Act 4 — SCENE IX.
Charles Renauld translation
CHRISTIAN, CYRANO: in the rear, ROXANE speaking with CARBON and some of the Cadets.
CHRISTIAN (calling out in the direction of Cyrano's tent).
Cyrano!
CYRANO (coming out armed for battle).
What is it? You are white as a ghost!
CHRISTIAN.
She loves me no more!
CYRANO.
How so?
CHRISTIAN.
You are the one she loves.
CYRANO.
Nonsense!
CHRISTIAN.
Now my soul is all she loves.
CYRANO.
Fiddlesticks!
CHRISTIAN.
I tell you it is so! You therefore are the one she loves,—and you love her.
CYRANO.
I?
CHRISTIAN.
I know it!
CYRANO.
Well, it is true.
CHRISTIAN.
You love her madly.
CYRANO.
More than that.
CHRISTIAN.
Tell her so!
CYRANO.
No!
CHRISTIAN.
Why not?
CYRANO.
Look at my face!
CHRISTIAN.
She said she would love me even if I were homely!
CYRANO.
She really told you so?
CHRISTIAN.
She did!
CYRANO.
I am very glad she said so! But you must not believe anything so wild. Do not lose your beauty, for then she would hate me too much.
CHRISTIAN.
That we shall see. Let her choose! Tell her all.
CYRANO.
No, no! Do not put me to such torture!
CHRISTIAN.
Would you have me destroy your happiness because of my good looks? That would be too unjust!
CYRANO.
And I should ruin yours because I happen, by mere chance, to have the gift of expressing.... that which no doubt you feel?
CHRISTIAN.
Tell her all, I say!
CYRANO.
You persist in tempting me. It is wrong!
CHRISTIAN.
I am tired of having a rival in myself!
CYRANO.
Oh! Christian!
CHRISTIAN.
Our marriage.... without witnesses.... quite secret, in fact, could be annulled.... should we survive!
CYRANO.
How obstinate he is!....
CHRISTIAN.
Perhaps,....but I desire to be loved for myself,....or not at all!—But enough!... I had better go see how things are progressing. I'll return presently; meanwhile, speak, and let her prefer one of us two!
CYRANO.
It shall be you!
CHRISTIAN.
Well.... I hope so!
(he calls out) Roxane!
CYRANO.
No, do not call her, please!
ROXANE (running in).
What is it?
CHRISTIAN.
Cyrano will tell you... something.... important....
(She runs up to Cyrano. Exit Christian.)