 | Cyrano de Bergerac: A Play in Five Acts |  |
ACT IV.
The Cadets of Gascony.Post occupied by company of Carbon de Castel-Jaloux 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. Watch-fires. The cadets of Gascony, wrapped in their mantles, are sleeping. Carbon de Castel-Jaloux 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 I.
Christian, Carbon de Castel-Jaloux, Le Bret, the cadets, then Cyrano.LE BRET
'Tis terrible.
CARBON
Not a morsel left.
Mordious!
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.)
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.)
(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. . .
(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 lady-love knew that he is dying of hunger. . .
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
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 II.
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!
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 tent--like Achilles!
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)
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
Cannon-wads soaked in axle-grease! 'Tis poor hunting round about Arras!
A CADET
(entering)
I have been after game.
ANOTHER
(following him)
And I after fish.
(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 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.
And what may that be?
THE CADET
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 something--something 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?
(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
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,
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 home-voices, Each note of which calls like a little sister, Those airs slow, slow ascending, as the smoke-wreaths 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 a-dancing A bird-like minuet! O flute! Remember That flutes were made of reeds first, not laburnum; Make us a music pastoral days recalling-- The soul-time 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 camp--but 'neath his fingers The flute of the woods! No more the call to combat,
(The cadets sit with bowed heads; their eyes have a far-off 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. Heart-ache is better than stomach-ache.
CARBON
But you weaken their courage by playing thus on their heart-strings!
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?
(smiling)
You see! One roll of the drum is enough! Good-by 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!
His uncle's own nephew!
CARBON
For all that--a Gascon.
THE FIRST
Ay, false Gascon!. . .trust him not. . . Gascons should ever be crack-brained. . . 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 stomach-ache 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 IV.
The same. De Guiche.DE GUICHE
(to Carbon)
Good-day!
(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, mountain-bred, Poor country squires, and barons of Perigord, Scarce find for me--their Colonel--a disdain Sufficient! call me plotter, wily courtier! It does not please their mightiness to see A point-lace collar on my steel cuirass,-- And they enrage, because a man, in sooth, May be no ragged-robin, 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!
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 peril--capture, 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 waked--to 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
CYRANO
I say, that Henri Quatre 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, to-night, --With it across my breast,--to lead th' assault.
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 dice-boxes. 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 make--till 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)
See you yon man Down there, who runs?. . .
(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 with--so, 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 us--the Marshal did attempt A final effort:--secretly he went To Dourlens, where the King's provisions be. But--to 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!
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 defended--they'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.
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!
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 blood-red bar that was a-missing 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!
At least, I'd send My heart's farewell to her in a fair letter!. . .
CYRANO
I had suspicion it would be to-day,
(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 true--that is the charm! This farewell letter,--it was passing sad, I wept myself in writing it!
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. . .
CHRISTIAN
(snatching the letter from him)
Give me that letter!
(A rumor, far off in the camp.)
VOICE Of SENTINEL
Who goes there? Halloo!
(Shots--voices--carriage-bells.)
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.)
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 carriage-steps!
(Two cadets rush forward. The door opens.)
ROXANE
(jumping down from the carriage)
Good-day!
(All are bowing to the ground, but at the sound of a woman's voice every head is instantly raised.)
Scene V.
The same. Roxane.DE GUICHE
On the King's service! You?
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
Good-morrow!
(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!. . .
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 carriage-door, 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 dignity--his beaver held to the wind that the plumes might flutter bravely, he would bow low, saying to me, 'Pass on, Senorita!'
CHRISTIAN
But, Roxane. . .
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. . .
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. . .
(the same)
You might. . .
ROXANE
You are going to fight?--I stay here.
ALL
No, no!
ROXANE
He is my husband!
(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. . .
I will not go! I am reckless now, and I shall not stir from here!--Besides, 'tis amusing!
CYRANO
Oh-ho! 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 orris-root!
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
That is not to be brooked! I go to inspect the cannon, and shall return. You have still time--think better of it!
ROXANE
Never!
(De Guiche goes out.)
Scene 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 curling-iron!--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
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'Antignac-Juzet, Baron Hillot de Blagnac-Salechan de Castel Crabioules. . .
ROXANE
But how many names have you each?
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.)
(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 stomach--were 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 wines--there is my bill of fare? Pray bring it all here.
(Consternation.)
A CADET
All that?
ANOTHER
But where on earth find it?
(quietly)
In my carriage.
ALL
How?
ROXANE
Now serve up--carve! 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!
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!
. . .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!
(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 gullet-full!--
(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 laughter--merriment.)
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 carriage-lamps 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 whip-handle is an Arles sausage!
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!. . .
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!
Quick! hide flasks, plates, pie-dishes, game-baskets! 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 hurriedly--stops suddenly, sniffing the air. Silence.)
Scene VII.
The same. De Guiche.DE GUICHE
It smells good here.
A CADET
(humming)
Lo! Lo-lo!
DE GUICHE
(looking at him)
What is the matter?--You are very red.
THE CADET
The matter?--Nothing!--'Tis my blood--boiling at the thought of the coming battle!
