And now? ROXANE. You have, in short, yourself outshone yourself, And now I love you for your soul alone. CHRISTIAN. Roxane! ROXANE. Rejoice! What is a love we owe To passing gifts, to beauty doomed to fade? It's torture for an eager, noble heart. My thoughts of you recall no handsome face; Your beauty that, at first, had captured me, Now that my eyes are opened, strikes me not. CHRISTIAN. Oh! ROXANE. Doubt you not what victory is yours! CHRISTIAN. Roxane! ROXANE. I understand. Such love as this Is past belief. CHRISTIAN. 'Tis not the love I seek. I wish to be belovèd simply for.... ROXANE. For what some others prized before to-day? Oh! let your heart make room for better love! CHRISTIAN. Roxane, your former love was better. ROXANE. Nay! 'Tis now I love you better, most and well! 'Tis what is really you that now I love, And I should love you still if you should cease.... CHRISTIAN. Oh! hush, Roxane. ROXANE. Yes, cease to look so grand. CHRISTIAN. If I were homely? ROXANE. Even hideous! CHRISTIAN. Roxane!.... ROXANE. The thought should give you joy profound. CHRISTIAN (_in a husky voice_). Yes.... ROXANE. What troubles you? CHRISTIAN (_gently pushing her off_). Nothing. I have an order to give! One second, please.... ROXANE. But.... CHRISTIAN (_pointing to a group of Cadets in the rear_). My love for you, my selfishness, has deprived these poor fellows of your sweet company. Go smile to them a little, since they are about to die.... Go! ROXANE (_moved_). How good you are, dear Christian!.... (_She goes up to the Gascons, who respectfully surround her._) _SCENE IX._ CHRISTIAN, CYRANO: _in the rear_, ROXANE _speaking with_ CARBON _and some of the Cadets_. CHRISTIAN (_calling out in the direction of Cyrano's tent_). Cyrano! CYRANO (_coming out armed for battle_). What is it? You are white as a ghost! CHRISTIAN. She loves me no more! CYRANO. How so?