Title: Cyrano de Bergerac
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Author: Edmond Rostand
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Cyrano de Bergerac
Edmond Rostand
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Table of Contents
Cyrano de Bergerac............................................................................................................................................1
Edmond Rostand ......................................................................................................................................1
Act I.........................................................................................................................................................2
Act II......................................................................................................................................................46
Act III. ....................................................................................................................................................88
Act IV. ..................................................................................................................................................126
Act V. ...................................................................................................................................................168
Cyrano de Bergerac
i
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Cyrano de Bergerac
Edmond Rostand
A Play in Five Acts
Translated from the French by Gladys Thomas and Mary F. Guillemard
Act I
Act II
Act III
Act IV
Act V
The Characters
CYRANO DE BERGERAC
CHRISTIAN DE NEUVILLETTE
COUNT DE GUICHE
RAGUENEAU
LE BRET
CARBON DE CASTELJALOUX
THE CADETS
LIGNIERE
DE VALVERT
A MARQUIS
SECOND MARQUIS
THIRD MARQUIS
MONTFLEURY
BELLEROSE
JODELET
CUIGY
BRISSAILLE
THE DOORKEEPER
A LACKEY
A SECOND LACKEY
A BORE
A MUSKETEER
ANOTHER
A SPANISH OFFICER
A PORTER
A BURGHER
HIS SON
A PICKPOCKET
A SPECTATOR
A GUARDSMAN
BERTRAND THE FIFER
A MONK
Cyrano de Bergerac 1
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TWO MUSICIANS
THE POETS
THE PASTRY COOKS
ROXANE
SISTER MARTHA
LISE
THE BUFFETGIRL
MOTHER MARGUERITE
THE DUENNA
SISTER CLAIRE
AN ACTRESS
THE PAGES
THE SHOPGIRL
The crowd, troopers, burghers (male and female), marquises, musketeers,
pickpockets, pastrycooks, poets, Gascons cadets, actors (male and female),
violinists, pages, children, soldiers, Spaniards, spectators (male and
female), precieuses, nuns, etc.
Act I.
A Representation at the Hotel de Bourgogne.
The hall of the Hotel de Bourgogne, in 1640. A sort of tenniscourt arranged
and decorated for a theatrical performance.
The hall is oblong and seen obliquely, so that one of its sides forms the back
of the right foreground, and meeting the left background makes an angle with
the stage, which is partly visible.
On both sides of the stage are benches. The curtain is composed of two
tapestries which can be drawn aside. Above a harlequin's mantle are the royal
arms. There are broad steps from the stage to the hall; on either side of
these steps are the places for the violinists. Footlights.
Two rows, one over the other, of side galleries: the highest divided into
boxes. No seats in the pit of the hall, which is the real stage of the
theater; at the back of the pit, i.e., on the right foreground, some benches
forming steps, and underneath, a staircase which leads to the upper seats. An
improvised buffet ornamented with little lusters, vases, glasses, plates of
tarts, cakes, bottles, etc.
The entrance to the theater is in the center of the background, under the
gallery of the boxes. A large door, half open to let in the spectators. On
the panels of this door, in different corners, and over the buffet, red
placards bearing the words, 'La Clorise.'
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 2
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At the rising of the curtain the hall is in semidarkness, and still empty.
The lusters are lowered in the middle of the pit ready to be lighted.
Scene 1.I.
The public, arriving by degrees. Troopers, burghers, lackeys, pages, a
pickpocket, the doorkeeper, etc., followed by the marquises. Cuigy,
Brissaille, the buffetgirl, the violinists, etc.
(A confusion of loud voices is heard outside the door. A trooper enters
hastily.)
THE DOORKEEPER (following him):
Hollo! You there! Your money!
THE TROOPER:
I enter gratis.
THE DOORKEEPER:
Why?
THE TROOPER:
Why? I am of the King's Household Cavalry, 'faith!
THE DOORKEEPER (to another trooper who enters):
And you?
SECOND TROOPER:
I pay nothing.
THE DOORKEEPER:
How so?
SECOND TROOPER:
I am a musketeer.
FIRST TROOPER (to the second):
The play will not begin till two. The pit is empty. Come, a bout with the
foils to pass the time.
(They fence with the foils they have brought.)
A LACKEY (entering):
Pst. . .Flanquin. . .!
ANOTHER (already there):
Champagne?. . .
THE FIRST (showing him cards and dice which he takes from his doublet):
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 3
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See, here be cards and dice.
(He seats himself on the floor):
Let's play.
THE SECOND (doing the same):
Good; I am with you, villain!
FIRST LACKEY (taking from his pocket a candleend, which he lights, and sticks
on the floor):
I made free to provide myself with light at my master's expense!
A GUARDSMAN (to a shopgirl who advances):
'Twas prettily done to come before the lights were lit!
(He takes her round the waist.)
ONE OF THE FENCERS (receiving a thrust):
A hit!
ONE OF THE CARDPLAYERS:
Clubs!
THE GUARDSMAN (following the girl):
A kiss!
THE SHOPGIRL (struggling to free herself):
They're looking!
THE GUARDSMAN (drawing her to a dark corner):
No fear! No one can see!
A MAN (sitting on the ground with others, who have brought their provisions):
By coming early, one can eat in comfort.
A BURGHER (conducting his son):
Let us sit here, son.
A CARDPLAYER:
Triple ace!
A MAN (taking a bottle from under his cloak,
and also seating himself on the floor):
A tippler may well quaff his Burgundy
(he drinks):
in the Burgundy Hotel!
THE BURGHER (to his son):
'Faith! A man might think he had fallen in a bad house here!
(He points with his cane to the drunkard):
What with topers!
(One of the fencers in breaking off, jostles him):
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 4
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brawlers!
(He stumbles into the midst of the cardplayers):
gamblers!
THE GUARDSMAN (behind him, still teasing the shopgirl):
Come, one kiss!
THE BURGHER (hurriedly pulling his son away):
By all the holies! And this, my boy, is the theater where they played
Rotrou erewhile.
THE YOUNG MAN:
Ay, and Corneille!
A TROOP OF PAGES (handinhand, enter dancing the farandole, and singing):
Tra' a la, la, la, la, la, la, la, lere. . .
THE DOORKEEPER (sternly, to the pages):
You pages there, none of your tricks!. . .
FIRST PAGE (with an air of wounded dignity):
Oh, sir!such a suspicion!. . .
(Briskly, to the second page, the moment the doorkeeper's back is turned):
Have you string?
THE SECOND:
Ay, and a fishhook with it.
FIRST PAGE:
We can angle for wigs, then, up there i' th' gallery.
A PICKPOCKET (gathering about him some evillooking youths):
Hark ye, young cutpurses, lend an ear, while I give you your first lesson
in thieving.
SECOND PAGE (calling up to others in the top galleries):
You there! Have you peashooters?
THIRD PAGE (from above):
Ay, have we, and peas withal!
(He blows, and peppers them with peas.)
THE YOUNG MAN (to his father):
What piece do they give us?
THE BURGHER:
'Clorise.'
THE YOUNG MAN:
Who may the author be?
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 5
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THE BURGHER:
Master Balthazar Baro. It is a play!. . .
(He goes arminarm with his son.)
THE PICKPOCKET (to his pupils):
Have a care, above all, of the lace kneerufflescut them off!
A SPECTATOR (to another, showing him a corner in the gallery):
I was up there, the first night of the 'Cid.'
THE PICKPOCKET (making with his fingers the gesture of filching):
Thus for watches
THE BURGHER (coming down again with his son):
Ah! You shall presently see some renowned actors. . .
THE PICKPOCKET (making the gestures of one who pulls something stealthily,
with little jerks):
Thus for handkerchiefs
THE BURGHER:
Montfleury. . .
SOME ONE (shouting from the upper gallery):
Light up, below there!
THE BURGHER:
. . .Bellerose, L'Epy, La Beaupre, Jodelet!
A PAGE (in the pit):
Here comes the buffetgirl!
THE BUFFETGIRL (taking her place behind the buffet):
Oranges, milk, raspberrywater, cedar bitters!
(A hubbub outside the door is heard.)
A FALSETTO VOICE:
Make place, brutes!
A LACKEY (astonished):
The Marquises!in the pit?. . .
ANOTHER LACKEY:
Oh! only for a minute or two!
(Enter a band of young marquises.)
A MARQUIS (seeing that the hall is half empty):
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Act I. 6
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What now! So we make our entrance like a pack of woolendrapers!
Peaceably, without disturbing the folk, or treading on their toes!Oh, fie!
Fie!
(Recognizing some other gentlemen who have entered a little before him):
Cuigy! Brissaille!
(Greetings and embraces.)
CUIGY:
True to our word!. . .Troth, we are here before the candles are lit.
THE MARQUIS:
Ay, indeed! Enough! I am of an ill humor.
ANOTHER:
Nay, nay, Marquis! see, for your consolation, they are coming to light up!
ALL THE AUDIENCE (welcoming the entrance of the lighter):
Ah!. . .
(They form in groups round the lusters as they are lit. Some people have
taken their seats in the galleries. Ligniere, a distinguishedlooking roue,
with disordered shirtfront arminarm with christian de Neuvillette.
Christian, who is dressed elegantly, but rather behind the fashion, seems
preoccupied, and keeps looking at the boxes.)
Scene 1.II.
The same. Christian, Ligniere, then Ragueneau and Le Bret.
CUIGY:
Ligniere!
BRISSAILLE (laughing):
Not drunk as yet?
LIGNIERE (aside to Christian):
I may introduce you?
(Christian nods in assent):
Baron de Neuvillette.
(Bows.)
THE AUDIENCE (applauding as the first luster is lighted and drawn up):
Ah!
CUIGY (to Brissaille, looking at Christian):
'Tis a pretty fellow!
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Act I. 7
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FIRST MARQUIS (who has overheard):
Pooh!
LIGNIERE (introducing them to Christian):
My lords De Cuigy. De Brissaille. . .
CHRISTIAN (bowing):
Delighted!. . .
FIRST MARQUIS (to second):
He is not ill to look at, but certes, he is not costumed in the latest mode.
LIGNIERE (to Cuigy):
This gentleman comes from Touraine.
CHRISTIAN:
Yes, I have scarce been twenty days in Paris; tomorrow I join the Guards, in
the Cadets.
FIRST MARQUIS (watching the people who are coming into the boxes):
There is the wife of the ChiefJustice.
THE BUFFETGIRL:
Oranges, milk. . .
THE VIOLINISTS (tuning up):
Lala
CUIGY (to Christian, pointing to the hall, which is filling fast):
'Tis crowded.
CHRISTIAN:
Yes, indeed.
FIRST MARQUIS:
All the great world!
(They recognize and name the different elegantly dressed ladies who enter the
boxes, bowing low to them. The ladies send smiles in answer.)
SECOND MARQUIS:
Madame de Guemenee.
CUIGY:
Madame de BoisDauphin.
FIRST MARQUIS:
Adored by us all!
BRISSAILLE:
Madame de Chavigny. . .
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Act I. 8
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SECOND MARQUIS:
Who sports with our poor hearts!. . .
LIGNIERE:
Ha! so Monsieur de Corneille has come back from Rouen!
THE YOUNG MAN
(to his father):
Is the Academy here?
THE BURGHER:
Oh, ay, I see several of them. There is Boudu, Boissat,
and Cureau de la Chambre, Porcheres, Colomby, Bourzeys,
Bourdon, Arbaud. . .all names that will live! 'Tis fine!
FIRST MARQUIS:
Attention! Here come our precieuses; Barthenoide, Urimedonte, Cassandace,
Felixerie. . .
SECOND MARQUIS:
Ah! How exquisite their fancy names are! Do you know them all, Marquis?
FIRST MARQUIS:
Ay, Marquis, I do, every one!
LIGNIERE (drawing Christian aside):
Friend, I but came here to give you pleasure. The lady comes not. I will
betake me again to my pet vice.
CHRISTIAN (persuasively):
No, no! You, who are balladmaker to Court and City alike, can tell me
better than any who the lady is for whom I die of love. Stay yet awhile.
THE FIRST VIOLIN (striking his bow on the desk):
Gentlemen violinists!
(He raises his bow.)
THE BUFFETGIRL:
Macaroons, lemondrink. . .
(The violins begin to play.)
CHRISTIAN:
Ah! I fear me she is coquettish, and over nice and fastidious!
I, who am so poor of wit, how dare I speak to herhow address her?
This language that they speak todayay, and writeconfounds me;
I am but an honest soldier, and timid withal. She has ever her place,
there, on the rightthe empty box, see you!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 9
Page No 12
LIGNIERE (making as if to go):
I must go.
CHRISTIAN (detaining him):
Nay, stay.
LIGNIERE:
I cannot. D'Assoucy waits me at the tavern, and here one dies of thirst.
THE BUFFETGIRL (passing before him with a tray):
Orange drink?
LIGNIERE:
Ugh!
THE BUFFETGIRL:
Milk?
LIGNIERE:
Pah!
THE BUFFETGIRL:
Rivesalte?
LIGNIERE:
Stay.
(To Christian):
I will remain awhile.Let me taste this rivesalte.
(He sits by the buffet; the girl pours some out for him.)
CRIES (from all the audience, at the entrance of a plump little man, joyously
excited):
Ah! Ragueneau!
LIGNIERE (to Christian):
'Tis the famous tavernkeeper Ragueneau.
RAGUENEAU (dressed in the Sunday clothes of a pastrycook, going up quickly to
Ligniere):
Sir, have you seen Monsieur de Cyrano?
LIGNIERE (introducing him to Christian):
The pastrycook of the actors and the poets!
RAGUENEAU (overcome):
You do me too great honor. . .
LIGNIERE:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 10
Page No 13
Nay, hold your peace, Maecenas that you are!
RAGUENEAU:
True, these gentlemen employ me. . .
LIGNIERE:
On credit!
He is himself a poet of a pretty talent. . .
RAGUENEAU:
So they tell me.
LIGNIERE:
Mad after poetry!
RAGUENEAU:
'Tis true that, for a little ode. . .
LIGNIERE:
You give a tart. . .
RAGUENEAU:
Oh!a tartlet!
LIGNIERE:
Brave fellow! He would fain fain excuse himself!
And for a triolet, now, did you not give in exchange. . .
RAGUENEAU:
Some little rolls!
LIGNIERE (severely):
They were milkrolls! And as for the theater, which you love?
RAGUENEAU:
Oh! to distraction!
LIGNIERE:
How pay you your tickets, ha?with cakes.
Your place, tonight, come tell me in my ear, what did it cost you?
RAGUENEAU:
Four custards, and fifteen creampuffs.
(He looks around on all sides):
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 11
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Monsieur de Cyrano is not here? 'Tis strange.
LIGNIERE:
Why so?
RAGUENEAU:
Montfleury plays!
LIGNIERE:
Ay, 'tis true that that old winebarrel is to take Phedon's part tonight;
but what matter is that to Cyrano?
RAGUENEAU:
How? Know you not? He has got a hot hate for Montfleury, and so!has
forbid him strictly to show his face on the stage for one whole month.
LIGNIERE (drinking his fourth glass):
Well?
RAGUENEAU:
Montfleury will play!
CUIGY:
He can not hinder that.
RAGUENEAU:
Oh! oh! that I have come to see!
FIRST MARQUIS:
Who is this Cyrano?
CUIGY:
A fellow well skilled in all tricks of fence.
SECOND MARQUIS:
Is he of noble birth?
CUIGY:
Ay, noble enough. He is a cadet in the Guards.
(Pointing to a gentleman who is going up and down the hall as if searching for
some one):
But 'tis his friend Le Bret, yonder, who can best tell you.
(He calls him):
Le Bret!
(Le Bret comes towards them):
Seek you for De Bergerac?
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 12
Page No 15
LE BRET:
Ay, I am uneasy. . .
CUIGY:
Is it not true that he is the strangest of men?
LE BRET (tenderly):
True, that he is the choicest of earthly beings!
RAGUENEAU:
Poet!
CUIGY:
Soldier!
BRISSAILLE:
Philosopher!
LE BRET:
Musician!
LIGNIERE:
And of how fantastic a presence!
RAGUENEAU:
Marry, 'twould puzzle even our grim painter Philippe de Champaigne to
portray him! Methinks, whimsical, wild, comical as he is, only Jacques
Callot, now dead and gone, had succeeded better, and had made of him the
maddest fighter of all his visored crewwith his tripleplumed beaver and
sixpointed doubletthe swordpoint sticking up 'neath his mantle like an
insolent cocktail! He's prouder than all the fierce Artabans of whom Gascony
has ever been and will ever be the prolific Alma Mater! Above his Toby ruff
he carries a nose!ah, good my lords, what a nose is his! When one sees it
one is fain to cry aloud, 'Nay! 'tis too much! He plays a joke on us!' Then
one laughs, says 'He will anon take it off.' But no!Monsieur de Bergerac
always keeps it on.
LE BRET (throwing back his head):
He keeps it onand cleaves in two any man who dares remark on it!
RAGUENEAU (proudly):
His sword'tis one half of the Fates' shears!
FIRST MARQUIS (shrugging his shoulders):
He will not come!
RAGUENEAU:
I say he will! and I wager a fowla la Ragueneau.
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 13
Page No 16
THE MARQUIS (laughing):
Good!
(Murmurs of admiration in hall. Roxane has just appeared in her box. She
seats herself in front, the duenna at the back. Christian, who is paying the
buffetgirl, does not see her entrance.)
SECOND MARQUIS (with little cries of joy):
Ah, gentlemen! she is fearfullyterriblyravishing!
FIRST MARQUIS:
When one looks at her one thinks of a peach smiling at a strawberry!
SECOND MARQUIS:
And what freshness! A man approaching her too near might chance to get a
bad chill at the heart!
CHRISTIAN (raising his head, sees Roxane, and catches Ligniere by the arm):
'Tis she!
LIGNIERE:
Ah! is it she?
CHRISTIAN:
Ay, tell me quickI am afraid.
LIGNIERE (tasting his rivesalte in sips):
Magdaleine RobinRoxane, so called! A subtle wita precieuse.
CHRISTIAN:
Woe is me!
LIGNIERE:
Free. An orphan. The cousin of Cyrano, of whom we were now speaking.
(At this moment an elegant nobleman, with blue ribbon across his breast,
enters the box, and talks with Roxane, standing.)
CHRISTIAN (starting):
Who is yonder man?
LIGNIERE (who is becoming tipsy, winking at him):
Ha! ha! Count de Guiche. Enamored of her. But wedded to the niece of
Armand de Richelieu. Would fain marry Roxane to a certain sorry fellow, one
Monsieur de Valvert, a viscountandaccommodating! She will none of that
bargain; but De Guiche is powerful, and can persecute the daughter of a plain
untitled gentleman. More by token, I myself have exposed this cunning plan of
his to the world, in a song which. . .Ho! he must rage at me! The end hit
home. . .Listen!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 14
Page No 17
(He gets up staggering, and raises his glass, ready to sing.)
CHRISTIAN:
No. Goodnight.
LIGNIERE:
Where go you?
CHRISTIAN:
To Monsieur de Valvert!
LIGNIERE:
Have a care! It is he who will kill you
(showing him Roxane by a look):
Stay where you areshe is looking at you.
CHRISTIAN:
It is true!
(He stands looking at her. The group of pickpockets seeing him thus, head in
air and openmouthed, draw near to him.)
LIGNIERE:
'Tis I who am going. I am athirst! And they expect mein the taverns!
(He goes out, reeling.)
LE BRET (who has been all round the hall, coming back to Ragueneau reassured):
No sign of Cyrano.
RAGUENEAU (incredulously):
All the same. . .
LE BRET:
A hope is left to methat he has not seen the playbill!
THE AUDIENCE:
Begin, begin!
Scene 1.III.
The same, all but Ligniere. De Guiche, Valvert, then Montfleury.
A marquis (watching De Guiche, who comes down from Roxane's box, and crosses
the pit surrounded by obsequious noblemen, among them the Viscount de
Valvert):
He pays a fine court, your De Guiche!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 15
Page No 18
ANOTHER:
Faugh!. . .Another Gascon!
THE FIRST:
Ay, but the cold, supple Gasconthat is the stuff success is made of!
Believe me, we had best make our bow to him.
(They go toward De Guiche.)
SECOND MARQUIS:
What fine ribbons! How call you the color, Count de Guiche? 'Kiss me, my
darling,' or 'Timid Fawn?'
DE GUICHE:
'Tis the color called 'Sick Spaniard.'
FIRST MARQUIS:
'Faith! The color speaks truth, for, thanks to your valor, things will soon
go ill for Spain in Flanders.
DE GUICHE:
I go on the stage! Will you come?
(He goes toward the stage, followed by the marquises and gentlemen. Turning,
he calls):
Come you Valvert!
CHRISTIAN (who is watching and listening, starts on hearing this name):
The Viscount! Ah! I will throw full in his face my. . .
(He puts his hand in his pocket, and finds there the hand of a pickpocket who
is about to rob him. He turns round):
Hey?
THE PICKPOCKET:
Oh!
CHRISTIAN (holding him tightly):
I was looking for a glove.
THE PICKPOCKET (smiling piteously):
And you find a hand.
(Changing his tone, quickly and in a whisper):
Let me but go, and I will deliver you a secret.
CHRISTIAN (still holding him):
What is it?
THE PICKPOCKET:
Ligniere. . .he who has just left you. . .
CHRISTIAN (same play):
Well?
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Act I. 16
Page No 19
THE PICKPOCKET:
His life is in peril. A song writ by him has given offense in high places
and a hundred menI am of themare posted tonight. . .
CHRISTIAN:
A hundred men! By whom posted?
THE PICKPOCKET:
I may not saya secret. . .
CHRISTIAN (shrugging his shoulders):
Oh!
THE PICKPOCKET (with great dignity):
. . .Of the profession.
CHRISTIAN:
Where are they posted?
THE PICKPOCKET:
At the Porte de Nesle. On his way homeward. Warn him.
CHRISTIAN (letting go of his wrists):
But where can I find him?
THE PICKPOCKET:
Run round to all the tavernsThe Golden Wine Press, the Pine Cone, The Belt
that Bursts, The Two Torches, The Three Funnels, and at each leave a word that
shall put him on his guard.
CHRISTIAN:
GoodI fly! Ah, the scoundrels! A hundred men 'gainst one!
(Looking lovingly at Roxane):
Ah, to leave her!. . .
(looking with rage at Valvert):
and him!. . .But save Ligniere I must!
(He hurries out. De Guiche, the viscount, the marquises, have all disappeared
behind the curtain to take their places on the benches placed on the stage.
The pit is quite full; the galleries and boxes are also crowded.)
THE AUDIENCE:
Begin!
A BURGHER (whose wig is drawn up on the end of a string by a page in the upper
gallery):
My wig!
CRIES OF DELIGHT:
He is bald! Bravo, pagesha! ha! ha!. . .
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 17
Page No 20
THE BURGHER (furious, shaking his fist):
Young villain!
LAUGHTER AND CRIES (beginning very loud, and dying gradually away):
Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha!
(Total silence.)
LE BRET (astonished):
What means this sudden silence?. . .
(A spectator says something to him in a low voice):
Is't true?
THE SPECTATOR:
I have just heard it on good authority.
MURMURS (spreading through the hall):
Hush! Is it he? No! Ay, I say! In the box with the bars in front! The
Cardinal! The Cardinal! The Cardinal!
A PAGE:
The devil! We shall have to behave ourselves. . .
(A knock is heard upon the stage. Every one is motionless. A pause.)
THE VOICE OF A MARQUIS (in the silence, behind the curtain):
Snuff that candle!
ANOTHER MARQUIS (putting his head through the opening in the curtain):
A chair!
(A chair is passed from hand to hand, over the heads of the spectators. The
marquis takes it and disappears, after blowing some kisses to the boxes.)
A SPECTATOR:
Silence!
(Three knocks are heard on the stage. The curtain opens in the centre
Tableau. The marquises in insolent attitudes seated on each side of the
stage. The scene represents a pastoral landscape. Four little lusters light
the stage; the violins play softly.)
LE BRET (in a low voice to Ragueneau):
Montfleury comes on the scene?
RAGUENEAU (also in a low voice):
Ay, 'tis he who begins.
LE BRET:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 18
Page No 21
Cyrano is not here.
RAGUENEAU:
I have lost my wager.
LE BRET:
'Tis all the better!
(An air on the dronepipes is heard, and Montfleury enters, enormously stout,
in an Arcadian shepherd's dress, a hat wreathed with roses drooping over one
ear, blowing into a ribboned drone pipe.)
THE PIT (applauding):
Bravo, Montfleury! Montfleury!
MONTFLEURY (after bowing low, begins the part of Phedon):
'Heureux qui loin des cours, dans un lieu solitaire,
Se prescrit a soimeme un exil volontaire,
Et qui, lorsque Zephire a souffle sur les bois. . .'
A VOICE (from the middle of the pit):
Villain! Did I not forbid you to show your face here for month?
(General stupor. Every one turns round. Murmurs.)
DIFFERENT VOICES:
Hey?What?What is't?. . .
(The people stand up in the boxes to look.)
CUIGY:
'Tis he!
LE BRET (terrified):
Cyrano!
THE VOICE:
King of clowns! Leave the stage this instant!
ALL THE AUDIENCE (indignantly):
Oh!
MONTFLEURY:
But. . .
THE VOICE:
Do you dare defy me?
DIFFERENT VOICES (from the pit and the boxes):
Peace! Enough!Play on, Montfleuryfear nothing!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 19
Page No 22
MONTFLEURY (in a trembling voice):
'Heureux qui loin des cours, dans un lieu sol'
THE VOICE (more fiercely):
Well! Chief of all the blackguards, must I come and give you a taste of my
cane?
(A hand holding a cane starts up over the heads of the spectators.)
MONTFLEURY (in a voice that trembles more and more):
'Heureux qui. . .'
(The cane is shaken.)
THE VOICE:
Off the stage!
THE PIT:
Oh!
MONTFLEURY (choking):
'Heureux qui loin des cours. . .'
CYRANO (appearing suddenly in the pit, standing on a chair, his arms crossed,
his beaver cocked fiercely, his mustache bristling, his nose terrible to see):
Ah! I shall be angry in a minute!. . .
(Sensation.)
Scene 1.IV.
The same. Cyrano, then Bellerose, Jodelet.
MONTFLEURY (to the marquises):
Come to my help, my lords!
A MARQUIS (carelessly):
Go on! Go on!
CYRANO:
Fat man, take warning! If you go on, I
Shall feel myself constrained to cuff your face!
THE MARQUIS:
Have done!
CYRANO:
And if these lords hold not their tongue
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 20
Page No 23
Shall feel constrained to make them taste my cane!
ALL THE MARQUISES (rising):
Enough!. . .Montfleury. . .
CYRANO:
If he goes not quick
I will cut off his ears and slit him up!
A VOICE:
But. . .
CYRANO:
Out he goes!
ANOTHER VOICE:
Yet. . .
CYRANO:
Is he not gone yet?
(He makes the gesture of turning up his cuffs):
Good! I shall mount the stage now, buffetwise,
To carve this fine Italian sausagethus!
MONTFLEURY (trying to be dignified):
You outrage Thalia in insulting me!
CYRANO (very politely):
If that Muse, Sir, who knows you not at all,
Could claim acquaintance with youoh, believe
(Seeing how urnlike, fat, and slow you are)
That she would make you taste her buskin's sole!
THE PIT:
Montfleury! Montfleury! ComeBaro's play!
CYRANO (to those who are calling out):
I pray you have a care! If you go on
My scabbard soon will render up its blade!
(The circle round him widens.)
THE CROWD (drawing back):
Take care!
CYRANO (to Montfleury):
Leave the stage!
THE CROWD (coming near and grumbling):
Oh!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 21
Page No 24
CYRANO:
Did some one speak?
(They draw back again.)
A VOICE (singing at the back):
Monsieur de Cyrano
Displays his tyrannies:
A fig for tyrants! What, ho!
Come! Play us 'La Clorise!'
ALL THE PIT (singing):
'La Clorise!' 'La Clorise!'. . .
CYRANO:
Let me but hear once more that foolish rhyme,
I slaughter every man of you.
A BURGHER:
Oh! Samson?
CYRANO:
Yes Samson! Will you lend your jawbone, Sir?
A LADY (in the boxes):
Outrageous!
A LORD:
Scandalous!
A BURGHER:
'Tis most annoying!
A PAGE:
Fair good sport!
THE PIT:
Kss!Montfleury. . .Cyrano!
