has been looking at him, and draws - himself up with an air of foppish vanity._) - -You.... you have a nose.... hum! a nose, Sir, that is.... very large. - - CYRANO (_very quietly and seriously_). - -Very large, indeed! - - VICOMTE (_laughing_). - -Ha! Ha! - - CYRANO (_with great self-possession_). - -Is that all? - - VICOMTE. - -Well, I.... - - CYRANO. - -No, no, that's a little too short, young man! You might have said.... -Well.... many things.... in different keys. For instance, listen: -_Aggressive_: "I, Sir, had I such a nose, would at once have it -amputated."--_Friendly_: "It must dip into your glass. To drink with -comfort, you should have a hanap constructed!"--_Descriptive_: "It is a -rock!... a peak!!.... a headland!!! More than a headland, a whole -peninsula!"--_Inquisitive_: "What may this oblong thing be used for? A -writing-desk or a tool-chest?"--_Pleasant_: "Do you love birds so much -that you feel bound to offer them so comfortable a resting -place?"--_Fierce_: "When you use tobacco, Sir, can you emit smoke from -that nose without your neighbours' crying that there is a chimney on -fire?"--_Thoughtful_: "Be careful; so much top-hamper might cause you to -fall!"--_Affectionate_: "Have a parasol made for it; the sun might fade -its colour!"--_Pedantic_: "For so much flesh on so much bone beneath the -forehead, we must go back, Sir, to the animal Aristophanes calls -Hippocampelephantocamelos!"--_Flippant_: "Why! man, is that the fashion -for hooks? Certainly convenient for hanging up a hat!"--_Emphatic_: -"Masterly nose, no wind can make you catch aught but a fractional cold! -None but a northern hurricane!"--_Dramatic_: "When it bleeds, we have -the Red Sea!"--_Admiringly_: "For a perfumer, what a sign!"--_Lyric_: -"Is it a shell trumpet, and are you a triton?"--_Innocent_: "When is -this monument open to visitors?"--_Respectful_: "This is really owning a -mansion with a gable on it!"--_Countrylike_: "That be not a nose, but a -big turnip, or a young melon!"--_Military_: "Point against -cavalry!"--_Practical_: "Will you put it up in a lottery? It will surely -be the largest prize!"--Finally, to parody the grief of Pyramus: - - So here we have the nose that on its master came - To ruin harmony! The traitor's red for shame! - -That is about what you might have said, dear boy, if you had a -sprinkling of letters and a bit of humour. Of humour, though, lamentable -being, you never had an atom; and, as to letters, you never had but the -four that spell the word Fool!--Some invention is requisite for -extravagant jests before such an audience, but, even if you had it, you -could not have uttered a quarter of the half of the beginning of what I -said; for I may be willing to serve such sport myself, but I allow -nobody to serve it to _me_. - - GUICHE (_endeavouring to lead away the Vicomte_). - -Vicomte, pay no attention to him! - - VICOMTE (_overwhelmed_). - -Such arrogance! An insignificant little squire .... who .... who .... -doesn't even wear gloves!....and who sallies forth without ribbons, bows -or trimmings! - - CYRANO. - - 'Tis morally I have my elegance, - I do not dress as does a fop, but I - Am better groomed than some more richly clad. - I'd not set forth with traces of neglect - About me, say: an insult left unwashed, - A conscience still confused and half asleep, - My honour soiled, or scruples out of shape. - When I proceed, I do so clean and bright, - With truthful independence for a plume. - 'Tis not my form I lace to hold it up, - It is my soul I try to elevate! - The ribbons that I wear are only deeds; - I twist perhaps my wit like a mustache; - But then I cause, as I go through your groups, - Above the clash of spurs, the truth to ring! - - VICOMTE. - -But, Sir .... - - CYRANO. - -I have no gloves on?.... What matters it? I did have one left from a -very old pair! One day I found it somewhat in the way .... and I left it -on somebody's face. - - VICOMTE. - -Knave, puppy, flat-footed ridiculous bully! - - CYRANO (_taking off his hat and bowing, as if the - Vicomte had just presented himself_). - -Ah! delighted!.... and I: Cyrano, Savinian, Hercules de Bergerac. - - (_Laughter around._) - - VICOMTE (_exasperated_). - -Buffoon! - - CYRANO (_uttering a cry as if he had a cramp_). - -Ay!.... - - VICOMTE (_who was leaving, returning_). - -What is it now? - - CYRANO (_grinning as if in pain_). - -I must move it, for it is asleep.... What a mistake to let it remain -inactive.... Ay!.... - - VICOMTE. - -What ails you? - - CYRANO. - -It's my sword that's tingling! - - VICOMTE (_drawing his sword_). - -Be it so! - - CYRANO. - -I'll show you a neat little thrust. - - VICOMTE (_disdainfully_). - -Poet! - - CYRANO. - -Yes, Sir, a poet! So much so that, while we play swords here, I -mean--hop!--on the spur of the moment, to improvise for you a ballade. - - VICOMTE. - -A ballade? - - CYRANO. - -Yes. I'll wager you do not know what is a ballade. - - VICOMTE. - -But.... - - CYRANO (_as if reciting a lesson_). - -Well, then, a ballade is composed of three stanzas of eight lines -each.... - - VICOMTE (_stamping impatiently_). - -Oh! - - CYRANO (_continuing_). - -Plus an Envoy of four lines. Twenty-eight lines in all, with only three -rimes.... - - VICOMTE. - -You.... - - CYRANO. - -I am going to compose one while fighting, and when I come to the last -line, Sir, I'll touch you! - - VICOMTE. - -You'll not! - - CYRANO. - -Be sure, I shall! - - (_Declaiming._) - -Ballade of the Duel Between Monsieur de Bergerac and a Coxcomb. - - VICOMTE. - -What is that, if you please? - - CYRANO. - -That is the title. - - THE AUDIENCE (_greatly excited_). - -Make room there!.... Capital!.... Stand back!.... Be silent!.... - - (_Tableau.--Circle of lookers-on in the pit,--marquises and - officers, with the tradesmen and common people. Pages on each - others' shoulders for a better view. All the women standing in the - boxes. To the right, Guiche and his followers. To the left, Le - Bret, Ragueneau, Cuigy, etc._). - - CYRANO (_closing his eyes for a moment_). - -Wait....I'm selecting my rimes....There now, I'm ready! - - (_He does as he says while speaking the verses._) - - My hat with grace I cast aside; - Next, watch me, please, I slowly free - The cloak in which I'm wont to stride; - And then I draw my sword, you see. - A Celadon[9] you have in me, - A Scaramuccia very much; - But, pygmy, moderate your glee, - For, when I close th' Envoy, I'll touch! - - 'Twere better you had slept or died. - O goose, where shall I puncture thee? - Beneath the ribs? Above? Decide! - Or through the breast, where ribbons be? - The hilts are ringing. One, two, three! - My sword, beware! is not a crutch. - I'll strike according to decree, - For, when I close th' Envoy, I'll touch! - - I seek in vain a rime in _ide_. - You back--and whiten--let's agree - Upon a word, say: trembling hide, - So, tac! I parry, just a wee, - Your vicious thrust. Now finish we! - I open--quart--or something such---- - Hold well that spit, you dog, or flee,[10] - For, when I close th' Envoy, I'll touch! - - (_He announces with solemnity_). - - ENVOY.[11] - - Now, Prince, may heaven hear your plea! - I follow, though you break and clutch. - I cut--I feint--Be ready--Hee! (_He lunges._) - - (_Vicomte staggers; Cyrano bows._) - -For now I close th' Envoy.... (_pointing to Vicomte_) - - I touch! - - (_Applause in boxes. Flowers and handkerchiefs are thrown. Officers - surround and congratulate Cyrano. Ragueneau dances for joy. Le Bret - seems both overjoyed and dejected. The Vicomte's friends support - him and bear him off._) - - A MUSKETEER (_most cordially shaking Cyrano's hand_). - -Allow an expert to congratulate you, Sir, most heartily. - - (_He leaves._) - - CYRANO (_to Cuigy_). - -Who is this gentleman? - - CUIGY. - -D'Artagnan! - - LE BRET (_passing his arm through Cyrano's_). - -Now let us talk!.... - - CYRANO. - -Wait till the crowd has left. - (_to Bellerose_). -May we stay a while? - - BELLEROSE (_to Cyrano_). - -Certainly, Sir. - - (_giving orders to Janitor_). - -Close the house, but do not put out the lights. We'll return after -dinner for a rehearsal. - - (_Jodelet and Bellerose bow to Cyrano, then exeunt._) - - JANITOR (_to Cyrano_). - -You are not going to dinner, Sir? - - CYRANO. - -I?.... No. - - (_Exit Janitor._) - - LE BRET (_to Cyrano_). - -Why not? - - CYRANO (_proudly_). - -Because.... - - (_changing his tone, when he sees that the Janitor has gone_). - -Because I have no money!.... - - LE BRET (_as if throwing a purse_). - -How about that bag of coin? - - CYRANO. - -Monthly allowance, thou wert short lived! One day! - - LE BRET. - -For a whole month, then.... - - CYRANO. - -I have nothing left. - - LE BRET. - -To throw away thus your purse, what folly! - - CYRANO. - -Yes, but what a gesture! - - THE WAITING-GIRL (_behind the counter_). - -Hum! - - (_Cyrano and Le Bret turn around. She advances timidly._) - -Sir .... I cannot bear.... to see you fast.... (_Showing the buffet_). I -have here several things.... Take some! - - CYRANO (_taking off his hat_). - -My dear child, Gascon pride forbids my accepting from you the smallest -of your delicacies. But, on the other hand, I would not for the whole -world offend you, as my refusal might do. So I will with pleasure -accept.... - - (_Goes up to the buffet and chooses._) - -Oh! the smallest thing!.... ah! one grape from this bunch. - - (_She tries to make him take the bunch, but he picks out a single - grape._) - -Only one.... a glass of water.... - - (_She tries to pour some wine, but he prevents her._) - -Pure water!.... and half a maccaroon. - - (_He breaks a maccaroon in two, and returns one of the pieces._) - - LE BRET. - -What nonsense! - - WAITING-GIRL. - -Do have something more! - - CYRANO. - -Yes, your hand to kiss. - - (_He kisses her hand as if she were a princess._) - - WAITING-GIRL. - -Thank you, Sir! - - (_Curtsies._) - -A very good evening! - - (_Exit waiting-girl._) - - [9] Note.--One of the translations that have appeared in the New York - daily press renders "Céladon" by reference to Lord Chesterfield! - The time of action (first four acts) of "Cyrano de Bergerac" is - 1640, and Lord Chesterfield was _born_ only 54 years _later_. - - [10] Note.--In the original, Cyrano calls his opponent "Laridon." This - is the name of a degenerate _dog_. See fables of La Fontaine - ("L'Education"). - - [11] Note.--"L'Envoi," as often written, supposedly in French, is - incorrect. It is, in French, when heading the last four lines of - a ballade, "Envoi," without the article, l' (le). - - - _SCENE V._ - - CYRANO, LE BRET, _later_ JANITOR. - - CYRANO (_to Le Bret_). - -Now, I'll listen to you. - - (_He goes to the buffet, on which he places the half maccaroon._) - -Dinner! - - (_Then the glass of water._) - -Drink! - - (_And the one grape from the bunch._) - -Dessert! - - (_Takes a seat by the buffet._) - -Now for the feast! My dear friend, I feel very hungry.... (_Eating_) -Well? You were saying?.... - - LE BRET. - -That all these bellicose doings and the admiration they elicit will warp -your judgment. Go ask people of sense what they think of this last prank -of yours, of its effect. - - CYRANO (_finishing his half maccaroon_). - -Enormous!.... - - LE BRET. - -The Cardinal!.... - - CYRANO (_beaming with delight_). - -He was there? The Cardinal? - - LE BRET. - -Yes, and he must have found you.... - - CYRANO. - -Anything but commonplace. - - LE BRET. - -Nevertheless.... - - CYRANO. - -He's an author. And he must have enjoyed seeing another's play crushed. - - LE BRET. - -You are, really, making too many enemies! - - CYRANO (_munching his one grape_). - -How many do you estimate I have made to-day? - - LE BRET. - -Forty-eight, without counting the women. - - CYRANO. - -Enumerate them. - - LE BRET. - -Montfleury, the tradesman, Guiche, the Vicomte, Baro, the Academy.... - - CYRANO. - -You give me infinite joy! - - LE BRET. - -What will all this lead you to? What system is yours? - - CYRANO. - -I was really meandering, and I found so many conclusions to adopt, -through so many complications, that I came to this decision.... - - LE BRET. - -Which is?.... - - CYRANO. - -Oh! the simplest of all, by far. I decided to show myself admirable in -all, and for all! - - LE BRET (_shrugging his shoulders_). - -So be it!.... But come now, tell me, tell _me_, the true reason of your -hatred for Montfleury. - - CYRANO (_rising_). - -This Silenus, with a stomach like a hogshead, still believes himself a -danger to womankind. See him, while he stammers on the stage, ogling -like a carp, with his frog's eyes! I hate him since he dared, once, to -set those eyes of his upon her.... Oh! I felt as if I saw a long slug -crawling over a flower! - - LE BRET (_astounded_). - -What, is it possible?.... - - CYRANO (_with a bitter laugh_). - -That I love? - - (_changing to a solemn tone_). - -I do love. - - LE BRET. - -Whom? May I enquire? You never told me. - - CYRANO. - -Whom I love? Come now, reflect. The dream of being loved, even by a -homely girl, is one forbidden me. Forbidden by this nose of mine that -precedes me everywhere by fifteen minutes. So, then, I love .... Whom? -Why! it is most natural! I love .... it could not be otherwise, the -loveliest of the lovely! - - LE BRET. - -The loveliest?.... - - CYRANO. - -Exactly .... in the world! The most brilliant, the most exquisite, -(_crushed_) the blondest! - - LE BRET. - - This woman is?.... - - CYRANO. - - A deadly danger, though - She knows it not; a snare that Nature made - Unconscious, like a sweetly budding rose - Whose leaves conceal,--in ambush lurking, love. - Who sees her smile knows what perfection is: - Her slightest touch engenders loveliness; - She moves as if all heaven's grace were hers, - And Venus ne'er embarked in any shell, - Nor did Diana tread the sylvan paths - As my adored can step into a chair! - - LE BRET. - -I understand! Quite clear. - - CYRANO. - -Transparent, say. - - LE BRET. - -It's Magdeleine, your cousin? - - CYRANO. - -Yes, Roxane. - - LE BRET. - - Well, where's the harm? You love her? Tell her so! - She witnessed here just now your valiant deed! - - CYRANO. - - Why! Look at me, good friend, and say what hope - There can be with .... such a protuberance! - I clearly see the truth. But, then, of course, - My heart will beat, perchance, at eventide, - If, with this nose, I scent the breath of spring. - Or else, I see, along some moonlit path, - A whisp'ring pair of lovers slowly move; - And then I think what rapture would be mine - If on my arm a gentle creature leaned. - I dream: but suddenly, I'm brought to sense. - By what? Alas! My profile on the wall! - - LE BRET. - - Dear friend!.... - - CYRANO. - - Yes, friend, it's hard indeed to feel - So homely and forlorn at times.... - - LE BRET (_taking his hand_). - - You weep! - - CYRANO. - - Weep? Never! Oh! a sorry sight, indeed, - If down this nose a tear should take its course! - I will not have, so long as I command, - The saintliness of tears polluted by - This homeliness of mine. Remember, friend, - That nothing's more sublime than flowing tears. - So would I not allow a single one - To cause a laugh, or seem ridiculous! - - LE BRET. - -Come, come, do not be sad. In love there is hazard, remember. - - CYRANO (_shaking his hand_). - -No! I love Cleopatra: do I resemble a Cæsar? I adore Berenice: do I look -like a Titus? - - LE BRET. - -But, friend, your bravery, intelligence and wit!.... Take that girl -there who just now offered you your dinner. Did her eyes seem to detest -you? - - CYRANO (_struck_). - -It's a fact. - - LE BRET. - -Well, then, hope!.... Why! Roxane was pale and trembling, ghastly pale, -while she followed your duel here!.... - - CYRANO. - -Ghastly pale? - - LE BRET. - -Her heart and mind were certainly struck. Pick up courage and speak to -her, so that.... - - CYRANO. - -So that she bursts out laughing into my face .... under my very nose? -No, no!.... That is the only thing in the world that I fear! - - THE JANITOR (_bringing in the duenna, to Cyrano_). - -Somebody for you, Sir. - - CYRANO (_seeing the duenna_). - -Great heavens! Her duenna! - - - _SCENE VI._ - - CYRANO, LE BRET, THE DUENNA. - - THE DUENNA (_with a long curtsy_). - -A fair cousin would like to know where a valiant cousin can be seen, in -private. - - CYRANO (_greatly disturbed_). - -I be seen, in private? - - DUENNA (_with another curtsy_). - -Yes, be seen. There are things to be said. - - CYRANO. - -There are things.... - - DUENNA (_another curtsy_). - -To be said. - - CYRANO (_staggering_). - -Heavens! - - DUENNA. - -We'll hear to-morrow early mass, at the church of Saint-Roch. - - CYRANO (_leaning on Le Bret_). - -Heavens! - - DUENNA. - -As we go out, we can chat a bit, I fancy. - - CYRANO (_bewildered_). - -Where?.... I .... But .... Heavens! - - DUENNA. - -Decide. - - CYRANO. - -I'm thinking.... - - DUENNA. - -Where?.... - - CYRANO. - -At.... at.... Ragueneau's.... the pastry-cook's.... - - DUENNA. - -Where's that?.... - - CYRANO. - -Rue.... Rue.... Heavens! Rue St.-Honoré! - - DUENNA (_leaving_). - -We'll be there by seven sharp. Be punctual. - - CYRANO. - -I shall! - - (_Exit Duenna._) - - - _SCENE VII._ - - CYRANO, LE BRET, THE COMEDIANS _and_ COMEDIENNES, CUIGY, BRISSAILLE, - LIGNIÈRE, THE JANITOR, THE VIOLINS. - - CYRANO (_falling into the arms of Le Bret_). - -I!.... She.... An appointment!.... - - LE BRET. - -So, now your sadness is no more? - - CYRANO. - -No! for, whatever the reason, she knows that I exist! - - LE BRET. - -And now you will be cool? - - CYRANO (_beside himself_). - -No, I'll be frantic and invincible! I would I had an army to defeat! I -have ten hearts and twenty arms. What are dwarfs to me?.... (_He -shouts._) I must have giants to vanquish! - - (_For the last few minutes, on the stage, in the rear, actors and - actresses have been going and coming: a rehearsal is on. The - violins have taken their seats._) - - A VOICE (_from the stage_). - -Silence there, please! We're rehearsing. - - CYRANO (_laughing_). - -Very well. We're leaving. - - (_As Cyrano is about going, enter, by the wide door in the rear, - Cuigy, Brissaille, and several officers, supporting Lignière, who - is completely intoxicated._) - - CUIGY. - -Cyrano! - - CYRANO. - -What is it? - - CUIGY. - -A friend of yours. - - CYRANO (_recognising Lignière_). - -Lignière!.... Why! what is the matter? - - CUIGY. - -He was looking for you. - - BRISSAILLE. - -He cannot get home. - - CYRANO. - -Why not? - - LIGNIÈRE (_thick-tongued, showing a note soiled - and torn_). - -This note warns me .... a hundred men are posted .... on account of a -song .... I'll be murdered .... at the Porte de Nesle .... there I must -pass .... to get home .... Offer me shelter .... under your roof! - - CYRANO. - -One hundred men, you say? You'll sleep under your own roof. - - LIGNIÈRE (_terrified_). - -But how can I?.... - - CYRANO (_in fierce tones, showing him the lighted - lantern held by the Janitor, who has been listening_). - -Take that lantern! - - (_Lignière seizes the lantern._) - -And walk on boldly. I swear to you that I to-night will make your bed -for you. (_To the officers._) You, gentlemen, be good enough to follow -.... at a distance. You'll be witnesses. - - CUIGY. - -Yes, but one hundred men!.... - - CYRANO. - -To-night I would not have them fewer by a single man! - - (_The comedians and comediennes, who have, in their costumes, come - down from the stage into the pit, crowd around Cyrano._) - - LE BRET. - -But why protect this.... - - CYRANO. - -There's Le Bret grumbling again! - - LE BRET. - -This commonplace drunkard?.... - - CYRANO (_playfully striking Lignière on the - shoulder_). - -Because this drunkard, this cask of Muscatel, this barrel of Rossoli, -once did something exceedingly handsome: his lady-love, as she was -leaving church, after mass, having properly dipped her dainty finger -into the holy water near the door, he, though he has a horror for water, -ran up to the stoup, leaned over it and drank it dry! - - COMEDIENNE (_in soubrette's dress_). - -A pretty deed, I think. - - CYRANO. - -Was it not, soubrette? - - COMEDIENNE (_to the others_). - -But why a hundred men against a poor poet? - - CYRANO. - -Let us on!.... (_to the officers_) .... and you, gentlemen, when you see -me charge, please do not follow; simply look on, whatever danger I may -be in! - - COMEDIENNE. - -But we wish to see too! - - CYRANO. - -Come along, then! - - COMEDIENNE (_to the troop_). - -Let us all go? - - CYRANO. - -Come, all of you, the Doctor, Isabella, Leander, all! Come as a bevy -pleasant and frolicsome! Come, and let the fantasy of Italian farce -tinkle through the rumble of to-night's Spanish drama, surrounding it -with jingles like a tambourine! - - THE WOMEN (_jumping for joy_). - -Bravo! Quick, a wrap! a hood!.... - - JODELET. - -Let us proceed! - - CYRANO (_to the violins_). - -Will the violins supply the music? - - (_The violins join the formation. Candles are taken from the - footlights and distributed; and thus a torch-light procession is - prepared._) - - CYRANO. - -Bravo! Officers, gentlemen and women in fancy dress! Now, ten steps -ahead .... (_he places himself as he speaks_) I, alone, beneath the -plume that glory itself stuck into this hat .... proud as a Scipion -thrice Nasica!.... Understood?.... All assistance to me is forbidden! -Ready?.... Open the door! - - (_Janitor opens the door, through which can be seen a bit of old - Paris, picturesque in the moonlight._) - - Ah! Paris in the dimness of the night, - With moonlight trickling down the bluish roofs. - For coming deed how exquisite the frame! - 'Neath mist as light as gauze, behold! the Seine, - As if it were a magic mirror there, - Is trembling .... and you'll see what you shall see! - - ALL. - -To the Porte de Nesle! - - CYRANO (_on the threshold_). - -To the Porte de Nesle! - - (_Turning, before going out, to the soubrette_). - -Did you not ask, Madamoiselle, why against this one rimester a hundred -men were sent? - - (_He draws his sword and continues very quietly._) - -Because he is known to be a friend of mine! - - (_Exit Cyrano. The procession--Lignière with unsteady head--the - comediennes hanging upon the arms of the officers, then the - comedians dancing and capering--moves out into the night, with the - violins for music, and with candles for light._) - - _CURTAIN._ - - [Illustration: _FIRST ACT._] - - - - - _ACT II._ - - THE POET'S COOK-SHOP. - - -_The shop of Ragueneau, poulterer and pastry-cook, a large establishment -in Paris, on the corner of the Rue St.