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.
ROXANE
That's
The theme! But vary it.
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?
ROXANE
Come, come!. . .unknot those tangled sentiments!
CHRISTIAN
Your throat I'd kiss it!
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.
ROXANE
Rally your poor eloquence that's flown!
ROXANE
Yes, you love me, that I know. Adieu.
She goes toward her house.
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!