THE FOURTH ACT

The Cadets of Gascoyne

Scene I

Le Bret

Horrible!

Carbon

Why, yes. All of that.

Le Bret

Mordious!

Carbon

(Gesture toward the sleeping CADETS)

Swear gently – You might wake them.

(To Cadets)

Go to sleep –
Hush!

(To LE BRET)

Who sleeps dines.

Le Bret

I have insomnia.
God! What a famine.

(Firing off stage.)

Carbon

Curse that musketry!
They'll wake my babies.

(To the men)

Go to sleep! –

A Cadet

(Rouses)

Diantre!
Again?

Carbon

No – only Cyrano coming home.

(The heads which have been raised sink back again.)

A Sentry

(Off stage)

Halt! Who goes there?

Voice of Cyrano

Bergerac!

The Sentry on the Parapet

Halt! Who goes? –

Cyrano

(Appears on the parapet.)

Bergerac, idiot!

Le Bret

(Goes to meet him.)

Thank God again!

Cyrano

(Signs to him not to wake anyone.)

Hush!

Le Bret

Wounded? –

Cyrano

No – They always miss me – quite
A habit by this time!

Le Bret

Yes – Go right on –
Risk your life every morning before breakfast
To send a letter!

Cyrano

(Stops near CHRISTIAN.)

I promised he should write
Every single day ...

(Looks down at him.)

Hm – The boy looks pale
When he is asleep – thin too – starving to death –
If that poor child knew! Handsome, none the less ...

Le Bret

Go and get some sleep!

Cyrano

(Affectionately)

Now, now – you old bear,
No growling! – I am careful – you know I am –
Every night, when I cross the Spanish lines
I wait till they are all drunk.

Le Bret

You might bring
Something with you.

Cyrano

I have to travel light
To pass through – By the way, there will be news
For you to-day: the French will eat or die,
If what I saw means anything.

Le Bret

Tell us!

Cyrano

No –
I am not sure – we shall see!

Carbon

What a war,
When the besieger starves to death!

Le Bret

Fine war –
Fine situation! We besiege Arras –
The Cardinal Prince of Spain[*] besieges us –
And – here we are!

Cyrano

Someone might besiege him.

Carbon

A hungry joke!

Cyrano

Ho, ho!

Le Bret

Yes, you can laugh –
Risking a life like yours to carry letters –
Where are you going now?

Cyrano

(At the tent door)

To write another.

(Goes into tent.)

(A little more daylight. The clouds redden. The town of Arras shows on the horizon.
A cannon shot is heard, followed immediately by a roll of drums, far away to the left.
Other drums beat a little nearer. The drums go on answering each other here and there,
approach, beat loudly almost on the stage, and die away toward the right, across the camp.
The camp awakes. Voices of officers in the distance.)

Scene II

Carbon

(Sighs)

Those drums! – another good nourishing sleep
Gone to the devil.

(The Cadets rouse themselves.)

Now then! –

First Cadet

(Sits up, yawns.)

God! I'm hungry!

Second Cadet

Starving!

All

(Groan)

Aoh!

Carbon

Up with you!

Third Cadet

Not another step!

Fourth Cadet

Not another movement!

First Cadet

Look at my tongue –
I said this air was indigestible!

Fifth Cadet

My coronet for half a pound of cheese!

Sixth Cadet

I have no stomach for this war – I'll stay
In my tent – like Achilles.

Another

Yes – no bread,
No fighting –

Carbon

Cyrano!

Others

May as well die;

Carbon

Come out here! – You know how to talk to them.
Get them laughing –

Second Cadet

(Rushes up to FIRST CADET who is eating something.)

What are you gnawing there?

First Cadet

Gun wads and axle-grease. Fat country this
Around Arras.

Another

(Enters)

I have been out hunting!

Another

(Enters)

Went fishing, in the Scarpe!

All

(Leaping up and surrounding the newcomers.)

Find anything?
Any fish? Any game? Perch? Partridges?
Let me look!

The Fisherman

Yes – one gudgeon.

(Shows it.)

The Hunter

One fat... sparrow.

(Shows it.)

All

Ah! – See here, this – mutiny! –

Carbon

Cyrano!
Come and help!

Scene III

Cyrano

(Enters from tent.)

Well?

(Silence. To the FIRST CADET who is walking away, with his chin on his chest.)

You there, with the long face?

First Cadet

I have something on my mind that troubles me.

Cyrano

What is that?

First Cadet

My stomach.

Cyrano

So have I.

First Cadet

No doubt
You enjoy this!

Cyrano

(Tightens his belt.)

It keeps me looking young.

Second Cadet

My teeth are growing rusty.

Cyrano

Sharpen them!

Third Cadet

My belly sounds as hollow as a drum.

Cyrano

Beat the long roll on it!

Fourth Cadet

My ears are ringing.

Cyrano

Liar! A hungry belly has no ears.

Fifth Cadet

Oh for a barrel of good wine!

Cyrano

(Offers him his own helmet.)

Your casque.

Sixth Cadet

I'll swallow anything!

Cyrano

(Throws him the book which he has in his hand.)

Try the "Iliad."

Seventh Cadet

The Cardinal, he has four meals a day –
What does he care!

Cyrano

Ask him; he really ought
To send you ... a spring lamb out of his flock,
Roasted whole –

The Cadet

Yes, and a bottle –

Cyrano

(Exaggerates the manner of one speaking to a servant.)

If you please,
Richelieu – a little more of the Red Seal ...
Ah, thank you!

The Cadet

And the salad –

Cyrano

Of course – Romaine!

Another Cadet

(Shivering)

I am as hungry as a wolf.

