So be it, then! ROXANE. To my mind, it would be impossible for anyone to deliver with more elegance and wit than he does these pretty trifles that are nothing, if you will--and still are everything. At times, it is true, he seems quite absent-minded; but, suddenly, he recovers and says the most charming things! CYRANO (_incredulous_). You surprise me! ROXANE. You men are really astonishing! Because Christian is handsome, he _must_ be stupid! CYRANO. I doubt if he can speak of hearts and love. ROXANE. He does not speak of, he lectures on them, Sir! CYRANO. And he writes? ROXANE. Still better. Just listen. (_reciting_). "The more you take of what's my heart, the more I've left." (_triumphantly_). What think you of that? CYRANO. So! So! ROXANE. And of this? (_reciting_). "Since I must suffer and, to suffer, have a heart, If you would keep the heart that's mine, then send me yours." CYRANO. At first he had too much heart; now he has not enough. It would be interesting to know exactly how much heart would satisfy him. ROXANE. You are exasperating! True jealousy!.... CYRANO (_moved_). What?.... ROXANE. An author's jealousy! And is not this just as lovely as possible? Listen! "T'ward you my heart, I swear, has but a single cry, And, if in written lines fond kisses could be sent, O Madam, you would read this letter with your lips!" CYRANO (_with an unconscious smile of satisfaction_). Ha! ha! the lines are.... hum! hum!.... (_recovering and disdainfully_). .... really pretty weak! ROXANE. Indeed! And this? CYRANO. Why! do you remember all his letters? ROXANE. Every one of them! CYRANO. Undoubtedly, this is quite a compliment! ROXANE. He is a master! CYRANO (_with modesty_). Oh!.... a master!.... ROXANE (_with decision_). A master, I say! CYRANO. So be it! A master! THE DUENNA (_returning from the rear_). Monsieur de Guiche! (_to Cyrano, pushing him toward the house_). Get into the house. It is better he should not see you here--or else he might suspect.... ROXANE (_to Cyrano_). Yes, discover my secret. He loves me; he is powerful, and he must not know of my love. He could destroy it! CYRANO (_entering the house_). Very well, then, very well!