 | Cyrano de Bergerac: A Play in Five Acts |  |
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 | |