-Honoré and the Rue de -l'Arbre-Sec. In the rear, through the wide glazed door, the streets are -plainly seen, grey in the light of dawn._ - -_To the left, first entrance, a counter, above which is an iron frame, -from hooks on which are suspended geese, ducks and white peacocks. Large -crockery vases containing ordinary plants, principally sunflowers. On -the same side, second entrance, a wide fireplace, before which, between -two monumental andirons, on each of which a pot is hung, several roasts, -the fat of which is dripping into pans._ - -_To the right, first entrance, a door. Second entrance, a staircase -leading up to a small inside room, the interior of which is visible -through its open blinds; a table is there, with cover set, lighted by a -Flemish chandelier. A wooden gallery at the top of the staircase leads -seemingly to other rooms of the same sort._ - -_In the centre of the shop, an iron ring is hung: it can be lowered by -means of a pulley, and on it are large pieces of game, meat, hams, etc. -It forms a peculiar sort of chandelier._ - -_Under the staircase, the glow of several ovens. Copper saucepans shine. -Spits are turning. Morning activity. Cook-boys run in and out. Fat chefs -are seen now and then. Loads of cakes and meat-pies are brought in on -willow trays._ - -_Tables are garnished with cakes and eatables. Other tables, with chairs -around, are prepared for customers. A small table in a corner is covered -with papers. Before it is seated Ragueneau, who is writing, as the -curtain rises._ - - - _SCENE I._ - - RAGUENEAU, PASTRY-COOKS, _then_ LISE. RAGUENEAU _is - writing and counts on his fingers_. - - FIRST PASTRY-COOK (_bearing a dish_). - -Candied fruits! - - SECOND PASTRY-COOK (_with another dish_). - -Pie! - - THIRD PASTRY-COOK (_with a roast_). - -Peacock! - - FOURTH PASTRY-COOK (_with a tray_). - -Cakes! - - FIFTH PASTRY-COOK (_with an earthen bowl_). - -Stewed beef! - - RAGUENEAU (_stops writing and looks up_). - - The copper's yellow sheen is silvered by the dawn[12] - Now smother, Ragueneau, the godly notes you love! - Sweet poesy must wait--just now is cooking time! - - (_He rises. To one of the cooks_). - -Look here! Your sauce is thick, and you must lengthen it. - - COOK. - -How much? - - RAGUENEAU. - -Three feet. - - (_Passes on._) - - O Muse, keep thou aloof, or else your pleading eyes - Will suffer from the glare of vulgar fires here! - - (_to one of the pastry-cooks_). - - These loaves are badly set, the split should not be thus, - Cesuras should be placed between the hemstitches. - - (_to another, pointing to an unfinished meat-pie_). - - This palace made of crust is fine, but needs a roof. - - (_to an apprentice boy who, seated on the floor, is running a fowl - on a spit_). - - The spit is long enough for chickens, turkeys, all, - But alternate, my boy, and imitate Malherbe: - His lines the longest were relieved by shorter ones. - Do you the same, prepare real stanzas on the spit! - - ANOTHER APPRENTICE (_carrying a tray over - which is a large napkin_). - - Dear Master, this for you was in the oven cooked. - We wish to please you, Sir! - - RAGUENEAU. - - A lyre! - - THE APPRENTICE. - - Made of paste! - - RAGUENEAU (_moved_). - -Of candied fruits besides! And strings of sugar, too! - - THE APPRENTICE. - -To give a sweeter tone! - - RAGUENEAU (_handing him some money_). - - It's fine; go drink my health - - (_seeing Lise, as she enters_). - -My wife! Be silent--skip! - - (_to Lise, showing her the lyre_). - - Fine work! - - LISE. - - Ridiculous! - - (_She lays on the counter a bundle of paper bags._) - - RAGUENEAU. - -Some bags; I thank you, dear. - - (_Looks at the bags._) - - The manuscripts I love! - The verses of my friends! All mutilated! Torn! - To serve as wrappers for .... such prosy things as cakes! - It's Orpheus once again pursued by the Bacchantes! - - LISE (_harshly_). - - I use the only thing your friends in payment give; - Your sorry scribblers bent on not completing lines! - - RAGUENEAU. - - The ant should not insult the magic cricket's song! - - LISE. - - Before these crickets thus possessed you wholly, dear, - You never said to me: bacchante, or even: ant! - - RAGUENEAU. - - Treat verses thus! - - LISE. - - Why not? - - RAGUENEAU. - - What would you do with prose? - - [12] Note.--Alexandrines were adopted, instead of pentameter, here and - further on, with the poets, for the reason that they seem more - pompous and better in keeping with the affectation shown by the - personages. - - - _SCENE II._ - - _The same_, TWO CHILDREN _come in to buy cakes_. - - RAGUENEAU. - -What is it, little ones? - - FIRST CHILD. - -We want three patties, please. - - RAGUENEAU (_serving them_). - -Here they are, well-browned, just out of the oven. - - SECOND CHILD. - -Please wrap them up for us. - - RAGUENEAU (_aside_). - -Alas! my bags! - - (_to the children_). Oh! wrap them up, hey?.... - - (_takes one of the bags to use it, but first reads from it_). - -"As was Ulysses when he left Penelope...." -Not this one!.... - - (_puts the bag aside, and takes up another, from which also he - reads_). - -"Blond Phoebus...." Not this one! - - (_Sets the bag aside._) - - LISE (_out of patience_). - -Well, what are you waiting for? - - RAGUENEAU. - -Coming! Coming! - - (_takes up a third bag and then with resignation_). - -The sonnet to Philis!.... pretty hard too! - - LISE. - -You were long enough about it! - - (_shrugging her shoulders_). - -Goose! - - (_She climbs upon a chair to arrange dishes and plates on a - shelf._) - - RAGUENEAU (_taking advantage of the fact that - her back is turned, calls back the children - who were just passing out_). - -Pst!.... Little ones!.... Return me the bag and instead of three patties -I'll give you six. - - (_The children give him the bag, take the cakes and leave. - Ragueneau smoothes the paper and reads_). - -"Philis!" .... On this sweet name, a grease spot!.... "Philis!" - - (_Cyrano enters abruptly._) - - - _SCENE III._ - - RAGUENEAU, LISE, CYRANO, _then_ A MUSKETEER. - - CYRANO. - -What time is it? - - RAGUENEAU (_bowing low to him_). - -Six o'clock. - - CYRANO (_excited_). - -In one hour! - - (_Walks to and fro through the shop._) - - RAGUENEAU (_following him_). - -Bravo! I witnessed.... - - CYRANO. - -What? - - RAGUENEAU. - -Your fight. - - CYRANO. - -Which one? - - RAGUENEAU. - -The one at the Hôtel de Bourgogne. - - CYRANO (_disdainfully_). - -Oh!.... that duel!.... - - RAGUENEAU (_admiringly_). - -Yes, your duel in verse. - - LISE (_aside_). - -In verse!.... His mouth seems to him too small for the words! - - CYRANO (_to Ragueneau_). - -Ah!.... So much the better! - - RAGUENEAU (_lunging with the spit he has seized_). - - "For, when I close th' Envoy, I'll touch!...." - "For, when I close th' Envoy, I'll touch!...." - How beautiful!.... (_with growing enthusiasm_). - "For, when I close th' Envoy,...." - - CYRANO. - -Ragueneau, what time is it? - - RAGUENEAU (_remaining with arm and leg outstretched, - simply turning his head to look at the clock_). - -Five minutes after six!.... - "I touch!" - - (_He rises._) - -Oh! to write a ballade! - - LISE (_to Cyrano, who, on passing near her, has - absent-mindedly shaken hands with her_). - -Why! what is the matter with your hand? - - CYRANO. - -Oh! nothing! A scratch. - - RAGUENEAU. - -Were you exposed to any peril? - - CYRANO. - -No peril! - - LISE (_threatening him with her finger_). - -I fear you are not telling the truth! - - CYRANO. - -What! Did my nose move? What an enormous lie that would indicate! -(_becoming serious_). I expect somebody here. If that somebody -comes--you never can tell,--please leave us here alone. - - RAGUENEAU. - -That is hardly possible; my rimesters[13] are coming.... - - LISE (_ironical_). - -For their first meal. - - CYRANO. - -You will have to take them away when I make a sign to you.... What time -is it? - - RAGUENEAU. - -Ten minutes after six. - - CYRANO (_sitting down nervously at Ragueneau's - table, and taking some paper_). - -A pen, please!.... - - RAGUENEAU (_offering him the one that he has - behind his ear_). - -A swan quill. - - A MUSKETEER (_with an enormous mustache and - stentorian voice_) _enters_. - -Good morning! - - (_Lise goes rapidly up to him._) - - CYRANO (_turning around_). - -Who is this? - - RAGUENEAU. - -A friend of my wife's. A terrible warrior,--at least so he says!.... - - CYRANO (_taking up the pen and motioning - away Ragueneau_). - -Silence!.... write--fold,--(_to himself_) hand it to her,--and run -away.... - - (_throwing away the pen_). Coward!....But may I die if I dare speak - to her, even a single word.... - - (_to Ragueneau_). What time is it? - - RAGUENEAU. - -A quarter past six!.... - - CYRANO (_striking his breast_). - -But I have plenty of words here, and by writing.... - - (_Takes up the pen._) - - So be it then! I'll write.--This letter fraught - With love, I've thought it out a hundred times; - It's ready, and, to close it, I have but - To read my soul, and copy what I read. - - (_He writes. Behind the glazed door, a movement of lean and - hesitating forms._) - - [13] Note.--The spelling _rime_ seems preferable to _rhyme_, since - rime and rhythm are two very distinct things. - - - _SCENE IV._ - - RAGUENEAU, LISE, THE MUSKETEER, CYRANO, _by the table, - writing_, THE POETS, _clad in black, bedraggled_. - - LISE (_entering, to Ragueneau_). - -Here are your bedraggled friends! - - FIRST POET (_entering, to Ragueneau_). - -Brother-poet!.... - - SECOND POET (_shaking Ragueneau by the hand_). - -Dear brother-poet! - - THIRD POET. - -Eagle of pastry-cooks! - - (_sniffing_) It smells good in your nest. - - FOURTH POET. - -O Phoebus-Caterer! Apollo master-cook!.... - - RAGUENEAU (_somewhat bewildered_). - -How soon one feels at ease with them! - - FIRST POET. - - We were delayed a bit by something of a crowd, - Close by the Porte de Nesle!.... - - SECOND POET. - - By sword both slashed and pierced, - Eight cut-throats bleeding fast illustrated the street. - - CYRANO (_looking up_). - -Eight?.... I thought seven. - - (_continues writing._) - - RAGUENEAU (_to Cyrano_). - -Who fought so bravely? Do you know? - - CYRANO (_treating the matter lightly_). - -I?.... No! - - LISE (_to the Musketeer_). - -Do you? - - MUSKETEER (_curling his mustache_). - -Perhaps. - - CYRANO (_writing--mutters a word now and then, aside_). - -I love you.... - - FIRST POET. - -A single man, they say, put all the band to flight!.... - - CYRANO (_writing_). - -Your eyes!.... - - SECOND POET. - -Why! Spears and hats were found a hundred yards away! - - CYRANO (_writing_). - -Your lips!.... - - FIRST POET. - -Quite fearless must be he who fought so many thus. - - CYRANO (_writing_). - -And I am like to faint, outdone, when you appear. - - SECOND POET (_helping himself to a cake_). - -What new rimes can you give us, Ragueneau? - - CYRANO (_writing_). - -Who loves you!.... - - (_He stops just as he was going to sign, rises, folds the letter - and puts it into his doublet._) - -Signature unnecessary. I'll hand her the letter myself. - - RAGUENEAU (_to Second Poet_). - -I have put a recipe into verse. - - THIRD POET (_settling near a tray of tarts_). - -Oh! let us hear the lines. - - FOURTH POET. - -This cake is crooked. Make it straight. - - (_Eats it._) - - SECOND POET. - -We are listening. - - THIRD POET. - -This tart will lose its cream. We'll save it. - - (_Eats the tart._) - - SECOND POET (_breaking off and eating a piece of - the candied lyre_). - -The only time perhaps a lyre's fed its man. - - RAGUENEAU (_who has been preparing to recite, - coughing, settling his cap and striking an - attitude_). - -A recipe in verse.... - - SECOND POET (_to First Poet_). - -Why! you are breakfasting! - - FIRST POET (_to Second Poet_). - - And you are dining, friend! - - RAGUENEAU. - - HOW TO MAKE ALMOND TARTS. - - Beat up to foam, discarding dregs, - Your choice of eggs. - Add carefully into the foam - Some citron juice that's new and stout; - Then lengthen out - With milk of almonds made at home. - - Next, coat with dough, both fresh and sound, - Below, around, - Such moulds as pastry-cooks prepare. - Add sweetening to suit your taste - Into the paste. - Then pour quite slowly and with care - - Your foam into each well[14], so well - That ev'ry well, - When it is baked to blondness, starts - To seek the walks that pleasure sings. - These seemly things - Are rightly christened: almond tarts. - - THE POETS (_mouths full_). - -Most exquisite! Divine! - - ONE OF THE POETS (_choking_). - -Humph! - - (_They go to the rear, still eating. Cyrano, who has been watching - them, goes up to Ragueneau._) - - CYRANO. - - They seem to drink your verse, my friend; but see you not - How they assimilate your stock of eatables? - - RAGUENEAU (_in low tone, smiling_). - - I see, but notice not, for fear I'd trouble them; - And reading so my lines affords me double joy, - Since thus I satisfy a weakness that I own, - And feed the while poor souls whose pressing need is food! - - CYRANO (_striking him on the shoulder_). - -I like you, Ragueneau!.... - - (_Ragueneau joins his friends, the poets. Cyrano looks at him for a - while, then suddenly says:_) - -Tell me there, Lise! - - (_Lise, who seems to be engaged in a very animated flirtation with - the Musketeer, starts and comes down to Cyrano._) - -This captain.... seems to be besieging you? - - LISE (_offended_). - -Oh! my eyes have a look haughty enough to vanquish all who attack my -virtue. - - CYRANO (_very firmly_). - -I like Ragueneau very much. For this reason, Mistress Lise, I forbid -that anybody should make him ridiculous.[15] - - LISE. - -But you mistake.... - - CYRANO (_speaking loud, so as to be heard by - the Musketeer_). - -A word to the wise.... - - (_He bows to the Musketeer, and, after looking at the clock, goes - to the door, where he stands looking out._) - - LISE (_to the Musketeer, who simply returned - Cyrano's bow_). - -Really, you surprise me!.... Why do you not answer?.... Speak of his -nose.... - - THE MUSKETEER. - -His nose.... his nose.... that is easily said.... - - (_Retires rapidly, Lise following._) - - CYRANO (_from the door, signals to Ragueneau to - draw away the poets_). - -Pst!.... - - RAGUENEAU (_pointing out to the Poets the door - to the right_). - -We shall be much more comfortable in there.... - - CYRANO (_getting out of patience_). - -Pst!.... Pst!.... - - RAGUENEAU (_pushing the Poets along_). - -We'll read some more verses. - - FIRST POET (_in despair, with his mouth full_). - -But the cakes!.... - - SECOND POET. - -Let us take them along. - - (_They all go out, following Ragueneau, in a sort of procession, - after having loaded themselves with cakes._) - - [14] Note.--The miserable pun on "puits" (well) was found possible to - reproduce. Needless to add that this is ambitious confectioner's - verse, intentionally nonsensical. - - [15] Note.--_Ridicuckoldulous_ would be an exact translation. - - - _SCENE V._ - - CYRANO, ROXANE, THE DUENNA. - - CYRANO. - -I shall hand her my letter if I feel that there is any hope, however -slight!.... - - (_Roxane, masked, and followed by the Duenna, appears behind the - glazed door, that Cyrano opens eagerly._) - -Be pleased to enter!.... - - (_Walking up to the Duenna_). As to you, Duenna, one word! - - DUENNA. - -Four words, if you will, Sir. - - CYRANO. - -Are you fond of cake and such? - - DUENNA. - -To and beyond excess.[16] - - CYRANO (_taking paper bags from the counter_). - -Good! Here are two sonnets.... - - DUENNA. - -Ugh! - - CYRANO. - -....That I fill with tartlets. - - DUENNA (_looking pleasant_). - -Ah! - - CYRANO. - -Are you fond of cream cakes? - - DUENNA. - -More than fond when they contain too much cream! - - CYRANO. - -Here are six for you, wrapped in a poem. Do you like all cakes? - - DUENNA. - -All, all, all. - - CYRANO (_loading her with paper bags full of cakes_). - -Here are a few. Go now and eat them.... outside. - - DUENNA. - -But I.... - - CYRANO (_pushing her out_). - -And do not return until you have eaten them all. - - (_He closes the door, comes down toward Roxane, takes off his hat, - and stops, respectfully, at a distance._) - - [16] Note.--The Duenna, like Roxane, is a "précieuse," an euphuist. - - - _SCENE VI._ - - CYRANO, ROXANE, _and, a moment_, THE DUENNA. - - CYRANO. - - Among all moments be the present blessed, - Since, ceasing to forget that I exist,-- - However humbly--you have come to say.... - To say.... - - ROXANE (_who has unmasked_). - - To say: I thank you heartily. - For, know you now, the fop, the brainless wretch - You vanquished yesterday in noble strife, - Was being forced upon me.... - - (_bashfully_) - - ....As a mate - For life, by one who says he loves me.... - - CYRANO. - - Guiche!.... - Who's good at scheming thus.... - - (_saluting_) - - So then I fought, - Not for my nose, but for your smiling eyes. - - ROXANE. - - And then I wished.... but the admission needs - That I should find in you.... the brother that - You were of yore....when we were children both. - - CYRANO. - - When Bergerac was our summer ground.... - - ROXANE. - - And reeds made up your goodly stock of swords.... - - CYRANO. - - While waving corn gave flowing hair for dolls. - - ROXANE. - - What happy days! For you my will was law.... - - CYRANO. - - You're now Roxane; you then were Madeleine. - - ROXANE. - - And pretty? - - CYRANO. - - You were not a sorry sight. - - ROXANE. - - How often, romping, you would get a hurt! - Then, motherly, I'd say, in sternest voice: - "Another frolic and another scratch!".... - - (_She stops astonished._) - -The same to-day! What's this? - - (_Cyrano tries to withdraw his hand._) - - No, let me see! - You're still a boy, it seems.--Say when and how! - - CYRANO. - -At play just now, around the Porte de Nesle. - - ROXANE (_taking a seat at one of the tables, and - wetting her handkerchief in a glass of water_). - -Your hand! - - CYRANO (_taking a seat near her_). - - How gently thoughtful you've remained! - - ROXANE. - -How many foes? - - CYRANO. - - Not quite a hundred. - - ROXANE. - - Oh! -Do tell me all! - - CYRANO. - - What for? It's better far - You tell me what you did not dare to say.... - - ROXANE. - - But now I dare. The memories of yore - Assist me. I'm....in love with somebody. - - CYRANO. - -Indeed! - - ROXANE. - - Who knows it not.... - - CYRANO. - - Indeed! - - ROXANE. - - .... Not yet. - - CYRANO. - -Indeed! - - ROXANE. - - But he shall know it soon. - - CYRANO. - - Indeed! - - ROXANE. - - Poor fellow, he has loved me timidly, - And from afar, and never dared to speak! - - CYRANO. - -Indeed! - - ROXANE. - -Your hand is feverish.... Oh! I easily could see the truth beneath his -bashfulness! - - CYRANO. - -Indeed!.... - - ROXANE (_as she finished bandaging his hand_). - -And see what a coincidence, dear cousin! He belongs to your regiment! - - CYRANO. - -Indeed!.... - - ROXANE (_laughing_). - -Why, of course, he is a cadet in your Company!.... - - CYRANO. - -Indeed! - - ROXANE. - -He bears on his brow the mark of intelligence, of genius! -He is haughty, noble, young, intrepid, handsome,.... - - CYRANO (_rising, very pale_). - -Handsome! - - ROXANE. - -Why! what is the matter? - - CYRANO. - -The matter? Nothing .... It is .... It is .... - - (_Showing his hand and smiling_). This little scratch. - - ROXANE. - -Oh! Well, I really love him. I must say, however, that I have seen him -only at the Theatre .... - - CYRANO. - -Then you have not spoken to each other? - - ROXANE. - -Our eyes alone have done the talking. - - CYRANO. - -Well, then, how do you know? - - ROXANE. - -Beneath the linden trees of the Place Royal there is some gossipping -.... and information has reached me .... - - CYRANO. - -He is a cadet, you say? - - ROXANE. - -Yes, a cadet in the Guards. - - CYRANO. - -His name? - - ROXANE. - -Baron Christian de Neuvillette. - - CYRANO. - -How?.... There is nobody of that name among the cadets. - - ROXANE. - -Oh! yes, there is, since this morning. His Captain is Carbon of -Haughty-Hall. - - CYRANO. - -And so, quick, quick, we throw away our little heart?.... But my poor -child.... - - THE DUENNA (_looking in at the door_). - -Monsieur de Bergerac, I have finished the cakes! - - CYRANO. - -Well, then, read the verses that you will find on the bags! - - (_Duenna disappears._) - -.... My poor child, for you who are accustomed to refined language, to -subtle thoughts,--suppose he were thoroughly uninitiated, in fact, a -savage! - - ROXANE. - -Oh! no, he has the hair of a hero! - - CYRANO. - -Suppose he were as poor in speech as rich in hair. - - ROXANE. - -No, all his words are choice; I can tell by seeing him. - - CYRANO. - -Of course, all words are choice when they come through a mustache that -is well curled.--But suppose he were a dunce!.... - - ROXANE (_striking the floor with her foot, impatiently_). - -Well, it would kill me! There! - - CYRANO (_after a pause_). - -And it is to tell me this that you asked me to meet you here? I fail to -see the necessity of the appointment, Madam. - - ROXANE. - -The fact is that somebody frightened me yesterday by telling me that you -are all Gascons in your Company.... - - CYRANO. - -And that we challenge any beardless hero who, through influence, and not -being really a Gascon, manages to get assigned to our Gascon Company? -That is what you were told. - - ROXANE. - -And you imagine how I tremble for him? - - CYRANO (_between his teeth_). - -Not without good reason! - - ROXANE. - -But then I was reminded of you, and of your skill and courage, your -great achievements; and I thought: if he, Cyrano, whom everyone -respects, would.... - - CYRANO. - -'Tis well. I'll answer for your little baron. - - ROXANE. - -Yes, defend him always, please. And many thanks! You know how fond of -you I've always been? - - CYRANO. - -Oh! yes, I know. - - ROXANE. - -You'll be his friend? - - CYRANO. - -I will. - - ROXANE. - -And he shall have no duels to fight. - - CYRANO. - -None; you have my promise. - - ROXANE. - -Ah! you are my dearest friend.--But I must go. - - (_She puts on her mask again, throws a lace scarf over her head, - and then, in an unconcerned way says:_) - -But you did not relate to me your battle of last night. You must have -been grand!.... Tell him to write me. - - (_Sends him a kiss with her hand._) - -Dear, dear friend! - - CYRANO. - -All is understood. - - ROXANE. - -One hundred men against one: you!--So, good bye!--We are the best of -friends, are we not? - - CYRANO. - -Assuredly, we are! - - ROXANE. - -Tell him to write!.... One hundred men!.... You'll tell me all about it -later. To-day I cannot listen. One hundred men! How brave! - - CYRANO (_bowing_). - -Oh! I have done better since. - - (_Exit Roxane. Cyrano remains motionless, his eyes on the floor. - Silence. The door to the right opens, and Ragueneau passes in his - head._) - - - _SCENE VII._ - - CYRANO, RAGUENEAU, THE POETS, CARBON OF HAUGHTY-HALL, - THE CADETS, THE CROWD, _etc._, _later_ LE BRET, - _and then_ GUICHE. - - RAGUENEAU. - -The coast is clear? - - CYRANO (_motionless_). - -Yes. - - (_Ragueneau makes a sign, and his friends come in. At the same - moment appears in the doorway Carbon of Haughty-Hall, in full - uniform of Captain of the Guards; he lifts his arms on discovering - Cyrano._) - - CARBON. - -Here he is at last! - - CYRANO (_raising his eyes_). - -Captain!.... - - CARBON (_rejoiced_). - -Our hero! We heard it all. Thirty at least of the Cadets are here!.... - - CYRANO (_falling back_). - -But, Captain.... - - CARBON (_trying to take him along_). - -Come! They wish to see you! - - CYRANO. - -No, I cannot! - - CARBON. - -They are over the way, at the Inn of the Cross. - - CYRANO. - -I cannot. - - CARBON (_going to the door and shouting outside_). - -Our hero refuses. He is out of sorts! - - A VOICE (_outside_). - -Sandious![17] - - (_Noise outside. Sound of swords and boots drawing near._) - - CARBON (_rubbing his hands_). - -They are crossing the street!.... - - THE CADETS (_invading the shop_). - -Milledious!--Capededious!--Mordious!