The Pheasant-hen
But—
Chantecler
Hush! Come to my heart and let me thank you. Never has there been a lovelier dawn.
The Pheasant-hen
But what will repay you for all your pains?
Chantecler
Echoes of awakening life down in the valley! [Confused living noises are beginning to mount from below.] Tell me of them. I have not the strength to listen for myself.
The Pheasant-hen
[Runs to the top of the rise, and listens.] I hear a finger knocking against the rim of a brazen sky—
Chantecler
[With closed eyes.] The Angelus.
The Pheasant-hen
Other strokes, which sound like a human Angelus after the divine—
Chantecler
The forge-hammer.
The Pheasant-hen
Lowing,—then a song—
Chantecler
The plow.