The Guinea-hen
The Cicadas!
Chorus of Cicadas
We simmer in thy gaze,
We bask beneath thy blaze,
Receive our grateful praise!
The Young Guinea-cock
[Low and quickly to his mother.] Tsicadas, mother. You must pronounce it Tsi!
A Magpie
[In black coat and white tie, announcing the guests as they arrive through a hole such as Chickens dig at the foot of hedges.] The Gander!
The Gander
[Entering, jocularly.] What’s all this fuss and feathers my lady? Our names called as we enter?
The Guinea-hen
[Demurely.] Yes, you see, expecting some rather great people, I thought it well to stand an usher at the blackthorn door.
The Magpie
[Announcing.] The Duck!
The Duck
[Entering, impressed by the elegance of the occasion.] Here is style and grandeur indeed! Our names called!
The Guinea-hen
Yes, you see, expecting some rather great people—
The Magpie
The Turkey-hen!