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

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Scene 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!




-155-


ROXANE

   That's The 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 glad If you would love me! -- Roxane, tell me so!


ROXANE
[(with a little grimace)]

   I hoped for cream, -- you give me gruel! Say How 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!




-156-


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 much As '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.)]



-157-


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!