Cyrano de Bergerac: An Heroic Comedy in Five Acts
Part 9
ALL (_rushing around hurriedly, and brushing up_).
A comb!--Soap!--My doublet is torn: a needle!--A bright bow!--Your looking glass!--My cuffs!--Your curling iron!--A razor!
ROXANE (_to Cyrano, who continues begging her to leave_).
No! I will not budge from here!
CARBON (_after having, like the others, tightened his belt and arranged his cuffs, advances toward Roxane and says ceremoniously:_)
Such being the case, it may not seem improper for me to present to you a few of the gentlemen who will have the honour of dying before your eyes.
(_Roxane bows, and waits leaning on the arm of Christian. Carbon makes the presentations._)
Baron de Peyrescous de Colignac!
A CADET (_bowing_).
Madam....
CARBON (_continuing_).
Baron de Casterac de Cahuzac!--Baron de Malgouyre Estressac Lesbas d'Escarabiot!--Chevalier d'Antignac-Juzet!--Baron Hillot de Blagnac--Salechan de Castel Crabioules!
ROXANE.
But how many names has each of you.
BARON HILLOT.
More than many.
CARBON (_to Roxane_).
Kindly open the hand that holds your handkerchief.
ROXANE (_opens her hand; her handkerchief falls_).
What for?
(_The whole company darts forward to pick it up._)
CARBON (_heading them off and seizing it_).
My company had no flag! Now it will have the finest in the camp!
ROXANE (_smiling_).
It is rather small!
CARBON (_tying the handkerchief to his lance_).
It is lace.... and yours!
A CADET (_to the others_).
I would die most willingly for eyes so beautiful, if only I could have a crust of bread or two.
CARBON (_indignant_).
For shame! How can you think of eating before so exquisite a woman?....
ROXANE.
But he is right. The morning air is sharp, and I myself am famished. Meat-pie,--cold game and jelly, some good wine,--I'll have nothing else, thank you! Suppose we have them now? There is still time.
A CADET.
But where shall we get all these good things?
ROXANE (_quietly_).
In my coach.
ALL.
What!....
ROXANE.
But somebody must serve and carve. Look at my coachman more attentively, gentlemen, and you will see that he is a very valuable man.
THE CADETS (_running up to the coach_).
Why! It's Ragueneau!
ROXANE (_looking at them_).
Poor hungry fellows!
CYRANO (_kissing her hand_).
What a kind fairy you are!
RAGUENEAU (_standing on his seat_).
Gentlemen!....
THE CADETS.
Speech! Speech!
RAGUENEAU.
The Spaniards, when so much beauty passed, did not see the repast. (_Applause._) They are so bony that they did not notice the boned turkey.
(_He takes a dish from under his seat and passes it down._)
CYRANO (_aside to Christian_).
A word with you for pity's sake!....
RAGUENEAU.
They were so busy with Venus that they allowed Diana's spoils to pass.
(_He hands down a stag's leg._)
CYRANO (_aside to Christian_).
I must speak to you!
ROXANE (_to the Cadets who come up loaded with eatables_).
Place all that on the ground.
(_She spreads a table-cloth on the grass, and, with the assistance of the two lackeys, prepares the cover._)
(_to Christian, whom Cyrano is endeavouring to draw aside_).
Come, make yourself useful.
(_Christian helps her. Cyrano looks anxious._)
RAGUENEAU.
A stuffed peacock!
A CADET (_cutting for himself a large slice of ham_).
Jupiter's thunder! We'll not die without previously ....stuffing our....(_noticing Roxane_) your pardon.... feasting!
RAGUENEAU (_tossing to them the coach's cushions_).
These cushions are stuffed with ortolans!
(_Confusion. Cushions ripped open. Laughter. Joy._)
THIRD CADET.
Ah! Viédaze!
RAGUENEAU (_handing out bottles of red wine_).
Liquid rubies!....
(_Bottles of white wine._)
Melted topaz!....
ROXANE (_throwing a table-cloth that falls on Cyrano's head_).
Attend to this!.... Be nimble!
RAGUENEAU (_handing down one of the lanterns_).
Each one of the lanterns is a diminutive larder!
CYRANO (_unfolds the table-cloth, getting near to Christian, who assists him_).
