Act 4 - Cyrano de Bergerac - Edmond Rostand

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Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Act four. The Carrots of Gasconyposts occupied by a company of Carbon de
Castel Jalou at the siege of Arras. In the background, an embankment across
the whole stage, beyond view ofplain, extending to the horizon, the
country covered with entrenchments, the wallsof Arras and the outlines of its roofs

(00:26):
against the sky. In the distance, tents, arms strown about, drums,
et cetera. Days breaking with afaint glimmer of yellow sun rise in
the east. Sentinels at different pointswatch fires. The Carrots of Gasconny,
wrapped in their mantles, are sleeping. Carbon. The castle Jalou and Lebrey

(00:49):
are keeping watch. They are verypale and thin. Christnio sleeps among the
others in his cloak in the foreground, his face eliminated by the fire.
Silent scene one Christian carbone the CastelDelu Libre. The cadets then said,
Ranald tis terrible, not a morselleft more dieu Carbon, making a sign

(01:15):
that he should speak lower curse underyour breath, you will awake them.
To the cadets. Hush, sleepon to Libre. He who sleeps dines
but thirty story comfort for the sleepless, what starvation? Firing is heard in
the distance, Oh, plague,take their firing to awake my sons.

(01:38):
To the cadets, who lift uptheir heads. Sleep on. Firing is
again heard nearer, this time secondcadet moving. The devil again tears nothing
to Serenel coming back those who havelifted up their heads, prepared to sleep
again the sentinel from without? Whogoes there? Bejira, who is on

(02:00):
the redoubt Ventredieux, who goes there, appearing at the top, be Jacques
idiot. He comes down. Lebrayadvances anxiously to meet him heavens, making
signs that he should not awake theothers. Hush wounded. Oh you know
it has become their custom to shootat me every morning, and to miss

(02:23):
me. This passes all. Totake letters at each stage dawn, to
risk stopping before Christian I promised heshould write often. He looks at him
he sleeps. How pale he is, but how handsome still despite his sufferings.
If his poor little lady Love knewthat he is dying of hunger,

(02:43):
get you quick to bed, Nay, never scold de Lebrey I ran,
but little risk. I have foundme a spot to pass the Spanish lines
where each night they lied wrong.You should try to bring us back provision
a man who must carry no weight, who would get by there. But
there will be surprise for us thisnight. The French will eat or die

(03:07):
if I mistake not. Oh,tell me, nay, not yet,
I am not certain you will see. It is disgraceful that we should starve
while we're besieging. Alas, howfull of complication is this siege about us?
To think that while we are besieging, we should ourselves be caught in

(03:27):
a trap and besieged by the cadalInfante of Spain. It were well done
if he should be besieged in histurn. I am in earnest. Oh,
indeed, who think you risk alife so precious for the sake of
a letter? Thankless one? Seeinghim turning to enter the tent, Where
are you going? I am goingto write another? He enters the tent

(03:52):
and disappears. Scene to the scene, all but Serrano. The day is
breaking in a rosy light. Thetown of Arras is golden in the horizon.
The report of cannon is heard inthe distance, followed immediately by the
beating of drums far away to theleft. Other drums have heard much nearer,

(04:12):
sounds of steering in the camp,voices of officers in the distance.
Parably, the cadets move and stretchthemselves, nourishing sleep. Thou art had
an end. I know well whatwill be their first cry? First gascon
sitting up, I am so hungry. I am dying of hunger. Oh

(04:34):
up with you cannot move a limb, nor can I. First cadet looking
at himself in a bit of armor. My tongue is yellow. The air
at this season of the year ishard to digest my coronet for a bit
of chester. If none can finishto my gaster wherewith to make a pint

(04:57):
of child, I shall retire tomy tent like Achilles. Oh something were
it but a crust carbon, goingto the tent and calling softly Sarah.
Now we are continuing to speak underhis breath at the opening of the tent.
Come to my aid, you whohave the art of quick retort and
gay jest, Come harden them up. Second cadet, rushing toward another,

(05:23):
who is munching something? What areyou crunching? There? Cannon wads soaked
in axle grease tis poor hunting roundabout a russ first gascon entering I have
been after game, second gascon followinghim, and I after fish, rushing
to the two newcomers, Well,what have you brought? A pheasant,

(05:44):
a carp Come show us quick,a kuchen, a sparrow beside themselves?
Will today Sarah now come to myhelp? The d light has now come
seeing three the scene Sir Ranald appeatingfrom the tent, very calm, with

(06:06):
a pen stuck behind his ear anda book in his hand. What is
wrong? Silence to the first cadet, Why drag you your legs so sorrowfully?
I have something in my heels thatweighs me down? And what may
that be? My stomach? Sohave I faith it must be in your