CYRANO:
Silence!
THE PIT (wildly excited):
Hooooh! Quack! Cockadoodledoo!
CYRANO:
I order
A PAGE:
Miow!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 22
Page No 25
CYRANO:
I order silence, all!
And challenge the whole pit collectively!
I write your names!Approach, young heroes, here!
Each in his turn! I cry the numbers out!
Now which of you will come to ope the lists?
You, Sir? No! You? No! The first duellist
Shall be dispatched by me with honors due!
Let all who long for death hold up their hands!
(A silence):
Modest? You fear to see my naked blade?
Not one name?Not one hand?Good, I proceed!
(Turning toward the stage, where Montfleury waits in an agony):
The theater's too full, congested,I
Would clear it out. . .If not. . .
(Puts his hand on his sword):
The knife must act!
MONTFLEURY:
I. . .
CYRANO (leaves his chair, and settles himself in the middle of the circle
which has formed):
I will clap my hands thrice, thusfull moon! At the third clap, eclipse
yourself!
THE PIT (amused):
Ah!
CYRANO (clapping his hands):
One!
MONTFLEURY:
I. . .
A VOICE (in the boxes):
Stay!
THE PIT:
He stays. . .he goes. . .he stays. . .
MONTFLEURY:
I think. . .Gentlemen,. . .
CYRANO:
Two!
MONTFLEURY:
I think 'twere wisest. . .
CYRANO:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 23
Page No 26
Three!
(Montfleury disappears as through a trap. Tempest of laughs, whistling cries,
etc.)
THE WHOLE HOUSE:
Coward. . .come back!
CYRANO (delighted, sits back in his chair, arms crossed):
Come back an if you dare!
A BURGHER:
Call for the orator!
(Bellerose comes forward and bows.)
THE BOXES:
Ah! here's Bellerose!
BELLEROSE (elegantly):
My noble lords. . .
THE PIT:
No! no! Jodelet!
JODELET (advancing, speaking through his nose):
Calves!
THE PIT:
Ah! bravo! good! go on!
JODELET:
No bravos, Sirs!
The fat tragedian whom you all love
Felt. . .
THE PIT:
Coward!
JODELET:
. . .was obliged to go.
THE PIT:
Come back!
SOME:
No!
OTHERS:
Yes!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 24
Page No 27
A YOUNG MAN (to Cyrano):
But pray, Sir, for what reason, say,
Hate you Montfleury?
CYRANO (graciously, still seated):
Youthful gander, know
I have two reasonseither will suffice.
Primo. An actor villainous! who mouths,
And heaves up like a bucket from a well
The verses that should, birdlike, fly! Secundo
That is my secret. . .
THE OLD BURGHER (behind him):
Shameful! You deprive us
Of the 'Clorise!' I must insist. . .
CYRANO (turning his chair toward the burgher, respectfully):
Old mule!
The verses of old Baro are not worth
A doit! I'm glad to interrupt. . .
THE PRECIEUSES (in the boxes):
Our Baro!
My dear! How dares he venture!. . .
CYRANO (turning his chair toward the boxes gallantly):
Fairest ones,
Radiate, bloom, hold to our lips the cup
Of dreams intoxicating, Hebelike!
Or, when death strikes, charm death with your sweet smiles;
Inspire our verse, butcriticise it not!
BELLEROSE:
We must give back the entrance fees!
CYRANO (turning his chair toward the stage):
Bellerose,
You make the first intelligent remark!
Would I rend Thespis' sacred mantle? Nay!
(He rises and throws a bag on the stage):
Catch then the purse I throw, and hold your peace!
THE HOUSE (dazzled):
Ah! Oh!
JODELET (catching the purse dexterously and weighing it):
At this price, you've authority
To come each night, and stop 'Clorise,' Sir!
THE PIT:
Ho!. . .Ho! Ho!. . .
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 25
Page No 28
JODELET:
E'en if you chase us in a pack!. . .
BELLEROSE:
Clear out the hall!. . .
JODELET:
Get you all gone at once!
(The people begin to go out, while Cyrano looks on with satisfaction. But the
crowd soon stop on hearing the following scene, and remain where they are.
The women, who, with their mantles on, are already standing up in the boxes,
stop to listen, and finally reseat themselves.)
LE BRET (to Cyrano):
'Tis mad!. . .
A BORE (coming up to Cyrano):
The actor Montfleury! 'Tis shameful!
Why, he's protected by the Duke of Candal!
Have you a patron?
CYRANO:
No!
THE BORE:
No patron?. . .
CYRANO:
None!
THE BORE:
What! no great lord to shield you with his name?
CYRANO (irritated):
No, I have told you twice! Must I repeat?
No! no protector. . .
(His hand on his sword):
A protectress. . .here!
THE BORE:
But you must leave the town?
CYRANO:
Well, that depends!
THE BORE:
The Duke has a long arm!
CYRANO:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 26
Page No 29
But not so long
As mine, when it is lengthened out. . .
(Shows his sword):
As thus!
THE BORE:
You think not to contend?
CYRANO:
'Tis my idea!
THE BORE:
But. . .
CYRANO:
Show your heels! now!
THE BORE:
But I. . .
CYRANO:
Or tell me why you stare so at my nose!
THE BORE (staggered):
I. . .
CYRANO (walking straight up to him):
Well, what is there strange?
THE BORE (drawing back):
Your Grace mistakes!
CYRANO:
How now? Is't soft and dangling, like a trunk?. . .
THE BORE (same play):
I never. . .
CYRANO:
Is it crook'd, like an owl's beak?
THE BORE:
I. . .
CYRANO:
Do you see a wart upon the tip?
THE BORE:
Nay. . .
CYRANO:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 27
Page No 30
Or a fly, that takes the air there? What
Is there to stare at?
THE BORE:
Oh. . .
CYRANO:
What do you see?
THE BORE:
But I was careful not to lookknew better.
CYRANO:
And why not look at it, an if you please?
THE BORE:
I was. . .
CYRANO:
Oh! it disgusts you!
THE BORE:
Sir!
CYRANO:
Its hue
Unwholesome seems to you?
THE BORE:
Sir!
CYRANO:
Or its shape?
THE BORE:
No, on the contrary!. . .
CYRANO:
Why then that air
Disparaging?perchance you think it large?
THE BORE (stammering):
No, small, quite smallminute!
CYRANO:
Minute! What now?
Accuse me of a thing ridiculous!
Smallmy nose?
THE BORE:
Heaven help me!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 28
Page No 31
CYRANO:
'Tis enormous!
Old Flathead, emptyheaded meddler, know
That I am proud possessing such appendice.
'Tis well known, a big nose is indicative
Of a soul affable, and kind, and courteous,
Liberal, brave, just like myself, and such
As you can never dare to dream yourself,
Rascal contemptible! For that witless face
That my hand soon will come to cuffis all
As empty. . .
(He cuffs him.)
THE BORE:
Aie!
CYRANO:
of pride, of aspiration,
Of feeling, poetryof godlike spark
Of all that appertains to my big nose,
(He turns him by the shoulders, suiting the action to the word):
As. . .what my boot will shortly come and kick!
THE BORE (running away):
Help! Call the Guard!
CYRANO:
Take notice, boobies all,
Who find my visage's center ornament
A thing to jest atthat it is my wont
An if the jester's nobleere we part
To let him taste my steel, and not my boot!
DE GUICHE (who, with the marquises, has come down from the stage):
But he becomes a nuisance!
THE VISCOUNT DE VALVERT (shrugging his shoulders):
Swaggerer!
DE GUICHE:
Will no one put him down?. . .
THE VISCOUNT:
No one? But wait!
I'll treat him to. . .one of my quips!. . .See here!. . .
(He goes up to Cyrano, who is watching him, and with a conceited air):
Sir, your nose is. . .hmm. . .it is. . .very big!
CYRANO (gravely):
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 29
Page No 32
Very!
THE VISCOUNT (laughing):
Ha!
CYRANO (imperturbably):
Is that all?. . .
THE VISCOUNT:
What do you mean?
CYRANO:
Ah no! young blade! That was a trifle short!
You might have said at least a hundred things
By varying the tone. . .like this, suppose,. . .
Aggressive: 'Sir, if I had such a nose
I'd amputate it!' Friendly: 'When you sup
It must annoy you, dipping in your cup;
You need a drinkingbowl of special shape!'
Descriptive: ''Tis a rock!. . .a peak!. . .a cape!
A cape, forsooth! 'Tis a peninsular!'
Curious: 'How serves that oblong capsular?
For scissorsheath? Or pot to hold your ink?'
Gracious: 'You love the little birds, I think?
I see you've managed with a fond research
To find their tiny claws a roomy perch!'
Truculent: 'When you smoke your pipe. . .suppose
That the tobaccosmoke spouts from your nose
Do not the neighbors, as the fumes rise higher,
Cry terrorstruck: "The chimney is afire"?'
Considerate: 'Take care,. . .your head bowed low
By such a weight. . .lest head o'er heels you go!'
Tender: 'Pray get a small umbrella made,
Lest its bright color in the sun should fade!'
Pedantic: 'That beast Aristophanes
Names Hippocamelelephantoles
Must have possessed just such a solid lump
Of flesh and bone, beneath his forehead's bump!'
Cavalier: 'The last fashion, friend, that hook?
To hang your hat on? 'Tis a useful crook!'
Emphatic: 'No wind, O majestic nose,
Can give THEE cold!save when the mistral blows!'
Dramatic: 'When it bleeds, what a Red Sea!'
Admiring: 'Sign for a perfumery!'
Lyric: 'Is this a conch?. . .a Triton you?'
Simple: 'When is the monument on view?'
Rustic: 'That thing a nose? Marrycomeup!
'Tis a dwarf pumpkin, or a prize turnip!'
Military: 'Point against cavalry!'
Practical: 'Put it in a lottery!
Assuredly 'twould be the biggest prize!'
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 30
Page No 33
Or. . .parodying Pyramus' sighs. . .
'Behold the nose that mars the harmony
Of its master's phiz! blushing its treachery!'
Such, my dear sir, is what you might have said,
Had you of wit or letters the least jot:
But, O most lamentable man!of wit
You never had an atom, and of letters
You have three letters only!they spell Ass!
Andhad you had the necessary wit,
To serve me all the pleasantries I quote
Before this noble audience. . .e'en so,
You would not have been let to utter one
Nay, not the half or quarter of such jest!
I take them from myself all in good part,
But not from any other man that breathes!
DE GUICHE (trying to draw away the dismayed viscount):
Come away, Viscount!
THE VISCOUNT (choking with rage):
Hear his arrogance!
A country lout who. . .who. . .has got no gloves!
Who goes out without sleeveknots, ribbons, lace!
CYRANO:
True; all my elegances are within.
I do not prank myself out, puppylike;
My toilet is more thorough, if less gay;
I would not sally fortha halfwashedout
Affront upon my cheeka conscience
Yelloweyed, bilious, from its sodden sleep,
A ruffled honor,. . .scruples grimed and dull!
I show no bravery of shining gems.
Truth, Independence, are my fluttering plumes.
'Tis not my form I lace to make me slim,
But brace my soul with efforts as with stays,
Covered with exploits, not with ribbonknots,
My spirit bristling high like your mustaches,
I, traversing the crowds and chattering groups
Make Truth ring bravely out like clash of spurs!
THE VISCOUNT:
But, Sir. . .
CYRANO:
I wear no gloves? And what of that?
I had one,. . .remnant of an old worn pair,
And, knowing not what else to do with it,
I threw it in the face of. . .some young fool.
THE VISCOUNT:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 31
Page No 34
Base scoundrel! Rascally flatfooted lout!
CYRANO (taking off his hat, and bowing as if the viscount had introduced
himself):
Ah?. . .and I, Cyrano Savinien
Hercule de Bergerac
(Laughter.)
THE VISCOUNT (angrily):
Buffoon!
CYRANO (calling out as if he had been seized with the cramp):
Aie! Aie!
THE VISCOUNT (who was going away, turns back):
What on earth is the fellow saying now?
CYRANO (with grimaces of pain):
It must be movedit's getting stiff, I vow,
This comes of leaving it in idleness!
Aie!. . .
THE VISCOUNT:
What ails you?
CYRANO:
The cramp! cramp in my sword!
THE VISCOUNT (drawing his sword):
Good!
CYRANO:
You shall feel a charming little stroke!
THE VISCOUNT (contemptuously):
Poet!. . .
CYRANO:
Ay, poet, Sir! In proof of which,
While we fence, presto! all extempore
I will compose a ballade.
THE VISCOUNT:
A ballade?
CYRANO:
Belike you know not what a ballade is.
THE VISCOUNT:
But. . .
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 32
Page No 35
CYRANO (reciting, as if repeating a lesson):
Know then that the ballade should contain
Three eightversed couplets. . .
THE VISCOUNT (stamping):
Oh!
CYRANO (still reciting):
And an envoi
Of four lines. . .
THE VISCOUNT:
You. . .
CYRANO:
I'll make one while we fight;
And touch you at the final line.
THE VISCOUNT:
No!
CYRANO:
No?
(declaiming):
The duel in Hotel of Burgundyfought
By De Bergerac and a goodfornaught!
THE VISCOUNT:
What may that be, an if you please?
CYRANO:
The title.
THE HOUSE (in great excitement):
Give room!Good sport!Make place!Fair play!No noise!
(Tableau. A circle of curious spectators in the pit; the marquises and
officers mingled with the common people; the pages climbing on each other's
shoulders to see better. All the women standing up in the boxes. To the
right, De Guiche and his retinue. Left, Le Bret, Ragueneau, Cyrano, etc.)
CYRANO (shutting his eyes for a second):
Wait while I choose my rhymes. . .I have them now!
(He suits the action to each word):
I gayly doff my beaver low,
And, freeing hand and heel,
My heavy mantle off I throw,
And I draw my polished steel;
Graceful as Phoebus, round I wheel,
Alert as Scaramouch,
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 33
Page No 36
A word in your ear, Sir Spark, I steal
At the envoi's end, I touch!
(They engage):
Better for you had you lain low;
Where skewer my cock? In the heel?
In the heart, your ribbon blue below?
In the hip, and make you kneel?
Ho for the music of clashing steel!
What now?A hit? Not much!
'Twill be in the paunch the stroke I steal,
When, at the envoi, I touch.
Oh, for a rhyme, a rhyme in o?
You wriggle, starchwhite, my eel?
A rhyme! a rhyme! The white feather you SHOW!
Tac! I parry the point of your steel;
The point you hoped to make me feel;
I open the line, now clutch
Your spit, Sir Scullionslow your zeal!
At the envoi's end, I touch.
(He declaims solemnly):
Envoi.
Prince, pray Heaven for your soul's weal!
I move a pacelo, such! and such!
Cut overfeint!
(Thrusting):
What ho! You reel?
(The viscount staggers. Cyrano salutes):
At the envoi's end, I touch!
(Acclamations. Applause in the boxes. Flowers and handkerchiefs are thrown
down. The officers surround Cyrano, congratulating him. Ragueneau dances for
joy. Le Bret is happy, but anxious. The viscount's friends hold him up and
bear him away.)
THE CROWD (with one long shout):
Ah!
A TROOPER:
'Tis superb!
A WOMAN:
A pretty stroke!
RAGUENEAU:
A marvel!
A MARQUIS:
A novelty!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 34
Page No 37
LE BRET:
O madman!
THE CROWD (presses round Cyrano. Chorus of):
Compliments!
Bravo! Let me congratulate!. . .Quite unsurpassed!. . .
A WOMAN'S VOICE:
There is a hero for you!. . .
A MUSKETEER (advancing to Cyrano with outstretched hand):
Sir, permit;
Naught could be finerI'm a judge I think;
I stamped, i' faith!to show my admiration!
(He goes away.)
CYRANO (to Cuigy):
Who is that gentleman?
CUIGY:
WhyD'Artagnan!
LE BRET (to Cyrano, taking his arm):
A word with you!. . .
CYRANO:
Wait; let the rabble go!. . .
(To Bellerose):
May I stay?
BELLEROSE (respectfully):
Without doubt!
(Cries are heard outside.)
JODELET (who has looked out):
They hoot Montfleury!
BELLEROSE (solemnly):
Sic transit!. . .
(To the porters):
Sweepclose all, but leave the lights.
We sup, but later on we must return,
For a rehearsal of tomorrow's farce.
(Jodelet and Bellerose go out, bowing low to Cyrano.)
THE PORTER (to Cyrano):
You do not dine, Sir?
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 35
Page No 38
CYRANO:
No.
(The porter goes out.)
LE BRET:
Because?
CYRANO (proudly):
Because. . .
(Changing his tone as the porter goes away):
I have no money!. . .
LE BRET (with the action of throwing a bag):
How! The bag of crowns?. . .
CYRANO:
Paternal bounty, in a day, thou'rt sped!
LE BRET:
How live the next month?. . .
CYRANO:
I have nothing left.
LE BRET:
Folly!
CYRANO:
But what a graceful action! Think!
THE BUFFETGIRL (coughing, behind her counter):
Hum!
(Cyrano and Le Bret turn. She comes timidly forward):
Sir, my heart mislikes to know you fast.
(Showing the buffet):
See, all you need. Serve yourself!
CYRANO (taking off his hat):
Gentle child,
Although my Gascon pride would else forbid
To take the least bestowal from your hands,
My fear of wounding you outweighs that pride,
And bids accept. . .
(He goes to the buffet):
A trifle!. . .These few grapes.
(She offers him the whole bunch. He takes a few):
Nay, but this bunch!. . .
(She tries to give him wine, but he stops her):
A glass of water fair!. . .
And half a macaroon!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 36
Page No 39
(He gives back the other half.)
LE BRET:
What foolery!
THE BUFFETGIRL:
Take something else!
CYRANO:
I take your hand to kiss.
(He kisses her hand as though she were a princess.)
THE BUFFETGIRL:
Thank you, kind Sir!
(She courtesies):
Goodnight.
(She goes out.)
Scene 1.V.
Cyrano, Le Bret.
CYRANO (to Le Bret):
Now talkI listen.
(He stands at the buffet, and placing before him first the macaroon):
Dinner!. . .
(then the grapes):
Dessert!. . .
(then the glass of water):
Wine!. . .
(he seats himself):
So! And now to table!
Ah! I was hungry, friend, nay, ravenous!
(eating):
You said?
LE BRET:
These fops, wouldbe belligerent,
Will, if you heed them only, turn your head!. . .
Ask people of good sense if you would know
The effect of your fine insolence
CYRANO (finishing his macaroon):
Enormous!
LE BRET:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 37
Page No 40
The Cardinal. . .
CYRANO (radiant):
The Cardinalwas there?
LE BRET:
Must have thought it. . .
CYRANO:
Original, i' faith!
LE BRET:
But. . .
CYRANO:
He's an author. 'Twill not fail to please him
That I should mar a brotherauthor's play.
LE BRET:
You make too many enemies by far!
CYRANO (eating his grapes):
How many think you I have made tonight?
LE BRET:
Forty, no less, not counting ladies.
CYRANO:
Count!
LE BRET:
Montfleury first, the bourgeois, then De Guiche,
The Viscount, Baro, the Academy. . .
CYRANO:
Enough! I am o'erjoyed!
LE BRET:
But these strange ways,
Where will they lead you, at the end? Explain
Your systemcome!
CYRANO:
I in a labyrinth
Was losttoo many different paths to choose;
I took. . .
LE BRET:
Which?
CYRANO:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 38
Page No 41
Oh! by far the simplest path. . .
Decided to be admirable in all!
LE BRET (shrugging his shoulders):
So be it! But the motive of your hate
To Montfleurycome, tell me!
CYRANO (rising):
This Silenus,
Bigbellied, coarse, still deems himself a peril
A danger to the love of lovely ladies,
And, while he sputters out his actor's part,
Makes sheep's eyes at their boxesgoggling frog!
I hate him since the evening he presumed
To raise his eyes to hers. . .Meseemed I saw
A slug crawl slavering o'er a flower's petals!
LE BRET (stupefied):
How now? What? Can it be. . .?
CYRANO (laughing bitterly):
That I should love?. . .
(Changing his tone, gravely):
I love.
LE BRET:
And may I know?. . .You never said. . .
CYRANO:
Come now, bethink you!. . .The fond hope to be
Beloved, e'en by some poor graceless lady,
Is, by this nose of mine for aye bereft me;
This lengthy nose which, go where'er I will,
Pokes yet a quartermile ahead of me;
But I may loveand who? 'Tis Fate's decree
I love the fairesthow were't otherwise?
LE BRET:
The fairest?. . .
CYRANO:
Ay, the fairest of the world,
Most brilliantmost refinedmost goldenhaired!
LE BRET:
Who is this lady?
CYRANO:
She's a danger mortal,
All unsuspiciousfull of charms unconscious,
Like a sweet perfumed rosea snare of nature,
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 39
Page No 42
Within whose petals Cupid lurks in ambush!
He who has seen her smile has known perfection,
Instilling into trifles grace's essence,
Divinity in every careless gesture;
Not Venus' self can mount her conch blown seaward,
As she can step into her chaise a porteurs,
Nor Dian fleet across the woods springflowered,
Light as my Lady o'er the stones of Paris!. . .
LE BRET:
Sapristi! all is clear!
CYRANO:
As spiderwebs!
LE BRET:
Your cousin, Madeleine Robin?
CYRANO:
Roxane!
LE BRET:
Well, but so much the better! Tell her so!
She saw your triumph here this very night!
CYRANO:
Look well at methen tell me, with what hope
This vile protuberance can inspire my heart!
I do not lull me with illusionsyet
At times I'm weak: in evening hours dim
I enter some fair pleasance, perfumed sweet;
With my poor ugly devil of a nose
I scent spring's essencein the silver rays
I see some knighta lady on his arm,
And think 'To saunter thus 'neath the moonshine,
I were fain to have my lady, too, beside!'
Thought soars to ecstasy. . .O sudden fall!
The shadow of my profile on the wall!
LE BRET (tenderly):
My friend!. . .
CYRANO:
My friend, at times 'tis hard, 'tis bitter,
To feel my lonelinessmy own illfavor. . .
LE BRET (taking his hand):
You weep?
CYRANO:
No, never! Think, how vilely suited
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Page No 43
Adown this nose a tear its passage tracing!
I never will, while of myself I'm master,
let the divinity of tearstheir beauty
Be wedded to such common ugly grossness.
Nothing more solemn than a tearsublimer;
And I would not by weeping turn to laughter
The grave emotion that a tear engenders!
LE BRET:
Never be sad! What's love?a chance of Fortune!
CYRANO (shaking his head):
Look I a Caesar to woo Cleopatra?
A Tito to aspire to Berenice?
LE BRET:
Your courage and your wit!The little maid
Who offered you refreshment even now,
Her eyes did not abhor youyou saw well!
CYRANO (impressed):
True!
LE BRET:
Well, how then?. . .I saw Roxane herself
Was deathpale as she watched the duel.
CYRANO:
Pale?
LE BRET:
Her heart, her fancy, are already caught!
Put it to th' touch!
CYRANO:
That she may mock my face?
That is the one thing on this earth I fear!
THE PORTER (introducing some one to Cyrano):
Sir, some one asks for you. . .
CYRANO (seeing the duenna):
God! her duenna!
Scene 1.VI.
Cyrano, Le Bret, the duenna.
THE DUENNA (with a low bow):
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I was bid ask you where a certain lady
Could see her valiant cousinbut in secret.
CYRANO (overwhelmed):
See me?
THE DUENNA (courtesying):
Ay, Sir! She has somewhat to tell.
CYRANO:
Somewhat?. . .
THE DUENNA (still courtesying):
Ay, private matters!
CYRANO (staggering):
Ah, my God!
THE DUENNA:
Tomorrow, at the early blush of dawn,
We go to hear mass at St. Roch.
CYRANO (leaning against Le Bret):
My God!
THE DUENNA:
Afterwhat place for a few minutes' speech?
CYRANO (confused):
Where? Ah!. . .but. . .Ah, my God!. . .
THE DUENNA:
Say!
CYRANO:
I reflect!. . .
THE DUENNA:
Where?
CYRANO:
Atthe pastryhouse of Ragueneau.
THE DUENNA:
Where lodges he?
CYRANO:
The RueGod!St. Honore!
THE DUENNA (going):
Good. Be you there. At seven.
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Act I. 42
Page No 45
CYRANO:
Without fail.
(The duenna goes out.)
Scene 1.VII.
Cyrano, Le Bret. Then actors, actresses, Cuigy, Brissaille, Ligniere, the
porter, the violinists.
CYRANO (falling into Le Bret's arms):
A rendezvous. . .from her!. . .
LE BRET:
You're sad no more!
CYRANO:
Ah! Let the world go burn! She knows I live!
LE BRET:
Now you'll be calm, I hope?
CYRANO (beside himself for joy):
Calm? I now calm?
I'll be frenetic, frantic,raving mad!
Oh, for an army to attack!a host!
I've ten hearts in my breast; a score of arms;
No dwarfs to cleave in twain!. . .
(Wildly):
No! Giants now!
(For a few moments the shadows of the actors have been moving on the stage,
whispers are heardthe rehearsal is beginning. The violinists are in their
places.)
A VOICE FROM THE STAGE:
Hollo there! Silence! We rehearse!
CYRANO (laughing):
We go!
(He moves away. By the big door enter Cuigy, Brissaille, and some officers,
holding up Ligniere, who is drunk.)
CUIGY:
Cyrano!
CYRANO:
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Well, what now?
CUIGY:
A lusty thrush
They're bringing you!
CYRANO (recognizing him):
Ligniere!. . .What has chanced?
CUIGY:
He seeks you!
BRISSAILLE:
He dare not go home!
CYRANO:
Why not?
LIGNIERE (in a husky voice, showing him a crumpled letter):
This letter warns me. . .that a hundred men. . .
Revenge that threatens me. . .that song, you know
At the Porte de Nesle. To get to my own house
I must pass there. . .I dare not!. . .Give me leave
To sleep tonight beneath your roof! Allow. . .
CYRANO:
A hundred men? You'll sleep in your own bed!
LIGNIERE (frightened):
But
CYRANO (in a terrible voice, showing him the lighted lantern held by the
porter, who is listening curiously):
Take the lantern.
(Ligniere seizes it):
Let us start! I swear
That I will make your bed tonight myself!
(To the officers):
Follow; some stay behind, as witnesses!
CUIGY:
A hundred!. . .
CYRANO:
Less, tonightwould be too few!
(The actors and actresses, in their costumes, have come down from the stage,
and are listening.)
LE BRET:
But why embroil yourself?
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Act I. 44
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CYRANO:
Le Bret who scolds!
LE BRET:
That worthless drunkard!
CYRANO (slapping Ligniere on the shoulder):
Wherefore? For this cause;
This winebarrel, this cask of Burgundy,
Did, on a day, an action full of grace;
As he was leaving church, he saw his love
Take holy waterhe, who is affeared
At water's taste, ran quickly to the stoup,
And drank it all, to the last drop!. . .
AN ACTRESS:
Indeed, that was a graceful thing!
CYRANO:
Ay, was it not?
THE ACTRESS (to the others):
But why a hundred men 'gainst one poor rhymer?
CYRANO:
March!
(To the officers):
Gentlemen, when you shall see me charge,
Bear me no succor, none, whate'er the odds!
ANOTHER ACTRESS (jumping from the stage):
Oh! I shall come and see!
CYRANO:
Come, then!
ANOTHER (jumping downto an old actor):
And you?. . .
CYRANO:
Come allthe Doctor, Isabel, Leander,
Come, for you shall add, in a motley swarm,
The farce Italian to this Spanish drama!
ALL THE WOMEN (dancing for joy):
Bravo!a mantle, quick!my hood!
JODELET:
Come on!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act I. 45
Page No 48
CYRANO:
Play us a march, gentlemen of the band!
(The violinists join the procession, which is forming. They take the
footlights, and divide them for torches):
Brave officers! next, women in costume,
And, twenty paces on
(He takes his place):
I all alone,
Beneath the plume that Glory lends, herself,
To deck my beaverproud as Scipio!. . .
You hear me?I forbid you succor me!
One, two three! Porter, open wide the doors!
(The porter opens the doors; a view of old Paris in the moonlight is seen):
Ah!. . .Paris wrapped in night! half nebulous:
The moonlight streams o'er the blueshadowed roofs;
A lovely frame for this wild battlescene;
Beneath the vapor's floating scarves, the Seine
Trembles, mysterious, like a magic mirror,
And, shortly, you shall see what you shall see!
