_] Here I am! I have come to tell you
that they are all mad over there, at the topsy-turvy farm, to have back
the Cock who orders the return of Day!
CHANTECLER
They believe that now I have ceased to believe it!
PATOU
[_Stopping short, amazed._] What do you mean?
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Bitterly pressing close to_ CHANTECLER.] You see that a heart pressing
against your own is better than a sky which does not in the very
least need you.
CHANTECLER
Yes!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
That darkness after all may be as sweet as light if there are two
close-clasped in the shade.
CHANTECLER
[_Wildly._] Yes! Yes! [_But suddenly leaving her side he raises his head
and in a ringing voice._] Cock-a-doodle-doo!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Taken aback._] Why are you crowing?
CHANTECLER
As a warning to myself,--for thrice have I denied the thing I love!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
And what is that?
CHANTECLER
My life's work! [_To_ PATOU.] Up and about! Come, let us go!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
What are you going to do?
CHANTECLER
Follow my calling.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
But what night is there for you to rout?
CHANTECLER
The night of the eyelid!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Pointing toward the growing glory of the dawn._] Very well, you will
rouse sleepers--
CHANTECLER
And Saint Peter!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
But can you not see that Day has risen without the benefit of your crowing?
CHANTECLER
I am more sure of my destiny than of the daylight before my eyes.
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