Act 3 — SCENE X.
Charles Renauld translation
CYRANO, CHRISTIAN, ROXANE, THE MONK, RAGUENEAU.
THE MONK.
She must live here—I insist—Magdeleine Robin!
CYRANO.
Why! You said Ro-lin.
MONK.
No! Bin. B, I, N, bin!
ROXANE (appears in the doorway, followed by Ragueneau, carrying a lighted lantern, and by Christian).
What is it?
MONK.
A letter.
CHRISTIAN.
What's this?
MONK (to Roxane).
Oh! it can but be a saintly thing! A worthy gentleman....
ROXANE (to Christian).
Evidently Guiche!
CHRISTIAN.
He would dare?....
ROXANE.
Oh! he cannot long annoy me! I love you, and....
(She opens the letter, and, by the aid of Ragueneau's lantern, she reads to herself, in a low voice:)
"Mademoiselle,
"The drums are beating and my regiment is about to start. All think that I have already gone; but I have remained, thus disobeying you. I am here in the convent. I'll come to you forthwith, but I give you notice of my visit, through an innocent monk who knows not what message he is carrying. Your lips smiled to me just now; I must see them again. Dismiss whoever is near you, and condescend to hear the bold suitor whom you have, I trust, already forgiven, and who remains your most.... et cetera...."
(to the Monk).
Father, listen! Here is what the letter says:
(All come up and listen, as she reads aloud:)
"Mademoiselle,
"You must submit to the will of the Cardinal, however hard it may appear to you. And that is why I send this message by a saintly, most intelligent and discreet capuchin. We desire you to receive his blessing....(turning the page) his nuptial blessing immediately. Christian must be married to you secretly. I send him to you, though I know you like him not. Be resigned, remembering that Heaven will bless your zeal. Be assured, Mademoiselle, of my respect, for I have been and shall ever be your most humble and very.... et cetera."
MONK (delighted).
Worthy gentleman! I knew he could suggest but a saintly thing!
ROXANE (aside to Christian).
Do you not think I read letters well?
CHRISTIAN.
It depends....
ROXANE (aloud, in despair).
Ah!.... this is terrible!
MONK (throwing the light of the lantern upon Cyrano).
Are you the groom?
CHRISTIAN.
I am the one!
MONK (turning the light upon Christian and as if he was in doubt on seeing Christian's handsome looks).
But, my son....
ROXANE (eagerly).
There is a Post Scriptum: "Donate to the convent one hundred and twenty pistoles."
MONK.
Worthy, worthy gentleman! (To Roxane) Be resigned!
ROXANE (with a martyr's look).
I am!
(While Ragueneau shows the Monk into the house, on Christian's invitation, Roxane, in low tone, says to Cyrano).
Guiche is coming. Detain him here until....
CYRANO.
I understand.
(to the Monk). To give them your blessing will take you.... how long?
MONK.
A quarter of an hour.
CYRANO (pushing them all into the house).
Go in, go in! Only one must remain here: I!
ROXANE (to Christian).
Come!
(They all go into the house.)
CYRANO.
How can I detain Guiche fifteen minutes? Oh! I have a plan!
(He climbs upon the balcony. The archlutes play a sort of dirge.)
This time it must be a man, most certainly. It is!
(He is on the balcony, with his hat well down over his eyes. Takes off his sword, wraps himself in his cloak, leans over the railing and observes.)
No! Really not too high!
(Straddles the railing, seizes a long branch of one of the trees and makes ready to drop.)
I'll only slightly disturb the atmosphere!