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._]