Chantecler
[Looking around him.] I am wanted?
The Pheasant-hen
[Who has gone in the direction from whence came the voice.] There, in the grass! [Jumping back.] Mercy upon us! They are the—[With a movement of insuperable disgust.] They are the—[With a spring she conceals herself in the hollow tree, calling back to Chantecler.] Be civil to them!
Scene Fifth
Chantecler, the Pheasant-hen, hidden in the tree, and the Toads.
A Big Toad
[Rearing himself in the grass.] We have come—[Other Toads become visible behind him.]
Chantecler
Ye gods, how ugly they are!
The Big Toad
[Obsequiously.]—in behalf of all the thinking contingency of the Forest, to the author of so many songs—[He places his hand on his heart.]
Chantecler
[With disgust.] Oh, that hand spread over his paunch!
The Big Toad
[With a hop toward Chantecler.]—at once novel,—
Another Toad
[Same business.] Pellucid!