ALL:
To the Porte de Nesle!
CYRANO (standing on the threshold):
Ay, to the Porte de Nesle!
(Turning to the actress):
Did you not ask, young lady, for what cause
Against this rhymer fivescore men were sent?
(He draws his sword; then, calmly):
'Twas that they knew him for a friend of mine!
(He goes out. Ligniere staggers first after him, then the actresses on the
officers' armsthe actors. The procession starts to the sound of the violins
and in the faint light of the candles.)
Curtain.
Act II.
The Poet's EatingHouse.
Ragueneau's cook and pastryshop. A large kitchen at the corner of the Rue
St. Honore and the Rue de l'Arbre Sec, which are seen in the background
through the glass door, in the gray dawn.
On the left, in the foreground, a counter, surmounted by a stand in forged
iron, on which are hung geese, ducks, and water peacocks. In great china
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vases are tall bouquets of simple flowers, principally yellow sunflowers.
On the same side, farther back, an immense open fireplace, in front of which,
between monster firedogs, on each of which hangs a little saucepan; the roasts
are dripping into the pans.
On the right, foreground with door.
Farther back, staircase leading to a little room under the roof, the entrance
of which is visible through the open shutter. In this room a table is laid.
A small Flemish luster is alight. It is a place for eating and drinking. A
wooden gallery, continuing the staircase, apparently leads to other similar
little rooms.
In the middle of the shop an iron hoop is suspended from the ceiling by a
string with which it can be drawn up and down, and big game is hung around it.
The ovens in the darkness under the stairs give forth a red glow. The copper
pans shine. The spits are turning. Heaps of food formed into pyramids. Hams
suspended. It is the busy hour of the morning. Bustle and hurry of
scullions, fat cooks, and diminutive apprentices, their caps profusely
decorated with cock's feathers and wings of guineafowl.
On metal and wicker plates they are bringing in piles of cakes and tarts.
Tables laden with rolls and dishes of food. Other tables surrounded with
chairs are ready for the consumers.
A small table in a corner covered with papers, at which Ragueneau is seated
writing on the rising of the curtain.
Scene 2.I.
Ragueneau, pastrycooks, then Lise. Ragueneau is writing, with an inspired
air, at a small table, and counting on his fingers.
FIRST PASTRYCOOK (bringing in an elaborate fancy dish):
Fruits in nougat!
SECOND PASTRYCOOK (bringing another dish):
Custard!
THIRD PASTRYCOOK (bringing a roast, decorated with feathers):
Peacock!
FOURTH PASTRYCOOK (bringing a batch of cakes on a slab):
Rissoles!
FIFTH PASTRYCOOK (bringing a sort of piedish):
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Beef jelly!
RAGUENEAU (ceasing to write, and raising his head):
Aurora's silver rays begin to glint e'en now on the copper pans, and thou, O
Ragueneau! must perforce stifle in thy breast the God of Song! Anon shall
come the hour of the lute!now 'tis the hour of the oven!
(He rises. To a cook):
You, make that sauce longer, 'tis too short!
THE COOK:
How much too short?
RAGUENEAU:
Three feet.
(He passes on farther.)
THE COOK:
What means he?
FIRST PASTRYCOOK (showing a dish to Ragueneau):
The tart!
SECOND PASTRYCOOK:
The pie!
RAGUENEAU (before the fire):
My muse, retire, lest thy bright eyes be reddened by the fagot's blaze!
(To a cook, showing him some loaves):
You have put the cleft o' th' loaves in the wrong place; know you not that
the coesura should be between the hemistiches?
(To another, showing him an unfinished pasty):
To this palace of paste you must add the roof. . .
(To a young apprentice, who, seated on the ground, is spitting the fowls):
And you, as you put on your lengthy spit the modest fowl and the superb
turkey, my son, alternate them, as the old Malherbe loved well to alternate
his long lines of verse with the short ones; thus shall your roasts, in
strophes, turn before the flame!
ANOTHER APPRENTICE (also coming up with a tray covered by a napkin):
Master, I bethought me erewhile of your tastes, and made this, which will
please you, I hope.
(He uncovers the tray, and shows a large lyre made of pastry.)
RAGUENEAU (enchanted):
A lyre!
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Act II. 48
Page No 51
THE APPRENTICE:
'Tis of brioche pastry.
RAGUENEAU (touched):
With conserved fruits.
THE APPRENTICE:
The strings, see, are of sugar.
RAGUENEAU (giving him a coin):
Go, drink my health!
(Seeing Lise enter):
Hush! My wife. Bustle, pass on, and hide that money!
(To Lise, showing her the lyre, with a conscious look):
Is it not beautiful?
LISE:
'Tis passing silly!
(She puts a pile of papers on the counter.)
RAGUENEAU:
Bags? Good. I thank you.
(He looks at them):
Heavens! my cherished leaves! The poems of my friends! Torn, dismembered,
to make bags for holding biscuits and cakes!. . .Ah, 'tis the old tale again.
. .Orpheus and the Bacchantes!
LISE (dryly):
And am I not free to turn at last to some use the sole thing that your
wretched scribblers of halting lines leave behind them by way of payment?
RAGUENEAU:
Groveling ant!. . .Insult not the divine grasshoppers, the sweet singers!
LISE:
Before you were the sworn comrade of all that crew, my friend, you did not
call your wife ant and Bacchante!
RAGUENEAU:
To turn fair verse to such a use!
LISE:
'Faith, 'tis all it's good for.
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Act II. 49
Page No 52
RAGUENEAU:
Pray then, madam, to what use would you degrade prose?
Scene 2.II.
The same. Two children, who have just trotted into the shop.
RAGUENEAU:
What would you, little ones?
FIRST CHILD:
Three pies.
RAGUENEAU (serving them):
See, hot and well browned.
SECOND CHILD:
If it please you, Sir, will you wrap them up for us?
RAGUENEAU (aside, distressed):
Alas! one of my bags!
(To the children):
What? Must I wrap them up?
(He takes a bag, and just as he is about to put in the pies, he reads):
'Ulysses thus, on leaving fair Penelope. . .'
Not that one!
(He puts it aside, and takes another, and as he is about to put in the pies,
he reads):
'The goldlocked Phoebus. . .'
Nay, nor that one!. . .
(Same play.)
LISE (impatiently):
What are you dallying for?
RAGUENEAU:
Here! here! here
(He chooses a third, resignedly):
The sonnet to Phillis!. . .but 'tis hard to part with it!
LISE:
By good luck he has made up his mind at last!
(Shrugging her shoulders):
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Act II. 50
Page No 53
Nicodemus!
(She mounts on a chair, and begins to range plates on a dresser.)
RAGUENEAU (taking advantage of the moment she turns her back, calls back the
children, who are already at the door):
Hist! children!. . .render me back the sonnet to Phillis, and you shall have
six pies instead of three.
(The children give him back the bag, seize the cakes quickly, and go out.)
RAGUENEAU (smoothing out the paper, begins to declaim):
'Phillis!. . .' On that sweet name a smear of butter! 'Phillis!. . .'
(Cyrano enters hurriedly.)
Scene 2.III.
Ragueneau, Lise, Cyrano, then the musketeer.
CYRANO:
What's o'clock?
RAGUENEAU (bowing low):
Six o'clock.
CYRANO (with emotion):
In one hour's time!
(He paces up and down the shop.)
RAGUENEAU (following him):
Bravo! I saw. . .
CYRANO:
Well, what saw you, then?
RAGUENEAU:
Your combat!. . .
CYRANO:
Which?
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Act II. 51
Page No 54
RAGUENEAU:
That in the Burgundy Hotel, 'faith!
CYRANO (contemptuously):
Ah!. . .the duel!
RAGUENEAU (admiringly):
Ay! the duel in verse!. . .
LISE:
He can talk of naught else!
CYRANO:
Well! Good! let be!
RAGUENEAU (making passes with a spit that he catches up):
'At the envoi's end, I touch!. . .At the envoi's end, I touch!'. . .'Tis
fine, fine!
(With increasing enthusiasm):
'At the envoi's end'
CYRANO:
What hour is it now, Ragueneau?
RAGUENEAU (stopping short in the act of thrusting to look at the clock):
Five minutes after six!. . .'I touch!'
(He straightens himself):
. . .Oh! to write a ballade!
LISE (to Cyrano, who, as he passes by the counter, has absently shaken hands
with her):
What's wrong with your hand?
CYRANO:
Naught; a slight cut.
RAGUENEAU:
Have you been in some danger?
CYRANO:
None in the world.
LISE (shaking her finger at him):
Methinks you speak not the truth in saying that!
CYRANO:
Did you see my nose quiver when I spoke? 'Faith, it must have been a
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monstrous lie that should move it!
(Changing his tone):
I wait some one here. Leave us alone, and disturb us for naught an it were
not for crack of doom!
RAGUENEAU:
But 'tis impossible; my poets are coming. . .
LISE (ironically):
Oh, ay, for their first meal o' the day!
CYRANO:
Prythee, take them aside when I shall make you sign to do so. . .What's
o'clock?
RAGUENEAU:
Ten minutes after six.
CYRANO (nervously seating himself at Ragueneau's table, and drawing some paper
toward him):
A pen!. . .
RAGUENEAU (giving him the one from behind his ear):
Herea swan's quill.
A MUSKETEER (with fierce mustache, enters, and in a stentorian voice):
Goodday!
(Lise goes up to him quickly.)
CYRANO (turning round):
Who's that?
RAGUENEAU:
'Tis a friend of my wifea terrible warriorat least so says he himself.
CYRANO (taking up the pen, and motioning Ragueneau away):
Hush!
(To himself):
I will write, fold it, give it her, and fly!
(Throws down the pen):
Coward!. . .But strike me dead if I dare to speak to her,. . .ay, even one
single word!
(To Ragueneau):
What time is it?
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Act II. 53
Page No 56
RAGUENEAU:
A quarter after six!. . .
CYRANO (striking his breast):
Aya single word of all those here! here! But writing, 'tis easier done. .
.
(He takes up the pen):
Go to, I will write it, that loveletter! Oh! I have writ it and rewrit it
in my own mind so oft that it lies there ready for pen and ink; and if I lay
but my soul by my lettersheet, 'tis naught to do but to copy from it.
(He writes. Through the glass of the door the silhouettes of their figures
move uncertainly and hesitatingly.)
Scene 2.IV.
Ragueneau, Lise, the musketeer. Cyrano at the little table writing. The
poets, dressed in black, their stockings ungartered, and covered with mud.
LISE (entering, to Ragueneau):
Here they come, your mudbespattered friends!
FIRST POET (entering, to Ragueneau):
Brother in art!. . .
SECOND POET (to Ragueneau, shaking his hands):
Dear brother!
THIRD POET:
High soaring eagle among pastrycooks!
(He sniffs):
Marry! it smells good here in your eyrie!
FOURTH POET:
'Tis at Phoebus' own rays that thy roasts turn!
FIFTH POET:
Apollo among mastercooks
RAGUENEAU (whom they surround and embrace):
Ah! how quick a man feels at his ease with them!. . .
FIRST POET:
We were stayed by the mob; they are crowded all round the Porte de Nesle!. .
.
SECOND POET:
Eight bleeding brigand carcasses strew the pavements thereall slit open
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Act II. 54
Page No 57
with swordgashes!
CYRANO (raising his head a minute):
Eight?. . .hold, methought seven.
(He goes on writing.)
RAGUENEAU (to Cyrano):
Know you who might be the hero of the fray?
CYRANO (carelessly):
Not I.
LISE (to the musketeer):
And you? Know you?
THE MUSKETEER (twirling his mustache):
Maybe!
CYRANO (writing a little way off:he is heard murmuring a word from time to
time):
'I love thee!'
FIRST POET:
'Twas one man, say they all, ay, swear to it, one man who, singlehanded,
put the whole band to the rout!
SECOND POET:
'Twas a strange sight!pikes and cudgels strewed thick upon the ground.
CYRANO (writing):
. . .'Thine eyes'. . .
THIRD POET:
And they were picking up hats all the way to the Quai d'Orfevres!
FIRST POET:
Sapristi! but he must have been a ferocious. . .
CYRANO (same play):
. . .'Thy lips'. . .
FIRST POET:
'Twas a parlous fearsome giant that was the author of such exploits!
CYRANO (same play):
. . .'And when I see thee come, I faint for fear.'
SECOND POET (filching a cake):
What hast rhymed of late, Ragueneau?
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Act II. 55
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CYRANO (same play):
. . .'Who worships thee'. . .
(He stops, just as he is about to sign, and gets up, slipping the letter into
his doublet):
No need I sign, since I give it her myself.
RAGUENEAU (to second poet):
I have put a recipe into verse.
THIRD POET (seating himself by a plate of creampuffs):
Go to! Let us hear these verses!
FOURTH POET (looking at a cake which he has taken):
Its cap is all a' one side!
(He makes one bite of the top.)
FIRST POET:
See how this gingerbread woos the famished rhymer with its almond eyes, and
its eyebrows of angelica!
(He takes it.)
SECOND POET:
We listen.
THIRD POET (squeezing a creampuff gently):
How it laughs! Till its very cream runs over!
SECOND POET (biting a bit off the great lyre of pastry):
This is the first time in my life that ever I drew any means of nourishing
me from the lyre!
RAGUENEAU (who has put himself ready for reciting, cleared his throat, settled
his cap, struck an attitude):
A recipe in verse!. . .
SECOND POET (to first, nudging him):
You are breakfasting?
FIRST POET (to second):
And you dining, methinks.
RAGUENEAU:
How almond tartlets are made.
Beat your eggs up, light and quick;
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Act II. 56
Page No 59
Froth them thick;
Mingle with them while you beat
Juice of lemon, essence fine;
Then combine
The burst milk of almonds sweet.
Circle with a custard paste
The slim waist
Of your tartletmolds; the top
With a skillful finger print,
Nick and dint,
Round their edge, then, drop by drop,
In its little dainty bed
Your cream shed:
In the oven place each mold:
Reappearing, softly browned,
The renowned
Almond tartlets you behold!
THE POETS (with mouths crammed full):
Exquisite! Delicious!
A POET (choking):
Homph!
(They go up, eating.)
CYRANO (who has been watching, goes toward Ragueneau):
Lulled by your voice, did you see how they were stuffing themselves?
RAGUENEAU (in a low voice, smiling):
Oh, ay! I see well enough, but I never will seem to look, fearing to
distress them; thus I gain a double pleasure when I recite to them my poems;
for I leave those poor fellows who have not breakfasted free to eat, even
while I gratify my own dearest foible, see you?
CYRANO (clapping him on the shoulder):
Friend, I like you right well!. . .
(Ragueneau goes after his friends. Cyrano follows him with his eyes, then,
rather sharply):
Ho there! Lise!
(Lise, who is talking tenderly to the musketeer, starts, and comes down toward
Cyrano):
So this fine captain is laying siege to you?
LISE (offended):
One haughty glance of my eye can conquer any man that should dare venture
aught 'gainst my virtue.
CYRANO:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 57
Page No 60
Pooh! Conquering eyes, methinks, are oft conquered eyes.
LISE (choking with anger):
But
CYRANO (incisively):
I like Ragueneau well, and somark me, Dame LiseI permit not that he be
rendered a laughingstock by any. . .
LISE:
But. . .
CYRANO (who has raised his voice so as to be heard by the gallant):
A word to the wise. . .
(He bows to the musketeer, and goes to the doorway to watch, after looking at
the clock.)
LISE (to the musketeer, who has merely bowed in answer to Cyrano's bow):
How now? Is this your courage?. . .Why turn you not a jest on his nose?
THE MUSKETEER:
On his nose?. . .ay, ay. . .his nose.
(He goes quickly farther away; Lise follows him.)
CYRANO (from the doorway, signing to Ragueneau to draw the poets away):
Hist!. . .
RAGUENEAU (showing them the door on the right):
We shall be more private there. . .
CYRANO (impatiently):
Hist! Hist!. . .
RAGUENEAU (drawing them farther):
To read poetry, 'tis better here. . .
FIRST POET (despairingly, with his mouth full):
What! leave the cakes?. . .
SECOND POET:
Never! Let's take them with us!
(They all follow Ragueneau in procession, after sweeping all the cakes off the
trays.)
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 58
Page No 61
Scene 2.V.
Cyrano, Roxane, the duenna.
CYRANO:
Ah! if I see but the faint glimmer of hope, then I draw out my letter!
(Roxane, masked, followed by the duenna, appears at the glass pane of the
door. He opens quickly):
Enter!. . .
(Walking up to the duenna):
Two words with you, Duenna.
THE DUENNA:
Four, Sir, an it like you.
CYRANO:
Are you fond of sweet things?
THE DUENNA:
Ay, I could eat myself sick on them!
CYRANO (catching up some of the paper bags from the counter):
Good. See you these two sonnets of Monsieur Beuserade. . .
THE DUENNA:
Hey?
CYRANO:
. . .Which I fill for you with cream cakes!
THE DUENNA (changing her expression):
Ha.
CYRANO:
What say you to the cake they call a little puff?
THE DUENNA:
If made with cream, Sir, I love them passing well.
CYRANO:
Here I plunge six for your eating into the bosom of a poem by Saint Amant!
And in these verses of Chapelain I glide a lighter morsel. Stay, love you hot
cakes?
THE DUENNA:
Ay, to the core of my heart!
CYRANO (filling her arms with the bags):
Pleasure me then; go eat them all in the street.
THE DUENNA:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 59
Page No 62
But. . .
CYRANO (pushing her out):
And come not back till the very last crumb be eaten!
(He shuts the door, comes down toward Roxane, and, uncovering, stands at a
respectful distance from her.)
Scene 2.VI.
Cyrano, Roxane.
CYRANO:
Blessed be the moment when you condescend
Remembering that humbly I exist
To come to meet me, and to say. . .to tell?. . .
ROXANE (who has unmasked):
To thank you first of all. That dandy count,
Whom you checkmated in brave swordplay
Last night,. . .he is the man whom a great lord,
Desirous of my favor. . .
CYRANO:
Ha, De Guiche?
ROXANE (casting down her eyes):
Sought to impose on me. . .for husband. . .
CYRANO:
Ay! Husband!dupehusband!. . .Husband a la mode!
(Bowing):
Then I fought, happy chance! sweet lady, not
For my ill favorbut your favors fair!
ROXANE:
Confession next!. . .But, ere I make my shrift,
You must be once again that brotherfriend
With whom I used to play by the lakeside!. . .
CYRANO:
Ay, you would come each spring to Bergerac!
ROXANE:
Mind you the reeds you cut to make your swords?. . .
CYRANO:
While you wove cornstraw plaits for your dolls' hair!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 60
Page No 63
ROXANE:
Those were the days of games!. . .
CYRANO:
And blackberries!. . .
ROXANE:
In those days you did everything I bid!. . .
CYRANO:
Roxane, in her short frock, was Madeleine. . .
ROXANE:
Was I fair then?
CYRANO:
You were not ill to see!
ROXANE:
Ofttimes, with hands all bloody from a fall,
You'd run to me! Thenaping motherways
I, in a voice wouldbe severe, would chide,
(She takes his hand):
'What is this scratch, again, that I see here?'
(She starts, surprised):
Oh! 'Tis too much! What's this?
(Cyrano tries to draw away his hand):
No, let me see!
At your age, fie! Where did you get that scratch?
CYRANO:
I got itplaying at the Porte de Nesle.
ROXANE (seating herself by the table, and dipping her handkerchief in a glass
of water):
Give here!
CYRANO (sitting by her):
So soft! so gay maternalsweet!
ROXANE:
And tell me, while I wipe away the blood,
How many 'gainst you?
CYRANO:
Oh! A hundrednear.
ROXANE:
Come, tell me!
CYRANO:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 61
Page No 64
No, let be. But you, come tell
The thing, just now, you dared not. . .
ROXANE (keeping his hand):
Now, I dare!
The scent of those old days emboldens me!
Yes, now I dare. Listen. I am in love.
CYRANO:
Ah!. . .
ROXANE:
But with one who knows not.
CYRANO:
Ah!. . .
ROXANE:
Not yet.
CYRANO:
Ah!. . .
ROXANE:
But who, if he knows not, soon shall learn.
CYRANO:
Ah!. . .
ROXANE:
A poor youth who all this time has loved
Timidly, from afar, and dares not speak. . .
CYRANO:
Ah!. . .
ROXANE:
Leave your hand; why, it is feverhot!
But I have seen love trembling on his lips.
CYRANO:
Ah!. . .
ROXANE (bandaging his hand with her handkerchief):
And to think of it! that he by chance
Yes, cousin, he is of your regiment!
CYRANO:
Ah!. . .
ROXANE (laughing):
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 62
Page No 65
Is cadet in your own company!
CYRANO:
Ah!. . .
ROXANE:
On his brow he bears the geniusstamp;
He is proud, noble, young, intrepid, fair. . .
CYRANO (rising suddenly, very pale):
Fair!
ROXANE:
Why, what ails you?
CYRANO:
Nothing; 'tis. . .
(He shows his hand, smiling):
This scratch!
ROXANE:
I love him; all is said. But you must know
I have only seen him at the Comedy. . .
CYRANO:
How? You have never spoken?
ROXANE:
Eyes can speak.
CYRANO:
How know you then that he. . .?
ROXANE:
Oh! people talk
'Neath the limes in the Place Royale. . .
Gossip's chat
Has let me know. . .
CYRANO:
He is cadet?
ROXANE:
In the Guards.
CYRANO:
His name?
ROXANE:
Baron Christian de Neuvillette.
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 63
Page No 66
CYRANO:
How now?. . .He is not of the Guards!
ROXANE:
Today
He is not join your ranks, under Captain
Carbon de CastelJaloux.
CYRANO:
Ah, how quick,
How quick the heart has flown!. . .But, my poor child. . .
THE DUENNA (opening the door):
The cakes are eaten, Monsieur Bergerac!
CYRANO:
Then read the verses printed on the bags!
(She goes out):
. . .My poor child, you who love but flowing words,
Bright wit,what if he be a lout unskilled?
ROXANE:
No, his bright locks, like D'Urfe's heroes. . .
CYRANO:
Ah!
A wellcurled pate, and witless tongue, perchance!
ROXANE:
Ah no! I guessI feelhis words are fair!
CYRANO:
All words are fair that lurk 'neath fair mustache!
Suppose he were a fool!. . .
ROXANE (stamping her foot):
Then bury me!
CYRANO (after a pause):
Was it to tell me this you brought me here?
I fail to see what use this serves, Madame.
ROXANE:
Nay, but I felt a terror, here, in the heart,
On learning yesterday you were Gascons
All of your company. . .
CYRANO:
And we provoke
All beardless sprigs that favor dares admit
'Midst us pure Gascons(pure! Heaven save the mark!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 64
Page No 67
They told you that as well?
ROXANE:
Ah! Think how I
Trembled for him!
CYRANO (between his teeth):
Not causelessly!
ROXANE:
But when
Last night I saw you,brave, invincible,
Punish that dandy, fearless hold your own
Against those brutes, I thoughtI thought, if he
Whom all fear, allif he would only. . .
CYRANO:
Good.
I will befriend your little Baron.
ROXANE:
Ah!
You'll promise me you will do this for me?
I've always held you as a tender friend.
CYRANO:
Ay, ay.
ROXANE:
Then you will be his friend?
CYRANO:
I swear!
ROXANE:
And he shall fight no duels, promise!
CYRANO:
None.
ROXANE:
You are kind, cousin! Now I must be gone.
(She puts on her mask and veil quickly; then, absently):
You have not told me of your last night's fray.
Ah, but it must have been a herofight!. . .
Bid him to write.
(She sends him a kiss with her fingers):
How good you are!
CYRANO:
Ay! Ay!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 65
Page No 68
ROXANE:
A hundred men against you? Now, farewell.
We are great friends?
CYRANO:
Ay, ay!
ROXANE:
Oh, bid him write!
You'll tell me all one dayA hundred men!
Ah, brave!. . .How brave!
CYRANO (bowing to her):
I have fought better since.
(She goes out. Cyrano stands motionless, with eyes on the ground. A silence.
The door (right) opens. Ragueneau looks in.)
Scene 2.VII.
Cyrano, Ragueneau, poets, Carbon de CastelJaloux, the cadets, a crowd, then
De Guiche.
RAGUENEAU:
Can we come in?
CYRANO (without stirring):
Yes. . .
(Ragueneau signs to his friends, and they come in. At the same time, by door
at back, enters Carbon de CastelJaloux, in Captain's uniform. He makes
gestures of surprise on seeing Cyrano.)
CARBON:
Here he is!
CYRANO (raising his head):
Captain!. . .
CARBON (delightedly):
Our hero! We heard all! Thirty or more
Of my cadets are there!. . .
CYRANO (shrinking back):
But. . .
CARBON (trying to draw him away):
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 66
Page No 69
Come with me!
They will not rest until they see you!
CYRANO:
No!
CARBON:
They're drinking opposite, at The Bear's Head.
CYRANO:
I. . .
CARBON (going to the door and calling across the street in a voice of
thunder):
He won't come! The hero's in the sulks!
A VOICE (outside):
Ah! Sandious!
(Tumult outside. Noise of boots and swords is heard approaching.)
CARBON (rubbing his hands):
They are running 'cross the street!
CADETS (entering):
Mille dious! Capdedious! Pocapdedious!
RAGUENEAU (drawing back startled):
Gentlemen, are you all from Gascony?
THE CADETS:
All!
A CADET (to Cyrano):
Bravo!
CYRANO:
Baron!
ANOTHER (shaking his hands):
Vivat!
CYRANO:
Baron!
THIRD CADET:
Come!
I must embrace you!
CYRANO:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 67
Page No 70
Baron!
SEVERAL GASCONS:
We'll embrace
Him, all in turn!
CYRANO (not knowing whom to reply to):
Baron!. . .Baron!. . .I beg. . .
RAGUENEAU:
Are you all Barons, Sirs?
THE CADETS:
Ay, every one!
RAGUENEAU:
Is it true?. . .
FIRST CADET:
Aywhy, you could build a tower
With nothing but our coronets, my friend!
LE BRET (entering, and running up to Cyrano):
They're looking for you! Here's a crazy mob
Led by the men who followed you last night. . .
CYRANO (alarmed):
What! Have you told them where to find me?
LE BRET (rubbing his hands):
Yes!
A BURGHER (entering, followed by a group of men):
Sir, all the Marais is acoming here!
(Outside the street has filled with people. Chaises a porteurs and carriages
have drawn up.)
LE BRET (in a low voice, smiling, to Cyrano):
And Roxane?
CYRANO (quickly):
Hush!
THE CROWD (calling outside):
Cyrano!. . .
(A crowd rush into the shop, pushing one another. Acclamations.)
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 68
Page No 71
RAGUENEAU (standing on a table):
Lo! my shop
Invaded! They break all! Magnificent!
PEOPLE (crowding round Cyrano):
My friend!. . .my friend. . .
Cyrano:
Meseems that yesterday
I had not all these friends!
LE BRET (delighted):
Success!
A YOUNG MARQUIS (hurrying up with his hands held out):
My friend,
Didst thou but know. . .
CYRANO:
Thou!. . .Marry!. . .thou!. . .Pray when
Did we herd swine together, you and I!
ANOTHER:
I would present you, Sir, to some fair dames
Who in my carriage yonder. . .
CYRANO (coldly):
Ah! and who
Will first present you, Sir, to me?
LE BRET (astonished):
What's wrong?
CYRANO:
Hush!
A MAN OF LETTERS (with writingboard):
A few details?. . .
CYRANO:
No.
LE BRET (nudging his elbow):
'Tis Theophrast,
Renaudet,. . .of the 'Court Gazette'!
CYRANO:
Who cares?
LE BRET:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 69
Page No 72
This paperbut it is of great importance!. . .
They say it will be an immense success!
A POET (advancing):
Sir. . .
CYRANO:
What, another!
THE POET:
. . .Pray permit I make
A pentacrostic on your name. . .
SOME ONE (also advancing):
Pray, Sir. . .
CYRANO:
Enough! Enough!
(A movement in the crowd. De Guiche appears, escorted by officers. Cuigy,
Brissaille, the officers who went with Cyrano the night before. Cuigy comes
rapidly up to Cyrano.)
CUIGY (to Cyrano):
Here is Monsieur de Guiche?
(A murmurevery one makes way):
He comes from the Marshal of Gassion!
DE GUICHE (bowing to Cyrano):
. . .Who would express his admiration, Sir,
For your new exploit noised so loud abroad.
