Chantecler
[To the Pheasant-hen.] You see, I must at all times remember—[Stroking the earth with his wing.] Yes, dear Grass!—remember the humble prayers whose interpreter I become. [Talking to invisible things.] The golden ladder?—I understand! that you may all dance on it together!
The Pheasant-hen
To whom are you promising a ladder?
Chantecler
To the Motes—Cock-a-doodle-doo!
The Pheasant-hen
[Watching the sky and landscape.] A shiver of blue runs across the thatched roofs.—A star went out just then—
Chantecler
No, it veiled itself. Even by daylight the stars are there.
The Pheasant-hen
You do not extinguish them?
Chantecler
I extinguish nothing! But you shall see how great I am at kindling!
The Pheasant-hen
Oh, I see a dawning of—
Chantecler
What do you see?
The Pheasant-hen
The blue is no longer blue!