How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line)
Quote #19
A SPANISH OFFICER (uncovers)
Who are these men who are so fond of death?
CYRANO (Erect amid the hail of bullets, declaims)
The Cadets of Gascoyne, the defenders
Of Carbon de Castel-Jaloux—
Free fighters, free lovers, free spenders—
(He rushes forward, followed by a few survivors.)
The Cadets of Gascoyne…
(The rest is lost in the din of battle.) (IV.554-558)
Roxane’s handkerchief becomes Cyrano’s flag and gives him courage—just as her encouragement did in Act I.
Quote #20
LE BRET
His [Cyrano’s] satires make a host of enemies—
He attacks the false nobles, the false saints,
The false heroes, the false artists—in short,
Everyone!
ROXANE
But they fear that sword of his—
No one dare touch him! (V.61-66)
Cyrano is still fearlessly voicing his harsh opinions. Though his satires make many enemies for him, he continues brazenly.
Quote #21
RAGUENEAU
Just now—Our friend—As I came near his door,
I saw him coming out. I hurried on
To join him. At the corner of the street,
As he passed—Could it be an accident?—
I wonder!—At the window overhead,
A lackey with a heavy log of wood
Let it fall—
LE BRET
Cyrano!
RAGUENEAU
I ran to him—
LE BRET
God! The cowards! (V.114-121)
De Guiche is made the play’s villain not for his act of killing Cyrano, but for the cowardly manner in which he does it.