(06:30):
way? Nay, I am allthe taller my stomach's hollow faith. Twill
make a fine drum to sound theassault. I have a ringing in my
ears. No notice is false.A hungry stomach has no ears. Oh
to eat something something oily, pullingoff the cadet's helmet and holding it out

(06:53):
to him, behold your salad?What in God's name can we devour?
Throwing him the which he is carryingthe Iliad. The first minister in Paris
has his four meals a day,were courteous, and he sent you a
few partridges, and why not withwine too, a little Burgundy Richel Lucie

(07:15):
who play He could send it byone of his friars. I by his
eminence, Joseph himself, I amas ravenous as an ogre. Eat your
patients, then strugging his shoulders,always your pointed word, I pointed words.
I would fain die thus some softsummer eve, making a pointed word

(07:39):
for a good cause, to makea soldier's end by soldier's sword wielded by
some brave adversary, die on bloodstainedturf, not on a fever bed.
A point upon my lips, apoint within my heart. I'm crossing his
arm. All your thoughts of meatand drink Ertrand the fifer. You were

(08:07):
a shepherd once draw froim its,double leathern case your fife. Play to
these greedy, guzzling soldiers. Playold country airs with plaintive rhythm recurring,
where lurk sweet echoes of the dearhome voices, each note of which calls
like a little sister. Those airs, slow, slow, ascending. As

(08:31):
the smoke wreaths rise from the hearthstonesof our native hamlets, their music strikes
the ear like gascon patois. Theold man seats himself and gets his glute
ready. Your flute was now awarrior endurance, But on its stem your
fingers are dancing a birdlike minuet.Oh flute, Remember that flutes were made

(08:56):
of reeds first, not labrinum.Make us a music pastoral days, recalling
the sole time of your youth incountry pastures. The old man begins to
play the ass of Langoudac. Harkto the music, Gascons. Tis no

(09:16):
longer the piercing fife of camp beneathhis fingers, the flute of the woods
no more the call to combat tisnow the love song of the wandering goatherds.
Hark tis the valley, the wetlands, the forest, the sun
burnt shepherd boy with scarlet beret,the dusk of evening on the Durdanna River

(09:41):
tis gascony. Hark, gascons tothe music. The cat hats sit with
bowed heads. Their eyes have afar off look, as of dreaming,
and they surreptiously wipe away their tearswith their cuffs and the corner of their
cloaks tusirano in whisper. But youmake them weep Aye for homesickness, a

(10:05):
nobler pain than hunger, tis ofthe soul, not of the body.
I am well pleased to see theirpain change. It's for Sarah. Heartache
is better than the stomach ache.But you weaken their courage by playing thus
on their heart strings, making asign to a drummer to approach. Not
I, the hero that sleeps ingascon blood is ever ready to awaken them.

(10:28):
Twit suffice he makes a signal.The drum beats, stand up,
undrust to take arms. What isit? Smiling? You see one role
of the drum is enough. Goodbyedreams, regrets, native land, love,
all that the pipe called forth thedrum has chased away. Looking towards

(10:50):
the back of the stage, Oh, here comes Monsieur de Gouche, muttering,
smiling a flattering Well, we aresick to death of him with his
lace collar over his armor, playinga fine gentleman, as if one were
linen over steel. It were goodfor a bandage. Had he boils on

(11:11):
his neck. Another plotting courtier,his uncle's own nephew. For all that
a gascon I false gascon, trusthim not. Gascons should ever be crack
brained, not more dangerous than arational gascon. How pale he is,
Oh, he is hungry, justlike uspo devils. But under his cure

(11:33):
ass with its fine gilt nails,his stomachache glitters brave in the sun.
Hurriedly, let us not seem tosuffer either. Out with your cards,
pipes and dice, all begin spreadingout the games on the drums, the
stools, the ground, and ontheir cloaks and light long pipes, and
I shall read Descartes. He walksup and down, reading a little book

(11:56):
which he has drawn from his pocket. And de Guiche all appeared, absorbed
and happy. He is very pale. He goes up to Carbo, seeing
four the same. De Guiche toCarbo, good day. They examine each
other aside with satisfaction. He's green. Aside he has nothing left but eyes

(12:20):
looking at the cadets. Here arethe rebels, eyesers on all sides.
I hear that in your ranks,you scoff at me, that the cadets,
these loutish mountain bread poor country squiresand barons. Of Perry gourd scarce
find for me their colonel a disdainsufficient, call me plotter, wily courtier.

(12:48):
It does not please their mightiness tosee a point lace color on my
steel carass. And they enrage becausea man in sooth may be no rank
robin yet a gascon silence all smokeand plea. Shall I command your captain
punish you? No? I amfree. Moreover, will not punish.

