All
[Watching the cautious approach of the net beyond the wall.] Nearer—Nearer—Hush! He’ll catch it!—No he won’t!—Yes, he will!
Suddenly Outside
Cock-a-doodle-doo!
[At the sound, the Butterfly flies off. The Net wavers a moment, with an effect of disappointment, then disappears.]
Several Hens
What?—Eh?—What was it?
A Hen
[Who having hopped up on a wheelbarrow can follow the flight of the Butterfly.] He is off and away, over the meadow.
The Blackbird
[With ironical emphasis.] It’s Chantecler, practicing knight-errantry!
The Pigeon
[With emotion.] Chantecler!
A Hen
He is coming!
Another Hen
He is just outside—
The White Hen
[To the Pigeon.] Now you will see. He’s a very fine bird indeed.