Cyrano the brave

Pouring my men down like an avalanche,

I myself led the charge

­

            CYRANO

(Without looking up from his book.)

            And your white scarf?

            DE GUICHE  

(Surprised and gratified)

You heard that episode? Yes-rallying

My men for the third time, I found myself

Carried among a crowd of fugitives

Into the enemy's lines. I was in danger

Of being shot or captured; but I thought

Quickly-took off and flung away the scarf

That marked my military rank-and so

Being inconspicuous, escaped among

My own force, rallied them, returned again

And won the day! .. .

(The Cadets do not appear to be listening, but here and there the cards and the dice boxes remain motionless, the smoke is retained in their cheeks.)

            What do you say to that?

Presence of mind-yes?

           

            CYRANO I

            Henry of Navarre being out numbered, never flung away

His white plume.       

            (Silent enjoyment. The cards flutter, the dice roll, the smoke puffs out.)

            DE GUICHE

            My device was a success,

However!

            (Same attentive pause, interrupting the games and the smoking.)

            CYRANO

Possibly. . . An officer does not lightly resign the privilege of being a target.

            (Cards, dice, and smoke fall, roll, and float away with increasing satisfaction.)

Now, if I had been there­- your courage and my own differ in this-

­When your scarf fell, I should have put it on.