_] I love you, but I should
poorly serve the work to which I devote myself anew at the side of one
to whom it were less than the greatest thing in the world! [_He
disappears._]
SCENE EIGHTH
THE PHEASANT-HEN, PATOU, _later the_ WOODPECKER, RABBITS, _and, all the_
VOICES _of the awakening forest._
PATOU
[_To the_ PHEASANT-HEN.] Mourn!
THE SPIDER
[_In the centre of her-web which now sifts the gold dust of a sunbeam._]
Spider at morn,
Cometh to warn!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Furiously, tearing down the cobweb with a brush of her wing._] Be
still, hateful Spider!--Oh, may he perish for having disdained me!
THE WOODPECKER
[_Who from his window has been watching_ CHANTECLER'S _departure,
suddenly, frightened._] The poacher has seen him!
THE OWLS
[_In the trees._] The Cock is in danger!
THE WOODPECKER
[_Leaning out to see better._] He breaks his gun in two!
PATOU
[_Alarmed._] To load it! Is that murderous fool in sheepskin gaiters
going to fire upon a rooster?
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Spreading her wings to rise._] Not if he sees a pheasant!
PATOU
[_Springing before her._] What are you doing?
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Following my calling! [_She flies toward the danger._]
THE WOODPECKER
[_Seeing that in her upward swing she must touch the spring of the
forgotten snare._] Look out for the snare! [_Too late. The net falls._]
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Utters a cry of despair.
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