15. Act II Scene 4
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.]