THE THIRD ACT

Roxane's Kiss

Scene I

Ragueneau

– And so she ran off with a Musketeer!
I was ruined – I was alone – Remained
Nothing for me to do but hang myself,
So I did that. Presently along comes
Monsieur de Bergerac, and cuts me down,
And makes me steward to his cousin.

The Duenna

Ruined? –
I thought your pastry was a great success!

Ragueneau

(Shakes his head.)

Lise loved the soldiers, and I loved the poets –
Mars ate up all the cakes Apollo left;
It did not take long....

The Duenna

(Calls up to window.)

Roxane! Are you ready?
We are late!

Voice of Roxane

(Within)

Putting on my cape –

The Duenna

(To Ragueneau, indicating the house opposite.)

Clomire[*]
Across the way receives on Thursday nights –
We are to have a psycho-colloquy
Upon the Tender Passion.

Ragueneau

Ah – the Tender ...

The Duenna

(Sighs)

– Passion! ...

(Calls up to window.)

Roxane! – Hurry, dear – we shall miss
The Tender Passion!

Roxane

Coming! –

(Music of stringed instruments off-stage approaching.)

The Voice of Cyrano

(Singing)

La, la, la! –

The Duenna

A serenade? – How pleasant –

Cyrano

No, no, no! –
F natural, you natural born fool!

(Enters, followed by two pages, carrying theorbos[*].)

First Page

(Ironically)

No doubt your honor knows F natural
When he hears –

Cyrano

I am a musician, infant! –
A pupil of Gassendi.

The Page

(Plays and sings.)

La, la, –

Cyrano

Here –
Give me that –

(He snatches the instrument from the Page and continues the tune.)

La, la, la, la –

Roxane

(Appears on the balcony.)

Is that you,
Cyrano?

Cyrano

(Singing)

I, who praise your lilies fair,
But long to love your ro...ses!

Roxane

I'll be down –
Wait –

(Goes in through window.)

The Duenna

Did you train these virtuosi?

Cyrano

No –
I won them on a bet from D'Assoucy.[*]
We were debating a fine point of grammar
When, pointing out these two young nightingales
Dressed up like peacocks, with their instruments,
He cries: "No, but I KNOW! I'll wager you
A day of music." Well, of course he lost;
And so until to-morrow they are mine,
My private orchestra. Pleasant at first,
But they become a trifle –

(To the Pages)

Here! Go play
A minuet to Montfleury – and tell him
I sent you!

(The Pages go up to the exit. Cyrano turns to the Duenna)

I came here as usual
To inquire after our friend –

(To Pages)

Play out of tune.
And keep on playing!

(The Pages go out. He turns to the Duenna)

Our friend with the great soul.

Roxane

(Enters in time to hear the last words.)

He is beautiful and brilliant – and I love him!

Cyrano

Do you find Christian ... intellectual?

Roxane

More so than you, even.

Cyrano

I am glad.

Roxane

No man
Ever so beautifully said those things –
Those pretty nothings that are everything.
Sometimes he falls into a reverie;
His inspiration fails – then all at once,
He will say something absolutely ... Oh! ...

Cyrano

Really!

Roxane

How like a man! You think a man
Who has a handsome face must be a fool.

Cyrano

He talks well about ... matters of the heart?

Roxane

He does not talk; he rhapsodizes ... dreams ...

Cyrano

(Twisting his moustache.)

He ... writes well?

Roxane

Wonderfully. Listen now:

(Reciting as from memory.)

"Take my heart; I shall have it all the more;
Plucking the flowers, we keep the plant in bloom – "
Well?

Cyrano

Pooh!

Roxane

And this:
"Knowing you have in store
More heart to give than I to find heart-room – "

Cyrano

First he has too much, then too little; just
How much heart does he need?

Roxane

(Tapping her foot.)

You are teasing me!
You are jealous!

Cyrano

(Startled)

Jealous?

Roxane

Of his poetry –
You poets are like that ...
And these last lines
Are they not the last word in tenderness? –
"There is no more to say: only believe
That unto you my whole heart gives one cry,
And writing, writes down more than you receive;
Sending you kisses through my finger-tips –
Lady, O read my letter with your lips!"

Cyrano

H'm, yes – those last lines ... but he overwrites!

Roxane

Listen to this –

Cyrano

You know them all by heart?

Roxane

Every one!

Cyrano

(Twisting his moustache.)

I may call that flattering ...

Roxane

He is a master!

Cyrano

Oh – come!

Roxane

Yes – a master!

Cyrano

(Bowing)

A master – if you will!

The Duenna

(Comes down stage quickly.)

Monsieur de Guiche! –

(To CYRANO, pushing him toward the house.)

Go inside – If he does not find you here,
It may be just as well He may suspect –

Roxane

– My secret! Yes; he is in love with me
And he is powerful. Let him not know –
One look would frost my roses before bloom.

Cyrano

(Going into house.)

Very well, very well!

Scene II

Roxane

(To De GUICHE, as he enters)

We were just going –

de Guiche

I came only to say farewell.

Roxane

You leave
Paris?

de Guiche

Yes – for the front.

Roxane

Ah!

de Guiche

And to-night!

Roxane

Ah!

de Guiche

We have orders to besiege Arras.

