CYRANO:
Look you, it was my life
To be the prompter every one forgets!
(To Roxane):
That night when ’neath your window Christian spoke
—Under your balcony, you remember? Well!
There was the allegory of my whole life:
I, in the shadow, at the ladder’s foot,
While others lightly mount to Love and Fame!
Just! very just! Here on the threshold drear
Of death, I pay my tribute with the rest,
To Moliere’s genius,—Christian’s fair face!
(The chapel-bell chimes. The nuns are seen passing down the alley at the back, to say their office):
Let them go pray, go pray, when the bell rings!
ROXANE (rising and calling):
Sister! Sister!
CYRANO (holding her fast):
Call no one. Leave me not;
When you come back, I should be gone for aye.
(The nuns have all entered the chapel. The organ sounds):
I was somewhat fain for music—hark! ’tis come.
ROXANE:
Live, for I love you!
CYRANO:
No, In fairy tales
When to the ill-starred Prince the lady says
‘I love you!’ all his ugliness fades fast—
But I remain the same, up to the last!
ROXANE:
I have marred your life—I, I!
CYRANO:
You blessed my life!
Never on me had rested woman’s love.
My mother even could not find me fair:
I had no sister; and, when grown a man,
I feared the mistress who would mock at me.
But I have had your friendship—grace to you
A woman’s charm has passed across my path.
LE BRET (pointing to the moon, which is seen between the trees):
Your other lady-love is come.
CYRANO (smiling):
I see.
ROXANE:
I loved but once, yet twice I lose my love!