SCENE 1.VII.

In this chapter of “Cyrano de Bergerac,” Cyrano is unexpectedly approached by a duenna with a clandestine invitation from a lady, piquing his interest and overwhelming him with emotion. The lady, his valiant cousin, wishes to meet him secretly at dawn at St. Roch and then speak with him privately at the pastry-house of Ragueneau, located on Rue St. Honore. Despite his initial confusion and disbelief, Cyrano agrees to the rendezvous, which elevates his spirits to ecstatic heights. His renewed vigor is evident as he proclaims his readiness to take on the world, reflecting his invigorated state of mind.

Shortly after, Cyrano, surrounded by actors, actresses, and officers, is informed by Cuigy and Brissaille that Ligniere, a drunk friend, is in dire need of his help. Ligniere has received a letter warning him of a deadly threat by a hundred men at the Porte de Nesle, prompted by a satirical song he composed. Fearing for his life and unable to return home, Ligniere seeks shelter with Cyrano, who firmly decides to confront the hundred men himself to ensure Ligniere’s safe passage home.

Cyrano’s resolve attracts the attention and admiration of the assembled company, who are moved by his loyalty and bravery. Even as Le Bret, his friend, questions the wisdom of engaging in such a perilous fight for a “worthless drunkard,” Cyrano retells a touching anecdote about Ligniere’s past act of love, which had demonstrated his grace and won Cyrano’s abiding friendship.

Ignoring warnings of the danger, Cyrano orders a march to the Porte de Nesle, rallying actors, actresses, officers, and violinists into a makeshift procession. With declarations forbidding anyone from assisting him in the fight, Cyrano transforms the impending battle into a theatrical spectacle, driven by a mixture of bravery, loyalty, and a flair for drama. He leaves, leading his colorful entourage into the moonlit streets of Paris, toward an uncertain fate at the Porte de Nesle, where a potentially deadly encounter awaits.