How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line)
Quote #7
CYRANO
Look—Paris dreams—nocturnal, nebulous,
Under blue moonbeams hung from wall to wall—
Nature’s own setting for the scene we play!—
Yonder, behind her veil of mist, the Seine,
Like a mysterious and magic mirror
Trembles—
And you shall see what you shall see! (I.669-674)
Cyrano’s description of the night makes it seem like a setting from a stage play. There is also a fantastic aura, as if this is taking place within a fairy tale, full of "blue moonbeams" and "magic mirror[s]". This gives the whole scene—even the impending battle—a sense of artificiality, as if it is all scripted and nothing can go wrong for Cyrano.
Quote #8
THE APPRENTICE (Advances with a dish covered by a napkin.)
Master, I thought of you when I designed
This, hoping it might please you.
RAGUENEAU
Ah! A lyre—
THE APPRENTICE
In puff-paste—
RAGUENEAU
And the jewels—candied fruit!
THE APPRENTICE
And the strings, barley-sugar!
RAGUENEAU (Gives him money.)
Go and drink
My health.
(Lise enters.)
St!—My wife—Circulate, and hide
That money!
(Shows the lyre to Lise, with a languid air.)
Graceful—yes?
LISE
Ridiculous! (II.20-25)
Ragueneau’s apprentice presents him with a fanciful and frivolous creation. That such a whimsical shape is made out of something as light and insubstantial as a pastry puff makes it even more eccentric.
Quote #9
CYRANO (To Ragueneau)
Do you not see
Those fellows fattening themselves?—
RAGUENEAU
I know.
I would not look—it might embarrass them—
You see, I love a friendly audience.
Besides—another vanity—I am pleased
When they enjoy my cooking. (II.127-132)
Ragueneau admits that he loves being the flamboyant showman, even if his work is not critically acclaimed. He simply revels in the attention that his ostentation brings him—whether it is for his sappy poetry or saccharine pastries.