Scene 3.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!

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!

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.)

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!





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