(13:11):
Ah. I have paid my company.' tis mine I bow but the
headquarters, so in faith that willsuffice. Addressing himself to the cadets,
I can despise your taunts. Tiswell known how I bear me in the
war at Ba Palm yesterday. Theysaw the rage with which I beat back

(13:33):
the Count of Bachoir. Assembling myown men, I fell on his and
charged three separate times, without liftinghis eyes from his book. And your
white scarf. Surprised and gratified,you know that detail, Troth. It
happened thus, while caracoling to recallthe troops for the third charge, a

(13:56):
band of fugitives bore me with themclose by the hostile ranks. I was
in peril, capture, sudden death, when I thought of the good expedient
to loosen and let fall the scarf, which told my military rank. Thus
I contrived, without attention weight toleave the foes, and suddenly returning,

(14:22):
reinforced with my own men to scatterthem. And now whatsay you, sir?
The cat it spread and not tobe listening. But the cards and
the dice boxes remain suspended in theirhands, the smoke of their pipes in
their cheeks. They waited. Isay that Ali Catra had not, by
any dangerous odds, been forced tostrip himself, as his white helmet gloom

(14:46):
silent delight. The cards fall,the dice rattle, the smokers puffed,
the roof succeeded, though seemed suspensionof play, etc. Maybe But when
the not lately abdicate the honor toserve his target to the enemy, cards
dies fall again, and the catat smoked with evident delight. Had I

(15:07):
been present when your scarf fell low, our courage, sir, is of
a different sort, I would havepicked it up and put it on.
Oh I another gascon boast a boastlend it to me. I pledged myself
tonight with it across my breast,to lead the assault. Another gascon vones.

(15:30):
You know the scarf lies with theenemy upon the brink of the stream.
The place is riddled now with shots. No one can fetch it.
Hither drawing the scarf from his pocketand holding it out to him. Here
it is silence. The cat atstiffled their laughter in their cards and dice
boxes. De guiche stuns and looksat them. They instantly become grave,

(15:54):
and said to play one of themwhissels indefinitely the ad just played by the
fifth her taking the scarf, Ithank you. It will now enable me
to make a signal that I hadForborne to make till now. He goes
to the rampart, climbs it,and leaves the scarf thrice the sentinel from

(16:15):
the top of the rampart. Seeyou yon man down there who runs descending
tis a false Spanish spy who isextremely useful to my ends. The news
he carries to the enemy are thoseI prompt him with. So in a
word, we have an influence ontheir decisions. Scoundrel carelessly nothing on a

(16:38):
scarf tis opportune? What were wesaying? Ah, I have news for
you. Last evening to vittle us, the Marshal did attempt a final effort.
Secretly, he went to Dorlene,where the King's provisions be, but

(16:59):
to return to camp more easily.He took with him a goodly force of
troops. Those who attacked us nowwould have fine sport. Half of the
armies absent from the camp. Iget the Spaniards. Newt went ill for
us. But they know nothing ofit. Oh, they know they will
attack us. Ah for my falsespy came to warn me of their attack.

(17:25):
He said, I can decide thepoint for their assault. Where would
you have it? I will tellthem tis the least defended. They'll attempt
you there, I answered, Good, go out of camp, but watch
my signal. Choose the point fromwhence it comes to Cadets, make ready,

(17:47):
all right, sounds of swords andbelts being buckled, twill be in
an hour. Good. They allsit down again and pick up their games
to Carbo. Time must be gained. The Marshal will return. I'll gain
it. You will all be goodenough to let yourselves to be killed.
Engeans Oho, I do not saythat if I loved you well, I

(18:12):
had chosen you and yours. Butas things stand, your courage yielding to
no core the palm. I servemy king, and serve my grudge as
well. Permit that I express mygratitude. I know you love to fight
against five score. You will notnow complain of poultry odds. He goes

(18:37):
up with carbon to the cadets.We shall add to the gas Gong coat
of arms with its six bars ofblue and gold, one more the blood
red bar that was a missing there. De Guiche speaks in a low voice,
with carbon at the back. Oras a given, reparations go forward.
Sirrano goes up to Christian, whostands it closed down, putting his

(19:00):
ZN on Christian's shoulder. Christian shakinghis ziproxan alas, at least I'd send
my heart's farewell to her in afair letter. I had suspicion it would
be today. He draws a letterout of his double legs, and had
already writ show will you taking theletter? I? He opens and reads

(19:21):
it. What this little spots takingthe letter with an innocent look? Or
spots here poets at last by dintof counterfeiting, take counterfeit for true.
That is the charm, this farewellletter. It was passing sad. I
wept myself in writing it. Why, Oh, death itself is hardly terrible,

(19:47):
but nearer to see her more,that is death's sting. For I
shall never Christian looks at him.We shall quickly, I mean you,
snatching the letter from him? Giveme that letter. A rumor far off
in the camp? Who goes there? Hello? Shots voices, carriage belts?

