_] Coa--[_The_
PHEASANT-HEN _looks at him. Believing himself encouraged, he takes up
again louder, while circling about her._] Coa--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
My dear sir, I prefer to tell you at once that if it is for my benefit
you are doing that--
CHANTECLER
[_Stopping short._] What?
THE PHEASANT-HEN
The eye--the peculiar gait--the drooping wing--the "Coa--"
CHANTECLER
But I--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
You do it all very nicely, I admit; only, it has not the very slightest
effect upon me!
CHANTECLER
[_Slightly abashed._] Madam--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Oh, I understand, of course. We are the illustrious Cock! Not a Hen in
the world but preens her feathers in the hope--the very touching hope,
certainly--of offering us a moment's distraction, some day, between two
songs. We are so sure of ourself that we never hesitate, not even when
the lady is a visitor, and not quite the ordinary short-kirtled Hen whom
one can engage without further ceremony by such advances--
CHANTECLER
But--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
I do not bestow my affections quite so lightly. For my taste, anyhow,
you are altogether too frankly Cock of the Walk!
CHANTECLER
Too--?
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Spoiled! The only Cock to my fancy would be a plain inglorious Cock to
whom I should be all in all.
CHANTECLER
But--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Love a celebrated Cock? I am not such a very woman!
CHANTECLER
But--well--still--We might, however, Madam, take a little stroll together!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Yes, like two friends.
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