Roxane

Arras?

de Guiche

Yes. My departure leaves you ... cold?

Roxane

(Politely)

Oh! Not that.

de Guiche

It has left me desolate –
When shall I see you? Ever? Did you know
I was made Colonel?

Roxane

(Indifferent)

Bravo.

de Guiche

Regiment
Of the Guards.

Roxane

(Catching her breath.)

Of the Guards? –

de Guiche

His regiment
Your cousin, the mighty man of words ! –

(Grimly)

Down there
We may have an accounting!

Roxane

(Suffocating)

Are you sure
The Guards are ordered?

de Guiche

Under my command!

Roxane

(Sinks dawn, breathless, on the bench; aside)

Christian! –

de Guiche

What is it?

Roxane

(Losing control of herself.)

To the war – perhaps
Never again to – When a woman cares,
Is that nothing?

de Guiche

(Surprised and delighted.)

You say this now – to me –
Now, at the very moment? –

Roxane

(Recovers – changes her tone.)

Tell me something:
My cousin – You say you mean to be revenged
On him. Do you mean that?

de Guiche

(Smiles)

Why? Would you care?

Roxane

Not for him.

de Guiche

Do you see him?

Roxane

Now and then.

de Guiche

He goes about everywhere nowadays
With one of the Cadets – de Neuve – Neuville –
Neuvillers –

Roxane

(Coolly)

A tall man? –

de Guiche

Blond –

Roxane

Rosy cheeks? –

de Guiche

Handsome! –

Roxane

Pooh! –

de Guiche

And a fool.

Roxane

(Languidly)

So he appears ...

(Animated)

But Cyrano? What will you do to him?
Order him into danger? He loves that!
I know what I should do.

de Guiche

What?

Roxane

Leave him here
With his Cadets, while all the regiment
Goes on to glory! That would torture him –
To sit all through the war with folded arms –
I know his nature. If you hate that man,
Strike at his self-esteem.

de Guiche

Oh woman – woman!
Who but a woman would have thought of this?

Roxane

He'll eat his heart out, while his Gascon friends
Bite their nails all day long in Paris here.
And you will be avenged!

de Guiche

You love me then,
A little? ...

(She smiles.)

Making my enemies your own,
Hating them – I should like to see in that
A sign of love, Roxane.

Roxane

Perhaps it is one ...

de Guiche

(Shows a number of folded despatches.)

Here are the orders – for each company –
Ready to send ...

(Selects one.)

So – This is for the Guards –
I'll keep that. Aha, Cyrano!

(To Roxane)

You too,
You play your little games, do you?

Roxane

(Watching him.)

Sometimes ...

de Guiche

(Close to her, speaking hurriedly.)

And you! – Oh, I am mad over you! –
Listen –
I leave to-night – but – let you through my hands
Now, when I feel you trembling? – Listen – Close by,
In the Rue d'Orléans, the Capuchins
Have their new convent. By their law, no layman
May pass inside those walls. I'll see to that –
Their sleeves are wide enough to cover me –
The servants of my Uncle-Cardinal
Will fear his nephew. So – I'll come to you
Masked, after everyone knows I have gone –
Oh, let me wait one day! –

Roxane

If this be known,
Your honor –

de Guiche

Bah!

Roxane

The war – your duty –

de Guiche

(Blows away an imaginary feather.)

Phoo! –
Only say yes!

Roxane

No!

de Guiche

Whisper ...

Roxane

(Tenderly)

I ought not
To let you ...

de Guiche

Ah! ...

Roxane

(Pretends to break down.)

Ah, go!

(Aside)

– Christian remains –

(Aloud – heroically)

I must have you a hero – Antoine ...

de Guiche

Heaven! ...
So you can love –

Roxane

One for whose sake I fear.

de Guiche

(Triumphant)

I go!
Will that content you?

(Kisses her hand.)

Roxane

Yes – my friend!

(He goes out.)

The Duenna

(As DE GUICHE disappears, making a deep curtsey behind his back,
and imitating ROXANE's intense tone.)

Yes – my friend!

Roxane

(Quickly, close to her.)

Not a word to Cyrano –
He would never forgive me if he knew
I stole his war!

(She calls toward the house.)

Cousin!

Scene III

(CYRANO comes out of the house; she turns to him, indicating the house opposite.)

We are going over –
Alcandre speaks to-night – and Lysimon.

The Duenna

(Puts finger in her ear.)

My little finger says we shall not hear
Everything.

Cyrano

Never mind me –

The Duenna

(Across the street)

Look – Oh, look!
The knocker tied tip in a napkin – Yes,
They muzzled you because you bark too loud
And interrupt the lecture – little beast!

Roxane

(As the door opens)

Enter ...

(To Cyrano)

If Christian comes, tell him to wait.

Cyrano

Oh –

(Roxane returns.)

When he comes, what will you talk about?
You always know beforehand.

Roxane

About ...

Cyrano

Well?

Roxane

You will not tell him, will you?

Cyrano

I am dumb.

Roxane

About nothing! Or about everything –
I shall say: "Speak of love in your own words –
Improvise! Rhapsodize! Be eloquent!"

Cyrano

(Smiling)

Good!

Roxane

Sh! –

Cyrano

Sh! –

Roxane

Not a word!

