Scene 3.V.



Christian, Roxane, the duenna.



ROXANE (coming out of Clomire's house, with a company of friends, whom she

leaves.  Bows and good-byes):

  Barthenoide!--Alcandre!--Gremione!--



THE DUENNA (bitterly disappointed):

  We've missed the speech upon the Tender Passion!



(Goes into Roxane's house.)



ROXANE (still bowing):

  Urimedonte--adieu!

(All bow to Roxane and to each other, and then separate, going up different

streets.  Roxane suddenly seeing Christian):

  You!

(She goes to him):

  Evening falls.

  Let's sit.  Speak on.  I listen.



CHRISTIAN (sits by her on the bench.  A silence):

  Oh!  I love you!



ROXANE (shutting her eyes):

  Ay, speak to me of love.



CHRISTIAN:

  I love thee!



ROXANE:

  That's

  The theme!  But vary it.



CHRISTIAN:

  I. . .



ROXANE:

  Vary it!



CHRISTIAN:

  I love you so!



ROXANE:

  Oh! without doubt!--and then?. . .



CHRISTIAN:

  And then--I should be--oh!--so glad--so glad

  If you would love me!--Roxane, tell me so!



ROXANE (with a little grimace):

  I hoped for cream,--you give me gruel!  Say

  How love possesses you?



CHRISTIAN:

  Oh utterly!



ROXANE:

  Come, come!. . .unknot those tangled sentiments!



CHRISTIAN:

  Your throat I'd kiss it!



ROXANE:

  Christian!



CHRISTIAN:

  I love thee!



ROXANE (half-rising):

  Again!



CHRISTIAN (eagerly, detaining her):

  No, no!  I love thee not!



ROXANE (reseating herself):

  'Tis well!



CHRISTIAN:

  But I adore thee!



ROXANE (rising, and going further off):

  Oh!



CHRISTIAN:

  I am grown stupid!



ROXANE (dryly):

  And that displeases me, almost as much

  As 'twould displease me if you grew ill-favored.



CHRISTIAN:

  But. . .



ROXANE:

  Rally your poor eloquence that's flown!



CHRISTIAN:

  I. . .



ROXANE:

  Yes, you love me, that I know.  Adieu.



(She goes toward her house.)



CHRISTIAN:

  Oh, go not yet!  I'd tell you--



ROXANE (opening the door):

  You adore me?

  I've heard it very oft.  No!--Go away!



CHRISTIAN:

  But I would fain. . .



(She shuts the door in his face.)



CYRANO (who has re-entered unseen):

  I' faith!  It is successful!