CHRISTIAN (hesitating):
But I feel now, as though ’twere ill done!
ROXANE:
This moment infinite!. . .
CYRANO (still pushing him):
Come, blockhead, mount!
(Christian springs forward, and by means of the bench, the branches, and the pillars, climbs to the balcony and strides over it.)
CHRISTIAN:
Ah, Roxane!
(He takes her in his arms, and bends over her lips.)
CYRANO:
Aie! Strange pain that wrings my heart!
The kiss, love’s feast, so near! I, Lazarus,
Lie at the gate in darkness. Yet to me
Falls still a crumb or two from the rich man’s board—
Ay, ’tis my heart receives thee, Roxane—mine!
For on the lips you press you kiss as well
The words I spoke just now!—my words—my words!
(The lutes play):
A sad air,—a gay air: the monk!
(He begins to run as if he came from a long way off, and cries out):
Hola!
ROXANE:
Who is it?
CYRANO:
I—I was but passing by. . .
Is Christian there?
CHRISTIAN (astonished):
Cyrano!