Part 6
_Ivy creeps up the wall, and a jasmine twines around the balcony. By means of the bench and of stones projecting from the wall, it is comparatively easy to climb up to the balcony._
_Over the way, an old house in the same style, brick and stone, with a door, the knocker of which is wrapped with rags like a sore finger._
_As the curtain rises, the Duenna is seated on the bench. The window on Roxane's balcony is wide open. Standing near the Duenna is Ragueneau, wearing a sort of livery. He is concluding a story, and wiping his eyes._
_SCENE I._
RAGUENEAU, THE DUENNA, _later_ ROXANE, CYRANO, _and two pages_.
RAGUENEAU.
.... And then she left with a Musketeer! Deserted and ruined, I hung myself, and I was already off for another world, when enter Monsieur de Bergerac. He unhung me and offered me to his cousin for a steward.
THE DUENNA.
But how were you ruined so?
RAGUENEAU.
Lise had a weakness for the military, and I for poets. Mars ate all the cakes that Apollo left. Oh! they made short work of it!
THE DUENNA (_rises and calls toward the window_).
Roxane! Are you ready? We'll be late.
VOICE OF ROXANE (_through the window_).
I'm putting on my cape!
THE DUENNA (_to Ragueneau, pointing to the door of the house over the way_).
We are expected over there, at Clomire's. She holds her literary assizes. There will be a reading. Subject: The Tender Passion!
RAGUENEAU.
The Tender Passion, indeed!
THE DUENNA (_smirking_).
The Tender Passion. Why not?
(_calling toward the window_).
Roxane, come down! Or we shall miss the discourse on The Tender Passion.
VOICE OF ROXANE.
I am coming!
(_Sound of string instruments growing gradually nearer._)
VOICE OF CYRANO (_singing in the wings_).
La, la, la, la!
THE DUENNA (_surprised_).
Music for us!
CYRANO (_followed by two pages each with an archlute_).
I say again that it's a demi-semi-quaver, you triple fool!
FIRST PAGE (_with irony_).
So then, Sir, you have thorough knowledge of quavers?
CYRANO.
I am a musician, as are all the disciples of Gassendi.
THE PAGE (_playing and singing_).
La, la!
CYRANO (_snatching from him the archlute and continuing the music_).
I can go on! La, la, la, la!
ROXANE (_appearing on the balcony_).
So, it is you?
CYRANO (_continuing the same air_).
Yes, I who come to celebrate the lily, And to extol the glory of the ro....se!
ROXANE.
I'll be down in a moment.
(_She leaves the balcony._)
THE DUENNA (_to Cyrano, pointing to the two pages_).
And who may be these two songsters?
CYRANO.
Oh! they are part of a bet I won. D'Assoucy and I had a discussion on a point of grammar. No! Yes! No! Yes! Of a sudden he points to these two scarecrows here, his constant escort, great in the art of scratching a string with a claw, and he says: "I'll bet you a whole day of music!"--He lost. And now, until to-morrow comes, I must enjoy both the strains and the presence of these two harmonious witnesses of all my acts!.... Pleasant, if you like, in the beginning, but now the pleasure is growing less.
(_to the musicians_).
Hep!.... Just go and play a pavan--with my compliments--for that actor Montfleury!
(_Pages go up. To the Duenna_).
I've come this evening--as on previous evenings--
(_to the Pages who are leaving_).
Play long,--and out of tune!
(_to Duenna_).
To ask Roxane if the friend of her soul is still as faultless as before.
ROXANE (_coming out of the house_).
How beautiful, how clever he is! and how I love him!
CYRANO (_smiling_).
Indeed! And is Christian so very clever?....
ROXANE.
Yes, dear friend, more so even than yourself!
CYRANO.
So be it, then!
ROXANE.
To my mind, it would be impossible for anyone to deliver with more elegance and wit than he does these pretty trifles that are nothing, if you will--and still are everything. At times, it is true, he seems quite absent-minded; but, suddenly, he recovers and says the most charming things!
CYRANO (_incredulous_).
You surprise me!
ROXANE.
You men are really astonishing! Because Christian is handsome, he _must_ be stupid!
CYRANO.
I doubt if he can speak of hearts and love.
ROXANE.
