Scene Fifth

Chantecler, the Blackbird

Chantecler
[Coming back to the Blackbird.] And so that habitual skeptical sneer—?

The Blackbird
Wiped out! My satirical whistling, as the Dog called it, now expresses pure admiration. Listen, like this: [He whistles admiringly.] Tew!—How is that?—Tew-tew [Nodding soberly.] That’s all right!

Chantecler
[Innocently.] You are not such a bad fellow, after all. I said so to the Dog.

The Blackbird
[With profound conviction.] You’re a wonderful old boy!

Chantecler
[Modestly.] Oh!

The Blackbird
To come it over the Hens—[He again whistles Admiringly.] make them believe that he engineers the dawn! [Chantecler starts.] A simple idea, but it took you to get on to it! Brother, I believe you were hatched in Columbus’ egg!

Chantecler
But—

The Blackbird
All other Don Juans are donkeys beside you! Says he to himself: Make the daybreak to impress little pheasant-hens! And does it, too—succeeds!