Act III - Scene X

CYRANO, CHRISTIAN, ROXANE, the FRIAR, RAGUENEAU.

[They enter.]

ROXANE:: [appearing on the threshold, followed by RAGUENEAU, who carries a lantern, and CHRISTIAN] What is it?

FRIAR:: [to ROXANE] It must be about some holy business! It's from a wealthy lord!

ROXANE:: Oh, he won't be able to bother me forever! It is you whom I love! [unsealing the letter and reading in a low voice with the aid of RAGUENEAU'S lantern] “Lady, the drums beat and my regiment prepares to leave, but I secretly stay behind. I have dared to disobey your order. I am here in a monastery. I will come to you tonight. This letter comes to you by way of a poor fool of a monk who knows not what he carries. Your lips have smiled on me too sweetly. I cannot go until I've seen them once again! Please send all your servants away tonight so we may meet in private. I hope you will pardon my boldness. I remain, always, your—” Etcetera, etcetera. [to the MONK] Father, you must hear what this letter says. [Everyone gathers around her and she reads out loud.] “Lady, the Cardinal has spoken, and his wish is law, no matter how much you may disagree with it. I have sent you this letter by way of a discreet and intelligent holy man. It is the will of the Cardinal that, in your own house, this very night [She turns the page.] this monk shall perform the holy rite of matrimony. Unknown to all the world, Christian shall become your husband. I know that he is not your first choice, and that you rather dislike him, but you must obey the Cardinal in this matter. Rest assured that you will be rewarded in heaven for your sacrifice in this matter. I remain your humble and faithful—” Etcetera.

FRIAR:: [with great delight] Oh, I knew it could only be holy business, coming from such a noble lord!

ROXANE:: [to CHRISTIAN, in a low voice] I'm very good at reading letters, aren't I?

FRIAR:: [who has turned his lantern on CYRANO] Are you the one she is to marry?

FRIAR:: [turning the light on CHRISTIAN, and startled by his handsome face] But…

ROXANE:: [quickly] Oh, I must have overlooked the postscript. It says, “Give twenty pistoles to the monastery.”

FRIAR:: Oh! Most worthy lord! [to ROXANE] Do you resign yourself to this marriage?

ROXANE:: [with the look of a MARTYR] I resign myself! [While RAGUENEAU opens the door, and CHRISTIAN invites the FRIAR to enter, she whispers to CYRANO.] Oh, keep de Guiche occupied! He will be here soon! Don't let him enter until—

CYRANO:: I understand! [to the FRIAR] How much time will you need to perform the marriage ceremony?

CYRANO:: How can I stall de Guiche for so long? [He jumps onto the bench and climbs up to the balcony.] Up I go! I've got a plan! [The lutes begin to play a sad tune.] What's that? [The tune grows more intense.] It must be a man approaching this time! [He stands on the balcony, pulls his hat over his eyes, takes off his sword, wraps himself in his cloak, and then leans over.] It's not too high. [He strides across the balcony, and pulls toward him a long branch of one of the trees that are by the garden wall. He then hangs onto the branch with both hands, ready to let himself fall.] I shall disturb this peaceful atmosphere!