He does not speak of, he lectures on them, Sir!
CYRANO.
And he writes?
ROXANE.
Still better. Just listen.
(_reciting_).
"The more you take of what's my heart, the more I've left."
(_triumphantly_).
What think you of that?
CYRANO.
So! So!
ROXANE.
And of this? (_reciting_).
"Since I must suffer and, to suffer, have a heart, If you would keep the heart that's mine, then send me yours."
CYRANO.
At first he had too much heart; now he has not enough. It would be interesting to know exactly how much heart would satisfy him.
ROXANE.
You are exasperating! True jealousy!....
CYRANO (_moved_).
What?....
ROXANE.
An author's jealousy! And is not this just as lovely as possible? Listen!
"T'ward you my heart, I swear, has but a single cry, And, if in written lines fond kisses could be sent, O Madam, you would read this letter with your lips!"
CYRANO (_with an unconscious smile of satisfaction_).
Ha! ha! the lines are.... hum! hum!....
(_recovering and disdainfully_).
.... really pretty weak!
ROXANE.
Indeed! And this?
CYRANO.
Why! do you remember all his letters?
ROXANE.
Every one of them!
CYRANO.
Undoubtedly, this is quite a compliment!
ROXANE.
He is a master!
CYRANO (_with modesty_).
Oh!.... a master!....
ROXANE (_with decision_).
A master, I say!
CYRANO.
So be it! A master!
THE DUENNA (_returning from the rear_).
Monsieur de Guiche!
(_to Cyrano, pushing him toward the house_).
Get into the house. It is better he should not see you here--or else he might suspect....
ROXANE (_to Cyrano_).
Yes, discover my secret. He loves me; he is powerful, and he must not know of my love. He could destroy it!
CYRANO (_entering the house_).
Very well, then, very well!
(_Enter Guiche._)
_SCENE II._
ROXANE, GUICHE, THE DUENNA, _at a distance_.
ROXANE (_to Guiche, with a curtsey_).
I was just going out.
GUICHE.
And I have come to take leave, before starting for the front.
ROXANE.
Oh!....
GUICHE.
I am ordered to the siege of Arras....
ROXANE.
Oh!....
GUICHE.
.... and I go to-night.
ROXANE.
Oh!....
GUICHE.
My departure does not seem to distress you greatly....
ROXANE.
Oh!....
GUICHE.
.... But I seriously grieve over it. Shall I ever see you again?.... When?.... By the way, I have been given a high command.
ROXANE (_indifferent_).
I congratulate you!
GUICHE.
The Guards regiment.
ROXANE (_interested_).
Oh! the Guards?
GUICHE.
Yes, the regiment in which is your cousin, the man of boastful words. I'll have my revenge when I get him at the siege.
ROXANE (_overcome_).
What! the Guards are going there?
GUICHE (_laughing_).
Of course, since they are now my regiment.
ROXANE (_sinking on the bench--aside_).
Christian!
GUICHE.
What ails you?
ROXANE (_moved_).
This.... departure.... grieves me sorely. To know that those you.... care for.... are going to battle!
GUICHE (_surprised and pleased_).
Why is it I hear words so sweet only on the day of my departure?
ROXANE (_changing her manner and using her fan_).
So, then, you mean to seek revenge on my cousin Cyrano?
GUICHE (_surprised_).
Do you take his part?
ROXANE.
I? Not at all. I am against him.
GUICHE.
Do you see him often?
ROXANE.
Very seldom.
GUICHE.
I meet him everywhere.... with one of those cadets.... this Neu.... vil.... Neuvil....
ROXANE.
A tall man?
GUICHE.
A blond.
ROXANE.
Red-haired, rather.
GUICHE.
Handsome!....
ROXANE.
For some, perhaps, but....
GUICHE.
But very stupid.
ROXANE.
So it struck me! (_changing her manner_).
....Your revenge as regards Cyrano no doubt consists in holding him under fire, which he relishes. So I hardly see great vengeance for you in that. I can tell you, though, what would wound him to the quick!....
GUICHE.
And that is?....
ROXANE.
To have his regiment and his dear cadets remain, so long as there is war, right here, in Paris, inactive! The only way to punish him is to deprive him of danger.
