the lackeys appear Roxane and Christian,
holding each other by the hand. The friar follows them, smiling. Ragueneau
also holds a candlestick. The duenna closes the rear, bewildered, having made
a hasty toilet):
Heavens!

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.

ACT IV.

The Cadets of Gascony.

Post occupied by company of Carbon de Castel-Jal