(She goes in; the door closes.)

Cyrano

(Bowing)

Thank you so much –

Roxane

(Opens door and puts out her head.)

He must be unprepared –

Cyrano

Of course!

Roxane

Sh! –

(Goes in again.)

Cyrano

(Calls)

Christian!

Scene IV

(CHRISTIAN enters.)

I have your theme – bring on your memory! –
Here is your chance now to surpass yourself,
No time to lose – Come! Look intelligent –
Come home and learn your lines.

Christian

No.

Cyrano

What?

Christian

I'll wait
Here for Roxane.

Cyrano

What lunacy is this?
Come quickly!

Christian

No, I say! I have had enough –
Taking my words, my letters, all from you –
Making our love a little comedy!
It was a game at first; but now – she cares ...
Thanks to you. I am not afraid. I'll speak
For myself now.

Cyrano

Undoubtedly!

Christian

I will!
Why not? I am no such fool – you shall see!
Besides – my dear friend – you have taught me much.
I ought to know something ... By God, I know
Enough to take a woman in my arms!

(ROXANE appears in the doorway, opposite.)

There she is now ... Cyrano, wait! Stay here!

Cyrano

(Bows)

Speak for yourself, my friend!

(He goes out.)

Scene V

Roxane

(Taking leave of the company.)

– Barthénoide!
Alcandre! ... Grémione! ...

The Duenna

I told you so –
We missed the Tender Passion!

(She goes into ROXANE's house.)

Roxane

Urimédonte! –
Adieu!

(As the guests disappear down the street, she turns to CHRISTIAN.)

Is that you, Christian? Let us stay
Here, in the twilight. They are gone. The air
Is fragrant. We shall be alone. Sit down
There – so ...

(They sit on the bench.)

Now tell me things.

Christian

(After a silence)

I love you.

Roxane

(Closes her eyes.)

Yes,
Speak to me about love ...

Christian

I love you.

Roxane

Now
Be eloquent! ...

Christian

I love –

Roxane

(Opens her eyes.)

You have your theme –
Improvise! Rhapsodize!

Christian

I love you so!

Roxane

Of course. And then? ...

Christian

And then ... Oh, I should be
So happy if you loved me too! Roxane,
Say that you love me too!

Roxane

(Making a face.)

I ask for cream
You give me milk and water. Tell me first
A little, how you love me.

Christian

Very much.

Roxane

Oh – tell me how you feel!

Christian

(Coming nearer, and devouring her with his eyes.)

Your throat ... If only
I might ... kiss it –

Roxane

Christian!

Christian

I love you so!

Roxane

(Makes as if to rise.)

Again?

Christian

(Desperately, restraining her.)

No, not again – I do not love you –

Roxane

(Settles back.)

That is better ...

Christian

I adore you!

Roxane

(Rises and moves away.)

Oh! –

Christian

I know;
I grow absurd.

Roxane

(Coldly)

And that displeases me
As much as if you had grown ugly.

Christian

I –

Roxane

Gather your dreams together into words!

Christian

I love –

Roxane

I know; you love me. Adieu.

(She goes to the house.)

Christian

No,
But wait – please – let me – I was going to say –

Roxane

(Pushes the door open.)

That you adore me. Yes; I know that too.
No! ... Go away! ...

(She goes in and shuts the door in his face.)

Christian

I... I...

Cyrano

(Enters)

A great success!

Scene VI

Christian

Help me!

Cyrano

Not I.

Christian

I cannot live unless
She loves me – now, this moment!

Cyrano

How the devil
Am I to teach you now – this moment?

Christian

(Catches him by the arm.)

– Wait! –
Look! Up there! – Quick –

(The light shows in ROXANE's window.)

Cyrano

Her window –

Christian

(Wailing)

I shall die! –

Cyrano

Less noise!

Christian

Oh, I –

Cyrano

It does seem fairly dark –

Christian

(Excitedly)

Well? – Well? – Well? –

Cyrano

Let us try what can be done;
It is more than you deserve – stand over there,
Idiot – there! – before the balcony –
Let me stand underneath. I'll whisper you
What to say.

Christian

She may hear – she may –

Cyrano

Less noise!

(The PAGES appear up stage.)

First Page
Hep! –

Cyrano

(Finger to lips)

Sh! –

First Page

(Low voice)

We serenaded Montfleury! –
What next?

Cyrano

Down to the corner of the street –
One this way – and the other over there –
If anybody passes, play a tune!

Page

What tune, O musical Philosopher?

Cyrano

Sad for a man, or merry for a woman –
Now go!

(The PAGES disappear, one toward each corner of the street.)

Cyrano

(To Christian)

Call her!

Christian

Roxane!

Cyrano

Wait ...

(Gathers up a handful of pebbles.)

Gravel ...

(Throws it at the window)

There! –

Scene VII

Roxane

(Opens the window.)

Who is calling?

Christian

I –

Roxane

Who?

Christian

Christian.

Roxane

You again?

Christian

I had to tell you –

Cyrano

(Under the balcony)

Good – Keep your voice down.

Roxane

No. Go away. You tell me nothing.

Christian

Please! –

Roxane

You do not love me any more –

Christian

(To whom CYRANO whispers his words)

No – no –
Not any more – I love you ... evermore ...
And ever ... more and more!

