And the_ PHEASANT-HEN _gently lulls him, murmuring._] You see that
my wing is soft and comforting! You see--
CHANTECLER
[_In a smothered voice._] Yes!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Gently rocks him, darting a glance now and then over her shoulder to
see how the dawn is progressing._] You see that a wing is an outspread
heart--[_Aside._] Day is breaking! [_To_ CHANTECLER.] You see
that--[_Aside._] The sky has paled! [_To_ CHANTECLER.]--that a wing
is--[_Aside._] The tree is steeped in rosy light! [_To_
CHANTECLER.]--partly a shield, and partly a cradle, partly a cloak and a
place of rest,--that a wing is a kiss which enfolds and covers you over.
You see that--[_With a backward leap, suddenly withdrawing her wings._]
the Day can break perfectly well without you!
CHANTECLER
[_With the greatest cry of anguish possible to created being._] Ah!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Continuing inexorably._] That the mosses in a moment will be scarlet!
CHANTECLER
[_Running toward the moss._] Ah, no! No! Not without me! [_The moss
flushes red._] Ungrateful!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
The horizon--
CHANTECLER
[_Imploringly, to the horizon._] No!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
--is glowing gold!
CHANTECLER
[_Staggering._] Treachery!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
One may be all in all to another heart, you see, one can be nothing to
the sky!
CHANTECLER
[_Swooning._] It is true!
PATOU
[_Returning, cheery and cordial.
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