Cyrano

(Tosses him a cloak,)

Put on
Your sheep's clothing.

First Cadet

(With a shrug)

Always the clever answer!

Cyrano

Always the answer – yes! Let me die so –
Under some rosy-golden sunset, saying
A good thing, for a good cause! By the sword,
The point of honor – by the hand of one
Worthy to be my foeman, let me fall –
Steel in my heart, and laughter on my lips!
Voices Here and There
All very well – We are hungry!

Cyrano

Bah! You think
Of nothing but yourselves.

(His eye singles out the old fifer in the background.)

Here, Bertrandou,
You were a shepherd once – Your pipe now! Come,
Breathe, blow, – Play to these belly-worshippers
The old airs of the South –
“Airs with a smile in them,
Airs with a sigh in them, airs with the breeze
And the blue of the sky in them – ”
Small, demure tunes
Whose every note is like a little sister –
Songs heard only in some long silent voice
Not quite forgotten – Mountain melodies
Like thin smoke rising from brown cottages
In the still noon, slowly – Quaint lullabies,
Whose very music has a Southern tongue –

(The old man sits down and prepares his fife.)

Now let the fife, that dry old warrior,
Dream, while over the stops your fingers dance
A minuet of little birds – let him
Dream beyond ebony and ivory;
Let him remember he was once a reed
Out of the river, and recall the spirit
Of innocent, untroubled country days ...

(The fifer begins to play a Provençal melody.)

Listen, you Gascons! Now it is no more
The shrill fife – It is the flute, through woodlands far
Away, calling – no longer the hot battle-cry,
But die cool, quiet pipe our goatherds play!
Listen – the forest glens ... the hills ... the downs ...
The green sweetness of night on the Dordogne ...
Listen, you Gascons! It is all Gascoyne! ...

(Every head is bowed; every eye cast down. Here and there a tear is furtively brushed away with the back of a hand, the corner of a cloak.)

Carbon

(Softly to Cyrano)

You make them weep –

Cyrano

For homesickness – a hunger
More noble than that hunger of the flesh;
It is their hearts now that are starving.

Carbon

Yes,
But you melt down their manhood.

Cyrano

(Motions the drummer to approach.)

You think so?
Let them be. There is iron in their blood
Not easily dissolved in tears. You need
Only –

(He makes a gesture; the drum beats.)

All

(Spring up and rush toward their weapons.)

What's that? Where is it? – What? –

Cyrano

(Smiles)

You see –
Let Mars snore in his sleep once – and farewell
Venus – sweet dreams – regrets – dear thoughts of home –
All the fife lulls to rest wakes at the drums!

A Cadet

(Looks up stage.)

Aha – Monsieur de Guiche!

The Cadets

(Mutter among themselves.)

Ugh! ...

Cyrano

(Smiles)

Flattering
Murmur!

A Cadet

He makes me weary!

Another

With his collar
Of lace over his corselet –

Another

Like a ribbon
Tied round a sword!

Another

Bandages for a boil
On the back of his neck –

Second Cadet

A courtier always!
Another
The Cardinal's nephew!

Carbon

None the less – a Gascon.

First Cadet

A counterfeit! Never you trust that man –
Because we Gascons, look you, are all mad –
This fellow is reasonable – nothing more
Dangerous than a reasonable Gascon!

Le Bret

He looks pale.

Another

Oh, he can be hungry too,
Like any other poor devil – but he wears
So many jewels on that belt of his
That his cramps glitter in the sun!

Cyrano

(Quickly)

Is he
To see us looking miserable? Quick –
Pipes! – Cards! – Dice! –

(They all hurriedly begin to play, on their stools, on the drums,
or on their cloaks spread on the ground, lighting their long pipes meanwhile.)

As for me, I read Descartes.

(He walks up and down, reading a small book which he takes from his pocket.
Tableau: DE GUICHE enters, looking pale and haggard. All are absorbed in their games.
General air of contentment. DE GUICHE goes to CARBON.
They look at each other askance, each observing with satisfaction the condition of the other.)

Scene IV

de Guiche

Good morning!

(Aside)

He looks yellow.

Carbon

(Same business)

He is all eyes.

de Guiche

(Looks at the Cadets.)

What have we here? Black looks? Yes, gentlemen –
I am informed I am not popular;
The hill-nobility, barons of Béarn,
The pomp and pride of Périgord – I learn
They disapprove their colonel; call him courtier,
Politician – they take it ill that I
Cover my steel with lace of Genoa.
It is a great offense to be a Gascon
And not to be a beggar!

(Silence. They smoke. They play.)

Well – Shall I have
Your captain punish you? ... No.

Carbon

As to that,
It would be impossible.

de Guiche

Oh?

Carbon

I am free;
I pay my company; it is my own;
I obey military orders.

de Guiche

Oh!
That will be quite enough.

(To the Cadets)

I can afford
Your little hates. My conduct under fire
Is well known. It was only yesterday
I drove the Count de Bucquoi from Bapaume,[*]
Pouring my men down like an avalanche,
I myself led the charge –

Cyrano

(Without looking up from his book.)

And your white scarf?

de Guiche

(Surprised and gratified)

You heard that episode? Yes – rallying
My men for the third time, I found myself
Carried among a crowd of fugitives
Into the enemy's lines. I was in danger
Of being shot or captured; but I thought
Quickly – took off and flung away the scarf
That marked my military rank – and so
Being inconspicuous, escaped among
My own force, rallied them, returned again
And won the day! ...

(The Cadets do not appear to be listening, but here
and there the cards and the dice boxes remain motionless,
the smoke is retained in their cheeks.)

