French poet and dramatist (1868–1918)
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I have a different idea of elegance. I don't dress like a fop, it's true, but my moral grooming is impeccable. I never appear in public with a soiled conscience, a tarnished honor, threadbare scruples, or an insult that I haven't washed away. I'm always immaculately clean, adorned with independence and frankness. I may not cut a stylish figure, but I hold my soul erect. I wear my deeds as ribbons, my wit is sharper then the finest mustache, and when I walk among men I make truths ring like spurs.
Guardami in faccia, e poi dimmi quale speranza consentir mi potrebbe questa protuberanza! Io non m'illudo, no. Talor certo, m'avviene d'intenerirmi anch'io nelle notti serene;e, se in qualche giardino entro, aspirando il maggio con il mio poveraccio di naso, sotto un raggio di argento qualche donna che passeggia a braccetto di un cavaliere io seguo, e il cor mi balza in petto, e penso, ahimè, che anch'io vorrei meco averne una per passeggiare a lenti passi sotto la luna. E mi esalto, e m'oblio... Quand'ecco all'improvviso l'ombra del mio profilo su pel muro ravviso!
Rhymer, brawler, and musician,
Famed for his lunar expedition,
And the unnumbered duels he fought, — And lover also, — by interposition! — Here lies Hercule Savinien
De Cyrano de Bergerac,
Who was everything, yet was naught.
I cry you pardon, but I may not stay;
See, the moon-ray that comes to call me hence! I would not bid you mourn less faithfully
That good, brave Christian: I would only ask
That when my body shall be cold in clay
You wear those sable mourning weeds for two,
And mourn awhile for me, in mourning him.