(20:08):
What is it on the rampart?Does the carriage all rushed to see
in the camp it enters? Itcomes from the enemy fire. Now the
coachman cries, what does he sayon the king's service? Everyone is on
the rampart staring. The bells comenearer the King's service? How all dissent

(20:32):
and drop up in line? Uncoverall the kings drow up in line.
Let him describe his curve as itbefits. The carriage enters at full speed,
covered with dust and mud. Thecurtains are drawn close. Two lackeys
behind it is pulled up. Suddenly, date off about a roll of drums.

(20:52):
The carrots uncover. Lower the carriagesteps, two carrots rush forward.
The door opens, Roxa jumping downfrom the carriage. Good day. All
are bowing to the ground. Butat the sound of a woman's voice,
every head is instantly raised, seeingfive the same rock saw on the king's
service. You I king loves whatother king? Great God? Christia?

(21:19):
Rushing forward? Why have you come? This siege tis too long? But
why I will tell you all Seranowho at the sound of a voice I
stood still, rooted to the ground, afraid to raise his eyes. My
God, dare I look at her? You cannot remain here? But I
say, yes, who will pushthe drum hither for me? She heats

(21:42):
herself on the drum. They rolledforward, So I thank you. My
carriage was fired at by the patrol. Look, would you not think twas
made of a pumpkin like Cinderella's chariot, and the tail and the footmen out
of rap sending a kiss with theirlips to Christian goodmorrow. Examining them all,

(22:06):
you look not merry, any ofyou? AH know you? That
tis a long road to get toArras seeing, said Anna cousin, delighted
coming up to her. But howin Heaven's name how found either way to
the army. It was simple enough, for I had but to pass on
and on as far as I sawthe country laid waste. Oh what horrors

(22:29):
were there? Had I not seenthen I could never have believed it.
Well, gentlemen, if such bethe service of your king, I would
fain or serve mine. But tisyour madness, where in the Fiend's name
did you get through? Where throughthe Spanish lines for subtle craft? Give
me a woman? But how didyou pass through their lines? Faith?

(22:55):
That must have been a hard matter, none too hard. I but drove
quietly forward in my carriage, Andwhen some hidalgo of haughty mien would have
stayed me lo, I showed atthe window my sweetest smile, And these
signors, being with no disrespect toyou, the most gallant gentleman in the
world, I passed on. Truethat smile is a passport. But you

(23:17):
must have been asked frequently to givean account of where you were going,
madam? Yes frequently, then Iwould answer, I go to see my
lover. At that word, thevery fiercest Spaniard of them all would gravely
shut the carriage door, and,with a gesture that a king might envy,
make signal to his men to lowerthe muskets leveled at me. Then,

(23:38):
with melancholy, but with all verygraceful dignity, his beaver held to
the wind that the plumes might flutterbravely. He would bow low, saying
to me pass on, Senorita.But Roxanne, forgive me that, I
said, my lover. But butthink you had, I said, my
husband. Not one of them hadlet me pass. But what ails?

(23:59):
You must leave this place? Iand that instantly. No time to lose,
Indeed you must. But wherefore mustI embaddest the scene? In three
quarters of an hour or four itwere best you might You are going to
fight. I stay here. No, no, he is my husband.

(24:22):
She drews herself into Christian's arms.They shall kill us both together. Why
do you look at me? Thus? I will tell you why in disband
tis a post of mortal danger turninground, mortal danger proof enough that he
has put us here to de guiche, So, sir, you would have
made a widow of me. Nay, oh, my oath, I will
not go. I'm reckless now andI shall not stir from here. Besides,

(24:48):
tis amusing. Oh so our prissuse is a heroine, Monsieur de
Beaugerac, I am your cousin.We will defend you well more and more
excited. I have no fear ofthat my friends in ecstasy. The whole
camp smells sweet of orris root.And by good luck, I've chosen a

(25:08):
hat that will suit well with thebattlefield. Looking at Begiche. But were
it not wisest that the count retire, they may begin the attack that is
not to be brooked. I goto inspect the cannon and shall return.
You have still time, think betterof it. Never Begiche goes out.

