 | Cyrano de Bergerac: A Play in Five Acts |  |
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 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
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 a-coming.
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 to-day--the precieuses, the poets; they read a discourse on the Tender Passion.
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 arch-lutes)
I tell you they are demi-semi-quavers, demi-semi-fool!
FIRST PAGE
(ironically)
You know then, Sir, to distinguish between semi-quavers and demi-semi- 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?
(going on with the air, and singing to it)
'Tis I, who come to serenade your lilies, and pay my devoir to your ro-o- oses!
ROXANE
I am coming down!
(She leaves the balcony.)
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 long-shanks, whom he takes about with him as an escort, and who are skillful in scratching lute-strings 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 lute-twangers 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!
. . .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! And--how 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 naught--and then, presto! he speaks--bewitchingly! 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?
In telling his love? why, 'tis not simple telling, 'tis dissertation, 'tis analysis!
CYRANO
How is he with the pen?
ROXANE
Still better! Listen,--here:--
(Reciting)The larger grows my heart!'
How like you those lines?
CYRANO
Pooh!
ROXANE
And thus it goes on. . .
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?
Ay, your poet's jealousy! Hark now, if this again be not tender-sweet?--
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 himself--contemptuously)--They are paltry enough!
ROXANE
And this. . .
CYRANO
(enchanted)
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?. . .
Ay, I say it--a master!
CYRANO
Good--be 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 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.
Whither go you?
DE GUICHE
To the war.
ROXANE
Ah!
DE GUICHE
Ay, to-night.
ROXANE
Oh!
DE GUICHE
I am ordered away. We are to besiege Arras.
ROXANE
Ah--to 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.
(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 bench--aside)
Christian!
DE GUICHE
What ails you?
ROXANE
(moved deeply)
Oh--I 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!
(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-- villen--viller--
ROXANE
Of high stature?
DE GUICHE
Fair-haired!
ROXANE
Ay, a red-headed fellow!
DE GUICHE
Handsome!. . .
ROXANE
Tut!
DE GUICHE
But dull-witted.
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 vengeance--he would love such a post better than aught else! I know the way to wound his 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 fain--seeing you thus espouse my cause, Roxane--believe it a proof of love!
'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! To-night--true, I ought to start--but--how 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 enter--but--I 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!
ROXANE
But, of this be rumored, your glory. . .
Bah!
ROXANE
But the siege--Arras. . .
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 heroic--Antoine!
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.)
(making behind his back a mocking courtesy)
Yes, my friend!
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 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.)
(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, to-night?
ROXANE
Oh--
CYRANO
(eagerly)
Well, say.
ROXANE
But you will be mute?
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!. . .
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 IV.
Cyrano, Christian.CYRANO
I know all that is needful. Here's occasion For you to deck yourself with glory. Come, Lose no time; put away those sulky looks, Come to your house with me, I'll teach you. . .
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 love-makings! 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 V.
Christian, Roxane, the duenna.ROXANE
(coming out of Clomire's house, with a company of friends, whom she leaves. Bows and good-byes)
Barthenoide!--Alcandre!--Gremione!--
THE DUENNA
(bitterly disappointed)
We've missed the speech upon the Tender Passion!
(Goes into Roxane's house.)
ROXANE
(still bowing)
Urimedonte--adieu!
(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!
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 then--I should be--oh!--so glad--so 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
Come, come!. . .unknot those tangled sentiments!
CHRISTIAN
Your throat I'd kiss it!
ROXANE
Christian!
CHRISTIAN
I love thee!
(half-rising)
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 ill-favored.
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.)
Oh, go not yet! I'd tell you--
ROXANE
(opening the door)
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 re-entered unseen)
I' faith! It is successful!
Scene 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.)
(moved)
Her window!
CHRISTIAN
Oh! I shall die!
CYRANO
Speak lower!
CHRISTIAN
(in a whisper)
I shall die!
CYRANO
The night is dark. . .
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 back--to Cyrano)
Ho!
CYRANO
Hush!
(He signs to them to speak softly.)
(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 passer-by 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
(half-opening the casement)
Who calls me?
CHRISTIAN
I!
ROXANE
Who's that?
Christian!
ROXANE
(disdainfully)
Oh! you?
CHRISTIAN
I would speak with you.
CYRANO
(under the balcony--to 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 say--Great Heaven! I love no more?--when--I--love 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!
(coming out on to the balcony)
That is better! But An if you deem that Cupid be so cruel You should have stifled baby-love in's cradle!
CHRISTIAN
(same play)
Ah, Madame, I assayed, but all in vain This. . .new-born babe is a young. . .Hercules!
ROXANE
Still better!
CHRISTIAN
(same play)
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
To-day. . . Your words are hesitating.