Roxane

(About to close the window – pauses.)

A little better ...

Christian

(Same business)

Love grows and struggles like ... an angry child ...
Breaking my heart ... his cradle ...

Roxane

(Coming out on the balcony.)

Better still –
But ... such a babe is dangerous; why not
Have smothered it new-born?

Christian

(Same business)

And so I do ...
And yet he lives ... I found ... as you shall find ...
This new-born babe ... an infant ... Hercules!

Roxane

(Further forward)

Good! –

Christian

(Same business)

Strong enough ... at birth ... to strangle those
Two serpents – Doubt and ... Pride.

Roxane

(Leans over balcony.)

Why, very well!
Tell me now why you speak so haltingly –
Has your imagination gone lame?

Cyrano

(Thrusts CHRISTIAN under the balcony, and stands in his place.)

Here –
This grows too difficult!

Roxane

Your words to-night
Hesitate. Why?

Cyrano

(In a low tone, imitating CHRISTIAN)

Through the warm summer gloom
They grope in darkness toward the light of you.

Roxane

My words, well aimed, find you more readily.

Cyrano

My heart is open wide and waits for them –
Too large a mark to miss! My words fly home,
Heavy with honey like returning bees,
To your small secret ear. Moreover – yours
Fall to me swiftly. Mine more slowly rise.

Roxane

Yet not so slowly as they did at first

Cyrano

They have learned the way, and you have welcomed them.

Roxane

(Softly)

Am I so far above you now?

Cyrano

So far –
If you let fall upon me one hard word,
Out of that height – you crush me!

Roxane

(Turns)

I'll come down –

Cyrano

(Quickly)

No!

Roxane

(Points out the bench under the balcony.)

Stand you on the bench. Come nearer!

Cyrano

(Recoils into the shadow.)

No! –

Roxane

And why – so great a No?

Cyrano

(More and more overcome by emotion.)

Let me enjoy
The one moment I ever – my one chance
To speak to you ... unseen!

Roxane

Unseen? –

Cyrano

Yes! – yes...
Night, making all things dimly beautiful,
One veil over us both – You only see
The darkness of a long cloak in the gloom,
And I the whiteness of a summer gown –
You are all light – I am all shadow! ... How
Can you know what this moment means to me?
If I was ever eloquent –

Roxane

You were
Eloquent –

Cyrano

– You have never heard till now
My own heart speaking!

Roxane

Why not?

Cyrano

Until now,
I spoke through ...

Roxane

Yes? –

Cyrano

– through that sweet drunkenness
You pour into the world out of your eyes!
But to-night... but to-night, I indeed speak
For the first time!

Roxane

For the first time – Your voice,
Even, is not the same.

Cyrano

(Passionately; moves nearer.)

How should it be?
I have another voice – my own,
Myself, daring –

(He stops, confused; then tries to recover himself.)

Where was I? ... I forget! ...
Forgive me. This is all sweet like a dream ...
Strange – like a dream ...

Roxane

How, strange?

Cyrano

Is it not so
To be myself to you, and have no fear
Of moving you to laughter?

Roxane

Laughter – why?

Cyrano

(Struggling for an explanation)

Because ... What am I ... What is any man,
That he dare ask for you? Therefore my heart
Hides behind phrases. There's a modesty
In these things too – I come here to pluck down
Out of the sky the evening star – then smile,
And stoop to gather little flowers.

Roxane

Are they
Not sweet, those little flowers?

Cyrano

Not enough sweet
For you and me, to-night!

Roxane

(Breathless)

You never spoke
To me like this...

Cyrano

Little things, pretty things –
Arrows and hearts and torches – roses red,
And violets blue – are these all? Come away,
And breathe fresh air! Must we keep on and on
Sipping stale honey out of tiny cups
Decorated with golden tracery,
Drop by drop, all day long? We are alive;
We thirst – Come away, plunge, and drink, and drown
In the great river flowing to the sea!

Roxane

But ...Poetry?

Cyrano

I have made rimes for you –
Not now – Shall we insult Nature, this night,
These flowers, this moment – shall we set all these
To phrases from a letter by Voiture[*]?
Look once at the high stars that shine in heaven,
And put off artificiality!
Have you not seen great gaudy hothouse flowers,
Barren, without fragrance? – Souls are like that:
Forced to show all, they soon become all show –
The means to Nature's end ends meaningless!

Roxane

But ... Poetry?

Cyrano

Love hates that game of words!
It is a crime to fence with life – I tell you,
There comes one moment, once – and God help those
Who pass that moment by! – when Beauty stands
Looking into the soul with grave, sweet eyes
That sicken at pretty words!

Roxane

If that be true –
And when that moment comes to you and me –
What words will you? ...

Cyrano

All those, all those, all those
That blossom in my heart, I'll fling to you –
Armfuls of loose bloom! Love, I love beyond
Breath, beyond reason, beyond love's own power
Of loving! Your name is like a golden bell
Hung in my heart; and when I think of you,
I tremble, and the bell swings and rings –
"Roxane!" ...
"Roxane!" ... along my veins, "Roxane!"
I know
All small forgotten things that once meant You –
I remember last year, the First of May,
A little before noon, you had your hair
Drawn low, that one time only. Is that strange?
You know how, after looking at the sun,
One sees red suns everywhere – so, for hours
After the flood of sunshine that you are,
My eyes are blinded by your burning hair!