What do you say to that?
Presence of mind – yes?

Cyrano

Henry of Navarre[*]
Being outnumbered, never flung away
His white plume.

(Silent enjoyment. The cards flutter, the dice roll, the smoke puffs out.)

de Guiche

My device was a success,
However!

(Same attentive pause, interrupting the games and the smoking.)

Cyrano

Possibly ... An officer
Does not lightly resign the privilege
Of being a target.

(Cards, dice, and smoke fall, roll, and float away with increasing satisfaction.)

Now, if I had been there –
Your courage and my own differ in this –
When your scarf fell, I should have put it on.

de Guiche

Boasting again!

Cyrano

Boasting? Lend it to me
To-night; I'll lead the first charge, with your scarf
Over my shoulder!

de Guiche

Gasconnade once more!
You are safe making that offer, and you know it –
My scarf lies on the river bank between
The lines, a spot swept by artillery
Impossible to reach alive!

Cyrano

(Produces the scarf from his pocket.)

Yes. Here ...

(Silence. The Cadets stifle their laughter behind their cards and their dice boxes.
DE GUICHE turns to look at them. Immediately they resume their gravity and their game.
One of them whistles carelessly the mountain air which the fifer was playing.)

de Guiche

(Takes the scarf.)

Thank you! That bit of white is what I need
To make a signal. I was hesitating –
You have decided me.

(He goes up to the parapet, climbs upon it, and waves the scarf at arm's length several times.)

All

What is he doing? –
What? –
The Sentry on the Parapet
There's a man down there running away!

de Guiche

(Descending)

A Spaniard. Very useful as a spy
To both sides. He informs the enemy
As I instruct him. By his influence
I can arrange their dispositions.

Cyrano

Traitor!

de Guiche

(Folding the scarf.)

A traitor, yes; but useful ...
We were saying? ...
Oh, yes – Here is a bit of news for you:
Last night we had hopes of reprovisioning
The army. Under cover of the dark,
The Marshal moved to Dourlens.[*] Our supplies
Are there. He may reach them. But to return
Safely, he needs a large force – at least half
Our entire strength. At present, we have here
Merely a skeleton.

Carbon

Fortunately,
The Spaniards do not know that.

de Guiche

Oh, yes; they know
They will attack.

Carbon

Ah!

de Guiche

From that spy of mine
I learned of their intention. His report
Will determine the point of their advance.
The fellow asked me what to say! I told him:
"Go out between the lines; watch for my signal;
Where you see that, let them attack there."

Carbon

(To the Cadets)

Well,
Gentlemen!

(All rise. Noise of sword belts and breastplates being buckled on.)

de Guiche

You may have perhaps an hour.

First Cadet

Oh: – An hour!

(They all sit down and resume their games once more.)

de Guiche

(To Carbon)

The great thing is to gain time.
Any moment the Marshal may return.

Carbon

And to gain time?

de Guiche

You will all be so kind
As to lay down your lives!

Cyrano

Ah! Your revenge?

de Guiche

I make no great pretence of loving you!
But – since you gentlemen esteem yourselves
Invincible, the bravest of the brave,
And all that – why need we be personal?
I serve the king in choosing ... as I choose!

Cyrano

(Salutes)

Sir, permit me to offer – all our thanks.

de Guiche

(Returns the salute.)

You love to fight a hundred against one;
Here is your opportunity!

(He goes up stage with Carbon.)

Cyrano

(To the CADETS)

My friends,
We shall add now to our old Gascon arms
With their six chevrons, blue and gold, a seventh –
Blood-red!

(De Guiche talks in a low tone to CADETS up stage. Orders are given. The defense is arranged. CYRANO goes to CHRISTIAN who has remained motionless with folded arms.)

Christian?

(Lays a hand on his shoulder.)

Christian

(Shakes his head.)

Roxane ...

Cyrano

Yes.

Christian

I should like
To say farewell to her, with my whole heart
Written for her to keep.

Cyrano

I thought of that –

(Takes a letter from his doublet.)

I have written your farewell.

Christian

Show me!

Cyrano

You wish
To read it?

Christian

Of course!

(He takes the letter; begins to read, looks up suddenly.)

What? –

Cyrano

What is it?

Christian

Look –
This little circle –

Cyrano

(Takes back the letter quickly, and looks innocent.)

Circle? –

Christian

Yes – a tear!

Cyrano

So it is! ... Well – a poet while he writes
Is like a lover in his lady's arms,
Believing his imagination – all
Seems true – you understand? There's half the charm
Of writing – Now, this letter as you see
I have made so pathetic that I wept
While I was writing it!

Christian

You – wept?

Cyrano

Why, yes –
Because ... it is a little thing to die,
But – not to see her ... that is terrible!
And I shall never –

(CHRISTIAN looks at him.)

We shall never –

(Quickly)

You
Will never –

Christian

(Snatches the letter.)

Give me that!

(Noise in the distance on the outskirts of the camp)

Voice of a Sentry

Halt – who goes there?

(Shots, shouting, jingle of harness)

Carbon

What is it? –
The Sentry on the Parapet
Why, a coach.

(They rush to look.)

Confused Voices

What? In the Camp?
A coach? Coming this way – It must have driven
Through the Spanish lines – what the devil – Fire! –
No – Hark! The driver shouting – what does he say?
Wait – He said: "On the service of the King!"

(They are all on the parapet looking over. The jingling comes nearer.)

de Guiche

Of the King?

(They come down and fall into line.)

Carbon

Hats off, all!

de Guiche

(Speaks off stage.)