--Pocapdedious! - - RAGUENEAU (_retreating in terror_). - -Why, gentlemen, are you all from Gascony? - - THE CADETS. - -Everyone of us! - - A CADET (_to Cyrano_). - -Bravo! - - CYRANO. - -Baron, yours!.... - - ANOTHER CADET (_shaking Cyrano's hand_). - -Bravo! - - CYRANO. - -Yours, baron! - - THIRD CADET. - -Allow me to embrace you! - - CYRANO. - -Baron, baron! - - SEVERAL CADETS. - -Let us all embrace him! - - CYRANO. - -Baron.... baron.... spare me!.... - - RAGUENEAU. - -But, gentlemen, are you all barons? - - THE CADETS. - -All of us! - - FIRST CADET. - -With our coronets alone you could build a tower. - - LE BRET (_enters and runs up to Cyrano_). - -An enthusiastic crowd is looking for you! - - CYRANO (_frightened_). - -You didn't tell them where I am? - - LE BRET (_rubbing his hands_). - -Of course I did! - - (_The street is crowded with pedestrians, chaises and coaches, all - stopping before the door._) - -You saw Roxane? - - CYRANO (_rapidly_). - -Be silent! - - THE CROWD (_outside_). - -Cyrano! Cyrano! - - (_They invade the shop, pushing each other, and shower Cyrano with - congratulations._) - - RAGUENEAU (_standing on a table_). - -My shop is taken by storm! and almost wrecked! Beautiful! Beautiful! - - PEOPLE AROUND CYRANO. - -Dear friend!.... Brave friend.... Heroic friend!.... - - CYRANO. - -Yesterday I had nothing like as many friends!.... - - LE BRET (_delighted_). - -Success, you see! Success! - - A MARQUIS (_running up with extended hands_). - -If you only knew, dear boy.... - - CYRANO. - -Dear boy? Dear boy? On what field did we ever camp together? - - MARQUIS. - -I should be pleased to present you, Sir, to some ladies who are outside -in my coach. - - CYRANO. - -But, first, you--who will present you to me? - - LE BRET (_dumbfounded_). - -Why! friend, what ails you? - - CYRANO. - -Be silent, please! - - A MAN OF LETTERS (_with pen and tablets_). - -May I not gather some details.... - - CYRANO. - -You may not! - - LE BRET (_aside to Cyrano_). - -But this is Theophraste Renaudot, who invented the gazette! - - CYRANO. - -I care not! - - LE BRET. - -.... That sheet in which are found so many things of interest. The idea, -it is said, has before it a great future. - - A POET. - -Dear Sir, I desire to build upon your name a pentacrostic. - - ANOTHER POET. - -I desire, dear Sir,.... - - CYRANO. - -Enough! Enough! - - (_Movement. The crowd becomes more orderly and opens. Guiche - appears, with an escort of officers: Cuigy, Brissaille, the - officers who accompanied Cyrano at the close of Act I._) - - CUIGY (_running up to Cyrano_). - -Here is Monsieur de Guiche! He is sent by Marshal de Gassion! - - GUICHE (_bowing to Cyrano_). - -.... Who desires to express to you, Sir, his admiration for the -wonderful prowess that we have just heard of. - - THE CROWD. - -Bravo! Bravo! - - CYRANO (_bowing_). - -The Marshal is a connoisseur in deeds of valour. - - GUICHE. - -He never would have believed the feat possible, if these gentlemen had -not sworn that they witnessed it. - - CUIGY. - -With our own good eyes! - - LE BRET (_aside, to Cyrano, who seems lost in thought_). - -My good friend.... - - CYRANO (_to Le Bret_). - -Be silent! - - LE BRET (_aside to Cyrano_). - -You seem to suffer! - - CYRANO (_awakening and drawing himself up_). - -Before all these people!.... I .... Suffer!.... Watch, and you shall -see. - - GUICHE (_to whom Cuigy has whispered a few words_). - -All know that you have accomplished wonders before this. You are serving -the King with these hare-brained Gascons, are you not? - - CYRANO. - -Yes, with the cadets. - - A CADET (_in stentorian tones_). - -With us! - - GUICHE (_looking at the Gascons, who have - aligned behind Cyrano_). - -Ah! ah!.... So these haughty-looking gentlemen are the famous.... - - CARBON. - -Cyrano! - - CYRANO. - -Captain? - - CARBON. - -Since my Company is all here, I believe, present it to the Count, if you -please. - - CYRANO (_taking two steps toward Guiche, and - pointing to the Cadets_). - - Fair Gascony's cadets are they, - With Carbon--He of Haughty-Hall;[18] - They fight and lie without dismay, - Fair Gascony's cadets are they! - In heraldry they've all to say, - And pedigrees like theirs appall. - Fair Gascony's cadets are they, - With Carbon--He of Haughty-Hall! - - With eagle eye, in crane's array, - With cat's mustache, and tooth for all, - Through rabble growling as they may, - With eagle eye, in crane's array, - They strut with hats in sad decay - Beneath their plumes so bright and tall! - With eagle eye, in crane's array, - With cat's mustache, and tooth for all! - - Abdomen-Blade and Slash-Away - Are names to them of pleasant fall. - They thirst for glory night and day - Abdomen-Blade and Slash-Away! - In every battle brawl, or fray.... - They congregate as for a ball.... - Abdomen-Blade and Slash-Away - Are names to them of pleasant fall! - - Fair Gascony's cadets are they - To husbands....writing on the wall! - O woman, wench of godly clay, - Fair Gascony's cadets are they! - Though jealous masters fume and bray, - Let trumpet sound! Let cuckoo call! - Fair Gascony's cadets are they, - To husbands, writing on the wall! - - GUICHE (_comfortably seated in an armchair that - Ragueneau promptly brought in_). - -A poet is one of our choice luxuries to-day. Will you be mine? - - CYRANO. - -No, Sir, nobody's! - - GUICHE. - -Your ready wit, yesterday, caused much amusement to my uncle Richelieu. -I shall take pleasure in recommending you to him. - - LE BRET (_dazzled_). - -What a good fortune! - - GUICHE. - -You certainly must have rimed some five-act tragedy? - - LE BRET (_whispering to Cyrano_). - -Your "Agrippine!" You'll have it played! - - GUICHE. - -Yes, take your work to the Cardinal. - - CYRANO (_delighted and tempted_). - -But, really.... - - GUICHE. - -He is quite an expert, but will not make too many corrections! - - CYRANO (_whose face has immediately resumed - its severe look_). - -Impossible, Sir! My blood curdles at the thought of my verse being -improved by the displacement or the addition of a single comma. - - GUICHE. - -But, on the other hand, my dear fellow, when a line pleases him, he pays -for it a large price. - - CYRANO. - -Not so large a one as I myself pay. When I have written a line and then -I fall in love with it, I buy it from and sing it to myself. - - GUICHE. - -Your disposition is a proud one! - - CYRANO. - -Really, you noticed it? - - A CADET (_enters with, strung on a sword, a number - of hats, crushed, pierced and very much dejected as - to plumes_). - -Behold, Cyrano! This morning, on the quay, we found this sorry feathered -game. The hats of those you put to flight!.... - - CARBON. - -Spolia opima! - - (_Everybody laughs ._) - - CUIGY. - -Whoever paid these cut-throats must to-day regret his bargain. - - BRISSAILLE. - -Does anyone know who it is? - - GUICHE. - -It is I! - - (_Laughing stops short._) - -I had hired them--a nobleman is above doing these things himself--to -chastise--a drunkard rimester. - - (_General embarrassment._) - - THE CADET (_aside to Cyrano, pointing to the hats_). - -What shall we do with them? They are greasy enough to make a stew. - - CYRANO (_taking the sword on which the hats are - strung, and allowing them, as he salutes, to - slip off at the feet of Guiche_). - -You may desire, Sir, to return them to your friends. - - GUICHE (_rising and in sharp tones_). - -My chair, immediately! - - (_to Cyrano, angrily_). - -As to you, Sir!.... - - A VOICE (_in the street_). - -The chair of his lordship Count de Guiche. - - GUICHE (_who has conquered his feelings and now smiles_). - -No doubt you've read Don Quixote? - - CYRANO. - - Yes, and, when - I hear the name of this enthusiast, - I doff my hat. - - GUICHE. - - Then kindly meditate - The windmill chapter.... - - CYRANO (_bowing_). - - Yes,--I know--thirteenth. - - GUICHE. - -When windmills are attacked it happens oft.... - - CYRANO. - -Have I attacked some noble weather-vane? - - GUICHE. - - That, if their mighty arms revolve, a man - Is dashed to earth!.... - - CYRANO. - - Or lifted to the stars! - - (_Exit Guiche, who enters his chair. His friends, whispering. Crowd - withdraws._) - - - _SCENE VIII._ - - CYRANO, LE BRET, THE CADETS, _who have taken seats at the - tables, and are eating and drinking_. - - CYRANO (_bowing out in an affectedly polite way - those who are leaving without taking any - further notice of him_). - -Gentlemen--delighted--Delighted--gentlemen-- - - LE BRET (_lifting his arms in despair_). - -A pretty mess you've made of it! - - CYRANO. - -Oh! of course! As usual, you must growl! - - LE BRET. - -Come, now, you must admit that this constant assassination--that is the -word--of every passing opportunity is, to say the least, a gross -exaggeration. - - CYRANO. - -Well, yes, I do exaggerate. There! - - LE BRET (_triumphant_). - -You see! - - CYRANO. - -But I do so as a matter of principle, for the sake of example. In my -opinion, such exaggeration is good. - - LE BRET. - - Suppose you set aside, a while, your soul - Heroic and success.... - - CYRANO. - - What should I do?.... - Set out to find a power, influence, - A master, then? A lowly ivy be - That licks the trunk it uses for support? - Creep up by stealth, instead of rising strong? - I thank you, no!--Inscribe the verse I write - To money bags, and play the low buffoon, - To cause, on lips that I despise, a smile? - I thank you, no! For breakfast eat a toad? - Wear out, or soil, especially my knees? - Forever prove how pliant is a spine? - I thank you, no! Give--only to exact? - Have ready praise for all, and strive to be - A pygmy hero in a puny ring? - I thank you, no! Ask publishers to print - My verse--at my expense? I thank you, no! - Seek favour from the solemn councils held - By pompous fools in taverns and the like? - I thank you, no! Or try to build a name - Upon a single sonnet, sooner than - Write other sonnets? No. I thank you, no! - Be terrorized by journals vague and small, - And hope the while they'll not forget me? No, - I thank you! Ever weigh, observe and fear? - Place gossip far above poetic lines? - Solicit, beg, crave notoriety? - I thank you, no! I thank you, nay!.... But, oh!.... - To sing, to dream, to laugh, to be alone - And free, with eyes that naught will cause to turn, - And with a voice that naught will cause to shake! - To cock your hat, if you feel so disposed: - For this, or that, to fight--or write a verse! - To plan, without a thought of gold or fame, - A novel trip, perhaps unto the moon! - To write but what is honestly your own, - And, diffident for once, reflect: my boy, - Be satisfied with flower, fruit.... or leaf, - If they have grown on soil that's strictly yours! - Then, if perchance a bit of fame is earned, - To feel that none of it to Cæsar's due! - The truth is there, and so is honesty: - Despise to ape the ivy-parasite, - And try to be an oak, or elm, to rise, - Not very high, perhaps, but rise alone! - - LE BRET. - - Alone, you're right! But not opposing all! - Why should you make so many enemies? - - CYRANO. - - Because I see you make so many friends, - And smile on them with mouths I'll not describe.[19] - I'm glad to pass with fewer greetings met, - And proud to think: another enemy! - - LE BRET. - - You are insane! - - CYRANO. - - Perhaps. My vice is such. - I'm pleased if I displease. Indeed, I love - To gather hatred. Friend, you've never felt - The thrill that's caused by walking on erect, - While fifty pairs of eyes are sending shot, - As if they were so many guns! And then.... - How comical the spots on doublets made - By envy's gall and cowardice's slaver! - --Loose friendships like to those you cultivate - Resemble the Italian collars, soft - And open-worked, that feminize your necks. - They're easy and of tranquil-going mien; - Your head with them can bend to any will. - Not so with me! For Hatred, every morn, - Makes stiff the ruff that forces up my head! - An enemy I gain's another fold - That straightens me the more, perhaps, but adds - A beam to my renown. The Spanish ruff, - Though sitting on the neck as would a yoke, - With some can be a halo 'round the head! - - LE BRET (_after a pause, passing his arm through Cyrano's_). - - Speak out aloud your pride and bitterness, - But whisper to me then: she loves me not! - - [17] Note.--This is a Gascon oath. Like the similar oaths following, - it would if translated literally (Blood of God,) lose its - picturesque and really innocent character. All of these are - oath-sounds rather than oaths, and somewhat oath-evading, after - the fashion of "goldarn it," in America. - - [18] Note.--The name "Castel-Jaloux," in the original, being - indicative of Gascon pride and superlativeness, it was thought - better to translate it in order to preserve colour. But here - arose the question: "Him" or "He" of Haughty-Hall? Both cases - have their champions, with most excellent reasons. It was - thought, however, that argument might be avoided and the line be - made more effective by the insertion of a dash after "Carbon," - thus leaving time for the imaginary interrogation: "What Carbon?" - following which suspension, the answer is. "He of Haughty-Hall" - is the Carbon meant. - - [19] Note.--The text here, justified by a current French expression, - would be too broad in English. - - - _SCENE IX._ - - CYRANO, LE BRET, THE CADETS, CHRISTIAN DE NEUVILLETTE. - - A CADET (_seated at a table in the rear, drinking_). - -Cyrano! - - (_Cyrano turns._) - -That narrative, please. - - CYRANO. - -Yes, presently! - - (_He takes the arm of Le Bret, going up and speaking in low tone to - him._) - - THE CADET (_rising and coming down_). - -The details of the fight! They will make the best kind of lesson.... -(_stopping near the table before which Christian is seated_) for a timid -apprentice! - - CHRISTIAN (_looking up_). - -Apprentice! - - ANOTHER CADET. - -Just so, sickly northerner! - - CHRISTIAN. - -Sickly! - - FIRST CADET (_sneeringly_). - -Monsieur de Neuvillette, there's something you must learn, to wit: there -exists a thing that, with us, must never be even alluded to--no more -than a rope in the house of one who was hung. - - CHRISTIAN. - -And what is that? - - ANOTHER CADET (_in terrifying tone_). - -Look at me! - - (_With his finger he, three times, strikes his nose._) - - You understand? - - CHRISTIAN. - -Oh! you mean the.... - - ANOTHER CADET. - -Hush!.... The word is never pronounced.... - - (_pointing to Cyrano, who, in the rear, is talking with Le Bret_). - -.... Or else trouble is sure. - - ANOTHER CADET (_who, while Christian was looking - the other way, took a seat on the table_). - -Two men were killed by him because they spoke through the nose--a -subject he dislikes! - - ANOTHER CADET (_springing up from underneath - the table, where he had crawled_). - -Those who desire to die young have but to come here and speak of the -fatal cartilage. - - ANOTHER CADET (_placing his hand on Christian's shoulder_). - -One word's enough. Did I say: a word? One motion, just one, suffices. -And drawing out one's handkerchief is equivalent to weaving one's -shroud! - - (_Silence. All the Cadets remain, with folded arms, staring at - Christian. Christian goes up to Carbon of Haughty-Hall, who has - been conversing with an officer and affecting not to notice the - proceedings._) - - CHRISTIAN. - -Captain! - - CARBON (_turning, and with a severe look_). - -Sir? - - CHRISTIAN. - -When one encounters southerners possessed of too much braggadocio.... - - CARBON. - -The right thing to do? Prove to them that you may come from the North -and still be brave. - - (_Carbon turns._) - - CHRISTIAN. - -Captain, I thank you. - - FIRST CADET (_to Cyrano_). - -And now your narrative! - - OTHER CADETS. - -Yes, his narrative! - - CYRANO (_coming down to them_). - -My narrative? Well, here it is! - - (_They gather around him, some seated, some standing. Christian - straddles a chair._) - -Well, then, I was walking along so as to meet them. The moon, in the -sky, looked like a big silver watch; when suddenly some zealous -watch-maker, I suppose, began passing over it, with a view to making it -shine, no doubt, some cloudy cotton. In consequence, the night became as -dark as possible, and, mordious! I could not see further.... - - CHRISTIAN. - -Than the end of your nose. - - (_Silence. Everybody rises slowly, frightened, and looking at - Cyrano, whom the interruption has astounded. General expectancy._) - - CYRANO. - -Who is this man? - - A CADET (_in subdued tone_). - -One who joined this morning. - - CYRANO (_going toward Christian_). - -This morning? - - CARBON. - -His name is Baron de Neuvillette. - - CYRANO (_rapidly, stopping_). - -Oh! very well then!.... - - (_He turns pale, then reddens, and appears ready to throw himself - upon Christian._) - -I must.... - - (_restraining himself, however_). - -That is different. (_resuming_). As I was saying.... - - (_with ill-concealed fury_). - -Mordious!.... - - (_continuing in a natural tone_).... I could not see very far. - - (_General stupefaction. All take their seats again, looking at - Cyrano._) - -So, I was walking on, thinking how I was going to disappoint some mighty -lord desirous of pulling.... - - CHRISTIAN. - -Your nose!.... - - (_Everybody rises again, while Christian rocks on his chair._) - - CYRANO (_half choking_). - -My ears!.... and how imprudent some people might find me for thus -poking.... - - CHRISTIAN. - -Your nose.... - - CYRANO. - -No, my finger, between the tree and the bark. For this great lord might -be powerful enough to rap me.... - - CHRISTIAN. - -On the nose.... - - CYRANO (_wiping the perspiration from his forehead_). - -No, on the fingers. But I said to myself: go ahead, Gascon; do your -duty! On, Cyrano! Then, abruptly, out of the dark, somebody made a lunge -at me. I parried: when suddenly, I found myself.... - - CHRISTIAN. - -Nose to nose.... - - CYRANO (_bounding toward him_). - -Ventre--Saint--Gris!.... - - (_All the Gascons advance to witness the scene. But Cyrano, on - coming up to Christian, masters himself, and continues:_) - -Confronted by a hundred drunken rascals.... smelling.... - - CHRISTIAN. - -With their hundred noses.... - - CYRANO (_pale as death, but smiling_). - -....Strongly of onion and garlic! I rushed forward blindly.... - - CHRISTIAN. - -Without nosing.... - - CYRANO. - -And charged them! Down went two of them. A third I ran through. They -lunged, I parried, and struck down, how many?.... - - CHRISTIAN. - -Who knows!.... - - CYRANO (_bursting with rage_). - -Thunder and lightning! Clear the room! - - (_The Cadets rush toward the door._) - - FIRST CADET. - -The tiger wakes! - - CYRANO. - -All out! Leave me alone with this man! - - SECOND CADET. - -We'll find the fellow in mince-meat. - - RAGUENEAU. - -Mince-meat. Not fit, though, for my pies. - - (_All go out, by the rear, the sides and the staircase. Cyrano and - Christian remain face to face staring at each other fiercely._) - - - _SCENE X._ - - CYRANO, CHRISTIAN. - - CYRANO. - -Embrace me! - - CHRISTIAN. - -Sir!.... - - CYRANO. - -You are brave. - - CHRISTIAN. - -Perhaps. But.... - - CYRANO. - -Very brave. I prefer it so. - - CHRISTIAN. - -Kindly explain.... - - CYRANO. - -Embrace me! I am her brother! - - CHRISTIAN. - -Whose brother? - - CYRANO. - -Her's! Roxane's! - - CHRISTIAN (_running up to him_). - -You! The brother of Roxane? - - CYRANO. - -Well, very much the same: a brotherly cousin. - - CHRISTIAN. - -And she?.... - - CYRANO. - -Told me all! - - CHRISTIAN. - -Does she love me? - - CYRANO. - -Perhaps! - - CHRISTIAN (_taking Cyrano's hands_). - -How happy I feel, Sir, to know you! - - CYRANO. - -Rather a sudden sentiment, is it not? - - CHRISTIAN. - -Forgive me, but.... - - CYRANO (_looking well at him, and laying his - hand on Christian's shoulder_). - -It's a fact. A fine-looking fellow, this rascal! - - CHRISTIAN. - -I only wish you knew, Sir, how much I admire you. - - CYRANO. - -Yes? But what of all those noses that you.... - - CHRISTIAN. - -I withdraw them, Sir! - - CYRANO. - -Roxane expects a letter to-night. - - CHRISTIAN. - -That is the trouble. - - CYRANO. - -How so? - - CHRISTIAN. - -I am lost if I remain silent!.... - - CYRANO. - -Well then?.... - - CHRISTIAN. - -But, I am ashamed to own it, I am too stupid to write. - - CYRANO. - -Stupid? You are not, friend, since you realise your inability. Moreover, -your attack upon me was not that of a dunce. - - CHRISTIAN. - -Oh! it is easy enough to find words for a fight! Yes, perhaps I have a -sort of easy, military wit; but, facing women, I am struck dumb. Oh! -their eyes seem favourable enough as I pass them.... - - CYRANO. - -Are not their hearts the same when you stop? - - CHRISTIAN. - -No, for I belong to those--and I know it--who tremble, and know not how -to speak of love. - - CYRANO. - -Strange!.... It seems to me that, if I were better looking, I should -belong to the other class: those who know and dare. - - CHRISTIAN. - -Oh! that I could with elegance express my feelings! - - CYRANO. - -Or be a pretty little musketeer! - - CHRISTIAN. - -Roxane is a "_précieuse_," and, in her eyes, I shall be disgraced! - - CYRANO (_looking at Christian_). - -Oh! that for the feelings of my soul I had such an interpreter! - - CHRISTIAN (_despairing_). - -What would I not give for eloquence! - - CYRANO (_eagerly_). - -I'll lend you some! Lend you to me your physical attraction, and the two -combined will constitute the hero of a romance. - - CHRISTIAN. - -What then? - - CYRANO. - -Would you feel equal to repeating the daily lessons I could give you? - - CHRISTIAN. - -What is it you propose? - - CYRANO. - -In Roxane's eyes you shall not be disgraced. Together, if you will, we -can gain her love. Will you allow the soul so ill-restrained by my -buckskin here to breathe and sing beneath your embroidered doublet?.... - - CHRISTIAN. - -But Cyrano.... - - CYRANO. - -.... Christian, will you? - - CHRISTIAN. - -Would it give you so much pleasure? - - CYRANO (_enraptured_). - -It would.... - - (_returning to his senses, and lightly_) - -It would amuse me! - - A trial this to tempt a poet. Come! - We shall complete each other, if you will. - You'll walk, and I'll be near you in the shade! - I'll be the breath, and you shall be the form! - - CHRISTIAN. - -But that letter she expects. I cannot write it.... - - CYRANO (_taking from his doublet the letter he - wrote a while before_). - -Your letter?.... Here it is! - - CHRISTIAN. - -How is this? - - CYRANO. - -It lacks nothing but the address. You may send it. Feel no anxiety. It -is as it should be. - - CHRISTIAN. - -But how is it that you?.... - - CYRANO. - - We poets have about us, as a rule, - Fine letters to the women we adore.... - In our dreams. For we belong to those - Whose love is but a fleeting fancy blown - Into the rainbow-bubble of a name! - Take this and make a truth of what is feigned. - My rambling words of rapture flutter like - Bewildered birds; you'll cause them to alight. - The letter shows, itself--now take it!--that - My eloquence was born of artifice. - - CHRISTIAN. - -But there may be a few words to change. Thus, written at random, will it -fit Roxane? - - CYRANO. - -It will fit her like a glove! Human vanity is so credulous that Roxane -will never doubt the letter was written for her! - - CHRISTIAN. - -You are my dearest friend! - - (_He throws himself into Cyrano's arms. They remain embracing._) - - - _SCENE XI._ - - CYRANO, CHRISTIAN, THE GASCONS, THE MUSKETEER, LISE. - - A CADET (_half opening the door_). - -Complete silence.... the silence of death.... I fear to look around! - - (_after a survey_) What!.... - - SEVERAL CADETS (_entering and looking at - Cyrano and Christian locked in each - other's arms_). - -Ah!.... Oh!.... Impossible!.... - - (_Consternation._) - - THE MUSKETEER (_jeeringly_). - -Well, well!.... - - CARBON. - -Our quarrelsome demon has become as lamblike as an apostle! Struck on -one of his nostrils--he offers the other! - - THE MUSKETEER. - -So, now we may speak of his nose!.... - - (_calling Lise, triumphantly_). - -Lise, just come and see!.... - - (_sniffing with affectation_). - -Why!.... Why!.... this is surprising! It smells here of.... - - (_going up to Cyrano_). - -But you, Sir, must have noticed it? It smells of.... - - CYRANO (_slapping Musketeer's face_). - -Five-leaf clover! - - (_General rejoicing, Cyrano is himself again. Cadets turn - somersaults._) - - _CURTAIN._ - - [Illustration: _SECOND ACT._] - - [Illustration: _SECOND ACT._] - - - - - _ACT III._ - - THE KISS OF ROXANE. - - -_A small public square in the old Marais quarter of Paris. Old houses, -narrow streets. To the right Roxane's house and garden, over the wall of -which spread and hang the branches of large trees inside. Above the -door, a window and a balcony. By the door a stone bench._ - -_Ivy creeps up the wall, and a jasmine twines around the balcony. By -means of the bench and of stones projecting from the wall, it is -comparatively easy to climb up to the balcony._ - -_Over the way, an old house in the same style, brick and stone, with a -door, the knocker of which is wrapped with rags like a sore finger._ - -_As the curtain rises, the Duenna is seated on the bench. The window on -Roxane's balcony is wide open. Standing near the Duenna is Ragueneau, -wearing a sort of livery. He is concluding a story, and wiping his -eyes._ - - - _SCENE I._ - - RAGUENEAU, THE DUENNA, _later_ ROXANE, CYRANO, _and two pages_. - - RAGUENEAU. - -.... And then she left with a Musketeer! Deserted and ruined, I hung -myself, and I was already off for another world, when enter Monsieur de -Bergerac. He unhung me and offered me to his cousin for a steward. - - THE DUENNA. - -But how were you ruined so? - - RAGUENEAU. - -Lise had a weakness for the military, and I for poets. Mars ate all the -cakes that Apollo left. Oh! they made short work of it! - - THE DUENNA (_rises and calls toward the window_). - -Roxane! Are you ready? We'll be late. - - VOICE OF ROXANE (_through the window_). - -I'm putting on my cape! - - THE DUENNA (_to Ragueneau, pointing to the - door of the house over the way_). - -We are expected over there, at Clomire's. She holds her literary -assizes. There will be a reading. Subject: The Tender Passion! - - RAGUENEAU. - -The Tender Passion, indeed! - - THE DUENNA (_smirking_). - -The Tender Passion. Why not? - - (_calling toward the window_). - -Roxane, come down! Or we shall miss the discourse on The Tender Passion. - - VOICE OF ROXANE. - -I am coming! - - (_Sound of string instruments growing gradually nearer._) - - VOICE OF CYRANO (_singing in the wings_). - -La, la, la, la! - - THE DUENNA (_surprised_). - -Music for us! - - CYRANO (_followed by two pages each with an archlute_). - -I say again that it's a demi-semi-quaver, you triple fool! - - FIRST PAGE (_with irony_). - -So then, Sir, you have thorough knowledge of quavers? - - CYRANO. - -I am a musician, as are all the disciples of Gassendi. - - THE PAGE (_playing and singing_). - -La, la! - - CYRANO (_snatching from him the archlute and - continuing the music_). - -I can go on! La, la, la, la! - - ROXANE (_appearing on the balcony_). - -So, it is you? - - CYRANO (_continuing the same air_). - -Yes, I who come to celebrate the lily, And to extol the glory of the -ro....se! - - ROXANE. - -I'll be down in a moment. - - (_She leaves the balcony._) - - THE DUENNA (_to Cyrano, pointing to the two pages_). - -And who may be these two songsters? - - CYRANO. - -Oh! they are part of a bet I won. D'Assoucy and I had a discussion on a -point of grammar. No! Yes! No! Yes! Of a sudden he points to these two -scarecrows here, his constant escort, great in the art of scratching a -string with a claw, and he says: "I'll bet you a whole day of -music!"