Roxane

(Very low)

Yes ... that is ... Love –

Cyrano

Yes, that is Love – that wind
Of terrible and jealous beauty, blowing
Over me – that dark fire, that music ...
Yet
Love seeketh not his own! Dear, you may take
My happiness to make you happier,
Even though you never know I gave it you –
Only let me hear sometimes, all alone,
The distant laughter of your joy! ...
I never
Look at you, but there's some new virtue born
In me, some new courage. Do you begin
To understand, a little? Can you feel
My soul, there in the darkness, breathe on you?
– Oh, but to-night, now, I dare say these things –
I... to you ... and you hear them! ... It is too much!
In my most sweet unreasonable dreams,
I have not hoped for this! Now let me die,
Having lived. It is my voice, mine, my own,
That makes you tremble there in the green gloom
Above me – for you do tremble, as a blossom
Among the leaves – You tremble, and I can feel,
All the way down along these jasmine branches,
Whether you will or no, the passion of you
Trembling ...

(He kisses wildly the end of a drooping spray of jasmine.)

Roxane

Yes, I do tremble ... and I weep ...
And I love you ... and I am yours ... and you
Have made me thus!

Cyrano

(After a pause; quietly)

What is death like, I wonder?
I know everything else now ...
I have done
This, to you – I, myself ...
Only let me
Ask one thing more –

Christian

(Under the balcony)

One kiss!

Roxane

(Startled)

One? –

Cyrano

(To CHRISTIAN)

You! ...

Roxane

You ask me
For –

Cyrano

I... Yes, but – I mean –

(To CHRISTIAN)

You go too far!

Christian

She is willing! – Why not make the most of it?

Cyrano

(To ROXANE)

I did ask ... but I know I ask too much ...

Roxane

Only one – Is that all?

Cyrano

All! – How much more
Than all! – I know – I frighten you – I ask ...
I ask you to refuse –

Christian

(To CYRANO)

But why? Why? Why?

Cyrano

Christian, be quiet!

Roxane

(Leaning over.)

What is that you say
To yourself?

Cyrano

I am angry with myself
Because I go too far, and so I say
To myself: "Christian, be quiet!" –

(The theorbos begin to play.)

Hark – someone
Is coming –

(Roxane closes her window. CYRANO listens to the theorbos,
one of which plays a gay melody, the other a mournful one.)

A sad tune, a merry tune –
Man, woman – what do they mean? –

(A CAPUCHIN enters; he carries a lantern,
and goes from house to house, looking at the doors.)

Aha! – a priest!

Scene VIII

(To THE CAPUCHIN)

What is this new game of Diogenes?

The Capuchin

I am looking for the house of Madame –

Christian

(Impatient)

Bah! –

The Capuchin

Madeleine Robin –

Christian

What does he want?

Cyrano

(To THE CAPUCHIN; points out a street.)

This way –
To the right – keep to the right –

The Capuchin

I thank you, sir! –
I'll say my beads for you to the last grain.

Cyrano

Good fortune, father, and my service to you!

(THE CAPUCHIN goes out)

Scene IX

Christian

Win me that kiss!

Cyrano

No.

Christian

Sooner or later –

Cyrano

True ...
That is true ... Soon or late, it will be so
Because you are young and she is beautiful –

(To himself)

Since it must be, I had rather be myself

(The window re-opens. CHRISTIAN hides under the balcony.)

The cause of ... what must be.

Scene X

Roxane

(Out on the balcony)

Are you still there?
We were speaking of –

Cyrano

A kiss. The word is sweet –
What will the deed be? Are your lips afraid
Even of its burning name? Not much afraid –
Not too much! Have you not unwittingly
Laid aside laughter, slipping beyond speech
Insensibly, already, without fear,
From words to smiles... from smiles to sighs... from sighing,
Even to tears? One step more – only one –
From a tear to a kiss – one step, one thrill!

Roxane

Hush –

Cyrano

And what is a kiss, when all is done?
A promise given under seal – a vow
Taken before the shrine of memory –
A signature acknowledged – a rosy dot
Over the i of Loving – a secret whispered
To listening lips apart – a moment made
Immortal, with a rush of wings unseen –
A sacrament of blossoms, a new song
Sung by two hearts to an old simple tune –
The ring of one horizon around two souls
Together, all alone!

Roxane

Hush!...

Cyrano

Why, what shame? –
There was a Queen of France, not long ago,
And a great lord of England[*] – a queen's gift,
A crown jewel!

Roxane

Indeed!

Cyrano

Indeed, like him,
I have my sorrows and my silences;
Like her, you are the queen I dare adore;

Roxane

Like him,
Beautiful –

Cyrano

(Aside)

So I am – I forgot that!

Roxane

Then – Come; ... Gather your sacred blossom

Cyrano

(To CHRISTIAN)

Go! –

Roxane

Your crown jewel

Cyrano

Go on! –

Roxane

Your old new song

Cyrano

Climb! –

Christian

(Hesitates)

No – Would you? – not yet –

Roxane

Your moment made
Immortal ...