(imitating Christian--in 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!
(showing him the bench under the balcony)
Mount then on the bench!
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
Why--unseen?
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 shadow--you a radiance fair! Know you what such a moment holds for me? If ever I were eloquent. . .
ROXANE
You were!
CYRANO
Yet never till to-night my speech has sprung Straight from my heart as now it springs.
ROXANE
Why not?
Till now I spoke haphazard. . .
ROXANE
What?
CYRANO
Your eyes Have beams that turn men dizzy!--But to-night 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-- 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?
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 to-night--the star!
ROXANE
Oh! never have you spoken thus before!
CYRANO
If, leaving Cupid's arrows, quivers, torches, We turned to seek for sweeter--fresher 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 insult--to the perfumed Night--to Nature-- To speak fine words that garnish vain love-letters! 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,--
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 well-weighed word is futile and soul-saddening!
ROXANE
Well, if that moment's come for us--suppose 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 sheep-bell, 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 May-month, To walk abroad, one day you changed your hair-plaits! 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.
(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 might--far 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! 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.)
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 thus--I will profit by it!
CYRANO
(to Roxane)
My words sprang thoughtlessly, but now I see-- Shame on me!--I was too presumptuous.
(a little chilled)
How quickly you withdraw.
CYRANO
Yes, I withdraw Without withdrawing! Hurt I modesty? If so--the kiss I asked--oh, grant it not.
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 sad--then gay--then 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 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 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 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 mustache--and 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 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,
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 rose-dot 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 kiss--the 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. . .
And you Are fair as Buckingham!
CYRANO
(aside--suddenly cooled)
True,--I forgot!
ROXANE
Must I then bid thee mount to cull this flower?
CYRANO
(pushing Christian toward the balcony)
Mount!
ROXANE
This heart-breathing!. . .
CYRANO
Mount!
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.)
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, Roxane--mine! For on the lips you press you kiss as well The words I spoke just now!--my words--my 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
I--I was but passing by. . . Is Christian there?
CHRISTIAN
(astonished)
Cyrano!
ROXANE
Good-day, cousin!
CYRANO
Cousin, good-day!
I'm coming!
(She disappears into the house. At the back re-enter the friar.)
CHRISTIAN
(seeing him)
Back again!
(He follows Roxane.)
Scene X.
Cyrano, Christian, Roxane, the friar, Ragueneau.THE FRIAR
'Tis here,--I'm sure of it--Madame Madeleine Robin.
CYRANO
Why, you said Ro-LIN.
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?
(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)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 to-night. 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 your--et cetera.'
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 lines--to 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 obliged--et 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!
(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 postscript--see:-- '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 marriage-knot?
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!
(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 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?
(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
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!
(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 years--a minute, since? --I cannot guess what time that fall embraced!-- That I was in that saffron-colored 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 lightning-quick! no time to choose Where I should fall--I 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. . .
(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)
Oh-ho! I am in Paris!
DE GUICHE
(smiling in spite of himself)
The fool is comical!
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)Come--pardon me--by the last water-spout, Covered with ether,--accident of travel! My eyes still full of star-dust, 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 leg--the calf--there is a tooth Of the Great Bear, and, passing Neptune close, I would avoid his trident's point, and fell,
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. . .
Oh-ho! 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
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 Archytas--neither 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!
(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 wind--for my impetus-- To rarefy air, in a cedar case, By mirrors placed icosahedron-wise.
DE GUICHE
(making another step)
Two!
CYRANO
(still stepping backward)
Or--for I have some mechanic skill-- To make a grasshopper, with springs of steel, And launch myself by quick succeeding fires Saltpeter-fed to the stars' pastures blue!
DE GUICHE
(unconsciously following him and counting on his fingers)
Three!
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 platform--thence To throw a magnet in the air. This is A method well conceived--the 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!
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
Not I!
CYRANO
The tide! I' th' witching hour when the moon woos the wave, I laid me, fresh from a sea-bath, on the shore-- And, failing not to put head foremost--for The hair holds the sea-water 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?
Oh! then. . .
(Suddenly returning to his natural voice)The quarter's gone--I'll hinder you no more The marriage-vows are made.
DE GUICHE
(springing up)
What? Am I mad? That voice?
(The house-door opens. Lackeys appear carrying lighted candelabra. Light. Cyrano gracefully uncovers)That nose--Cyrano?
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 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)Cunningly contrived!
(To Cyrano)My compliments--Sir Apparatus-maker! 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.
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 wedding-night is far, methinks!
CYRANO
(aside)
He thinks to give me pain of death by this!
(to Roxane)
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. . .
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!
Curtain.
| Cyrano de Bergerac: A Play in Five Acts | |