Act III: Roxane’s KissScene V
Christian, Roxane, the duenna.
Roxane
Coming out of Clomire’s house, with a company of friends, whom she leaves. Bows and good-byes
Barthenoide!—Alcandre!—Gremione!—
The Duenna
Bitterly disappointed
We’ve missed the speech upon the Tender Passion!
Goes into Roxane’s house.
Roxane
Still bowing
Urimedonte—adieu!
All bow to Roxane and to each other, and then separate, going up different streets. Roxane suddenly seeing Christian
You!
She goes to him
Evening falls.Let’s sit. Speak on. I listen.
Christian
Sits by her on the bench. A silence
Oh! I love you!
Roxane
Shutting her eyes
Ay, speak to me of love.
Christian
I love thee!
Roxane
That’sThe theme! But vary it.
Christian
I…
Roxane
Vary it!
Christian
I love you so!
Roxane
Oh! without doubt!—and then?…
Christian
And then—I should be—oh!—so glad—so gladIf you would love me!—Roxane, tell me so!
Roxane
With a little grimace
I hoped for cream,—you give me gruel! SayHow love possesses you?
Christian
Oh utterly!
Roxane
Come, come!…unknot those tangled sentiments!
Christian
Your throat I’d kiss it!
Roxane
Christian!
Christian
I love thee!
Roxane
Half-rising
Again!
Christian
Eagerly, detaining her
No, no! I love thee not!
Roxane
Reseating herself
’Tis well!
Christian
But I adore thee!
Roxane
Rising, and going further off
Oh!
Christian
I am grown stupid!
Roxane
Dryly
And that displeases me, almost as muchAs ‘twould displease me if you grew ill-favored.
Christian
But…
Roxane
Rally your poor eloquence that’s flown!
Christian
I…
Roxane
Yes, you love me, that I know. Adieu.
She goes toward her house.
Christian
Oh, go not yet! I’d tell you—
Roxane
Opening the door
You adore me?I’ve heard it very oft. No!—Go away!
Christian
But I would fain…
She shuts the door in his face.
Cyrano
Who has re-entered unseen
I’ faith! It is successful!