SCENE 3.XII.

In a dramatic turn of events, De Guiche stumbles upon Roxane and Christian, freshly wed and beaming with joy, only to be surprised and somewhat admiring of the cunning maneuver that managed to bring them together against all odds. Cyrano, the engineer of this unforeseen pairing, earns De Guiche’s begrudging respect for the imaginative plot that led to the marriage—a tale he jests would intrigue even the saints at the gates of Paradise.

The scene, brightened by the presence of a smiling friar who officiated the marriage, Ragueneau with a candlestick, and a bewildered duenna, encapsulates a mix of emotions ranging from joy to impending sorrow. De Guiche, initially taken aback, quickly regains his composure and transitions from admiration to subtle hostility. He reveals to the newlyweds that Christian’s regiment, including the Gascony Cadets, is to depart immediately for battle. This announcement casts a shadow over the celebratory mood, underscoring the harsh reality of war intruding on personal happiness.

Roxane’s despair at the news is palpable as she clings to Christian, desperate not to part from him so soon after their union. De Guiche, with a cold satisfaction, emphasizes the distance that will now separate the lovers, insinuating that their wedding night, and by extension their consummated love, lies far in the future.

Christian and Roxane share a poignant moment of farewell, their brief exchange highlighting the deep affection between them and the cruel timing of their separation. Cyrano, ever the stoic guardian of their happiness, witnesses this exchange, his heart heavy with the knowledge of the pain and danger that lie ahead. De Guiche’s parting sneer to Cyrano, hinting at the emotional torment he expects this separation to cause, illustrates the complex layer of rivalries and affections that define the relationships between these characters. This chessboard of love, duty, and conflict sets a somber tone as the chapter closes, leaving the characters on the brink of uncertainty and war.