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.]

SCENE FIFTH

CHANTECLER, THE BLACKBIRD

CHANTECLER [Coming back to the BLACKBIRD.] And so that habitual skeptical sneer—?

THE BLACKBIRD
Wiped out!  My satirical whistling, as the Dog called it, now expresses
pure admiration.  Listen, like this:  [He whistles admiringly.]
Tew!—­How is that?—­Tew-tew [Nodding soberly.] That’s all right!

CHANTECLER [Innocently.] You are not such a bad fellow, after all.  I said so to the Dog.

THE BLACKBIRD
[With profound conviction.] You’re a wonderful old boy!

CHANTECLER
[Modestly.] Oh!

THE BLACKBIRD To come it over the Hens—­[He again whistles Admiringly.] make them believe that he engineers the dawn! [CHANTECLER starts.] A simple idea, but it took you to get on to it!  Brother, I believe you were hatched in Columbus’ egg!