(25:30):
Scene six, the scene all butBeguiche increatingly Roxanne, No, first,
get it to the others, Shestays. Oh, hurrying, hustling each
other, tidying themselves, a comb, soap, My uniform is torn,
a needle, a ribbon, lendyour mirror, my cuffs, your curling

(25:51):
iron, a razor. Roxa San, who still bleeds the ther no nat
shall make me stir from this spot, who like the others, has been
buckling, dusting, brushing his head, settling his bloom, and drawing on
his cuffs, advances to Roxa andseimoniously, it is perchance more seemly,
since things are thus, that Ipresent to you some of these gentlemen who

(26:15):
are about to have the honor ofdying before your eyes. Rou Sambos and
stands leaning on Christian's arms, whileCarbo introduces the cadets to her. Baron
de parascus ta Kobnak with a lowreverence, Madame continuing, Baron de Castarak
take ahozak v armed margaray astrasak labarascarabiad chavayer dot k nak zodett Baron helot

(26:44):
toblagnak sashan de castel kribi laws.But how many names have you each?
Scores to roxa pray upon the handthat holds your kerchief opens her hand and
the handkerchief falls. Why the wholecompany started forward to pick it up,
quickly raising it. My company hadno flag, but now by my faith

(27:07):
they will have the fairest in allthe camp Smiling tis somewhat small, dyeing
the handkerchief on the staff of hislance, but chills of lace first gascon
to the rest. I could diehappy having seen so sweet a face.
If I had something in my stomach, were it but a nut? Who
has who heard? Shame on you? What talk of eating? When a

(27:30):
lovely woman but her camp air iskeen? I myself am famished pasties called
fricassee old wines. There is mybill of fare, pray, bring it
all here, consternation, Oh that, but where on earth? Find it?
In my carriage? Now serve upcarve. Look a little closer at

(27:55):
my coachman, gentlemen, and youwill recognize a man most welcome. Oh,
the sauces can be sent to tablehot if we will, rushing petman
to the carriage. Acclamations, Oh, oh, looking after them, poor
fellows kissing her hand kind fairy Raganustanding on the box like a quack doctor

(28:18):
at a fair, gentlemen, generaldelight, the Spaniards gazing on a lady
so dainty, fair overlooked, thefair, so dainty, applause in a
whisper to Christia hark Christian and occupiedwith gallantry, perceived not his draws a

(28:41):
plate from under the seat and holdsit up the gallantine applause. The gallantine
passes from hand to hand, stillwhispering to Christian. Prythee one word and
Venus so attracted their eyes that Dianacould secretly pass by with he holds up
a shoulder of mutton her phone enthusiasm. Twenty hands are held out to seize

(29:03):
the shoulder of mutton in a lowwhisper to Christian, I must speak to
you. To the carots who comedown their arms, ladden with foot,
put it all on the ground.She lays all out on the grass,
aided by the two imperturbable lackeys whowere begind the carriage to Christian. Just
as Serrano is drawing him apart,Tom make yourself of use, Christian comes

(29:26):
to help her. Sirrano's uneasiness increases. Truffled peacock coming down, cutting a
big slice of ham by the mass. We shall not brave the last hazard
without having had a gullet for quicklycorrecting himself on seeing rosa part down a

(29:48):
bath bizarre feast, Throwing down thecarriage cushions. The cushions are stuffed with
ortolan hubbub. They tear open andturn out the countr of the cushions.
Bursts of laughter, merriment ah wedoes, throwing down to the cadets bottles
of red wine, flasks of rubiesand white wine flasks of topaz. Throwing

(30:14):
a fold of tablecloth at Serrano's head, unfold me that napkin, come,
come be nimble, Waving a lantern. Each of the carriage lamps is a
little larder in a low voice toChristian as they arranged the cloth together.
I must speak with you. Ereyou speak to her. My whip handle
is an oral sausage, pouring outwine, helping. Since we are to

(30:36):
die, let the rest of thearmy shift for itself, all for the
gascons and mark. If the guichecomes, let no one invite him going
from one to the other. Therethere you have time enough. Do not
eat too fast, drink a little. Why are you crying? It is

(30:57):
all so good. Tat rat orwhite. Some bread for Monsieur de carbon
a knife, pass her plate,a little of the crust, some more.
Let me help you some champagne.A wing Serranu who follows her,

(31:21):
his arms laddened with dishes, helpingout to wait on everybody. How I
worship her? Going up to Christian, what will you nothing? Nay,
nay, Take this biscuit steeped inmuscat, come but two drops trying to
deting her. Oh tell me whyyou came. Wait. My first duty
is to these poor fellows. Hush. In a few minutes, lebre who

(31:45):
had gone up to pass a loafon the end of a lance to the
sentry on the lampart to guiche.Quick, hide flasks, plates, pie
dishes, game baskets. Hurry,let us all look unconscious. To Ragon
up on your seat. Is everythingcovered up in an instant? All has
been pushed into the tents or hidenunder doublets, cloaks and beavers do He

(32:07):
enters readily, stops, suddenly,sniffing the air. Silence. Scene seven,
the scene de guiche. It smellsgood here humming mm lo lo lo,
looking at him. What is thematter? You are very red?
The matter? Nothing tis my bloodboiling at the thought of the coming battle.

