, and is best known for his play Cyrano de Bergerac
. Rostand's romantic plays provided an alternative to the naturalistic
theatre popular during the late nineteenth century. Another of Rostand's works, Les Romanesques, was adapted to the musical comedy, The Fantasticks
.
Rostand was born in Marseille
, France, into a wealthy and cultured Provençal
family.
Call no one. Leave me not;When you come back, I should be gone for aye.
Live, for I love you!
No, In fairy talesWhen to the ill-starred Prince the lady says'I love you!' all his ugliness fades fast — But I remain the same, up to the last!
You blessed my life!Never on me had rested woman's love.My mother even could not find me fair:I had no sister; and, when grown a man,I feared the mistress who would mock at me.But I have had your friendship — grace to youA woman's charm has passed across my path.
I loved but once, yet twice I lose my love!
What say you? It is useless? Ay, I knowBut who fights ever hoping for success?I fought for lost cause, and for fruitless quest!You there, who are you! — You are thousands! Ah!I know you now, old enemies of mine!Falsehood!Have at you! Ha! and Compromise!Prejudice, Treachery! ... Surrender, I?Parley? No, never! You too, Folly, — you?I know that you will lay me low at last;Let be! Yet I fall fighting, fighting still!