GUICHE.
Woman! Woman! No one but a woman would think of such a scheme!
(_getting closer to Roxane_).
You have then some regard for me? (_She smiles._) The fact that you take sides with me, Roxane, is, in my eyes, a proof of love.
ROXANE.
It is one.
GUICHE (_showing several sealed papers_).
I have the orders here for every company, and they shall be sent immediately, except....
(_he takes one out of the batch_) this one! It is for the cadets, and (_puts it into a pocket_)
I hold it back! Ha! ha! Cyrano....so eager for the fray! And so you play with people as with mice, Roxane?
ROXANE.
Sometimes!
GUICHE (_quite close to her_).
You enthrall me! Roxane, listen. To-night--yes, I know, I must depart. But leave you when I feel that you are moved!....I cannot. Hear me! Close by here is the convent of the Capuchin fathers. Laymen cannot enter it; but, as the fathers serve my uncle Richelieu, they have some regard for his nephew, and they will give me a place of concealment. Officially, I shall have left for the front, but I shall return to you under the cover of a mask. Allow me to delay my departure a few hours, dear waywardness!
ROXANE.
But if you are discovered! Your reputation....
GUICHE.
I'll risk it.
ROXANE.
But the siege.... Arras....
GUICHE.
I care not. Grant me your permission!
ROXANE.
No!
GUICHE.
Do!
ROXANE (_affectionately_).
My duty says that I must forbid! I beseech you, go!
(_aside_).
Christian remains here!
(_aloud_).
I would have you be a hero--Antoine!
GUICHE.
Celestial word!--And so you love the one....
ROXANE.
For whom I tremble? Yes!
GUICHE (_enraptured_).
'Tis well, I leave!
(_Kisses her hand._)
Are you satisfied?
ROXANE.
Yes, dearest friend!
(_Exit Guiche._)
THE DUENNA (_curtseying mockingly behind Guiche_).
Yes, dearest friend.
ROXANE (_to Duenna_).
Not a word, if you please. Cyrano would never forgive me for stealing his war from him!
(_calling toward the house_).
Cousin!
_SCENE III._
ROXANE, THE DUENNA, CYRANO.
ROXANE (_pointing to door of house opposite hers_).
We are going to Clomire's. Alcandre is to speak, so is Lysimon.
DUENNA.
Yes, but my little finger says that we shall be late.
CYRANO.
Make haste lest you miss part of their monkey talk.
DUENNA (_looking at knocker_).
That's right, they have gagged this noisy little wretch. It might have interrupted the finest speeches.
(_She knocks very gently. Door opens._)
ROXANE (_about to pass in. To Cyrano_).
Were Christian to come, as is likely, request him to wait for me, please.
CYRANO.
I shall.
(_As she is passing in the door, she turns, on hearing Cyrano speak._)
And what question do you intend, as is your wont, to propound to him to-day?
ROXANE.
The question of....
CYRANO (_eagerly_).
Of?....
ROXANE.
But you'll remain silent!
CYRANO.
As a prison wall.
ROXANE.
No question at all!.... I shall simply say to him: Proceed--without a rein!--Extemporise. Speak of love. Be grand!
CYRANO (_smiling_).
Excellent idea!
ROXANE.
Hush!
CYRANO.
Hush!
(_Roxane enters, closing the door._)
CYRANO (_bowing to the door_).
Very many thanks!
(_The door opens and Roxane passes out her head._)
ROXANE.
He might try to prepare!....
CYRANO.
That would never do!....
TOGETHER.
Hush!
(_Door closes._)
CYRANO (_calling_).
Christian!
_SCENE IV._
CYRANO, CHRISTIAN.
CYRANO.
Now I'm informed! Prepare your memory. There is glory in store for you.--Drop your bad humour, and let us haste to your house, where I shall coach you.
CHRISTIAN.
No!
CYRANO.
What!
CHRISTIAN.
I'll wait for Roxane here.
CYRANO.
Have you gone mad? Come, come!
CHRISTIAN.
No! I said. I am weary of committing to memory my letters, my speeches.... Weary of playing a part....weary of trembling lest I fail! All good and well in the beginning! But now I feel that she really loves me! Many thanks, I fear nothing now. I'll speak unprompted.
