_] I love you!
CHANTECLER
Every word you whisper in my ear shall be translated into sunshine for
all the world to see!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
I love you!
CHANTECLER
Say it again, and I will gild that mountain suddenly!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Wildly._] I love you!--Let me see you gild it!
CHANTECLER
[_In his greatest, most splendid manner._] Cock-a-doodle-doo! [_The
mountain turns golden._]
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Pointing to the lower ranges, still purple._] But the hills?
CHANTECLER
Each in its turn. To the highest peaks belong the earliest rays!
Cock-a-doodle-doo!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Ah!--across yonder drowsing slope a stealing gleam--
CHANTECLER
[_Joyously._] I dedicate it to you!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
The distant villages are coming into view.
CHANTECLER
Cock-a--[_His voice breaks._]
THE PHEASANT-HEN
You are weary!
CHANTECLER
[_Stiffening himself._] I refuse to be! [_Wildly._] Cock-a-doodle-doo!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Exhausted!
CHANTECLER
Do you see those tatters of mist still clinging? Cock-a-doodle-doo!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
You will kill yourself!
CHANTECLER
I only live, dear, when I am killing myself giving great splendid cries!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Pressing close to his side._] I am proud of you!
CHANTECLER
[_With emotion._] Your head bows--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
I listen to the Day arising in your breast! I delight to hear first in
your lungs what by-and-by will be purple and gold on the mountain sides!
CHANTECLER
[_While the little distant houses begin to smoke in the dawn.
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