I must speak to you before you speak to her!
RAGUENEAU (_growing lyrical_).
The handle of my whip is a sausage from Arles!
ROXANE (_passing the dishes and filling glasses_).
Since we are ordered to die, what care we for the rest of the army?--Yes! all for the Gascons!--and, if Guiche comes, we'll not invite him! (_going from one to the other_).
Come, you have plenty of time. Do not eat so fast! Drink a little.--Why have you tears in your eyes?
FIRST CADET.
Because it's all too good!....
ROXANE.
Hush!--Red or white?--Bread, Monsieur de Carbon!--A knife?--Your plate!--Meat pie?--Champagne wine?--Chicken?
CYRANO (_following her, loaded with eatables, and helping her to serve. Aside_).
How I love her!
ROXANE (_going up to Christian_).
And what will _you_ have?
CHRISTIAN.
Nothing.
ROXANE.
Yes, just a cake and a little Muscatel!
CHRISTIAN (_endeavouring to detain her_).
Oh! tell me why, why you came?
ROXANE.
Hush! Let me first give these poor starving fellows something to eat.... I'll tell you by and by....
LE BRET (_who had gone to the rear, to pass, on the end of a lance, a loaf of bread to the sentinel on the embankment_).
Here is Guiche!
CYRANO.
Make haste, hide bottles, dishes, plates, baskets, everything! Be lively there! Let him notice nothing!....
(_to Ragueneau_).
You, get up to your box again!--Be quick! Everything out of the way!
(_It has taken only a few seconds to conceal everything, under tent, doublet, cloak or hat.--Enter Guiche. He stops and sniffs the air.--Silence._)
_SCENE VII._
_The same_, GUICHE.
GUICHE.
It smells good here!
A CADET (_humming an air, unconcernedly_).
To lo lo!....
GUICHE (_stopping and looking at him_).
Why! what is the matter?.... You are as red as a beet!
THE CADET.
I?.... Oh! nothing. Merely my blood. We are going to fight. It boils!
ANOTHER CADET.
Poum.... poum.... poum.... patapoum....
GUICHE (_turning to him_).
What is this, now?
THE CADET (_slightly feeling the effects of wine_).
That, oh! nothing. Just a little song!
GUICHE.
You are of a lively disposition, my boy!
THE CADET.
Oh! the approach of danger!
GUICHE (_calling Carbon to give an order_).
Captain,....
(_looking at him with astonishment_).
Zounds! You, too, have an over-healthy look!
CARBON (_very red in the face, and hiding a bottle behind his back_).
Oh! constitution....
GUICHE.
I had a field-piece left and I ordered it placed in that corner (_pointing to the wings_).
Your men may have occasion to use it.
ONE OF THE CADETS (_with an affectation of thankfulness_).
Delightful attention!
ANOTHER CADET (_smiling gracefully_).
Exquisitely thoughtful!
GUICHE (_aside_).
Why! they have all gone mad!--
(_sternly_).
As you are not accustomed to using cannon, beware of the recoil.
FIRST CADET.
Who cares for recoil?
GUICHE (_going up to him, in rage_).
Look here, Sir!....
THE CADET.
Gascon guns never move backward.
GUICHE (_taking him by the arm and shaking him_).
You are intoxicated, Sir!.... with what?
THE CADET (_proudly_).
With the smell of gun powder!
GUICHE (_shrugs his shoulders, pushes him, and goes up to Roxane_).
You must decide quickly. What will you be pleased to do?
ROXANE.
I remain!
GUICHE.
No, better escape!
ROXANE.
Fly? Never.
GUICHE.
Such being the case, give me a musket!
CARBON.
What for?
GUICHE.
I, too, will remain.
CYRANO.
At last, Sir, you show your courage!
FIRST CADET.
So you are a true Gascon, after all, in spite of your lace?
GUICHE.
I never abandon a woman in danger!
SECOND CADET (_to the first Cadet_).
Say! don't you think he deserves something to eat?
(_Eatables and drinkables instantly reappear._)
GUICHE (_whose eyes brighten_).
Provisions!
THIRD CADET.
Every doublet covers some!
GUICHE (_mastering himself, proudly_).
I eat nobody's leavings!
CYRANO (_bowing_).
You are improving, Sir!
