Part 13 (1/2)

ROXANE [to the DUENNA] Not a word of what I have done: Cyrano would never forgive me for defrauding him of his war! [She calls toward the house.] Cousin! [CYRANO comes out.] comes out.] We are going to Clomire's. [ We are going to Clomire's. [She indicates the house opposite.] Alcandre has engaged to speak, and so has Lysimon. Alcandre has engaged to speak, and so has Lysimon.

THE DUENNA [putting her little finger to her ear] [putting her little finger to her ear] Yes, but my little finger tells me that we shall be too late to hear them! Yes, but my little finger tells me that we shall be too late to hear them!

CYRANO [to [to ROXANE] Of all things do not miss the trained monkeys! ROXANE] Of all things do not miss the trained monkeys! [They have reached Clomire's door] [They have reached Clomire's door]

THE DUENNA See!... See! they have m.u.f.fled the doorknocker! [To the door-knocker [To the door-knocker.] You have been gagged, that your voice should not disturb the beautiful lecture, ... little brutal disturber! [She lifts it with infinite care and knocks softly]

ROXANE [seeing the door open] Come! [ Come! [From the threshold to CYRANO.] If Christian should come, as probably he will, say he must wait! CYRANO.] If Christian should come, as probably he will, say he must wait!

CYRANO [hurriedly, as she is about to disappear [hurriedly, as she is about to disappear] Ah! [She turns.] Upon what shall you, according to your custom, question him to-day? Upon what shall you, according to your custom, question him to-day?

ROXANE Upon...

CYRANO [eagerly] Upon?...

ROXANE But you will be silent...

CYRANO As that wall!

ROXANE Upon nothing! I will say: Forward! Free rein! No curb! Improvise! Talk of love! Be magnificent!

CYRANO [smiling] Good.

ROXANE Hus.h.!.+

CYRANO Hus.h.!.+

ROXANE Not a word! [She goes in and closes the door. [She goes in and closes the door.]

CYRANO [bowing, when the door is closed] [bowing, when the door is closed] A thousand thanks! A thousand thanks! [The door opens again and ROXANE looks out] [The door opens again and ROXANE looks out]

ROXANE He might prepare his speeches...

CYRANO Ah no!... the devil, no!

BOTH [together] Hus.h.!.+...

[The door closes]

SCENE IV.

Cyrano, Christian

CYRANO [calling] [calling] Christian! Christian! [Enter [Enter CHRISTIAN.] I know all that we need to. Now make ready your memory. This is your chance to cover yourself with glory. Let us lose no time. Do not look sullen, like that. Quick! Let us go to your lodgings and I will rehea.r.s.e you... CHRISTIAN.] I know all that we need to. Now make ready your memory. This is your chance to cover yourself with glory. Let us lose no time. Do not look sullen, like that. Quick! Let us go to your lodgings and I will rehea.r.s.e you...

CHRISTIAN No!

CYRANO What?

CHRISTIAN No, I will await Roxane here.

CYRANO What insanity possesses you? Come quickly and learn...

CHRISTIAN No, I tell you! I am weary of borrowing my letters, my words... of playing a part, and living in constant fear.... It was very well at first, but now I feel that she loves me. I thank you heartily. I am no longer afraid. I will speak for myself... CYRANO Ouais? Ouais? ... ...

CHRISTIAN And what tells you that I shall not know how? I am not such an utter blockhead, after all! You shall see! Your lessons have not been altogether wasted. I can s.h.i.+ft to speak without your aid! And, that failing, by Heaven! I shall still know enough to take her in my arms! [Catching sight of [Catching sight of ROXANE ROXANE who is coming out from Clomire's.] who is coming out from Clomire's.] She is coming! Cyrano, no, do not leave me! . . . She is coming! Cyrano, no, do not leave me! . . .

CYRANO [bowing to him] [bowing to him] I will not meddle, Monsieur. I will not meddle, Monsieur. [He disappears behind the garden wall] [He disappears behind the garden wall]

SCENE V.

Christian, Roxane, briefly the Duenna, several Prieux and Precieuses

ROXANE [coming from CLOMIRE's house with a number of people from whom she is taking leave. Curtseys and farewells.] Barthenoide!... Alcandre! ... Gremione! ...

THE DUENNA [comically desperate] We missed the disquisition upon the Softer Sentiments! We missed the disquisition upon the Softer Sentiments! [She goes into [She goes into ROXANE's ROXANE's house.] house.]

ROXANE [still taking leave of this one and that] Urimedonte! ... Good-bye! that] Urimedonte! ... Good-bye! [All bow to ROXANE, to one another, separate and go off by the various streets. ROXANE sees CHRISTIAN.] [All bow to ROXANE, to one another, separate and go off by the various streets. ROXANE sees CHRISTIAN.]

ROXANE You are here! [She goes to him.] Evening is closing round.... Wait! ... They have all gone.... The air is so mild.... Not a pa.s.ser in sight.... Let us sit here.... Talk! ... I will listen. Evening is closing round.... Wait! ... They have all gone.... The air is so mild.... Not a pa.s.ser in sight.... Let us sit here.... Talk! ... I will listen.

CHRISTIAN [sits beside her, on the bench. Silence.] [sits beside her, on the bench. Silence.] I love you. I love you.

ROXANE [closing her eyes] Yes. Talk to me of love. Yes. Talk to me of love.

CHRISTIAN I love you.

ROXANE Yes. That is the theme. Play variations upon it.

CHRISTIAN I love...

ROXANE Variations!

CHRISTIAN I love you so much...

ROXANE I do not doubt it. What further? ...

CHRISTIAN And further. I should be so happy if you loved me! Tell me, Roxane, that you love me ...

ROXANE [pouting] You proffer cider to me when I was hoping for champagne! ... Now tell me a little how how you love me? you love me?

CHRISTIAN Why... very, very much.