Act 2 — SCENE V.
Charles Renauld translation
CYRANO, ROXANE, THE DUENNA.
CYRANO.
I shall hand her my letter if I feel that there is any hope, however slight!....
(Roxane, masked, and followed by the Duenna, appears behind the glazed door, that Cyrano opens eagerly.)
Be pleased to enter!....
(Walking up to the Duenna). As to you, Duenna, one word!
DUENNA.
Four words, if you will, Sir.
CYRANO.
Are you fond of cake and such?
DUENNA.
To and beyond excess.[16]
CYRANO (taking paper bags from the counter).
Good! Here are two sonnets....
DUENNA.
Ugh!
CYRANO.
....That I fill with tartlets.
DUENNA (looking pleasant).
Ah!
CYRANO.
Are you fond of cream cakes?
DUENNA.
More than fond when they contain too much cream!
CYRANO.
Here are six for you, wrapped in a poem. Do you like all cakes?
DUENNA.
All, all, all.
CYRANO (loading her with paper bags full of cakes).
Here are a few. Go now and eat them.... outside.
DUENNA.
But I....
CYRANO (pushing her out).
And do not return until you have eaten them all.
(He closes the door, comes down toward Roxane, takes off his hat, and stops, respectfully, at a distance.)