The Pheasant-hen
[To the Blackbird.] Have you a fancy name for him?
The Blackbird
[Imitating the Peacock’s cry.] Our great Accordee-yong!
Scene Second
The Same, the Peacock.
The Guinea-hen
[To the Peacock, who enters slowly, with his head borne very stiff and high.] Master, dear Master, would you be so extremely condescending as to come and stand with your back to these sunflowers? Peacock! Sunflowers! A study for Burne-Jones!
All
[Crowding around the Peacock.] Master! Master!
A Chicken
[Low to the Duck.] A word from him can make one’s fortune in society!
Another Chicken
[Who has succeeded in forcing his way to the Peacock, stammering with emotion.] Master, what do you think of my latest “cheep”? [Suspense. Religious silence.]
The Peacock
[Solemnly, letting the word drop slowly from his beak.] Definitive. [Sensation.]
A Duck
[Trembling.] And my “quack”? [Suspense.]