--He lost. And now, until to-morrow comes, I must enjoy both the -strains and the presence of these two harmonious witnesses of all my -acts!.... Pleasant, if you like, in the beginning, but now the pleasure -is growing less. - - (_to the musicians_). - -Hep!.... Just go and play a pavan--with my compliments--for that actor -Montfleury! - - (_Pages go up. To the Duenna_). - -I've come this evening--as on previous evenings-- - - (_to the Pages who are leaving_). - -Play long,--and out of tune! - - (_to Duenna_). - -To ask Roxane if the friend of her soul is still as faultless as before. - - ROXANE (_coming out of the house_). - -How beautiful, how clever he is! and how I love him! - - CYRANO (_smiling_). - -Indeed! And is Christian so very clever?.... - - ROXANE. - -Yes, dear friend, more so even than yourself! - - CYRANO. - -So be it, then! - - ROXANE. - -To my mind, it would be impossible for anyone to deliver with more -elegance and wit than he does these pretty trifles that are nothing, if -you will--and still are everything. At times, it is true, he seems quite -absent-minded; but, suddenly, he recovers and says the most charming -things! - - CYRANO (_incredulous_). - -You surprise me! - - ROXANE. - -You men are really astonishing! Because Christian is handsome, he _must_ -be stupid! - - CYRANO. - -I doubt if he can speak of hearts and love. - - ROXANE. - -He does not speak of, he lectures on them, Sir! - - CYRANO. - -And he writes? - - ROXANE. - -Still better. Just listen. - - (_reciting_). - -"The more you take of what's my heart, the more I've left." - - (_triumphantly_). - -What think you of that? - - CYRANO. - -So! So! - - ROXANE. - -And of this? (_reciting_). - - "Since I must suffer and, to suffer, have a heart, - If you would keep the heart that's mine, then send me yours." - - CYRANO. - -At first he had too much heart; now he has not enough. It would be -interesting to know exactly how much heart would satisfy him. - - ROXANE. - -You are exasperating! True jealousy!.... - - CYRANO (_moved_). - -What?.... - - ROXANE. - -An author's jealousy! And is not this just as lovely as possible? -Listen! - - "T'ward you my heart, I swear, has but a single cry, - And, if in written lines fond kisses could be sent, - O Madam, you would read this letter with your lips!" - - CYRANO (_with an unconscious smile of satisfaction_). - -Ha! ha! the lines are.... hum! hum!.... - - (_recovering and disdainfully_). - - .... really pretty weak! - - ROXANE. - -Indeed! And this? - - CYRANO. - -Why! do you remember all his letters? - - ROXANE. - -Every one of them! - - CYRANO. - -Undoubtedly, this is quite a compliment! - - ROXANE. - -He is a master! - - CYRANO (_with modesty_). - -Oh!.... a master!.... - - ROXANE (_with decision_). - -A master, I say! - - CYRANO. - -So be it! A master! - - THE DUENNA (_returning from the rear_). - -Monsieur de Guiche! - - (_to Cyrano, pushing him toward the house_). - -Get into the house. It is better he should not see you here--or else he -might suspect.... - - ROXANE (_to Cyrano_). - -Yes, discover my secret. He loves me; he is powerful, and he must not -know of my love. He could destroy it! - - CYRANO (_entering the house_). - -Very well, then, very well! - - (_Enter Guiche._) - - - _SCENE II._ - - ROXANE, GUICHE, THE DUENNA, _at a distance_. - - ROXANE (_to Guiche, with a curtsey_). - -I was just going out. - - GUICHE. - -And I have come to take leave, before starting for the front. - - ROXANE. - -Oh!.... - - GUICHE. - -I am ordered to the siege of Arras.... - - ROXANE. - -Oh!.... - - GUICHE. - -.... and I go to-night. - - ROXANE. - -Oh!.... - - GUICHE. - -My departure does not seem to distress you greatly.... - - ROXANE. - -Oh!.... - - GUICHE. - -.... But I seriously grieve over it. Shall I ever see you again?.... -When?.... By the way, I have been given a high command. - - ROXANE (_indifferent_). - -I congratulate you! - - GUICHE. - -The Guards regiment. - - ROXANE (_interested_). - -Oh! the Guards? - - GUICHE. - -Yes, the regiment in which is your cousin, the man of boastful words. -I'll have my revenge when I get him at the siege. - - ROXANE (_overcome_). - -What! the Guards are going there? - - GUICHE (_laughing_). - -Of course, since they are now my regiment. - - ROXANE (_sinking on the bench--aside_). - -Christian! - - GUICHE. - -What ails you? - - ROXANE (_moved_). - -This.... departure.... grieves me sorely. To know that those you.... -care for.... are going to battle! - - GUICHE (_surprised and pleased_). - -Why is it I hear words so sweet only on the day of my departure? - - ROXANE (_changing her manner and using her fan_). - -So, then, you mean to seek revenge on my cousin Cyrano? - - GUICHE (_surprised_). - -Do you take his part? - - ROXANE. - -I? Not at all. I am against him. - - GUICHE. - -Do you see him often? - - ROXANE. - -Very seldom. - - GUICHE. - -I meet him everywhere.... with one of those cadets.... this Neu.... -vil.... Neuvil.... - - ROXANE. - -A tall man? - - GUICHE. - -A blond. - - ROXANE. - -Red-haired, rather. - - GUICHE. - -Handsome!.... - - ROXANE. - -For some, perhaps, but.... - - GUICHE. - -But very stupid. - - ROXANE. - -So it struck me! (_changing her manner_). - -....Your revenge as regards Cyrano no doubt consists in holding him -under fire, which he relishes. So I hardly see great vengeance for you -in that. I can tell you, though, what would wound him to the quick!.... - - GUICHE. - -And that is?.... - - ROXANE. - -To have his regiment and his dear cadets remain, so long as there is -war, right here, in Paris, inactive! The only way to punish him is to -deprive him of danger. - - GUICHE. - -Woman! Woman! No one but a woman would think of such a scheme! - - (_getting closer to Roxane_). - -You have then some regard for me? (_She smiles._) The fact that you take -sides with me, Roxane, is, in my eyes, a proof of love. - - ROXANE. - -It is one. - - GUICHE (_showing several sealed papers_). - -I have the orders here for every company, and they shall be sent -immediately, except.... - - (_he takes one out of the batch_) this one! It is for the cadets, - and (_puts it into a pocket_) - -I hold it back! Ha! ha! Cyrano....so eager for the fray! And so you play -with people as with mice, Roxane? - - ROXANE. - -Sometimes! - - GUICHE (_quite close to her_). - -You enthrall me! Roxane, listen. To-night--yes, I know, I must depart. -But leave you when I feel that you are moved!....I cannot. Hear me! -Close by here is the convent of the Capuchin fathers. Laymen cannot -enter it; but, as the fathers serve my uncle Richelieu, they have some -regard for his nephew, and they will give me a place of concealment. -Officially, I shall have left for the front, but I shall return to you -under the cover of a mask. Allow me to delay my departure a few hours, -dear waywardness! - - ROXANE. - -But if you are discovered! Your reputation.... - - GUICHE. - -I'll risk it. - - ROXANE. - -But the siege.... Arras.... - - GUICHE. - -I care not. Grant me your permission! - - ROXANE. - -No! - - GUICHE. - -Do! - - ROXANE (_affectionately_). - -My duty says that I must forbid! I beseech you, go! - - (_aside_). - -Christian remains here! - - (_aloud_). - -I would have you be a hero--Antoine! - - GUICHE. - -Celestial word!--And so you love the one.... - - ROXANE. - -For whom I tremble? Yes! - - GUICHE (_enraptured_). - -'Tis well, I leave! - - (_Kisses her hand._) - -Are you satisfied? - - ROXANE. - -Yes, dearest friend! - - (_Exit Guiche._) - - THE DUENNA (_curtseying mockingly behind Guiche_). - -Yes, dearest friend. - - ROXANE (_to Duenna_). - -Not a word, if you please. Cyrano would never forgive me for stealing -his war from him! - - (_calling toward the house_). - -Cousin! - - - _SCENE III._ - - ROXANE, THE DUENNA, CYRANO. - - ROXANE (_pointing to door of house opposite hers_). - -We are going to Clomire's. Alcandre is to speak, so is Lysimon. - - DUENNA. - -Yes, but my little finger says that we shall be late. - - CYRANO. - -Make haste lest you miss part of their monkey talk. - - DUENNA (_looking at knocker_). - -That's right, they have gagged this noisy little wretch. It might have -interrupted the finest speeches. - - (_She knocks very gently. Door opens._) - - ROXANE (_about to pass in. To Cyrano_). - -Were Christian to come, as is likely, request him to wait for me, -please. - - CYRANO. - -I shall. - - (_As she is passing in the door, she turns, on hearing Cyrano - speak._) - -And what question do you intend, as is your wont, to propound to him -to-day? - - ROXANE. - -The question of.... - - CYRANO (_eagerly_). - -Of?.... - - ROXANE. - -But you'll remain silent! - - CYRANO. - -As a prison wall. - - ROXANE. - -No question at all!.... I shall simply say to him: Proceed--without a -rein!--Extemporise. Speak of love. Be grand! - - CYRANO (_smiling_). - -Excellent idea! - - ROXANE. - -Hush! - - CYRANO. - -Hush! - - (_Roxane enters, closing the door._) - - CYRANO (_bowing to the door_). - -Very many thanks! - - (_The door opens and Roxane passes out her head._) - - ROXANE. - -He might try to prepare!.... - - CYRANO. - -That would never do!.... - - TOGETHER. - -Hush! - - (_Door closes._) - - CYRANO (_calling_). - -Christian! - - - _SCENE IV._ - - CYRANO, CHRISTIAN. - - CYRANO. - -Now I'm informed! Prepare your memory. There is glory in store for -you.--Drop your bad humour, and let us haste to your house, where I -shall coach you. - - CHRISTIAN. - -No! - - CYRANO. - -What! - - CHRISTIAN. - -I'll wait for Roxane here. - - CYRANO. - -Have you gone mad? Come, come! - - CHRISTIAN. - -No! I said. I am weary of committing to memory my letters, my -speeches.... Weary of playing a part....weary of trembling lest I fail! -All good and well in the beginning! But now I feel that she really loves -me! Many thanks, I fear nothing now. I'll speak unprompted. - - CYRANO. - -So, indeed! - - CHRISTIAN. - -Probably you think that I cannot?.... After all, I'm not so stupid! You -shall see! Your lessons have improved me. I'll speak unaided. And--speak -or not--I'll know enough to clasp her in my arms! - - (_Perceiving Roxane coming out of Clomire's house_). - -It is she! Cyrano, for pity's sake, do not leave me! - - CYRANO (_bowing to him_). - -You'll speak unprompted, Sir. - - (_He disappears behind the garden wall._) - - - _SCENE V._ - - CHRISTIAN, ROXANE, THE DUENNA, _a moment_. - - ROXANE (_coming out of Clomire's house, in company - with several ladies and gentlemen.--Curtsies_). - -Barthénoïde!--Alcandre--Grémione!.... - - DUENNA (_in despair_). - -We missed the discourse on The Tender Passion! - - (_Enters house of Roxane._) - - ROXANE (_going up to Christian_). - -Oh! here you are!.... Twilight is coming, the air is balmy, and there is -nobody about. Let us be seated. Speak. I'm listening. - - (_She takes a seat on the bench. Christian sits near her. - Silence._) - - CHRISTIAN. - -I love you! - - ROXANE (_closing her eyes_). - -Yes, speak of love! - - CHRISTIAN. - -I love thee! - - ROXANE. - -Yes, that is the theme. Amplify! - - CHRISTIAN. - -I love.... - - ROXANE. - -Expatiate! - - CHRISTIAN. - -So deeply!.... - - ROXANE. - -Of course.... and then?.... - - CHRISTIAN. - -And then?.... I should feel so happy if you loved me! Roxane, do say -that you love me! - - ROXANE (_pouting_). - -You offer me porridge when I expected cream! Now, say _how_ you love me. - - CHRISTIAN. - -I love you....very much. - - ROXANE. - -Uncloud your sentiments a little! - - CHRISTIAN. - -Your neck! Ah! that I could press my lips to it! - - ROXANE. - -Christian, for shame! - - CHRISTIAN. - -I love you! - - ROXANE (_about to rise_). - -Again! - - CHRISTIAN (_restraining her_). - -No! I do _not_ love you.... - - ROXANE (_settling again into her seat_). - -That is better! - - CHRISTIAN. - -I adore you! - - ROXANE (_rising and from a distance_). - -Oh! the same thing! - - CHRISTIAN. - -Yes--I feel that I am getting stupid! - - ROXANE. - -Yes, and it displeases me. No more should I like to have you lose your -good looks. - - CHRISTIAN. - -But.... - - ROXANE. - -Come, call up all your eloquence, just now put to flight. - - CHRISTIAN. - -I.... - - ROXANE. - -Yes, I know, you love me. Farewell! - - (_She goes toward the door._) - - CHRISTIAN. - -Do not go! Let me tell you.... - - ROXANE (_opening her door_). - -That you adore me?.... But I know it already. No! no! you had better -leave me! - - CHRISTIAN. - -But hear me, Roxane.... - - (_She closes the door in his face._) - - CYRANO (_who has just appeared without being seen_). - -Quite a success! - - - _SCENE VI._ - - CHRISTIAN, CYRANO, THE PAGES, _a moment_. - - CHRISTIAN. - -Help! help! - - CYRANO. - -No, Sir! - - CHRISTIAN. - -I'll die if she does not this moment relent.... - - CYRANO. - -What can I do? This very moment drum into you.... - - CHRISTIAN (_clasping Cyrano's arm_). - -See! There she comes! - - (_Light in the balcony window._) - - CYRANO (_moved_). - -Her window! - - CHRISTIAN. - -Help me! Or I'll die! - - CYRANO. - -Speak lower! - - CHRISTIAN (_whispering_). - -It is life or death to me! - - CYRANO. - -The night is dark.... - - CHRISTIAN. - -Well, speak! - - CYRANO. - -The harm can be undone. You do not deserve it, you wretch!....but stand -there before the balcony! I'll remain beneath it--and prompt you! - - CHRISTIAN. - -But, my friend.... - - CYRANO. - -Obey orders! - - THE PAGES (_in the rear, to Cyrano_). - -Hep! - - CYRANO (_silencing them_). - -Hush! - - FIRST PAGE (_in a whisper_). - -We have serenaded Montfleury. - - CYRANO (_in a whisper, quickly to Pages_). - -You, stand on this corner....and you, on that one. If anyone comes -along, play an air. - - SECOND PAGE. - -What sort of air would suit Gassendi? - - CYRANO. - -Lively for a woman; for a man a sad one! - - (_Pages disappear, taking two different streets._) - -(_To Christian_) Now, call her! - - CHRISTIAN (_calling_). - -Roxane. - - CYRANO (_picking up a few pebbles that he throws - against the window_). - -Wait! A few pebbles. - - ROXANE (_half opening her window_). - -Who calls me? - - CHRISTIAN. - -I. - - ROXANE. - -Who is I? - - CHRISTIAN. - -I, Christian. - - ROXANE (_scornfully_). - -Oh! you! - - CHRISTIAN. - -I must speak to you. - - CYRANO (_under the balcony, to Christian_). - -Good! Lower your voice. - - ROXANE. - -No! You speak too clumsily. Better go! - - CHRISTIAN. - -Be pitiful!.... - - ROXANE. - -No! You love me no more! - - CHRISTIAN (_prompted by Cyrano_). - -You accuse me....merciful Gods!....of loving no more....when....I love -more! - - ROXANE (_stopping as she was going to close the window_). - -Why! you are improving. - - CHRISTIAN (_still prompted_). - -Love grows stronger in the restless soul--mine--that he has -chosen....cruel child!....for a cradle! - - ROXANE (_coming out on the balcony_). - -Better still!....But, since this love is so cruel, you were foolish, -indeed, not to smother it at its birth! - - CHRISTIAN (_prompted_). - -I tried....but without success: this new-born babe, Madam, is a little -Hercules. - - ROXANE. - -Still better! - - CHRISTIAN (_prompted_). - -In fact, he....strangled without an effort....two serpents....Pride -and....Doubt.... - - ROXANE (_leaning on the balcony railing_). - -Very good indeed! But why do you speak so....deliberately? Has your -imagination the gout, that it limps so? - - CYRANO (_drawing Christian under the balcony, and - noiselessly taking Christian's place before it_). - -Hush! The task is getting too difficult!.... - - ROXANE. - -To-night you waver in your speech. Why so? - - CYRANO (_speaking in a low tone as Christian - did before him_). - -Because night has come, and, in the dark, my words must wander in search -of your ear. - - ROXANE. - -But my words meet with no such difficulty. - - CYRANO. - -Yours find a resting-place immediately. Oh! very naturally, since I -receive them into my heart. Remember that my heart is large, while your -ear is very small. Moreover, your words descend! thus have they speed. -While mine must rise, Madam: they require more time! - - ROXANE. - -But they have been rising much better for the last few moments. - - CYRANO. - -They are getting trained to climbing! - - ROXANE. - -The fact is that I am speaking to you from quite a height! - - CYRANO. - -Assuredly, and you would kill me if, from such an elevation, you allowed -a sharp word to drop upon my heart! - - ROXANE (_moved_). - -I'll come down. - - CYRANO (_quickly_). - -No! - - ROXANE (_pointing to the stone bench under the balcony_). - -Step upon the bench, then, and climb up here! - - CYRANO (_frightened and retreating_). - -No! - - ROXANE. - -You surprise me.... Why not? - - CYRANO (_more and more moved_). - -Let us rather improve.... this opportunity of.... speaking softly -together.... without seeing each other. - - ROXANE. - -What! To each other almost invisible? - - CYRANO. - - As now.--Let us enjoy the bliss there is - In seeking to distinguish one the other. - For you, I'm but the darkness of a cloak; - For me, you are the whiteness of a robe. - I'm shadow only, you are blessèd light! - -If ever you have thought me eloquent.... - - ROXANE. - -I have. - - CYRANO. - -Remember now that my words never yet came from my true heart. - - ROXANE. - -Why not? - - CYRANO. - -Because.... until now.... I have spoken to you through.... - - ROXANE. - -Through what? - - CYRANO. - -The spell that you cast upon those who bask in the light of your -eyes!.... And so, this night, to me it seems as if I were about to speak -to you for the first time! - - ROXANE. - -Ah! that is why your voice seems different. - - CYRANO (_feverish, and coming up closer to the balcony_). - -Yes, different; for, now that darkness shields me, I dare to be myself -at last, I dare.... - - (_He stops, bewildered._) - -Where was I?.... I forget.... Pardon my confusion.... All this is so -exquisite.... so new to me!.... - - ROXANE. - -So new! - - CYRANO (_quite bewildered, and trying to explain_). - -So new!.... Why! yes.... It's new to be sincere. And then.... a fear of -ridicule.... - - ROXANE. - -Ridicule? For what? - - CYRANO. - -My emotional flights! - - My heart, through diffidence, forever calls - Upon my mind to shield it from disdain: - I start to cull a star, and then I halt, - For fear of ridicule, to pick a floret. - - ROXANE. - - A floret has its charms. - - CYRANO. - - Disdain them now! - - ROXANE. - - You never spoke to me as now you speak! - - CYRANO. - - Oh! let us set aside the pygmy things, - The superannuated niceties - Of love as it is understood to-day! - Why sip by drops the waters of a spring, - When from a river we can freely quaff? - - ROXANE. - - But mind and wit? - - CYRANO. - - They serve to make you stay. - But now 'twould be an insult to the night, - To fragrance, and to fate, and nature too, - If we should hold unto affected style. - One look above, and artifice disarms! - I fear that, with this subtle alchemy, - The truth of sentiment might vapourise, - The soul exhaust itself in futile play, - And niceties be carried to a point - So pointed that it end in nothingness! - - ROXANE. - - But mind and wit? - - CYRANO. - - I hate them now. It is - A crime to force sweet love to bandy words! - There comes a time, moreover, be assured-- - Oh! how I pity those who feel it not!-- - When our breast o'erflows with noble love, - A love that pretty words must desecrate! - - ROXANE. - - Since now for both of us the time has come, - What words shall I expect from you? - - CYRANO. - - All, all, - All those I know; accept them scattered loose, - Unsought, unbound. I love you--let me breathe!-- - I love thee[20], and I rave. 'Tis joy too much! - Thy name is in my heart as in a bell, - Roxane, and, as my heart forever throbs, - The bell is e'er the sounder of thy name. - Of thee there's nought I do not hoard and love: - I mind me that, last year, the twelfth of May, - A twist was changed in what's a crown, thy hair! - Thy glowing hair to me is truly light. - When we have gazed too long upon the sun, - We see on things around a halo reign; - 'Tis thus when I have lost the light thou shedst: - My dazzled eyes are filled with golden sparks! - - ROXANE. - - Yes, this is love-- - - CYRANO. - - The passion in my heart - Is jealous, fierce, with sadness tainted, but - It's really love--love shorn of selfish thought. - Would I could give my happiness for thine-- - E'en shouldst thou ne'er suspect whose gift it was-- - If I could hear, perchance and from afar, - The music of thy bliss, my offering! - From every glance of thine fresh virtue springs, - Fresh valour, too. Oh! say I'm understood, - And that thou feelst my soul ascend to thee! - All is to-night too beautiful and sweet! - And still it's true! I speak, at last, to thee. - Yes, I to thee! 'Tis bliss too great! My hopes, - My wildest hopes ne'er leaped to such a height; - My dream's no dream, and I can die content. - Because of me she quivers with the trees! - For, leaf divine, you tremble with the leaves! - Thou tremblest, for, against thy will or not, - I feel, oh, bliss! the tremour of thy hand - Descending now along these flowery vines. - - (_He imprints a passionate kiss upon one of the branches._) - - ROXANE. - - I tremble, yes; I weep, I love, I'm thine! - I am enthralled! - - CYRANO. - - May Death then come along, - Since rapture's born of me, of me alone! - What more can I expect of life?-- - - CHRISTIAN (_under the balcony_). - - A kiss! - - ROXANE (_falling back_). - -What? - - CYRANO. - - Oh! - - ROXANE. - - You claim?-- - - CYRANO. - - Yes--I-- - - (_aside to Christian_). - - You go too far. - - CHRISTIAN (_aside to Cyrano_). - -Now she is moved, it's time for me to act. - - CYRANO (_to Roxane_). - -Yes, I.... I asked.... it is true.... but now I realise how more than -bold I was. - - ROXANE (_somewhat disappointed_). - -And you do not insist? - - CYRANO. - -Insist? Of course I do.... but with reserve!.... Yes, I know your -modesty's offended. So, I withdraw the kiss.... refuse it to me! - - CHRISTIAN (_with a tug at Cyrano's cloak_). - -Why so? - - CYRANO. - -Be silent, Christian! - - ROXANE (_leaning over the balcony_). - -What are you muttering? - - CYRANO. - -I was reproving myself for going too far. I was saying: be silent -Christian!.... - - (_sound of archlute._) - - One moment please!.... Some one comes. - - (_Roxane closes her window. Cyrano listens to the archlutes; one of - them plays a lively air, and the other a sad one._) - -Lively?.... Sad?.... A woman or a man? No, a monk! - - (_Enter monk holding a lighted lantern. He goes from house to - house, looking at the doors._) - - [20] Note.--In this tirade, and in the following one, _you_, _thou_ - and _she_ are intentionally interwoven. When Cyrano is carried by - his emotion, he passes from _you_ to _thou_, which latter is, in - French, familiar and endearing much more than in English. Then, - reclaimed by reason and fearing that he has overstepped the - bounds, he returns to the (in French) more formal _you_, or - resorts to a discreet _she_, only to forget himself again and to - resume the caressing _thou_. - - - _SCENE VII._ - - CYRANO, CHRISTIAN, _a_ CAPUCHIN MONK. - - CYRANO (_to the Monk_). - -Are you a new Diogenes? - - MONK. - -I'm looking for the house of Madam Magdeleine Robin. - - CYRANO (_pointing to one of the streets_). - -That way--straight ahead--as far as you can go.... - - MONK. - -Thank you, Sir!