Chantecler
Blackbird, do you know the one thing upon earth worthy that one should live wholly for its sake?
The Blackbird
There I draw the line. I won’t enter the debate!
Chantecler
That thing is effort, Blackbird—effort, which uplifts and ennobles the lowest! For which reason, you, contemner of every sublime aspiration, I contemn! And that fragile roseate snail, struggling unaided to silver over a whole fagot, I honour!
The Blackbird
[Snapping up the snail.] I ll make him look silly!
Chantecler
[With a cry of horror.] Abominable! To point a joke—put out a little flame! An end. Here we part. You have no more heart than soul. [Going.]
The Blackbird
[Hopping up on the fagot.] I have mind, however!
Chantecler
[Turning, disdainfully.] That is open to discussion.
The Blackbird
[Acidly.] Oh, very well! I was administering, in my merry little characteristic way, a grain of antidote against lunacy. But I wash my claws of you. Go ahead, justify the report of your enemies.
Chantecler
[Returning.] Who? What?
The Blackbird
Strut about with your bill-board: “I m the whole show!”