GUICHE (_proudly and forgetting to master his natural Gascon accent_).
I know how to fight on an empty stomach! _A jeung!_
FIRST CADET (_overjoyed_).
He said it with the Gascon accent!
GUICHE (_laughing_).
Did I?
THE CADET.
He is one of us!
(_They all begin to dance._)
CARBON (_who has been away a moment behind the embankment, reappearing on top of it_).
My men are placed, and determined!
(_He points to a row of lances that show over the crest of the embankment._)
GUICHE (_to Roxane, bowing_).
Will you accept my hand to pass them in review?....
(_She gives her hand and they go up to the embankment. Hats come off, and everybody follows._)
CHRISTIAN (_going up to Cyrano_).
Now! speak quickly!
(_As Roxane appears on the crest, the lances disappear in a salute; she bows._)
THE MEN (_outside_).
Hurrah!
CHRISTIAN.
What is your secret?....
CYRANO.
In case Roxane...
CHRISTIAN.
Well?
CYRANO.
Should speak to you of letters....
CHRISTIAN.
Yes, yes, I know!....
CYRANO.
Do not be silly enough to appear surprised....
CHRISTIAN.
Surprised by what?
CYRANO.
Oh! I must tell you.... The simplest thing in the world .... and I happened to think of it only to-day, on seeing her. You have....
CHRISTIAN.
I have what?
CYRANO.
You have....written to her more often than you think.
CHRISTIAN.
How so?
CYRANO.
Well! I had undertaken to speak for you, and I interpreted your love. Sometimes I wrote without saying to you: I'm writing!
CHRISTIAN.
Oh! you did?
CYRANO.
Yes, the simplest thing in the world, as I said!
CHRISTIAN.
But, since we have been hemmed in, how did you manage to....
CYRANO.
Oh!.... Before dawn I could pass through the lines....
CHRISTIAN (_folding his arms_).
Ah! another very simple matter, I suppose? And how many times a week did I write?.... Twice?--Three times?--Four times?--
CYRANO.
More.
CHRISTIAN.
Every day?
CYRANO.
Yes, every day,--twice.
CHRISTIAN (_with violence_).
And this enraptured you, and the rapture was such that each day you faced death....
CYRANO (_noticing Roxane, who is returning_).
Hush! not in her presence!
(_Exit rapidly, under his tent._)
_SCENE VIII._
ROXANE, CHRISTIAN; _in the rear_ CADETS, _going and coming_: CARBON _and_ GUICHE _giving orders_.
ROXANE (_running up to Christian_).
And now, dear Christian!....
CHRISTIAN (_taking both her hands_).
And now tell me why, over impassable roads, why, through the ranks of brutal soldiery, you joined me here.
ROXANE.
On account of your letters.
CHRISTIAN.
My letters?
ROXANE.
Yes, and it is your fault if I took so many risks. Your letters intoxicated me. Ah! remember how many you wrote me, during this last month, and all so beautiful!
CHRISTIAN.
What! Do you mean to say that for a few short love letters?....
ROXANE.
Your letters, yes! My ardent love for you, Love passionate, was born that night of bliss When, from beneath my willing balcony, In accents that to both of us were new, A soul revealed itself to me....'twas yours.... So that, each time your letters came, it seemed As if I lived those minutes once again, And, rapture-bound, I heard your voice itself, Those tender tones that twined around me then. So here am I! Penelope would not Have persevered in waiting labour if Ulysses could have written grandly so; But, daft as Helen, she, to join him, would Have flung away her tedious worsted balls.
CHRISTIAN.
But....
ROXANE.
Yes, I read and read, while every thrill Confirmed me yours. Each leaflet that I held Was like a petal wafted from your soul, Each word was one of love sincere and strong....
CHRISTIAN.
Indeed, sincere and strong?--You felt it so?....
ROXANE.
Oh! yes, so strongly!
CHRISTIAN.
And, Roxane, you came....
ROXANE.
I came because.... O Christian, dearest conqueror, You'd bid me rise, if I should clasp your knees; So 'tis my soul that's at your feet. My soul You never can remove from reverence. I came to seek forgiveness (and the time Is meet, indeed, since death is near, perhaps!), Your pardon for--how frivolous I was!-- Once loving you for beauty's sake alone.
