Chantecler: Play in Four Acts

by Edmond Rostand

The Guinea-hen
If you must mention flowers, let them be rather less—

The Peacock
Elementary. [With the most disdainful impertinence.] So you are still at the declension of Rosa?

Chantecler
I am, you—Peacock! You, I suppose, may be forgiven for speaking slightingly of the Rose, being a rival candidate for the beauty prize. [Looking around him.] But I summon these Cocks, from Dorking to Bantam, to defend with me—

A Cock
[Nonchalantly.] Pray whom?

Chantecler
The Rose, Rosam; to declare on the spot and forthwith—

The Blackbird
[Ironically.] You set yourself up as the champion—

Chantecler
Rosarum, of roses, I do!—To declare that worship is due—

A Cock
To whom, pray?

Chantecler
To roses, rosis!—in whose hearts sleep rain-drops like essences in fragrant vials, to declare that they are, and ever will be—

A Voice
[Cold and cutting.] Painted jades, things of naught! [All the fancy Cocks draw aside, revealing the White Pile Game Cock, who appears, tall and lean and sinister at the further end of their double row.]