The Speckled Hen
[To the White Hen, who is pecking.] Do you peck peppers?

The White Hen
Constantly.

The Speckled Hen
How can you stand the sting?

The White Hen
It imparts to the feathers a delicate rosy tint.

The Speckled Hen
Oh, does it!

A Voice in the Distance
Cuckoo!

The White Hen
Listen!

The Voice
[From a greater distance.] Cuckoo!

The White Hen
The Cuckoo!

A Grey Hen
[Comes running excitedly.] Which Cuckoo? The one who lives in the woods, or the one who lives in the clock?