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.
DE GUICHE
(to Christian) Even now the regiment departs.
Join it!
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.
The Cadets of Gascony.
Post occupied by company of Carbon de Castel-Jaloux at the siege of Arras.
In the background an embankment across the whole stage. Beyond, view of plain
extending to the horizon. The country covered with intrenchments. The walls
of Arras and the outlines of its roofs against the sky in the distance.
Tents. Arms strewn about, drums, etc. Day is breaking with a faint glimmer
of yellow sunrise in the east. Sentinels at different points. Watch-fires.
The cadets of Gascony, wrapped in their mantles, are sleeping. Carbon de
Castel-Jaloux and Le Bret are keeping watch. They are very pale and thin.
Christian sleeps among the others in his cloak in the foreground, his face
illuminated by the fire. Silence.