Act III: Roxane’s KissScene 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.
Roxane
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!…
Cyrano
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!