SECOND MARQUIS. So refreshing that she might give one a cold in the heart! CHRISTIAN (_perceiving Roxane, and clutching Lignière's arm_). It's she! LIGNIÈRE (_looking up_). So this is your deity! CHRISTIAN. Yes, speak quickly. I tremble. LIGNIÈRE (_slowly sipping his wine_). Magdeleine Robin, otherwise Roxane. Refined and quick. A "précieuse." CHRISTIAN. Alas! LIGNIÈRE. Independent. An orphan. Cousin of Cyrano, whom you heard mentioned just now. (_A gentleman, very finely dressed, wearing a blue ribbon crosswise from shoulder to waist, enters the box, and remains engaged in conversation with Roxane._) CHRISTIAN (_starting_). That man?.... LIGNIÈRE (_slightly intoxicated, winking_). Ha, ha! The Count de Guiche. Very much in love with her. But he is the husband of Richelieu's niece. And he is urging Roxane to marry rather a sorry fellow, Monsieur de Valvert, who is both of noble birth and.... accommodating. She resists, but Guiche has influence. I wrote a song on the subject. No doubt he bears me a grudge for it. The end is cutting. Just listen: (_He rises, holding up his glass, ready to sing._) CHRISTIAN. No, stop.--I must leave. LIGNIÈRE. And you are going?.... CHRISTIAN. To seek this Valvert. LIGNIÈRE. Take care. Perhaps it's he that might kill you. (_Indicating Roxane._) See! she is looking at you. CHRISTIAN. True. (_He remains, looking up as if transfixed. The pickpockets get close around him._) LIGNIÈRE. 'Tis I who leave. I'm thirsty and I must be expected--in some tavern! (_Exit unsteadily._) LE BRET (_who has been walking, to Ragueneau_). I feel relieved. Cyrano has not come. RAGUENEAU (_incredulous_). I'd be astonished.... THE AUDIENCE. The play! The play! The play! [3] Query.--Might it not be argued that the "précieuses" were perhaps spiritual daughters of the _euphuists_, disciples of John Lyly, who flourished in England under Queen Elizabeth, about half a century before the time of action here? [4] Note.--Not "an insolent cocktail," as one translation has it. [5] Note.--Literal translation of "nasigère," a word invented by Ragueneau, would be euphuist. [6] Note.--The play on the word "fraise" (both "strawberry" and "ruff") could not be reproduced. _SCENE III._ _The same, except_ LIGNIÈRE; GUICHE, VALVERT, _then_ MONTFLEURY.