The King! Fall in,
Rascals! –

(The coach enters at full trot. It is covered with mud and dust. The curtains are drawn.
Two foot-men are seated behind. It stops suddenly.)

Carbon

(Shouts)

Beat the assembly –

(Roll of drums. All the CADETS uncover.)

de Guiche

Two of you,
Lower the steps – open the door –

(Two men rush to the coach. The door opens.)

Roxane

(Comes out of the coach.)

Good morning!

(At the sound of a woman's voice, every head is raised. Sensation.)

Scene V

de Guiche

On the King's service – You?

Roxane

Yes – my own king –
Love!

Cyrano

(Aside)

God is merciful ...

Christian

(Hastens to her.)

You! Why have you –

Roxane

Your war lasted so long!

Christian

But why? –

Roxane

Not now –

Cyrano

(Aside)

I wonder if I dare to look at her ...

de Guiche

You cannot remain here!

Roxane

Why, certainly!
Roll that drum here, somebody ...

(She sits on the drum, which is brought to her.)

Thank you – There!

(She laughs.)

Would you believe – they fired upon us?
– My coach
Looks like the pumpkin in the fairy tale,
Does it not? And my footmen –

(She throws a kiss to CHRISTIAN.)

How do you do?

(She looks about.)

How serious you all are! Do you know,
It is a long drive here – from Arras?

(Sees Cyrano.)

Cousin,
I am glad to see you!

Cyrano

(Advances)

Oh – How did you come?

Roxane

How did I find you? Very easily –
I followed where the country was laid waste
– Oh, but I saw such things! I had to see
To believe. Gentlemen, is that the service
Of your King? I prefer my own!

Cyrano

But how
Did you come through?

Roxane

Why, through the Spanish lines
Of course!

First Cadet

They let you pass? –

de Guiche

What did you say?
How did you manage?

Le Bret

Yes, that must have been
Difficult!

Roxane

No – I simply drove along.
Now and then some hidalgo scowled at me
And I smiled back – my best smile; whereupon,
The Spaniards being (without prejudice
To the French) the most polished gentlemen
In the world – I passed!

Carbon

Certainly that smile
Should be a passport! Did they never ask
Your errand or your destination?

Roxane

Oh,
Frequently! Then I dropped my eyes and said:
"I have a lover ..." Whereupon, the Spaniard
With an air of ferocious dignity
Would close the carriage door – with such a gesture
As any king might envy, wave aside
The muskets that were levelled at my breast,
Fall back three paces, equally superb
In grace and gloom, draw himself up, thrust forth
A spur under his cloak, sweeping the air
With his long plumes, bow very low, and say:
"Pass, Señorita!"

Christian

But Roxane –

Roxane

I know –
I said "a lover" – but you understand –
Forgive me! – If I said "I am going to meet
My husband", no one would believe me!

Christian

Yes,
But –

Roxane

What then?

de Guiche

You must leave this place.

Cyrano

At once.

Roxane

I?

Le Bret

Yes – immediately.

Roxane

And why?

Christian

(Embarrassed)

Because ...

Cyrano

(Same)

In half an hour ...

de Guiche

(Same)

Or these quarters

Carbon

(Same)

Perhaps
It might be better ...

Le Bret

If you ...

Roxane

Oh – I see!
You are going to fight. I remain here.

All

No – no!

Roxane

He is my husband –

(Throws herself in CHRISTIAN's arms.)

I will die with you!

Christian

Your eyes!... Why do you? –

Roxane

You know why ...

de Guiche

(Desperate)

This post
Is dangerous –

Roxane

(Turns)

How – dangerous?

Cyrano

The proof
Is, we are ordered –

Roxane

(To DE GUICHE)

Oh – you wish to make
A widow of me?

de Guiche

On my word of honor –

Roxane

No matter. I am just a little mad –
I will stay. It may be amusing.

Cyrano

What,
A heroine – our intellectual?

Roxane

Monsieur de Bergerac, I am your cousin!

A Cadet

We'll fight now! Hurrah!

Roxane

(More and more excited)

I am safe with you – my friends!
Another

(Carried away)

The whole camp breathes of lilies! –

Roxane

And I think,
This hat would look well on the battlefield! ...
But perhaps –

(Looks at DE GUICHE.)

The Count ought to leave us. Any moment
Now, there may be danger.

de Guiche

This is too much!
I must inspect my guns. I shall return –
You may change your mind – There will yet be time –

Roxane

Never!

(De Guiche goes out.)

Scene VI

Christian

(Imploring)

Roxane! ...

Roxane

No!

First Cadet

(To the rest)

She stays here!

All

(Rushing about, elbowing each other, brushing off their clothes.)

A comb! –
Soap! – Here's a hole in my – A needle! – Who
Has a ribbon? – Your mirror, quick! – My cuffs –
A razor –

Roxane

(To CYRANO, who is still urging her)

No! I shall not stir one step!

Carbon

(Having, like the others, tightened his belt, dusted himself, brushed off his hat,
smoothed out his plume and put on his lace cuffs, advances to Roxane ceremoniously.)
In that case, may I not present to you
Some of these gentlemen who are to have
The honor of dying in your presence?

Roxane

(Bows)

Please! –

(She waits, standing, on the arm of CHRISTIAN, while Carbon presents)

Baron de Peyrescous de Colignac!

The Cadet

(Salutes)

Madame ...

Roxane

Monsieur ...

Carbon

(Continues)

Baron de Casterac
De Cahuzac – Vidame de Malgouyre
Estressac Lésbas d'Escarabiot –

The Vidame

Madame ...

Carbon

Chevalier d'Antignac-Juzet –
Baron Hillot de Blagnac-Saléchan
De Castel-Crabioules –

The Baron

Madame ...

