The Wasps
Busily buzzing
Estival glees.
Fill we with murmurs
The mulberry trees!
The Pheasant-hen
[Passing with the Blackbird and laughing.] So you were caught?
The Blackbird
[Finishing his story.] Exactly as if a hat had been plumped down over me. But I managed by beating my wings to throw off the beastly pot. [Looking around him.] Chantecler has not come yet?
The Pheasant-hen
[Surprised.] Is he coming?
Patou
[Suddenly appearing on the wheelbarrow, from whence he can watch the scene as from a pulpit.] I still hope he may change his mind.
The Blackbird
Patou there, in the wheelbarrow?
Patou
[Shaking his surly head, and a bit of broken chain hanging from his collar.] Chantecler told me everything Blackbird, as he went by. In a towering rage I broke my chain, and am here to keep an eye on the wicked lot of you.
The Guinea-hen
[To the Blackbird.] Has he invited himself to my party, that moth-eaten old thing?
Chorus
[Among the trees.] Our praises, Sun, our praises!
The Pheasant-hen
[Looking upward.] Music?