CYRANO.
So, indeed!
CHRISTIAN.
Probably you think that I cannot?.... After all, I'm not so stupid! You shall see! Your lessons have improved me. I'll speak unaided. And--speak or not--I'll know enough to clasp her in my arms!
(_Perceiving Roxane coming out of Clomire's house_).
It is she! Cyrano, for pity's sake, do not leave me!
CYRANO (_bowing to him_).
You'll speak unprompted, Sir.
(_He disappears behind the garden wall._)
_SCENE V._
CHRISTIAN, ROXANE, THE DUENNA, _a moment_.
ROXANE (_coming out of Clomire's house, in company with several ladies and gentlemen.--Curtsies_).
Barthénoïde!--Alcandre--Grémione!....
DUENNA (_in despair_).
We missed the discourse on The Tender Passion!
(_Enters house of Roxane._)
ROXANE (_going up to Christian_).
Oh! here you are!.... Twilight is coming, the air is balmy, and there is nobody about. Let us be seated. Speak. I'm listening.
(_She takes a seat on the bench. Christian sits near her. Silence._)
CHRISTIAN.
I love you!
ROXANE (_closing her eyes_).
Yes, speak of love!
CHRISTIAN.
I love thee!
ROXANE.
Yes, that is the theme. Amplify!
CHRISTIAN.
I love....
ROXANE.
Expatiate!
CHRISTIAN.
So deeply!....
ROXANE.
Of course.... and then?....
CHRISTIAN.
And then?.... I should feel so happy if you loved me! Roxane, do say that you love me!
ROXANE (_pouting_).
You offer me porridge when I expected cream! Now, say _how_ you love me.
CHRISTIAN.
I love you....very much.
ROXANE.
Uncloud your sentiments a little!
CHRISTIAN.
Your neck! Ah! that I could press my lips to it!
ROXANE.
Christian, for shame!
CHRISTIAN.
I love you!
ROXANE (_about to rise_).
Again!
CHRISTIAN (_restraining her_).
No! I do _not_ love you....
ROXANE (_settling again into her seat_).
That is better!
CHRISTIAN.
I adore you!
ROXANE (_rising and from a distance_).
Oh! the same thing!
CHRISTIAN.
Yes--I feel that I am getting stupid!
ROXANE.
Yes, and it displeases me. No more should I like to have you lose your good looks.
CHRISTIAN.
But....
ROXANE.
Come, call up all your eloquence, just now put to flight.
CHRISTIAN.
I....
ROXANE.
Yes, I know, you love me. Farewell!
(_She goes toward the door._)
CHRISTIAN.
Do not go! Let me tell you....
ROXANE (_opening her door_).
That you adore me?.... But I know it already. No! no! you had better leave me!
CHRISTIAN.
But hear me, Roxane....
(_She closes the door in his face._)
CYRANO (_who has just appeared without being seen_).
Quite a success!
_SCENE VI._
CHRISTIAN, CYRANO, THE PAGES, _a moment_.
CHRISTIAN.
Help! help!
CYRANO.
No, Sir!
CHRISTIAN.
I'll die if she does not this moment relent....
CYRANO.
What can I do? This very moment drum into you....
CHRISTIAN (_clasping Cyrano's arm_).
See! There she comes!
(_Light in the balcony window._)
CYRANO (_moved_).
Her window!
CHRISTIAN.
Help me! Or I'll die!
CYRANO.
Speak lower!
CHRISTIAN (_whispering_).
It is life or death to me!
CYRANO.
The night is dark....
CHRISTIAN.
Well, speak!
CYRANO.
The harm can be undone. You do not deserve it, you wretch!....but stand there before the balcony! I'll remain beneath it--and prompt you!
CHRISTIAN.
But, my friend....
CYRANO.
Obey orders!
THE PAGES (_in the rear, to Cyrano_).
Hep!
CYRANO (_silencing them_).
Hush!
FIRST PAGE (_in a whisper_).
We have serenaded Montfleury.
CYRANO (_in a whisper, quickly to Pages_).
You, stand on this corner....and you, on that one. If anyone comes along, play an air.
SECOND PAGE.
What sort of air would suit Gassendi?
CYRANO.
