CYRANO:
Scoundrel!
DE GUICHE (carelessly knotting on his scarf):
’Tis opportune. What were we saying?
Ah! I have 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!. . .