BRISSAILLE:
He dare not go home!
CYRANO:
Why not?
LIGNIÈRE (in a husky voice, showing him a crumpled letter):
This letter warns me. . .that a hundred men. . .
Revenge that threatens me. . .that song, you know—
At the Porte de Nesle. To get to my own house
I must pass there. . .I dare not!. . .Give me leave
To sleep to-night beneath your roof! Allow. . .
CYRANO:
A hundred men? You’ll sleep in your own bed!
LIGNIÈRE (frightened):
But—
CYRANO (in a terrible voice, showing him the lighted lantern held by the porter, who is listening curiously):
Take the lantern.
(Lignière seizes it):
Let us start! I swear
That I will make your bed to-night myself!
(To the officers):
Follow; some stay behind, as witnesses!
CUIGY:
A hundred!. . .
CYRANO:
Less, to-night—would be too few!
(The actors and actresses, in their costumes, have come down from the stage, and are listening.)
LE BRET:
But why embroil yourself?