--I'll tell my beads for you. - - (_Exit Monk._) - - CYRANO. - -Peace be with you! I bid you Godspeed! - - (_Comes down toward Christian._) - - - _SCENE VIII._ - - CYRANO, CHRISTIAN. - - CHRISTIAN. - -Obtain for me that kiss! - - CYRANO. - -No, Sir! - - CHRISTIAN. - -But, sooner or later, you know.... - - CYRANO. - - True, - The time will come, that time of bliss intense, - When each will fall into the other's arms, - And blond mustache to rosy lips will go! - - (_aside_) - -'Twas better that at least I cause the bliss. - - (_Window above opens. Christian conceals himself beneath the - balcony._) - - - _SCENE IX._ - - CYRANO, CHRISTIAN, ROXANE. - - ROXANE (_coming out on the balcony_). - -Is it you?--Yes.... What were we speaking of?.... oh! of a.... well, -of.... - - CYRANO. - - A kiss! The word is soft. Why hesitate? - The name, be sure, will not maltreat your lips, - However burning be the thing itself.-- - Just now, you left the trifling mood, to glide, - To steal from smile to sigh, and sigh to tears. - Glide on!.... From tear to kiss there's but a thrill! - - ROXANE. - - Be silent! - - CYRANO. - - After all, what is a kiss? - An oath that's given closer than before; - A promise more precise; the sealing of - Confessions that till then were barely breathed; - A ruby O to spell the verb: I love![21] - A secret that's confided to a mouth - And not to ears; a precious moment of - Infinity that buzzes like a bee; - Communion with the fragrance flowers have; - A gentle way for heart to breathe a heart, - For soul from fervid lips to drink a soul! - - ROXANE. - - Be still! - - CYRANO. - - A kiss is oft a thing so grand - That once a queen of France permitted one - Unto a happy lord. I said: a queen! - - ROXANE. - - And then? - - CYRANO (_excited_). - - Like Buckingham, I've suffered long; - Like him I love a queen, the one that's you! - Like him, I'm sad and faithful.... - - ROXANE. - - And like him - You've beauty. - - CYRANO (_aside, abashed_). - - Yes.... I've beauty.... I forgot! - - ROXANE. - - Well, then, come up, to cull the flower.... - - CYRANO (_pushing Christian toward the balcony_). - - Go! - - ROXANE. - - Whose fragrance.... - - CYRANO (_to Christian_). - - Go! - - ROXANE. - - The buzzing of the bee.... - - CYRANO (_to Christian_). - - Go up! - - CHRISTIAN (_hesitating_). - - But now, it really seems a crime! - - ROXANE. - - A moment of infinity.... - - CYRANO (_pushing Christian_). - - You fool, - Go up! - - (_Christian, by aid of bench, vines and posts, reaches the balcony - and steps over the railing._) - - CHRISTIAN. - - Roxane!.... - - (_He clasps her to his breast and kisses her on the lips._) - - CYRANO (_aside_). - - What pinches so my heart?.... - That kiss!.... a feast where I'm the Lazarus!.... - Sweet feast, from thee there falls to me a crumb, - Since on the lips Roxane mistakes, alas! - She drinks the words that I just now pronounced! - - (_Sound of instruments._) - -An air that's sad, a lively air!--The Monk! - - (_Affecting to run as if coming from a distance. In clear tone:_) - -Hello! - - ROXANE. - -What is it? - - CYRANO. - -It is I, Cyrano. I was passing.... Is Christian still here? - - CHRISTIAN (_as if astonished_). - -Why! it's Cyrano! - - ROXANE. - -How do you do, cousin? - - CYRANO. - -Cousin, how do you do? - - ROXANE. - -I'll come down. - - (_She disappears into the house. By the rear, enter the Monk._) - - CHRISTIAN (_perceiving him_). - -What! he again! - - (_He follows Roxane._) - - [21] Note.--"Un point rose qu'on met sur l'i du verbe aimer." - - "A ruby O"...., as above, may prove, it is thought, a good - example of _equivalence_, the _i_, impossible here in English, - finding in O a good substitute, calling up, if not exactly the - very same image, at least a kindred one fully as good. - - - _SCENE X._ - - CYRANO, CHRISTIAN, ROXANE, THE MONK, RAGUENEAU. - - THE MONK. - -She must live here--I insist--Magdeleine Robin! - - CYRANO. - -Why! You said _Ro-lin_. - - MONK. - -No! _Bin_. B, I, N, _bin_! - - ROXANE (_appears in the doorway, followed by - Ragueneau, carrying a lighted lantern, - and by Christian_). - -What is it? - - MONK. - -A letter. - - CHRISTIAN. - -What's this? - - MONK (_to Roxane_). - -Oh! it can but be a saintly thing! A worthy gentleman.... - - ROXANE (_to Christian_). - -Evidently Guiche! - - CHRISTIAN. - -He would dare?.... - - ROXANE. - -Oh! he cannot long annoy me! I love you, and.... - - (_She opens the letter, and, by the aid of Ragueneau's lantern, she - reads to herself, in a low voice:_) - -"Mademoiselle, - -"The drums are beating and my regiment is about to start. All think that -I have already gone; but I have remained, thus disobeying you. I am here -in the convent. I'll come to you forthwith, but I give you notice of my -visit, through an innocent monk who knows not what message he is -carrying. Your lips smiled to me just now; I must see them again. -Dismiss whoever is near you, and condescend to hear the bold suitor whom -you have, I trust, already forgiven, and who remains your most.... et -cetera...." - - (_to the Monk_). - -Father, listen! Here is what the letter says: - - (_All come up and listen, as she reads aloud:_) - -"Mademoiselle, - -"You must submit to the will of the Cardinal, however hard it may appear -to you. And that is why I send this message by a saintly, most -intelligent and discreet capuchin. We desire you to receive his -blessing....(_turning the page_) his nuptial blessing immediately. -Christian must be married to you secretly. I send him to you, though I -know you like him not. Be resigned, remembering that Heaven will bless -your zeal. Be assured, Mademoiselle, of my respect, for I have been and -shall ever be your most humble and very.... et cetera." - - MONK (_delighted_). - -Worthy gentleman! I knew he could suggest but a saintly thing! - - ROXANE (_aside to Christian_). - -Do you not think I read letters well? - - CHRISTIAN. - -It depends.... - - ROXANE (_aloud, in despair_). - -Ah!.... this is terrible! - - MONK (_throwing the light of the lantern upon Cyrano_). - -Are you the groom? - - CHRISTIAN. - -I am the one! - - MONK (_turning the light upon Christian and as - if he was in doubt on seeing Christian's - handsome looks_). - -But, my son.... - - ROXANE (_eagerly_). - -There is a Post Scriptum: "Donate to the convent one hundred and twenty -pistoles." - - MONK. - -Worthy, worthy gentleman! (_To Roxane_) Be resigned! - - ROXANE (_with a martyr's look_). - -I am! - - (_While Ragueneau shows the Monk into the house, on Christian's - invitation, Roxane, in low tone, says to Cyrano_). - -Guiche is coming. Detain him here until.... - - CYRANO. - -I understand. - - (_to the Monk_). To give them your blessing will take you.... how -long? - - MONK. - -A quarter of an hour. - - CYRANO (_pushing them all into the house_). - -Go in, go in! Only one must remain here: I! - - ROXANE (_to Christian_). - -Come! - - (_They all go into the house._) - - CYRANO. - -How can I detain Guiche fifteen minutes? Oh! I have a plan! - - (_He climbs upon the balcony. The archlutes play a sort of dirge._) - -This time it must be a man, most certainly. It is! - - (_He is on the balcony, with his hat well down over his eyes. Takes - off his sword, wraps himself in his cloak, leans over the railing - and observes._) - -No! Really not too high! - - (_Straddles the railing, seizes a long branch of one of the trees - and makes ready to drop._) - -I'll only slightly disturb the atmosphere! - - - _SCENE XI._ - - CYRANO, GUICHE. - - GUICHE (_masked, and hesitating in the dark_). - -What can this infernal monk be doing? - - CYRANO. - -By the way--my voice?--He might recognise it! - - (_He loosens a hand and makes the motion of turning a key._) - -Cric! Crac! - - (_Solemnly_) Now, Cyrano, resume the accent of Bergerac! - - GUICHE (_looking at the house_). - -Here's the house! - - (_He is about to enter, but Cyrano springs from the balcony while - holding on to the branch; the latter bends and lets him down - between Guiche and the door. He affects to fall heavily, as if from - a great height, remaining crushed and dazed. Guiche jumps back._) - -What is this? - - (_When Guiche recovers from his astonishment the branch has sprung - up again, so that Cyrano appears to have fallen from the sky._) - -From where did this man drop? - - CYRANO (_speaking with a Gascon's accent_). - -From the moon! - - GUICHE. - -The moon!.... - - CYRANO (_as if dazed_). - -What time is it? What country is this? What month? What day? - - GUICHE. - -But, my dear Sir.... - - CYRANO. - -I feel quite dizzy.--Like a bombshell, I have just dropped from the -moon! - - GUICHE (_out of patience_). - -Look here, Sir!.... - - CYRANO (_rising, and in thundering tone_). - -I say that I dropped! - - GUICHE (_falling back_). - -So be it, then! You dropped!.... (_aside_) He is no doubt insane! - - CYRANO (_walking toward him_). - -And my drop is not metaphorical!.... One hundred years, or one minute -ago--I cannot tell how long I was on the way--I was up in that -saffron-coloured ball! - - GUICHE (_shrugging his shoulders_). - -Quite so! But allow me to pass! - - CYRANO (_stopping him_). - -Be frank now! Where am I? Where have I fallen like a meteorite? - - GUICHE. - -Zounds, Sir!.... - - CYRANO. - -During my fall, I could make no selection as to my point of arrival. Is -it upon a moon or an earth that my dead weight has just landed? - - GUICHE. - -But I repeat to you, Sir!.... - - CYRANO (_with a cry of horror that causes Guiche - to fall back_). - -Good Heavens!.... In this country are people's faces black? Am I in -Algiers, and are you a native? - - GUICHE (_touching his mask_). - -No doubt, this mask.... - - CYRANO (_seemingly less frightened_). - -Oh! then, it's Venice.... or Genoa! - - GUICHE (_trying to pass_). - -A lady is waiting for me!... - - CYRANO (_completely reassured_). - -Then I must be in Paris! - - GUICHE (_reluctantly smiling_). - -The rascal is amusing! - - CYRANO. - -You are laughing. - - GUICHE. - -Yes,--but I must pass. - - CYRANO (_apparently overjoyed_). - -So I have dropped in Paris!.... - - (_Quite at his ease, laughing, dusting himself, and bowing._) - -I have just arrived--pardon me--by the last cyclone, and I must brush -off the ether that is still on me. I've travelled! My eyes are still -full of astral dust, and my spurs have caught planet hairs. - - (_picking something off his sleeve_). - -Here, on my doublet, is one from a comet!.... - - (_He blows, as if to cast off the hair._) - - GUICHE (_enraged_). - -Now, look here, Sir!.... - - (_As Guiche is going to pass, Cyrano stretches out his leg as if to - show something that is on it._) - - CYRANO. - -In the calf of this leg, Sir, I have a tooth of the Great Bear,--and, as -nearing the Trident, I managed to avoid its three lances, I fell in a -lump upon the Balance--where my weight up there is still registered! - - (_preventing Guiche from passing and holding him by one of his - buttons._) - -If you were to press my nose, Sir, you would cause a flow of milk!.... - - GUICHE. - -Milk, indeed! - - CYRANO. - -Yes, Sir.... from the Milky Way! - - GUICHE. - -Oh! by Satan!.... - - CYRANO. - -No! I dropped from heaven! (_crossing his arms_). Would you believe it? -I noticed it as I was going by there: Sirius, at night actually wears a -turban! (_confidentially_) The other Bear, the little one, is still too -small to bite! (_laughing_) As I was passing through the Lyre, I broke -one of its strings! (_proudly_) But I intend to write a book on the -subject; and the golden stars that I gathered into my scorched cloak, -regardless of peril, shall be used by my printer for asterisks! - - GUICHE. - -Once more, I must insist.... - - CYRANO. - -Oh! Sir, I know what you desire! - - GUICHE. - -You do?.... - - CYRANO. - -Yes. You desire to hear from me how the moon is made, and if any one -inhabits the rotundity of this cucurbit![22] - - GUICHE (_very loud_). - -No! No! I desire.... - - CYRANO. - -To learn how I got up there? Easily. Through an invention of mine. - - GUICHE (_discouraged_). - -A madman, certainly! - - CYRANO (_disdainfully_). - -I copied not the stupid eagle of Regiomontanus, or the timid pigeon of -Archytas!.... - - GUICHE. - -A madman--but a learned one. - - CYRANO. - -No, Sir. I imitated nothing ever done. - - (_Guiche, having managed to pass, is nearing Roxane's door, but - Cyrano follows, ready to seize him._) - -I invented six different ways of assaulting the virgin blue! - - GUICHE (_turning_). - -Six? - - CYRANO (_with increased fluency_). - -I could, with body as bare as a taper, have comparisoned it with crystal -phials o'erflowing with tears from the morning skies, and my person, -then, if exposed in the sun, would have been aspirated by the luminary -along with the dew! - - GUICHE (_astonished, goes toward Cyrano_). - -True! That is one way! - - CYRANO (_backing, so as to draw him further away_). - -Again, I could have created a powerful gust of wind, to lift me, if I -had rarefied the air in a cedar box, by means of heated mirrors forming -an icosahedron! - - GUICHE (_following Cyrano_). - -Two ways! - - CYRANO (_still backing_). - -Or else, being both a machinist and an artificer, have straddled a -steel-legged grasshopper, and caused myself, through successive -explosions of saltpetre, to be projected into the azure fields where the -stars are wont to graze! - - GUICHE (_still following him, and counting on - his fingers_). - -That is three! - - CYRANO. - -Since smoke persists in rising, I might have blown into a globe enough -of it to carry me up! - - GUICHE (_more and more astonished_). - -Four! - - CYRANO. - -Since Phoebe, when her bow is the thinnest, loves to draw, O beeves! -your marrow,.... anoint myself with the same! - - GUICHE (_stupefied_). - -Five! - - CYRANO (_who has managed, while talking, to - press Guiche over to the other side of - the square, near a bench_). - -Last: I could have placed myself upon an iron plate, taken a magnet and -thrown it up into the air! This is a capital way. As soon as the magnet -starts, the iron rushes in pursuit of it. The magnet is thrown up again; -the iron plate follows--and, Cadedis! there is nothing to prevent the -ascension from lasting indefinitely. - - GUICHE. - -Six!--All excellent systems. And, tell me, Sir, which one of the six did -you adopt? - - CYRANO. - -A seventh one! - - GUICHE. - -Astonishing! And what was it, please? - - CYRANO. - -You would never dream of it!.... - - GUICHE (_aside_). - -The fellow is really interesting! - - CYRANO (_very mysterious and imitating the - sound of waves on a beach_). - -Houüh! Houüh! - - GUICHE. - -What's that? - - CYRANO. - -You cannot imagine? - - GUICHE. - -No! - - CYRANO. - -The tide!.... As it was running out, in obedience to the attraction of -the moon, I lay on the sands--head foremost, so that my hair--hair, you -know, does not dry fast--so that my hair was kept bathed in the receding -waves. And, thus I was, by the moon's attraction, drawn up, up, erect, -like an angel. And up I went, gently, without an effort, until suddenly, -I felt a shock!.... Then!.... - - GUICHE (_interested, takes a seat on the bench_). - -Then?.... - - CYRANO. - -Then.... (_resuming his natural tone_). The fifteen minutes have -elapsed, Sir, and now I grant you your freedom. The marriage is -accomplished! - - GUICHE (_jumping up_). - -Am I intoxicated?.... That voice! - - (_The door of Roxane's house opens; lackeys come out with lighted - candelabra. Cyrano takes off his hat that he had kept well down - over his face._) - -And that nose!.... Cyrano! - - CYRANO (_bowing_). - -In person.... Cyrano! They have just exchanged their marriage rings. - - GUICHE. - -They!.... Who? - - (_He turns. Tableau. Behind the lackeys, Roxane and Christian - holding each other by the hand. The Monk, smiling, follows them. - Ragueneau is behind, also holding a light. And last is the Duenna, - bewildered, half dressed, as if she had been hurried out of bed._) - -Merciful heavens! - - [22] Note.--_Cucurbit_ ("cucurbite") for moon is, in French, as odd as - it appears in English. The oddity of the expression, that - assimulates Luna to the rotund melon, pumpkin, etc., of the genus - of plants known as _cucurbita_, is in keeping with Cyrano's - intentional extravagance of speech. - - - _SCENE XII._ - -_The same._ ROXANE, CHRISTIAN, THE MONK, RAGUENEAU, LACKEYS, THE DUENNA. - - GUICHE (_to Roxane_). - -You, Roxane! - - (_Astounded on recognising Christian_) and he? - - (_Bowing admiringly to Roxane._) - -You are admirably shrewd! - - (_To Cyrano_) My compliments to you, Sir, as an inventor. Your -narrative would have stopped a saint at the gate of heaven! Do not -forget to write that book! - - CYRANO (_bowing_). - -I promise, Sir, to follow your advice. - - THE MONK (_with an air of satisfaction calling - Guiche's attention to the two lovers_). - -A beautiful couple, my son, and good work of yours! - - GUICHE (_very coldly_). - -Yes. - - (_to Roxane_) Be good enough to bid farewell, Madam, to your -husband. - - ROXANE. - -How so? - - GUICHE (_to Christian_). - -Your regiment is about to march. Join it immediately! - - ROXANE. - -Is it going to the war? - - GUICHE. - -Of course it is. - - ROXANE. - -But you said, Sir, that the Cadets were not going! - - GUICHE. - -They shall go! - - (_Drawing from his pocket the paper he had put into it._) - -Here is the order. - - (_to Christian_) Bear it yourself, Baron. - - ROXANE (_throwing herself into the arms of Christian_). - -Oh! dear Christian! - - GUICHE (_chuckling, to Cyrano_). - -A still very distant honeymoon! - - CYRANO (_aside_). - -A fact not so annoying to me as he thinks! - - CHRISTIAN (_to Roxane_). - -Another kiss! Your lips again! - - CYRANO. - -Come, that is enough! enough! - - CHRISTIAN (_still kissing Roxane_). - -It is very hard to leave her.... You do not know.... - - CYRANO (_endeavouring to draw him away_). - -Oh! yes, I do! - - (_Drums beating a march, in the distance._) - - GUICHE (_who has gone up to the rear_). - -The troops are leaving! - - ROXANE (_to Cyrano, who is drawing away Christian - while she is trying to hold him back_). - -Oh!.... I entrust him to you! Promise me that nothing shall endanger his -life! - - CYRANO. - -I shall do my best.... but I can hardly promise.... - - ROXANE (_still holding on to Christian_). - -Promise me that he shall be very prudent! - - CYRANO. - -I'll try, but as to promising.... - - ROXANE (_still holding on_). - -That during this terrible siege he shall never be cold! - - CYRANO. - -If it is at all possible, but.... - - ROXANE (_still holding on_). - -That he shall remain true to me! - - CYRANO. - -Yes! of course! But I cannot.... - - ROXANE (_still holding on_). - -That he shall write to me often! - - CYRANO (_halting_). - -Oh! that--I promise you! - - _CURTAIN._ - - [Illustration: _THIRD ACT._] - - - - - _ACT IV._ - - THE CADETS OF GASCONY. - - -_The post occupied by the Company of Carbon of Haughty-Hall at the siege -of Arras. In the rear, an embankment running across the stage. Beyond, a -plain, extending as far as the horizon, covered with siege works. In the -distance, the walls of the City of Arras, with the outline of its roofs -against the sky. Tents; arms strewn around; drums, etc.--Day is about to -dawn; gold in the east. Sentinels here and there. Camp fires.--Rolled up -in their cloaks the Cadets of Gascony are sleeping. Carbon of -Haughty-Hall and Le Bret are watching. They are very pale and thin. -Christian is asleep, in front, his face lighted by a fire. Silence._ - - - _SCENE I._ - - CHRISTIAN, CARBON OF HAUGHTY-HALL, LE BRET, THE CADETS, - _later_ CYRANO. - - LE BRET. - -It's awful! - - CARBON. - -Yes, nothing left to eat. - - LE BRET. - -Mordious! - - CARBON (_motioning to him to speak lower_). - -Deaden your oaths! or you'll wake the men. - - (_to the Cadets_). - - Sleep on! - - (_to Le Bret_). - -He who sleeps eats! - - LE BRET. - -Yes, but waking starves! - - (_A few musket reports are heard in the distance._) - - CARBON. - -Confound the muskets!.... They'll wake up my children. - - (_to several of the Cadets who lift up their heads_). - -Sleep! - - (_More musketry, nearer_). - - A CADET (_tossing_). - -The Devil! again? - - CARBON. - -It's nothing! Only Cyrano coming back! - - (_The lifted heads lie down again._) - - A SENTINEL (_outside_). - -Who goes there? - - CYRANO (_outside_). - -Bergerac! - - A SENTINEL (_on the embankment_). - -Ventrebieu! who goes there? - - CYRANO. - -Bergerac, you idiot! - - (_He comes down and is met by Le Bret._) - - LE BRET. - -What, you! wounded? - - CYRANO (_raising his hand_). - -Hush! You know that they miss me regularly every morning. - - LE BRET. - -What! risk your life thus, every day, just to carry a letter without the -camp! That is going too far. - - CYRANO (_stopping in front of Christian_). - -I promised that he would write often! - - (_looking at him_). - - He sleeps. How pale! - If sweet Roxane knew that he is starving! But he has not - lost his good looks. - - LE BRET. - -Go get some sleep! - - CYRANO. - -Don't growl, Le Bret!.... Remember this: To pass through the Spanish -lines, I long ago selected a place where they are invariably drunk. - - LE BRET. - -Why don't you once bring back some provisions? - - CYRANO. - -A load would not leave me light enough to pass through. But there is -going to be a change. We, the French, shall soon eat.... or die,--if my -eyes did not deceive me.... - - LE BRET. - -How soon? - - CYRANO. - -You'll see!.... I'm not sure enough to speak. - - CARBON. - -Isn't it shameful that the besiegers should be the ones to starve! - - LE BRET. - -An extraordinary siege this! We are besieging Arras, and the Spanish are -besieging us. - - CYRANO. - -Somebody should come now to besiege the Spanish. - - LE BRET. - -Do not joke so.--When I think that a life, precious as yours is, can be -risked daily just to carry.... - - (_Cyrano walks toward one of the tents._) - - Where are you going? - - CYRANO. - -I am going to write another letter. - - (_Enters tent._) - - - _SCENE II._ - - _The same, less_ CYRANO. - -_Day is dawning. Rosy tints in the sky, and golden ones on the distant -city. A gun is heard, then drums beat in the distance, to the left. -Other drums are heard, successively, nearer, and nearer, until they -sound on the stage, the noise then receding gradually, toward the right. -Awakening of the Camp. Officers' commands in the distance._ - - CARBON (_sighing_). - -Reveille!.... Alas! - - (_the Cadets begin rising._) - -Their dream of dinner is finished.... I know what their cry will be now. - - A CADET (_rising_). - -I'm hungry! - - ANOTHER CADET. - -I'm half dead! - - OTHER CADETS. - -We are dead! quite! - - CARBON. - -Get up! - - SEVERAL CADETS. - -Can't! - - FIRST CADET (_using his breastplate as a looking-glass_). - -My tongue is yellow. Indigestion! - - ANOTHER CADET. - -As to me, if my gastric organ gets not wherewith to produce a pint of -chyle, I'll retire into my tent--like Achilles. - - SEVERAL CADETS. - -Bread! Something to eat! Now! - - CARBON (_going to the tent of Cyrano and speaking - low to him_). - -Cyrano, help! Come with your ready wit, and put some life into them. -Give them new courage. - - A CADET (_to another who is chewing something_). - -What are you nibbling at? - - THE OTHER CADET. - -Cannon wad fried in axle grease! There is but little game around Arras. - - ANOTHER CADET (_entering_). - -I've been out shooting. - - STILL ANOTHER CADET (_likewise entering_). - -And I've been fishing in the Scarpe. - - ALL THE CADETS (_rushing up to them_). - -What have you killed? What have you caught?--A pheasant?--A -carp?--Quick, quick, show them! - - THE FISHERMAN. - -A gudgeon! - - THE HUNTSMAN. - -A sparrow! - - ALL THE CADETS (_exasperated_). - -Enough, enough! too much!