Cyrano

(Pushing him.)

Climb up, animal!

(CHRISTIAN springs on the bench, and climbs by the pillars, the branches, the vines,
until he bestrides the balcony railing.)

Christian

Roxane! ...

(He takes her in his arms and bends over her.)

Cyrano

(Very low)

Ah! ... Roxane! ...
I have won what I have won –
The feast of love – and I am Lazarus!
Yet ... I have something here that is mine now
And was not mine before I spoke the words
That won her – not for me! ... Kissing my words
My words, upon your lips!

(The theorbos begin to play.)

A merry tune –
A sad tune – So! The Capuchin!

(He pretends to be running, as if he had arrived from a distance; then calls up to the balcony.)

Hola!

Roxane

Who is it?

Cyrano

I. Is Christian there with you?

Christian

(Astonished)

Cyrano!

Roxane

Good morrow, Cousin!

Cyrano

Cousin,... good morrow!

Roxane

I am coming down.

(She disappears into the house. THE CAPUCHIN enters up stage.)

Christian

(Sees him.)

Oh – again!

Scene XI

The Capuchin

(To CYRANO)

She lives here,
Madeleine Robin!

Cyrano

You said RO-LIN.

The Capuchin

No –
R-O-B-I-N

Roxane

(Appears on the threshold of the house,
followed by RAGUENEAU with a lantern, and by CHRISTIAN.)

What is it?

The Capuchin

A letter.

Christian

Oh!...

The Capuchin

(To ROXANE)

Some matter profitable to the soul –
A very noble lord gave it to me!

Roxane

(To CHRISTIAN)

De Guiche!

Christian

He dares? –

Roxane

It will not be for long;
When he learns that I love you ...

(By the light of the lantern which RAGUENEAU holds,
she reads the letter in a low tone, as if to herself.)

"Mademoiselle
The drums are beating, and the regiment
Arms for the march. Secretly I remain
Here, in the Convent. I have disobeyed;
I shall be with you soon. I send this first
By an old monk, as simple as a sheep,
Who understands nothing of this. Your smile
Is more than I can bear, and seek no more.
Be alone to-night, waiting for one who dares
To hope you will forgive ... – " etcetera –

(To THE CAPUCHIN)

Father, this letter concerns you ...

(To CHRISTIAN)

– and you.
Listen:

(The others gather around her. She pretends to read from the letter, aloud.)

"Mademoiselle:
The Cardinal
Will have his way, although against your will;
That is why I am sending this to you
By a most holy man, intelligent,
Discreet. You will communicate to him
Our order to perform, here and at once
The rite of ...

(Turns the page)

– Holy Matrimony. You
And Christian will be married privately
In your house. I have sent him to you. I know
You hesitate. Be resigned, nevertheless,
To the Cardinal's command, who sends herewith
His blessing. Be assured also of my own
Respect and high consideration – signed,
Your very humble and – etcetera – "

The Capuchin

A noble lord! I said so – never fear –
A worthy lord! – a very worthy lord! –

Roxane

(To CHRISTIAN)

Am I a good reader of letters?

Christian

(Motions toward THE CAPUCHIN.)

Careful! –

Roxane

(In a tragic tone)

Oh, this is terrible!

The Capuchin

(Turns the light of his lantern on CYRANO)

You are to be –

Christian

I am the bridegroom!

The Capuchin

(Turns his lantern upon CHRISTIAN; then, as if some suspicion crossed his mind,
upon seeing the young man so handsome.)

Oh – why, you ...

Roxane

(Quickly)

Look here –
"Postscript:
Give to the Convent in my name
One hundred and twenty pistoles" –
The Capuchin
Think of it!
A worthy lord – a worthy lord! ...

(To ROXANE, solemnly)

Daughter, resign yourself!

Roxane

(With an air of martyrdom)

I am resigned ...

(While RAGUENEAU opens the door for the THE CAPUCHIN
and CHRISTIAN invites him to enter,
she turns to CYRANO.)

De Guiche may come. Keep him out here with you.
Do not let him –

Cyrano

I understand!

(To the THE CAPUCHIN)

How long
Will you be? –
The Capuchin
Oh, a quarter of an hour.

Cyrano

(Hurrying them into the house.)

Hurry – I'll wait here –

Roxane

(To Christian)

Come!

(They go into the house.)

Scene XII

Cyrano

Now then, to make
His Grace delay that quarter of an hour ...
I have it! – up here –

(He steps on the bench, and climbs up the wall toward the balcony.
The theorbos begin to play a mournful melody.)

Sad music – Ah, a man! ...

(The music pauses on a sinister tremolo.)

Oh – very much a man!

(He sits astride of the railing and, drawing toward him a long branch
of one of the trees which border the garden wall, he grasps it with both hands,
ready to swing himself down.)

So – not too high –

(He peers down at the ground.)

I must float gently through the atmosphere –

[Scene XIII]

de Guiche

(Enters, masked, groping in the dark toward the house.)

Where is that cursed, bleating Capuchin?

