SCENE 4.I.

Act IV of “Cyrano de Bergerac,” titled “The Cadets of Gascony,” portrays the grim reality of soldiers at the siege of Arras. The scene unfolds as day breaks, revealing the cadets of Gascony, including Christian, asleep, wrapped in their mantles amidst a backdrop of a besieged landscape, with the distant walls of Arras outlined against the sky. The ambiance is one of quiet desperation, punctuated by distant gunfire, which the leaders, Carbon de Castel-Jaloux and Le Bret, fear might wake the sleeping soldiers.

Both Carbon and Le Bret are depicted as visibly worn and thin, a testament to the harsh conditions they are enduring. Theirs is a silent vigil, guarding the rest who find solace in sleep from starvation’s grip. Le Bret and Carbon discuss their dire situation in hushed tones, emphasizing the severity of their lack of supplies; even whispers of cursing are cautioned against, lest they disturb the cadets’ slumber. Carbon tries to offer some comfort with the maxim, “He who sleeps, dines,” highlighting the desperate attempts to find solace in bleak circumstances.

The occasional firing heard in the distance serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing conflict, with Carbon plaintively remarking how the noise threatens to awaken his ‘sons’—a term of endearment for the cadets under his command. Despite their hunger and adversity, the moment Cyrano is mentioned as approaching, there’s a subtle shift in tone, suggesting that his presence might bring a change, or at least a distraction, from their current despair.

This chapter encapsulates the harrowing ordeal of soldiers in siege, their camaraderie in adversity, and the anticipation of Cyrano’s arrival, hinting at the pivotal role he plays amongst the cadets. Through succinct dialogue and vivid description, Rostand crafts a scene that is both poignant and tense, setting the stage for developments to come.