Roxane

How many
Names you all have!

The Baron

Hundreds!

Carbon

(To ROXANE)

Open the hand
That holds your handkerchief.

Roxane

(Opens her hand; the handkerchief falls.)

Why?

(The whole company makes a movement toward it.)

Carbon

(Picks it up quickly.)

My company
Was in want of a banner. We have now
The fairest in the army!

Roxane

(Smiling)

Rather small –

Carbon

(Fastens the handkerchief to his lance.)

Lace – and embroidered!

A Cadet

(To the others)

With her smiling on me,
I could die happy, if I only had
Something in my –

Carbon

(Turns upon him)

Shame on you! Feast your eyes
And forget your –

Roxane

(Quickly)

It must be this fresh air –
I am starving! Let me see ...
Cold partridges,
Pastry, a little white wine – that would do.
Will some one bring that to me?

A Cadet

(Aside)

Will some one! –

Another

Where the devil are we to find –

Roxane

(Overhears; sweetly)

Why, there –
In my carriage.

All

Wha-at?

Roxane

All you have to do
Is to unpack, and carve, and serve things.
Oh,
Notice my coachman; you may recognize
An old friend.

The Cadets

(Rush to the coach.)

Ragueneau!

Roxane

(Follows them with her eyes.)

Poor fellows ...

The Cadets

(Acclamations)

Ah!
Ah!

Cyrano

(Kisses her hand.)

Our good fairy!

Ragueneau

(Standing on his box, like a mountebank before a crowd.)

Gentlemen! –

(Enthusiasm)

The Cadets

Bravo!
Bravo!

Ragueneau

The Spaniards, basking in our smiles,
Smiled on our baskets!

(Applause)

Cyrano

(Aside, to CHRISTIAN)

Christian! –

Ragueneau

They adored
The Fair, and missed –

(He takes from under the seat a dish, which he holds aloft.)

the Fowl!

(Applause. The dish is passed from hand to hand.)

Cyrano

(As before, to CHRISTIAN)

One moment –

Ragueneau

Venus
Charmed their eyes, while Adonis quietly

(Brandishing a ham.)

Brought home the Boar!

(Applause; the ham is seized by a score of hands outstretched.)

Cyrano

(As before)

Pst – Let me speak to you –

Roxane

(As the CADETS return, their arms full of provisions)
Spread them out on the ground

(Calls)

Christian! Come here;
Make yourself useful.

(CHRISTIAN turns to her, at the moment when CYRANO was leading him aside.
She arranges the food, with his aid and that of the two imperturbable footmen.)

Ragueneau

Peacock, aux truffes!

First Cadet

(Comes down, cutting a huge slice of the ham.)

Tonnerre!
We are not going to die without a gorge –

(Sees ROXANE; corrects himself hastily.)

Pardon – a banquet!

Ragueneau

(Tossing out the cushions of the carriage.)

Open these – they are full
Of ortolans![*]

(Tumult; laughter; the cushions are eviscerated.)

Third Cadet

Lucullus!

Ragueneau

(Throws out bottles of red wine.)

Flasks of ruby –

(And of white)

Flasks of topaz –

Roxane

(Throws a tablecloth at the head of CYRANO.)

Come back out of your dreams!
Unfold this cloth –

Ragueneau

(Takes off one of the lanterns of the carriage, and flourishes it.)

Our lamps are bonbonnières!

Cyrano

(To CHRISTIAN)

I must see you before you speak with her –

Ragueneau

(More and more lyrical)

My whip-handle is one long sausage!

Roxane

(Pouring wine; passing the food.)

We
Being about to die, first let us dine!
Never mind the others – all for Gascoyne!
And if De Guiche comes, he is not invited!

(Going from one to another.)

Plenty of time – you need not eat so fast –
Hold your cup –

(To another)

What's the matter?

The Cadet

(Sobbing)

You are so good
To us ...

Roxane

There, there! Red or white wine?
– Some bread
For Monsieur de Carbon! – Napkins – A knife –
Pass your plate – Some of the crust? A little more –
Light or dark? – Burgundy? –

Cyrano

(Follows her with an armful of dishes, helping to serve.)

Adorable!

Roxane

(Goes to Christian.)

What would you like?

Christian

Nothing.

Roxane

Oh, but you must! –
A little wine? A biscuit?

Christian

Tell me first
Why you came –

Roxane

By and by. I must take care
Of these poor boys –

Le Bret

(Who has gone up stage to pass up food to the sentry on the parapet, on the end of a lance.)

De Guiche! –

Cyrano

Hide everything
Quick! – Dishes, bottles, tablecloth –
Now look
Hungry again –

(To RAGUENEAU)

You there! Up on your box –
– Everything out of sight? –

(In a twinkling, everything has been pushed inside the tents,
hidden in their hats or under their cloaks,
DE GUICHE enters quickly, then stops, sniffing the air. Silence.)

Scene VII

de Guiche

It smells good here.

A Cadet

(Humming with an air of great unconcern.)

Sing ha-ha-ha and ho-ho-ho –

de Guiche

(Stares at him; he grows embarrassed.)

You there –
What are you blushing for?

The Cadet

Nothing – my blood
Stirs at the thought of battle.
Another
Pom ... pom ... pom! ...

de Guiche

(Turns upon him.)

What is that?

The Cadet

(Slightly stimulated)

Only song – only little song –

de Guiche

You appear happy!

The Cadet

Oh yes – always happy
Before a fight –

de Guiche

(Calls to CARBON, for the purpose of giving him an order.)

Captain! I –

(Stops and looks at him.)

