The Old Hen
[Slyly winking at her.] He’s a fine Cock!
The Pheasant-hen
He is a Cock, moreover, for whom that fact is not the only thing in the world!
Chantecler
[Who has gone toward Patou.] There, my dear boy, is a Hen with whom one can have a bit of solid conversation.
Scene Seventh
The Same, the Guinea-hen, and the whole Poultry-yard
Cries outside, nearer and nearer, “Ah!—” Enter all the Hens in tumult, preceded by the agitated Guinea-hen.
The Blackbird
[In his cage.] The next course will be Guinea-hen!
The Guinea-hen
[Running to the Pheasant-hen.] Ah, my dear, my dear, my dear!—A beauty, a very beauty!—We have come to make your acquaintance, my dear!
[General admiration, “Ah!—” The Pheasant-hen is surrounded. Conversation, cries, clucking.]
Chantecler
[Watching the Pheasant-hen, aside.] How well she walks, with free and graceful gait!—[He looks at the Hens.] So differently from my Hens! [Irritably, to the Hens.] Ladies, you walk as if you had blisters! You walk as if you trod on your own eggs!