Chantecler
[Drawing a breath of relief.] At last,—pigeons! [He runs eagerly to the entrance.]
The Pigeons
[Entering with a series of somersaults.] Hop!
Chantecler
[Falling back in amazement.] What is this?
The Pigeons
[Introducing themselves between two springs.] The Tumblers! English Clowns!
Chantecler
Where am I ?
The Guinea-hen
[Running after the Tumblers who disappear among the throng of guests.] Hop! Hop!
Chantecler
Pigeons turning acrobats!—Oh, the joy of seeing something true, something unblemished—
The Magpie
[Announcing.] The Swan!
Chantecler
[Coming forward delighted.] Good! A Swan! [Shrinking away.] He is black!
The Black Swan
[With swaggering satisfaction.] I have discarded the whiteness while preserving the outline!