--let us mutiny! - - CARBON. - -Help, Cyrano. - - (_Daylight has come._) - - - _SCENE III._ - - _The same_, CYRANO. - - CYRANO (_leaving his tent, perfectly tranquil, a - pen over his ear, book in hand_). - -Hey!.... - - (_Silence. To the first Cadet_). - - What makes you drag your feet along so? - - THE CADET. - -Something in my heels that should not be there!.... - - CYRANO. - -What's that? - - THE CADET. - -My stomach! - - CYRANO. - -Mine's the same. What of it? - - THE CADET. - -Isn't it inconvenient? - - CYRANO. - -No, it heightens me. - - SECOND CADET. - -My teeth are very long. - - CYRANO. - -Well, you can bite off a larger piece. - - ANOTHER CADET. - -My skin sounds empty. - - CYRANO. - -We'll use it as a drum, for the charge. - - ANOTHER CADET. - -There is a humming in my ears. - - CYRANO. - -Not that; an empty stomach has no ears. Impossible! - - OTHER CADET. - -Oh! for something to eat,--with good oil! - - CYRANO (_taking off the helmet of the Cadet, in - whose hand he places it_). - -Eat your salad. - - ANOTHER CADET. - -What could we find to devour? - - CYRANO (_throwing to him the book he holds in his hand_). - -The Iliad! - - OTHER CADET. - -Meanwhile, the Minister in Paris has his four meals a day! - - CYRANO. - -He ought certainly to send you at least a partridge. - - SAME CADET. - -Why not? And some wine with it too! - - CYRANO. - -Richelieu, some Burgundy, if you please! - - SAME CADET. - -By one of his capuchins! - - CYRANO. - -The Grey Eminence is so intoxicating! - - OTHER CADET. - -I'm as hungry as a bear! - - CYRANO. - -Well, bear it![23] - - FIRST CADET (_shrugging his shoulders_). - -Forever words, a point! - - CYRANO. - - A point and words! - 'Tis true; and I should like to die--at eve, - The sky aglow--as the defender of - A noble cause, a soldier and a poet too, - With, on my lips, the thrill of daring words, - And in my heart a sword's ennobling point! - - ALL. - - We're hungry! - - CYRANO (_crossing his arms_). - - So--you think of naught but food! - Come up here, then, Bertrandou, with your fife. - Seek shepherds' notes, and let these gluttons feast - Upon some old and ne'er forgotten tune - Each sound of which is like a sister's voice; - An air that slowly winds its way aloft, - As does the smoke from lowly cottage roofs, - A lay of youth, of waiting hearts and home! - - (_Bertrandou prepares his fife._) - - Let fife a while forget the battle note, - Remembering that it was born a reed. - - (_Bertrandou begins playing some Gascony airs._) - - Ye Gascons, list! 'Tis war no more, but peace. - 'Tis hill and dale, 'tis wood and meadow-land, - With red-capped lads beside their gentle herds; - 'Tis smiling riverbank and sunny sea. - O Gascons, hark! You are in Gascony! - - (_All have bowed their heads and are dreaming: many brush away a - tear._) - - CARBON (_to Cyrano, aside_). - -But, instead of giving them courage, you make them weep! - - CYRANO. - -I've made them homesick!.... A noble sort of suffering .... nobler than -hunger. It is a comfort to see their pain change organs, and pass from -their stomachs to their hearts! - - CARBON. - -But you will weaken them! - - CYRANO (_motioning to a drummer to come up_). - -Never mind! The heroes' blood that is in them will soon arouse them! - - (_He motions to the drummer, who begins beating his drum._) - - ALL THE CADETS (_rushing to their arms_). - -Hey!.... What?.... What is it?.... - - CYRANO (_smiling, to Carbon_). - -You see that, at the sound of the drum, dreams, longings, thoughts of -home, of love,....all fly away. What comes by the fife goes by the -drum.[24] - - A CADET (_from the rear_). - -Ha! ha! here is Monsieur de Guiche! - - ALL THE CADETS (_murmuring_). - -Hou.... - - CYRANO (_smiling_). - -Quite complimentary! - - A CADET. - -He is a bore, with his lace collar over his armour. He comes here to -exhibit himself! - - OTHER CADET. - -As if lace were in keeping with iron! - - OTHER CADET. - -Good if one has a boil on his neck! - - OTHER CADET. - -Too much of the courtier! - - OTHER CADET. - -The nephew of his uncle, the Cardinal. - - CARBON. - -And still he's a Gascon! - - FIRST CADET. - -Not a true one!....Beware! Because Gascons, you know, must be madcaps. -There is nothing more dangerous than a reasonable Gascon. - - LE BRET. - -How pale he is! - - A CADET. - -He is hungry.... Just as much as we poor devils. But his breastplate -gives a lustre to his cramps! - - CYRANO (_quickly_). - -We should not appear to suffer more than he does! Here! all of you, take -up your cards, your pipes and your dice.... - - (_They all rapidly begin playing, on benches, drums, or on their - cloaks spread out on the ground, meanwhile lighting long pipes._) - - .... and I ... will read Descartes. - - (_He walks up and down, reading a small book that he has taken out - of his pocket.--Tableau.--Guiche enters; everybody seems busy and - satisfied. He is very pale; goes up to Carbon._) - - [23] Note.--"Tu croques le marmot" (literally "you are eating the - baby") is an allusion to ogres' proverbial taste for infants, - coupled with the somewhat slangy meaning: "you are waiting long - and impatiently." This in English would be meaningless, and was - perforce replaced by what seems to be a fair equivalent. - - [24] Note.--A French proverb. - - - _SCENE IV._ - - _The same_, GUICHE. - - GUICHE (_to Carbon_). - -Ha! Good morning! - - (_Aside, after looking at Carbon, with satisfaction_). His face is - green! - - CARBON (_aside_). - -There is nothing left of him but his eyes. - - GUICHE (_looking at the Cadets_). - -So, here are these soreheads!.... Yes, gentlemen, I understand that I am -jeered at plentifully here; that cadets, nobility and gentry, barons -all, are not over-burdened with respect for their Colonel; that they -charge me with intrigue and court-flattery, that my lace collar over my -breastplate is an eye-sore to them,--and that it is distressing to them -to find that one can be a Gascon and still not out at the elbow! - - (_Silence. The Cadets continue to play and smoke._) - -Shall I have you punished by your Captain? No. - - CARBON. - -Well, I am free and I punish only.... - - GUICHE. - -Ah!.... - - CARBON. - -I paid for my company, and it belongs to me. I obey only to war -commands. - - GUICHE. - -Ah!.... Well, that is sufficient. - - (_speaking to the Cadets_). - - I can afford to scorn your bluster. - Everybody knows how I behave under fire. Even yesterday, there were - enough witnesses to the spirit with which I routed Count de Bucquoi; - leading my people against his men like an avalanche, I charged him - three successive times! - - CYRANO (_without lifting his eyes from his book_). - -How about your white scarf? - - GUICHE (_surprised and satisfied_). - -You know of this trifle?.... True, it happened, while I was circling to -gather my people for the third charge, that a party of runaways forced -me too close to the enemy; I was in danger of being taken or shot, when, -happily, I bethought me to untie and to drop the scarf that told my -rank. In this way, and without attracting notice, I managed to get away -from the Spaniards, and to turn back upon them with all my men, beating -them terribly!--Now, what do you say to this? - - (_The Cadets affect not to listen, but they have stopped playing, - and they hold back the smoke of their pipes. A wait._) - - CYRANO. - -I say that Henry IV, even surrounded by a host of foes, never would have -consented to diminish himself by casting off his plume of snowy white. - - (_Silent joy. Playing and smoking are resumed._) - - GUICHE. - -The device was successful, however! - - (_Playing and smoking again suspended._) - - CYRANO. - -Possibly! But who would abdicate the honour of being a target? - - (_Playing and smoking resumed. Growing satisfaction._) - -Had I been present when the scarf slipped off,--see how ideas of bravery -can vary, Sir,--I should have picked it up and put it on. - - GUICHE. - -Yes, Gascon boasting again! - - CYRANO. - -Boasting?.... Lend it to me. I offer to hang it on my shoulder and, this -very night, to scale with it the enemy's fortifications. - - GUICHE. - -A Gascon's offer! You know full well that the scarf remained on the -enemy's ground, near the river Scarpe, a place so well covered by -Spanish guns that nobody can venture there to get it! - - CYRANO (_taking a white scarf from his pocket - and handing it to Guiche_). - -Here it is! - - (_Silence. The Cadets restrain their laughter and affect to be very - busy playing. Guiche turns and looks at them; they assume an air of - great gravity; one of them, in an absent-minded way, half whistles - one of the airs the fife played a while before._) - - GUICHE (_taking the scarf_). - -Thank you! I can use this white fabric to make a signal,--that I -hesitated to give. - - (_He goes to the embankment and waves the scarf several times._) - - ALL. - -What is this? - - THE SENTINEL (_on the embankment_). - -A man, over there, who is running away!.... - - GUICHE (_coming down from the embankment_). - -One who plays the part of a Spanish spy. He is very useful to us; takes -over to the enemy information that I give him, so that we can influence -their decision. - - CYRANO. - -He is a blackguard! - - GUICHE (_slowly tying on his scarf_). - -Yes, but a great convenience. What were we saying?.... Ah!.... I was -going to apprise you of something. Last night, in a desperate attempt to -revictual us, the Marshal left for Dourlens; he took with him so many -men that an attack upon us just now would certainly be successful. Half -of the army is away from the camp! - - CARBON. - -But the Spanish do not know of it. - - GUICHE. - -Yes, they do. They are going to attack us. My false spy came to tell me -of it. He added: "I can have the attack made wherever you prefer." I -answered: "Good. Leave the camp and watch it. The point to attack will -be the one from which I make a signal to you." - - CARBON (_to the Cadets_). - -Gentlemen, make ready! - - (_The Cadets rise and busy themselves preparing for the fight._) - - GUICHE. - -The attack will take place in an hour from now. - - A FEW CADETS. - -Oh!.... that is different! - - (_They sit down and resume playing._) - - GUICHE (_to Carbon_). - -You must gain time, pending the Marshal's return. - - CARBON. - -And, in order to gain time, what shall we do? - - GUICHE. - -You will have the goodness to get killed, all of you, in defense of the -camp. - - CYRANO. - -Ah! this is his vengeance! - - GUICHE. - -I will not pretend that, if I loved you, I should have selected you; -but, as your bravery has no equal, by using you I am serving my king as -well as my ill-will. - - CYRANO. - -Allow me, Sir, to be thankful for the honour. - - GUICHE. - -Oh! I know that you love to fight one against a hundred. You certainly -cannot complain, then, that I leave you inactive. - - (_He goes toward the rear with Carbon._) - - CYRANO (_to the Cadets_). - -Well, then we will add to the Gascon coat of arms, proud of its six -chevrons of azure and gold, gentlemen, another chevron, still lacking, -one of blood! - - (_Guiche speaks, aside, with Carbon in the rear. Orders are given. - Preparations against attack. Cyrano goes up to Christian, who has - remained motionless with folded arms._) - - CYRANO (_placing his hand on Christian's shoulder_). - -Christian! - - CHRISTIAN (_shaking his head_). - -Roxane. - - CYRANO. - -Alas! - - CHRISTIAN. - -At least, I should like to condense all the loving farewells of my heart -into a beautiful letter!.... - - CYRANO. - -I thought it might be for to-day, and.... - - (_He draws a letter from his doublet_) - - .... I have written your farewell. - - CHRISTIAN. - -Let me see!.... - - CYRANO. - -You desire to?.... - - CHRISTIAN (_taking the letter_). - -Yes, certainly! - - (_He opens the letter, reads, and stops._) - -What is this?.... - - CYRANO. - -What? - - CHRISTIAN. - -This little round spot?.... - - CYRANO (_taking the letter and looking at it with - an air of innocence_). - -A little round spot?.... - - CHRISTIAN. - -Yes, a tear! - - CYRANO. - -Oh!.... Yes!.... we poets are caught in our own trap, through the swing -of our art. You understand.... this letter,--was heart-rending; I drew -tears from my own eyes as I was writing it. - - CHRISTIAN. - -Tears?.... - - CYRANO. - -Yes.... because.... to die is not so terrible .... but ....never to see -her again, that is the torture! for the fact is, I shall never.... - - (_Christian looks at him._) - - We shall never.... - - (_Quickly_). - - You shall never.... - - CHRISTIAN (_snatching the letter from him_). - -Give me the letter! - - (_A murmur is heard in the rear._) - - A SENTINEL. - -Ventrebieu! who goes there? - - (_A few musket shots. Voices. Sound of carriage bells._) - - CARBON. - -What is it? - - SENTINEL (_on the embankment_). - -A coach! - - (_All rush up to look._) - - CRIES. - -What! In the camp?--Coming in!--It seems to come from the -enemy!--Diantre! Fire!--No! the coachman shouted!--Shouted -what?--Shouted: "Service of the King." - - (_They are all on the embankment, looking into the distance. The - sound of carriage bells grows nearer and nearer._) - - GUICHE. - -What? of the King!.... - - (_All come down again and form in line._) - - CARBON. - -Hats off, all! - - GUICHE (_to those in the distance_). - -Of the King! I said.--Make way, you rabble, so that he can swing around -in state. - - (_The coach enters on a full trot. It is covered with mud and dust. - The curtains are closed. Two lackeys behind. It stops short._) - - CARBON (_shouting_). - -Salute! - - (_Drums beat._) - - GUICHE. - -Lower the step! - -(_Two men advance rapidly. The coach door opens._) - - ROXANE (_jumping out of coach_). - -How are you all? - - (_On hearing a woman's voice, they all, from a profound - inclination, suddenly straighten up. Stupor._) - - - _SCENE V._ - - _The same_, ROXANE. - - GUICHE. - -Service of the King! You? - - ROXANE. - -Certainly, of the only king there is: Love! - - CYRANO. - -Great God. - - CHRISTIAN (_rushing up to her_). - -You, Roxane! Wherefor? - - ROXANE. - -Oh! this siege was entirely too long. - - CHRISTIAN. - -But the reason?.... - - ROXANE. - -I'll tell you later. - - CYRANO (_he has remained motionless, without - daring to look at her_). - -Heavens! Shall I face her? - - GUICHE. - -You cannot remain here! - - ROXANE (_gayly_). - -Oh! yes, I can! Will you be kind enough to bring up a drum? - - (_One of the Cadets brings up a drum, on which she sits._) - -There! thank you. - - (_laughing_). - -Do you know that they fired on my coach? It looks like a squash, does it -not? As in the fairy tale; and the lackeys like rats. - - (_sending a kiss to Christian_). - -How are you, dear? - - (_looking around at them all_). - -You don't seem to be very merry here! I didn't know that Arras was so -far off. - - (_looking at Cyrano_). - -Cousin, delighted! - - CYRANO (_advancing_). - -Roxane, tell me how?.... - - ROXANE. - -How I managed to find the army? Oh! my dear friend, it was the simplest -thing in the world: I drove on so long as I saw the country laid waste. -Such horrors must be seen to be believed! If that is the service of your -King, gentlemen, my service is a better one. - - CYRANO. - -Come, this is foolhardiness! How could you pass? - - ROXANE. - -How? Why! Right through the Spanish army. - - FIRST CADET. - -Oh! women. They are knowing ones! - - GUICHE. - -But how could you get through their lines? - - LE BRET. - -It must have been very difficult! - - ROXANE. - -Why! No. I just went along, in my coach, on a trot. Whenever one of the -Dons showed his haughty face, I put on and displayed through the window -my most fascinating smile, and these gentlemen being, whatever the -French may say, the most courteous people in the world, I passed! - - CARBON. - -Yes, you have a most excellent passport in that smile! But you must -frequently have been called upon, Madam, to declare whither you were -going. - - ROXANE. - -Oh! yes, quite frequently. I answered simply: "I am going to see my -lover."--Immediately the most ferocious Spaniard would gravely close the -door of my coach, with a knightly wave of the hand order up the muskets -already pointed at me, and, with as much grace as haughtiness, the plume -of his hat proudly floating on the breeze, bow low and say: "Pass on, -Senorita!" - - CHRISTIAN. - -But, Roxane.... - - ROXANE. - -I said: My lover. Yes, husband, you must forgive! You will surely -understand that, if I had said my husband, nobody would have let me -pass! - - CHRISTIAN. - -But.... - - ROXANE. - -Well, what? - - GUICHE. - -You must be gone immediately! - - ROXANE. - -I? - - CYRANO. - -Yes, and sooner! - - CHRISTIAN. - -Yes, at once. - - ROXANE. - -But how can I get away? - - CHRISTIAN (_embarrassed_). - -The fact is.... - - CYRANO (_likewise embarrassed_). - -In forty-five minutes.... - - GUICHE (_also embarrassed_). - -Or fifty.... - - CARBON (_embarrassed too_). - -It would be preferable.... - - LE BRET. - -You might.... - - ROXANE. - -I remain, for there is going to be fighting. - - ALL. - -Fighting? Nothing of the kind. - - ROXANE (_throwing herself into the arms of Christian_). - -He is my husband! And if he is killed, I must be killed too! - - CHRISTIAN. - -But what is the matter with your eyes? - - ROXANE. - -I will tell you later! - - GUICHE. - -But the post is a most dangerous one. - - ROXANE (_turning_). - -What! So dangerous? - - CYRANO. - -Yes, and the proof is that he assigned it to us. - - ROXANE (_to Guiche_). - -So, you desire to make a widow of me? - - GUICHE. - -I swear to you.... - - ROXANE. - -No! Now I am determined and I will not leave!.... Moreover, it is very -exciting. - - CYRANO. - -What! will the "précieuse" turn out to be a heroine? - - ROXANE. - -Monsieur de Bergerac, I am your cousin. - - A CADET. - -Moreover, we will defend you desperately! - - ROXANE (_growing more and more excited_). - -I believe it, my friends! - - ANOTHER CADET (_elated_). - -A perfume of iris pervades the camp. - - ROXANE. - -Just so! I put some on this hat, which will be very becoming in the -fray!.... - - (_looking at Guiche_). - -But perhaps it is time the Count should leave: the fight might begin. - - GUICHE. - -Ah! this is too much! I will inspect the guns and return .... You have a -little time left still,....change your mind! - - ROXANE. - -Never! - - (_Exit Guiche._) - - - _SCENE VI._ - - _The same, except_ GUICHE. - - CHRISTIAN (_supplicating_). - -Roxane!.... - - ROXANE. - -No! - - FIRST CADET (_to the others_). - -She remains! - - ALL (_rushing around hurriedly, and brushing up_). - -A comb!--Soap!--My doublet is torn: a needle!--A bright bow!--Your -looking glass!--My cuffs!--Your curling iron!--A razor! - - ROXANE (_to Cyrano, who continues begging her to leave_). - -No! I will not budge from here! - - CARBON (_after having, like the others, tightened - his belt and arranged his cuffs, advances - toward Roxane and says ceremoniously:_) - -Such being the case, it may not seem improper for me to present to you a -few of the gentlemen who will have the honour of dying before your eyes. - - (_Roxane bows, and waits leaning on the arm of Christian. Carbon - makes the presentations._) - -Baron de Peyrescous de Colignac! - - A CADET (_bowing_). - -Madam.... - - CARBON (_continuing_). - -Baron de Casterac de Cahuzac!--Baron de Malgouyre Estressac Lesbas -d'Escarabiot!--Chevalier d'Antignac-Juzet!--Baron Hillot de -Blagnac--Salechan de Castel Crabioules! - - ROXANE. - -But how many names has each of you. - - BARON HILLOT. - -More than many. - - CARBON (_to Roxane_). - -Kindly open the hand that holds your handkerchief. - - ROXANE (_opens her hand; her handkerchief falls_). - -What for? - - (_The whole company darts forward to pick it up._) - - CARBON (_heading them off and seizing it_). - -My company had no flag! Now it will have the finest in the camp! - - ROXANE (_smiling_). - -It is rather small! - - CARBON (_tying the handkerchief to his lance_). - -It is lace.... and yours! - - A CADET (_to the others_). - -I would die most willingly for eyes so beautiful, if only I could have a -crust of bread or two. - - CARBON (_indignant_). - -For shame! How can you think of eating before so exquisite a woman?.... - - ROXANE. - -But he is right. The morning air is sharp, and I myself am famished. -Meat-pie,--cold game and jelly, some good wine,--I'll have nothing else, -thank you! Suppose we have them now? There is still time. - - A CADET. - -But where shall we get all these good things? - - ROXANE (_quietly_). - -In my coach. - - ALL. - -What!.... - - ROXANE. - -But somebody must serve and carve. Look at my coachman more attentively, -gentlemen, and you will see that he is a very valuable man. - - THE CADETS (_running up to the coach_). - -Why! It's Ragueneau! - - ROXANE (_looking at them_). - -Poor hungry fellows! - - CYRANO (_kissing her hand_). - -What a kind fairy you are! - - RAGUENEAU (_standing on his seat_). - -Gentlemen!.... - - THE CADETS. - -Speech! Speech! - - RAGUENEAU. - -The Spaniards, when so much beauty passed, did not see the repast. -(_Applause._) They are so bony that they did not notice the boned -turkey. - - (_He takes a dish from under his seat and passes it down._) - - CYRANO (_aside to Christian_). - -A word with you for pity's sake!.... - - RAGUENEAU. - -They were so busy with Venus that they allowed Diana's spoils to pass. - - (_He hands down a stag's leg._) - - CYRANO (_aside to Christian_). - -I must speak to you! - - ROXANE (_to the Cadets who come up loaded with eatables_). - -Place all that on the ground. - - (_She spreads a table-cloth on the grass, and, with the assistance - of the two lackeys, prepares the cover._) - - (_to Christian, whom Cyrano is endeavouring to draw aside_). - -Come, make yourself useful. - - (_Christian helps her. Cyrano looks anxious._) - - RAGUENEAU. - -A stuffed peacock! - - A CADET (_cutting for himself a large slice of ham_). - -Jupiter's thunder! We'll not die without previously ....stuffing -our....(_noticing Roxane_) your pardon.... feasting! - - RAGUENEAU (_tossing to them the coach's cushions_). - -These cushions are stuffed with ortolans! - - (_Confusion. Cushions ripped open. Laughter. Joy._) - - THIRD CADET. - -Ah! Viédaze! - - RAGUENEAU (_handing out bottles of red wine_). - - Liquid rubies!.... - - (_Bottles of white wine._) - - Melted topaz!.... - - ROXANE (_throwing a table-cloth that falls on - Cyrano's head_). - -Attend to this!.... Be nimble! - - RAGUENEAU (_handing down one of the lanterns_). - -Each one of the lanterns is a diminutive larder! - - CYRANO (_unfolds the table-cloth, getting near to - Christian, who assists him_). - -I must speak to you before you speak to her! - - RAGUENEAU (_growing lyrical_). - -The handle of my whip is a sausage from Arles! - - ROXANE (_passing the dishes and filling glasses_). - -Since we are ordered to die, what care we for the rest of the -army?--Yes! all for the Gascons!--and, if Guiche comes, we'll not invite -him! (_going from one to the other_). - -Come, you have plenty of time. Do not eat so fast! Drink a little.--Why -have you tears in your eyes? - - FIRST CADET. - -Because it's all too good!.... - - ROXANE. - -Hush!--Red or white?--Bread, Monsieur de Carbon!--A knife?--Your -plate!--Meat pie?--Champagne wine?--Chicken? - - CYRANO (_following her, loaded with eatables, and - helping her to serve. Aside_). - -How I love her! - - ROXANE (_going up to Christian_). - -And what will _you_ have? - - CHRISTIAN. - -Nothing. - - ROXANE. - -Yes, just a cake and a little Muscatel! - - CHRISTIAN (_endeavouring to detain her_). - -Oh! tell me why, why you came? - - ROXANE. - -Hush! Let me first give these poor starving fellows something to eat.... -I'll tell you by and by.... - - LE BRET (_who had gone to the rear, to pass, on - the end of a lance, a loaf of bread to the - sentinel on the embankment_). - -Here is Guiche! - - CYRANO. - -Make haste, hide bottles, dishes, plates, baskets, everything! Be lively -there! Let him notice nothing!.... - - (_to Ragueneau_). - -You, get up to your box again!--Be quick! Everything out of the way! - - (_It has taken only a few seconds to conceal everything, under - tent, doublet, cloak or hat.--Enter Guiche. He stops and sniffs the - air.--Silence._) - - - _SCENE VII._ - - _The same_, GUICHE. - - GUICHE. - -It smells good here! - - A CADET (_humming an air, unconcernedly_). - -To lo lo!.... - - GUICHE (_stopping and looking at him_). - -Why! what is the matter?.... You are as red as a beet! - - THE CADET. - -I?.... Oh! nothing. Merely my blood. We are going to fight. It boils! - - ANOTHER CADET. - -Poum.... poum.... poum.... patapoum.... - - GUICHE (_turning to him_). - -What is this, now? - - THE CADET (_slightly feeling the effects of wine_). - -That, oh! nothing. Just a little song! - - GUICHE. - -You are of a lively disposition, my boy! - - THE CADET. - -Oh! the approach of danger! - - GUICHE (_calling Carbon to give an order_). - -Captain,.... - - (_looking at him with astonishment_). - -Zounds! You, too, have an over-healthy look! - - CARBON (_very red in the face, and hiding a - bottle behind his back_). - -Oh! constitution.... - - GUICHE. - -I had a field-piece left and I ordered it placed in that corner -(_pointing to the wings_). - -Your men may have occasion to use it. - - ONE OF THE CADETS (_with an affectation of thankfulness_). - -Delightful attention! - - ANOTHER CADET (_smiling gracefully_). - -Exquisitely thoughtful! - - GUICHE (_aside_). - -Why! they have all gone mad!