Cyrano

What if he knows my voice? – the devil! – Tic-tac
Bergerac – we unlock our Gascon tongue;
A good strong accent –

de Guiche

Here is the house – all dark –
Damn this mask! –

(As he is about to enter the house, CYRANO leaps from the balcony, still holding fast
to the branch, which bends and swings him between DE GUICHE and the door;
then he releases the branch and pretends to fall heavily as though from a height.
He lands flatly on the ground, where he lies motionless, as if stunned. DE GUICHE leaps back.)

What is that?

(When he lifts his eyes, the branch has sprung back into place.
He can see nothing but the sky; he does not understand.)

Why ... where did this man
Fall from?

Cyrano

(Sits up, and speaks with a strong accent.)

– The moon![*]

de Guiche

You –

Cyrano

From the moon, the moon!
I fell out of the moon!

de Guiche

The fellow is mad –

Cyrano

(Dreamily)

Where am I?

de Guiche

Why –

Cyrano

What time is it? What place
Is this? What day? What season?

de Guiche

You –

Cyrano

I am stunned!

de Guiche

My dear sir –

Cyrano

Like a bomb – a bomb – I fell
From the moon!

de Guiche

Now, see here –

Cyrano

(Rising to his feet, and speaking in a terrible voice.)

I say, the moon!

de Guiche

(Recoils)

Very well – if you say so –

(Aside)

Raving mad! –

Cyrano

(Advancing upon him.)

I am not speaking metaphorically!

de Guiche

Pardon.

Cyrano

A hundred years – an hour ago –
I really cannot say how long I fell –
I was in yonder shining sphere –

de Guiche

(Shrugs)

Quite so.
Please let me pass.

Cyrano

(Interposes himself.)

Where am I? Tell the truth –
I can bear it. In what quarter of the globe
Have I descended like a meteorite?

de Guiche

Morbleu!

Cyrano

I could not choose my place to fall –
The earth spun round so fast – Was it the Earth,
I wonder? – Or is this another world?
Another moon? Whither have I been drawn
By the dead weight of my posterior?

de Guiche

Sir. I repeat –

Cyrano

(With a sudden cry, which causes DE GUICHE to recoil again.)

His face! My God – black!

de Guiche

(Carries his hand to his mask.)

Oh! –

Cyrano

(Terrified)

Are you a native? Is this Africa?

de Guiche

– This mask!

Cyrano

(Somewhat reassured)

Are we in Venice? Genoa?

de Guiche

(Tries to pass him.)

A lady is waiting for me.

Cyrano

(Quite happy again)

So this is Paris!

de Guiche

(Smiling in spite of himself.)

This fool becomes amusing.

Cyrano

Ah! You smile?

de Guiche

I do. Kindly permit me –

Cyrano

(Delighted)

Dear old Paris –
Well, well! –

(Wholly at his ease, smiles, bows, arranges his dress.)

Excuse my appearance. I arrive
By the last thunderbolt – a trifle singed
As I came through the ether. These long journeys –
You know! There are so few conveniences!
My eyes are full of star-dust. On my spurs,
Some sort of fur ... Planet's apparently ...

(Plucks something from his sleeve.)

Look – on my doublet – That's a Comet's hair!

(He blows something from the back of his hand.)

Phoo!

de Guiche

(Grows angry.)

Monsieur –

Cyrano

(As DE GUICHE is about to push past, thrusts his leg in the way.)

Here's a tooth, stuck in my boot,
From the Great Bear. Trying to get away,
I tripped over the Scorpion and came down
Slap, into one scale of the Balances –
The pointer marks my weight this moment...

(Pointing upward.)

See?

(DE GUICHE makes a sudden movement. CYRANO catches his arm.)

Be careful! If you struck me on the nose,
It would drip milk!

de Guiche

Milk?

Cyrano

From the Milky Way!

de Guiche

Hell!

Cyrano

No, no – Heaven.

(Crossing his arms.)

Curious place up there –
Did you know Sirius wore a nightcap? True!

(Confidentially)

The Little Bear is still too young to bite.

(Laughing)

My foot caught in the Lyre, and broke a string.

(Proudly)

Well – when I write my book, and tell the tale
Of my adventures – all these little stars
That shake out of my cloak – I must save those
To use for asterisks!

de Guiche

That will do now –
I wish –

Cyrano

Yes, yes – I know –

de Guiche

Sir –

Cyrano

You desire
To learn from my own lips the character
Of the moon's surface – its inhabitants
If any –

de Guiche

(Loses patience and shouts.)

I desire no such thing! I –

Cyrano

(Rapidly)

You wish to know by what mysterious means
I reached the moon? – well – confidentially –
It was a new invention of my own.

de Guiche

(Discouraged)

Drunk too – as well as mad!

Cyrano

I scorned the eagle
Of Regiomontanus, and the dove
Of Archytas![*]

de Guiche

A learned lunatic! –

Cyrano

I imitated no one. I myself
Discovered not one scheme merely, but six –
Six ways to violate the virgin sky!

(DE GUICHE has succeeded in passing him, and moves toward the door of Roxane's house.
CYRANO follows, ready to use violence if necessary.)

de Guiche

(Looks around.)

Six?

Cyrano

(With increasing volubility)

As for instance – Having stripped myself
Bare as a wax candle, adorn my form
With crystal vials filled with morning dew,
And so be drawn aloft, as the sun rises, Drinking the mist of dawn![*]

de Guiche

(Takes a step toward CYRANO.)