CHRISTIAN (_frightened_).
Roxane!
ROXANE.
But later, dear, with growing sense, --A bird will hop before it learns to soar-- I marked your soul outshining e'en your looks, And then I loved you more for both.
CHRISTIAN.
And now?
ROXANE.
You have, in short, yourself outshone yourself, And now I love you for your soul alone.
CHRISTIAN.
Roxane!
ROXANE.
Rejoice! What is a love we owe To passing gifts, to beauty doomed to fade? It's torture for an eager, noble heart. My thoughts of you recall no handsome face; Your beauty that, at first, had captured me, Now that my eyes are opened, strikes me not.
CHRISTIAN.
Oh!
ROXANE.
Doubt you not what victory is yours!
CHRISTIAN.
Roxane!
ROXANE.
I understand. Such love as this Is past belief.
CHRISTIAN.
'Tis not the love I seek. I wish to be belovèd simply for....
ROXANE.
For what some others prized before to-day? Oh! let your heart make room for better love!
CHRISTIAN.
Roxane, your former love was better.
ROXANE.
Nay! 'Tis now I love you better, most and well! 'Tis what is really you that now I love, And I should love you still if you should cease....
CHRISTIAN.
Oh! hush, Roxane.
ROXANE.
Yes, cease to look so grand.
CHRISTIAN.
If I were homely?
ROXANE.
Even hideous!
CHRISTIAN.
Roxane!....
ROXANE.
The thought should give you joy profound.
CHRISTIAN (_in a husky voice_).
Yes....
ROXANE.
What troubles you?
CHRISTIAN (_gently pushing her off_).
Nothing. I have an order to give! One second, please....
ROXANE.
But....
CHRISTIAN (_pointing to a group of Cadets in the rear_).
My love for you, my selfishness, has deprived these poor fellows of your sweet company. Go smile to them a little, since they are about to die.... Go!
ROXANE (_moved_).
How good you are, dear Christian!....
(_She goes up to the Gascons, who respectfully surround her._)
_SCENE IX._
CHRISTIAN, CYRANO: _in the rear_, ROXANE _speaking with_ CARBON _and some of the Cadets_.
CHRISTIAN (_calling out in the direction of Cyrano's tent_).
Cyrano!
CYRANO (_coming out armed for battle_).
What is it? You are white as a ghost!
CHRISTIAN.
She loves me no more!
CYRANO.
How so?
CHRISTIAN.
You are the one she loves.
CYRANO.
Nonsense!
CHRISTIAN.
Now my soul is all she loves.
CYRANO.
Fiddlesticks!
CHRISTIAN.
I tell you it is so! You therefore are the one she loves,--and you love her.
CYRANO.
I?
CHRISTIAN.
I know it!
CYRANO.
Well, it is true.
CHRISTIAN.
You love her madly.
CYRANO.
More than that.
CHRISTIAN.
Tell her so!
CYRANO.
No!
CHRISTIAN.
Why not?
CYRANO.
Look at my face!
CHRISTIAN.
She said she would love me even if I were homely!
CYRANO.
She really told you so?
CHRISTIAN.
She did!
CYRANO.
I am very glad she said so! But you must not believe anything so wild. Do not lose your beauty, for then she would hate me too much.
CHRISTIAN.
That we shall see. Let her choose! Tell her all.
CYRANO.
No, no! Do not put me to such torture!
CHRISTIAN.
Would you have me destroy your happiness because of my good looks? That would be too unjust!
CYRANO.
And I should ruin yours because I happen, by mere chance, to have the gift of expressing.... that which no doubt you feel?
CHRISTIAN.
Tell her all, I say!
CYRANO.
You persist in tempting me. It is wrong!
CHRISTIAN.
I am tired of having a rival in myself!
CYRANO.
Oh! Christian!
CHRISTIAN.
Our marriage.... without witnesses.... quite secret, in fact, could be annulled.... should we survive!
CYRANO.
How obstinate he is!....
CHRISTIAN.
Perhaps,....but I desire to be loved for myself,....or not at all!--But enough!... I had better go see how things are progressing. I'll return presently; meanwhile, speak, and let her prefer one of us two!
CYRANO.
It shall be you!
CHRISTIAN.
Well.... I hope so!
