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161
CYRANO DE BERGERAC
161

Roxane

[coming out on to the balcony].

That is better ! But
An if you deem that Cupid be so cruel
You should have stifled baby -love in's cradle !

Christian

[same play].

Ah, Madame, I assayed, but all in vain

This . . . new-born babe is a young . . . Hercules !

Roxane.

Still better !

Christian

[same play].

Thus he strangled in my heart
The . . . serpents twain, of ... Pride . . . and Doubt !

Roxane

[leaning over the balcony].

Well said !
- But why so faltering ? Has mental palsy
Seized on your faculty imaginative ?

Cyrano

[drawing Christian under the balcony, and slipping into his place].

Give place ! This waxes critical ! . .

Roxane.

To-day . .
Your words are hesitating.