(32:32):
Bom bom, turning round? What'sthat? Slightly drunk? Nothing tis
a song a little You are merry, my friend. The approach of danger
is intoxicating, calling Carbone the castelJalou to give him an order. Captain
I he stopped shot on seeing him, plague take me. But you look

(32:54):
bravely too, Crimson in the face, hiding a bottle behind his back within
a vise a movement. Oh,I have one cannon left and have had
it carried there. He points behindthe scenes in that corner. Your men
can use it in case of need, reading slightly charming attention with a gracious,

(33:15):
smile, kind solicitude, How theyare all gone crazy as you are
not used to cannon beware of therecoil. Pooh, furious going up to
him, But gascon cannons never recoil, taking him by the arm and shaking

(33:36):
him. You are tipsy. Butwhat with with the smell of powder,
shrugging his shoulders and pushing him myway, then going quickly to rocks up
briefly, madame, what decision doyou deign to take? I stay here,
you must fly? No, Iwill stay since things are thus,

(33:57):
give me a musket, one ofyou. Wherefore, because I too mean
to remain at last? This istrue? Valor sir, Then you are
gascon in spite of your lace color? What is all this? I leave
no woman in peril? Second cadetto the first harque, Think you not?

(34:19):
We might give him something to eat. All the viands reappear as if
my magic whose eyes sparkle vittles,Yes, you'll see them coming from under
every coat controlling himself haughtily? Doyou think I will eat your leavings?
Saluting him? You make progress.I will fight without breaking my fast,

(34:40):
with wild delight breaking he has gotthe accent, laughing, I tis gascon.
All begin to dance carbone the CastelDelou, who are disappeared behind the
rampart reappearing on the ridge. Ihave drawn my pikeman up in line.

(35:00):
They are a resolute troop. Hepoints to a row of pikes, the
tops of which are seen over theridge, bowing to Rosa. Will you
accept my hand and accompany me whileI review them? She takes it,
and they go up toward the rampire. All uncover and follow them, going
to Serrano eagerly tell me quickly.As Roxon appears on the ridge, the

(35:22):
tops of the lances disappear lowered forthe salute, and a shout is raised.
She bows outside that what is thesecrets? If Roxanne should should speak
of the letters? Yes, Iknow, do not spoil all by seeming
surprised. That's what I must explainto you. Oh tis no great matter.

(35:44):
I but thought of it today onseeing her you have. How quickly
you have written to her oftener thanyou think. How so, thus faith
I had taken it in hand toexpress your flame for you. At times
I wrote without saying I am writing. Ah tis simple enough, But how

(36:06):
did you contrive since we have beencut off thus too, Oh before dawn
I was able to get through foolinghis arms. That was simple too,
And how oft pray you have Iwritten twice in the week, three times
four more often? Still? Whatevery day? Yes? Every day twice?

(36:28):
And that became so mad a joyfor you that you braved death.
Seeing Roxie returning, hush not beforeher, he goes hurriedly into his stent,
seeing eight Roquesong Christia in the distance, Carrot's coming and going, Carbo
and de Guiche give orders roque songrunning up to Christio Christian at last taking

(36:51):
our hands. Now tell me why, why, by these fearful paths,
so perilous, across these ranks ofribbled soldiery, you have come Love?
Your letters brought me here? Whatsay you tis your fault? If I
ran risks? Your letters turned myhead? Ah? All this month,
how many? And the last oneever bettered the one that went before?

(37:15):
What for a few inconsequent love letters? Hold your peace, Ah, you
cannot conceive it. Ever since thatnight, when in a voice all new
to me under my window, yourevealed your soul. Ah, Ever since
I have adored you. Now,your letters, all this whole month long

(37:38):
meseemed as if I heard that voice, so tender, true, sheltering,
close thy fault, I say itdrew me the voice of the night.
Oh why Spinelope, would ne'er havestayed to broider on her hearthstone, if
her Ulysses could have written such letters, but would have cast away way or

(38:00):
silken bobbins and fled to join him. Mad for love is helen, But
I read, read again, grewfaint for love I was thine utterly.
Each separate page was like a flutteringflower pedal loosed from your own soul and
wafted thus to mine. Imprinted ineach burning word was love sincere, all

