Act 3 — SCENE V.
Charles Renauld translation
CHRISTIAN, ROXANE, THE DUENNA, a moment.
ROXANE (coming out of Clomire's house, in company with several ladies and gentlemen.—Curtsies).
Barthénoïde!—Alcandre—Grémione!....
DUENNA (in despair).
We missed the discourse on The Tender Passion!
(Enters house of Roxane.)
ROXANE (going up to Christian).
Oh! here you are!.... Twilight is coming, the air is balmy, and there is nobody about. Let us be seated. Speak. I'm listening.
(She takes a seat on the bench. Christian sits near her. Silence.)
CHRISTIAN.
I love you!
ROXANE (closing her eyes).
Yes, speak of love!
CHRISTIAN.
I love thee!
ROXANE.
Yes, that is the theme. Amplify!
CHRISTIAN.
I love....
ROXANE.
Expatiate!
CHRISTIAN.
So deeply!....
ROXANE.
Of course.... and then?....
CHRISTIAN.
And then?.... I should feel so happy if you loved me! Roxane, do say that you love me!
ROXANE (pouting).
You offer me porridge when I expected cream! Now, say how you love me.
CHRISTIAN.
I love you....very much.
ROXANE.
Uncloud your sentiments a little!
CHRISTIAN.
Your neck! Ah! that I could press my lips to it!
ROXANE.
Christian, for shame!
CHRISTIAN.
I love you!
ROXANE (about to rise).
Again!
CHRISTIAN (restraining her).
No! I do not love you....
ROXANE (settling again into her seat).
That is better!
CHRISTIAN.
I adore you!
ROXANE (rising and from a distance).
Oh! the same thing!
CHRISTIAN.
Yes—I feel that I am getting stupid!
ROXANE.
Yes, and it displeases me. No more should I like to have you lose your good looks.
CHRISTIAN.
But....
ROXANE.
Come, call up all your eloquence, just now put to flight.
CHRISTIAN.
I....
ROXANE.
Yes, I know, you love me. Farewell!
(She goes toward the door.)
CHRISTIAN.
Do not go! Let me tell you....
ROXANE (opening her door).
That you adore me?.... But I know it already. No! no! you had better leave me!
CHRISTIAN.
But hear me, Roxane....
(She closes the door in his face.)
CYRANO (who has just appeared without being seen).
Quite a success!