THE CROWD:
Bravo!
CYRANO (bowing):
The Marshal is a judge of valor.
DE GUICHE:
He could not have believed the thing, unless
These gentlemen had sworn they witnessed it.
CUIGY:
With our own eyes!
LE BRET (aside to Cyrano, who has an absent air):
But. . .you. . .
CYRANO:
Hush!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 70
Page No 73
LE BRET:
But. . .You suffer?
CYRANO (starting):
Before this rabble?I?. . .
(He draws himself up, twirls his mustache, and throws back his shoulders):
Wait!. . .You shall see!
DE GUICHE (to whom Cuigy has spoken in a low voice):
In feats of arms, already your career
Abounded.You serve with those crazy pates
Of Gascons?
CYRANO:
Ay, with the Cadets.
A CADET (in a terrible voice):
With us!
DE GUICHE (looking at the cadets, ranged behind Cyrano):
Ah!. . .All these gentlemen of haughty mien,
Are they the famous?. . .
CARBON:
Cyrano!
CYRANO:
Ay, Captain!
CARBON:
Since all my company's assembled here,
Pray favor me,present them to my lord!
CYRANO (making two steps toward De Guiche):
My Lord de Guiche, permit that I present
(pointing to the cadets):
The bold Cadets of Gascony,
Of Carbon of CastelJaloux!
Brawling and swaggering boastfully,
The bold Cadets of Gascony!
Spouting of Armory, Heraldry,
Their veins abrimming with blood so blue,
The bold Cadets of Gascony,
Of Carbon of CastelJaloux:
Eagleeye, and spindleshanks,
Fierce mustache, and wolfish tooth!
Slashtherabble and scattertheirranks;
Eagleeye and spindleshanks,
With a flaming feather that gayly pranks,
Hiding the holes in their hats, forsooth!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 71
Page No 74
Eagleeye and spindleshanks,
Fierce mustache, and wolfish tooth!
'PinkyourDoublet' and 'SlityourTrunk'
Are their gentlest sobriquets;
With Fame and Glory their soul is drunk!
'PinkyourDoublet' and 'SlityourTrunk,'
In brawl and skirmish they show their spunk,
Give rendezvous in broil and fray;
'PinkyourDoublet' and 'SlityourTrunk'
Are their gentlest sobriquets!
What, ho! Cadets of Gascony!
All jealous lovers are sport for you!
O Woman! dear divinity!
What, ho! Cadets of Gascony!
Whom scowling husbands quake to see.
Blow, 'taratara,' and cry 'Cuckoo.'
What, ho! Cadets of Gascony!
Husbands and lovers are game for you!
DE GUICHE (seated with haughty carelessness in an armchair brought quickly by
Ragueneau):
A poet! 'Tis the fashion of the hour!
Will you be mine?
CYRANO:
No, Sir,no man's!
DE GUICHE:
Last night
Your fancy pleased my uncle Richelieu.
I'll gladly say a word to him for you.
LE BRET (overjoyed):
Great Heavens!
DE GUICHE:
I imagine you have rhymed
Five acts, or so?
LE BRET (in Cyrano's ear):
Your play!your 'Agrippine!'
You'll see it staged at last!
DE GUICHE:
Take them to him.
CYRANO (beginning to be tempted and attracted):
In sooth,I would. . .
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 72
Page No 75
DE GUICHE:
He is a critic skilled:
He may correct a line or two, at most.
CYRANO (whose face stiffens at once):
Impossible! My blood congeals to think
That other hand should change a comma's dot.
DE GUICHE:
But when a verse approves itself to him
He pays it dear, good friend.
CYRANO:
He pays less dear
Than I myself; when a verse pleases me
I pay myself, and sing it to myself!
DE GUICHE:
You are proud.
CYRANO:
Really? You have noticed that?
A CADET (entering, with a string of old battered plumed beaver hats, full of
holes, slung on his sword):
See, Cyrano,this morning, on the quay
What strange brightfeathered game we caught!
The hats
O' the fugitives. . .
CARBON:
'Spolia opima!'
ALL (laughing):
Ah! ah! ah!
CUIGY:
He who laid that ambush, 'faith!
Must curse and swear!
BRISSAILLE:
Who was it?
DE GUICHE:
I myself.
(The laughter stops):
I charged themwork too dirty for my sword,
To punish and chastise a rhymster sot.
(Constrained silence.)
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 73
Page No 76
The CADET (in a low voice, to Cyrano, showing him the beavers):
What do with them? They're full of grease!a stew?
CYRANO (taking the sword and, with a salute, dropping the hats at De Guiche's
feet):
Sir, pray be good enough to render them
Back to your friends.
DE GUICHE (rising, sharply):
My chair therequick!I go!
(To Cyrano passionately):
As to you, sirrah!. . .
VOICE (in the street):
Porters for my lord De Guiche!
DE GUICHE (who has controlled himselfsmiling):
Have you read 'Don Quixote'?
CYRANO:
I have!
And doff my hat at th' mad knighterrant's name.
DE GUICHE:
I counsel you to study. . .
A PORTER (appearing at back):
My lord's chair!
DE GUICHE:
. . .The windmill chapter!
CYRANO (bowing):
Chapter the Thirteenth.
DE GUICHE:
For when one tilts 'gainst windmillsit may chance. . .
CYRANO:
Tilt I 'gainst those who change with every breeze?
DE GUICHE:
. . .That windmill sails may sweep you with their arm
Downin the mire!. . .
CYRANO:
Or upwardto the stars!
(De Guiche goes out, and mounts into his chair. The other lords go away
whispering together. Le Bret goes to the door with them. The crowd
disperses.)
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 74
Page No 77
Scene 2.VIII.
Cyrano, Le Bret, the cadets, who are eating and drinking at the tables right
and left.
CYRANO (bowing mockingly to those who go out without daring to salute him):
Gentlemen. . .Gentlemen. . .
LE BRET (coming back, despairingly):
Here's a fine coil!
CYRANO:
Oh! scold away!
LE BRET:
At least, you will agree
That to annihilate each chance of Fate
Exaggerates. . .
CYRANO:
Yes!I exaggerate!
LE BRET (triumphantly):
Ah!
CYRANO:
But for principleexample too,
I think 'tis well thus to exaggerate.
LE BRET:
Oh! lay aside that pride of musketeer,
Fortune and glory wait you!. . .
CYRANO:
Ay, and then?. . .
Seek a protector, choose a patron out,
And like the crawling ivy round a tree
That licks the bark to gain the trunk's support,
Climb high by creeping ruse instead of force?
No, grammercy! What! I, like all the rest
Dedicate verse to bankers?play buffoon
In cringing hope to see, at last, a smile
Not disapproving, on a patron's lips?
Grammercy, no! What! learn to swallow toads?
With frame aweary climbing stairs?a skin
Grown grimed and horny,here, about the knees?
And, acrobatlike, teach my back to bend?
No, grammercy! Or,doublefaced and sly
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 75
Page No 78
Run with the hare, while hunting with the hounds;
And, oilytongued, to win the oil of praise,
Flatter the great man to his very nose?
No, grammercy! Steal soft from lap to lap,
A little great man in a circle small,
Or navigate, with madrigals for sails,
Blown gently windward by old ladies' sighs?
No, grammercy! Bribe kindly editors
To spread abroad my verses? Grammercy!
Or try to be elected as the pope
Of taverncouncils held by imbeciles?
No, grammercy! Toil to gain reputation
By one small sonnet, 'stead of making many?
No, grammercy! Or flatter sorry bunglers?
Be terrorized by every prating paper?
Say ceaselessly, 'Oh, had I but the chance
Of a fair notice in the "Mercury"!'
Grammercy, no! Grow pale, fear, calculate?
Prefer to make a visit to a rhyme?
Seek introductions, draw petitions up?
No, grammercy! and no! and no again! Butsing?
Dream, laugh, go lightly, solitary, free,
With eyes that look straight forwardfearless voice!
To cock your beaver just the way you choose,
For 'yes' or 'no' show fight, or turn a rhyme!
To work without one thought of gain or fame,
To realize that journey to the moon!
Never to pen a line that has not sprung
Straight from the heart within. Embracing then
Modesty, say to oneself, 'Good my friend,
Be thou content with flowers,fruit,nay, leaves,
But pluck them from no garden but thine own!'
And then, if glory come by chance your way,
To pay no tribute unto Caesar, none,
But keep the merit all your own! In short,
Disdaining tendrils of the parasite,
To be content, if neither oak nor elm
Not to mount high, perchance, but mount alone!
LE BRET:
Alone, an if you will! But not with hand
'Gainst every man! How in the devil's name
Have you conceived this lunatic idea,
To make foes for yourself at every turn?
CYRANO:
By dint of seeing you at every turn
Make friends,and fawn upon your frequent friends
With mouth wide smiling, slit from ear to ear!
I pass, still unsaluted, joyfully,
And cry,What, ho! another enemy?
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 76
Page No 79
LE BRET:
Lunacy!
CYRANO:
Well, what if it be my vice,
My pleasure to displeaseto love men hate me!
Ah, friend of mine, believe me, I march better
'Neath the crossfire of glances inimical!
How droll the stains one sees on finelaced doublets,
From gall of envy, or the poltroon's drivel!
The enervating friendship which enfolds you
Is like an openlaced Italian collar,
Floating around your neck in woman's fashion;
One is at ease thus,but less proud the carriage!
The forehead, free from mainstay or coercion,
Bends here, there, everywhere. But I, embracing
Hatred, she lends,forbidding, stiffly fluted,
The ruff's starched folds that hold the head so rigid;
Each enemyanother folda gopher,
Who adds constraint, and adds a ray of glory;
For Hatred, like the ruff worn by the Spanish,
Grips like a vice, but frames you like a halo!
LE BRET (after a silence, taking his arm):
Speak proud aloud, and bitter!In my ear
Whisper me simply this,She loves thee not!
CYRANO (vehemently):
Hush!
(Christian has just entered, and mingled with the cadets, who do not speak to
him; he has seated himself at a table, where Lise serves him.)
Scene 2.IX.
Cyrano, Le Bret, the cadets, Christian de Neuvillette.
A CADET (seated at a table, glass in hand):
Cyrano!
(Cyrano turns round):
The story!
CYRANO:
In its time!
(He goes up on Le Bret's arm. They talk in low voices.)
THE CADET (rising and coming down):
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 77
Page No 80
The story of the fray! 'Twill lesson well
(He stops before the table where Christian is seated):
This timid young apprentice!
CHRISTIAN (raising his head):
'Prentice! Who?
ANOTHER CADET:
This sickly Northern greenhorn!
CHRISTIAN:
Sickly!
FIRST CADET (mockingly):
Hark!
Monsieur de Neuvillette, this in your ear:
There's somewhat here, one no more dares to name,
Than to say 'rope' to one whose sire was hanged!
CHRISTIAN:
What may that be?
ANOTHER CADET (in a terrible voice):
See here!
(He puts his finger three times, mysteriously, on his nose):
Do you understand?
CHRISTIAN:
Oh! 'tis the. . .
ANOTHER:
Hush! oh, never breathe that word,
Unless you'd reckon with him yonder!
(He points to Cyrano, who is talking with Le Bret.)
ANOTHER (who has meanwhile come up noiselessly to sit on the tablewhispering
behind him):
Hark!
He put two snuffling men to death, in rage,
For the sole reason they spoke through their nose!
ANOTHER (in a hollow voice, darting on allfours from under the table, where
he had crept):
And if you would not perish in flower o' youth,
Oh, mention not the fatal cartilage!
ANOTHER (clapping him on the shoulder):
A word? A gesture! For the indiscreet
His handkerchief may prove his windingsheet!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 78
Page No 81
(Silence. All, with crossed arms, look at Christian. He rises and goes over
to Carbon de CastelJaloux, who is talking to an officer, and feigns to see
nothing.)
CHRISTIAN:
Captain!
CARBON (turning and looking at him from head to foot):
Sir!
CHRISTIAN:
Pray, what skills it best to do
To Southerners who swagger?. . .
CARBON:
Give them proof
That one may be a Northerner, yet brave!
(He turns his back on him.)
CHRISTIAN:
I thank you.
FIRST CADET (to Cyrano):
Now the tale!
ALL:
The tale!
CYRANO (coming toward them):
The tale?. . .
(All bring their stools up, and group round him, listening eagerly. Christian
is astride a chair):
Well! I went all alone to meet the band.
The moon was shining, clocklike, full i' th' sky,
When, suddenly, some careful clockwright passed
A cloud of cottonwool across the case
That held this silver watch. And, presto! heigh!
The night was inky black, and all the quays
Were hidden in the murky dark. Gadsooks!
One could see nothing further. . .
CHRISTIAN:
Than one's nose!
(Silence. All slowly rise, looking in terror at Cyrano, who has stopped
dumfounded. Pause.)
CYRANO:
Who on God's earth is that?
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 79
Page No 82
A CADET (whispering):
It is a man
Who joined today.
CYRANO (making a step toward Christian):
Today?
CARBON (in a low voice):
Yes. . .his name is
The Baron de Neuvil. . .
CYRANO (checking himself):
Good! It is well. . .
(He turns pale, flushes, makes as if to fall on Christian):
I. . .
(He controls himself):
What said I?. . .
(With a burst of rage):
MORDIOUS!. . .
(Then continues calmly):
That it was dark.
(Astonishment. The cadets reseat themselves, staring at him):
On I went, thinking, 'For a knavish cause
I may provoke some great man, some great prince,
Who certainly could break'. . .
CHRISTIAN:
My nose!. . .
(Every one starts up. Christian balances on his chair.)
CYRANO (in a choked voice):
. . .'My teeth!
Who would break my teeth, and I, imprudentlike,
Was poking. . .'
CHRISTIAN:
My nose!. . .
CYRANO:
'My finger,. . .in the crack
Between the tree and bark! He may prove strong
And rap me. . .'
CHRISTIAN:
Over the nose. . .
CYRANO (wiping his forehead):
. . .'O' th' knuckles! Ay,'
But I cried, 'Forward, Gascon! Duty calls!
On, Cyrano!' And thus I ventured on. . .
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 80
Page No 83
When, from the shadow, came. . .
CHRISTIAN:
A crack o' th' nose.
CYRANO:
I parry itfind myself. . .
CHRISTIAN:
Nose to nose. . .
CYRANO (bounding on to him):
Heaven and earth!
(All the Gascons leap up to see, but when he is close to Christian he controls
himself and continues):
. . .With a hundred brawling sots,
Who stank. . .
CHRISTIAN:
A noseful. . .
CYRANO (white, but smiling):
Onions, brandycups!
I leapt out, head well down. . .
CHRISTIAN:
Nosing the wind!
CYRANO:
I charge!gore two, impale onerun him through,
One aims at mePaf! and I parry. . .
CHRISTIAN:
Pif!
CYRANO (bursting out):
Great God! Out! all of you!
(The cadets rush to the doors.)
FIRST CADET:
The tiger wakes!
CYRANO:
Every man, out! Leave me alone with him!
SECOND CADET:
We shall find him minced fine, minced into hash
In a big pasty!
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Act II. 81
Page No 84
RAGUENEAU:
I am turning pale,
And curl up, like a napkin, limp and white!
CARBON:
Let us be gone.
ANOTHER:
He will not leave a crumb!
ANOTHER:
I die of fright to think what will pass here!
ANOTHER (shutting door right):
Something too horrible!
(All have gone out by different doors, some by the staircase. Cyrano and
Christian are face to face, looking at each other for a moment.)
Scene 2.X.
Cyrano, Christian.
CYRANO:
Embrace me now!
CHRISTIAN:
Sir. . .
CYRANO:
You are brave.
CHRISTIAN:
Oh! but. . .
CYRANO:
Nay, I insist.
CHRISTIAN:
Pray tell me. . .
CYRANO:
Come, embrace! I am her brother.
CHRISTIAN:
Whose brother?
CYRANO:
Hers i' faith! Roxane's!
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Act II. 82
Page No 85
CHRISTIAN (rushing up to him):
O heavens!
Her brother. . .?
CYRANO:
Cousinbrother!. . .the same thing!
CHRISTIAN:
And she has told you. . .?
CYRANO:
All!
CHRISTIAN:
She loves me? say!
CYRANO:
Maybe!
CHRISTIAN (taking his hands):
How glad I am to meet you, Sir!
CYRANO:
That may be called a sudden sentiment!
CHRISTIAN:
I ask your pardon. . .
CYRANO (looking at him, with his hand on his shoulder):
True, he's fair, the villain!
CHRISTIAN:
Ah, Sir! If you but knew my admiration!. . .
CYRANO:
But all those noses?. . .
CHRISTIAN:
Oh! I take them back!
CYRANO:
Roxane expects a letter.
CHRISTIAN:
Woe the day!
CYRANO:
How?
CHRISTIAN:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 83
Page No 86
I am lost if I but ope my lips!
CYRANO:
Why so?
CHRISTIAN:
I am a foolcould die for shame!
CYRANO:
None is a fool who knows himself a fool.
And you did not attack me like a fool.
CHRISTIAN:
Bah! One finds battlecry to lead th' assault!
I have a certain military wit,
But, before women, can but hold my tongue.
Their eyes! True, when I pass, their eyes are kind. . .
CYRANO:
And, when you stay, their hearts, methinks, are kinder?
CHRISTIAN:
No! for I am one of those mentonguetied,
I know itwho can never tell their love.
CYRANO:
And I, meseems, had Nature been more kind,
More careful, when she fashioned me,had been
One of those men who well could speak their love!
CHRISTIAN:
Oh, to express one's thoughts with facile grace!. . .
CYRANO:
. . .To be a musketeer, with handsome face!
CHRISTIAN:
Roxane is precieuse. I'm sure to prove
A disappointment to her!
CYRANO (looking at him):
Had I but
Such an interpreter to speak my soul!
CHRISTIAN (with despair):
Eloquence! Where to find it?
CYRANO (abruptly):
That I lend,
If you lend me your handsome victorcharms;
Blended, we make a hero of romance!
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Act II. 84
Page No 87
CHRISTIAN:
How so?
CYRANO:
Think you you can repeat what things
I daily teach your tongue?
CHRISTIAN:
What do you mean?
CYRANO:
Roxane shall never have a disillusion!
Say, wilt thou that we woo her, doublehanded?
Wilt thou that we two woo her, both together?
Feel'st thou, passing from my leather doublet,
Through thy laced doublet, all my soul inspiring?
CHRISTIAN:
But, Cyrano!. . .
CYRANO:
Will you, I say?
CHRISTIAN:
I fear!
CYRANO:
Since, by yourself, you fear to chill her heart,
Will youto kindle all her heart to flame
Wed into one my phrases and your lips?
CHRISTIAN:
Your eyes flash!
CYRANO:
Will you?
CHRISTIAN:
Will it please you so?
Give you such pleasure?
CYRANO (madly):
It!. . .
(Then calmly, businesslike):
It would amuse me!
It is an enterprise to tempt a poet.
Will you complete me, and let me complete you?
You march victorious,I go in your shadow;
Let me be wit for you, be you my beauty!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 85
Page No 88
CHRISTIAN:
The letter, that she waits for even now!
I never can. . .
CYRANO (taking out the letter he had written):
See! Here it isyour letter!
CHRISTIAN:
What?
CYRANO:
Take it! Look, it wants but the address.
CHRISTIAN:
But I. . .
CYRANO:
Fear nothing. Send it. It will suit.
CHRISTIAN:
But have you. . .?
CYRANO:
Oh! We have our pockets full,
We poets, of loveletters, writ to Chloes,
Daphnescreations of our noddleheads.
Our ladyloves,phantasms of our brains,
Dreamfancies blown into soapbubbles! Come!
Take it, and change feigned lovewords into true;
I breathed my sighs and moans haphazardwise;
Call all these wandering lovebirds home to nest.
You'll see that I was in these lettered lines,
Eloquent all the more, the less sincere!
Take it, and make an end!
CHRISTIAN:
Were it not well
To change some words? Written haphazardwise,
Will it fit Roxane?
CYRANO:
'Twill fit like a glove!
CHRISTIAN:
But. . .
CYRANO:
Ah, credulity of love! Roxane
Will think each word inspired by herself!
CHRISTIAN:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 86
Page No 89
My friend!
(He throws himself into Cyrano's arms. They remain thus.)
Scene 2.XI.
Cyrano, Christian, the Gascons, the musketeer, Lise.
A CADET (half opening the door):
Naught here!. . .The silence of the grave!
I dare not look. . .
(He puts his head in):
Why?. . .
ALL THE CADETS (entering, and seeing Cyrano and Christian embracing):
Oh!. . .
A CADET:
This passes all!
(Consternation.)
THE MUSKETEER (mockingly):
Ho, ho!. . .
CARBON:
Our demon has become a saint?
Struck on one nostrillo! he turns the other!
MUSKETEER:
Then we may speak about his nose, henceforth!. . .
(Calling to Lise, boastfully):
Ah, Lise, see here!
(Sniffing ostentatiously):
O heavens!. . .what a stink!. . .
(Going up to Cyrano):
You, sir, without a doubt have sniffed it up!
What is the smell I notice here?
CYRANO (cuffing his head):
Cloveheads.
(General delight. The cadets have found the old Cyrano again! They turn
somersaults.)
Curtain.
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act II. 87
Page No 90
Act III.
ROXANE's Kiss.
A small square in the old Marais. Old houses. A perspective of little
streets. On the right Roxane's house and the wall of her garden overhung with
thick foliage. Window and balcony over the door. A bench in front.
From the bench and the stones jutting out of the wall it is easy to climb to
the balcony. In front of an old house in the same style of brick and stone.
The knocker of this door is bandaged with linen like a sore thumb.
At the rising of the curtain the duenna is seated on the bench.
The window on Roxane's balcony is wide open.
Ragueneau is standing near the door in a sort of livery. He has just finished
relating something to the duenna, and is wiping his eyes.
Scene 3.I.
Ragueneau, the duenna. Then Roxane, Cyrano, and two pages.
RAGUENEAU:
And then, off she went, with a musketeer! Deserted and ruined too, I
would make an end of all, and so hanged myself. My last breath was drawn:
then in comes Monsieur de Bergerac! He cuts me down, and begs his cousin to
take me for her steward.
THE DUENNA:
Well, but how came it about that you were thus ruined?
RAGUENEAU:
Oh! Lise loved the warriors, and I loved the poets! What cakes there were
that Apollo chanced to leave were quickly snapped up by Mars. Thus ruin was
not long acoming.
THE DUENNA (rising, and calling up to the open window):
Roxane, are you ready? They wait for us!
ROXANE'S VOICE (from the window):
I will but put me on a cloak!
THE DUENNA (to Ragueneau, showing him the door opposite):
They wait us there opposite, at Clomire's house. She receives them all
there todaythe precieuses, the poets; they read a discourse on the Tender
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Act III. 88
Page No 91
Passion.
RAGUENEAU:
The Tender Passion?
THE DUENNA (in a mincing voice):
Ay, indeed!
(Calling up to the window):
Roxane, an you come not down quickly, we shall miss the discourse on the
Tender Passion!
ROXANE'S VOICE:
I come! I come!
(A sound of stringed instruments approaching.)
CYRANO'S VOICE (behind the scenes, singing):
La, la, la, la!
THE DUENNA (surprised):
They serenade us?
CYRANO (followed by two pages with archlutes):
I tell you they are demisemiquavers, demisemifool!
FIRST PAGE (ironically):
You know then, Sir, to distinguish between semiquavers and demisemi
quavers?
CYRANO:
Is not every disciple of Gassendi a musician?
THE PAGE (playing and singing):
La, la!
CYRANO (snatching the lute from him, and going on with the phrase):
In proof of which, I can continue! La, la, la, la!
ROXANE (appearing on the balcony):
What? 'Tis you?
CYRANO (going on with the air, and singing to it):
'Tis I, who come to serenade your lilies, and pay my devoir to your roo
oses!
ROXANE:
I am coming down!
(She leaves the balcony.)
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 89
Page No 92
THE DUENNA (pointing to the pages):
How come these two virtuosi here?
CYRANO:
'Tis for a wager I won of D'Assoucy. We were disputing a nice point in
grammar; contradictions raged hotly''Tis so!' 'Nay, 'tis so!' when suddenly
he shows me these two longshanks, whom he takes about with him as an escort,
and who are skillful in scratching lutestrings with their skinny claws! 'I
will wager you a day's music,' says he!And lost it! Thus, see you, till
Phoebus' chariot starts once again, these lutetwangers are at my heels,
seeing all I do, hearing all I say, and accompanying all with melody. 'Twas
pleasant at the first, but i' faith, I begin to weary of it already!
(To the musicians):
Ho there! go serenade Montfleury for me! Play a dance to him!
(The pages go toward the door. To the duenna):
I have come, as is my wont, nightly, to ask Roxane whether. . .
(To the pages, who are going out):
Play a long time,and play out of tune!
(To the duenna):
. . .Whether her soul's elected is ever the same, ever faultless!
ROXANE (coming out of the house):
Ah! How handsome he is, how brilliant a wit! Andhow well I love him!
CYRANO (smiling):
Christian has so brilliant a wit?
ROXANE:
Brighter than even your own, cousin!
CYRANO:
Be it so, with all my heart!
ROXANE:
Ah! methinks 'twere impossible that there could breathe a man on this earth
skilled to say as sweetly as he all the pretty nothings that mean so much
that mean all! At times his mind seems far away, the Muse says naughtand
then, presto! he speaksbewitchingly! enchantingly!
CYRANO (incredulously):
No, no!
ROXANE:
Fie! That is ill said! But lo! men are ever thus! Because he is fair to
see, you would have it that he must be dull of speech.
CYRANO:
He hath an eloquent tongue in telling his love?
ROXANE:
In telling his love? why, 'tis not simple telling, 'tis dissertation, 'tis
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 90
Page No 93
analysis!
CYRANO:
How is he with the pen?
ROXANE:
Still better! Listen,here:
(Reciting):
'The more of my poor heart you take
The larger grows my heart!'
(Triumphantly to Cyrano):
How like you those lines?
CYRANO:
Pooh!
ROXANE:
And thus it goes on. . .
'And, since some target I must show
For Cupid's cruel dart,
Oh, if mine own you deign to keep,
Then give me your sweet heart!'
CYRANO:
Lord! first he has too much, then anon not enough! How much heart does the
fellow want?
ROXANE:
You would vex a saint!. . .But 'tis your jealousy.
CYRANO (starting):
What mean you?
ROXANE:
Ay, your poet's jealousy! Hark now, if this again be not tendersweet?
'My heart to yours sounds but one cry:
If kisses fast could flee
By letter, then with your sweet lips
My letters read should be!
If kisses could be writ with ink,
If kisses fast could flee!'
CYRANO (smiling approvingly in spite of himself):
Ha! those last lines are,hm!. . .hm!. . .
(Correcting himselfcontemptuously):
They are paltry enough!
ROXANE:
And this. . .
CYRANO (enchanted):
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 91
Page No 94
Then you have his letters by heart?
ROXANE:
Every one of them!
CYRANO:
By all oaths that can be sworn,'tis flattering!
ROXANE:
They are the lines of a master!
CYRANO (modestly):
Come, nay. . .a master?. . .
ROXANE:
Ay, I say ita master!
CYRANO:
Goodbe it so.
THE DUENNA (coming down quickly):
Here comes Monsieur de Guiche!
(To Cyrano, pushing him toward the house):
In with you! 'twere best he see you not; it might perchance put him on the
scent. . .
ROXANE (to Cyrano):
Ay, of my own dear secret! He loves me, and is powerful, and, if he knew,
then all were lost! Marry! he could well deal a deathblow to my love!
CYRANO (entering the house):
Good! good!
(De Guiche appears.)
Scene 3.II.
ROXANE, De Guiche, the duenna standing a little way off.
ROXANE (courtesying to De Guiche):
I was going out.
DE GUICHE:
I come to take my leave.
ROXANE:
Whither go you?
DE GUICHE:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 92
Page No 95
To the war.
ROXANE:
Ah!
DE GUICHE:
Ay, tonight.
ROXANE:
Oh!
DE GUICHE:
I am ordered away. We are to besiege Arras.
ROXANE:
Ahto besiege?. . .
DE GUICHE:
Ay. My going moves you not, meseems.
ROXANE:
Nay. . .
DE GUICHE:
I am grieved to the core of the heart. Shall I again behold you?. . .When?
I know not. Heard you that I am named commander?. . .
ROXANE (indifferently):
Bravo!
DE GUICHE:
Of the Guards regiment.
