e news for you. Last evening
--To victual us--the Marshal did attempt
A final effort:--secretly he went
To Dourlens, where the King's provisions be.
But--to return to camp more easily--
He took with him a goodly force of troops.
Those who attacked us now would have fine sport!
Half of the army's absent from the camp!

CARBON:
Ay, if the Spaniards knew, 'twere ill for us,
But they know nothing of it?

DE GUICHE:
Oh! they know.
They will attack us.

CARBON:
Ah!

DE GUICHE:
For my false spy
Came to warn me of their attack. He said,
'I can decide the point for their assault;
Where would you have it? I will tell them 'tis
The least defended--they'll attempt you there.'
I answered, 'Good. Go out of camp, but watch
My signal. Choose the point from whence it comes.'

CARBON (to cadets):
Make ready!

(All rise; sounds of swords and belts being buckled.)

DE GUICHE:
'Twill be in an hour.

FIRST CADET:
Good!. . .

(They all sit down again and take up their games.)

DE GUICHE (to Carbon):
Time must be gained. The Marshal will return.

CARBON:
How gain it?

DE GUICHE:
You will all be good enough
To let yourselves to be killed.

CYRANO:
Vengeance! oho!

DE GUICHE:
I do not say that, if I loved you well,
I had chosen you and yours,--but, as things stand,--
Your courage yielding to no corps the palm--
I serve my King, and serve my grudge as well.

CYRANO:
Permit that I express my gratitude. . .

DE GUICHE:
I know you love to fight against five score;
You will not now complain of paltry odds.

(He goes up with Carbon.)

CYRANO (to the cadets):
We shall add to the Gascon coat of arms,
With its six bars of blue and gold, one more--
The blood-red bar that was a-missing there!

(De Guiche speaks in a low voice with Carbon at the back. Orders are given.
Preparations go forward. Cyrano goes up to Christian, who stands with crossed
arms.)

CYRANO (putting his hand on Christian's shoulder):
Christian!

CHRISTIAN (shaking his head):
Roxane!

CYRANO:
Alas!

CHRISTIAN:
At least, I'd send
My heart's farewell to her in a fair letter!. . .

CYRANO:
I had suspicion it would be to-day,
(He draws a letter out of his doublet):
And had already writ. . .

CHRISTIAN:
Show!

CYRANO:
Will you. . .?

CHRISTIAN (taking the letter):
Ay!
(He opens and reads it):
Hold!

CYRANO:
What?

CH