_] Why do you drop your voice?
PATOU
You see?--If we speak of stars nowadays we must do it in a whisper! [_He
lays his head on his paws in deep dejection._]
CHANTECLER
[_Comforting him._] Be not downcast!
PATOU
[_Lifting his head again._] No, it is too silly and too weak! I'll shout
it if I please! [_He howls with the whole power of his lungs._]
Stars!--[_Then in a tone of relief._] There, I feel better!
CHICKENS
[_Passing at the back, mocking._] Stars!--Ho! Stars for ours! Stars!
[_They go off, fooling and giggling._]
PATOU
Hear them! Our pullets will be whistling soon like blackbirds!
CHANTECLER
[_Proudly strutting up and down._] What care I? I sing, and have on my
side the Hens.
PATOU
Trust not to the hearts of Hens--or of crowds. You are too willing to
take the price of your singing in lip-service.
CHANTECLER
But love--love is glory awarded in kisses!
PATOU
Ah! I, too, was young once, I had my wilding devil's beauty,--an
inflammatory eye, an inflammable heart. Well, I was deceived. For a
handsomer dog?--No, they deceived me for a miserable cur!--[_Roaring in
sudden wrath._] For whom?--For whom, do you suppose?
CHANTECLER
[_Retreating._] You alarm me!
PATOU
For a low-down dachshund who trod on his own ears!
THE BLACKBIRD
[_Who has overheard_ PATOU'S _last words, sticking his head between the
bars of his cage._] Still harping on the dachshund, is he? What's the
odds, old chappie? You were the goat!--How does being the goat matter?
PATOU
But you up there, scoffing at everything, who are you, may one ask?
BLACKBIRD
I'm the pet of the poultry yard!
PATOU
Bad luck is what you'll bring them!
BLACKBIRD
A prophecy-sharp?--Say, wisteria, we are twisted up with laughter! [_He
comes out of his cage and hops to the ground.
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