Scene 3 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 gate
Saints eager for their Paradise! Note well
The 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 life
In 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 siege
Let 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.