How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line)
Quote #10
LE BRET
And why not? If you love her, tell her so!
You have covered yourself with glory in her eyes
This very day.
CYRANO
My old friend—look at me,
And tell me how much hope remains for me
With this protuberance! Oh I have no more
Illusions! Now and then—bah! I may grow
Tender, walking alone in the blue cool
Of evening, through some garden fresh with flowers
After the benediction of the rain;
My poor big devil of a nose inhales
April…and so I follow with my eyes
Where some boy, with a girl upon his arm,
Passes a patch of silver…and I feel
Somehow, I wish I had a woman too,
Walking with little steps under the moon,
And holding my arm so, and smiling. Then
I dream—and I forget…
And then I see
The shadow of my profile on the wall! (I.566-583)
Cyrano’s biggest mistake is assuming that Roxane is too shallow to ever love him.
Quote #11
CYRANO
My friend, I have my bitter days,
Knowing myself so ugly, so alone.
Sometimes—
LE BRET
You weep?
CYRANO (Quickly)
Oh, not that ever! No,
That would be too grotesque—tears trickling down
All the long way along this nose of mine?
I will not so profane the dignity
of sorrow. Never any tears for me!
Why, there is nothing more sublime than tears,
Nothing!—Shall I make them ridiculous
In my poor person? (I.584-593)
Cyrano allows his appearance to dictate his actions.
Quote #12
LE BRET
Speak to her
Speak, man!
CYRANO
Through my nose? She might laugh at me;
That is the one thing in this world I fear! (I.602-604)
Cyrano’s feelings for Roxane have reached paralyzing heights; this is why he acts through Christian—he doesn’t have the guts to act for himself. It is not kindness, then, that dictates his actions, but cowardice.