PATOU
[_To_ CHANTECLER.] Go in and thrash him. This crowd is longing for the
sight of your blood.
CHANTECLER
[_Sadly._] I was never anything but kind!
PATOU
[_Showing the ring which has formed, the faces lighted with hateful
eagerness._] Look at them! [_All necks are craned, all eyes shine; it is
hideous._ CHANTECLER _looks, understands, and bows his head._]
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_With a cry of rage._] It's a disgrace! A disgrace to the name of fowl!
CHANTECLER
[_Raising his head again._] So be it. But they shall at least learn
to-day who I was, and my secret--
PATOU
No, don't tell them, if it's what my old dreamer's heart has apprehended!
CHANTECLER
[_Addressing the multitude, in a loud voice, solemnly, like one
confessing his faith._] Know, all of you, that it is I--[_Deep silence
falls. To the_ WHITE PILE, _who has given a sign of impatience._] Your
pardon, excellent duellist, but I have a mind, before getting myself
killed, to do something brave--
THE WHITE PILE
[_Surprised._] Ah?
CHANTECLER
Yes,--get myself laughed at!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
No, dearest, no! Don't do it!
CHANTECLER
I wish to perish amid salvos of laughter! [_To the crowd._] Riot, spirit
of Mockery! Disciples of the Blackbird, prepare! [_In a still louder
voice, hammering home every word._] It is I, who, by my song, bring back
the light of day! [_Amazement, then vast laughter shakes the
multitude.
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