-- - - (_sternly_). - - As you are not accustomed - to using cannon, beware of the recoil. - - FIRST CADET. - -Who cares for recoil? - - GUICHE (_going up to him, in rage_). - -Look here, Sir!.... - - THE CADET. - -Gascon guns never move backward. - - GUICHE (_taking him by the arm and shaking him_). - -You are intoxicated, Sir!.... with what? - - THE CADET (_proudly_). - -With the smell of gun powder! - - GUICHE (_shrugs his shoulders, pushes him, and - goes up to Roxane_). - -You must decide quickly. What will you be pleased to do? - - ROXANE. - -I remain! - - GUICHE. - -No, better escape! - - ROXANE. - -Fly? Never. - - GUICHE. - -Such being the case, give me a musket! - - CARBON. - -What for? - - GUICHE. - -I, too, will remain. - - CYRANO. - -At last, Sir, you show your courage! - - FIRST CADET. - -So you are a true Gascon, after all, in spite of your lace? - - GUICHE. - -I never abandon a woman in danger! - - SECOND CADET (_to the first Cadet_). - -Say! don't you think he deserves something to eat? - - (_Eatables and drinkables instantly reappear._) - - GUICHE (_whose eyes brighten_). - -Provisions! - - THIRD CADET. - -Every doublet covers some! - - GUICHE (_mastering himself, proudly_). - -I eat nobody's leavings! - - CYRANO (_bowing_). - -You are improving, Sir! - - GUICHE (_proudly and forgetting to master his - natural Gascon accent_). - -I know how to fight on an empty stomach! _A jeung!_ - - FIRST CADET (_overjoyed_). - -He said it with the Gascon accent! - - GUICHE (_laughing_). - -Did I? - - THE CADET. - -He is one of us! - - (_They all begin to dance._) - - CARBON (_who has been away a moment behind - the embankment, reappearing on top of it_). - -My men are placed, and determined! - - (_He points to a row of lances that show over the crest of the - embankment._) - - GUICHE (_to Roxane, bowing_). - -Will you accept my hand to pass them in review?.... - - (_She gives her hand and they go up to the embankment. Hats come - off, and everybody follows._) - - CHRISTIAN (_going up to Cyrano_). - -Now! speak quickly! - - (_As Roxane appears on the crest, the lances disappear in a salute; - she bows._) - - THE MEN (_outside_). - -Hurrah! - - CHRISTIAN. - -What is your secret?.... - - CYRANO. - -In case Roxane... - - CHRISTIAN. - -Well? - - CYRANO. - -Should speak to you of letters.... - - CHRISTIAN. - -Yes, yes, I know!.... - - CYRANO. - -Do not be silly enough to appear surprised.... - - CHRISTIAN. - -Surprised by what? - - CYRANO. - -Oh! I must tell you.... The simplest thing in the world .... and I -happened to think of it only to-day, on seeing her. You have.... - - CHRISTIAN. - -I have what? - - CYRANO. - -You have....written to her more often than you think. - - CHRISTIAN. - -How so? - - CYRANO. - -Well! I had undertaken to speak for you, and I interpreted your love. -Sometimes I wrote without saying to you: I'm writing! - - CHRISTIAN. - -Oh! you did? - - CYRANO. - -Yes, the simplest thing in the world, as I said! - - CHRISTIAN. - -But, since we have been hemmed in, how did you manage to.... - - CYRANO. - -Oh!.... Before dawn I could pass through the lines.... - - CHRISTIAN (_folding his arms_). - -Ah! another very simple matter, I suppose? And how many times a week did -I write?.... Twice?--Three times?--Four times?-- - - CYRANO. - -More. - - CHRISTIAN. - -Every day? - - CYRANO. - -Yes, every day,--twice. - - CHRISTIAN (_with violence_). - -And this enraptured you, and the rapture was such that each day you -faced death.... - - CYRANO (_noticing Roxane, who is returning_). - -Hush! not in her presence! - - (_Exit rapidly, under his tent._) - - - _SCENE VIII._ - - ROXANE, CHRISTIAN; _in the rear_ CADETS, _going - and coming_: CARBON _and_ GUICHE - _giving orders_. - - ROXANE (_running up to Christian_). - -And now, dear Christian!.... - - CHRISTIAN (_taking both her hands_). - -And now tell me why, over impassable roads, why, through the ranks of -brutal soldiery, you joined me here. - - ROXANE. - -On account of your letters. - - CHRISTIAN. - -My letters? - - ROXANE. - -Yes, and it is your fault if I took so many risks. Your letters -intoxicated me. Ah! remember how many you wrote me, during this last -month, and all so beautiful! - - CHRISTIAN. - -What! Do you mean to say that for a few short love letters?.... - - ROXANE. - - Your letters, yes! My ardent love for you, - Love passionate, was born that night of bliss - When, from beneath my willing balcony, - In accents that to both of us were new, - A soul revealed itself to me....'twas yours.... - So that, each time your letters came, it seemed - As if I lived those minutes once again, - And, rapture-bound, I heard your voice itself, - Those tender tones that twined around me then. - So here am I! Penelope would not - Have persevered in waiting labour if - Ulysses could have written grandly so; - But, daft as Helen, she, to join him, would - Have flung away her tedious worsted balls. - - CHRISTIAN. - - But.... - - ROXANE. - - Yes, I read and read, while every thrill - Confirmed me yours. Each leaflet that I held - Was like a petal wafted from your soul, - Each word was one of love sincere and strong.... - - CHRISTIAN. - - Indeed, sincere and strong?--You felt it so?.... - - ROXANE. - - Oh! yes, so strongly! - - CHRISTIAN. - - And, Roxane, you came.... - - ROXANE. - - I came because.... O Christian, dearest conqueror, - You'd bid me rise, if I should clasp your knees; - So 'tis my soul that's at your feet. My soul - You never can remove from reverence. - I came to seek forgiveness (and the time - Is meet, indeed, since death is near, perhaps!), - Your pardon for--how frivolous I was!-- - Once loving you for beauty's sake alone. - - CHRISTIAN (_frightened_). - - Roxane! - - ROXANE. - - But later, dear, with growing sense, - --A bird will hop before it learns to soar-- - I marked your soul outshining e'en your looks, - And then I loved you more for both. - - CHRISTIAN. - - And now? - - ROXANE. - - You have, in short, yourself outshone yourself, - And now I love you for your soul alone. - - CHRISTIAN. - - Roxane! - - ROXANE. - - Rejoice! What is a love we owe - To passing gifts, to beauty doomed to fade? - It's torture for an eager, noble heart. - My thoughts of you recall no handsome face; - Your beauty that, at first, had captured me, - Now that my eyes are opened, strikes me not. - - CHRISTIAN. - - Oh! - - ROXANE. - - Doubt you not what victory is yours! - - CHRISTIAN. - - Roxane! - - ROXANE. - - I understand. Such love as this - Is past belief. - - CHRISTIAN. - - 'Tis not the love I seek. - I wish to be belovèd simply for.... - - ROXANE. - - For what some others prized before to-day? - Oh! let your heart make room for better love! - - CHRISTIAN. - - Roxane, your former love was better. - - ROXANE. - - Nay! - 'Tis now I love you better, most and well! - 'Tis what is really you that now I love, - And I should love you still if you should cease.... - - CHRISTIAN. - - Oh! hush, Roxane. - - ROXANE. - - Yes, cease to look so grand. - - CHRISTIAN. - - If I were homely? - - ROXANE. - - Even hideous! - - CHRISTIAN. - - Roxane!.... - - ROXANE. - - The thought should give you joy profound. - - CHRISTIAN (_in a husky voice_). - -Yes.... - - ROXANE. - -What troubles you? - - CHRISTIAN (_gently pushing her off_). - -Nothing. I have an order to give! One second, please.... - - ROXANE. - -But.... - - CHRISTIAN (_pointing to a group of Cadets in the rear_). - -My love for you, my selfishness, has deprived these poor fellows of your -sweet company. Go smile to them a little, since they are about to -die.... Go! - - ROXANE (_moved_). - -How good you are, dear Christian!.... - - (_She goes up to the Gascons, who respectfully surround her._) - - - _SCENE IX._ - - CHRISTIAN, CYRANO: _in the rear_, ROXANE _speaking - with_ CARBON _and some of the Cadets_. - - CHRISTIAN (_calling out in the direction of Cyrano's tent_). - -Cyrano! - - CYRANO (_coming out armed for battle_). - -What is it? You are white as a ghost! - - CHRISTIAN. - -She loves me no more! - - CYRANO. - -How so? - - CHRISTIAN. - -You are the one she loves. - - CYRANO. - -Nonsense! - - CHRISTIAN. - -Now my soul is all she loves. - - CYRANO. - -Fiddlesticks! - - CHRISTIAN. - -I tell you it is so! You therefore are the one she loves,--and you love -her. - - CYRANO. - -I? - - CHRISTIAN. - -I know it! - - CYRANO. - -Well, it is true. - - CHRISTIAN. - -You love her madly. - - CYRANO. - -More than that. - - CHRISTIAN. - -Tell her so! - - CYRANO. - -No! - - CHRISTIAN. - -Why not? - - CYRANO. - -Look at my face! - - CHRISTIAN. - -She said she would love me even if I were homely! - - CYRANO. - -She really told you so? - - CHRISTIAN. - -She did! - - CYRANO. - -I am very glad she said so! But you must not believe anything so wild. -Do not lose your beauty, for then she would hate me too much. - - CHRISTIAN. - -That we shall see. Let her choose! Tell her all. - - CYRANO. - -No, no! Do not put me to such torture! - - CHRISTIAN. - -Would you have me destroy your happiness because of my good looks? That -would be too unjust! - - CYRANO. - -And I should ruin yours because I happen, by mere chance, to have the -gift of expressing.... that which no doubt you feel? - - CHRISTIAN. - -Tell her all, I say! - - CYRANO. - -You persist in tempting me. It is wrong! - - CHRISTIAN. - -I am tired of having a rival in myself! - - CYRANO. - -Oh! Christian! - - CHRISTIAN. - -Our marriage.... without witnesses.... quite secret, in fact, could be -annulled.... should we survive! - - CYRANO. - -How obstinate he is!.... - - CHRISTIAN. - -Perhaps,....but I desire to be loved for myself,....or not at all!--But -enough!... I had better go see how things are progressing. I'll return -presently; meanwhile, speak, and let her prefer one of us two! - - CYRANO. - -It shall be you! - - CHRISTIAN. - -Well.... I hope so! - - (_he calls out_) Roxane! - - CYRANO. - -No, do not call her, please! - - ROXANE (_running in_). - -What is it? - - CHRISTIAN. - -Cyrano will tell you... something.... important.... - - (_She runs up to Cyrano. Exit Christian._) - - - _SCENE X._ - - ROXANE, CYRANO, _later_ LE BRET, CARBON OF HAUGHTY-HALL, - THE CADETS, RAGUENEAU, GUICHE, _etc._ - - ROXANE. - -Something important?.... - - CYRANO (_bewildered_). - -What! he is gone!.... (_to Roxane_) - - Oh, nothing!.... - he attaches--Oh! well, you must know him!--a great deal - of importance to trifles! - - ROXANE (_eagerly_). - -He doubts, perhaps, the truth of what I said?.... I could almost see he -did not believe it!.... - - CYRANO (_taking her by the hand_). - -But was what you said really true? - - ROXANE. - -Certainly. I would love him even.... (_she hesitates a second._) - - CYRANO (_smiling sadly_). - -You stop at the word.... in my presence? - - ROXANE. - -But.... - - CYRANO. - -It will not hurt my feelings! You meant: Even if he were homely! - - ROXANE. - -Yes.... homely! - - (_Sound of musketry in the rear._) - - CYRANO (_ardently_). - -Abominably so? - - ROXANE. - -Yes! - - CYRANO. - -Disfigured? - - ROXANE. - -Yes, disfigured! - - CYRANO. - -Grotesque? - - ROXANE. - -Nothing can make him look grotesque.... to me! - - CYRANO. - -And then you would love him still? - - ROXANE. - -More, perhaps! - - CYRANO (_losing his self control, aside_). - -Good God! It is true, perhaps, and happiness is there! (_to Roxane_). -Well, then.... Roxane.... listen!.... - - LE BRET (_entering rapidly and calling in a low voice_). - -Cyrano! - - CYRANO (_turning around_). - -What is it? - - LE BRET. - -Hush! (_whispers to him a few words._) - - CYRANO (_dropping Roxane's hand_). - -Great God!.... - - ROXANE. - -What has happened? - - CYRANO (_stupefied_). - -It is all over! - - (_Sounds of musketry again._) - - ROXANE. - -What is it? Why all this firing? - - (_She goes up and looks beyond the embankment._) - - CYRANO. - -All over! I never can tell her! - - ROXANE (_as if going to rush out_). - -What is going on? - - CYRANO (_restraining her_). - -Nothing! nothing! - - (_Cadets enter bearing something which they conceal by forming - around it a group that keeps Roxane at a distance._) - - ROXANE. - -What are these men here for? - - CYRANO (_leading her away_). - -Never mind them!.... - - ROXANE. - -But what is it you were going to say before this disturbance? - - CYRANO. - -Going to say?.... Nothing. Oh! nothing, I swear it, Madam! (_Solemnly_) -I swear that the spirit of Christian and his soul were.... (_correcting -himself_) _are_ the greatest.... - - ROXANE. - -You said: were! - - (_With a shriek_). Ah!.... (_she rushes back, pushing the men - aside._) - - CYRANO. - -The end has come! - - ROXANE (_seeing Christian laid out in his cloak_). - -Christian! - - LE BRET (_to Cyrano_). - -The first shot fired by the enemy! - - (_Roxane throws herself upon the body of Christian. Musketry again. - Clash of arms. Shouts. Drums._) - - CARBON OF HAUGHTY-HALL (_sword in hand_). - -The attack! to your arms! - - (_Followed by the Cadets he goes to the other side of the - embankment._) - - ROXANE (_in despair_). - -Christian! Christian! - - THE VOICE OF CARBON (_from behind the embankment_). - -Make haste there! - - ROXANE. - -Christian! - - CARBON. - -_Fall into line!_ - - ROXANE. - -Christian! - - CARBON. - -_Measure.... match!_ - - (_Ragueneau has rushed up bringing some water in a helmet._) - - CHRISTIAN (_in dying tone_). - -Roxane!.... - - CYRANO (_quickly and in a low tone, in the ear - of Christian, while Roxane, frantic, dips - into the water of the helmet a piece of - linen which she has torn from her breast_). - -I told her all! and it is you she still loves! - - (_Christian closes his eyes._) - - ROXANE. - -What is it, my love? - - CARBON. - -_Ramrods.... high!_ - - ROXANE (_to Cyrano_). - -He is not dead?.... - - CARBON. - -_Open charge.... with teeth!_ - - ROXANE. - -I feel, here against mine, his cheek getting cold! - - CARBON (_outside_). - -_Take aim!_ - - ROXANE. - -A letter in his bosom! (_she opens the letter_) for me! - - CYRANO (_aside_). - -My letter! - - CARBON. - -_Fire!_ - - (_Musketry. Cries. Noise of battle._) - - CYRANO (_trying to draw away his hand that is - held by Roxane, who is on her knees_). - -But, Roxane, I must join in the fight! - - ROXANE (_holding him back_). - -Stay just a little. He is dead, and you were the only one who really -knew him. - - (_She weeps softly._) Is it not true that he had an exquisite soul, - a marvellous one? - - CYRANO (_standing bareheaded_). - -Yes, Roxane! - - ROXANE. - -That he was a thrilling poet, an adorable one? - - CYRANO. - -Yes, Roxane! - - ROXANE. - -A sublime spirit? - - CYRANO. - -Yes, Roxane! - - ROXANE. - -That he had a heart large and brave, too deep to be fathomed by the -crowd? - - CYRANO (_firmly_). - -Yes, Roxane! - - ROXANE (_throwing herself upon the body of Christian_). - -And he is dead! - - CYRANO (_aside, as he draws his sword_). - -And I to-day can but die, since, though she knows it not, it is for me -she is weeping over him! - - (_Sound of trumpets in the distance._) - - GUICHE (_reappearing on the embankment, hatless, - wounded in the forehead; with a voice of - thunder_). - -It is the signal that was promised! the trumpets! our comrades come with -help and food! Hold fast a few minutes! - - ROXANE. - -On his letter blood .... and tears! - - A VOICE (_outside the embankment_). - -Surrender! - - THE CADETS. - -No! - - RAGUENEAU (_who has climbed upon the coach, - and is looking at the battle over the - embankment_). - -We are lost! - - CYRANO (_to Guiche, pointing to Roxane_). - -Carry her off! I will charge! - - ROXANE (_in dying tones, as she kisses the letter_). - -His blood! His tears!.... - - RAGUENEAU (_jumping off the coach and running toward her_). - -She is fainting! - - GUICHE (_on the embankment, fiercely, to the Cadets_). - -Steady, for your lives! - - A VOICE (_outside_). - -Lay down your arms! - - THE CADETS. - -Never! - - CYRANO (_to Guiche_). - -You have proved your valour, Sir! You can afford to fly (_pointing to -Roxane_) and save her! - - GUICHE (_runs to Roxane and takes her in his arms_). - -So be it! Hold fast a few moments and we shall win the day! - - CYRANO. - -We'll hold to the death! - - (_In a voice of anguish, looking toward Roxane, whom Guiche and - Ragueneau are carrying away senseless_). - -Farewell, Roxane! - - (_Tumult. Cries. Wounded Cadets reappear and fall within the - embankment. Cyrano, rushing to the fray, is stopped on the crest of - the embankment by Carbon of Haughty-Hall, covered with blood._) - - CARBON. - -We are wavering! I have received two gun shots. - - CYRANO (_shouting to the Gascons_). - -Steady there! Hold fast, you rascals! - - (_to Carbon, holding him up_). - -Have no fear! I have two deaths to avenge: Christian's and that of my -happiness! - - (_Both come down. Cyrano brandishes a lance to which is attached - the handkerchief of Roxane._) - -Float bravely on, you little flag of lace that is hers! (_He plants the -lance into the ground and cries to the Cadets_). - -Fall upon them now! Crush them! (_to the fife player_) And you, strike -up! - - (_The fife plays. The wounded rise to their feet. The Cadets form a - group around Cyrano and the little flag; others climb into and upon - the coach, making it look like a small fortress._) - - A CADET (_coming up from the outside of the - embankment, backward, still fighting_). - -They come! they come! - - (_Falls down dead._) - - CYRANO. - -We'll give them a salute! - - (_The embankment is at once occupied by a troop of the enemy, with - large flags waving._) - -Fire! - - (_General discharge._) - - ORDER (_from the enemy's ranks_). - -Fire! - - (_Most of the Cadets fall, either wounded or dead._) - - A SPANISH OFFICER (_taking off his hat_). - -Who are these people dying so bravely? - - CYRANO (_erect and proudly reciting_). - - Fair Gascony's cadets are they, - With Carbon,--He of Haughty-Hall; - They fight and lie without dismay, - - (_He rushes on to enemy, followed by a few surviving Cadets._) - - Fair Gascony's cadets.... - - (_The rest is lost in the noise of battle._) - - _CURTAIN._ - - [Illustration: _FOURTH ACT._] - - - - - _ACT V._ - - CYRANO'S GAZETTE. - - -_Fifteen years later, in 1655. The garden of the Convent of the Ladies -of the Cross, in Paris._ - -_Beautiful shade trees. To the left, the house. Wide porch on which -several doors open. In the centre of the stage, an enormous -overspreading tree standing alone in a sort of open circle. To the -right, first entrance, backed by high box-wood bushes, a semi-circular -stone bench._ - -_In the rear an avenue of chestnut trees leading up to fourth entrance, -right, where the door of the Chapel can be seen through the branches. -Beyond the avenue, lawns, other rows of trees, shrubbery and the sky._ - -_The Chapel has a small side door, from which starts, running down to -the right, first entrance, behind the box-wood bushes, a sort of -colonnade entwined with creepers rich in hues of gold and red._ - -_It is Autumn. The russet leaves of the trees are in bright contrast -with the green lawns, except the box-wood and yew-trees that form dark -spots here and there. Yellow leaves beneath the trees; fallen leaves -everywhere on the ground, on the porch and on the benches._ - -_Between the stone bench to the right and the tree in the centre, a -tapestry frame, and in front of it a chair. Baskets full of worsted -skeins and balls. On the frame, a piece of tapestry-work, unfinished._ - -_As the curtain rises, sisters are going and coming through the garden; -some are seated on the bench, on either side of an elderly sister. -Leaves are falling._ - - - _SCENE I._ - - MOTHER MARGARET, SISTER MARTHA, SISTER CLAIRE, _other_ SISTERS. - - SISTER MARTHA (_to Mother Margaret_). - -Sister Claire looked at herself twice in the mirror. - - MOTHER MARGARET (_to Sister Claire_). - -That was very wrong! - - SISTER CLAIRE. - -But Sister Martha pulled a plum out of the pie this morning; I saw her -do it. - - MOTHER MARGARET (_to Sister Martha_). - -Very wrong, indeed, Sister Martha! - - SISTER CLAIRE. - -A little bit of a look! - - SISTER MARTHA. - -A little bit of a plum! - - MOTHER MARGARET. - -I'll have to tell Mr. Cyrano. - - SISTER CLAIRE (_frightened_). - -Oh! please, do not, he would tease us!.... - - SISTER MARTHA. - -.... Say that we are vain!.... - - SISTER CLAIRE. - -.... Or great gluttons!.... - - MOTHER MARGARET (_smiling_). - -But full of goodness. - - SISTER CLAIRE. - -Is it not true, Mother, that he has been coming here, every Saturday, -for the last ten years? - - MOTHER MARGARET. - -And more. Ever since his cousin, fourteen years ago, saddened the -whiteness of our caps with the darkness of her widow's veil, as would a -bird of sombre hue alighting 'mid a flight of brighter birds. - - SISTER MARTHA. - -And he alone can relieve with a ray of light the grief that she persists -in feeding. - - THE OTHER SISTERS. - -He is so entertaining!--It is fun when he comes!--He teases us!--He is -so kind!--We love him so!--And we make sweets for him! - - SISTER MARTHA. - -But he is not a very good Catholic! - - SISTER CLAIRE. - -We'll convert him! - - THE OTHER SISTERS. - -Assuredly, we will! - - MOTHER MARGARET. - -I forbid your tormenting him on that score, children. He might come here -less often? - - SISTER MARTHA. - -But.... dear Mother.... God.... - - MOTHER MARGARET. - -Have no fear.... God knows him! - - SISTER MARTHA. - -But, every Saturday, as he enters, he says proudly: "Sister, like a bad -Catholic, I ate meat yesterday!" - - MOTHER MARGARET. - -Is that what he says? Well, the last time he came he had eaten nothing -whatever for two days. - - SISTER MARTHA. - -Mother! - - MOTHER MARGARET. - -He is very poor. Mr. Le Bret told me so. - - SISTER MARTHA. - -And no one assists him! - - MOTHER MARGARET. - -He is proud and would not accept assistance. - - (_Roxane is seen in the rear; she is in black, wearing the long - veil of a widow. Guiche, grown older, but magnificently clad, - accompanies her. They walk slowly, Mother Margaret rises._) - -Come, it is time to get in.--Here is Madam Madeleine, with a visitor. - - SISTER MARTHA (_aside to Sister Claire_). - -It is the Marshall--Duke de Grammont. - - SISTER CLAIRE. - -Yes, I think it is. - - SISTER MARTHA. - -He has not come to see her for months! - - SISTER CLAIRE. - -The court--the army--the world--keep him away, I suppose. - - (_Exeunt Sisters. Guiche and Roxane come down in silence, and stop - near the tapestry frame. A pause._) - - - _SCENE II._ - - ROXANE, DUKE DE GRAMMONT (_formerly Count de Guiche_); - _later_ LE BRET _and_ RAGUENEAU. - - DUKE. - -And so you persist in remaining in this seclusion, uselessly lovely, -forever in mourning? - - ROXANE. - -Forever! - - DUKE. - -Ever true to his memory? - - ROXANE. - -Ever! - - DUKE. - -You have forgiven me? - - ROXANE. - -Yes! Since I am here. - - (_A pause._) - - DUKE. - -And he was truly so?.... - - ROXANE. - -You never really knew him! - - DUKE. - -Probably!.... And his last letter lies on your heart always? - - ROXANE. - -Like a blessèd talisman it hangs on this ribbon. - - DUKE. - -You love him even dead? - - ROXANE. - - At times it seems as if he'd left me not, - As if our hearts still beat as one, as if - His love still coiled around me, strong, alive! - - (_Another pause._) - - DUKE. - -Does Cyrano ever come to see you? - - ROXANE. - -Yes, often. He is a very dear old friend, and he brings me all the news. -He comes regularly, every Saturday. As the hour strikes, while I am at -work on my tapestry, I know, without even turning around to see, that he -is here, for I can hear his stick on the stone steps. If the weather is -fine, he sits under this tree, where his chair awaits him. He laughs at -what he calls my eternal work, relates to me the events of the week, -and.... - - (_Le Bret appears on the porch._) - -Why! here is Le Bret! - - (_to Le Bret, who has come down_). - -And how is our friend? - - LE BRET. - -Not at all well. - - DUKE. - -Oh! I'm sorry. - - ROXANE (_to Duke_). - -Le Bret exaggerates! - - LE BRET. - -All as I predicted: desertion and poverty!.... His epistles have made -him new enemies! He denounces mock nobility, mock piety, mock bravery, -plagiarism,--in fact everybody! - - ROXANE. - -But the fear of his wonderful sword holds them all in respect. They'll -never reach him. - - DUKE (_shaking his head_). - -Who knows? - - LE BRET. - -What I fear for him is not an assault; it is solitude, hunger, winter -stealthily entering his poor abode. These are the enemies that may lay -him low.