Act III, Scene iii
| Roxane, The duenna, Cyrano. |
| ROXANE: |
 We are going to Clomire's house. |
| (She points to the door opposite): |
| Alcandre and Lysimon are to discourse! |
| THE DUENNA (putting her little finger in her ear): |
| Yes! But my little finger tells me we shall miss them. |
| CYRANO: |
| 'Twere a pity to miss such apes! |
| (They have come to Clomire's door.) |
| THE DUENNA: |
| Oh, see! The knocker is muffled up! |
| (Speaking to the knocker): |
| So they have gagged that metal tongue of yours, little noisy one, lest it |
| should disturb the fine orators! |
| (She lifts it carefully and knocks with precaution.) |
| ROXANE (seeing that the door opens): |
| Let us enter! |
| (On the threshold, to Cyrano): |
| If Christian comes, as I feel sure he will, bid him wait for me! |
| CYRANO (quickly, as she is going in): |
| Listen! |
| (She turns): |
| What mean you to question him on, as is your wont, to-night? |
| ROXANE: |
| Oh— |
| CYRANO (eagerly): |
| Well, say. |
| ROXANE: |
| But you will be mute? |
| CYRANO: |
| Mute as a fish. |
| ROXANE: |
| I shall not question him at all, but say: Give rein to your fancy! Prepare |
| not your speeches,—but speak the thoughts as they come! Speak to me of love, |
| and speak splendidly! |
| CYRANO (smiling): |
| Very good! |
| ROXANE: |
| But secret!. . . |
| CYRANO: |
| Secret. |
| ROXANE: |
| Not a word! |
| (She enters and shuts the door.) |
| CYRANO (when the door is shut, bowing to her): |
| A thousand thanks! |
| (The door opens again, and Roxane puts her head out.) |
| ROXANE: |
| Lest he prepare himself! |
| CYRANO: |
| The devil!—no, no! |
| BOTH TOGETHER: |
| Secret. |
| (The door shuts.) |
| CYRANO (calling): |
| Christian! |
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