The Blackbird
[Returning.] The Guinea-hen is having a fit!
The Pheasant-hen
[To Chantecler, looking about her.] And so you live here untroubled, and have nothing to fear?
Chantecler
Nothing whatever. Because the owner is a vegetarian An amazing man, a lover of animals. He calls them by names borrowed from the poets. The donkey there is Midas; the heifer, Io.
The Blackbird
The showman’s on the job!
The Pheasant-hen
[Indicating the Blackbird.] And that?
Chantecler
Our humorist.
The Pheasant-hen
What does he do?
Chantecler
Oh, he keeps busy!
The Pheasant-hen
Doing what?
Chantecler
Trying never to appear a fool, and that’s hard work.