Bravo! Officers, gentlemen and women in fancy dress! Now, ten steps ahead .... (_he places himself as he speaks_) I, alone, beneath the plume that glory itself stuck into this hat .... proud as a Scipion thrice Nasica!.... Understood?.... All assistance to me is forbidden! Ready?.... Open the door! (_Janitor opens the door, through which can be seen a bit of old Paris, picturesque in the moonlight._) Ah! Paris in the dimness of the night, With moonlight trickling down the bluish roofs. For coming deed how exquisite the frame! 'Neath mist as light as gauze, behold! the Seine, As if it were a magic mirror there, Is trembling .... and you'll see what you shall see! ALL. To the Porte de Nesle! CYRANO (_on the threshold_). To the Porte de Nesle! (_Turning, before going out, to the soubrette_). Did you not ask, Madamoiselle, why against this one rimester a hundred men were sent? (_He draws his sword and continues very quietly._) Because he is known to be a friend of mine! (_Exit Cyrano. The procession--Lignière with unsteady head--the comediennes hanging upon the arms of the officers, then the comedians dancing and capering--moves out into the night, with the violins for music, and with candles for light._) _CURTAIN._ [Illustration: _FIRST ACT._] _ACT II._ THE POET'S COOK-SHOP. _The shop of Ragueneau, poulterer and pastry-cook, a large establishment in Paris, on the corner of the Rue St.-Honoré and the Rue de l'Arbre-Sec. In the rear, through the wide glazed door, the streets are plainly seen, grey in the light of dawn._ _To the left, first entrance, a counter, above which is an iron frame, from hooks on which are suspended geese, ducks and white peacocks. Large crockery vases containing ordinary plants, principally sunflowers. On the same side, second entrance, a wide fireplace, before which, between two monumental andirons, on each of which a pot is hung, several roasts, the fat of which is dripping into pans._ _To the right, first entrance, a door. Second entrance, a staircase leading up to a small inside room, the interior of which is visible through its open blinds; a table is there, with cover set, lighted by a Flemish chandelier. A wooden gallery at the top of the staircase leads seemingly to other rooms of the same sort._ _In the centre of the shop, an iron ring is hung: it can be lowered by means of a pulley, and on it are large pieces of game, meat, hams, etc. It forms a peculiar sort of chandelier._ _Under the staircase, the glow of several ovens. Copper saucepans shine. Spits are turning. Morning activity. Cook-boys run in and out. Fat chefs are seen now and then. Loads of cakes and meat-pies are brought in on willow trays._