Chantecler
[Abruptly, moving away from her.] My secret—Never!
The Pheasant-hen
You are not very gallant!
Chantecler
No—I am full of conflict and misery.
The Pheasant-hen
[Languidly reciting.] The Cock and the Pheasant-hen a Fable—
Chantecler
[Half aloud.] A Cock loved a Pheasant-hen—
The Pheasant-hen
And would not tell her anything—
Chantecler
Moral—
The Pheasant-hen
It was horrid of him!
Chantecler
[Pressing close to her.] Moral: Your dress has the fascinating rustle of silk!
The Pheasant-hen
Moral: I dislike familiarity! [Withdrawing from him.] Go home to your Hen of the plebeian petticoat!