What the devil –
You are looking happy too! –

Carbon

(Pulls a long face and hides a bottle behind his back.)

No!

de Guiche

Here – I had
One gun remaining. I have had it placed

(He points off stage.)

There – in that corner – for your men.

A Cadet

(Simpering)

So kind! –
Charming attention!

Another

(Same business; burlesque)

Sweet solicitude! –

de Guiche

(Contemptuous)

I believe you are both drunk –

(Coldly)

Being unaccustomed
To guns – take care of the recoil!

First Cadet

(Gesture)

Ah-h...Pfft!

de Guiche

(Goes up to him, furious.)

How dare you?

First Cadet

A Gascon's gun never recoils!

de Guiche

(Shakes him by the arm.)

You are drunk –

First Cadet

(Superbly)

With the smell of powder!

de Guiche

(Turns away with a shrug.)

Bah!

(To ROXANE)

Madame, have you decided?

Roxane

I stay here.

de Guiche

You have time to escape –

Roxane

No!

de Guiche

Very well –
Someone give me a musket!

Carbon

What?

de Guiche

I stay
Here also.

Cyrano

(Formally)

Sir, you show courage!

First Cadet

A Gascon
In spite of all that lace!

Roxane

Why –

de Guiche

Must I run
Away, and leave a woman?

Second Cadet

(To FIRST CADET)

We might give him
Something to eat – what do you say?

(All the food re-appears, as if by magic.)

de Guiche

(His face lights up.)

A feast!

Third Cadet

Here a little, there a little –

de Guiche

(Recovers his self-control; haughtily.)

Do you think
I want your leavings?

Cyrano

(Saluting)

Colonel – you improve!

de Guiche

I can fight as I am!

First Cadet

(Delighted)

Listen to him –
He has an accent!

de Guiche

(Laughs)

Have I so?

First Cadet

A Gascon! –
A Gascon, after all!

(They all begin to dance.)

Carbon

(Who has disappeared for a moment behind the parapet, reappears on top of it.)

I have placed my pikemen
Here,

(Indicates a row of pikes showing above the parapet.)

de Guiche

(Bows to ROXANE.)

We'll review them; will you take my arm?

(She takes his arm; they go up on the parapet. The rest uncover, and follow them up stage.)

Christian

(Goes hurriedly to CYRANO.)

Speak quickly!

(At the moment when ROXANE appears on the parapet the pikes are lowered in salute,
and a cheer is heard. She bows.)

The Pikemen

(Off stage)

Hurrah!

Christian

What is it?

Cyrano

If Roxane ...

Christian

Well?

Cyrano

Speaks about your letters ..

Christian

Yes – I know!

Cyrano

Do not make the mistake of showing ...

Christian

What?

Cyrano

Showing surprise.

Christian

Surprise – why?

Cyrano

I must tell you! ...
It is quite simple – I had forgotten it
Until just now. You have ...

Christian

Speak quickly! –

Cyrano

You
Have written oftener than you think.

Christian

Oh – have I!

Cyrano

I took upon me to interpret you;
And wrote – sometimes ... without..

Christian

My knowing. Well?

Cyrano

Perfectly simple!

Christian

Oh yes, perfectly! –
For a month, we have been blockaded here! –
How did you send all these letters?

Cyrano

Before
Daylight, I managed –

Christian

I see. That was also
Perfectly simple!
– So I wrote to her,
How many times a week? Twice? Three times? Four?

Cyrano

Oftener.

Christian

Every day?

Cyrano

Yes – every day ...
Every single day ...

Christian

(Violently)

And that wrought you up
Into such a flame that you faced death –

Cyrano

(Sees Roxane returning.)

Hush –
Not before her!

(He goes quickly into the tent. Roxane comes up to Christian.)

Scene VIII

Roxane

Now – Christian!

Christian

(Takes her hands.)

Tell me now
Why you came here – over these ruined roads –
Why you made your way among mosstroopers
And ruffians – you – to join me here?

Roxane

Because –
Your letters ...

Christian

Meaning?

Roxane

It was your own fault
If I ran into danger! I went mad –
Mad with you! Think what you have written me,
How many times, each one more wonderful
Than the last!

Christian

All this for a few absurd
Love-letters –

Roxane

Hush – absurd! How can you know?
I thought I loved you, ever since one night
When a voice that I never would have known
Under my window breathed your soul to me ...
But – all this time, your letters – every one
Was like hearing your voice there in the dark,
All around me, like your arms around me ...

(More lightly)

At last,
I came. Anyone would! Do you suppose
The prim Penelope had stayed at home
Embroidering, – if Ulysses wrote like you?
She would have fallen like another Helen –
Tucked up those linen petticoats of hers
And followed him to Troy!

Christian

But you –

Roxane

I read them
Over and over. I grew faint reading them.
I belonged to you. Every page of them
Was like a petal fallen from your soul –
Like the light and the fire of a great love,
Sweet and strong and true –

Christian

Sweet... and strong ... and true ...
You felt that, Roxane? –

Roxane

You know how I feel! ...

Christian

So – you came ...

Roxane

Oh, my Christian, oh my king,
Lift me up if I fall upon my knees –
It is the heart of me that kneels to you,
And will remain forever at your feet –
You cannot lift that! –
I came here to say
'Forgive me' – (It is time to be forgiven
Now, when we may die presently) – forgive me
For being light and vain and loving you
Only because you were beautiful.

Christian

(Astonished)

Roxane! ...

Roxane

Afterwards I knew better. Afterwards
(I had to learn to use my wings) I loved you
For yourself too – knowing you more, and loving
More of you. And now –

Christian

Now? ...