(_he calls out_) Roxane!
CYRANO.
No, do not call her, please!
ROXANE (_running in_).
What is it?
CHRISTIAN.
Cyrano will tell you... something.... important....
(_She runs up to Cyrano. Exit Christian._)
_SCENE X._
ROXANE, CYRANO, _later_ LE BRET, CARBON OF HAUGHTY-HALL, THE CADETS, RAGUENEAU, GUICHE, _etc._
ROXANE.
Something important?....
CYRANO (_bewildered_).
What! he is gone!.... (_to Roxane_)
Oh, nothing!.... he attaches--Oh! well, you must know him!--a great deal of importance to trifles!
ROXANE (_eagerly_).
He doubts, perhaps, the truth of what I said?.... I could almost see he did not believe it!....
CYRANO (_taking her by the hand_).
But was what you said really true?
ROXANE.
Certainly. I would love him even.... (_she hesitates a second._)
CYRANO (_smiling sadly_).
You stop at the word.... in my presence?
ROXANE.
But....
CYRANO.
It will not hurt my feelings! You meant: Even if he were homely!
ROXANE.
Yes.... homely!
(_Sound of musketry in the rear._)
CYRANO (_ardently_).
Abominably so?
ROXANE.
Yes!
CYRANO.
Disfigured?
ROXANE.
Yes, disfigured!
CYRANO.
Grotesque?
ROXANE.
Nothing can make him look grotesque.... to me!
CYRANO.
And then you would love him still?
ROXANE.
More, perhaps!
CYRANO (_losing his self control, aside_).
Good God! It is true, perhaps, and happiness is there! (_to Roxane_). Well, then.... Roxane.... listen!....
LE BRET (_entering rapidly and calling in a low voice_).
Cyrano!
CYRANO (_turning around_).
What is it?
LE BRET.
Hush! (_whispers to him a few words._)
CYRANO (_dropping Roxane's hand_).
Great God!....
ROXANE.
What has happened?
CYRANO (_stupefied_).
It is all over!
(_Sounds of musketry again._)
ROXANE.
What is it? Why all this firing?
(_She goes up and looks beyond the embankment._)
CYRANO.
All over! I never can tell her!
ROXANE (_as if going to rush out_).
What is going on?
CYRANO (_restraining her_).
Nothing! nothing!
(_Cadets enter bearing something which they conceal by forming around it a group that keeps Roxane at a distance._)
ROXANE.
What are these men here for?
CYRANO (_leading her away_).
Never mind them!....
ROXANE.
But what is it you were going to say before this disturbance?
CYRANO.
Going to say?.... Nothing. Oh! nothing, I swear it, Madam! (_Solemnly_) I swear that the spirit of Christian and his soul were.... (_correcting himself_) _are_ the greatest....
ROXANE.
You said: were!
(_With a shriek_). Ah!.... (_she rushes back, pushing the men aside._)
CYRANO.
The end has come!
ROXANE (_seeing Christian laid out in his cloak_).
Christian!
LE BRET (_to Cyrano_).
The first shot fired by the enemy!
(_Roxane throws herself upon the body of Christian. Musketry again. Clash of arms. Shouts. Drums._)
CARBON OF HAUGHTY-HALL (_sword in hand_).
The attack! to your arms!
(_Followed by the Cadets he goes to the other side of the embankment._)
ROXANE (_in despair_).
Christian! Christian!
THE VOICE OF CARBON (_from behind the embankment_).
Make haste there!
ROXANE.
Christian!
CARBON.
_Fall into line!_
ROXANE.
Christian!
CARBON.
_Measure.... match!_
(_Ragueneau has rushed up bringing some water in a helmet._)
CHRISTIAN (_in dying tone_).
Roxane!....
CYRANO (_quickly and in a low tone, in the ear of Christian, while Roxane, frantic, dips into the water of the helmet a piece of linen which she has torn from her breast_).
I told her all! and it is you she still loves!
(_Christian closes his eyes._)
ROXANE.
What is it, my love?
CARBON.
_Ramrods.... high!_
ROXANE (_to Cyrano_).
He is not dead?....
CARBON.
_Open charge.... with teeth!_
ROXANE.
I feel, here against mine, his cheek getting cold!
CARBON (_outside_).
