Edmond Rostand . Cyrano de Bergerac: A Play in Five Acts
Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library

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Scene 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.)]



-151-


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!. . .




-152-


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!