_] Ah, there you are, Nursie! Good day! [_She
gazes at him admiringly._] Well, have I grown?
THE OLD HEN
Sooner or later, tadpole becomes toad!
CHANTECLER
True! [_To the _HENS,_ resuming his tone of command._] Ladies, stand in
line! Your orders are to peck in the fields. Off at a quick-step, go!
THE WHITE HEN
[_To the_ GREY HEN.] Are you coming?
THE GREY HEN
Not a word! I intend to stay behind, to see the Cuckoo. [_She hides
behind the basket._]
CHANTECLER
You, little tufted hen, was it just my fancy that you looked sulky
falling into line?
THE TUFTED HEN
[_Going up to him._] Cock--
CHANTECLER
What is it?
THE TUFTED HEN
I, who am nearest to your heart--
CHANTECLER
[_Quickly._] Hush!
THE TUFTED HEN
It annoys me not to be told--
THE WHITE HEN
[_Who has drawn near on the other side._] Cock--
CHANTECLER
Well?
THE WHITE HEN
[_Coaxingly._] I who am your favourite--
CHANTECLER
[_Quickly._] Hush!
THE WHITE HEN
[_Caressingly._] I want to know--
THE BLACK HEN
[_Who has softly drawn near._] Cock--
CHANTECLER
What?
THE BLACK HEN
Your special and tender regard for me--
CHANTECLER
[_Quickly._] Hush!
THE BLACK HEN
Tell me, do--
THE WHITE HEN
--the secret--
THE TUFTED HEN
--of your song? [_Going still closer to him, in a voice thrilled with
curiosity._] I do believe that you have in your throat a little copper
contrivance--
CHANTECLER
That's it, that's what I have, very carefully concealed!
THE WHITE HEN
[_Same business.
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