_Take aim!_
ROXANE.
A letter in his bosom! (_she opens the letter_) for me!
CYRANO (_aside_).
My letter!
CARBON.
_Fire!_
(_Musketry. Cries. Noise of battle._)
CYRANO (_trying to draw away his hand that is held by Roxane, who is on her knees_).
But, Roxane, I must join in the fight!
ROXANE (_holding him back_).
Stay just a little. He is dead, and you were the only one who really knew him.
(_She weeps softly._) Is it not true that he had an exquisite soul, a marvellous one?
CYRANO (_standing bareheaded_).
Yes, Roxane!
ROXANE.
That he was a thrilling poet, an adorable one?
CYRANO.
Yes, Roxane!
ROXANE.
A sublime spirit?
CYRANO.
Yes, Roxane!
ROXANE.
That he had a heart large and brave, too deep to be fathomed by the crowd?
CYRANO (_firmly_).
Yes, Roxane!
ROXANE (_throwing herself upon the body of Christian_).
And he is dead!
CYRANO (_aside, as he draws his sword_).
And I to-day can but die, since, though she knows it not, it is for me she is weeping over him!
(_Sound of trumpets in the distance._)
GUICHE (_reappearing on the embankment, hatless, wounded in the forehead; with a voice of thunder_).
It is the signal that was promised! the trumpets! our comrades come with help and food! Hold fast a few minutes!
ROXANE.
On his letter blood .... and tears!
A VOICE (_outside the embankment_).
Surrender!
THE CADETS.
No!
RAGUENEAU (_who has climbed upon the coach, and is looking at the battle over the embankment_).
We are lost!
CYRANO (_to Guiche, pointing to Roxane_).
Carry her off! I will charge!
ROXANE (_in dying tones, as she kisses the letter_).
His blood! His tears!....
RAGUENEAU (_jumping off the coach and running toward her_).
She is fainting!
GUICHE (_on the embankment, fiercely, to the Cadets_).
Steady, for your lives!
A VOICE (_outside_).
Lay down your arms!
THE CADETS.
Never!
CYRANO (_to Guiche_).
You have proved your valour, Sir! You can afford to fly (_pointing to Roxane_) and save her!
GUICHE (_runs to Roxane and takes her in his arms_).
So be it! Hold fast a few moments and we shall win the day!
CYRANO.
We'll hold to the death!
(_In a voice of anguish, looking toward Roxane, whom Guiche and Ragueneau are carrying away senseless_).
Farewell, Roxane!
(_Tumult. Cries. Wounded Cadets reappear and fall within the embankment. Cyrano, rushing to the fray, is stopped on the crest of the embankment by Carbon of Haughty-Hall, covered with blood._)
CARBON.
We are wavering! I have received two gun shots.
CYRANO (_shouting to the Gascons_).
Steady there! Hold fast, you rascals!
(_to Carbon, holding him up_).
Have no fear! I have two deaths to avenge: Christian's and that of my happiness!
(_Both come down. Cyrano brandishes a lance to which is attached the handkerchief of Roxane._)
Float bravely on, you little flag of lace that is hers! (_He plants the lance into the ground and cries to the Cadets_).
Fall upon them now! Crush them! (_to the fife player_) And you, strike up!
(_The fife plays. The wounded rise to their feet. The Cadets form a group around Cyrano and the little flag; others climb into and upon the coach, making it look like a small fortress._)
A CADET (_coming up from the outside of the embankment, backward, still fighting_).
They come! they come!
(_Falls down dead._)
CYRANO.
We'll give them a salute!
(_The embankment is at once occupied by a troop of the enemy, with large flags waving._)
Fire!
(_General discharge._)
ORDER (_from the enemy's ranks_).
Fire!
(_Most of the Cadets fall, either wounded or dead._)
A SPANISH OFFICER (_taking off his hat_).
Who are these people dying so bravely?
CYRANO (_erect and proudly reciting_).
Fair Gascony's cadets are they, With Carbon,--He of Haughty-Hall; They fight and lie without dismay,
(_He rushes on to enemy, followed by a few surviving Cadets._)
Fair Gascony's cadets....
(_The rest is lost in the noise of battle._)
_CURTAIN._
_ACT V._
CYRANO'S GAZETTE.