Act III - Scene II

ROXANE, DE GUICHE, the DUENNA standing a little way off.

[He goes out.]

ROXANE:
[curtsying to DE GUICHE] I was just going out.
DE GUICHE:
I've come to say goodbye.
ROXANE:
Where are you going?
DE GUICHE:
To the war.
ROXANE:
Ah!
DE GUICHE:
Yes, I leave tonight.
ROXANE:
Oh!
DE GUICHE:
We've gotten our orders. We're to lay siege to Arras.
ROXANE:
Ah, a siege?
DE GUICHE:
It seems that my going away doesn't move you at all.
ROXANE:
[politely] No, no…
DE GUICHE:
I am heartbroken. Will I ever see you again? And if so, when?
Have you heard that I've been named commander?
ROXANE:
[indifferently] Bravo!
DE GUICHE:
In the Guards regiment.
ROXANE:
[startled] What! The Guards?
DE GUICHE:
Yes, where your cousin serves, that swaggering boaster. I'll find a way to revenge myself on him at Arras.
ROXANE:
[choking] The Guards are going to Arras?
DE GUICHE:
[laughing] Yes, it's my regiment.
ROXANE:
[aside, while falling down onto the bench] Christian!
DE GUICHE:
What's the matter?
ROXANE:
[deeply moved] Oh, I am in despair! To think that the man I love will be at war!
DE GUICHE:
[surprised and delighted] You say such sweet words to me! It's the first time! And just when I must leave you!
ROXANE:
[changing her tone and fanning herself] You say you're going to take revenge on my cousin?
DE GUICHE:
Are you on his side?
ROXANE:
Oh, no! I'm against him!
DE GUICHE:
Do you see him often?
ROXANE:
Very rarely.
DE GUICHE:
He is seen all the time with one of the cadets…a young fellow named Newvillen…Neuviller…
ROXANE:
Is he a tall gentleman?
DE GUICHE:
Yes, and fair-haired.
ROXANE:
Yes, reddish-blond hair!
DE GUICHE:
Handsome.
ROXANE:
Not very much.
DE GUICHE:
But rather stupid.
ROXANE:
One would think so, to look at him! [changing her tone] How are you planning to take your revenge on Cyrano? If you're thinking of putting him in the midst of all the shooting, then that plan won't work very well. You see, he loves danger. In the middle of all the terrible action is the place he would want to be. I know a far better way for you to wound his pride.
DE GUICHE:
What is it? Tell me!
ROXANE:
Leave him and his fellow cadets behind when the regiment marches to Arras! Let them spend the whole war powerless and idle! This is the thing that will enrage him! If you cheat Cyrano of his chance to engage in mortal danger, you will be punishing him severely!
DE GUICHE:
[coming nearer] Oh, woman! Only a woman could devise such a subtle trick!
ROXANE:
He'll eat his heart out! And his friends will gnaw angrily at their fingernails from being deprived of battle. See, this is the way you can avenge yourself.
DE GUICHE:
Do you love me a little, then? [ROXANE smiles.] I would almost believe it proves your love, the way you're helping me with my cause.
ROXANE:
It certainly is proof of love!
DE GUICHE:
[showing some sealed papers] Here are the marching orders.
They'll be sent instantly to each company, except…[He takes one paper out.] this one! It's the one for the Cadets. [He puts it in his pocket.] This one I will keep. [laughing] Ha! ha! ha! Cyrano! His love of battle! You really can play tricks on people! You, of all ladies!
ROXANE:
Sometimes!
DE GUICHE:
[coming close to her] Oh, how I love you! You drive me mad!
Listen! I know that I'm supposed to leave tonight, but how can I leave now that I've learned your heart has been touched? Nearby, in the Rue d'Orleans, is a monastery founded by Father Athanasius, the syndic of the Capuchins. While it's true that no laymen may enter, I think I can work it out with the good Fathers. Their sleeves are wide enough to hide me in. ’Tis they who serve Richelieu's private chapel, and out of respect for my uncle, they will do as I tell them. Everyone will think I have left Paris. And then I will come to you, masked. Let me have your permission to delay my departure just one day, sweet lady!
ROXANE:
But if people find out, then your glory—
DE GUICHE:
Bah!
ROXANE:
But the siege at Arras—
DE GUICHE:
It can begin without me. Please, grant me your permission.
ROXANE:
No!
DE GUICHE:
Please say yes!
ROXANE:
[tenderly] It is my duty to forbid you.
DE GUICHE:
Ah!
ROXANE:
You must go! [aside] Christian stays here. [aloud] I want you to be heroic—Antoine!
DE GUICHE:
Oh, heavenly word! You do love, then—
ROXANE:
Yes, the one I tremble for.
DE GUICHE:
[ecstatic] Ah! I shall go then! [He kisses her hand.] Are you content?
ROXANE:
Yes, Antoine!
DUENNA:
[making a mocking curtsy behind his back] Yes, Antoine!
ROXANE:
[to the DUENNA] Do not speak a word of what I have done! Cyrano would never pardon me for stealing his fighting from him! [She calls toward the house.] Cousin!
Act III - Scene III
Act III - Scene I

Footnotes

  1. Here, the word "laymen" refers to someone who is not an official representative of the church but who is part of the religion or church.

    — Lori Steinbach

  2. Arras, part of the Spanish Netherlands, was captured by the French during a 1640 siege. In reality, Cyrano de Bergerac and Baron de Neuvillette were both involved in the siege, and de Neuvillette died. Following the siege, the city fell into the hands of the French and remains a French city today.

    — Owl Eyes Reader

  3. The word "syndic" refers to an officer of an organization who is charged to carry out certain duties.

    — Owl Eyes Reader

  4. Founded in Italy around 1525, the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin were an order of friars within the Catholic Church.

    — Owl Eyes Reader