ROXANE (startled):
What! the Guards?
DE GUICHE:
Ay, where serves your cousin, the swaggering boaster. I will find a way to
revenge myself on him at Arras.
ROXANE (choking):
What mean you? The Guards go to Arras?
DE GUICHE (laughing):
Bethink you, is it not my own regiment?
ROXANE (falling seated on the benchaside):
Christian!
DE GUICHE:
What ails you?
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 93
Page No 96
ROXANE (moved deeply):
OhI am in despair! The man one loves!at the war!
DE GUICHE (surprised and delighted):
You say such sweet words to me! 'Tis the first time!and just when I must
quit you!
ROXANE (collected, and fanning herself):
Thus,you would fain revenge your grudge against my cousin?
DE GUICHE:
My fair lady is on his side?
ROXANE:
Nay,against him!
DE GUICHE:
Do you see him often?
ROXANE:
But very rarely.
DE GUICHE:
He is ever to be met now in company with one of the cadets,. . .one New
villenviller
ROXANE:
Of high stature?
DE GUICHE:
Fairhaired!
ROXANE:
Ay, a redheaded fellow!
DE GUICHE:
Handsome!. . .
ROXANE:
Tut!
DE GUICHE:
But dullwitted.
ROXANE:
One would think so, to look at him!
(Changing her tone):
How mean you to play your revenge on Cyrano? Perchance you think to put him
i' the thick of the shots? Nay, believe me, that were a poor vengeancehe
would love such a post better than aught else! I know the way to wound his
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Act III. 94
Page No 97
pride far more keenly!
DE GUICHE:
What then? Tell. . .
ROXANE:
If, when the regiment march to Arras, he were left here with his beloved
boon companions, the Cadets, to sit with crossed arms so long as the war
lasted! There is your method, would you enrage a man of his kind; cheat him
of his chance of mortal danger, and you punish him right fiercely.
DE GUICHE (coming nearer):
O woman! woman! Who but a woman had e'er devised so subtle a trick?
ROXANE:
See you not how he will eat out his heart, while his friends gnaw their
thick fists for that they are deprived of the battle? So are you best
avenged.
DE GUICHE:
You love me, then, a little?
(She smiles):
I would fainseeing you thus espouse my cause, Roxanebelieve it a proof
of love!
ROXANE:
'Tis a proof of love!
DE GUICHE (showing some sealed papers):
Here are the marching orders; they will be sent instantly to each company
except
(He detaches one):
This one! 'Tis that of the Cadets.
(He puts it in his pocket):
This I keep.
(Laughing):
Ha! ha! ha! Cyrano! His love of battle!. . .So you can play tricks on
people?. . .you, of all ladies!
ROXANE:
Sometimes!
DE GUICHE (coming close to her):
Oh! how I love you!to distraction! Listen! Tonighttrue, I ought to
startbuthow leave you now that I feel your heart is touched! Hard by, in
the Rue d'Orleans, is a convent founded by Father Athanasius, the syndic of
the Capuchins. True that no layman may enterbutI can settle that with the
good Fathers! Their habit sleeves are wide enough to hide me in. 'Tis they
who serve Richelieu's private chapel: and from respect to the uncle, fear the
nephew. All will deem me gone. I will come to you, masked. Give me leave to
wait till tomorrow, sweet Lady Fanciful!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 95
Page No 98
ROXANE:
But, of this be rumored, your glory. . .
DE GUICHE:
Bah!
ROXANE:
But the siegeArras. . .
DE GUICHE:
'Twill take its chance. Grant but permission.
ROXANE:
No!
DE GUICHE:
Give me leave!
ROXANE (tenderly):
It were my duty to forbid you!
DE GUICHE:
Ah!
ROXANE:
You must go!
(Aside):
Christian stays here.
(Aloud):
I would have you heroicAntoine!
DE GUICHE:
O heavenly word! You love, then, him?. . .
ROXANE:
. . .For whom I trembled.
DE GUICHE (in an ecstasy):
Ah! I go then!
(He kisses her hand):
Are you content?
ROXANE:
Yes, my friend!
(He goes out.)
THE DUENNA (making behind his back a mocking courtesy):
Yes, my friend!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 96
Page No 99
ROXANE (to the duenna):
Not a word of what I have done. Cyrano would never pardon me for stealing
his fighting from him!
(She calls toward the house):
Cousin!
Scene 3.III.
ROXANE, The duenna, Cyrano.
ROXANE:
We are going to Clomire's house.
(She points to the door opposite):
Alcandre and Lysimon are to discourse!
THE DUENNA (putting her little finger in her ear):
Yes! But my little finger tells me we shall miss them.
CYRANO:
'Twere a pity to miss such apes!
(They have come to Clomire's door.)
THE DUENNA:
Oh, see! The knocker is muffled up!
(Speaking to the knocker):
So they have gagged that metal tongue of yours, little noisy one, lest it
should disturb the fine orators!
(She lifts it carefully and knocks with precaution.)
ROXANE (seeing that the door opens):
Let us enter!
(On the threshold, to Cyrano):
If Christian comes, as I feel sure he will, bid him wait for me!
CYRANO (quickly, as she is going in):
Listen!
(She turns):
What mean you to question him on, as is your wont, tonight?
ROXANE:
Oh
CYRANO (eagerly):
Well, say.
ROXANE:
But you will be mute?
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 97
Page No 100
CYRANO:
Mute as a fish.
ROXANE:
I shall not question him at all, but say: Give rein to your fancy! Prepare
not your speeches,but speak the thoughts as they come! Speak to me of love,
and speak splendidly!
CYRANO (smiling):
Very good!
ROXANE:
But secret!. . .
CYRANO:
Secret.
ROXANE:
Not a word!
(She enters and shuts the door.)
CYRANO (when the door is shut, bowing to her):
A thousand thanks!
(The door opens again, and Roxane puts her head out.)
ROXANE:
Lest he prepare himself!
CYRANO:
The devil!no, no!
BOTH TOGETHER:
Secret.
(The door shuts.)
CYRANO (calling):
Christian!
Scene 3.IV.
Cyrano, Christian.
CYRANO:
I know all that is needful. Here's occasion
For you to deck yourself with glory. Come,
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 98
Page No 101
Lose no time; put away those sulky looks,
Come to your house with me, I'll teach you. . .
CHRISTIAN:
No!
CYRANO:
Why?
CHRISTIAN:
I will wait for Roxane here.
CYRANO:
How? Crazy?
Come quick with me and learn. . .
CHRISTIAN:
No, no! I say.
I am aweary of these borrowed letters,
Borrowed lovemakings! Thus to act a part,
And tremble all the time!'Twas well enough
At the beginning!Now I know she loves!
I fear no longer!I will speak myself.
CYRANO:
Mercy!
CHRISTIAN:
And how know you I cannot speak?
I am not such a fool when all is said!
I've by your lessons profited. You'll see
I shall know how to speak alone! The devil!
I know at least to clasp her in my arms!
(Seeing Roxane come out from Clomire's house):
It is she! Cyrano, no!Leave me not!
CYRANO (bowing):
Speak for yourself, my friend, and take your chance.
(He disappears behind the garden wall.)
Scene 3.V.
Christian, Roxane, the duenna.
ROXANE (coming out of Clomire's house, with a company of friends, whom she
leaves. Bows and goodbyes):
Barthenoide!Alcandre!Gremione!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 99
Page No 102
THE DUENNA (bitterly disappointed):
We've missed the speech upon the Tender Passion!
(Goes into Roxane's house.)
ROXANE (still bowing):
Urimedonteadieu!
(All bow to Roxane and to each other, and then separate, going up different
streets. Roxane suddenly seeing Christian):
You!
(She goes to him):
Evening falls.
Let's sit. Speak on. I listen.
CHRISTIAN (sits by her on the bench. A silence):
Oh! I love you!
ROXANE (shutting her eyes):
Ay, speak to me of love.
CHRISTIAN:
I love thee!
ROXANE:
That's
The theme! But vary it.
CHRISTIAN:
I. . .
ROXANE:
Vary it!
CHRISTIAN:
I love you so!
ROXANE:
Oh! without doubt!and then?. . .
CHRISTIAN:
And thenI should beoh!so gladso glad
If you would love me!Roxane, tell me so!
ROXANE (with a little grimace):
I hoped for cream,you give me gruel! Say
How love possesses you?
CHRISTIAN:
Oh utterly!
ROXANE:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 100
Page No 103
Come, come!. . .unknot those tangled sentiments!
CHRISTIAN:
Your throat I'd kiss it!
ROXANE:
Christian!
CHRISTIAN:
I love thee!
ROXANE (halfrising):
Again!
CHRISTIAN (eagerly, detaining her):
No, no! I love thee not!
ROXANE (reseating herself):
'Tis well!
CHRISTIAN:
But I adore thee!
ROXANE (rising, and going further off):
Oh!
CHRISTIAN:
I am grown stupid!
ROXANE (dryly):
And that displeases me, almost as much
As 'twould displease me if you grew illfavored.
CHRISTIAN:
But. . .
ROXANE:
Rally your poor eloquence that's flown!
CHRISTIAN:
I. . .
ROXANE:
Yes, you love me, that I know. Adieu.
(She goes toward her house.)
CHRISTIAN:
Oh, go not yet! I'd tell you
ROXANE (opening the door):
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 101
Page No 104
You adore me?
I've heard it very oft. No!Go away!
CHRISTIAN:
But I would fain. . .
(She shuts the door in his face.)
CYRANO (who has reentered unseen):
I' faith! It is successful!
Scene 3.VI.
Christian, Cyrano, two pages.
CHRISTIAN:
Come to my aid!
CYRANO:
Not I!
CHRISTIAN:
But I shall die,
Unless at once I win back her fair favor.
CYRANO:
And how can I, at once, i' th' devil's name,
Lesson you in. . .
CHRISTIAN (seizing his arm):
Oh, she is there!
(The window of the balcony is now lighted up.)
CYRANO (moved):
Her window!
CHRISTIAN:
Oh! I shall die!
CYRANO:
Speak lower!
CHRISTIAN (in a whisper):
I shall die!
CYRANO:
The night is dark. . .
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 102
Page No 105
CHRISTIAN:
Well!
CYRANO:
All can be repaired.
Although you merit not. Stand there, poor wretch!
Fronting the balcony! I'll go beneath
And prompt your words to you. . .
CHRISTIAN:
But. . .
CYRANO:
Hold your tongue!
THE PAGES (reappearing at backto Cyrano):
Ho!
CYRANO:
Hush!
(He signs to them to speak softly.)
FIRST PAGE (in a low voice):
We've played the serenade you bade
To Montfleury!
CYRANO (quickly, in a low voice):
Go! lurk in ambush there,
One at this street corner, and one at that;
And if a passerby should here intrude,
Play you a tune!
SECOND PAGE:
What tune, Sir Gassendist?
CYRANO:
Gay, if a woman comes,for a man, sad!
(The pages disappear, one at each street corner. To Christian):
Call her!
CHRISTIAN:
Roxane!
CYRANO (picking up stones and throwing them at the window):
Some pebbles! wait awhile!
ROXANE (halfopening the casement):
Who calls me?
CHRISTIAN:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 103
Page No 106
I!
ROXANE:
Who's that?
CHRISTIAN:
Christian!
ROXANE (disdainfully):
Oh! you?
CHRISTIAN:
I would speak with you.
CYRANO (under the balconyto Christian):
Good. Speak soft and low.
ROXANE:
No, you speak stupidly!
CHRISTIAN:
Oh, pity me!
ROXANE:
No! you love me no more!
CHRISTIAN (prompted by Cyrano):
You sayGreat Heaven!
I love no more?whenIlove more and more!
ROXANE (who was about to shut the casement, pausing):
Hold! 'tis a trifle better! ay, a trifle!
CHRISTIAN (same play):
Love grew apace, rocked by the anxious beating. . .
Of this poor heart, which the cruel wanton boy. . .
Took for a cradle!
ROXANE (coming out on to the balcony):
That is better! But
An if you deem that Cupid be so cruel
You should have stifled babylove in's cradle!
CHRISTIAN (same play):
Ah, Madame, I assayed, but all in vain
This. . .newborn babe is a young. . .Hercules!
ROXANE:
Still better!
CHRISTIAN (same play):
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 104
Page No 107
Thus he strangled in my heart
The. . .serpents twain, of. . .Pride. . .and Doubt!
ROXANE (leaning over the balcony):
Well said!
But why so faltering? Has mental palsy
Seized on your faculty imaginative?
CYRANO (drawing Christian under the balcony, and slipping into his place):
Give place! This waxes critical!. . .
ROXANE:
Today. . .
Your words are hesitating.
CYRANO (imitating Christianin a whisper):
Night has come. . .
In the dusk they grope their way to find your ear.
ROXANE:
But my words find no such impediment.
CYRANO:
They find their way at once? Small wonder that!
For 'tis within my heart they find their home;
Bethink how large my heart, how small your ear!
And,from fair heights descending, words fall fast,
But mine must mount, Madame, and that takes time!
ROXANE:
Meseems that your last words have learned to climb.
CYRANO:
With practice such gymnastic grows less hard!
ROXANE:
In truth, I seem to speak from distant heights!
CYRANO:
True, far above; at such a height 'twere death
If a hard word from you fell on my heart.
ROXANE (moving):
I will come down. . .
CYRANO (hastily):
No!
ROXANE (showing him the bench under the balcony):
Mount then on the bench!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 105
Page No 108
CYRANO (starting back alarmed):
No!
ROXANE:
How, you will not?
CYRANO (more and more moved):
Stay awhile! 'Tis sweet,. . .
The rare occasion, when our hearts can speak
Our selves unseen, unseeing!
ROXANE:
Whyunseen?
CYRANO:
Ay, it is sweet! Half hidden,half revealed
You see the dark folds of my shrouding cloak,
And I, the glimmering whiteness of your dress:
I but a shadowyou a radiance fair!
Know you what such a moment holds for me?
If ever I were eloquent. . .
ROXANE:
You were!
CYRANO:
Yet never till tonight my speech has sprung
Straight from my heart as now it springs.
ROXANE:
Why not?
CYRANO:
Till now I spoke haphazard. . .
ROXANE:
What?
CYRANO:
Your eyes
Have beams that turn men dizzy!But tonight
Methinks I shall find speech for the first time!
ROXANE:
'Tis true, your voice rings with a tone that's new.
CYRANO (coming nearer, passionately):
Ay, a new tone! In the tender, sheltering dusk
I dare to be myself for once,at last!
(He stops, falters):
What say I? I know not!Oh, pardon me
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 106
Page No 109
It thrills me,'tis so sweet, so novel. . .
ROXANE:
How?
So novel?
CYRANO (off his balance, trying to find the thread of his sentence):
Ay,to be at last sincere;
Till now, my chilled heart, fearing to be mocked. . .
ROXANE:
Mocked, and for what?
CYRANO:
For its mad beating!Ay,
My heart has clothed itself with witty words,
To shroud itself from curious eyes:impelled
At times to aim at a star, I stay my hand,
And, fearing ridicule,cull a wild flower!
ROXANE:
A wild flower's sweet.
CYRANO:
Ay, but tonightthe star!
ROXANE:
Oh! never have you spoken thus before!
CYRANO:
If, leaving Cupid's arrows, quivers, torches,
We turned to seek for sweeterfresher things!
Instead of sipping in a pygmy glass
Dull fashionable waters,did we try
How the soul slakes its thirst in fearless draught
By drinking from the river's flooding brim!
ROXANE:
But wit?. . .
CYRANO:
If I have used it to arrest you
At the first starting,now, 'twould be an outrage,
An insultto the perfumed Nightto Nature
To speak fine words that garnish vain loveletters!
Look up but at her stars! The quiet Heaven
Will ease our hearts of all things artificial;
I fear lest, 'midst the alchemy we're skilled in
The truth of sentiment dissolve and vanish,
The soul exhausted by these empty pastimes,
The gain of fine things be the loss of all things!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 107
Page No 110
ROXANE:
But wit? I say. . .
CYRANO:
In love 'tis crime,'tis hateful!
Turning frank loving into subtle fencing!
At last the moment comes, inevitable,
Oh, woe for those who never know that moment!
When feeling love exists in us, ennobling,
Each wellweighed word is futile and soulsaddening!
ROXANE:
Well, if that moment's come for ussuppose it!
What words would serve you?
CYRANO:
All, all, all, whatever
That came to me, e'en as they came, I'd fling them
In a wild cluster, not a careful bouquet.
I love thee! I am mad! I love, I stifle!
Thy name is in my heart as in a sheepbell,
And as I ever tremble, thinking of thee,
Ever the bell shakes, ever thy name ringeth!
All things of thine I mind, for I love all things;
I know that last year on the twelfth of Maymonth,
To walk abroad, one day you changed your hairplaits!
I am so used to take your hair for daylight
That,like as when the eye stares on the sun's disk,
One sees long after a red blot on all things
So, when I quit thy beams, my dazzled vision
Sees upon all things a blonde stain imprinted.
ROXANE (agitated):
Why, this is love indeed!. . .
CYRANO:
Ay, true, the feeling
Which fills me, terrible and jealous, truly
Love,which is ever sad amid its transports!
Love,and yet, strangely, not a selfish passion!
I for your joy would gladly lay mine own down,
E'en though you never were to know it,never!
If but at times I mightfar off and lonely,
Hear some gay echo of the joy I bought you!
Each glance of thine awakes in me a virtue,
A novel, unknown valor. Dost begin, sweet,
To understand? So late, dost understand me?
Feel'st thou my soul, here, through the darkness mounting?
Too fair the night! Too fair, too fair the moment!
That I should speak thus, and that you should hearken!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 108
Page No 111
Too fair! In moments when my hopes rose proudest,
I never hoped such guerdon. Naught is left me
But to die now! Have words of mine the power
To make you tremble,throned there in the branches?
Ay, like a leaf among the leaves, you tremble!
You tremble! For I feel,an if you will it,
Or will it not,your hand's beloved trembling
Thrill through the branches, down your sprays of jasmine!
(He kisses passionately one of the hanging tendrils.)
ROXANE:
Ay! I am trembling, weeping!I am thine!
Thou hast conquered all of me!
CYRANO:
Then let death come!
'Tis I, 'tis I myself, who conquered thee!
One thing, but one, I dare to ask
CHRISTIAN (under the balcony):
A kiss!
ROXANE (drawing back):
What?
CYRANO:
Oh!
ROXANE:
You ask. . .?
CYRANO:
I. . .
(To Christian, whispering):
Fool! you go too quick!
CHRISTIAN:
Since she is moved thusI will profit by it!
CYRANO (to Roxane):
My words sprang thoughtlessly, but now I see
Shame on me!I was too presumptuous.
ROXANE (a little chilled):
How quickly you withdraw.
CYRANO:
Yes, I withdraw
Without withdrawing! Hurt I modesty?
If sothe kiss I askedoh, grant it not.
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 109
Page No 112
CHRISTIAN (to Cyrano, pulling him by his cloak):
Why?
CYRANO:
Silence, Christian! Hush!
ROXANE (leaning over):
What whisper you?
CYRANO:
I chid myself for my too bold advances;
Said, 'Silence, Christian!'
(The lutes begin to play):
Hark! Wait awhile,. . .
Steps come!
(Roxane shuts the window. Cyrano listens to the lutes, one of which plays a
merry, the other a melancholy, tune):
Why, they play sadthen gaythen sad! What? Neither man nor woman?oh!
a monk!
(Enter a capuchin friar, with a lantern. He goes from house to house, looking
at every door.)
Scene 3.VII.
Cyrano, Christian, a capuchin friar.
CYRANO (to the friar):
What do you, playing at Diogenes?
THE FRIAR:
I seek the house of Madame. . .
CHRISTIAN:
Oh! plague take him!
THE FRIAR:
Madeleine Robin. . .
CHRISTIAN:
What would he?. . .
CYRANO (pointing to a street at the back):
This way!
Straight on. . .
THE FRIAR
I thank you, and, in your intention
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 110
Page No 113
Will tell my rosary to its last bead.
(He goes out.)
CYRANO:
Good luck! My blessings rest upon your cowl!
(He goes back to Christian.)
Scene 3.VIII.
Cyrano, Christian.
CHRISTIAN:
Oh! win for me that kiss. . .
CYRANO:
No!
CHRISTIAN:
Soon or late!. . .
CYRANO:
'Tis true! The moment of intoxication
Of madness,when your mouths are sure to meet
Thanks to your fair mustacheand her rose lips!
(To himself):
I'd fainer it should come thanks to. . .
(A sound of shutters reopening. Christian goes in again under the balcony.)
Scene 3.IX.
Cyrano, Christian, Roxane.
ROXANE (coming out on the balcony):
Still there?
We spoke of a. . .
CYRANO:
A kiss! The word is sweet.
I see not why your lip should shrink from it;
If the word burns it,what would the kiss do?
Oh! let it not your bashfulness affright;
Have you not, all this time, insensibly,
Left badinage aside, and unalarmed
Glided from smile to sigh,from sigh to weeping?
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 111
Page No 114
Glide gently, imperceptibly, still onward
From tear to kiss,a moment's thrill!a heartbeat!
ROXANE:
Hush! hush!
CYRANO:
A kiss, when all is said,what is it?
An oath that's ratified,a sealed promise,
A heart's avowal claiming confirmation,
A rosedot on the 'i' of 'adoration,'
A secret that to mouth, not ear, is whispered,
Brush of a bee's wing, that makes time eternal,
Communion perfumed like the spring's wild flowers,
The heart's relieving in the heart's outbreathing,
When to the lips the soul's flood rises, brimming!
ROXANE:
Hush! hush!
CYRANO:
A kiss, Madame, is honorable:
The Queen of France, to a most favored lord
Did grant a kissthe Queen herself!
ROXANE:
What then?
CYRANO (speaking more warmly):
Buckingham suffered dumbly,so have I,
Adored his Queen, as loyally as I,
Was sad, but faithful,so am I. . .
ROXANE:
And you
Are fair as Buckingham!
CYRANO (asidesuddenly cooled):
True,I forgot!
ROXANE:
Must I then bid thee mount to cull this flower?
CYRANO (pushing Christian toward the balcony):
Mount!
ROXANE:
This heartbreathing!. . .
CYRANO:
Mount!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 112
Page No 115
ROXANE:
This brush of bee's wing!. . .
CYRANO:
Mount!
CHRISTIAN (hesitating):
But I feel now, as though 'twere ill done!
ROXANE:
This moment infinite!. . .
CYRANO (still pushing him):
Come, blockhead, mount!
(Christian springs forward, and by means of the bench, the branches, and the
pillars, climbs to the balcony and strides over it.)
CHRISTIAN:
Ah, Roxane!
(He takes her in his arms, and bends over her lips.)
CYRANO:
Aie! Strange pain that wrings my heart!
The kiss, love's feast, so near! I, Lazarus,
Lie at the gate in darkness. Yet to me
Falls still a crumb or two from the rich man's board
Ay, 'tis my heart receives thee, Roxanemine!
For on the lips you press you kiss as well
The words I spoke just now!my wordsmy words!
(The lutes play):
A sad air,a gay air: the monk!
(He begins to run as if he came from a long way off, and cries out):
Hola!
ROXANE:
Who is it?
CYRANO:
II was but passing by. . .
Is Christian there?
CHRISTIAN (astonished):
Cyrano!
ROXANE:
Goodday, cousin!
CYRANO:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 113
Page No 116
Cousin, goodday!
ROXANE:
I'm coming!
(She disappears into the house. At the back reenter the friar.)
CHRISTIAN (seeing him):
Back again!
(He follows Roxane.)
Scene 3.X.
Cyrano, Christian, Roxane, the friar, Ragueneau.
THE FRIAR:
'Tis here,I'm sure of itMadame Madeleine Robin.
CYRANO:
Why, you said RoLIN.
THE FRIAR:
No, not I.
B,I,N,BIN!
ROXANE (appearing on the threshold, followed by Ragueneau, who carries a
lantern, and Christian):
What is't?
THE FRIAR:
A letter.
CHRISTIAN:
What?
THE FRIAR (to Roxane):
Oh, it can boot but a holy business!
'Tis from a worthy lord. . .
ROXANE (to Christian):
De Guiche!
CHRISTIAN:
He dares. . .
ROXANE:
Oh, he will not importune me forever!
(Unsealing the letter):
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 114
Page No 117
I love you,therefore
(She reads in a low voice by the aid of Ragueneau's lantern):
'Lady,
The drums beat;
My regiment buckles its harness on
And starts; but I,they deem me gone before
But I stay. I have dared to disobey
Your mandate. I am here in convent walls.
I come to you tonight. By this poor monk
A simple fool who knows not what he bears
I send this missive to apprise your ear.
Your lips erewhile have smiled on me, too sweet:
I go not ere I've seen them once again!
I would be private; send each soul away,
Receive alone him,whose great boldness you
Have deigned, I hope, to pardon, ere he asks,
He who is ever youret cetera.'
(To the monk):
Father, this is the matter of the letter:
(All come near her, and she reads aloud):
'Lady,
The Cardinal's wish is law; albeit
It be to you unwelcome. For this cause
I send these linesto your fair ear addressed
By a holy man, discreet, intelligent:
It is our will that you receive from him,
In your own house, the marriage
(She turns the page):
benediction
Straightway, this night. Unknown to all the world
Christian becomes your husband. Him we send.
He is abhorrent to your choice. Let be.
Resign yourself, and this obedience
Will be by Heaven well recompensed. Receive,
Fair lady, all assurance of respect,
From him who ever was, and still remains,
Your humble and obligedet cetera.'
THE FRIAR (with great delight):
O worthy lord! I knew naught was to fear;
It could be but holy business!
ROXANE (to Christian, in a low voice):
Am I not apt at reading letters?
CHRISTIAN:
Hum!
ROXANE (aloud, with despair):
But this is horrible!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 115
Page No 118
THE FRIAR (who has turned his lantern on Cyrano):
'Tis you?
CHRISTIAN:
'Tis I!
THE FRIAR (turning the light on to him, and as if a doubt struck him on seeing
his beauty):
But. . .
ROXANE (quickly):
I have overlooked the postscriptsee:
'Give twenty pistoles for the Convent.'
THE FRIAR:
. . .Oh!
Most worthy lord!
(To Roxane):
Submit you?
ROXANE (with a martyr's look):
I submit!
(While Ragueneau opens the door, and Christian invites the friar to enter, she
whispers to Cyrano):
Oh, keep De Guiche at bay! He will be here!
Let him not enter till. . .
CYRANO:
I understand!
(To the friar):
What time need you to tie the marriageknot?
THE FRIAR:
A quarter of an hour.
CYRANO (pushing them all toward the house):
Go! I stay.
ROXANE (to Christian):
Come!. . .
(They enter.)
CYRANO:
Now, how to detain De Guiche so long?
(He jumps on the bench, climbs to the balcony by the wall):
Come!. . .up I go!. . .I have my plan!. . .
(The lutes begin to play a very sad air):
What, ho!
(The tremolo grows more and more weird):
It is a man! ay! 'tis a man this time!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 116
Page No 119
(He is on the balcony, pulls his hat over his eyes, takes off his sword, wraps
himself in his cloak, then leans over):
'Tis not too high!
(He strides across the balcony, and drawing to him a long branch of one of the
trees that are by the garden wall, he hangs on to it with both hands, ready to
let himself fall):
I'll shake this atmosphere!
Scene 3.XI.
Cyrano, De Guiche.
DE GUICHE (who enters, masked, feeling his way in the dark):
What can that cursed Friar be about?
CYRANO:
The devil!. . .If he knows my voice!
(Letting go with one hand, he pretends to turn an invisible key. Solemnly):
Cric! Crac!
Assume thou, Cyrano, to serve the turn,
The accent of thy native Bergerac!. . .
DE GUICHE (looking at the house):
'Tis there. I see dim,this mask hinders me!
(He is about to enter, when Cyrano leaps from the balcony, holding on to the
branch, which bends, dropping him between the door and De Guiche; he pretends
to fall heavily, as from a great height, and lies flat on the ground,
motionless, as if stunned. De Guiche starts back):
What's this?
(When he looks up, the branch has sprung back into its place. He sees only
the sky, and is lost in amazement):
Where fell that man from?
CYRANO (sitting up, and speaking with a Gascon accent):
From the moon!
DE GUICHE:
From?. . .
CYRANO (in a dreamy voice):
What's o'clock?
DE GUICHE:
He's lost his mind, for sure!
CYRANO:
What hour? What country this? What month? What day?
