What I fear for him is not an assault; it is solitude, hunger, winter stealthily entering his poor abode. These are the enemies that may lay him low.--Each morning he buckles his belt a little tighter. His nose has now the sallowness of old ivory. His wardrobe is reduced to one suit of black. DUKE. Ah! he at least is not a parvenu. So, do not pity him too much. He has lived free from obligations and humiliating restraint. LE BRET (_smiling sadly_). Duke, Duke!.... DUKE. Yes, I know: I have everything, and he has nothing.... But I should very much like to shake his hand. (_bowing to Roxane_). Farewell. ROXANE. I'll see you to the gate. (_The Duke bows to Le Bret, and goes, with Roxane, towards the house._) DUKE (_stopping a moment_). I envy him at times. You see, Roxane, When we have had too much success in life, Although we've done no very wicked act-- We feel within a thousand sickly stings Of self-reproach; their total is too small To constitute remorse, but large enough To keep us in a dull uneasiness. Thus ducal mantles sweep, as we ascend The steps of greatness, with their fringe of furs A rustling heap of withered sentiments, As now your sombre train, upon the porch, Draws in its folds a bunch of autumn leaves. ROXANE (_ironically_). You are in a very sentimental mood. THE DUKE. Alas! yes. (_as he is about to go out, abruptly_). Monsieur Le Bret! (_to Roxane_). By your permission, one word. (_to Le Bret in a low tone_). It is true; no one would dare to attack your friend. But there are many who hate him, and somebody said to me, yesterday, at the Queen's reception: "This Cyrano is not unlikely to meet some day with an accident." Tell him not to be about too much. To be prudent. LE BRET (_throwing up his arms_). Prudent, he! But he is coming here to-day, and I must warn him, though I doubt if that will do much good. ROXANE (_who has remained on the porch, to a sister coming up to her_). What is it? THE SISTER. Ragueneau wishes to see you, Madam. ROXANE. Let him in. (_Exit Sister._) (_to Duke and to Le Bret_). He comes to tell his woes. He started to be an author, but became in turn a chanter.... LE BRET. A bath-keeper.... ROXANE. An actor.... LE BRET. A beadle.... ROXANE. A barber.... LE BRET. An archlute-teacher.... ROXANE.