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.





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