_] Tsicadas, mother. You must pronounce
it Tsi!
A MAGPIE
[_In black coat and white tie, announcing the guests as they arrive
through a hole such as Chickens dig at the foot of hedges._] The Gander!
THE GANDER
[_Entering, jocularly._] What's all this fuss and feathers my lady? Our
names called as we enter?
THE GUINEA-HEN
[_Demurely._] Yes, you see, expecting some rather great people, I
thought it well to stand an usher at the blackthorn door.
THE MAGPIE
[_Announcing._] The Duck!
THE DUCK
[_Entering, impressed by the elegance of the occasion._] Here is style
and grandeur indeed! Our names called!
THE GUINEA-HEN
Yes, you see, expecting some rather great people--
THE MAGPIE
The Turkey-hen!
THE TURKEY-HEN
[_Entering, after a supercilious glance._] This is quite more of an
affair, my dear, than I was anticipating.--Names called!
THE GUINEA-HEN
Yes, I had in the Magpie to supplement my usual staff.
CHORUS
[_Among blossoming branches._]
_Boom! Boom!
From bloom to bloom_!
THE TURKEY-HEN
[_Lifting her bill._] A Chorus?
THE GUINEA-HEN
[_Breezily._] The Bees!
CHORUS
_Make distant flowers
Bride and groom!_
THE TURKEY-HEN
Wonders on every side!
THE GUINEA-HEN
The Bees here, the Tsicadas yonder--[_To a passing_ HEN.] How do you do?
How do you do?
BEES
[_At the right._]
_Boom!_
CICADAS
[_At the left._]
_Our praises!_
BEES
_Boom!_
CICADAS
_Our praises!_
THE GUINEA-HEN
[_To the_ PHEASANT-HEN.
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