Chantecler
But can’t you see that to look straight at the sun, rising before his eyes by the exertions of his larynx, one must have at the same time—
The Blackbird
Stentorian lungs and the eyes of a lynx! [He hops out of the way.]
Chantecler
[Controlling himself.] No, I cannot give up the hope of winning this soul to the truth! [With desperate patience.] Come, now, have you any conception, unhappy bird, of what dawn actually is?
The Blackbird
I should say so! It’s the time of day when fluffy Aurora gets busy, as it were, and plays ball!
Chantecler
But what do you say when you see the dawn shining upon the mountains?
The Blackbird
Mountains, I say, what on earth are you blushing about?
Chantecler
And what do you say when you hear me singing in the furrow long before the cricket is awake?
The Blackbird
Cricket, I say, you scandalous slug-a-bed! [He hops out of the way.]
Chantecler
[Beside himself.] Are you conscious of no impulse to exclaim, cry out, when I have made a dawn so fine and fiery-red that the heron, flying in the early glow, looks from afar like a flamingo?
The Blackbird
Sure, brother, sure! I feel like shouting, “Bully, do it again!” [He hops out of the way.]