ANOTHER
Poum, poum--poum. . .
DE GUICHE
(turning round)
What's that?
(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 Castel-Jaloux, 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!
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.
Since things are thus, give me a musket, one of you!
CARBON
Wherefore?
DE GUICHE
Because I too--mean 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?
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?
(saluting him)
You make progress.
DE GUICHE
(proudly, with a light touch of accent on the word 'breaking')
I will fight without br-r-eaking my fast!
FIRST CADET
(with wild delight)
Br-r-r-eaking! He has got the accent!
DE GUICHE
(laughing)
I?
THE CADET
'Tis a Gascon!
(All begin to dance.)
CARBON DE CASTEL-JALOUX
(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.)
(going to Cyrano, eagerly)
Tell me quickly!
(As Roxane appears on the ridge, the tops of the lances disappear, lowered for 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 matter--I but thought of it to- day on seeing her. You have. . .
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
. . .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.
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 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!
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 The one that went before!
CHRISTIAN
What!--for a few Inconsequent love-letters!
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 again--grew faint for love; I was thine utterly. Each separate page
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 me--but 'tis my soul I lay At your feet--you 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!
CHRISTIAN
(horror-stricken)
Roxane!
ROXANE
And later, love--less frivolous-- Like a bird that spreads its wings, but can not fly-- Arrested by your beauty, by your soul Drawn close--I loved for both at once!
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 souls--to souls aspiring-- A torture. Your dear thoughts have now effaced That beauty that so won me at the outset. Now I see clearer--and 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. . .
For that Which they have all in turns loved in thee?-- Shame! Oh! be loved henceforth in a better way!
CHRISTIAN
No! the first love was best!
ROXANE
Ah! how you err! 'Tis now that I love best--love 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 to-day 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?
(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 them--smile on them ere they die!
ROXANE
(deeply affected)
Dear Christian!. . .
(She goes up to the cadets, who respectfully crowd round her.)
Scene IX.
Christian, Cyrano. At back Roxane talking to Carbon and some cadets.CHRISTIAN
(calling toward Cyrano's tent)
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! Thus--you see, that soul is you,. . . Therefore, 'tis you she loves!--And you--love her!
CYRANO
I?
CHRISTIAN
Oh, I know it!
CYRANO
Ay, 'tis true!
CHRISTIAN
You love To madness!
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 me--were 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!
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 say--all that perchance you feel. Shall I be fatal to your happiness?
CHRISTIAN
Tell all!
CYRANO
It is ill done to tempt me thus!
CHRISTIAN
Too long I've borne about within myself A rival to myself--I'll make an end!
CYRANO
Christian!
CHRISTIAN
Or union, without witness--secret-- Clandestine--can be easily dissolved If we survive.
CYRANO
My God!--he still persists!
CHRISTIAN
I will be loved myself--or not at all! --I'll go see what they do--there, at the end Of the post: speak to her, and then let her choose One of us two!
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 X.
Roxane, Cyrano. Then Le Bret, Carbon de Castel-Jaloux, 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!
(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!
Disfigured.
ROXANE
Ay!
CYRANO
Grotesque?
ROXANE
He could not be grotesque to me!
CYRANO
You'd love the same?. . .
ROXANE
The same--nay, even more!
CYRANO
(losing command over himself--aside)
My God! it's true, perchance, love waits me there!
(To Roxane)I. . .Roxane. . .listen. . .
LE BRET
(entering hurriedly--to Cyrano)
Cyrano!
CYRANO
(turning round)
What?
LE BRET
Hush!
(He whispers something to him.)
(letting go Roxane's hand and exclaiming)
Ah, God!
ROXANE
What is it?
CYRANO
(to himself--stunned)
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)
Nothing!
(Some cadets enter, trying to hide something they are carrying, and close round it to prevent Roxane approaching.)
ROXANE
And those men?
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 cannon--clash of arms--clamor--beating of drums.)
(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
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.)
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!
(Musket reports--shouts--noise of battle.)
CYRANO
(trying to disengage his hand, which Roxane on her knees is holding)
But, Roxane, hark, they fight!
(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 up--bareheaded)
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!
(aside--drawing his sword)
Ay, and let me die to-day, Since, all unconscious, she mourns me--in him!
(Sounds of trumpets in the distance.)
DE GUICHE
(appearing on the ramparts--bareheaded--with a wound on his forehead--in 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 Upon the letter--tears!
A VOICE
(outside--shouting)
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 Guiche--pointing to Roxane)
I will charge! Take her away!
ROXANE
(kissing the letter--in a half-extinguished voice)
O God! his tears! his blood!. . .
(jumping down from the carriage and rushing toward her)
She's swooned away!
DE GUICHE
(on the rampart--to the cadets--with 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 Castel-Jaloux, who is streaming with blood.)
We are breaking! I am wounded--wounded 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.)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 Castel-Jaloux! Brawling, swaggering boastfully,
(He rushes forward, followed by a few survivors)The bold Cadets. . .
(His voice is drowned in the battle.)
Curtain.
| Cyrano de Bergerac: A Play in Five Acts | |