(38:25):
powerful. A love sincere cannot befelt, Roxanne, I that it can?
You come, oh Christian, mytrue Lord, I come right to
throw myself here at your knees.You would raise me, But tis my
soul I lay at your feet Youcan raise it never more. I come

(38:46):
to crave your pardon. I tistime to sue for pardon, now that
death may come for the insult doneto you when frivolous. At first I
loved you only for your face,horror stricken, Roxanne, and later love
less frivolous, like a bird thatspreads its wings but cannot fly, arrested

(39:07):
by your beauty, by your souldrawn close. I loved for both at
once, And now ah, youyourself have triumphed o'er yourself, and now
I love you only for your soul, Roxanne, be happy to be loved
for beauty a poor disguise. Thetime so soon wears threadbare, must be

(39:30):
to noble souls, to souls aspiringa torture. Your dear thoughts have now
effaced that beauty that so won meat the outset. Now I see clearer,
and I no more see it.Oh, you are doubtful of such
victory, Roxanne, I see youcannot yet believe it. Such love.

(39:51):
I do not ask such love asthat I would be loved more, simply
for for that which they have allin turns loved in thee shame. Oh,
be loved henceforth in a better way. No, the first love was
best. Ah, how you aretis now that I love best? Love
well tis that which is thy trueself. See that I adore, were

(40:15):
your brilliance dimmed, Hush, Ishould love still, Ay, if your
beauty should to day depart, saynot, so aye, I say it
ugly? How ugly? I swearI'd love you still, my God?
Are you content? At last?In a choked voice, ay, what
is wrong? Gently pushing her abbnothing, I have two words to say

(40:38):
one seconds. But pointing to thecadets, those poor fellows shortly doomed to
death. My love deprives them ofthe sight of you. Go speak to
them, smile on them. Erethey die deeply affected, dear Christian.
She goes up to the cadets,who respectfully crowd round her. Seeing nine

(40:59):
Christians. Surano at back, rooksOn talking to Carmo and some cadets,
calling towards Sirranod stint Sirano reappearing fullyarmed. What why so pale? She
does not love me? What tisyou? She loves? No? But
she loves me only for my soul? Truly, Yes, you see that

(41:19):
soul? Is you? That fortis you she loves and you love her?
I oh, I know it.I tis true. You love to
madness? Aye and worse, andtell her so no? And why not
look at my face? Be answered, she'd love me? Were I ugly?
Said she so? I in thosewords, I'm glad she told you

(41:44):
that. But pooh, believe itnot. I am well pleased, she
thought to tell you, take itnot for truth never grow ugly, she'd
reproach me. Then that's I intenddiscovering. No, I beg I,
she shot. Choose between us,Tell her all, no, no,
I will not have it. Spareme this because my face is happily fair.

(42:06):
Shall I destroy your happiness? Twitto unjust? And I, because
by nature's freak, I have thegift to say all that perchance you feel?
Shall I be fatal to your happiness? Tell all it is ill done
to tempt me. Thus too longI've borne about within myself a rival to
myself. I'll make an end Christian, a union without witness secrets, Claudisteine

(42:32):
can be easily dissolved if we survive, My God, He still persists,
I will be loved myself or notat all. I'll go to see what
they do that at the ends ofthe post. Speak to her, and
then let it choose one of ustoo. It will be you, pray
God. He calls Roxanne, No, no, coming up quickly, What

(42:55):
Serrano has its important for your ear? She hasten Cicidrano. Christian goes out,
seeing en Roquesa Sidrano, then LibreCarbone, de castel, Jalou,
the cadets, Raganu, de Guiche, etc. Important how in despaired to
Roques He's gone tis not? Ohyou know how he sees importance in a

(43:19):
trifle warmly? Did he doubt ofwhat I said? Oh? Yes,
I saw he doubted taking her ahand. But are you sure you told
him all the truth? Yes?I would love him were he She hesitates.
Does that word embarrass you before myface? Roxanne, I, smiling
sadly, will not hurt me?Say it? If he were ugly?

(43:43):
Yes, ugly? Must get reportoutside, hark I hear a shot hideous?
Hideous? Yes, disfigured, grotesque. He could not be grotesque to
me. You'd love the same,the same, nay even more. Losing
command over himself aside my God,it's true, perchance love waits me there

(44:07):
to Rosa. I Roxanne listen,lebre entering hurriedly to Sirrano, turning round.
What hush? He whispers something tohim, letting go Roxa's hand and
exclaiming, ah, God, whatis it? To himself? Stunned?
All is over now renewed reports Whatis the matter hark another shot. She

(44:31):
goes up to look outside. Itis too late now I can never tell,
trying to rush out. What haschanced rushing to stop her? Nothing.
Some cadots enter, trying to hidesomething they're carrying and close round it
to prevent Rosa approaching. And thosemen, Sirrano draws her away. What

(44:52):
were you just about to say before? What was I saying? Nothing?
Now? I swear, I swearthat Chris John soul his nature were he'stily
crypting himself. Nay that they arethe noblest greatest were Oh? She rushes
up, pushing everyone aside. Allis over now seeing Christian lying on the

(45:15):
ground, wrapped in his cloak.Oh, Christian to Siano. Struck by
first shot of the enemy, Rocksflings us her down by Christian, fresh
reports of cannon, clash of arms, clamor beating of drums, carbon with
sword in the air. Oh,come your maskets, followed by the cadets.

