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Rostand, Edmond, 1868-1918

"Chantecler Play in Four Acts"

] Now you will see. He's a very fine bird indeed.
THE BLACKBIRD
[_Thrusting his head between the bars._] Easy as possible to make, a
Cock!
THE TURKEY
[_Admiringly._] Admirable amenity!
THE BLACKBIRD
You take a melon--a fine specimen, I will grant,--for the trunk. For the
legs, two sticks of asparagus,--prize sticks, of course. For the head, a
red pepper,--as handsome as you may find. For the eye, a
currant,--exceptionally clear and light. For the tail, a sheaf of leeks,
with luxuriant blue-green flags. For the ear, a dainty kidney-bean,
--extra, superfine!--And there you have him, there's your Cock!
THE PIGEON
[_Gently._] One thing you have omitted--His heavenly clarion call!
THE BLACKBIRD
[_Indicating_ CHANTECLER, _who now appears upon the wall._] Yes, but
with the exception of that--slight detail, you must own my portrait is
a likeness.
THE PIGEON
Not at all. Not in the very least. [_Contemplating_ CHANTECLER _with a
very different eye from the_ BLACKBIRD'S.] What I see, beneath that
quivering hemlet, is Summer's glorious and favoured knight, who, from a
groaning wain at evening borrowing its golden harvest-robe has arrayed
himself in this, and lifts it from the dust with a gleaming sickle!
CHANTECLER
[_On the wall, in a long guttural sigh._] Coa--
THE BLACKBIRD
When he makes that noise in his throat, he either is in love, or
preparing some poetic outburst.


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