DE GUICHE:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 117
Page No 120
But. . .
CYRANO:
I am stupefied!
DE GUICHE:
Sir!
CYRANO:
Like a bomb
I fell from the moon!
DE GUICHE (impatiently):
Come now!
CYRANO (rising, in a terrible voice):
I say,the moon!
DE GUICHE (recoiling):
Good, good! let it be so!. . .He's raving mad!
CYRANO (walking up to him):
I say from the moon! I mean no metaphor!. . .
DE GUICHE:
But. . .
CYRANO:
Was't a hundred yearsa minute, since?
I cannot guess what time that fall embraced!
That I was in that saffroncolored ball?
DE GUICHE (shrugging his shoulders):
Good! let me pass!
CYRANO (intercepting him):
Where am I? Tell the truth!
Fear not to tell! Oh, spare me not! Where? where?
Have I fallen like a shooting star?
DE GUICHE:
Morbleu!
CYRANO:
The fall was lightningquick! no time to choose
Where I should fallI know not where it be!
Oh, tell me! Is it on a moon or earth,
that my posterior weight has landed me?
DE GUICHE:
I tell you, Sir. . .
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 118
Page No 121
CYRANO (with a screech of terror, which makes De Guiche start back):
No? Can it be? I'm on
A planet where men have black faces?
DE GUICHE (putting a hand to his face):
What?
CYRANO (feigning great alarm):
Am I in Africa? A native you?
DE GUICHE (who has remembered his mask):
This mask of mine. . .
CYRANO (pretending to be reassured):
In Venice? ha!or Rome?
DE GUICHE (trying to pass):
A lady waits. .
CYRANO (quite reassured):
Ohho! I am in Paris!
DE GUICHE (smiling in spite of himself):
The fool is comical!
CYRANO:
You laugh?
DE GUICHE:
I laugh,
But would get by!
CYRANO (beaming with joy):
I have shot back to Paris!
(Quite at ease, laughing, dusting himself, bowing):
Comepardon meby the last waterspout,
Covered with ether,accident of travel!
My eyes still full of stardust, and my spurs
Encumbered by the planets' filaments!
(Picking something off his sleeve):
Ha! on my doublet?ah, a comet's hair!. . .
(He puffs as if to blow it away.)
DE GUICHE (beside himself):
Sir!. . .
CYRANO (just as he is about to pass, holds out his leg as if to show him
something and stops him):
In my legthe calfthere is a tooth
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 119
Page No 122
Of the Great Bear, and, passing Neptune close,
I would avoid his trident's point, and fell,
Thus sitting, plump, right in the Scales! My weight
Is marked, still registered, up there in heaven!
(Hurriedly preventing De Guiche from passing, and detaining him by the button
of his doublet):
I swear to you that if you squeezed my nose
It would spout milk!
DE GUICHE:
Milk?
CYRANO:
From the Milky Way!
DE GUICHE:
Oh, go to hell!
CYRANO (crossing his arms):
I fall, Sir, out of heaven!
Now, would you credit it, that as I fell
I saw that Sirius wears a nightcap? True!
(Confidentially):
The other Bear is still too small to bite.
(Laughing):
I went through the Lyre, but I snapped a cord;
(Grandiloquent):
I mean to write the whole thing in a book;
The small gold stars, that, wrapped up in my cloak,
I carried safe away at no small risks,
Will serve for asterisks i' the printed page!
DE GUICHE:
Come, make an end! I want. . .
CYRANO:
Ohho! You are sly!
DE GUICHE:
Sir!
CYRANO:
You would worm all out of me!the way
The moon is made, and if men breathe and live
In its rotund cucurbita?
DE GUICHE (angrily):
No, no!
I want. . .
CYRANO:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 120
Page No 123
Ha, ha!to know how I got up?
Hark, it was by a method all my own.
DE GUICHE (wearied):
He's mad!
CYRANO(contemptuously):
No! not for me the stupid eagle
Of Regiomontanus, nor the timid
Pigeon of Archytasneither of those!
DE GUICHE:
Ay, 'tis a fool! But 'tis a learned fool!
CYRANO:
No imitator I of other men!
(De Guiche has succeeded in getting by, and goes toward Roxane's door. Cyrano
follows him, ready to stop him by force):
Six novel methods, all, this brain invented!
DE GUICHE (turning round):
Six?
CYRANO (volubly):
First, with body naked as your hand,
Festooned about with crystal flacons, full
O' th' tears the early morning dew distils;
My body to the sun's fierce rays exposed
To let it suck me up, as 't sucks the dew!
DE GUICHE (surprised, making one step toward Cyrano):
Ah! that makes one!
CYRANO (stepping back, and enticing him further away):
And then, the second way,
To generate windfor my impetus
To rarefy air, in a cedar case,
By mirrors placed icosahedronwise.
DE GUICHE (making another step):
Two!
CYRANO (still stepping backward):
Orfor I have some mechanic skill
To make a grasshopper, with springs of steel,
And launch myself by quick succeeding fires
Saltpeterfed to the stars' pastures blue!
DE GUICHE (unconsciously following him and counting on his fingers):
Three!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 121
Page No 124
CYRANO:
Or (since fumes have property to mount)
To charge a globe with fumes, sufficiently
To carry me aloft!
DE GUICHE (same play, more and more astonished):
Well, that makes four!
CYRANO:
Or smear myself with marrow from a bull,
Since, at the lowest point of Zodiac,
Phoebus well loves to suck that marrow up!
DE GUICHE (amazed):
Five!
CYRANO (who, while speaking, had drawn him to the other side of the square
near a bench):
Sitting on an iron platformthence
To throw a magnet in the air. This is
A method well conceivedthe magnet flown,
Infallibly the iron will pursue:
Then quick! relaunch your magnet, and you thus
Can mount and mount unmeasured distances!
DE GUICHE:
Here are six excellent expedients!
Which of the six chose you?
CYRANO:
Why, none!a seventh!
DE GUICHE:
Astonishing! What was it?
CYRANO:
I'll recount.
DE GUICHE:
This wild eccentric becomes interesting!
CYRANO (making a noise like the waves, with weird gestures):
Houuh! Houuh!
DE GUICHE:
Well.
CYRANO:
You have guessed?
DE GUICHE:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 122
Page No 125
Not I!
CYRANO:
The tide!
I' th' witching hour when the moon woos the wave,
I laid me, fresh from a seabath, on the shore
And, failing not to put head foremostfor
The hair holds the seawater in its mesh
I rose in air, straight! straight! like angel's flight,
And mounted, mounted, gently, effortless,. . .
When lo! a sudden shock! Then. . .
DE GUICHE (overcome by curiosity, sitting down on the bench):
Then?
CYRANO:
Oh! then. . .
(Suddenly returning to his natural voice):
The quarter's goneI'll hinder you no more:
The marriagevows are made.
DE GUICHE (springing up):
What? Am I mad?
That voice?
(The housedoor opens. Lackeys appear carrying lighted candelabra. Light.
Cyrano gracefully uncovers):
That noseCyrano?
CYRANO (bowing):
Cyrano.
While we were chatting, they have plighted troth.
DE GUICHE:
Who?
(He turns round. Tableau. Behind the lackeys appear Roxane and Christian,
holding each other by the hand. The friar follows them, smiling. Ragueneau
also holds a candlestick. The duenna closes the rear, bewildered, having made
a hasty toilet):
Heavens!
Scene 3.XII.
The same. Roxane, Christian, the friar, Ragueneau, lackeys, the duenna.
DE GUICHE (to Roxane):
You?
(Recognizing Christian, in amazement):
He?
(Bowing, with admiration, to Roxane):
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 123
Page No 126
Cunningly contrived!
(To Cyrano):
My complimentsSir Apparatusmaker!
Your story would arrest at Peter's gate
Saints eager for their Paradise! Note well
The details. 'Faith! They'd make a stirring book!
CYRANO (bowing):
I shall not fail to follow your advice.
THE FRIAR (showing with satisfaction the two lovers to De Guiche):
A handsome couple, son, made one by you!
DE GUICHE (with a freezing look):
Ay!
(To Roxane):
Bid your bridegroom, Madame, fond farewell.
ROXANE:
Why so?
DE GUICHE (to Christian):
Even now the regiment departs.
Join it!
ROXANE:
It goes to battle?
DE GUICHE:
Without doubt.
ROXANE:
But the Cadets go not?
DE GUICHE:
Oh ay! they go.
(Drawing out the paper he had put in his pocket):
Here is the order.
(To Christian):
Baron, bear it, quick!
ROXANE (throwing herself in Christian's arms):
Christian!
DE GUICHE (sneeringly to Cyrano):
The weddingnight is far, methinks!
CYRANO (aside):
He thinks to give me pain of death by this!
CHRISTIAN (to Roxane):
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act III. 124
Page No 127
Oh! once again! Your lips!
CYRANO:
Come, come, enough!
CHRISTIAN (still kissing Roxane):
'Tis hard to leave her, you know not. . .
CYRANO (trying to draw him away):
I know.
(Sound of drums beating a march in the distance.)
DE GUICHE:
The regiment starts!
ROXANE (To Cyrano, holding back Christian, whom Cyrano is drawing away):
Oh!I trust him you!
Promise me that no risks shall put his life
In danger!
CYRANO:
I will try my best, but promise. . .
That I cannot!
ROXANE:
But swear he shall be prudent?
CYRANO:
Again, I'll do my best, but. . .
ROXANE:
In the siege
Let him not suffer!
CYRANO:
All that man can do,
I. . .
ROXANE:
That he shall be faithful!
CYRANO:
Doubtless, but. . .
ROXANE:
That he will write oft?
CYRANO (pausing):
That, I promise you!
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Act III. 125
Page No 128
Curtain.
Act IV.
The Cadets of Gascony.
Post occupied by company of Carbon de CastelJaloux at the siege of Arras.
In the background an embankment across the whole stage. Beyond, view of plain
extending to the horizon. The country covered with intrenchments. The walls
of Arras and the outlines of its roofs against the sky in the distance.
Tents. Arms strewn about, drums, etc. Day is breaking with a faint glimmer
of yellow sunrise in the east. Sentinels at different points. Watchfires.
The cadets of Gascony, wrapped in their mantles, are sleeping. Carbon de
CastelJaloux and Le Bret are keeping watch. They are very pale and thin.
Christian sleeps among the others in his cloak in the foreground, his face
illuminated by the fire. Silence.
Scene 4.I.
Christian, Carbon de CastelJaloux, Le Bret, the cadets, then Cyrano.
LE BRET:
'Tis terrible.
CARBON:
Not a morsel left.
LE BRET:
Mordioux!
CARBON (making a sign that he should speak lower):
Curse under your breath. You will awake them.
(To the cadets):
Hush! Sleep on.
(To Le Bret):
He who sleeps, dines!
LE BRET:
But that is sorry comfort for the sleepless!. . .
What starvation!
(Firing is heard in the distance.)
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 126
Page No 129
CARBON:
Oh, plague take their firing! 'Twill wake my sons.
(To the cadets, who lift up their heads):
Sleep on!
(Firing is again heard, nearer this time.)
A CADET (moving):
The devil!. . .Again.
CARBON:
'Tis nothing! 'Tis Cyrano coming back!
(Those who have lifted up their heads prepare to sleep again.)
A SENTINEL (from without):
Ventrebieu! Who goes there?
THE VOICE Of CYRANO:
Bergerac.
The SENTINEL (who is on the redoubt):
Ventrebieu! Who goes there?
CYRANO (appearing at the top):
Bergerac, idiot!
(He comes down; Le Bret advances anxiously to meet him.)
LE BRET:
Heavens!
CYRANO (making signs that he should not awake the others):
Hush!
LE BRET:
Wounded?
CYRANO:
Oh! you know it has become their custom to shoot at me every morning and to
miss me.
LE BRET:
This passes all! To take letters at each day's dawn. To risk. . .
CYRANO (stopping before Christian):
I promised he should write often.
(He looks at him):
He sleeps. How pale he is! But how handsome still, despite his sufferings.
If his poor little ladylove knew that he is dying of hunger. . .
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 127
Page No 130
LE BRET:
Get you quick to bed.
CYRANO:
Nay, never scold, Le Bret. I ran but little risk. I have found me a spot
to pass the Spanish lines, where each night they lie drunk.
LE BRET:
You should try to bring us back provision.
CYRANO:
A man must carry no weight who would get by there! But there will be
surprise for us this night. The French will eat or die. . .if I mistake not!
LE BRET:
Oh!. . .tell me!. . .
CYRANO:
Nay, not yet. I am not certain. . .You will see!
CARBON:
It is disgraceful that we should starve while we're besieging!
LE BRET:
Alas, how full of complication is this siege of Arras! To think that while
we are besieging, we should ourselves be caught in a trap and besieged by the
Cardinal Infante of Spain.
CYRANO:
It were well done if he should be besieged in his turn.
LE BRET:
I am in earnest.
CYRANO:
Oh! indeed!
LE BRET:
To think you risk a life so precious. . .for the sake of a letter. .
.Thankless one.
(Seeing him turning to enter the tent):
Where are you going?
CYRANO:
I am going to write another.
(He enters the tent and disappears.)
Scene 4.II.
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 128
Page No 131
The same, all but Cyrano. The day is breaking in a rosy light. The town of
Arras is golden in the horizon. The report of cannon is heard in the
distance, followed immediately by the beating of drums far away to the left.
Other drums are heard much nearer. Sounds of stirring in the camp. Voices of
officers in the distance.
CARBON (sighing):
The reveille!
(The cadets move and stretch themselves):
Nourishing sleep! Thou art at an end!. . .I know well what will be their
first cry!
A CADET (sitting up):
I am so hungry!
ANOTHER:
I am dying of hunger.
TOGETHER:
Oh!
CARBON:
Up with you!
THIRD CADET:
Cannot move a limb.
FOURTH CADET:
Nor can I.
THE FIRST (looking at himself in a bit of armor):
My tongue is yellow. The air at this season of the year is hard to digest.
ANOTHER:
My coronet for a bit of Chester!
ANOTHER:
If none can furnish to my gaster wherewith to make a pint of chyle, I shall
retire to my tentlike Achilles!
ANOTHER:
Oh! something! were it but a crust!
CARBON (going to the tent and calling softly):
Cyrano!
ALL THE CADETS:
We are dying!
CARBON (continuing to speak under his breath at the opening of the tent):
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 129
Page No 132
Come to my aid, you, who have the art of quick retort and gay jest. Come,
hearten them up.
SECOND CADET (rushing toward another who is munching something):
What are you crunching there?
FIRST CADET:
Cannonwads soaked in axlegrease! 'Tis poor hunting round about Arras!
A CADET (entering):
I have been after game.
ANOTHER (following him):
And I after fish.
ALL (rushing to the two newcomers):
Well! what have you brought?a pheasant?a carp?Come, show us quick!
THE ANGLER:
A gudgeon!
THE SPORTSMAN:
A sparrow!
ALL TOGETHER (beside themselves):
'Tis more than can be borne! We will mutiny!
CARBON:
Cyrano! Come to my help.
(The daylight has now come.)
Scene 4.III.
The SAME. Cyrano.
CYRANO (appearing from the tent, very calm, with a pen stuck behind his ear
and a book in his hand):
What is wrong?
(Silence. To the first cadet):
Why drag you your legs so sorrowfully?
THE CADET:
I have something in my heels which weighs them down.
CYRANO:
And what may that be?
THE CADET:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 130
Page No 133
My stomach!
CYRANO:
So have I, 'faith!
THE CADET:
It must be in your way?
CYRANO:
Nay, I am all the taller.
A THIRD:
My stomach's hollow.
CYRANO:
'Faith, 'twill make a fine drum to sound the assault.
ANOTHER:
I have a ringing in my ears.
CYRANO:
No, no, 'tis false; a hungry stomach has no ears.
ANOTHER:
Oh, to eat somethingsomething oily!
CYRANO (pulling off the cadet's helmet and holding it out to him):
Behold your salad!
ANOTHER:
What, in God's name, can we devour?
CYRANO (throwing him the book which he is carrying):
The 'Iliad'.
ANOTHER:
The first minister in Paris has his four meals a day!
CYRANO:
'Twere courteous an he sent you a few partridges!
THE SAME:
And why not? with wine, too!
CYRANO:
A little Burgundy. Richelieu, s'il vous plait!
THE SAME:
He could send it by one of his friars.
CYRANO:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 131
Page No 134
Ay! by His Eminence Joseph himself.
ANOTHER:
I am as ravenous as an ogre!
CYRANO:
Eat your patience, then.
THE FIRST CADET (shrugging his shoulders):
Always your pointed word!
CYRANO:
Ay, pointed words!
I would fain die thus, some soft summer eve,
Making a pointed word for a good cause.
To make a soldier's end by soldier's sword,
Wielded by some brave adversarydie
On bloodstained turf, not on a feverbed,
A point upon my lips, a point within my heart.
CRIES FROM ALL:
I'm hungry!
CYRANO (crossing his arms):
All your thoughts of meat and drink!
Bertrand the fifer!you were shepherd once,
Draw from its double leathern case your fife,
Play to these greedy, guzzling soldiers. Play
Old country airs with plaintive rhythm recurring,
Where lurk sweet echoes of the dear homevoices,
Each note of which calls like a little sister,
Those airs slow, slow ascending, as the smokewreaths
Rise from the hearthstones of our native hamlets,
Their music strikes the ear like Gascon patois!. . .
(The old man seats himself, and gets his flute ready):
Your flute was now a warrior in durance;
But on its stem your fingers are adancing
A birdlike minuet! O flute! Remember
That flutes were made of reeds first, not laburnum;
Make us a music pastoral days recalling
The soultime of your youth, in country pastures!. . .
(The old man begins to play the airs of Languedoc):
Hark to the music, Gascons!. . .'Tis no longer
The piercing fife of campbut 'neath his fingers
The flute of the woods! No more the call to combat,
'Tis now the lovesong of the wandering goatherds!. . .
Hark!. . .'tis the valley, the wet landes, the forest,
The sunburnt shepherdboy with scarlet beret,
The dusk of evening on the Dordogne river,
'Tis Gascony! Hark, Gascons, to the music!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 132
Page No 135
(The cadets sit with bowed heads; their eyes have a faroff look as if
dreaming, and they surreptitiously wipe away their tears with their cuffs and
the corner of their cloaks.)
CARBON (to Cyrano in a whisper):
But you make them weep!
CYRANO:
Ay, for homesickness. A nobler pain than hunger,'tis of the soul, not of
the body! I am well pleased to see their pain change its viscera. Heartache
is better than stomachache.
CARBON:
But you weaken their courage by playing thus on their heartstrings!
CYRANO (making a sign to a drummer to approach):
Not I. The hero that sleeps in Gascon blood is ever ready to awake in them.
'Twould suffice. . .
(He makes a signal; the drum beats.)
ALL THE CADETS (stand up and rush to take arms):
What? What is it?
CYRANO (smiling):
You see! One roll of the drum is enough! Goodby dreams, regrets, native
land, love. . .All that the pipe called forth the drum has chased away!
A CADET (looking toward the back of the stage):
Ho! here comes Monsieur de Guiche.
ALL THE CADETS (muttering):
Ugh!. . .Ugh!. . .
CYRANO (smiling):
A flattering welcome!
A CADET:
We are sick to death of him!
ANOTHER CADET:
With his lace collar over his armor, playing the fine gentleman!
ANOTHER:
As if one wore linen over steel!
THE FIRST:
It were good for a bandage had he boils on his neck.
THE SECOND:
Another plotting courtier!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 133
Page No 136
ANOTHER CADET:
His uncle's own nephew!
CARBON:
For all thata Gascon.
THE FIRST:
Ay, false Gascon!. . .trust him not. . .
Gascons should ever be crackbrained. . .
Naught more dangerous than a rational Gascon.
LE BRET:
How pale he is!
ANOTHER:
Oh! he is hungry, just like us poor devils; but under his cuirass, with its
fine gilt nails, his stomachache glitters brave in the sun.
CYRANO (hurriedly):
Let us not seem to suffer either! Out with your cards, pipes, and dice. . .
(All begin spreading out the games on the drums, the stools, the ground, and
on their cloaks, and light long pipes):
And I shall read Descartes.
(He walks up and down, reading a little book which he has drawn from his
pocket. Tableau. Enter De Guiche. All appear absorbed and happy. He is
very pale. He goes up to Carbon.)
Scene 4.IV.
The same. De Guiche.
DE GUICHE (to Carbon):
Goodday!
(They examine each other. Aside, with satisfaction):
He's green.
CARBON (aside):
He has nothing left but eyes.
DE GUICHE (looking at the cadets):
Here are the rebels! Ay, Sirs, on all sides
I hear that in your ranks you scoff at me;
That the Cadets, these loutish, mountainbred,
Poor country squires, and barons of Perigord,
Scarce find for metheir Colonela disdain
Sufficient! call me plotter, wily courtier!
It does not please their mightiness to see
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 134
Page No 137
A pointlace collar on my steel cuirass,
And they enrage, because a man, in sooth,
May be no raggedrobin, yet a Gascon!
(Silence. All smoke and play):
Shall I command your Captain punish you?
No.
CARBON:
I am free, moreover,will not punish
DE GUICHE:
Ah!
CARBON:
I have paid my company'tis mine.
I bow but to headquarters.
DE GUICHE:
So?in faith!
That will suffice.
(Addressing himself to the cadets):
I can despise your taunts
'Tis well known how I bear me in the war;
At Bapaume, yesterday, they saw the rage
With which I beat back the Count of Bucquoi;
Assembling my own men, I fell on his,
And charged three separate times!
CYRANO (without lifting his eyes from his book):
And your white scarf?
DE GUICHE (surprised and gratified):
You know that detail?. . .Troth! It happened thus:
While caracoling to recall the troops
For the third charge, a band of fugitives
Bore me with them, close by the hostile ranks:
I was in perilcapture, sudden death!
When I thought of the good expedient
To loosen and let fall the scarf which told
My military rank; thus I contrived
Without attention wakedto leave the foes,
And suddenly returning, reinforced
With my own men, to scatter them! And now,
What say you, Sir?
(The cadets pretend not to be listening, but the cards and the diceboxes
remain suspended in their hands, the smoke of their pipes in their cheeks.
They wait.)
CYRANO:
I say, that Henri Quatre
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 135
Page No 138
Had not, by any dangerous odds, been forced
To strip himself of his white helmet plume.
(Silent delight. The cards fall, the dice rattle. The smoke is puffed.)
DE GUICHE:
The ruse succeeded, though!
(Same suspension of play, etc.)
CYRANO:
Oh, may be! But
One does not lightly abdicate the honor
To serve as target to the enemy
(Cards, dice, fall again, and the cadets smoke with evident delight):
Had I been present when your scarf fell low,
Our courage, Sir, is of a different sort
I would have picked it up and put it on.
DE GUICHE:
Oh, ay! Another Gascon boast!
CYRANO:
A boast?
Lend it to me. I pledge myself, tonight,
With it across my breast,to lead th' assault.
DE GUICHE:
Another Gascon vaunt! You know the scarf
Lies with the enemy, upon the brink
Of the stream,. . .the place is riddled now with shot,
No one can fetch it hither!
CYRANO (drawing the scarf from his pocket, and holding it out to him):
Here it is.
(Silence. The cadets stifle their laughter in their cards and diceboxes. De
Guiche turns and looks at them; they instantly become grave, and set to play.
One of them whistles indifferently the air just played by the fifer.)
DE GUICHE (taking the scarf):
I thank you. It will now enable me
To make a signal,that I had forborne
To maketill now.
(He goes to the rampart, climbs it, and waves the scarf thrice.)
ALL:
What's that?
THE SENTINEL (from the top of the rampart):
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 136
Page No 139
See you yon man
Down there, who runs?. . .
DE GUICHE (descending):
'Tis a false Spanish spy
Who is extremely useful to my ends.
The news he carries to the enemy
Are those I prompt him withso, in a word,
We have an influence on their decisions!
CYRANO:
Scoundrel!
DE GUICHE (carelessly knotting on his scarf):
'Tis opportune. What were we saying?
Ah! I have news for you. Last evening
To victual usthe Marshal did attempt
A final effort:secretly he went
To Dourlens, where the King's provisions be.
Butto return to camp more easily
He took with him a goodly force of troops.
Those who attacked us now would have fine sport!
Half of the army's absent from the camp!
CARBON:
Ay, if the Spaniards knew, 'twere ill for us,
But they know nothing of it?
DE GUICHE:
Oh! they know.
They will attack us.
CARBON:
Ah!
DE GUICHE:
For my false spy
Came to warn me of their attack. He said,
'I can decide the point for their assault;
Where would you have it? I will tell them 'tis
The least defendedthey'll attempt you there.'
I answered, 'Good. Go out of camp, but watch
My signal. Choose the point from whence it comes.'
CARBON (to cadets):
Make ready!
(All rise; sounds of swords and belts being buckled.)
DE GUICHE:
'Twill be in an hour.
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 137
Page No 140
FIRST CADET:
Good!. . .
(They all sit down again and take up their games.)
DE GUICHE (to Carbon):
Time must be gained. The Marshal will return.
CARBON:
How gain it?
DE GUICHE:
You will all be good enough
To let yourselves to be killed.
CYRANO:
Vengeance! oho!
DE GUICHE:
I do not say that, if I loved you well,
I had chosen you and yours,but, as things stand,
Your courage yielding to no corps the palm
I serve my King, and serve my grudge as well.
CYRANO:
Permit that I express my gratitude. . .
DE GUICHE:
I know you love to fight against five score;
You will not now complain of paltry odds.
(He goes up with Carbon.)
CYRANO (to the cadets):
We shall add to the Gascon coat of arms,
With its six bars of blue and gold, one more
The bloodred bar that was amissing there!
(De Guiche speaks in a low voice with Carbon at the back. Orders are given.
Preparations go forward. Cyrano goes up to Christian, who stands with crossed
arms.)
CYRANO (putting his hand on Christian's shoulder):
Christian!
CHRISTIAN (shaking his head):
Roxane!
CYRANO:
Alas!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 138
Page No 141
CHRISTIAN:
At least, I'd send
My heart's farewell to her in a fair letter!. . .
CYRANO:
I had suspicion it would be today,
(He draws a letter out of his doublet):
And had already writ. . .
CHRISTIAN:
Show!
CYRANO:
Will you. . .?
CHRISTIAN (taking the letter):
Ay!
(He opens and reads it):
Hold!
CYRANO:
What?
CHRISTIAN:
This little spot!
CYRANO (taking the letter, with an innocent look):
A spot?
CHRISTIAN:
A tear!
CYRANO:
Poets, at last,by dint of counterfeiting
Take counterfeit for truethat is the charm!
This farewell letter,it was passing sad,
I wept myself in writing it!
CHRISTIAN:
Wept? why?
CYRANO:
Oh!. . .death itself is hardly terrible,. . .
But, ne'er to see her more! That is death's sting!
For. . .I shall never. . .
(Christian looks at him):
We shall. . .
(Quickly):
I mean, you. . .
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 139
Page No 142
CHRISTIAN (snatching the letter from him):
Give me that letter!
(A rumor, far off in the camp.)
VOICE Of SENTINEL:
Who goes there? Halloo!
(Shotsvoicescarriagebells.)
CARBON:
What is it?
A SENTINEL (on the rampart):
'Tis a carriage!
(All rush to see.)
CRIES:
In the camp?
It enters!It comes from the enemy!
Fire!No!The coachman cries!What does he say?
'On the King's service!'
(Everyone is on the rampart, staring. The bells come nearer.)
DE GUICHE:
The King's service? How?
(All descend and draw up in line.)
CARBON:
Uncover, all!
DE GUICHE:
The King's! Draw up in line!
Let him describe his curve as it befits!
(The carriage enters at full speed covered with dust and mud. The curtains
are drawn close. Two lackeys behind. It is pulled up suddenly.)
CARBON:
Beat a salute!
(A roll of drums. The cadets uncover.)
DE GUICHE:
Lower the carriagesteps!
(Two cadets rush forward. The door opens.)
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 140
Page No 143
ROXANE (jumping down from the carriage):
Goodday!
(All are bowing to the ground, but at the sound of a woman's voice every head
is instantly raised.)
Scene 4.V.
The same. Roxane.
DE GUICHE:
On the King's service! You?
ROXANE:
Ay,King Love's! What other king?
CYRANO:
Great God!
CHRISTIAN (rushing forward):
Why have you come?
ROXANE:
This siege'tis too long!
CHRISTIAN:
But why?. . .