Lively for a woman; for a man a sad one!
(_Pages disappear, taking two different streets._)
(_To Christian_) Now, call her!
CHRISTIAN (_calling_).
Roxane.
CYRANO (_picking up a few pebbles that he throws against the window_).
Wait! A few pebbles.
ROXANE (_half opening her window_).
Who calls me?
CHRISTIAN.
I.
ROXANE.
Who is I?
CHRISTIAN.
I, Christian.
ROXANE (_scornfully_).
Oh! you!
CHRISTIAN.
I must speak to you.
CYRANO (_under the balcony, to Christian_).
Good! Lower your voice.
ROXANE.
No! You speak too clumsily. Better go!
CHRISTIAN.
Be pitiful!....
ROXANE.
No! You love me no more!
CHRISTIAN (_prompted by Cyrano_).
You accuse me....merciful Gods!....of loving no more....when....I love more!
ROXANE (_stopping as she was going to close the window_).
Why! you are improving.
CHRISTIAN (_still prompted_).
Love grows stronger in the restless soul--mine--that he has chosen....cruel child!....for a cradle!
ROXANE (_coming out on the balcony_).
Better still!....But, since this love is so cruel, you were foolish, indeed, not to smother it at its birth!
CHRISTIAN (_prompted_).
I tried....but without success: this new-born babe, Madam, is a little Hercules.
ROXANE.
Still better!
CHRISTIAN (_prompted_).
In fact, he....strangled without an effort....two serpents....Pride and....Doubt....
ROXANE (_leaning on the balcony railing_).
Very good indeed! But why do you speak so....deliberately? Has your imagination the gout, that it limps so?
CYRANO (_drawing Christian under the balcony, and noiselessly taking Christian's place before it_).
Hush! The task is getting too difficult!....
ROXANE.
To-night you waver in your speech. Why so?
CYRANO (_speaking in a low tone as Christian did before him_).
Because night has come, and, in the dark, my words must wander in search of your ear.
ROXANE.
But my words meet with no such difficulty.
CYRANO.
Yours find a resting-place immediately. Oh! very naturally, since I receive them into my heart. Remember that my heart is large, while your ear is very small. Moreover, your words descend! thus have they speed. While mine must rise, Madam: they require more time!
ROXANE.
But they have been rising much better for the last few moments.
CYRANO.
They are getting trained to climbing!
ROXANE.
The fact is that I am speaking to you from quite a height!
CYRANO.
Assuredly, and you would kill me if, from such an elevation, you allowed a sharp word to drop upon my heart!
ROXANE (_moved_).
I'll come down.
CYRANO (_quickly_).
No!
ROXANE (_pointing to the stone bench under the balcony_).
Step upon the bench, then, and climb up here!
CYRANO (_frightened and retreating_).
No!
ROXANE.
You surprise me.... Why not?
CYRANO (_more and more moved_).
Let us rather improve.... this opportunity of.... speaking softly together.... without seeing each other.
ROXANE.
What! To each other almost invisible?
CYRANO.
As now.--Let us enjoy the bliss there is In seeking to distinguish one the other. For you, I'm but the darkness of a cloak; For me, you are the whiteness of a robe. I'm shadow only, you are blessèd light!
If ever you have thought me eloquent....
ROXANE.
I have.
CYRANO.
Remember now that my words never yet came from my true heart.
ROXANE.
Why not?
CYRANO.
Because.... until now.... I have spoken to you through....
ROXANE.
Through what?
CYRANO.
The spell that you cast upon those who bask in the light of your eyes!.... And so, this night, to me it seems as if I were about to speak to you for the first time!
ROXANE.
Ah! that is why your voice seems different.
CYRANO (_feverish, and coming up closer to the balcony_).
Yes, different; for, now that darkness shields me, I dare to be myself at last, I dare....
(_He stops, bewildered._)
Where was I?.... I forget.... Pardon my confusion.... All this is so exquisite.... so new to me!....
ROXANE.
So new!
CYRANO (_quite bewildered, and trying to explain_).
So new!.... Why! yes.... It's new to be sincere. And then.... a fear of ridicule....
ROXANE.
Ridicule? For what?
CYRANO.
My emotional flights!
