Scene Fourth
The Same, the Blackbird
Chantecler
The Blackbird!—My secret!
The Blackbird
[Bowing with every sign of admiration.] Allow me to—
Chantecler
That inveterate mocker! [To the Pheasant-hen.] Leave us not alone! My
soul is still open—his mockery would enter in!
The Blackbird
Ripping!
Chantecler
Where have you come from?
The Blackbird
[Indicating an empty overturned flower-pot.] From that flower-pot.
Chantecler
But how—?
The Blackbird
I was having my early snack cozily in the earthenware retreat you see,
when suddenly—oh, allow me to express at once the amazement, the
admiration—
Chantecler
Eavesdropping inside a pot! How can you stoop to—
The Blackbird
Hang the pot! I ve had a sensation! I tell you I was wild! My feet were
doing such a horn-pipe I had trouble to keep my eye steady at the
peep-hole.
The Pheasant-hen
You could see us?
The Blackbird
[Showing the hole at the bottom of the flower-pot.] Could I see you!
Yonder stump of red cone has exactly the black hole to let through my
yellow bill. Apologies,—but it was too tempting! A bird of taste, I am.
The Pheasant-hen
For the sake of this sincere tribute, I forgive you all the rest!
Chantecler
But—
The Blackbird
[Coming and going in excitement.] Oh, wonderful, and again wonderful,
and then again wonderful!—Hear me rant!
Chantecler
[Amazed.] What, is it possible that you—?
The Blackbird
Am I given to gush? This time, old man, it’s the genuine article,
Enthusiasm with a capital E!
Chantecler
Are you in earnest?
The Blackbird
Must I send you a blankety carrier-pigeon with the news?—That Cock and
that crow,—oh, my soul!—And then the day breaking,—oh, my stars!
The Pheasant-hen
[To Chantecler.] There seems to be no reason, dear, why I should not
leave you alone together.
Chantecler
But where are you going?
The Pheasant-hen
[Slightly ashamed of her own frivolity.] I am going to the—
The Blackbird
The Guinea-hen’s Day he’s just given the finishing touches to!
Chantecler
[To the Pheasant-hen.] Must I go too?
The Pheasant-hen
[Tenderly.] No, after rising to such heights, I think you may be
excused from the Guinea-hen’s at home!
Chantecler
[With a touch of sadness.] You, however, are going?
The Pheasant-hen
[Gaily.] I want to show off your sunshine on my dress! I will be back
directly. Wait for me here.
The Blackbird
Yes, much better keep out of the way.
Chantecler
[Looking at him.] Wherefore?
The Blackbird
[Quickly.] Nothing! [Falling into fresh ecstasies.] Oh, this blessed
Cock of ours!
Chantecler
[To the Pheasant-hen.] You will not be long?
The Pheasant-hen
The merest moment. [Low to him before leaving.] You see, even the
Blackbird is impressed! [She flies off.]