ROXANE:
I will tell you all!
CYRANO (who, at the sound of her voice, has stood still, rooted to the ground,
afraid to raise his eyes):
My God! dare I look at her?
DE GUICHE:
You cannot remain here!
ROXANE (merrily):
But I say yes! Who will push a drum hither for me?
(She seats herself on the drum they roll forward):
So! I thank you.
(She laughs):
My carriage was fired at
(proudly):
by the patrol! Look! would you not think 'twas made of a pumpkin, like
Cinderella's chariot in the tale,and the footmen out of rats?
(Sending a kiss with her lips to Christian):
Goodmorrow!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 141
Page No 144
(Examining them all):
You look not merry, any of you! Ah! know you that 'tis a long road to get
to Arras?
(Seeing Cyrano):
Cousin, delighted!
CYRANO (coming up to her):
But how, in Heaven's name?. . .
ROXANE:
How found I the way to the army? It was simple enough, for I had but to
pass on and on, as far as I saw the country laid waste. Ah, what horrors were
there! Had I not seen, then I could never have believed it! Well, gentlemen,
if such be the service of your King, I would fainer serve mine!
CYRANO:
But 'tis sheer madness! Where in the fiend's name did you get through?
ROXANE:
Where? Through the Spanish lines.
FIRST CADET:
For subtle craft, give me a woman!
DE GUICHE:
But how did you pass through their lines?
LE BRET:
Faith! that must have been a hard matter!. . .
ROXANE:
None too hard. I but drove quietly forward in my carriage, and when some
hidalgo of haughty mien would have stayed me, lo! I showed at the window my
sweetest smile, and these Senors being (with no disrespect to you) the most
gallant gentlemen in the world,I passed on!
CARBON:
True, that smile is a passport! But you must have been asked frequently to
give an account of where you were going, Madame?
ROXANE:
Yes, frequently. Then I would answer, 'I go to see my lover.' At that word
the very fiercest Spaniard of them all would gravely shut the carriagedoor,
and, with a gesture that a king might envy, make signal to his men to lower
the muskets leveled at me;then, with melancholy but withal very graceful
dignityhis beaver held to the wind that the plumes might flutter bravely, he
would bow low, saying to me, 'Pass on, Senorita!'
CHRISTIAN:
But, Roxane. . .
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 142
Page No 145
ROXANE:
Forgive me that I said, 'my lover!' But bethink you, had I said 'my
husband,' not one of them had let me pass!
CHRISTIAN:
But. . .
ROXANE:
What ails you?
DE GUICHE:
You must leave this place!
ROXANE:
I?
CYRANO:
And that instantly!
LE BRET:
No time to lose.
CHRISTIAN:
Indeed, you must.
ROXANE:
But wherefore must I?
CHRISTIAN (embarrassed):
'Tis that. . .
CYRANO (the same):
In three quarters of an hour. . .
DE GUICHE (the same):
Or for. . .
CARBON (the same):
It were best. . .
LE BRET (the same):
You might. . .
ROXANE:
You are going to fight?I stay here.
ALL:
No, no!
ROXANE:
He is my husband!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 143
Page No 146
(She throws herself into Christian's arms):
They shall kill us both together!
CHRISTIAN:
Why do you look at me thus?
ROXANE:
I will tell you why!
DE GUICHE (in despair):
'Tis a post of mortal danger!
ROXANE (turning round):
Mortal danger!
CYRANO:
Proof enough, that he has put us here!
ROXANE (to De Guiche):
So, Sir, you would have made a widow of me?
DE GUICHE:
Nay, on my oath. . .
ROXANE:
I will not go! I am reckless now, and I shall not stir from here!Besides,
'tis amusing!
CYRANO:
Ohho! So our precieuse is a heroine!
ROXANE:
Monsieur de Bergerac, I am your cousin.
A CADET:
We will defend you well!
ROXANE (more and more excited):
I have no fear of that, my friends!
ANOTHER (in ecstasy):
The whole camp smells sweet of orrisroot!
ROXANE:
And, by good luck, I have chosen a hat that will suit well with the
battlefield!
(Looking at De Guiche):
But were it not wisest that the Count retire?
They may begin the attack.
DE GUICHE:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 144
Page No 147
That is not to be brooked! I go to inspect the cannon, and shall return.
You have still timethink better of it!
ROXANE:
Never!
(De Guiche goes out.)
Scene 4.VI.
The same, all but De Guiche.
CHRISTIAN (entreatingly):
Roxane!
ROXANE:
No!
FIRST CADET (to the others):
She stays!
ALL (hurrying, hustling each other, tidying themselves):
A comb!Soap!My uniform is torn!A needle!A ribbon!Lend your
mirror!My cuffs!Your curlingiron!A razor!. . .
ROXANE (to Cyrano, who still pleads with her):
No! Naught shall make me stir from this spot!
CARBON (who, like the others, has been buckling, dusting, brushing his hat,
settling his plume, and drawing on his cuffs, advances to Roxane, and
ceremoniously):
It is perchance more seemly, since things are thus, that I present to you
some of these gentlemen who are about to have the honor of dying before your
eyes.
(Roxane bows, and stands leaning on Christian's arm, while Carbon introduces
the cadets to her):
Baron de Peyrescous de Colignac!
THE CADET (with a low reverence):
Madame. . .
CARBON (continuing):
Baron de Casterac de Cahuzac,Vidame de Malgouyre Estressac Lesbas
d'Escarabiot, Chevalier d'AntignacJuzet, Baron Hillot de BlagnacSalechan de
Castel Crabioules. . .
ROXANE:
But how many names have you each?
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 145
Page No 148
BARON HILLOT:
Scores!
CARBON (to Roxane):
Pray, upon the hand that holds your kerchief.
ROXANE (opens her hand, and the handkerchief falls):
Why?
(The whole company start forward to pick it up.)
CARBON (quickly raising it):
My company had no flag. But now, by my faith, they will have the fairest in
all the camp!
ROXANE (smiling):
'Tis somewhat small.
CARBON (tying the handkerchief on the staff of his lance):
But'tis of lace!
A CADET (to the rest):
I could die happy, having seen so sweet a face, if I had something in my
stomachwere it but a nut!
CARBON (who has overheard, indignantly):
Shame on you! What, talk of eating when a lovely woman!. . .
ROXANE:
But your camp air is keen; I myself am famished. Pasties, cold fricassee,
old winesthere is my bill of fare? Pray bring it all here.
(Consternation.)
A CADET:
All that?
ANOTHER:
But where on earth find it?
ROXANE (quietly):
In my carriage.
ALL:
How?
ROXANE:
Now serve upcarve! Look a little closer at my coachman, gentlemen, and
you will recognize a man most welcome. All the sauces can be sent to table
hot, if we will!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 146
Page No 149
THE CADETS (rushing pellmell to the carriage):
'Tis Ragueneau!
(Acclamations):
Oh, oh!
ROXANE (looking after them):
Poor fellows!
CYRANO (kissing her hand):
Kind fairy!
RAGUENEAU (standing on the box like a quack doctor at a fair):
Gentlemen!. . .
(General delight.)
THE CADETS:
Bravo! bravo!
RAGUENEAU:
. . .The Spaniards, gazing on a lady so dainty fair, overlooked the fare so
dainty!. . .
(Applause.)
CYRANO (in a whisper to Christian):
Hark, Christian!
RAGUENEAU:
. . .And, occupied with gallantry, perceived not
(His draws a plate from under the seat, and holds it up):
The galantine!. . .
(Applause. The galantine passes from hand to hand.)
CYRANO (still whispering to Christian):
Prythee, one word!
RAGUENEAU:
And Venus so attracted their eyes that Diana could secretly pass by with
(He holds up a shoulder of mutton):
her fawn!
(Enthusiasm. Twenty hands are held out to seize the shoulder of mutton.)
CYRANO (in a low whisper to Christian):
I must speak to you!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 147
Page No 150
ROXANE (to the cadets, who come down, their arms laden with food):
Put it all on the ground!
(She lays all out on the grass, aided by the two imperturbable lackeys who
were behind the carriage.)
ROXANE (to Christian, just as Cyrano is drawing him apart):
Come, make yourself of use!
(Christian comes to help her. Cyrano's uneasiness increases.)
RAGUENEAU:
Truffled peacock!
FIRST CADET (radiant, coming down, cutting a big slice of ham):
By the mass! We shall not brave the last hazard without having had a
gulletfull!
(quickly correcting himself on seeing Roxane):
Pardon! A Balthazar feast!
RAGUENEAU (throwing down the carriage cushions):
The cushions are stuffed with ortolans!
(Hubbub. They tear open and turn out the contents of the cushions. Bursts of
laughtermerriment.)
THIRD CADET:
Ah! Viedaze!
RAGUENEAU (throwing down to the cadets bottles of red wine):
Flasks of rubies!
(and white wine):
Flasks of topaz!
ROXANE (throwing a folded tablecloth at Cyrano's head):
Unfold me that napkin!Come, come! be nimble!
RAGUENEAU (waving a lantern):
Each of the carriagelamps is a little larder!
CYRANO (in a low voice to Christian, as they arrange the cloth together):
I must speak with you ere you speak to her.
RAGUENEAU:
My whiphandle is an Arles sausage!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 148
Page No 151
ROXANE (pouring out wine, helping):
Since we are to die, let the rest of the army shift for itself. All for the
Gascons! And mark! if De Guiche comes, let no one invite him!
(Going from one to the other):
There! there! You have time enough! Do not eat too fast!Drink a little.
Why are you crying?
FIRST CADET:
It is all so good!. . .
ROXANE:
Tut!Red or white?Some bread for Monsieur de Carbon!a knife! Pass your
plate!a little of the crust? Some more? Let me help you!Some champagne?
A wing?
CYRANO (who follows her, his arms laden with dishes, helping her to wait on
everybody):
How I worship her!
ROXANE (going up to Christian):
What will you?
CHRISTIAN:
Nothing.
ROXANE:
Nay, nay, take this biscuit, steeped in muscat; come!. . .but two drops!
CHRISTIAN (trying to detain her):
Oh! tell me why you came?
ROXANE:
Wait; my first duty is to these poor fellows.Hush! In a few minutes. . .
LE BRET (who had gone up to pass a loaf on the end of a lance to the sentry on
the rampart):
De Guiche!
CYRANO:
Quick! hide flasks, plates, piedishes, gamebaskets! Hurry!Let us all
look unconscious!
(To Ragueneau):
Up on your seat!Is everything covered up?
(In an instant all has been pushed into the tents, or hidden under doublets,
cloaks, and beavers. De Guiche enters hurriedlystops suddenly, sniffing the
air. Silence.)
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 149
Page No 152
Scene 4.VII.
The same. De Guiche.
DE GUICHE:
It smells good here.
A CADET (humming):
Lo! Lolo!
DE GUICHE (looking at him):
What is the matter?You are very red.
THE CADET:
The matter?Nothing!'Tis my bloodboiling at the thought of the coming
battle!
ANOTHER:
Poum, poumpoum. . .
DE GUICHE (turning round):
What's that?
THE CADET (slightly drunk):
Nothing!. . .'Tis a song!a little. . .
DE GUICHE:
You are merry, my friend!
THE CADET:
The approach of danger is intoxicating!
DE GUICHE (calling Carbon de CastelJaloux, to give him an order):
Captain! I. . .
(He stops short on seeing him):
Plague take me! but you look bravely, too!
CARBON (crimson in the face, hiding a bottle behind his back, with an evasive
movement):
Oh!. . .
DE GUICHE:
I have one cannon left, and have had it carried there
(he points behind the scenes):
in that corner. . .Your men can use it in case of need.
A CADET (reeling slightly):
Charming attention!
ANOTHER (with a gracious smile):
Kind solicitude!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 150
Page No 153
DE GUICHE:
How? they are all gone crazy?
(Drily):
As you are not used to cannon, beware of the recoil.
FIRST CADET:
Pooh!
DE GUICHE (furious, going up to him):
But. . .
THE CADET:
Gascon cannons never recoil!
DE GUICHE (taking him by the arm and shaking him):
You are tipsy!but what with?
THE CADET (grandiloquently):
With the smell of powder!
DE GUICHE (shrugging his shoulders and pushing him away, then going quickly to
ROXANE):
Briefly, Madame, what decision do you deign to take?
ROXANE:
I stay here.
DE GUICHE:
You must fly!
ROXANE:
No! I will stay.
DE GUICHE:
Since things are thus, give me a musket, one of you!
CARBON:
Wherefore?
DE GUICHE:
Because I toomean to remain.
CYRANO:
At last! This is true valor, Sir!
FIRST CADET:
Then you are Gascon after all, spite of your lace collar?
ROXANE:
What is all this?
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 151
Page No 154
DE GUICHE:
I leave no woman in peril.
SECOND CADET (to the first):
Hark you! Think you not we might give him something to eat?
(All the viands reappear as if by magic.)
DE GUICHE (whose eyes sparkle):
Victuals!
THE THIRD CADET:
Yes, you'll see them coming from under every coat!
DE GUICHE (controlling himself, haughtily):
Do you think I will eat your leavings?
CYRANO (saluting him):
You make progress.
DE GUICHE (proudly, with a light touch of accent on the word 'breaking'):
I will fight without brreaking my fast!
FIRST CADET (with wild delight):
Brrreaking! He has got the accent!
DE GUICHE (laughing):
I?
THE CADET:
'Tis a Gascon!
(All begin to dance.)
CARBON DE CASTELJALOUX (who had disappeared behind the rampart, reappearing
on the ridge):
I have drawn my pikemen up in line. They are a resolute troop.
(He points to a row of pikes, the tops of which are seen over the ridge.)
DE GUICHE (bowing to Roxane):
Will you accept my hand, and accompany me while I review them?
(She takes it, and they go up toward the rampart. All uncover and follow
them.)
CHRISTIAN (going to Cyrano, eagerly):
Tell me quickly!
(As Roxane appears on the ridge, the tops of the lances disappear, lowered for
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 152
Page No 155
the salute, and a shout is raised. She bows.)
THE PIKEMEN (outside):
Vivat!
CHRISTIAN:
What is this secret?
CYRANO:
If Roxane should. . .
CHRISTIAN:
Should?. . .
CYRANO:
Speak of the letters?. . .
CHRISTIAN:
Yes, I know!. . .
CYRANO:
Do not spoil all by seeming surprised. . .
CHRISTIAN:
At what?
CYRANO:
I must explain to you!. . .Oh! 'tis no great matterI but thought of it to
day on seeing her. You have. . .
CHRISTIAN:
Tell quickly!
CYRANO:
You have. . .written to her oftener than you think. . .
CHRISTIAN:
How so?
CYRANO:
Thus, 'faith! I had taken it in hand to express your flame for you!. . .At
times I wrote without saying, 'I am writing!'
CHRISTIAN:
Ah!. . .
CYRANO:
'Tis simple enough!
CHRISTIAN:
But how did you contrive, since we have been cut off, thus. . .to?. . .
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 153
Page No 156
CYRANO:
. . .Oh! before dawn. . .I was able to get through. . .
CHRISTIAN (folding his arms):
That was simple, too? And how oft, pray you, have I written?. . .Twice in
the week?. . .Three times?. . .Four?. . .
CYRANO:
More often still.
CHRISTIAN:
What! Every day?
CYRANO:
Yes, every day,twice.
CHRISTIAN (violently):
And that became so mad a joy for you, that you braved death. . .
CYRANO (seeing Roxane returning):
Hush! Not before her!
(He goes hurriedly into his tent.)
Scene 4.VIII.
ROXANE, Christian. In the distance cadets coming and going. Carbon and De
Guiche give orders.
ROXANE (running up to Christian):
Ah, Christian, at last!. . .
CHRISTIAN (taking her hands):
Now tell me why
Why, by these fearful paths so perilous
Across these ranks of ribald soldiery,
You have come?
ROXANE:
Love, your letters brought me here!
CHRISTIAN:
What say you?
ROXANE:
'Tis your fault if I ran risks!
Your letters turned my head! Ah! all this month,
How many!and the last one ever bettered
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 154
Page No 157
The one that went before!
CHRISTIAN:
What!for a few
Inconsequent loveletters!
ROXANE:
Hold your peace!
Ah! you cannot conceive it! Ever since
That night, when, in a voice all new to me,
Under my window you revealed your soul
Ah! ever since I have adored you! Now
Your letters all this whole month long!meseemed
As if I heard that voice so tender, true,
Sheltering, close! Thy fault, I say! It drew me,
The voice o' th' night! Oh! wise Penelope
Would ne'er have stayed to broider on her hearthstone,
If her Ulysses could have writ such letters!
But would have cast away her silken bobbins,
And fled to join him, mad for love as Helen!
CHRISTIAN:
But. . .
ROXANE:
I read, read againgrew faint for love;
I was thine utterly. Each separate page
Was like a fluttering flowerpetal, loosed
From your own soul, and wafted thus to mine.
Imprinted in each burning word was love
Sincere, allpowerful. . .
CHRISTIAN:
A love sincere!
Can that be felt, Roxane!
ROXANE:
Ay, that it can!
CHRISTIAN:
You come. . .?
ROXANE:
O, Christian, my true lord, I come
(Were I to throw myself, here, at your knees,
You would raise mebut 'tis my soul I lay
At your feetyou can raise it nevermore!)
I come to crave your pardon. (Ay, 'tis time
To sue for pardon, now that death may come!)
For the insult done to you when, frivolous,
At first I loved you only for your face!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 155
Page No 158
CHRISTIAN (horrorstricken):
Roxane!
ROXANE:
And later, loveless frivolous
Like a bird that spreads its wings, but can not fly
Arrested by your beauty, by your soul
Drawn closeI loved for both at once!
CHRISTIAN:
And now?
ROXANE:
Ah! you yourself have triumphed o'er yourself,
And now, I love you only for your soul!
CHRISTIAN (stepping backward):
Roxane!
ROXANE:
Be happy. To be loved for beauty
A poor disguise that time so soon wears threadbare
Must be to noble soulsto souls aspiring
A torture. Your dear thoughts have now effaced
That beauty that so won me at the outset.
Now I see clearerand I no more see it!
CHRISTIAN:
Oh!. . .
ROXANE:
You are doubtful of such victory?
CHRISTIAN (pained):
Roxane!
ROXANE:
I see you cannot yet believe it.
Such love. . .?
CHRISTIAN:
I do not ask such love as that!
I would be loved more simply; for. . .
ROXANE:
For that
Which they have all in turns loved in thee?
Shame!
Oh! be loved henceforth in a better way!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 156
Page No 159
CHRISTIAN:
No! the first love was best!
ROXANE:
Ah! how you err!
'Tis now that I love bestlove well! 'Tis that
Which is thy true self, see!that I adore!
Were your brilliance dimmed. . .
CHRISTIAN:
Hush!
ROXANE:
I should love still!
Ay, if your beauty should today depart. . .
CHRISTIAN:
Say not so!
ROXANE:
Ay, I say it!
CHRISTIAN:
Ugly? How?
ROXANE:
Ugly! I swear I'd love you still!
CHRISTIAN:
My God!
ROXANE:
Are you content at last?
CHRISTIAN (in a choked voice):
Ay!. . .
ROXANE:
What is wrong?
CHRISTIAN (gently pushing her away):
Nothing. . .I have two words to say:one second. . .
ROXANE:
But?. . .
CHRISTIAN (pointing to the cadets):
Those poor fellows, shortly doomed to death,
My love deprives them of the sight of you:
Go,speak to themsmile on them ere they die!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 157
Page No 160
ROXANE (deeply affected):
Dear Christian!. . .
(She goes up to the cadets, who respectfully crowd round her.)
Scene 4.IX.
Christian, Cyrano. At back Roxane talking to Carbon and some cadets.
CHRISTIAN (calling toward Cyrano's tent):
Cyrano!
CYRANO (reappearing, fully armed):
What? Why so pale?
CHRISTIAN:
She does not love me!
CYRANO:
What?
CHRISTIAN:
'Tis you she loves!
CYRANO:
No!
CHRISTIAN:
For she loves me only for my soul!
CYRANO:
Truly?
CHRISTIAN:
Yes! Thusyou see, that soul is you,. . .
Therefore, 'tis you she loves!And youlove her!
CYRANO:
I?
CHRISTIAN:
Oh, I know it!
CYRANO:
Ay, 'tis true!
CHRISTIAN:
You love
To madness!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 158
Page No 161
CYRANO:
Ay! and worse!
CHRISTIAN:
Then tell her so!
CYRANO:
No!
CHRISTIAN:
And why not?
CYRANO:
Look at my face!be answered!
CHRISTIAN:
She'd love mewere I ugly.
CYRANO:
Said she so?
CHRISTIAN:
Ay! in those words!
CYRANO:
I'm glad she told you that!
But pooh!believe it not! I am well pleased
She thought to tell you. Take it not for truth.
Never grow ugly:she'd reproach me then!
CHRISTIAN:
That I intend discovering!
CYRANO:
No! I beg!
CHRISTIAN:
Ay! she shall choose between us!Tell her all!
CYRANO:
No! no! I will not have it! Spare me this!
CHRISTIAN:
Because my face is haply fair, shall I
Destroy your happiness? 'Twere too unjust!
CYRANO:
And I,because by Nature's freak I have
The gift to sayall that perchance you feel.
Shall I be fatal to your happiness?
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Act IV. 159
Page No 162
CHRISTIAN:
Tell all!
CYRANO:
It is ill done to tempt me thus!
CHRISTIAN:
Too long I've borne about within myself
A rival to myselfI'll make an end!
CYRANO:
Christian!
CHRISTIAN:
Or union, without witnesssecret
Clandestinecan be easily dissolved
If we survive.
CYRANO:
My God!he still persists!
CHRISTIAN:
I will be loved myselfor not at all!
I'll go see what they dothere, at the end
Of the post: speak to her, and then let her choose
One of us two!
CYRANO:
It will be you.
CHRISTIAN:
Pray God!
(He calls):
Roxane!
CYRANO:
No! no!
ROXANE (coming up quickly):
What?
CHRISTIAN:
Cyrano has things
Important for your ear. . .
(She hastens to Cyrano. Christian goes out.)
Scene 4.X.
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Act IV. 160
Page No 163
ROXANE, Cyrano. Then Le Bret, Carbon de CastelJaloux, the cadets, Ragueneau,
De Guiche, etc.
ROXANE:
Important, how?
CYRANO (in despair. to Roxane):
He's gone! 'Tis naught!Oh, you know how he sees
Importance in a trifle!
ROXANE (warmly):
Did he doubt
Of what I said?Ah, yes, I saw he doubted!
CYRANO (taking her hand):
But are you sure you told him all the truth?
ROXANE:
Yes, I would love him were he. . .
(She hesitates.)
CYRANO:
Does that word
Embarrass you before my face, Roxane?
ROXANE:
I. . .
CYRANO (smiling sadly):
'Twill not hurt me! Say it! If he were
Ugly!. . .
ROXANE:
Yes, ugly!
(Musket report outside):
Hark! I hear a shot!
CYRANO (ardently):
Hideous!
ROXANE:
Hideous! yes!
CYRANO:
Disfigured.
ROXANE:
Ay!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 161
Page No 164
CYRANO:
Grotesque?
ROXANE:
He could not be grotesque to me!
CYRANO:
You'd love the same?. . .
ROXANE:
The samenay, even more!
CYRANO (losing command over himselfaside):
My God! it's true, perchance, love waits me there!
(To Roxane):
I. . .Roxane. . .listen. . .
LE BRET (entering hurriedlyto Cyrano):
Cyrano!
CYRANO (turning round):
What?
LE BRET:
Hush!
(He whispers something to him.)
CYRANO (letting go Roxane's hand and exclaiming):
Ah, God!
ROXANE:
What is it?
CYRANO (to himselfstunned):
All is over now.
(Renewed reports.)
ROXANE:
What is the matter? Hark! another shot!
(She goes up to look outside.)
CYRANO:
It is too late, now I can never tell!
ROXANE (trying to rush out):
What has chanced?
CYRANO (rushing to stop her):
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 162
Page No 165
Nothing!
(Some cadets enter, trying to hide something they are carrying, and close
round it to prevent Roxane approaching.)
ROXANE:
And those men?
(Cyrano draws her away):
What were you just about to say before. . .?
CYRANO:
What was I saying? Nothing now, I swear!
(Solemnly):
I swear that Christian's soul, his nature, were. . .
(Hastily correcting himself):
Nay, that they are, the noblest, greatest. . .
ROXANE:
Were?
(With a loud scream):
Oh!
(She rushes up, pushing every one aside.)
CYRANO:
All is over now!
ROXANE (seeing Christian lying on the ground, wrapped in his cloak):
O Christian!
LE BRET (to Cyrano):
Struck by first shot of the enemy!
(Roxane flings herself down by Christian. Fresh reports of cannonclash of
armsclamorbeating of drums.)
CARBON (with sword in the air):
O come! Your muskets.
(Followed by the cadets, he passes to the other side of the ramparts.)
ROXANE:
Christian!
THE VOICE OF CARBON (from the other side):
Ho! make haste!
ROXANE:
Christian!
CARBON:
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Act IV. 163
Page No 166
FORM LINE!
ROXANE:
Christian!
CARBON:
HANDLE YOUR MATCH!
(Ragueneau rushes up, bringing water in a helmet.)
CHRISTIAN (in a dying voice):
Roxane!
CYRANO (quickly, whispering into Christian's ear, while Roxane distractedly
tears a piece of linen from his breast, which she dips into the water, trying
to stanch the bleeding):
I told her all. She loves you still.
(Christian closes his eyes.)
ROXANE:
How, my sweet love?
CARBON:
DRAW RAMRODS!
ROXANE (to Cyrano):
He is not dead?
CARBON:
OPEN YOUR CHARGES WITH YOUR TEETH!
ROXANE:
His cheek
Grows cold against my own!
CARBON:
READY! PRESENT!
ROXANE (seeing a letter in Christian's doublet):
A letter!. . .
'Tis for me!
(She opens it.)
CYRANO (aside):
My letter!
CARBON:
FIRE!
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Act IV. 164
Page No 167
(Musket reportsshoutsnoise of battle.)
CYRANO (trying to disengage his hand, which Roxane on her knees is holding):
But, Roxane, hark, they fight!
ROXANE (detaining him):
Stay yet awhile.
For he is dead. You knew him, you alone.
(Weeping quietly):
Ah, was not his a beauteous soul, a soul
Wondrous!
CYRANO (standing upbareheaded):
Ay, Roxane.
ROXANE:
An inspired poet?
CYRANO:
Ay, Roxane.
ROXANE:
And a mind sublime?
CYRANO:
Oh, yes!
ROXANE:
A heart too deep for common minds to plumb,
A spirit subtle, charming?
CYRANO (firmly):
Ay, Roxane.
ROXANE (flinging herself on the dead body):
Dead, my love!
CYRANO (asidedrawing his sword):
Ay, and let me die today,
Since, all unconscious, she mourns mein him!
(Sounds of trumpets in the distance.)
DE GUICHE (appearing on the rampartsbareheadedwith a wound on his
foreheadin a voice of thunder):
It is the signal! Trumpet flourishes!
The French bring the provisions into camp!
Hold but the place awhile!
ROXANE:
See, there is blood
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Act IV. 165
Page No 168
Upon the lettertears!
A VOICE (outsideshouting):
Surrender!
VOICE OF CADETS:
No!
RAGUENEAU (standing on the top of his carriage, watches the battle over the
edge of the ramparts):
The danger's ever greater!
CYRANO (to De Guichepointing to Roxane):
I will charge!
Take her away!
ROXANE (kissing the letterin a halfextinguished voice):
O God! his tears! his blood!. . .
RAGUENEAU (jumping down from the carriage and rushing toward her):
She's swooned away!
DE GUICHE (on the rampartto the cadetswith fury):
Stand fast!
A VOICE (outside):
Lay down your arms!
THE CADETS:
No!
CYRANO (to De Guiche):
Now that you have proved your valor, Sir,
(Pointing to Roxane):
Fly, and save her!
DE GUICHE (rushing to Roxane, and carrying her away in his arms):
So be it! Gain but time,
The victory's ours!
CYRANO:
Good.
(Calling out to Roxane, whom De Guiche, aided by Ragueneau, is bearing away in
a fainting condition):
Farewell, Roxane!
(Tumult. Shouts. Cadets reappear, wounded, falling on the scene. Cyrano,
rushing to the battle, is stopped by Carbon de CastelJaloux, who is streaming
with blood.)