My heart, through diffidence, forever calls Upon my mind to shield it from disdain: I start to cull a star, and then I halt, For fear of ridicule, to pick a floret.
ROXANE.
A floret has its charms.
CYRANO.
Disdain them now!
ROXANE.
You never spoke to me as now you speak!
CYRANO.
Oh! let us set aside the pygmy things, The superannuated niceties Of love as it is understood to-day! Why sip by drops the waters of a spring, When from a river we can freely quaff?
ROXANE.
But mind and wit?
CYRANO.
They serve to make you stay. But now 'twould be an insult to the night, To fragrance, and to fate, and nature too, If we should hold unto affected style. One look above, and artifice disarms! I fear that, with this subtle alchemy, The truth of sentiment might vapourise, The soul exhaust itself in futile play, And niceties be carried to a point So pointed that it end in nothingness!
ROXANE.
But mind and wit?
CYRANO.
I hate them now. It is A crime to force sweet love to bandy words! There comes a time, moreover, be assured-- Oh! how I pity those who feel it not!-- When our breast o'erflows with noble love, A love that pretty words must desecrate!
ROXANE.
Since now for both of us the time has come, What words shall I expect from you?
CYRANO.
All, all, All those I know; accept them scattered loose, Unsought, unbound. I love you--let me breathe!-- I love thee[20], and I rave. 'Tis joy too much! Thy name is in my heart as in a bell, Roxane, and, as my heart forever throbs, The bell is e'er the sounder of thy name. Of thee there's nought I do not hoard and love: I mind me that, last year, the twelfth of May, A twist was changed in what's a crown, thy hair! Thy glowing hair to me is truly light. When we have gazed too long upon the sun, We see on things around a halo reign; 'Tis thus when I have lost the light thou shedst: My dazzled eyes are filled with golden sparks!
ROXANE.
Yes, this is love--
CYRANO.
The passion in my heart Is jealous, fierce, with sadness tainted, but It's really love--love shorn of selfish thought. Would I could give my happiness for thine-- E'en shouldst thou ne'er suspect whose gift it was-- If I could hear, perchance and from afar, The music of thy bliss, my offering! From every glance of thine fresh virtue springs, Fresh valour, too. Oh! say I'm understood, And that thou feelst my soul ascend to thee! All is to-night too beautiful and sweet! And still it's true! I speak, at last, to thee. Yes, I to thee! 'Tis bliss too great! My hopes, My wildest hopes ne'er leaped to such a height; My dream's no dream, and I can die content. Because of me she quivers with the trees! For, leaf divine, you tremble with the leaves! Thou tremblest, for, against thy will or not, I feel, oh, bliss! the tremour of thy hand Descending now along these flowery vines.
(_He imprints a passionate kiss upon one of the branches._)
ROXANE.
I tremble, yes; I weep, I love, I'm thine! I am enthralled!
CYRANO.
May Death then come along, Since rapture's born of me, of me alone! What more can I expect of life?--
CHRISTIAN (_under the balcony_).
A kiss!
ROXANE (_falling back_).
What?
CYRANO.
Oh!
ROXANE.
You claim?--
CYRANO.
Yes--I--
(_aside to Christian_).
You go too far.
CHRISTIAN (_aside to Cyrano_).
Now she is moved, it's time for me to act.
CYRANO (_to Roxane_).
Yes, I.... I asked.... it is true.... but now I realise how more than bold I was.
ROXANE (_somewhat disappointed_).
And you do not insist?
CYRANO.
Insist? Of course I do.... but with reserve!.... Yes, I know your modesty's offended. So, I withdraw the kiss.... refuse it to me!
CHRISTIAN (_with a tug at Cyrano's cloak_).
Why so?
CYRANO.
Be silent, Christian!
ROXANE (_leaning over the balcony_).
What are you muttering?
CYRANO.
I was reproving myself for going too far. I was saying: be silent Christian!....
(_sound of archlute._)
One moment please!.... Some one comes.
(_Roxane closes her window. Cyrano listens to the archlutes; one of them plays a lively air, and the other a sad one._)
Lively?.... Sad?.... A woman or a man? No, a monk!
(_Enter monk holding a lighted lantern. He goes from house to house, looking at the doors._)