--Each morning he buckles his belt a little tighter. His nose -has now the sallowness of old ivory. His wardrobe is reduced to one suit -of black. - - DUKE. - -Ah! he at least is not a parvenu. So, do not pity him too much. He has -lived free from obligations and humiliating restraint. - - LE BRET (_smiling sadly_). - -Duke, Duke!.... - - DUKE. - -Yes, I know: I have everything, and he has nothing.... But I should very -much like to shake his hand. - - (_bowing to Roxane_). Farewell. - - ROXANE. - -I'll see you to the gate. - - (_The Duke bows to Le Bret, and goes, with Roxane, towards the - house._) - - DUKE (_stopping a moment_). - - I envy him at times. You see, Roxane, - When we have had too much success in life, - Although we've done no very wicked act-- - We feel within a thousand sickly stings - Of self-reproach; their total is too small - To constitute remorse, but large enough - To keep us in a dull uneasiness. - Thus ducal mantles sweep, as we ascend - The steps of greatness, with their fringe of furs - A rustling heap of withered sentiments, - As now your sombre train, upon the porch, - Draws in its folds a bunch of autumn leaves. - - ROXANE (_ironically_). - -You are in a very sentimental mood. - - THE DUKE. - -Alas! yes. - - (_as he is about to go out, abruptly_). - - Monsieur Le Bret! - - (_to Roxane_). - -By your permission, one word. - - (_to Le Bret in a low tone_). - - It is true; no one would - dare to attack your friend. But there are many who hate - him, and somebody said to me, yesterday, at the Queen's - reception: "This Cyrano is not unlikely to meet some day - with an accident." Tell him not to be about too much. - To be prudent. - - LE BRET (_throwing up his arms_). - -Prudent, he! But he is coming here to-day, and I must warn him, though I -doubt if that will do much good. - - ROXANE (_who has remained on the porch, to a - sister coming up to her_). - -What is it? - - THE SISTER. - -Ragueneau wishes to see you, Madam. - - ROXANE. - -Let him in. - - (_Exit Sister._) (_to Duke and to Le Bret_). - - He comes to tell his woes. - He started to be an author, but became in turn a chanter.... - - LE BRET. - -A bath-keeper.... - - ROXANE. - -An actor.... - - LE BRET. - -A beadle.... - - ROXANE. - -A barber.... - - LE BRET. - -An archlute-teacher.... - - ROXANE. - -To-day what can he have become? - - RAGUENEAU (_entering rapidly_). - -Oh! Madam! - - (_noticing Le Bret_). Oh! Sir! - - ROXANE (_smiling_). - -Tell your misfortunes to Le Bret. I shall be back presently. - - (_Exit Roxane, with the Duke, without listening to Ragueneau, who - comes down toward Le Bret._) - - - _SCENE III._ - - LE BRET, RAGUENEAU. - - RAGUENEAU. - -After all, since you are here, Sir, it is just as well that she should -be kept in ignorance! I was on my way to see your friend, this -afternoon, when, as I was nearing his door, I saw him coming out. As I -was endeavouring to overtake him, and as he was turning the corner, a -window above him opened, and,--was it through accident? perhaps! a -lackey dropped upon him a heavy log of wood. - - LE BRET. - -Cowards!.... Abominable! - - RAGUENEAU. - -Our friend, Sir, our poet, lay there on the ground with a large hole in -his head! - - LE BRET. - -Is he dead? - - RAGUENEAU. - -No! but in what a state! I carried him up to his room... his room! You -should see what it is! - - LE BRET. - -He is in great pain? - - RAGUENEAU. - -No, Sir, he has not recovered his senses. - - LE BRET. - -You found a doctor? - - RAGUENEAU. - -Yes, one who was good enough to come. - - LE BRET. - -Unfortunate Cyrano!--We must break the news gently to Roxane.--And what -said the doctor? - - RAGUENEAU. - -He spoke of fever.... meningitis. Oh! if you saw him.... with his poor -head bandaged!.... Come quickly, Sir, there is nobody with him! It would -be death to him if he left his bed! - - LE BRET (_urging him toward the right_). - -This way is shorter; through the Chapel! - - ROXANE (_appearing on the porch, and seeing Le - Bret and Ragueneau running up the colonnade - to the Chapel!_) - -Monsieur Le Bret! - - (_Exeunt Le Bret and Ragueneau without answering._) - -No doubt another of good Ragueneau's troubles. - - - _SCENE IV._ - - ROXANE _alone, two_ SISTERS _a moment_. - - How beautiful these last September days! - My sadness fain would smile. Spring's ardour oft - Offends our grief, but Autumn chastens it. - - (_She sits down before her work. Two sisters sally from the house - carrying a large armchair that they place under the tree._) - - Ah! here's the chair in which Cyrano sits. - - (_Exeunt Sisters._) - -The hour strikes.... he's coming.--Where are my skeins!--He's not here -yet? The first time he is late.... My thimble.... Here it is. Some -sister preaching to him, no doubt. - - (_A pause._) - -How thickly fall the leaves!.... - - (_She removes some dead leaves from her work._) - -Moreover, what could prevent his coming? - - A SISTER (_from the porch_). - -Monsieur de Bergerac. - - - _SCENE V._ - - ROXANE, CYRANO, _and, one moment_, SISTER MARTHA. - - ROXANE (_without turning around_). - -Why did I worry so? - - (_She works.--Enter Cyrano, very pale, with his hat well over his - eyes. Exit sister who announced him. He descends the steps slowly, - with a visible effort to remain erect, leaning heavily on his - stick._) - -For the first time in fourteen years, you are late! - - CYRANO (_who has gained his chair and seated - himself, speaks in a cheerful tone, in - contrast with his looks_). - -Yes, and, in truth, I boil with rage. I was delayed.... - - ROXANE. - -By what, by whom? - - CYRANO. - -By an intruder. - - ROXANE (_distraught_). - -Some bore? But you got rid of him, or her. - - CYRANO. - -Yes. "Excuse me," said I, "but this is Saturday, and I have a weekly -engagement that nothing can prevent me from keeping. Return an hour -hence!" - - ROXANE (_lightly_). - -The person shall wait. I'll keep you here until evening. - - CYRANO. - -I may be compelled to leave you sooner. - - (_He closes his eyes and remains silent a moment. Sister Martha - appears in the rear going to the Chapel. Roxane sees her, and - nods._) - - ROXANE (_to Cyrano_). - -How is it you do not tease Sister Martha to-day? - - CYRANO (_rapidly, opening his eyes_). - -Tease? Of course! - - (_with affected severity_). - - Sister Martha! Come here. - - (_Sister Martha goes up to him._) - -Ha! ha! Your eyes are too fine to remain thus forever down! - - SISTER MARTHA (_smiling_). - -But.... - - (_She notices his pale looks._) - -Oh! - - CYRANO (_aside, pointing to Roxane_) - -Hush! It's nothing. - - (_aloud, in boastful tone_). - - I ate meat yesterday! Friday! - - SISTER MARTHA. - -Yes, I know. - - (_aside_). That is the reason he looks so pale! - - (_to Cyrano rapidly and in a low tone_). Come to the refectory by - and by. I want to make you taste some broth..... Will you come? - - CYRANO. - -Yes, yes, yes. - - SISTER MARTHA. - -Oh! you are very reasonable to-day. - - ROXANE (_who notices their whispering_). - -Is she trying to convert you? - - SISTER MARTHA. - -Oh! nothing of the kind! - - CYRANO. - -It is a fact! You always have an abundance of saintly sermons, and -to-day, Sister, you are not preaching to me. - - (_with affected fury_). - -Swords and muskets! I, too, shall astonish you! See here, I will permit -you.... - - (_Affects to be thinking and to have found a good jest._) - -Ah! this is something new.... to.... to pray for me, to-night, in the -chapel. - - ROXANE. - -Oh! oh! this is serious. - - CYRANO (_laughing_). - -Sister Martha is dumfounded! - - SISTER MARTHA (_gently_). - -I did not wait for your permission. - - (_Exit Sister Martha._) - - CYRANO (_returning to Roxane, who is leaning over her work_). - -I verily believe there never will be an end to this task of yours. - - ROXANE. - -I am getting accustomed to this remark. - - (_Just then a few dead leaves fall on Roxane's work._) - - CYRANO. - - Oh! withered leaves! - - ROXANE (_looking at the landscape_). - - Poor blondes of Venice hue, - How fast they fall! - - CYRANO. - - They fall, but see how well! - Their race is short, and still they sweetly show - How beauty e'er recoils from rottenness: - For, as they drop, they do not in their grace - Appear to fall, but rather to alight! - - ROXANE. - -Unusually sad thoughts for you! - - CYRANO (_recovering his presence of mind_). - -Sad? Not at all, Roxane! - - ROXANE. - -Come, let the dead leaves fall as they will....Better give me the news, -be my weekly gazette. - - CYRANO. - -Agreed! - - ROXANE. - -I'm listening. - - CYRANO (_getting paler and paler, as he struggles - against pain_). - -Saturday, the 19th, having over indulged in grape-jam from Cette, the -King was taken with fever; his indisposition was sentenced, for high -treason, to be twice lanced, and the royal pulse was relieved of -febricity![25] At the Queen's ball, on Sunday, seven hundred and -sixty-three candles of white wax were burned. Our troops have been -victorious, it is said, over those of John the Austrian; four sorcerers -have been hung! the little dog of Madam d'Athis was given.... - - ROXANE. - -Monsieur de Bergerac, you may omit the details! - - CYRANO. - -Monday.... nothing. Oh! yes, Lygdamire took a new lover. - - ROXANE. - -Oh! - - CYRANO (_whose suffering is evidently increasing_). - -Tuesday, all the Court was at Fontainebleu. Wednesday, the beauty -Montglat said to Count de Fiesque: No! Thursday, Mancini, Queen of -France,--or almost! the 25th, Montglat said to Fiesque: Yes; and -Saturday, 26th.... - - (_His eyes close. His head falls upon his shoulder. Silence._) - - ROXANE (_surprised at hearing nothing more, - turns around, looks at him, and rises - very much frightened_). - -Has he fainted? - - (_Runs up to him._) Cyrano! - - CYRANO (_opening his eyes and speaking - somewhat indistinctly_). - -What is it?.... Who?.... When?.... - - (_He sees Roxane leaning over him, and, quickly securing his hat on - his head, backs up into his armchair._) - - No! no! I assure you, it is nothing. - I am quite myself again. - - ROXANE. - -But allow me.... - - CYRANO. - -It is the old wound I received at Arras.... that.... sometimes.... you -know.... - - ROXANE. - -Dearest friend! - - CYRANO. - -But, it is nothing serious. Soon over. - - (_makes an effort to smile_). - -Quite well again now. - - ROXANE (_standing near him_). - -We each of us have our wound: I, too, have one, ever smarting; I feel it -here, old though it be, - - (_placing her hand on her breast_) - - right here, - beneath the time-worn letter on which can still be seen the - trace of tears and blood! - - (_Dusk begins to come on._) - - CYRANO. - -His letter!.... Did you not say that some day, perhaps, you would allow -me to read it? - - ROXANE. - -What! you wish?.... his letter?.... - - CYRANO. - -Yes.... I wish.... to-day.... - - ROXANE. - - (_handing him the sachet she carries suspended to her neck_). - -Here it is! - - CYRANO (_taking it_). - -I may open? - - ROXANE. - -You may open and read!.... - - (_She returns to her work, folds it up and arranges her worsteds._) - - CYRANO (_reading_). - - "Roxane, farewell! The time...." - - ROXANE (_stopping, astonished_). - - You read aloud? - - CYRANO (_reading_). - - "Roxane, farewell! The time of death has come; - This eve, I think, belovèd, is my last. - My soul's still rich in unexpressèd love, - And I must die! My dazzled eyes no more, - My eyes for which you were...." - - ROXANE. - - Why! how you read - His lines!.... - - CYRANO (_continuing_). - - ".... for which you were a thrilling feast, - No more will drink your ev'ry motion, dear. - There's one that I recall, so truly yours, - To smooth your hair, and I would cry aloud...." - - ROXANE. - - How can you know?.... - - (_Darkness comes on by degrees._) - - CYRANO (_continuing_). - - "....And now I cry, indeed: - Farewell!...." - - ROXANE. - - You read as if.... - - CYRANO (_continuing_). - - ".... My dearest dear, - My treasure...." - - ROXANE. - - Oh! that voice! - - CYRANO (_continuing_). - - "My love!...." - - ROXANE. - - That voice! - That voice.... I know I heard it once before! - - (_She passes behind him, leans over the chair, without his noticing - her, and looks over the letter. Darkness increases._) - - CYRANO (_continuing_). - - "My yearning heart has never left you once. - And I am he, and Death will leave me he - Who loved you, dear, beyond all measure, he...." - - ROXANE (_placing her hand on his shoulder_). - -But how is it you still can read? Night has come. - - (_He shudders, turns, sees her near by, moves as if greatly - alarmed, and hangs his head. Long silence. It is quite dark. She - joins her hands, and speaks slowly:_) - -And during fourteen years you have played this part of an old friend who -comes to amuse! - - CYRANO. - -Roxane! - - ROXANE. - -It was you. - - CYRANO. - -No, no, Roxane, you mistake! - - ROXANE. - -I should have felt it each time you said my name! - - CYRANO. - -It was not I! - - ROXANE. - -It was! - - CYRANO. - -I swear to you.... - - ROXANE. - -Swear not, for now I understand your generous deceit. The letters were -yours.... - - CYRANO. - -No! - - ROXANE. - -The dear and tender words were yours.... - - CYRANO. - -No! - - ROXANE. - -That voice in the night was yours! - - CYRANO. - -I swear it was not! - - ROXANE. - -That soul was yours! - - CYRANO. - -I loved you not! - - ROXANE. - -You did! - - CYRANO. - -It was the other! - - ROXANE. - -You loved me! - - CYRANO. - -No! - - ROXANE. - -You did, for each of your denials is lower than the one before! - - CYRANO. - - No, no, my dearest, no, I loved you not! - - ROXANE. - - How many things are dead!.... how many born!.... - --Oh! through these years why were you silent thus, - Since on these lines, not his by word or thought, - The tears were yours? - - CYRANO. - - Because the blood is his! - - ROXANE. - - Why then allow a silence that's sublime - To break as now? - - CYRANO. - - Roxane, oh! why, indeed? - - (_Le Bret and Ragueneau enter on a run._) - - [25] Note.--Intentional affectation, like that of "his indisposition - was sentenced, for high treason." - - - _SCENE VI._ - - _The same_, LE BRET _and_ RAGUENEAU. - - LE BRET. - -How imprudent! I was sure of it! He is here! - - CYRANO (_smiling and straightening himself up_). - -Of course, I'm here! - - LE BRET. - -It is suicide, Madam, for him to have left his bed! - - ROXANE. - -Great God! But just now, then....this weakness?.... this fainting? - - CYRANO. - -Oh! by the way, I did not finish my weekly chronicle: ....and Saturday, -26th, one hour before dinner, Monsieur de Bergerac was assassinated in -the street. - - (_He takes off his hat, and his head is seen wrapped in bandages._) - - ROXANE. - -What did he say?--Cyrano!--his poor head!.... What have they done to -you? - - CYRANO. - - "And in my heart a sword's ennobling point!" - --So said I once!.... What mockery in fate!.... - And now I'm killed ignobly from behind, - O'erpowered by a lackey with a log. - I missed my life; my death's a failure too! - - RAGUENEAU. - -Oh! sir....Oh! sir.... - - CYRANO. - -Good Ragueneau, grieve not so!.... - - (_Extends his hand to him._) - - And what are you - doing now, my brother poet? - - RAGUENEAU (_through his tears_). - -I am the one who.... who snuffs the candles at Molière's.[26] - - CYRANO. - -Molière! - - RAGUENEAU. - -But I shall leave him to-morrow. For I am indignant!.... Yesterday he -gave _Scapin_, and I saw that he had taken from you a whole scene! - - LE BRET. - -Entire? - - RAGUENEAU. - -Yes, sir; the famous: "What the deuce was he doing?...." - - LE BRET (_to Cyrano_). - -Molière has robbed you! - - CYRANO. - -Hush! hush! he did well!.... - - (_to Ragueneau_). - - The scene was very effective, was it not? - - RAGUENEAU (_sobbing_). - -Oh! sir, what a laugh! what a laugh! through the whole audience! - - CYRANO. - - My life, you see, is all in this: I've been - The one who prompts--and ever is forgot! - - (_to Roxane_). - - Do you recall the night when Christian spoke - His love for you--beneath your balcony? - The words were mine, and mine the fondest thoughts; - But I remained below, unknown, in darkness, while - Another went aloft to gather light and love! - 'Tis justice, and my dying breath approves; - Molière has genius, Christian's beauty won. - - (_The chapel bell sounds. Sisters pass in the rear, going to - evening service._) - - It's time for prayer; the bell that tolls is right! - - ROXANE (_rising to call_). - - Come, Sister! - - CYRANO (_restraining her_). - - Leave me not to call for help! - On your return, you would not find me here. - - (_The sisters have entered the chapel, and the organ begins to - play._) - - I yearned for harmony; and now it's come! - - ROXANE. - - I love you, live! - - CYRANO. - - In fairy tales alone - Can love dispel the curse of homeliness. - You'd soon discover that I cannot change. - - ROXANE. - - You've suffered....and through me! - - CYRANO. - - Through you? Not so! - I never knew a woman's gentleness. - My mother found me homely. Sister, none; - And as to lady-loves, they would have laughed - At me. Through you, at least, I had a friend; - Through you I've known the spell a gown can bring! - - LE BRET (_showing the moonlight through the trees_). - - Another friend of yours is there! - - CYRANO (_smiling to the moon_). - - I see. - - ROXANE. - - I loved but one, and here I lose him twice! - - CYRANO. - - And now, Le Bret, I'll mount, and reach the moon, - Although I've not completed that machine.... - - LE BRET. - - Oh! speak not thus! - - CYRANO. - - Why not? 'Tis there, I say, - That I'll be sent to seek for paradise. - How many souls I love are there in bliss! - Good Socrates and Galileo too! - - LE BRET (_indignant_). - -No! no! this is too stupid, too unjust! Such a poet! A heart so big and -lofty! To die thus!.... To die!.... - - CYRANO. - -There is Le Bret growling again! - - LE BRET (_bursting into tears_). - -My dearest friend!.... - - CYRANO (_rising, with wildness in his eyes_). - -Fair Gascony's Cadets are they.... The elementary mass.... Why! -yes!....--There is the rub.... - - LE BRET. - -Alas! delirious! - - CYRANO. - -Copernicus said.... - - ROXANE. - -Dreadful! dreadful! - - CYRANO. - -What the deuce was he doing, what the deuce was he doing in that -galley?.... - - Philosopher and physicist, - A rimester, swordsman and musician, - A man who travelled in the air - As prompt with parry as reply, - A lover too--alas!--here lies - Sir Hercules, Savinian - De Cyrano de Bergerac, - Who compassed all and still was naught. - - But I must leave! I would not cause a wait. - Your pardon. See! the moon sends down for me! - - (_A ray of light from the moon is on him. He falls back into his - chair. The weeping of Roxane wakes him from his dreamy state. He - looks at her and strokes her veil._) - - I would not have you weep a wit the less - For Christian, who was all that's good and grand. - But, when the hand of ice has laid me low, - I would your weeds might have a double sense - Of mourning: first for him....and then for me! - - ROXANE. - - I swear to you.... - - CYRANO (_shaking with fever, rises suddenly_). - - No! never! In a chair! - - (_to those who advance to assist him_). - - No help!.... From anybody!.... - - (_leaning back against the tree_). - - .... But the tree! - - (_Silence._) - - It[27] comes!--I have already marble boots.... - And gloves of lead!.... - - (_He straightens up._) - - What matters?--Since It's here, - I'll meet it standing and.... - - (_draws his sword_) - - ....with sword in hand! - - LE BRET. - - Cyrano! - - ROXANE (_overcome_). - - God! - - (_All fall back aghast._) - - CYRANO. - - Ha! ha! I think it looks.... - It dares to look--the flat face--at my nose! - - (_Brandishes his sword._) - - What say you?....That it's useless?....Don't I know? - But valiant hearts contend not for success! - It's nobler to defend a hopeless cause! - --Who are you all? I count a thousand....more! - I know you now: my enemies of old! - You're Falsehood!-- - - (_Strikes the open air with his sword._) - - Here!--Ha! ha! and Compromise, - And Prejudice, and Cowardice!.... - - (_He strikes._) - - Submit? - No, never! Ah! here's Imbecility!.... - I know that, in the end, I must succumb, - I dare you, though, and strike! and strike! and strike! - - (_Strikes right and left with his sword, and stops exhausted._) - - You take my all, the laurel and the rose!.... - Well, take them!.... But, in spite of you, there is - A something that I bear along with me - To sweep to-night with grandeur, as I pass, - The threshold and the gates of heaven's blue; - A something that's unsullied and is mine.... - Do what you will! - - (_Rushes forward, sword aloft._) - - It is.... - - (_Sword drops out of his hand. He staggers and falls into the arms - of Le Bret and Ragueneau._) - - ROXANE (_leaning over him and kissing his forehead_). - - It is?.... - - CYRANO (_opens his eyes, recognises her and smiles_). - - ....My plume![28] - - [26] Note.--An evident anachronism, since Molière did not open his - Paris theatre until three years later (1658). Given, however, the - deep knowledge of seventeenth century matters displayed - throughout this drama, the anachronism must be intentional, the - poet's object doubtless having been to embody the tradition - according to which the "Qu'allait-il faire dans cette galère?" of - Molière's "Fourberies de Scapin" (produced only in 1671) was - taken from Cyrano de Bergerac's "Le Pédant Joué." - - [27] Note.--"It" here is Death (feminine in French). The personifying - _he_ somewhat customary in English poetry, was set aside, and the - _neuter_ gender was intentionally preserved, because, being more - vague, it better represents the terror-striking _unknown_, and is - more expressive of Cyrano's daring _contempt_ and repulsion for a - loathsome _thing_. Cyrano, who put to flight one hundred men, - could not be expected to fear a person, much less a - personification. - - [28] Note.--See Introduction, Preface and Prefatory Triolets ("Le - Panache"). - - _CURTAIN._ - - [Illustration: _FIFTH ACT._] - - - - - Transcriber's Note - -Apparent printer's errors have been retained, unless stated below. - -Capitalization, accents and formatting markup have been normalized. -Please note that although ellipses as well as punctuation around -brackets appear inconsistent, these have been kept true to the text. - -Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). - -Illustration tags have been moved to the end of each Act. - -Page 139, "seige" changed to "siege". (That during this terrible siege -he shall never be cold!) - -Page 139, "CHRISTIAN" changed to "CYRANO". Other editions have Cyrano -speaking this line, and it only makes sense when it is spoken by him. -(CYRANO (_halting_).) - -Page 141 and 156, "Ventrebieu" has been retained. It is believed that -this may be a typo for "Ventrebleu", however, multiple volumes in both -French and English use the same term. - -Page 150, "Decartes" changed to "Descartes". (.... and I ... will read -Descartes.) - -Page 188, CYRANO's name appeared twice in a row without a second -character speaking in between. (Once before his line, "We'll give them a -salute!" and again before he said "Fire!") This redundancy was -corrected. - -Page 192, "vail" changed to "veil". (Roxane is seen in the rear; she is -in black, wearing the long veil of a widow.) - -Page 209, "Youé" changed to "Joué". (Given, however, the deep knowledge -of seventeenth century matters displayed throughout this drama, the -anachronism must be intentional, the poet's object doubtless having been -to embody the tradition according to which the "Qu'allait-il faire dans -cette galère?" of Molière's "Fourberies de Scapin" (produced only in -1671) was taken from Cyrano de Bergerac's "Le Pédant Joué.") - -Page 210, "genuis" changed to "genius". ('Tis justice, and my dying -breath approves; Molière has genius, Christian's beauty won.) - -Page 212, "ROXANE" changed to "LE BRET". Other editions have Le Bret -speaking this line, and as Cyrano has just addressed him, it makes -better sense. (LE BRET. 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