At the rise of the curtain, multitudinous clatter and confused swarming of Hens and Chickens.
The Guinea-hen
[Going impetuously from one to the other.] How do you do? How do you do?—There is scarcely room to move! My guests reach all the way to the cucumber patch!
Chorus
[Up in the air.] Busily buzzing—
The Guinea-hen
A regular crush!
A Hen
[Gazing at a row of huge pumpkins.] What attractive objects!
The Guinea-hen
Art pottery! Rather good of its kind, if I do say so!
A Chick
[Listening with his bill in the air.] Singers?
The Guinea-hen
Yes,—
Chorus
Busily buzzing—
The Guinea-hen
[In her sprightliest manner.] The Wasps! [To a Chicken.] How do you do? [She flits from one guest to the other.]