Scene Fourth
The Same, the Blackbird
ChanteclerThe Blackbird!—My secret!
The Blackbird[Bowing with every sign of admiration.] Allow me to—
ChanteclerThat inveterate mocker! [To thePheasant-hen.] Leave us not alone! My soul is still open—his mockery would enter in!
The BlackbirdRipping!
ChanteclerWhere have you come from?
The Blackbird[Indicating an empty overturned flower-pot.] From that flower-pot.
ChanteclerBut how—?
The BlackbirdI 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—
ChanteclerEavesdropping inside a pot! How can you stoop to—
The BlackbirdHang 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-henYou 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-henFor the sake of this sincere tribute, I forgive you all the rest!
ChanteclerBut—
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 BlackbirdAm I given to gush? This time, old man, it’s the genuine article, Enthusiasm with a capitalE!
ChanteclerAre you in earnest?
The BlackbirdMust 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[ToChantecler.] There seems to be no reason, dear, why I should not leave you alone together.
ChanteclerBut where are you going?
The Pheasant-hen[Slightly ashamed of her own frivolity.] I am going to the—
The BlackbirdThe Guinea-hen’s Day he’s just given the finishing touches to!
Chantecler[To thePheasant-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 BlackbirdYes, 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 thePheasant-hen.] You will not be long?
The Pheasant-henThe merest moment. [Low to him before leaving.] You see, even the Blackbird is impressed! [She flies off.]