Roxane

It is yourself
I love now: your own self.

Christian

(Taken aback)

Roxane!

Roxane

(Gravely)

Be happy! –
You must have suffered; for you must have seen
How frivolous I was; and to be loved
For the mere costume, the poor casual body
You went about in – to a soul like yours,
That must have been torture! Therefore with words
You revealed your heart. Now that image of you
Which filled my eyes first – I see better now,
And I see it no more!

Christian

Oh! –

Roxane

You still doubt
Your victory?

Christian

(Miserably)

Roxane! –

Roxane

I understand:
You cannot perfectly believe in me –
A love like this –

Christian

I want no love like this!
I want love only for –

Roxane

Only for what
Every woman sees in you? I can do
Better than that!

Christian

No – it was best before!

Roxane

You do not altogether know me ... Dear,
There is more of me than there was – with this,
I can love more of you – more of what makes
You your own self – Truly! ... If you were less
Lovable –

Christian

No!

Roxane

– Less charming – ugly even –
I should love you still.

Christian

You mean that?

Roxane

I do
Mean that!

Christian

Ugly? ...

Roxane

Yes. Even then!

Christian

(Agonised)

Oh ... God! ..,

Roxane

Now are you happy?

Christian

(Choking)

Yes ...

Roxane

What is it?

Christian

(Pushes her away gently.)

Only ...
Nothing ... one moment...

Roxane

But –

Christian

(Gesture toward the CADETS)

I am keeping you
From those poor fellows – Go and smile at them;
They are going to die!

Roxane

(Softly)

Dear Christian!

Christian

Go –

(She goes up among the Gascons who gather round her respectfully.)

Scene IX

Cyrano!

Cyrano

(Comes out of the tent, armed for the battle.)

What is wrong? You look –

Christian

She does not
Love me any more.

Cyrano

(Smiles)

You think not?

Christian

She loves
You.

Cyrano

No! –

Christian

(Bitterly)

She loves only my soul.

Cyrano

No!

Christian

Yes –
That means you. And you love her.

Cyrano

I?

Christian

I see –
I know!

Cyrano

That is true ...

Christian

More than –

Cyrano

(Quietly)

More than that.

Christian

Tell her so!

Cyrano

No.

Christian

Why not?

Cyrano

Why – look at me!

Christian

She would love me if I were ugly.

Cyrano

(Startled)

She –
Said that?

Christian

Yes. Now then!

Cyrano

(Half to himself)

It was good of her
To tell you that...

(Change of tone)

Nonsense! Do you believe
Any such madness –
It was good of her
To tell you....
Do not take her at her word!
Go on – you never will be ugly – Go!
She would never forgive me.

Christian

That is what
We shall see.

Cyrano

No, no –

Christian

Let her choose between us! –
Tell her everything!

Cyrano

No – you torture me –

Christian

Shall I ruin your happiness, because
I have a cursed pretty face? That seems
Too unfair!

Cyrano

And am I to ruin yours
Because I happen to be born with power
To say what you – perhaps – feel?

Christian

Tell her!

Cyrano

Man –
Do not try me too far!

Christian

I am tired of being
My own rival!

Cyrano

Christian! –

Christian

Our secret marriage –
No witnesses – fraudulent – that can be
Annulled –

Cyrano

Do not try me –

Christian

I want her love
For the poor fool I am – or not at all!
Oh, I am going through with this! I'll know,
One way or the other. Now I shall walk down
To the end of the post. Go tell her. Let her choose
One of us.

Cyrano

It will be you.

Christian

God – I hope so!

(He turns and calls.)

Roxane!

Cyrano

No – no –

Roxane

(Hurries down to him.)

Yes, Christian?
Christian

Cyrano

Has news for you – important.

(She turns to CYRANO. CHRISTIAN goes out.)

Scene X

Roxane

(Lightly)

Oh – important?

Cyrano

He is gone ...

(To ROXANE)

Nothing – only Christian thinks
You ought to know –

Roxane

I do know. He still doubts
What I told him just now. I saw that.

Cyrano

(Takes her hand.)

Was it
True – what you told him just now?

Roxane

It was true!
I said that I should love him even ..

Cyrano

(Smiling sadly)

The word
Comes hard – before me?

Roxane

Even if he were ...

Cyrano

Say it –
I shall not be hurt! – Ugly?

Roxane

Even then
I should love him.

(A few shots, off stage, in the direction in which CHRISTIAN disappeared.)

Hark! The guns –

Cyrano

Hideous?

Roxane

Hideous.

Cyrano

Disfigured?

Roxane

Or disfigured.

Cyrano

Even
Grotesque?

Roxane

How could he ever be grotesque –
Ever – to me!

Cyrano

But you could love him so,
As much as? –

Roxane

Yes – and more!

Cyrano

(Aside, excitedly)

It is true! – true! –
Perhaps – God! This is too much happiness ...

(To ROXANE)

I – Roxane – listen –

Le Bret

(Enters quickly; calls to CYRANO in a low tone.)

Cyrano –

Cyrano

(Turns)

Yes?

Le Bret

Hush! ...

(Whispers a few words to him.)

Cyrano

(Lets fall ROXANE's hand.)

Ah!

Roxane

What is it?

Cyrano

(Half stunned, and aside)

All gone ...

Roxane

(More shots)

What is it? Oh,
They are fighting! –

(She goes up to look off stage.)

Cyrano

All gone. I cannot ever
Tell her, now ... ever ...

Roxane

(Starts to rush away.)

What has happened?

Cyrano

(Restrains her.)

Nothing.

(Several Cadets enter. They conceal something which they are carrying,
and form a group so as to prevent Roxane from seeing their burden.)

