CYRANO DE BERGERAC
243
Christian.
Drawn close—I loved for both at once! And now?
Roxane.
Ah! you yourself have triumphed o'er yourself,
And now, I love you only for your soul!
Christian
[stepping backwards].
Roxane!
Roxane.
Roxane! Be happy. To be loved for beauty—
A poor disguise that time so soon wears threadbare—
Must be to noble souls—to souls aspiring—
A torture. Your dear thoughts have now effacèd
That beauty that so won me at the outset.
Now I see clearer—and I no more see it!
Christian.
Oh!…
Roxane.
Oh!… You are doubtful of such victory?
Christian
[pained].
Roxane!
Roxane.
Roxane! I see you cannot yet believe it.
Such love…?
Christian.
Such love…? I do not ask such love as that!
I would be loved more simply; for…
