(_A ray of light from the moon is on him. He falls back into his chair. The weeping of Roxane wakes him from his dreamy state. He looks at her and strokes her veil._) I would not have you weep a wit the less For Christian, who was all that's good and grand. But, when the hand of ice has laid me low, I would your weeds might have a double sense Of mourning: first for him....and then for me! ROXANE. I swear to you.... CYRANO (_shaking with fever, rises suddenly_). No! never! In a chair! (_to those who advance to assist him_). No help!.... From anybody!.... (_leaning back against the tree_). .... But the tree! (_Silence._) It[27] comes!--I have already marble boots.... And gloves of lead!.... (_He straightens up._) What matters?--Since It's here, I'll meet it standing and.... (_draws his sword_) ....with sword in hand! LE BRET. Cyrano! ROXANE (_overcome_). God! (_All fall back aghast._) CYRANO. Ha! ha! I think it looks.... It dares to look--the flat face--at my nose! (_Brandishes his sword._) What say you?....That it's useless?....Don't I know? But valiant hearts contend not for success! It's nobler to defend a hopeless cause! --Who are you all? I count a thousand....more! I know you now: my enemies of old! You're Falsehood!-- (_Strikes the open air with his sword._) Here!--Ha! ha! and Compromise, And Prejudice, and Cowardice!.... (_He strikes._) Submit? No, never! Ah! here's Imbecility!.... I know that, in the end, I must succumb, I dare you, though, and strike! and strike! and strike! (_Strikes right and left with his sword, and stops exhausted._) You take my all, the laurel and the rose!.... Well, take them!.... But, in spite of you, there is A something that I bear along with me To sweep to-night with grandeur, as I pass, The threshold and the gates of heaven's blue; A something that's unsullied and is mine.... Do what you will! (_Rushes forward, sword aloft._) It is.... (_Sword drops out of his hand. He staggers and falls into the arms of Le Bret and Ragueneau._) ROXANE (_leaning over him and kissing his forehead_). It is?.... CYRANO (_opens his eyes, recognises her and smiles_). ....My plume![28]