Act IV: The Cadets of GasconyScene II
The same, all but Cyrano. The day is breaking in a rosy light. The town of Arras is golden in the horizon. The report of cannon is heard in the distance, followed immediately by the beating of drums far away to the left. Other drums are heard much nearer. Sounds of stirring in the camp. Voices of officers in the distance.
Carbon
Sighing
The reveille!
The cadets move and stretch themselves
Nourishing sleep! Thou art at an end!…I know well what will be their first cry!
A Cadet
Sitting up
I am so hungry!
Another
I am dying of hunger.
Together
Oh!
Carbon
Up with you!
Third Cadet
—Cannot move a limb.
Fourth Cadet
Nor can I.
The First
Looking at himself in a bit of armor
My tongue is yellow. The air at this season of the year is hard to digest.
Another
My coronet for a bit of Chester!
Another
If none can furnish to my gaster wherewith to make a pint of chyle, I shall retire to my tent—like Achilles!
Another
Oh! something! were it but a crust!
Carbon
Going to the tent and calling softly
Cyrano!
All the Cadets
We are dying!
Carbon
Continuing to speak under his breath at the opening of the tent
Come to my aid, you, who have the art of quick retort and gay jest. Come, hearten them up.
Second Cadet
Rushing toward another who is munching something
What are you crunching there?
First Cadet
Cannon-wads soaked in axle-grease! ’Tis poor hunting round about Arras!
A Cadet
Entering
I have been after game.
Another
Following him
And I after fish.
All
Rushing to the two newcomers
Well! what have you brought?—a pheasant?—a carp?—Come, show us quick!
The Angler
A gudgeon!
The Sportsman
A sparrow!
All Together
Beside themselves
’Tis more than can be borne! We will mutiny!
Carbon
Cyrano! Come to my help.
The daylight has now come.