Final answer:
Cyrano drops the hats of assassins at de Guiche's feet as a response to a challenge or provocation, showcasing his flair and swordsmanship in Edmond Rostand's "Cyrano de Bergerac."
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage refers to a scene where Cyrano de Bergerac, the protagonist of Edmond Rostand's play "Cyrano de Bergerac," makes a grand gesture by dropping the hats of one hundred assassins at the feet of de Guiche. This act is a response to de Guiche's challenge or provocation, though the details of the provocation are not provided in the provided text. In the play, Cyrano is known for his wit, swordsmanship, and dramatic flair, qualities that are exemplified in this scene where he subdues the attackers and presents the result to de Guiche.