Mais que diable allait-il faire dans cette galère

Mais que diable allait-il faire dans cette galère? is identified near the end of Cyrano de Bergerac as a famous phrase associated with Cyrano. Its brief appearance turns a dying man’s exchange with Ragueneau and Le Bret toward literary memory: an accusation of theft is raised, but Cyrano answers with generosity rather than grievance.

The Phrase in the Final Exchange

After Cyrano tells Ragueneau not to weep so bitterly, Ragueneau identifies the phrase as the famous one, recalling it in the shorter form “Que Diable allait-il faire?” The moment presents the expression not as a new declaration but as something already known and recognizable to those around Cyrano.

The Question of Borrowing

Le Bret asks whether Moliere has stolen the phrase. The question introduces a possible dispute over its authorship, but the scene does not establish the details of any borrowing. Cyrano’s response is decisive in tone: he dismisses the concern and says Moliere did well.

Significance

The phrase’s placement makes its literary reputation part of Cyrano’s final encounter with his companions. Ragueneau recognizes it, Le Bret considers its ownership, and Cyrano declines to make that question a grievance. The exchange therefore links the expression’s fame with the generosity of Cyrano’s last words about it.