_]
The Tufted Hen has promised to bring the Cock.--[_To_ CHANTECLER.]
Charmed, I am sure.
CHANTECLER
But--
THE TUFTED HEN
[_Looking out of the hen-house._] You will come, won't you, dear?
CHANTECLER
No.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_At the foot of the ladder, looking up at him._] Oh, but you will?
CHANTECLER
Why?
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Because you said "No!" to the other!
CHANTECLER
[_Wavering._] Ah!
PATOU
Humph! I beseech you--
CHANTECLER
[_Still wavering._] I--
PATOU
Humph! He is weakening.--They will make him pay dear if he yields!
THE OLD HEN
[_Appearing._] Make a reed into a pipe and play a tune upon it! [_The
basket-lid drops._]
[_Night is thickening._]
CHANTECLER
[_Still hesitating._] I--
A VOICE
Let us go to sleep--
THE TURKEY
[_On his roost, solemnly._] _Quandoque dormitat_--
THE BLACKBIRD
[_In his cage._] Dormittimus!
CHANTECLER
[_Very firmly to the_ PHEASANT-HEN.] I will not go. Good night.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Slightly offended._] Good night! [_With a curt hop she enters the
dog-kennel._]
PATOU
[_Falling asleep, stretched in front of his kennel._] Let us sleep until
the sky grows pink--pink as--as--a puppy's tummy--
THE GUINEA-HEN
[_Dropping off._] From five to six--
THE BLACKBIRD
[_Likewise dropping off._] Tew--tew--[_He nods._] tew--
CHANTECLER
[_Still at the top of the ladder._] All sleeps.--[_He spies a_ CHICK
_stealing out.
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