Patou
[Gently withdrawing.] I will make believe I found nothing.
The Pheasant-hen
[Watching the day break.] He has not noticed that night is nearly over.
Chantecler
[Bending over the grasses which begin to stir about the dead bird.] Insect, where the body has fallen, be swift to come and open the earth. The funereal necrophaga are the only grave-diggers who never carry the dead elsewhere, believing that the least sad, and the most fitting tomb, is the very clay whereon one fell into the final sleep. [To the funeral insects, while the Nightingale begins gently to sink into the ground.] Piously dig his grave! Light lie the earth upon him!
The Pheasant-hen
[Aside, looking at the horizon.] Over there—
Chantecler
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Bul-bul to-night shall see the Bird of Paradise!
The Pheasant-hen
[Aside.] The sky is turning white! [A whistle is heard in the distance.]
Patou
[To Chantecler.] I will come back. He is whistling me. [Disappears.]
The Pheasant-hen
[Restlessly dividing her attention between the horizon and the Cock.] How can I conceal from him—[She moves tenderly toward Chantecler, opening her wings so as to hide the brightening East, and taking advantage of his grief.] Come and weep beneath my wing! [With a sob he lays his head beneath the comforting wing which is quickly clapped over him. And the Pheasant-hen gently lulls him, murmuring.] You see that my wing is soft and comforting! You see—
Chantecler
[In a smothered voice.] Yes!
The Pheasant-hen
[Gently rocks him, darting a glance now and then over her shoulder to see how the dawn is progressing.] You see that a wing is an outspread heart—[Aside.] Day is breaking! [To Chantecler.] You see that—[Aside.] The sky has paled! [To Chantecler.]—that a wing is—[Aside.] The tree is steeped in rosy light! [To Chantecler.]—partly a shield, and partly a cradle, partly a cloak and a place of rest,—that a wing is a kiss which enfolds and covers you over. You see that—[With a backward leap, suddenly withdrawing her wings.] the Day can break perfectly well without you!