Yes – that makes one.

Cyrano

(Draws back to lead him away from the door; speaks faster and faster.)

Or, sealing up the air in a cedar chest,
Rarefy it by means of mirrors, placed
In an icosahedron.

de Guiche

(Takes another step.)

Two.

Cyrano

(Still retreating)

Again,
I might construct a rocket, in the form
Of a huge locust, driven by impulses
Of villainous saltpetre from the rear,
Upward, by leaps and bounds.

de Guiche

(Interested in spite of himself, and counting on his fingers.)

Three.

Cyrano

(Same business)

Or again,
Smoke having a natural tendency to rise,
Blow in a globe enough to raise me.

de Guiche

(Same business, more and more astonished.)

Four!

Cyrano

Or since Diana, as old fables tell,
Draws forth to fill her crescent horn, the marrow
Of bulls and goats – to anoint myself therewith.

de Guiche

(Hypnotized)

Five! –

Cyrano

(Has by this time led him all the way across the street, close to a bench.)

Finally – seated on an iron plate,
To hurl a magnet in the air – the iron
Follows – I catch the magnet – -throw again –
And so proceed indefinitely.

de Guiche

Six! –
All excellent, – and which did you adopt?

Cyrano

(Coolly)

Why, none of them.... A seventh.

de Guiche

Which was? –

Cyrano

Guess! –

de Guiche

An interesting idiot, this!

Cyrano

(Imitates the sound of waves with his voice,
and their movement by large, vague gestures.)

Hoo! ... Hoo! ...

de Guiche

Well?

Cyrano

Have you guessed it yet?

de Guiche

Why, no.

Cyrano

(Grandiloquent)

The ocean!...
What hour its rising tide seeks the full moon,
I laid me on the strand, fresh from the spray,
My head fronting the moonbeams, since the hair
Retains moisture – and so I slowly rose
As upon angels' wings, effortlessly,
Upward – then suddenly I felt a shock! –
And then ...

de Guiche

(Overcome by curiosity, sits down on the bench.)

And then?

Cyrano

And then –

(Changes abruptly to his natural voice.)

The time is up! –
Fifteen minutes, your Grace! – You are now free;
And – they are bound – in wedlock.

de Guiche

(Leaping up)

Am I drunk?
That voice ...

(The door of ROXANE's house opens; lackeys appear, bearing lighted candles. Lights up. Cyrano removes his hat.)

And that nose! – Cyrano!

Cyrano

(Saluting)

Cyrano! ...
This very moment, they have exchanged rings.

de Guiche

Who?

(He turns up stage. Tableau: between the lackeys, ROXANE and CHRISTIAN appear, hand in hand. THE CAPUCHIN follows them, smiling. RAGUENEAU holds aloft a torch.
THE DUENNA brings up the rear, in a negligee, and a pleasant flutter of emotion.)

Zounds!

Scene XIV

(To ROXANE)

You? –

(Recognises CHRISTIAN)

He? –

(Saluting ROXANE)

My sincere compliments!

(To CYRANO)

You also, my inventor of machines!
Your rigmarole would have detained a saint
Entering Paradise – decidedly
You must not fail to write that book some day!

Cyrano

(Bowing)

Sir, I engage myself to do so.

(Leads the bridal pair down to DE GUICHE
sand strokes with great satisfaction his long white beard.)

My lord,
The handsome couple you – and God – have joined
Together!

de Guiche

(Regarding him with a frosty eye.)

Quite so.

(Turns to ROXANE)

Madame, kindly bid
Your ... husband farewell.

Roxane

Oh! –

de Guiche

(To CHRISTIAN)

Your regiment
Leaves to-night, sir. Report at once!

Roxane

You mean
For the front? The war?

de Guiche

Certainly!

Roxane

I thought
The Cadets were not going –

de Guiche

Oh yes, they are!

(Taking out the despatch from his pocket.)

Here is the order –

(To CHRISTIAN)

Baron! Deliver this.

Roxane

(Throws herself into CHRISTIAN's arms.)

Christian!

de Guiche

(To CYRANO, sneering)

The bridal night is not so near!

Cyrano

(Aside)

Somehow that news fails to disquiet me.

Christian

(To ROXANE)

Your lips again ...

Cyrano

There ... That will do now – Come!

Christian

(Still holding ROXANE)

You do not know how hard it is –

Cyrano

(Tries to drag him away.)

I know!

(The beating of drums is heard in the distance.)

de Guiche

(Up stage)

The regiment – on the march!

Roxane

(As CYRANO tries to lead CHRISTIAN away, follows, and detains them.)

Take care of him
For me –

(Appealingly)

Promise me never to let him do
Anything dangerous!

Cyrano

I'll do my best –
I cannot promise –

Roxane

(Same business)

Make him be careful!

Cyrano

Yes –
I'll try –

Roxane

(Same business)

Be sure to keep him dry and warm!

Cyrano

Yes, yes – if possible –

Roxane

(Same business; confidentially, in his ear)

See that he remains Faithful! –

Cyrano

Of course! If –

Roxane

(Same business)

And have him write to me
Every single day!

Cyrano

(Stops)

That, I promise you!

(Curtain)