How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line)
Quote #22
CYRANO
It [Death] is coming… I feel
Already shod with marble… gloved with lead…
(Joyously)
Let the old fellow come now! He shall find me
On my feet—sword in hand— (Draws his sword.)
LE BRET
Cyrano!
ROXANE (half fainting)
Oh,
Cyrano!
CYRANO
I can see him there—he grins—
He is looking at my nose—that skeleton
What’s that you say? Hopeless?—Why, very well!—
But a man does not fight merely to win!
No—no—better to know one fights in vain!...
You there—Who are you? A hundred against one—
I know them now, my ancient enemies—
(He lunges at empty air.)
Falsehood!... There! There! Prejudice—Compromise—
Cowardice— (Thrusting)
What’s that? No! Surrender? No!
Never!—never!...
Ah, you too, Vanity!
I knew you would overthrow me in the end—
No! I fight on! I fight on!
(He swings the blade in great circles, then pauses, gasping. When he speaks again, it is in another tone.)
Yes, all my laurels you have riven away
And all my roses; yet in spite of you,
There is one crown I bear away with me
And to-night, when I enter before God,
My salute shall sweep all the stars away
From the blue threshold! One thing without stain,
Unspotted from the world, in spite of doom
Mine own!
(He springs forward, his sword lifted aloft.)
And that is…
(The sword escapes his hand; he totters, and falls into the arms of LE BRET and RAGUENEAU.)
ROXANE (Bends over him and kisses him on the forehead.)
—That is…
CYRANO (Opens his eyes and smiles up at her.)
My white plume…(V.362-384)
It is fitting that Cyrano dies on his feet, even fighting death.