vo! Let me congratulate!. . .Quite unsurpassed!. . .

A WOMAN'S VOICE:
There is a hero for you!. . .

A MUSKETEER (advancing to Cyrano with outstretched hand):
Sir, permit;
Naught could be finer--I'm a judge I think;
I stamped, i' faith!--to show my admiration!

(He goes away.)

CYRANO (to Cuigy):
Who is that gentleman?

CUIGY:
Why--D'Artagnan!

LE BRET (to Cyrano, taking his arm):
A word with you!. . .

CYRANO:
Wait; let the rabble go!. . .
(To Bellerose):
May I stay?

BELLEROSE (respectfully):
Without doubt!

(Cries are heard outside.)

JODELET (who has looked out):
They hoot Montfleury!

BELLEROSE (solemnly):
Sic transit!. . .
(To the porters):
Sweep--close all, but leave the lights.
We sup, but later on we must return,
For a rehearsal of to-morrow's farce.

(Jodelet and Bellerose go out, bowing low to Cyrano.)

THE PORTER (to Cyrano):
You do not dine, Sir?

CYRANO:
No.

(The porter goes out.)

LE BRET:
Because?

CYRANO (proudly):
Because. . .
(Changing his tone as the porter goes away):
I have no money!. . .

LE BRET (with the action of throwing a bag):
How! The bag of crowns?. . .

CYRANO:
Paternal bounty, in a day, thou'rt sped!

LE BRET:
How live the next month?. . .

CYRANO:
I have nothing left.

LE BRET:
Folly!

CYRANO:
But what a graceful action! Think!

THE BUFFET-GIRL (coughing, behind her counter):
Hum!
(Cyrano and Le Bret turn. She comes timidly forward):
Sir, my heart mislikes to know you fast.
(Showing the buffet):
See, all you need. Serve yourself!

CYRANO (taking off his hat):
Gentle child,
Although my Gascon pride would else forbid
To take the least bestowal from your hands,
My fear of wounding you outweighs that pride,
And bids accept. . .
(He goes to the buffet):
A trifle!. . .These few grapes.
(She offers him the whole bunch. He takes a few):
Nay, but this bunch!. . .
(She tries to give him wine, but he stops her):
A glass of water fair!. . .
And half a macaroon!

(He gives back the other half.)

LE BRET:
What foolery!

THE BUFFET-GIRL:
Take something else!

CYRANO:
I take your hand to kiss.

(He kisses her hand as though she were a princess.)

THE BUFFET-GIRL:
Thank you, kind Sir!
(She courtesies):
Good-night.

(She goes out.)

Scene 1.V.

Cyrano, Le Bret.

CYRANO (to Le Bret):
Now talk--I listen.
(He stands at the