(_Bellerose advances and bows._) THE BOXES. Ah! here is Bellerose! BELLEROSE (_with great elegance_). Noble lords .... THE PIT. No! No! Jodelet! JODELET (_with a nasal twang_). Disturbers of the peace! The heavy tragedian whose bulk suits your fancy, felt.... THE PIT. He is a coward! JODELET. Suddenly unwell ... and was compelled to retire. THE PIT. Let him return!--No!--Yes!-- A YOUNG MAN (_to Cyrano_). But, after all, Sir, what reason is there for your hating Montfleury? CYRANO (_very courteous, still seated_). Young gosling, there are two, either one of which is sufficient in itself. First: he is a bad actor; he rants, and seems to lift with a derrick lines that have wings of their own. Second: but that is _my_ secret. TRADESMAN (_behind Cyrano_). But, Sir, you deprive us of the pleasure of hearing "La Clorise." I insist.... CYRANO (_turning in his chair toward the tradesman respectfully_). Venerable mule, Baro's verse is worthless. I interrupt without the slightest remorse. THE "PRÉCIEUSES" (_in the boxes_). Baro! Our Baro! Heavens! Is it possible? CYRANO (_turning his chair to the boxes, with great courtesy_). Fair beings .... Irradiate and bloom, be Hebes, all, Dispensing dream; with smile make death a feast To us----inspire verse.... but judge it not! BELLEROSE. How about the money we'll have to return? CYRANO (_turning his chair toward the stage_). Bellerose, you have said the only intelligent thing yet heard to-day. I would not for the world make holes in the cloak of Thespis. (_He rises and throws a small bag upon the stage_). Catch this purse and hold your tongue! THE AUDIENCE (_bewildered_). Ah!.... Oh!.... JODELET (_picking up the purse and weighing it_). For the same price, Sir, you may daily prevent the performance of "La Clorise"!.... THE AUDIENCE. Hu!.... Hu!.... JODELET. Even if we are to be hooted .... Clear the house! (_The audience begins to leave. Cyrano looks on with great satisfaction. The crowd, however, soon stops as the following discussion begins. The ladies in the boxes, who had already risen to go, and put on their wraps, resume their seats_). LE BRET (_to Cyrano_). You are insane! AN INTRUDER (_who has come up to Cyrano_). A comedian like Montfleury! Scandalous! Why! He is a favourite of the Duke de Candale's! What powerful patron have you? CYRANO. None!