Oh, just a wee bit!
CHANTECLER
[_With a start._] The secret of my song?
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Yes.
CHANTECLER
Golden Hen, my secret--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Coaxingly._] Often from the edge of the woods I hear you in the first
golden glimmer of day--
CHANTECLER
[_Flattered._] My song has reached your shapely little ear?
THE PHEASANT-HEN
It has!
CHANTECLER
[_Abruptly, moving away from her._] My secret--Never!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
You are not very gallant!
CHANTECLER
No--I am full of conflict and misery.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Languidly reciting._] The Cock and the Pheasant-hen a Fable--
CHANTECLER
[_Half aloud._] A Cock loved a Pheasant-hen--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
And would not tell her anything--
CHANTECLER
Moral--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
It was horrid of him!
CHANTECLER
[_Pressing close to her._] Moral: Your dress has the fascinating rustle
of silk!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Moral: I dislike familiarity! [_Withdrawing from him._] Go home to your
Hen of the plebeian petticoat!
CHANTECLER
[_Stamping._] I shall be angry!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
No, no, don't be angry--Say "Coa--" [_They stand bill to bill._]
CHANTECLER
[_Angrily._] Coa--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
No, no! Say it nicely--
CHANTECLER
[_In a long, tender coo._] Coa--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Look at me without laughing. Your secret--
CHANTECLER
Well?
THE PHEASANT-HEN
You are dying to tell it to me!
CHANTECLER
Yes, I feel that I shall tell, and I know I shall do ill in telling.
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