CYRANO, CHRISTIAN.

[He throws himself into CYRANO'S arms and they remain this way.]

CYRANO:

Embrace me!

CHRISTIAN:

But, Sir—

CYRANO:

You're a brave man.

CHRISTIAN:

Oh! But—

CYRANO:

I insist!

CHRISTIAN:

Please tell me—

CYRANO:

Come, embrace me! I'm her brother.

CHRISTIAN:

Whose brother?

CYRANO:

Roxane's!

CHRISTIAN:

[rushing up to him] Oh, heavens! Her brother?

CYRANO:

Cousin, brother—same thing!

CHRISTIAN:

And has she told you…?

CYRANO:

She's told me everything!

CHRISTIAN:

Does she love me? Please tell me!

CYRANO:

Maybe!

CHRISTIAN:

[taking his hands] How glad I am to meet you, Sir!

CYRANO:

Well, that's a rather sudden change in feeling!

CHRISTIAN:

Please forgive me.

CYRANO:

[puts his hands on CHRISTIAN'S shoulders and looks at him] It's true, you are a handsome rogue.

CHRISTIAN:

Oh, Sir! If you only knew how much I admire you!

CYRANO:

But what about all those ‘noses?’

CHRISTIAN:

Oh! I take them back!

CYRANO:

Roxane expects a letter from you.

CHRISTIAN:

Oh, woe is me!

CYRANO:

What's wrong?

CHRISTIAN:

If I open my mouth, I'm lost!

CYRANO:

Why so?

CHRISTIAN:

Because I'm a fool! Oh, I could die for shame!

CYRANO:

If one calls himself a fool, he cannot really be a fool. Besides, you did not attack me like a fool.

CHRISTIAN:

It's easy to find words to pick a fight. I'll admit I have a certain military wit. But before women, I'm at a loss! True, when I pass by them, their eyes are kind, but—

CYRANO:

Aren't they even kinder when you stop?

CHRISTIAN:

No! For I am one of those men who are tongue-tied. I don't know how to speak my love to a woman.

CYRANO:

And, I, it seems, would be able to speak my love if only Nature had been kinder to me.

CHRISTIAN:

Oh, to be able to express my thoughts with grace!

CYRANO:

Oh, to be a musketeer, with a handsome face!

CHRISTIAN:

Roxane is so intelligent. I'm sure to prove a disappointment to her!

CYRANO:

[looking at him] If only I had a face like yours to speak what's in my soul!

CHRISTIAN:

[with despair] If only I had some eloquence!

CYRANO:

[abruptly] I'll lend you mine! If you'll lend me your handsome face! Blended together, we'll make one romantic hero!

CHRISTIAN:

But how?

CYRANO:

Do you think you can repeat whatever I may tell you?

CHRISTIAN:

What do you mean?

CYRANO:

Roxane will not be disillusioned if the two of us woo her as one!
Let my words speak through your lips. Let my soul pass from this leather jacket to your embroidered coat. We will win her together!

CHRISTIAN:

But, Cyrano—

CYRANO:

Will you do it?

CHRISTIAN:

I'm afraid!

CYRANO:

You're afraid you will chill her heart if you speak to her yourself.
But if you let me speak through your lips, her heart will flame!

CHRISTIAN:

Your eyes are flashing!

CYRANO:

Will you do it?

CHRISTIAN:

Would it please you so?

CYRANO:

[passionately] It would! [then calmly, business-like] It would… amuse me! It's the type of challenge every poet would hope for. Let us complete each other. You will march victorious, in the light, while I go in your shadow. Let me make you witty and intelligent, and you shall make me handsome!

CHRISTIAN:

The letter! I could never—

CYRANO:

[taking out the letter he had written] Here it is! Here's your letter!

CHRISTIAN:

What?

CYRANO:

Take it! All it needs is your signature.

CHRISTIAN:

But I—

CYRANO:

Do not fear. Go ahead and send it. It's entirely suitable.

CHRISTIAN:

But how did you already—?

CYRANO:

Oh! We poets always have our pockets full of love letters, written to so many imaginary beauties. Now, you can take this one and make the words ring true. Take this fictional letter, meant for no particular lady, and put it to real use. Take all my insincere romantic lines and give them a direction. Make it so these haphazard verses will come together and surround her like love birds coming home to nest!

CHRISTIAN:

Should I change anything at all? If it wasn't written with Roxane in mind, then how will it fit her?

CYRANO:

It will fit her like a glove!

CHRISTIAN:

But—

CYRANO:

Love believes anything! Roxane will think each word was inspired by herself!

CHRISTIAN:

My friend!