CHRISTIAN. Probably you think that I cannot?.... After all, I'm not so stupid! You shall see! Your lessons have improved me. I'll speak unaided. And--speak or not--I'll know enough to clasp her in my arms! (_Perceiving Roxane coming out of Clomire's house_). It is she! Cyrano, for pity's sake, do not leave me! CYRANO (_bowing to him_). You'll speak unprompted, Sir. (_He disappears behind the garden wall._) _SCENE V._ CHRISTIAN, ROXANE, THE DUENNA, _a moment_. ROXANE (_coming out of Clomire's house, in company with several ladies and gentlemen.--Curtsies_). Barthénoïde!--Alcandre--Grémione!.... DUENNA (_in despair_). We missed the discourse on The Tender Passion! (_Enters house of Roxane._) ROXANE (_going up to Christian_). Oh! here you are!.... Twilight is coming, the air is balmy, and there is nobody about. Let us be seated. Speak. I'm listening. (_She takes a seat on the bench. Christian sits near her. Silence._) CHRISTIAN. I love you! ROXANE (_closing her eyes_). Yes, speak of love! CHRISTIAN. I love thee! ROXANE. Yes, that is the theme. Amplify! CHRISTIAN. I love.... ROXANE. Expatiate! CHRISTIAN. So deeply!.... ROXANE. Of course.... and then?.... CHRISTIAN. And then?.... I should feel so happy if you loved me! Roxane, do say that you love me! ROXANE (_pouting_). You offer me porridge when I expected cream! Now, say _how_ you love me. CHRISTIAN. I love you....very much. ROXANE. Uncloud your sentiments a little! CHRISTIAN. Your neck! Ah! that I could press my lips to it! ROXANE. Christian, for shame! CHRISTIAN. I love you! ROXANE (_about to rise_). Again! CHRISTIAN (_restraining her_). No! I do _not_ love you.... ROXANE (_settling again into her seat_). That is better! CHRISTIAN. I adore you! ROXANE (_rising and from a distance_). Oh! the same thing! CHRISTIAN. Yes--I feel that I am getting stupid! ROXANE. Yes, and it displeases me. No more should I like to have you lose your good looks. CHRISTIAN. But.... ROXANE. Come, call up all your eloquence, just now put to flight.