How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line)
Quote #19
CYRANO
There comes one moment, once—and God help those
Who pass that moment by!—when Beauty stands
Looking into the soul with grave, sweet eyes
That sicken at pretty words! (III.295-298)
Cyrano personifies "Beauty" here and claims that at one point in a relationship, compliments and pretty words mean nothing to her. Beauty, he claims, is a demanding mistress. Much like Roxane.
Quote #20
CYRANO
All small things that once meant You—
Remember last year, the First of May,
A little before noon, you had your hair
Drawn low, that one time only. Is that strange?
You know how, after looking at the sun,
One sees red suns everywhere—so, for hours
After the flood of sunshine that you are,
My eyes are blinded by your burning hair!
ROXANE
Yes…that is…Love— (III.308-316)
Cyrano is still defining Roxane only in terms of her looks. He is as guilty as she is for valuing appearances.
Quote #21
ROXANE
Oh, this is terrible!
THE CAPUCHIN (Turns the light of his lantern on Cyrano)
You are to be—
CHRISTIAN
I am the bridegroom!
THE CAPUCHIN (Turns his lantern upon Christian; then as if some suspicion crossed his mind, upon seeing the young man so handsome.)
Oh—why, you…
ROXANE (Quickly)
Look here—
"Postscript: Give to the Convent in my name
One hundred and twenty pistols"—
THE CAPUCHIN
Think of it!
A worthy lord—a very worthy lord!...
(To Roxane, solemnly)
Daughter, resign yourself! (III.441-446)
The Capuchin is used to seeing young, pretty maidens forced to wed old, ugly men. The fact that he thought the groom was Cyrano says something about just how ugly Cyrano is.