(45:36):
He passes to the other side ofthe ramparts Christian from the other side.
Oh, mark Hurst, Christia,form one Christian arm on your march.
RAGANU rushes up, bringing water ina helmet. Christian in a dying
voice rock San Sirrano quickly whispering intoChristio's ear while Rocks on this rapt lee

(46:00):
tas a piece of linen from hisbreast, which she dips into the water,
trying to standish the bleeding. Itold her all, she loves you
still. Christian closes his eyes.Oh, my sweet love, draw Rod
to Siano, he's not dead.Open your charges with your teeth. His
cheek grows cold against smile ruddy,prevent seeing a letter in Christian's doublet A

(46:27):
letter tis for me. She opensit aside my letter, musket reports shouts
noise of battle, trying to disengagehis hand, which ros on her knees
is holding. But Rosan Hark.They fight, detaining him. Stay here
a while, for he is dead. You knew him, you alone.

(46:52):
Oh it was not hispurious soul sowondrous standing up bad headed Hi rocksand an
inspired poet. I rock sand anda mind sublime, Oh yes, a
heart too deep for common minds toplumb, a spirit subtle, charming a

(47:14):
rocksand flinging herself on the dead body. Dad, my love aside, drawing
his sword eye and let me dietoday. Since all unconscious. She mourns
me in him. Sounds of trumpetsin the distance. Deghiche appearing on the
ramparts, bad headed with a woundon his forehead, in a voice of

(47:36):
thunder. It is the signal.Trumpet flourishes. The French bring the provisions
into camp. Hold but the placea while, seeing there is blood upon
the letter, tears. A Spanishofficer outside, shouting surrender. No.
Ragannon, standing on the top ofhis carriage, watches the battle over the

(47:59):
edge of the ramparts. The dangersever greater, to do, Guiche,
pointing to Roxam, I will chargetake her away, kissing the letter,
Oh God, his tears, hisblood. Jumping down from the carriage and
rushing toward her. She swooned awayon the rampart to the cadets with fury.
Stand fast outside, laid down yourarms. No to do, Guiche,

(48:24):
now that you have proved your valor, sir, pointing to Roxam,
fly and save her. Rushing toRoxam and carrying her away in his arms.
So gain but time the victories oursgood. Calling out to Roxam,
whom de Guiche, aided by Raganu, is bearing away in a fainting condition.

(48:45):
Farewell. Roxane Tumult shouts. Cadetsreappear, wounded, falling on the
scene. Sirranu, rushing to thebattle, is stopped by Carbon de castel
Jalou, who is streaming with blood. Who you are breaking, Hi,
I am wounded, wounded twice,shouting to the gascons. Gascons, Ho,
gascons, never turn your back toCarbo, whom he is supporting.

(49:07):
Have no fear. I have twodeaths to avenge, my friend who slain,
and my dead happiness. They comedown, Sirrano, brandishing the lance,
to which is attached Rokson's handkerchief floatthere, laced kerchief broidered with her
name. He sticks it in theground and shouts to the cadets. Fall

(49:29):
on them, Gascons crush them tofifer play the five place. The wounded
tried to rise. Some cadets,falling one over the other down the slope,
group themselves around Sirrano and the littleflag. The carriage is crowded with
men inside and outside, and wristlingwith arquebuses, is turned into a fortress.

(49:50):
First cadet, appearing on the crest, beaten backward but still fighting,
cries there, climbing redoubt and falsedead. Oh, let us salute them.
The rampart discovered instantly by a formidablerow of enemies. The standards of
the imperialists are raised, fire,general discharge, a deadly answering wally.

(50:14):
The cannets fall on all sides.A Spanish officer uncovering, who are these
bad? Who? Russian death?Reciting Eric amid a storm of bullets,
the Bold Cadets of Gascony of Carbonof Castel Jalu drawlings. Swagoning boastfully,
he rushes forward, followed by afew survivors the Bold Cadets. His voice

(50:38):
is drowned in the battle curtain.End of Act four,