SCENE XII
The SAME. ROXANE, CHRISTIAN, the FRIAR RAGUENEAU, LACKEYS, the DUENNA.
DE GUICHE. (to ROXANE). You?
(Recognising 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.
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 wedding-night, is far, methinks!
CYRANO. (aside). He thinks to give me pain of death by this!
CHRISTIAN. (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...
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!
CURTAIN.