Cyrano
[imperturbably].
Very! Ha! Is that all?…
The Viscount.
Very! Ha! Is that all?… What do you mean?
Cyrano.
Ah no! young blade! That was a trifle short!
You might have said at least a hundred things
By varying the tone,… like this, suppose,…
Aggressive: 'Sir, if I had such a nose
I'd amputate it!' Friendly: 'When you sup
It must annoy you, dipping in your cup;
You need a drinking-bowl of special shape!'
Descriptive: ''Tis a rock!… a peak!… a cape!
—A cape, forsooth! 'Tis a peninsular!'
Curious: 'How serves that oblong capsular?
For scissor-sheath? or pot to hold your ink?'
Gracious: 'You love the little birds, I think?
I see you've managed with a fond research
To find their tiny claws a roomy perch!'
Truculent: 'When you smoke your pipe… suppose
That the tobacco-smoke spouts from your nose,
Do not the neighbours, as the fumes rise higher,
Cry terror-struck: "The chimney is afire"?'
Considerate: 'Take care,… your head bowed low
By such a weight… lest head o'er heels you go!'
Tender: 'Pray get a small umbrella made,
Lest its bright colour in the sun should fade!'