Roxane

These men –

Cyrano

Come away ...

(He leads her away from the group.)

Roxane

You were telling me
Something –

Cyrano

Oh, that? Nothing....

(Gravely)

I swear to you
That the spirit of Christian – that his soul
Was –

(Corrects himself quickly.)

That his soul is no less great –

Roxane

(Catches at the word.)

Was?

(Crying out)

Oh! –

(She rushes among the men, and scatters them.)

Cyrano

All gone ...

Roxane

(Sees CHRISTIAN lying upon his cloak.)

Christian!

Le Bret

(To CYRANO)

At the first volley.

(Roxane throws herself upon the body of CHRISTIAN.
Shots; at first scattered, then increasing. Drums. Voices shouting.)

Carbon

(Sword in hand)

Here
They come! – Ready! –

(Followed by the CADETS, he climbs over the parapet and disappears.)

Roxane

Christian!

Carbon

(Off stage)

Come on, there, You!

Roxane

Christian!

Carbon

Fall in!

Roxane

Christian!

Carbon

Measure your fuse!

(RAGUENEAU hurries up, carrying a helmet full of water.)

Christian

(Faintly)

Roxane!

Cyrano

(Low and quick, in CHRISTIAN's ear, while ROXANE is dipping into the water
a strip of linen torn from her dress.)

I have told her; she loves you,

(CHRISTIAN closes his eyes.)

Roxane

(Turns to CHRISTIAN.)

Yes,
My darling?

Carbon

Draw your ramrods!

Roxane

(To CYRANO)

He is not dead? ...

Carbon

Open your charges!

Roxane

I can feel his cheek
Growing cold against mine –

Carbon

Take aim!

Roxane

A letter –
Over his heart –

(She opens it.)

For me.

Cyrano

(Aside)

My letter ...

Carbon

Fire!

(Musketry, cries and groans. Din of battle.)

Cyrano

(Trying to withdraw his hand, which ROXANE, still upon her knees, is holding.)

But Roxane – they are fighting –

Roxane

Wait a little ...
He is dead. No one else knew him but you ...

(She weeps quietly.)

Was he not a great lover, a great man,
A hero?

Cyrano

(Standing, bareheaded.)

Yes, Roxane.

Roxane

A poet, unknown,
Adorable?

Cyrano

Yes, Roxane.

Roxane

A fine mind?

Cyrano

Yes, Roxane.

Roxane

A heart deeper than we knew –
A soul magnificently tender?

Cyrano

(Firmly)

Yes,
Roxane!

Roxane

(Sinks down upon the breast of CHRISTIAN.)

He is dead now ...

Cyrano

(Aside; draws his sword.)

Why, so am I –
For I am dead, and my love mourns for me
And does not know ...

(Trumpets in distance)

de Guiche

(Appears on the parapet, disheveled, wounded on the forehead, shouting.)

The signal – hark – the trumpets!
The army has returned – Hold them now! – Hold them!
The army! –

Roxane

On his letter – blood ... and tears.
A Voice

(Off stage)

Surrender!

The Cadets

No!

Ragueneau

This place is dangerous! –

Cyrano

(To DE GUICHE)

Take her away – I am going –

Roxane

(Kisses the letter; faintly.)

His blood ... his tears ...

Ragueneau

(Leaps down from the coach and runs to her.)

She has fainted –

de Guiche

(On the parapet; savagely, to the CADETS)

Hold them!

Voice Off Stage

Lay down your arms!

Voices

No! No!

Cyrano

(To DE GUICHE)

Sir, you have proved yourself – Take care of her.

de Guiche

(Hurries to ROXANE and takes her up in his arms.)

As you will – we can win, if you hold on
A little longer –

Cyrano

Good!

(Calls out to ROXANE, as she is carried away, fainting, by De Guiche and Ragueneau.)

Adieu, Roxane!

(Tumult, outcries. Several CADETS come back wounded and fall on the stage.
CYRANO, rushing to the fight, is stopped on the crest of the parapet by CARBON,
covered with blood.)

Carbon

We are breaking – I am twice wounded –

Cyrano

(Shouts to the Gascons.)

Hardi!
Reculez pas, Drollos![*]

(To CARBON, holding him up.)

So – never fear!
I have two deaths to avenge now – Christian's
And my own!

(They come down, CYRANO takes from him the lance
with ROXANE's handkerchief still fastened to it.)

Float, little banner, with her name!

(He plants it on the parapet; then shouts to the CADETS.)

Toumbé dessus! Escrasas lous![*]

(To the fifer)

Your fife!
Music!

(Fife plays. The wounded drag themselves to their feet. Other CADETS scramble over the parapet and group themselves around CYRANO and his tiny flag.
The coach is filled and covered with men, bristling with muskets, transformed into a redoubt.)

A Cadet

(Reels backward over the wall, still fighting. Shouts)

They are climbing over! –

(And falls dead.)

Cyrano

Very good –
Let them come! – A salute now –

(The parapet is crowned for an instant with a rank of enemies.
The imperial banner of Spain is raised aloft.)

Fire!

(General volley)

Voice

(Among the ranks of the enemy)

Fire!

(Murderous counter-fire; the CADETS fall on every side.)

A Spanish Officer

(Uncovers)

Who are these men who are so fond of death?

Cyrano

(Erect amid the hail of bullets, declaims)

The Cadets of Gascoyne, the defenders
Of Carbon de Castel-Jaloux –
Free fighters, free lovers, free spenders –

(He rushes forward, followed by a few survivors.)

The Cadets of Gascoyne ...

(The rest is lost in the din of battle.)

(Curtain)