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Rostand, Edmond, 1868-1918

"Chantecler Play in Four Acts"

_ CHANTECLER _prolonging his crow as if to drag up the_ SUN
_by it._] Cooooooo--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Shouting above_ CHANTECLER'S _crow._] There he comes--
CHANTECLER
--oock-a--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
--climbing--
CHANTECLER
--doodle--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
--above--
CHANTECLER
--doooooo!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
--the poplars!
CHANTECLER
[_In a last, dry-throated, desperate crow._] Cock-a-doodle-doo [_Both
stagger, suddenly flooded with light._] It is done! [_He adds, in a tone
of satisfaction._] A proper Sun,--a giant! [_He totters toward a mossy
rise and drops against it._]
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Running to him, while all grows brighter and brighter._] One song now
to greet the beautiful rising Sun!
CHANTECLER
[_Very low._] I have no voice left. I spent it all. [_Hearing the other_
COCKS _crowing in the valley, he adds gently._] It matters not. He has
the songs and praises of the others.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Surprised._] What? After he appears, he hears no more from you?
CHANTECLER
No more.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Indignant._] But in that case, perhaps the Sun believes the other
Cocks have made him rise?
CHANTECLER
It matters not.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
But--
CHANTECLER
Hush! Come to my heart and let me thank you. Never has there been a
lovelier dawn.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
But what will repay you for all your pains?
CHANTECLER
Echoes of awakening life down in the valley! [_Confused living noises
are beginning to mount from below.


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