How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line)
Quote #10
CYRANO
Now then, to make
His Grace delay that quarter of an hour…
I have it!—up here—
(He steps on the bench, and climbs up the wall toward the balcony. The theorobos begin to play a mournful melody.)
Sad music—Ah, a man!...
(The music pauses on a sinister tremolo.)
Oh—very much a man! (III.450-453)
Again, Rostand cleverly plays with the idea of genders indicated in music. Comte de Guiche is a very powerful and respected man, so the music warning of his entrance is especially mournful and sinister. It ends on a string tremolo—as if even the musician is scared of him.
Quote #11
FIRST CADET
I have something on my mind that troubles me.
CYRANO
What is that?
FIRST CADET
My stomach.
CYRANO
So have I.
FIRST CADET
No doubt
You enjoy this!
CYRANO (Tightens his belt.)
It keeps me looking young.
SECOND CADET
My teeth are growing rusty.
CYRANO
Sharpen them!
THIRD CADET
My belly sounds as hollow as a drum.
CYRANO
Beat the long roll on it!
FOURTH CADET
My ears are ringing.
Liar! A hungry belly has no ears.
FIFTH CADET
Oh for a barrel of good wine!
CYRANO (Offers him his own helmet.)
Your casque.
SIXTH CADET
I’ll swallow anything!
CYRANO (Throws him the book which he has in his hand.)
Try the "Iliad."
SEVENTH CADET
The Cardinal, he has four meals a day—
What does he care!
CYRANO
Ask him; he really ought
To send you… a spring lamb out of his flock,
Roasted whole—
THE CADET
Yes, and a bottle—
CYRANO (Exaggerates the manner of one speaking to a servant.)
If you please,
Richelieu—a little more of the Red Seal…
Ah, thank you!
THE CADET
And the salad—
CYRANO
Of course—Romaine! (IV.50-65)
Cyrano uses his clever wordplay for good, in this case to distract the men from their hunger.
Quote #12
ROXANE (Comes out of the coach.)
Good morning!
(At the sound of a woman’s voices, every head is raised. Sensation.)
DE GUICHE
On the King’s service—You?
ROXANE
Yes—my own king—
Love! (IV.234-235)
Roxane shows her cleverness by making a pun on "king"; it is clever enough to get her through the enemy Spanish lines.