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Act IV. 166
Page No 169
CARBON:
We are breaking! I am woundedwounded twice!
CYRANO (shouting to the Gascons):
GASCONS! HO, GASCONS! NEVER TURN YOUR BACKS!
(To Carbon, whom he is supporting):
Have no fear! I have two deaths to avenge:
My friend who's slain;and my dead happiness!
(They come down, Cyrano brandishing the lance to which is attached Roxane's
handkerchief):
Float there! laced kerchief broidered with her name!
(He sticks it in the ground and shouts to the cadets):
FALL ON THEM, GASCONS! CRUSH THEM!
(To the fifer):
Fifer, play!
(The fife plays. The wounded try to rise. Some cadets, falling one over the
other down the slope, group themselves round Cyrano and the little flag. The
carriage is crowded with men inside and outside, and, bristling with
arquebuses, is turned into a fortress.)
A CADET (appearing on the crest, beaten backward, but still fighting, cries):
They're climbing the redoubt!
(and falls dead.)
CYRANO:
Let us salute them!
(The rampart is covered instantly by a formidable row of enemies. The
standards of the Imperialists are raised):
Fire!
(General discharge.)
A CRY IN THE ENEMY'S RANKS:
Fire!
(A deadly answering volley. The cadets fall on all sides.)
A SPANISH OFFICER (uncovering):
Who are these men who rush on death?
CYRANO (reciting, erect, amid a storm of bullets):
The bold Cadets of Gascony,
Of Carbon of CastelJaloux!
Brawling, swaggering boastfully,
(He rushes forward, followed by a few survivors):
The bold Cadets. . .
(His voice is drowned in the battle.)
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act IV. 167
Page No 170
Curtain.
Act V.
Cyrano's Gazette.
Fifteen years later, in 1655. Park of the Sisters of the Holy Cross in Paris.
Magnificent trees. On the left the house: broad steps on to which open
several doors. An enormous plane tree in the middle of the stage, standing
alone. On the right, among big boxwood trees, a semicircular stone bench.
The whole background of the stage is crossed by an alley of chestnut trees
leading on the right hand to the door of a chapel seen through the branches.
Through the double row of trees of this alley are seen lawns, other alleys,
clusters of trees, winding of the park, the sky.
The chapel opens by a little side door on to a colonnade which is wreathed
with autumn leaves, and is lost to view a little farther on in the righthand
foreground behind the boxwood.
It is autumn. All the foliage is red against the fresh green of the lawns.
The green boxwood and yews stand out dark.
Under each tree a patch of yellow leaves.
The stage is strewn with dead leaves, which rustle under foot in the alleys,
and half cover the steps and benches.
Between the benches on the right hand and the tree a large embroidery frame,
in front of which a little chair has been set.
Baskets full of skeins and balls of wool. A tapestry begun.
At the rising of the curtains nuns are walking to and fro in the park; some
are seated on the bench around an older Sister.
The leaves are falling.
Scene 5.I.
Mother Marguerite, Sister Martha, Sister Claire, other sisters.
SISTER MARTHA (to Mother Marguerite):
Sister Claire glanced in the mirror, oncenay, twice, to see if her coif
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act V. 168
Page No 171
suited.
MOTHER MARGUERITE (to Sister Claire):
'Tis not well.
SISTER CLAIRE:
But I saw Sister Martha take a plum
Out of the tart.
MOTHER MARGUERITE (to Sister Martha):
That was ill done, my sister.
SISTER CLAIRE:
A little glance!
SISTER MARTHA:
And such a little plum!
MOTHER MARGUERITE:
I shall tell this to Monsieur Cyrano.
SISTER CLAIRE:
Nay, prithee do not!he will mock!
SISTER MARTHA:
He'll say we nuns are vain!
SISTER CLAIRE:
And greedy!
MOTHER MARGUERITE (smiling):
Ay, and kind!
SISTER CLAIRE:
Is it not true, pray, Mother Marguerite,
That he has come, each week, on Saturday
For ten years, to the convent?
MOTHER MARGUERITE:
Ay! and more!
Ever sincefourteen years agothe day
His cousin brought here, 'midst our woolen coifs,
The worldly mourning of her widow's veil,
Like a blackbird's wing among the convent doves!
SISTER MARTHA:
He only has the skill to turn her mind
From griefunsoftened yet by Timeunhealed!
ALL THE SISTERS:
He is so droll!It's cheerful when he comes!
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Act V. 169
Page No 172
He teases us!But we all like him well!
We make him pasties of angelica!
SISTER MARTHA:
But, he is not a faithful Catholic!
SISTER CLAIRE:
We will convert him!
THE SISTERS:
Yes! Yes!
MOTHER MARGUERITE:
I forbid,
My daughters, you attempt that subject. Nay,
Weary him nothe might less oft come here!
SISTER MARTHA:
But. . .God. . .
MOTHER MARGUERITE:
Nay, never fear! God knows him well!
SISTER MARTHA:
Butevery Saturday, when he arrives,
He tells me, 'Sister, I eat meat on Friday!'
MOTHER MARGUERITE:
Ah! says he so? Well, the last time he came
Food had not passed his lips for two whole days!
SISTER MARTHA:
Mother!
MOTHER MARGUERITE:
He's poor.
SISTER MARTHA:
Who told you so, dear Mother?
MOTHER MARGUERITE:
Monsieur Le Bret.
SISTER MARTHA:
None help him?
MOTHER MARGUERITE:
He permits not.
(In an alley at the back Roxane appears, dressed in black, with a widow's coif
and veil. De Guiche, imposinglooking and visibly aged, walks by her side.
They saunter slowly. Mother Marguerite rises):
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act V. 170
Page No 173
'Tis time we go in; Madame Madeleine
Walks in the garden with a visitor.
SISTER MARTHA (to Sister Claire, in a low voice):
The Marshal of Grammont?
SISTER CLAIRE (looking at him):
'Tis he, I think.
SISTER MARTHA:
'Tis many months now since he came to see her.
THE SISTERS:
He is so busy!The Court,the camp!. . .
SISTER CLAIRE:
The world!
(They go out. De Guiche and Roxane come forward in silence, and stop close to
the embroidery frame.)
Scene 5.II.
ROXANE; the Duke de Grammont, formerly Count de Guiche. Then Le Bret and
Ragueneau.
THE DUKE:
And you stay here stillever vainly fair,
Ever in weeds?
ROXANE:
Ever.
THE DUKE:
Still faithful?
ROXANE:
Still.
THE DUKE (after a pause):
Am I forgiven?
ROXANE:
Ay, since I am here.
(Another pause.)
THE DUKE:
His was a soul, you say?. . .
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act V. 171
Page No 174
ROXANE:
Ah!when you knew him!
THE DUKE:
Ah, may be!. . .I, perchance, too little knew him!
. . .And his last letter, ever next your heart?
ROXANE:
Hung from this chain, a gentle scapulary.
THE DUKE:
And, dead, you love him still?
ROXANE:
At times,meseems
He is but partly deadour hearts still speak,
As if his love, still living, wrapped me round!
THE DUKE (after another pause):
Cyrano comes to see you?
ROXANE:
Often, ay.
Dear, kind old friend! We call him my 'Gazette.'
He never fails to come: beneath this tree
They place his chair, if it be fine:I wait,
I broider;the clock strikes;at the last stroke
I hear,for now I never turn to look
Too sure to hear his cane tap down the steps;
He seats himself:with gentle raillery
He mocks my tapestry that's never done;
He tells me all the gossip of the week. . .
(Le Bret appears on the steps):
Why, here's Le Bret!
(Le Bret descends):
How goes it with our friend?
LE BRET:
Ill!very ill.
THE DUKE:
How?
ROXANE (to the Duke):
He exaggerates!
LE BRET:
All that I prophesied: desertion, want!. . .
His letters now make him fresh enemies!
Attacking the sham nobles, sham devout,
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act V. 172
Page No 175
Sham brave,the thieving authors,all the world!
ROXANE:
Ah! but his sword still holds them all in check;
None get the better of him.
THE DUKE (shaking his head):
Time will show!
LE BRET:
Ah, but I fear for himnot man's attack,
Solitudehungercold December days,
That wolflike steal into his chamber drear:
Lo! the assassins that I fear for him!
Each day he tightens by one hole his belt:
That poor nosetinted like old ivory:
He has retained one shabby suit of serge.
THE DUKE:
Ay, there is one who has no prize of Fortune!
Yet is not to be pitied!
LE BRET (with a bitter smile):
My Lord Marshal!. . .
THE DUKE:
Pity him not! He has lived out his vows,
Free in his thoughts, as in his actions free!
LE BRET (in the same tone):
My Lord!. . .
THE DUKE (haughtily):
True! I have all, and he has naught;. . .
Yet I were proud to take his hand!
(Bowing to Roxane):
Adieu!
ROXANE:
I go with you.
(The Duke bows to Le Bret, and goes with Roxane toward the steps.)
THE DUKE (pausing, while she goes up):
Ay, true,I envy him.
Look you, when life is brimful of success
Though the past hold no action foulone feels
A thousand selfdisgusts, of which the sum
Is not remorse, but a dim, vague unrest;
And, as one mounts the steps of worldly fame,
The Duke's furred mantles trail within their folds
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act V. 173
Page No 176
A sound of dead illusions, vain regrets,
A rustlescarce a whisperlike as when,
Mounting the terrace steps, by your mourning robe
Sweeps in its train the dying autumn leaves.
ROXANE (ironically):
You are pensive?
THE DUKE:
True! I am!
(As he is going out, suddenly):
Monsieur Le Bret!
(To Roxane):
A word, with your permission?
(He goes to Le Bret, and in a low voice):
True, that none
Dare to attack your friend;but many hate him;
Yesterday, at the Queen's cardplay, 'twas said
'That Cyrano may dieby accident!'
Let him stay inbe prudent!
LE BRET (raising his arms to heaven):
Prudent! He!. . .
He's coming here. I'll warn himbut!. . .
ROXANE (who has stayed on the steps, to a sister who comes toward her):
What is it?
THE SISTER:
Ragueneau would see you, Madame.
ROXANE:
Let him come.
(To the Duke and Le Bret):
He comes to tell his troubles. Having been
An author (save the mark!)poor fellownow
By turns he's singer. . .
LE BRET:
Bathingman. . .
ROXANE:
Then actor. . .
LE BRET:
Beadle. . .
ROXANE:
Wigmaker. . .
LE BRET:
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act V. 174
Page No 177
Teacher of the lute. . .
ROXANE:
What will he be today, by chance?
RAGUENEAU (entering hurriedly):
Ah! Madame!
(He sees Le Bret):
Ah! you here, Sir!
ROXANE (smiling):
Tell all your miseries
To him; I will return anon.
RAGUENEAU:
But, Madame. . .
(Roxane goes out with the Duke. Ragueneau goes toward Le Bret.)
Scene 5.III.
Le Bret, Ragueneau.
RAGUENEAU:
Since you are here, 'tis best she should not know!
I was going to your friend just nowwas but
A few steps from the house, when I saw him
Go out. I hurried to him. Saw him turn
The corner. . .suddenly, from out a window
Where he was passingwas it chance?. . .may be!
A lackey let fall a large piece of wood.
LE BRET:
Cowards! O Cyrano!
RAGUENEAU:
I ranI saw. . .
LE BRET:
'Tis hideous!
RAGUENEAU:
Saw our poet, Sirour friend
Struck to the grounda large wound in his head!
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Act V. 175
Page No 178
LE BRET:
He's dead?
RAGUENEAU:
NobutI bore him to his room. . .
Ah! his room! What a thing to see!that garret!
LE BRET:
He suffers?
RAGUENEAU:
No, his consciousness has flown.
LE BRET:
Saw you a doctor?
RAGUENEAU:
One was kindhe came.
LE BRET:
My poor Cyrano!We must not tell this
To Roxane suddenly.What said this leech?
RAGUENEAU:
Said,what, I know notfever, meningitis!
Ah! could you see himall his head bound up!
But let us haste!There's no one by his bed!
And if he try to rise, Sir, he might die!
LE BRET (dragging him toward the right):
Come! Through the chapel! 'Tis the quickest way!
ROXANE (appearing on the steps, and seeing Le Bret go away by the colonnade
leading to the chapel door):
Monsieur le Bret!
(Le Bret and Ragueneau disappear without answering):
Le Bret goeswhen I call!
'Tis some new trouble of good Ragueneau's.
(She descends the steps.)
Scene 5.IV.
ROXANE alone. Two sisters, for a moment.
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act V. 176
Page No 179
ROXANE:
Ah! what a beauty in September's close!
My sorrow's eased. April's joy dazzled it,
But autumn wins it with her dying calm.
(She seats herself at the embroidery frame. Two sisters come out of the
house, and bring a large armchair under the tree):
There comes the famous armchair where he sits,
Dear faithful friend!
SISTER MARTHA:
It is the parlor's best!
ROXANE:
Thanks, sister.
(The sisters go):
He'll be here now.
(She seats herself. A clock strikes):
The hour strikes.
My silks?Why, now, the hour's struck!
How strange
To be behind his time, at last, today!
Perhaps the portresswhere's my thimble?. . .
Here!Is preaching to him.
(A pause):
Yes, she must be preaching!
Surely he must come soon!Ah, a dead leaf!
(She brushes off the leaf from her work):
Nothing, besides, couldscissors?In my bag!
Could hinder him. . .
A SISTER (coming to the steps):
Monsieur de Bergerac.
Scene 5.V.
ROXANE, Cyrano and, for a moment, Sister Martha.
ROXANE (without turning round):
What was I saying?. . .
(She embroiders. Cyrano, very pale, his hat pulled down over his eyes,
appears. The sister who had announced him retires. He descends the steps
slowly, with a visible difficulty in holding himself upright, bearing heavily
on his cane. Roxane still works at her tapestry):
Time has dimmed the tints. . .
How harmonize them now?
(To Cyrano, with playful reproach):
For the first time
Late!For the first time, all these fourteen years!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act V. 177
Page No 180
CYRANO (who has succeeded in reaching the chair, and has seated himselfin a
lively voice, which is in great contrast with his pale face):
Ay! It is villainous! I ragedwas stayed. . .
ROXANE:
By?. . .
CYRANO:
By a bold, unwelcome visitor.
ROXANE (absently, working):
Some creditor?
CYRANO:
Ay, cousin,the last creditor
Who has a debt to claim from me.
ROXANE:
And you
Have paid it?
CYRANO:
No, not yet! I put it off;
Said, 'Cry you mercy; this is Saturday,
When I have get a standing rendezvous
That naught defers. Call in an hour's time!'
ROXANE (carelessly):
Oh, well, a creditor can always wait!
I shall not let you go ere twilight falls.
CYRANO:
Haply, perforce, I quit you ere it falls!
(He shuts his eyes, and is silent for a moment. Sister Martha crosses the
park from the chapel to the flight of steps. Roxane, seeing her, signs to her
to approach.)
ROXANE (to Cyrano):
How now? You have not teased the Sister?
CYRANO (hastily opening his eyes):
True!
(In a comically loud voice):
Sister! come here!
(The sister glides up to him):
Ha! ha! What? Those bright eyes
Bent ever on the ground?
SISTER MARTHA (who makes a movement of astonishment on seeing his face):
Cyrano de Bergerac
Act V. 178
Page No 181
Oh!
CYRANO (in a whisper, pointing to Roxane):
Hush! 'tis naught!
(Loudly, in a blustering voice):
I broke fast yesterday!
SISTER MARTHA (aside):
I know, I know!
That's how he is so pale! Come presently
To the refectory, I'll make you drink
A famous bowl of soup. . .You'll come?
CYRANO:
Ay, ay!
SISTER MARTHA:
There, see! You are more reasonable today!
ROXANE (who hears them whispering):
The Sister would convert you?
SISTER MARTHA:
Nay, not I!
CYRANO:
Hold! but it's true! You preach to me no more,
You, once so glib with holy words! I am
Astonished!. . .
(With burlesque fury):
Stay, I will surprise you too!
Hark! I permit you. . .
(He pretends to be seeking for something to tease her with, and to have found
it):
. . .It is something new!
Topray for me, tonight, at chapeltime!
ROXANE:
Oh! oh!
CYRANO (laughing):
Good Sister Martha is struck dumb!
SISTER MARTHA (gently):
I did not wait your leave to pray for you.
(She goes out.)
CYRANO (turning to Roxane, who is still bending over her work):
That tapestry! Beshrew me if my eyes
Will ever see it finished!
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Act V. 179
Page No 182
ROXANE:
I was sure
To hear that wellknown jest!
(A light breeze causes the leaves to fall.)
CYRANO:
The autumn leaves!
ROXANE (lifting her head, and looking down the distant alley):
Soft golden brown, like a Venetian's hair.
See how they fall!
CYRANO:
Ay, see how brave they fall,
In their last journey downward from the bough,
To rot within the clay; yet, lovely still,
Hiding the horror of the last decay,
With all the wayward grace of careless flight!
ROXANE:
What, melancholyyou?
CYRANO (collecting himself):
Nay, nay, Roxane!
ROXANE:
Then let the dead leaves fall the way they will. . .
And chat. What, have you nothing new to tell,
My Court Gazette?
CYRANO:
Listen.
ROXANE:
Ah!
CYRANO (growing whiter and whiter):
Saturday
The nineteenth: having eaten to excess
Of pearconserve, the King felt feverish;
The lancet quelled this treasonable revolt,
And the august pulse beats at normal pace.
At the Queen's ball on Sunday thirty score
Of best white waxen tapers were consumed.
Our troops, they say, have chased the Austrians.
Four sorcerers were hanged. The little dog
Of Madame d'Athis took a dose. . .
ROXANE:
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I bid
You hold your tongue, Monsieur de Bergerac!
CYRANO:
Mondaynot muchClaire changed protector.
ROXANE:
Oh!
CYRANO (whose face changes more and more):
Tuesday, the Court repaired to Fontainebleau.
Wednesday, the Montglat said to Comte de Fiesque. . .
No! ThursdayMancini, Queen of France! (almost!)
Friday, the Monglat to Count Fiesque said'Yes!'
And Saturday the twentysixth. . .
(He closes his eyes. His head falls forward. Silence.)
ROXANE (surprised at his voice ceasing, turns round, looks at him, and rising,
terrified):
He swoons!
(She runs toward him crying):
Cyrano!
CYRANO (opening his eyes, in an unconcerned voice):
What is this?
(He sees Roxane bending over him, and, hastily pressing his hat on his head,
and shrinking back in his chair):
Nay, on my word
'Tis nothing! Let me be!
ROXANE:
But. . .
CYRANO:
That old wound
Of Arras, sometimes,as you know. . .
ROXANE:
Dear friend!
CYRANO:
'Tis nothing, 'twill pass soon;
(He smiles with an effort):
See!it has passed!
ROXANE:
Each of us has his wound; ay, I have mine,
Never healed upnot healed yet, my old wound!
(She puts her hand on her breast):
'Tis here, beneath this letter brown with age,
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All stained with teardrops, and still stained with blood.
(Twilight begins to fall.)
CYRANO:
His letter! Ah! you promised me one day
That I should read it.
ROXANE:
What would you?His letter?
CYRANO:
Yes, I would fain,today. . .
ROXANE (giving the bag hung at her neck):
See! here it is!
CYRANO (taking it):
Have I your leave to open?
ROXANE:
Openread!
(She comes back to her tapestry frame, folds it up, sorts her wools.)
CYRANO (reading):
'Roxane, adieu! I soon must die!
This very night, beloved; and I
Feel my soul heavy with love untold.
I die! No more, as in days of old,
My loving, longing eyes will feast
On your least gestureay, the least!
I mind me the way you touch your cheek
With your finger, softly, as you speak!
Ah me! I know that gesture well!
My heart cries out!I cry "Farewell"!'
ROXANE:
But how you read that letter! One would think. . .
CYRANO (continuing to read):
'My life, my love, my jewel, my sweet,
My heart has been yours in every beat!'
(The shades of evening fall imperceptibly.)
ROXANE:
You read in such a voiceso strangeand yet
It is not the first time I hear that voice!
(She comes nearer very softly, without his perceiving it, passes behind his
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chair, and, noiselessly leaning over him, looks at the letter. The darkness
deepens.)
CYRANO:
'Here, dying, and there, in the land on high,
I am he who loved, who loves you,I. . .'
ROXANE (putting her hand on his shoulder):
How can you read? It is too dark to see!
(He starts, turns, sees her close to him. Suddenly alarmed, he holds his head
down. Then in the dusk, which has now completely enfolded them, she says,
very slowly, with clasped hands):
And, fourteen years long, he has played this part
Of the kind old friend who comes to laugh and chat.
CYRANO:
Roxane!
ROXANE:
'Twas you!
CYRANO:
No, never; Roxane, no!
ROXANE:
I should have guessed, each time he said my name!
CYRANO:
No, it was not I!
ROXANE:
It was you!
CYRANO:
I swear!
ROXANE:
I see through all the generous counterfeit
The lettersyou!
CYRANO:
No.
ROXANE:
The sweet, mad lovewords!
You!
CYRANO:
No!
ROXANE:
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The voice that thrilled the nightyou, you!
CYRANO:
I swear you err.
ROXANE:
The soulit was your soul!
CYRANO:
I loved you not.
ROXANE:
You loved me not?
CYRANO:
'Twas he!
ROXANE:
You loved me!
CYRANO:
No!
ROXANE:
See! how you falter now!
CYRANO:
No, my sweet love, I never loved you!
ROXANE:
Ah!
Things dead, long dead, see! how they rise again!
Why, why keep silence all these fourteen years,
When, on this letter, which he never wrote,
The tears were your tears?
CYRANO (holding out the letter to her):
The bloodstains were his.
ROXANE:
Why, then, that noble silence,kept so long
Broken today for the first timewhy?
CYRANO:
Why?. . .
(Le Bret and Ragueneau enter running.)
Scene 5.VI.
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The same. Le Bret and Ragueneau.
LE BRET:
What madness! Here? I knew it well!
CYRANO (smiling and sitting up):
What now?
LE BRET:
He has brought his death by coming, Madame.
ROXANE:
God!
Ah, then! that faintness of a moment since. . .?
CYRANO:
Why, true! It interrupted the 'Gazette:'
. . .Saturday, twentysixth, at dinnertime,
Assassination of De Bergerac.
(He takes off his hat; they see his head bandaged.)
ROXANE:
What says he? Cyrano!His head all bound!
Ah, what has chanced? How?Who?. . .
CYRANO:
'To be struck down,
Pierced by sword i' the heart, from a hero's hand!'
That I had dreamed. O mockery of Fate!
Killed, I! of all menin an ambuscade!
Struck from behind, and by a lackey's hand!
'Tis very well. I am foiled, foiled in all,
Even in my death.
RAGUENEAU:
Ah, Monsieur!. . .
CYRANO (holding out his hand to him):
Ragueneau,
Weep not so bitterly!. . .What do you now,
Old comrade?
RAGUENEAU (amid his tears):
Trim the lights for Moliere's stage.
CYRANO:
Moliere!
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RAGUENEAU:
Yes; but I shall leave tomorrow.
I cannot bear it!Yesterday, they played
'Scapin'I saw he'd thieved a scene from you!
LE BRET:
What! a whole scene?
RAGUENEAU:
Oh, yes, indeed, Monsieur,
The famous one, 'Que Diable allaitil faire?'
LE BRET:
Moliere has stolen that?
CYRANO:
Tut! He did well!. . .
(to Ragueneau):
How went the scene? It toldI think it told?
RAGUENEAU (sobbing):
Ah! how they laughed!
CYRANO:
Look you, it was my life
To be the prompter every one forgets!
(To Roxane):
That night when 'neath your window Christian spoke
Under your balcony, you remember? Well!
There was the allegory of my whole life:
I, in the shadow, at the ladder's foot,
While others lightly mount to Love and Fame!
Just! very just! Here on the threshold drear
Of death, I pay my tribute with the rest,
To Moliere's genius,Christian's fair face!
(The chapelbell chimes. The nuns are seen passing down the alley at the
back, to say their office):
Let them go pray, go pray, when the bell rings!
ROXANE (rising and calling):
Sister! Sister!
CYRANO (holding her fast):
Call no one. Leave me not;
When you come back, I should be gone for aye.
(The nuns have all entered the chapel. The organ sounds):
I was somewhat fain for musichark! 'tis come.
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ROXANE:
Live, for I love you!
CYRANO:
No, In fairy tales
When to the illstarred Prince the lady says
'I love you!' all his ugliness fades fast
But I remain the same, up to the last!
ROXANE:
I have marred your lifeI, I!
CYRANO:
You blessed my life!
Never on me had rested woman's love.
My mother even could not find me fair:
I had no sister; and, when grown a man,
I feared the mistress who would mock at me.
But I have had your friendshipgrace to you
A woman's charm has passed across my path.
LE BRET (pointing to the moon, which is seen between the trees):
Your other ladylove is come.
CYRANO (smiling):
I see.
ROXANE:
I loved but once, yet twice I lose my love!
CYRANO:
Hark you, Le Bret! I soon shall reach the moon.
Tonight, alone, with no projectile's aid!. . .
LE BRET:
What are you saying?
CYRANO:
I tell you, it is there,
There, that they send me for my Paradise,
There I shall find at last the souls I love,
In exile,GalileoSocrates!
LE BRET (rebelliously):
No, no! It is too clumsy, too unjust!
So great a heart! So great a poet! Die
Like this? what, die. . .?
CYRANO:
Hark to Le Bret, who scolds!
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LE BRET (weeping):
Dear friend. . .
CYRANO (starting up, his eyes wild):
What ho! Cadets of Gascony!
The elemental massah yes! The hic. . .
LE BRET:
His science stillhe raves!
CYRANO:
Copernicus
Said. . .
ROXANE:
Oh!
CYRANO:
Mais que diable allaitil faire,
Mais que diable allaitil faire dans cette galere?. . .
Philosopher, metaphysician,
Rhymer, brawler, and musician,
Famed for his lunar expedition,
And the unnumbered duels he fought,
And lover also,by interposition!
Here lies Hercule Savinien
De Cyrano de Bergerac,
Who was everything, yet was naught.
I cry you pardon, but I may not stay;
See, the moonray that comes to call me hence!
(He has fallen back in his chair; the sobs of Roxane recall him to reality; he
looks long at her, and, touching her veil):
I would not bid you mourn less faithfully
That good, brave Christian: I would only ask
That when my body shall be cold in clay
You wear those sable mourning weeds for two,
And mourn awhile for me, in mourning him.
ROXANE:
I swear it you!. . .
CYRANO (shivering violently, then suddenly rising):
Not there! what, seated?no!
(They spring toward him):
Let no one hold me up
(He props himself against the tree):
Only the tree!
(Silence):
It comes. E'en now my feet have turned to stone,
My hands are gloved with lead!
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(He stands erect):
But since Death comes,
I meet him still afoot,
(He draws his sword):
And sword in hand!
LE BRET:
Cyrano!
ROXANE (half fainting):
Cyrano!
(All shrink back in terror.)
CYRANO:
Why, I well believe
He dares to mock my nose? Ho! insolent!
(He raises his sword):
What say you? It is useless? Ay, I know
But who fights ever hoping for success?
I fought for lost cause, and for fruitless quest!
You there, who are you!You are thousands!
Ah!
I know you now, old enemies of mine!
Falsehood!
(He strikes in air with his sword):
Have at you! Ha! and Compromise!
Prejudice, Treachery!. . .
(He strikes):
Surrender, I?
Parley? No, never! You too, Folly,you?
I know that you will lay me low at last;
Let be! Yet I fall fighting, fighting still!
(He makes passes in the air, and stops, breathless):
You strip from me the laurel and the rose!
Take all! Despite you there is yet one thing
I hold against you all, and when, tonight,
I enter Christ's fair courts, and, lowly bowed,
Sweep with doffed casque the heavens' threshold blue,
One thing is left, that, void of stain or smutch,
I bear away despite you.
(He springs forward, his sword raised; it falls from his hand; he staggers,
falls back into the arms of Le Bret and Ragueneau.)
ROXANE (bending and kissing his forehead):
'Tis?. . .
CYRANO (opening his eyes, recognizing her, and smiling):
MY PANACHE.
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Curtain.
Cyrano de Bergerac
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Bookmarks
1. Table of Contents, page = 3
2. Cyrano de Bergerac, page = 4
3. Edmond Rostand, page = 4
4. Act I., page = 5
5. Act II., page = 49
6. Act III., page = 91
7. Act IV., page = 129
8. Act V., page = 171