Act III: Roxane’s KissScene XII
The same. Roxane, Christian, the friar, Ragueneau, lackeys, the duenna.
De Guiche
To Roxane
You?
Recognizing 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 gateSaints eager for their Paradise! Note wellThe 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 lifeIn 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 siegeLet 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.